Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsMueller Industries Inc (MLI)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$810.05
+9.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $414.16B
MLI
Mueller Industries Inc
$132.87
-2.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $14.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1446% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $4.37B). MLI leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs 13.1%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.17. MLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
CAT
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
MLI
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
-53.1%
Fair Value
$78.76
Current Price
$132.87
$54.11 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
18.0% revenue growth
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 55.4% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 23.0%
19.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 17.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAT
The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MLI
The strongest argument for MLI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 23.0%. Revenue growth of 19.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MLI
The primary concerns for MLI are PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.
MLI is growing revenue faster at 19.3% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MLI scores higher overall (71/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins and 19.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Caterpillar Inc
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
Caterpillar Inc. (often shortened to CAT) is an American Fortune 100 corporation that designs, develops, engineers, manufactures, markets, and sells machinery, engines, financial products, and insurance to customers via a worldwide dealer network.
Visit Website →Mueller Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · METAL FABRICATION · USA
Mueller Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells copper, brass, aluminum, and plastic products in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea, the Middle East, China, and Mexico. The company is headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
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