WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsMercury Systems Inc (MRCY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 7497% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $983.62M). CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs -3.0%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

CAT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

MRCY

Avoid

32

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 3.0Value: 3.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.97
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

MRCYSignificantly Overvalued (-37.9%)

Margin of Safety

-37.9%

Fair Value

$58.26

Current Price

$80.61

$22.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $58.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$376.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
55.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.0%8/10

Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.26B8/10

Generating 3.3B in free cash flow

MRCY0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
19.4x4/10

Trading at 19.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

MRCY4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Operating MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

Operating margin of 1.2%

PEG RatioValuation
2.792/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-1.0%2/10

ROE of -1.0% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAT

The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 24.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : MRCY

MRCY has a balanced fundamental profile.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MRCY

The primary concerns for MRCY are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while MRCY is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 32/100) and 24.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

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Mercury Systems Inc

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Mercury Systems, Inc., a technology company, manufactures and sells components, modules, and subsystems in the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts.

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