Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$719.04
+0.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $335.37B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$691.21
+1.33%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 61% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $41.95B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 10.0%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
CAT
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
NOC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-463.1%
Fair Value
$127.70
Current Price
$719.04
$591.34 premium
Margin of Safety
+24.9%
Fair Value
$904.35
Current Price
$691.21
$213.14 discount
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while NOC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.
NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (57/100 vs 56/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. Both earn "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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
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