Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsQuad Graphics Inc (QUAD)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$558.63
+0.90%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $286.26B
QUAD
Quad Graphics Inc
$7.61
-1.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $485.80M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 3172% more annual revenue ($77.77B vs $2.38B). CAT leads profitability with a 15.2% profit margin vs 1.3%. QUAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
CAT
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
QUAD
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 55 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%
17.3% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 46.1% YoY
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Trading at 11.9x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
1.0% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
1.3% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAT
The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.2% and operating margin at 20.5%. Revenue growth of 17.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : QUAD
The strongest argument for QUAD centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.84 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.10 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : QUAD
The primary concerns for QUAD are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 4.25 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 1.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while QUAD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.58 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 17.3% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (75/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 15.2% margins and 17.3% 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 →Quad Graphics Inc
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY BUSINESS SERVICES · USA
Quad / Graphics, Inc. offers worldwide marketing solutions. The company is headquartered in Sussex, Wisconsin.
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