WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsTrade Desk Inc (TTD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 2343% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $2.90B). TTD leads profitability with a 15.3% profit margin vs 13.3%. TTD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. TTD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CAT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

TTD

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.95

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$412.55B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
51.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 51 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.2%8/10

Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.55B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

TTD2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
30.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.3%

PEG RatioValuation
0.928/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
44.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
22.3x2/10

Trading at 22.3x book value

TTD3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.954/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAT

The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : TTD

The strongest argument for TTD centers on Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 30.3%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : TTD

The primary concerns for TTD are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while TTD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 22.2% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TTD scores higher overall (72/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 15.3% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 →

Trade Desk Inc

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

Trade Desk, Inc. is a technology company in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Ventura, California.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?