Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$719.04
+0.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $335.37B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$151.51
-0.79%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 281% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $17.74B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
CAT
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
VST
Buy53
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
-980.6%
Fair Value
$14.82
Current Price
$151.51
$136.69 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 15.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 19.5x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while VST 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.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (57/100 vs 53/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. 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 →Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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