WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 501% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 13.3%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).

CAT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

WDC

Exceptional Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.51

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$419.40B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
50.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 50 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

WDC6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$225.26B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
67.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
55.3%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
45.5%10/10

Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
482.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 482.9% YoY

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
45.3x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
22.3x2/10

Trading at 22.3x book value

WDC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
39.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.514/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Price/BookValuation
27.5x2/10

Trading at 27.5x book value

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 : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.

WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WDC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

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Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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