WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsWatsco Inc (WSO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 926% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $7.28B). CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 6.5%. WSO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

CAT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

WSO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 6.5Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.76

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$376.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
55.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
24.0%8/10

Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.26B8/10

Generating 3.3B in free cash flow

WSO2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.189/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
19.4x4/10

Trading at 19.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

WSO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.1%4/10

2.1% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.5%3/10

6.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAT

The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 24.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : WSO

The strongest argument for WSO centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : WSO

The primary concerns for WSO are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while WSO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 54/100) and 24.0% 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 →

Watsco Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Watsco, Inc. distributes air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment; and related parts and supplies in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?