WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsZTO Express (Cayman) Inc (ZTO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 37% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $51.49B). ZTO leads profitability with a 17.9% profit margin vs 13.3%. ZTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.18. ZTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (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

ZTO

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.36
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

ZTOUndervalued (+64.6%)

Margin of Safety

+64.6%

Fair Value

$70.28

Current Price

$22.28

$48.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $70.28Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$419.05B10/10

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

ZTO5 strengths · Avg: 8.4/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.0%8/10

Revenue surging 22.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.79B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.064/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
45.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
22.3x2/10

Trading at 22.3x book value

ZTO0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : ZTO

The strongest argument for ZTO centers on Altman Z-Score, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.9% and operating margin at 19.2%. Revenue growth of 22.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : ZTO

No major red flags identified for ZTO, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

ZTO generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

ZTO scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 17.9% margins and 22.0% 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.

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ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · China

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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