WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 38% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $54.21B). ZTO leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 14.5%. ZTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. ZTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (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

ZTO

Strong Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 8.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.42
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

ZTOUndervalued (+65.7%)

Margin of Safety

+65.7%

Fair Value

$72.52

Current Price

$20.61

$51.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $72.52Overvalued

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

ZTO6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
58.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.1% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.4210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.0%8/10

Revenue surging 23.0% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

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

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.6x4/10

Trading at 18.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

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, 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 : ZTO

The strongest argument for ZTO centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 22.2%. Revenue growth of 23.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : ZTO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

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

Bottom Line

ZTO scores higher overall (80/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins and 23.0% 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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