Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsZurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation (ZWS)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$818.57
+1.69%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $376.28B
ZWS
Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation
$46.18
+1.45%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 4083% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $1.79B). ZWS leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 14.5%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
CAT
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
ZWS
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
-5.6%
Fair Value
$48.83
Current Price
$46.18
$2.65 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit
Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%
Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year
Generating 3.3B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 31.4%
Earnings expanding 132.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 19.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : ZWS
The strongest argument for ZWS centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 31.4%. Revenue growth of 10.5% 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 : ZWS
The primary concerns for ZWS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while ZWS is a mature 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 70/100) and 24.0% 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.
Visit Website →Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · POLLUTION & TREATMENT CONTROLS · USA
Zurn Water Solutions Corporation designs, acquires, manufactures, and markets water system solutions that provide and improve water quality, safety, flow control, and conservation in and around non-residential buildings. The company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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