WallStSmart

Arcosa Inc (ACA)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 2460% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $2.92B). ACA leads profitability with a 16.8% 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).

ACA

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.5Value: 4.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.95

CAT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACA2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
448.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 448.6% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

Areas to Watch

ACA4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.854/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.954/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACA

The strongest argument for ACA centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.8% and operating margin at 12.3%.

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.

Bear Case : ACA

The primary concerns for ACA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue 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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACA profiles as a value stock while CAT is a growth 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 61/100) 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.

Arcosa Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Arcosa, Inc. provides infrastructure related products and solutions for the construction, energy and transportation markets in North America. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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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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