WallStSmart

Acco Brands Corporation (ACCO)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 4462% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $1.55B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 4.8%. ACCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ACCO

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 9.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.82

CAT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ACCOUndervalued (+39.3%)

Margin of Safety

+39.3%

Fair Value

$6.82

Current Price

$3.82

$3.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $6.82Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACCO4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
5.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.199/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.768/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

Areas to Watch

ACCO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$365.34M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

4.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.1%3/10

Operating margin of 0.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.822/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACCO

The strongest argument for ACCO centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. PEG of 0.76 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : ACCO

The primary concerns for ACCO are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 4.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 62/100) and 22.2% revenue growth. ACCO offers better value entry with a 39.3% margin of safety. 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.

Acco Brands Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · BUSINESS EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES · USA

ACCO Brands Corporation designs, manufactures and markets consumer, school, technology and office products. The company is headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

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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