Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)
AIT
Applied Industrial Technologies
$323.78
+1.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $11.99B
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$818.57
+1.69%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $376.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1405% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $4.97B). CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 8.3%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.41. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
AIT
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
CAT
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 19.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AIT
The strongest argument for AIT centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : AIT
The primary concerns for AIT are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio.
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
AIT 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 57/100) 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.
Applied Industrial Technologies
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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