WallStSmart

ArcBest Corp (ARCB)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 1572% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $4.04B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 1.4%. ARCB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

ARCB

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0

CAT

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARCBUndervalued (+12.3%)

Margin of Safety

+12.3%

Fair Value

$120.97

Current Price

$127.06

$6.09 discount

UndervaluedFair: $120.97Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCB2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

CAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$414.16B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.0%8/10

18.0% revenue growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.25B8/10

Generating 2.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ARCB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
4.3%3/10

ROE of 4.3% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.4%3/10

1.4% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.3%3/10

Operating margin of 0.3%

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.174/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
19.4x4/10

Trading at 19.4x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
44.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARCB

The strongest argument for ARCB centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 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 18.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARCB

The primary concerns for ARCB are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 52.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

CAT is growing revenue faster at 18.0% — sustainability is the question.

CAT generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (55/100 vs 49/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

ArcBest Corp

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

ArcBest Corporation offers integrated freight forwarding and logistics services. The company is headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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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