WallStSmart

ArcBest Corp (ARCB)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 1678% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $4.20B). CAT leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 0.4%. ARCB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

ARCB

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.27

CAT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARCBSignificantly Overvalued (-77.3%)

Margin of Safety

-77.3%

Fair Value

$59.81

Current Price

$134.86

$75.05 premium

UndervaluedFair: $59.81Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARCB4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.2710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% revenue growth

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

ARCB4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
4.3%3/10

ROE of 4.3% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.4%3/10

0.4% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
197.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
18.6x4/10

Trading at 18.6x 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 : ARCB

The strongest argument for ARCB centers on PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum. 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, 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 : ARCB

The primary concerns for ARCB are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 197.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

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

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.

Monitor TRUCKING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 54/100) 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.

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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