WallStSmart

Astronics Corporation (ATRO)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 8107% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $862.13M). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 3.4%. ATRO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ATRO

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.86

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

ATROUndervalued (+29.6%)

Margin of Safety

+29.6%

Fair Value

$107.08

Current Price

$78.19

$28.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $107.08Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ATRO1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.1%8/10

15.1% revenue growth

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$402.92B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
51.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 51 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

ATRO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
19.9x4/10

Trading at 19.9x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

3.4% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
87.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.2%2/10

Earnings declined 7.2%

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.394/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
43.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
20.2x2/10

Trading at 20.2x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ATRO

The strongest argument for ATRO centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.45 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 : ATRO

The primary concerns for ATRO are Price/Book, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 87.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.48 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 43.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

Monitor AEROSPACE & DEFENSE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100) and 22.2% revenue growth. ATRO offers better value entry with a 29.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Astronics Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Astronics Corporation designs and manufactures products for the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries in the United States, North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and internationally. The company is headquartered in East Aurora, New York.

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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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