WallStSmart

Barrett Business Services Inc (BBSI)vsCaterpillar Inc (CAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 5349% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $1.24B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 4.4%. BBSI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.10. BBSI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

BBSI

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 8.0Quality: 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

BBSIUndervalued (+74.1%)

Margin of Safety

+74.1%

Fair Value

$123.73

Current Price

$31.53

$92.20 discount

UndervaluedFair: $123.73Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BBSI2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
23.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

BBSI3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.2%4/10

0.2% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$748.33M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.4%3/10

4.4% margin — thin

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 : BBSI

The strongest argument for BBSI centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.10 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 : BBSI

The primary concerns for BBSI are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Thin 4.4% 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

BBSI 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

BBSI scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "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.

Barrett Business Services Inc

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

Barrett Business Services, Inc. provides business management solutions for small and medium-sized businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?