WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsCore & Main Inc (CNM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 784% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $7.65B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 5.8%. CNM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.46. CNM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).

CAT

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

CNM

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.32
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

CNMUndervalued (+8.6%)

Margin of Safety

+8.6%

Fair Value

$63.25

Current Price

$50.37

$12.88 discount

UndervaluedFair: $63.25Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

CNM1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
24.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Areas to Watch

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

CNM3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.8%3/10

5.8% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.233/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.9%2/10

Revenue declined 6.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : CNM

The strongest argument for CNM centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : CNM

The primary concerns for CNM are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while CNM is a value 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 55/100) and 18.0% revenue growth. 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.

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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Core & Main Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Core & Main Inc. (CNM) is a premier distributor of waterworks and plumbing products in the United States, catering to a varied clientele that encompasses municipalities, contractors, and industrial customers. The company is dedicated to providing critical infrastructure solutions focused on water, wastewater, and stormwater management, while promoting sustainability amidst growing environmental concerns. With an emphasis on innovation and operational excellence, Core & Main utilizes its robust supply chain to deliver superior products and services. As the need for infrastructure modernization and adherence to stringent environmental regulations escalates, Core & Main is strategically positioned to lead transformative water management initiatives, reinforcing its significance within this essential and dynamic industry.

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