WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsCSX Corporation (CSX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 378% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $14.15B). CSX leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 13.1%. CSX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.11. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

CAT

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

CSX

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.20
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

CSXUndervalued (+44.6%)

Margin of Safety

+44.6%

Fair Value

$74.65

Current Price

$44.68

$29.97 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.65Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$386.56B10/10

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

CSX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%

Market CapQuality
$84.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.5%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
26.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.234/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
17.7x4/10

Trading at 17.7x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
44.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.114/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : CSX

The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.5% and operating margin at 36.2%.

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 : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while CSX 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

CSX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 21.5% margins. 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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CSX Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

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