Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsFerguson Plc (FERG)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$904.28
+1.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $419.05B
FERG
Ferguson Plc
$229.58
-0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $45.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 128% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $31.06B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 6.3%. FERG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CAT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
FERG
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
-84.5%
Fair Value
$144.90
Current Price
$229.58
$84.68 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit
Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 23.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 22.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.6% revenue growth
6.3% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAT
The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : FERG
The strongest argument for FERG centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : FERG
The primary concerns for FERG are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while FERG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 59/100) and 22.2% 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.
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 →Ferguson Plc
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Ferguson plc distributes plumbing and heating products in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Central Europe. The company is headquartered in Wokingham, the United Kingdom.
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