Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsLB Foster Company (FSTR)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$904.28
+2.62%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $419.05B
FSTR
LB Foster Company
$41.42
-2.54%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $434.14M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 12459% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $563.36M). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 2.0%. FSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.35. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CAT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
FSTR
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
-15.5%
Fair Value
$27.31
Current Price
$41.42
$14.11 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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 23.9% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 22.3x book value
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency
2.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.7%
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 : FSTR
The strongest argument for FSTR centers on PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 23.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : FSTR
The primary concerns for FSTR are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 40.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.
FSTR is growing revenue faster at 23.9% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100) 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 →LB Foster Company
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
LB Foster Company provides products and services for the rail industry and solutions to support critical infrastructure projects globally. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
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