Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsHirequest Inc (HQI)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$783.63
-4.27%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $376.28B
HQI
Hirequest Inc
$16.05
+1.33%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $232.11M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 247749% more annual revenue ($74.73B vs $30.15M). HQI leads profitability with a 27.1% profit margin vs 14.5%. HQI trades at a lower P/E of 26.9x. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
CAT
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
HQI
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
+56.5%
Fair Value
$24.51
Current Price
$16.05
$8.46 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit
Earnings expanding 68.2% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%
Revenue surging 24.0% year-over-year
Generating 3.3B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Earnings expanding 156.8% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 18.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAT
The strongest argument for CAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 24.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.41 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : HQI
The strongest argument for HQI centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.1% and operating margin at 41.3%.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : HQI
The primary concerns for HQI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while HQI is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.59 — expect wider price swings.
CAT is growing revenue faster at 24.0% — sustainability is the question.
CAT generates stronger free cash flow (3.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CAT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 53/100) and 24.0% revenue growth. HQI offers better value entry with a 56.5% margin of safety. 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 →Hirequest Inc
INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA
HireQuest, Inc. provides temporary and on-demand staffing solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Goose Creek, South Carolina.
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