Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsKirby Corporation (KEX)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$890.11
+9.88%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $414.16B
KEX
Kirby Corporation
$152.59
+1.09%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $8.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1909% more annual revenue ($67.59B vs $3.36B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.1% profit margin vs 10.5%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.17. KEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CAT
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
KEX
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
+6.5%
Fair Value
$130.77
Current Price
$152.59
$21.82 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
18.0% revenue growth
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 128.1% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 19.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : KEX
The strongest argument for KEX centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book.
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 : KEX
The primary concerns for KEX are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while KEX 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
KEX scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). 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.
Visit Website →Kirby Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · MARINE SHIPPING · USA
Kirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
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