Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsLincoln Electric Holdings Inc (LECO)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$842.19
-1.72%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $382.31B
LECO
Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc
$281.96
+1.09%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $14.24B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 1479% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $4.48B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 12.3%. LECO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CAT
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
LECO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
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 36 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.8x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 10.2x book value
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 : LECO
The strongest argument for LECO centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.31 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : LECO
The primary concerns for LECO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while LECO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.60 — 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 (69/100 vs 64/100) 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 →Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc
INDUSTRIALS · TOOLS & ACCESSORIES · USA
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and sells welding, cutting and brazing products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
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