Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
CAT
Caterpillar Inc
$897.45
+0.20%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $412.55B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$549.52
-0.50%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $78.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Caterpillar Inc generates 67% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $42.37B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs 10.8%. CAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CAT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
NOC
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.
Margin of Safety
-60.9%
Fair Value
$421.87
Current Price
$549.52
$127.65 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 51 in profit
Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 22.3x book value
4.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : CAT
The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAT profiles as a growth stock while NOC 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 63/100) 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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
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