WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsQuanex Building Products (NX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 3711% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $1.86B). CAT leads profitability with a 13.3% profit margin vs -13.9%. NX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

CAT

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.40

NX

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 3.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.27

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$382.31B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
55.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.2%8/10

Revenue surging 22.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.2% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.15B8/10

Generating 3.1B in free cash flow

NX2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.738/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.914/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
42.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
20.8x2/10

Trading at 20.8x book value

NX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$967.24M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : NX

The strongest argument for NX centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.73 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 42.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NX

The primary concerns for NX are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while NX is a turnaround 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 (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAT scores higher overall (69/100 vs 47/100) and 22.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.

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Quanex Building Products

INDUSTRIALS · BUILDING PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT · USA

Quanex Building Products Corporation (NX) is a leading manufacturer specializing in engineered materials and components tailored for the building and construction industry, with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. The company's comprehensive product portfolio includes energy-efficient window and door systems, along with advanced engineered wood solutions, catering to both residential and commercial markets. Leveraging proprietary technologies and operational excellence, Quanex is strategically positioned to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly building solutions, thereby enhancing its competitive edge and driving long-term value for investors.

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