WallStSmart

Caterpillar Inc (CAT)vsAdvanced Drainage Systems Inc (WMS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Caterpillar Inc generates 2267% more annual revenue ($70.75B vs $2.99B). WMS leads profitability with a 15.8% profit margin vs 13.3%. WMS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. CAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CAT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

WMS

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CAT.

WMSSignificantly Overvalued (-67.6%)

Margin of Safety

-67.6%

Fair Value

$103.37

Current Price

$144.08

$40.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $103.37Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAT5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$402.92B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
51.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 51 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
$1.55B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

WMS2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
27.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%

Areas to Watch

CAT4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.394/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
19.5x4/10

Trading at 19.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
43.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

WMS1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.4%4/10

0.4% revenue growth

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 : WMS

The strongest argument for WMS centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 21.0%. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CAT

The primary concerns for CAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 43.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : WMS

The primary concerns for WMS are Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAT profiles as a growth stock while WMS 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 66/100) and 22.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 →

Advanced Drainage Systems Inc

INDUSTRIALS · BUILDING PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT · USA

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products and drainage solutions for use in the underground construction and infrastructure market in the United States, Canada, Mexico and internationally. The company is headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?