ABB Ltd (ABBNY) vs Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)

A side-by-side comparison of ABB Ltd and Caterpillar Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 19, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnABBNY vs CAT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ABBNY +488.6% (+19.4%/yr)CAT +1129.0% (+28.5%/yr)CAT compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$589$1,229
ABBNY CAT

ABBNY vs CAT: by the numbers

  • CAT is the larger company ($375.95B vs $183.38B market cap).
  • CAT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.10 vs 36.47 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CAT converts more revenue to profit (14.50% vs 13.86% net margin).
  • CAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.24% vs 5.25% CAGR).
  • ABBNY pays the higher dividend yield (1.18% vs 0.75%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricABBNYCAT
P/E ratio36.4735.10
Forward P/E30.1030.61
P/S ratio5.065.05
P/B ratio11.5519.46
EV / EBITDA26.5526.88
FCF yield2.64%3.29%

Profitability

MetricABBNYCAT
Gross margin40.06%33.87%
Operating margin17.29%17.52%
Net margin13.86%14.50%
ROE31.66%55.85%
ROIC16.45%13.30%

Dividends

MetricABBNYCAT
Dividend yield1.18%0.75%
Payout ratio46.03%32.59%

Growth (annualized)

MetricABBNYCAT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.25%10.24%
EPS CAGR (5Y)74.53%27.96%
FCF CAGR (5Y)18.12%17.14%
Total return CAGR (5Y)23.95%34.19%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ABBNY or CAT?
CAT has the lower trailing P/E: ABBNY trades at 36.47 and CAT at 35.10. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ABBNY or CAT?
Over the past five years, CAT grew revenue faster — ABBNY at a 5.25% CAGR versus CAT at 10.24%.
Does ABBNY or CAT pay a bigger dividend?
ABBNY yields 1.18% and CAT yields 0.75% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ABBNY or CAT more profitable?
CAT runs the higher net margin — ABBNY at 13.86% versus CAT at 14.50%.
How have ABBNY and CAT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ABBNY delivered 19.28% and CAT delivered 28.34% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 19, 2026.