Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) vs The Kroger Co. (KR)
A side-by-side comparison of Caterpillar Inc. and The Kroger Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CAT is classified in Industrials; KR is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
$840.85IndustrialsDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
KR
The Kroger Co.
$59.19Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CAT vs KR
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCAT +10980.7%KR +1577.9%CAT compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CAT KR
CAT vs KR: by the numbers
- •CAT is the larger company ($387.33B vs $36.26B market cap).
- •KR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.91 vs 43.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CAT converts more revenue to profit (13.31% vs 0.71% net margin).
- •CAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.47% vs 2.33% CAGR).
- •KR pays the higher dividend yield (2.41% vs 0.69%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CAT | KR |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 43.45 | 33.91 |
| Forward P/E | 35.24 | 12.07 |
| P/S ratio | 5.75 | 0.24 |
| P/B ratio | 21.80 | 5.51 |
| PEG ratio | 1.55 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.77 | 10.44 |
| FCF yield | 2.81% | 8.09% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAT | KR |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 32.52% | 23.18% |
| Operating margin | 16.56% | 1.33% |
| Net margin | 13.31% | 0.71% |
| ROE | 50.48% | 16.27% |
| ROIC | 11.42% | 4.70% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAT | KR |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 2.41% |
| Payout ratio | 31.96% | 89.74% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAT | KR |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.47% | 2.33% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 27.96% | -13.96% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 17.77% | -1.62% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 35.31% | 10.73% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAT or KR?
- KR has the lower trailing P/E: CAT trades at 43.45 and KR at 33.91. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CAT or KR?
- Over the past five years, CAT grew revenue faster — CAT at a 10.47% CAGR versus KR at 2.33%.
- Does CAT or KR pay a bigger dividend?
- CAT yields 0.69% and KR yields 2.41% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CAT or KR more profitable?
- CAT runs the higher net margin — CAT at 13.31% versus KR at 0.71%.
- How have CAT and KR total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CAT delivered 29.17% and KR delivered 7.90% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Caterpillar P/E ratioKroger P/E ratioCaterpillar dividend yieldKroger dividend yieldCaterpillar ROEKroger ROECaterpillar operating marginKroger operating marginCaterpillar revenue growthKroger revenue growthCaterpillar free cash flowKroger free cash flow
Caterpillar & Kroger appear in these rankings
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 July 28, 2026.