Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) vs Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)
A side-by-side comparison of Caterpillar Inc. and Netflix, Inc. 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; NFLX is classified in Communication Services. 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
NFLX
Netflix, Inc.
$72.39Communication ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CAT vs NFLX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 24yCAT +5590.4%NFLX +58743.2%NFLX compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
CAT NFLX
CAT vs NFLX: by the numbers
- •CAT is the larger company ($387.33B vs $301.43B market cap).
- •NFLX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.14 vs 43.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NFLX converts more revenue to profit (28.22% vs 13.31% net margin).
- •NFLX grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.89% vs 10.47% CAGR).
- •CAT pays a dividend (0.69% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CAT | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 43.45 | 22.14 |
| Forward P/E | 35.24 | 19.58 |
| P/S ratio | 5.75 | 6.20 |
| P/B ratio | 21.80 | 9.95 |
| PEG ratio | 1.55 | 1.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.77 | 11.05 |
| FCF yield | 2.81% | 3.66% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAT | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 32.52% | 49.12% |
| Operating margin | 16.56% | 29.68% |
| Net margin | 13.31% | 28.22% |
| ROE | 50.48% | 45.27% |
| ROIC | 11.42% | 25.22% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAT | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 31.96% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAT | NFLX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.47% | 11.89% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 27.96% | 32.58% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 17.77% | 51.23% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 35.31% | 6.29% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAT or NFLX?
- NFLX has the lower trailing P/E: CAT trades at 43.45 and NFLX at 22.14. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CAT or NFLX?
- Over the past five years, NFLX grew revenue faster — CAT at a 10.47% CAGR versus NFLX at 11.89%.
- Does CAT or NFLX pay a bigger dividend?
- CAT pays a dividend (0.69% yield), while NFLX has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CAT or NFLX more profitable?
- NFLX runs the higher net margin — CAT at 13.31% versus NFLX at 28.22%.
- How have CAT and NFLX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CAT delivered 29.17% and NFLX delivered 22.57% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Caterpillar P/E ratioNetflix P/E ratioCaterpillar dividend yieldNetflix dividend yieldCaterpillar ROENetflix ROECaterpillar operating marginNetflix operating marginCaterpillar revenue growthNetflix revenue growthCaterpillar free cash flowNetflix free cash flow
Caterpillar & Netflix 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.