Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) vs RTX Corporation (RTX)

A side-by-side comparison of Caterpillar Inc. and RTX Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCAT vs RTX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CAT +1110.1% (+28.3%/yr)RTX +313.2% (+15.2%/yr)CAT compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,210$413
CAT RTX

CAT vs RTX: by the numbers

  • CAT is the larger company ($377.06B vs $266.42B market cap).
  • RTX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (34.80 vs 35.21 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CAT converts more revenue to profit (14.50% vs 8.28% net margin).
  • CAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.24% vs 8.46% CAGR).
  • RTX pays the higher dividend yield (1.43% vs 0.77%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCATRTX
P/E ratio35.2134.80
Forward P/E30.0427.28
P/S ratio5.052.85
P/B ratio19.444.01
EV / EBITDA26.8619.95
FCF yield2.39%4.51%

Profitability

MetricCATRTX
Gross margin33.87%20.35%
Operating margin17.52%11.21%
Net margin14.50%8.28%
ROE55.85%11.66%
ROIC13.30%7.33%

Dividends

MetricCATRTX
Dividend yield0.77%1.43%
Payout ratio26.49%49.65%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCATRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)10.24%8.46%
EPS CAGR (5Y)27.96%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)9.80%31.43%
Total return CAGR (5Y)33.75%21.33%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAT or RTX?
RTX has the lower trailing P/E: CAT trades at 35.21 and RTX at 34.80. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CAT or RTX?
Over the past five years, CAT grew revenue faster — CAT at a 10.24% CAGR versus RTX at 8.46%.
Does CAT or RTX pay a bigger dividend?
CAT yields 0.77% and RTX yields 1.43% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CAT or RTX more profitable?
CAT runs the higher net margin — CAT at 14.50% versus RTX at 8.28%.
How have CAT and RTX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CAT delivered 28.63% and RTX delivered 15.21% 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 September 10, 2026.