Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of Caterpillar Inc. and Target Corporation 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; TGT 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
TGT
Target Corporation
$144.18Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CAT vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCAT +10980.7%TGT +3345.1%CAT compounded faster
CAT TGT
CAT vs TGT: by the numbers
- •CAT is the larger company ($387.33B vs $65.49B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.54 vs 43.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CAT converts more revenue to profit (13.31% vs 3.24% net margin).
- •CAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.47% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 0.69%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CAT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 43.45 | 18.54 |
| Forward P/E | 35.24 | 19.22 |
| P/S ratio | 5.75 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 21.80 | 3.90 |
| PEG ratio | 1.55 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.77 | 9.98 |
| FCF yield | 2.81% | 4.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 32.52% | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 16.56% | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 13.31% | 3.24% |
| ROE | 50.48% | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 11.42% | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 3.25% |
| Payout ratio | 31.96% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAT | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.47% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 27.96% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 17.77% | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 35.31% | -8.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAT or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: CAT trades at 43.45 and TGT at 18.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CAT or TGT?
- Over the past five years, CAT grew revenue faster — CAT at a 10.47% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does CAT or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- CAT yields 0.69% and TGT yields 3.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CAT or TGT more profitable?
- CAT runs the higher net margin — CAT at 13.31% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- How have CAT and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CAT delivered 29.17% and TGT delivered 9.69% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Caterpillar P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioCaterpillar dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldCaterpillar ROETarget ROECaterpillar operating marginTarget operating marginCaterpillar revenue growthTarget revenue growthCaterpillar free cash flowTarget free cash flow
Caterpillar & Target 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.