Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)
A side-by-side comparison of Caterpillar Inc. and Walmart 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; WMT 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
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$113.10Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CAT vs WMT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCAT +10980.7%WMT +4540.3%CAT compounded faster
CAT WMT
CAT vs WMT: by the numbers
- •WMT is the larger company ($900.06B vs $387.33B market cap).
- •WMT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (39.21 vs 43.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CAT converts more revenue to profit (13.31% vs 3.13% net margin).
- •CAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.47% vs 5.20% CAGR).
- •WMT pays the higher dividend yield (0.86% vs 0.69%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CAT | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 43.45 | 39.21 |
| Forward P/E | 35.24 | 42.36 |
| P/S ratio | 5.75 | 1.23 |
| P/B ratio | 21.80 | 9.48 |
| PEG ratio | 1.55 | 3.29 |
| EV / EBITDA | 31.77 | 21.35 |
| FCF yield | 2.81% | 1.40% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAT | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 32.52% | 24.98% |
| Operating margin | 16.56% | 4.16% |
| Net margin | 13.31% | 3.13% |
| ROE | 50.48% | 24.10% |
| ROIC | 11.42% | 11.87% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAT | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.69% | 0.86% |
| Payout ratio | 31.96% | 35.22% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAT | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.47% | 5.20% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 27.96% | 10.95% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 17.77% | -9.94% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 35.31% | 20.16% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAT or WMT?
- WMT has the lower trailing P/E: CAT trades at 43.45 and WMT at 39.21. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CAT or WMT?
- Over the past five years, CAT grew revenue faster — CAT at a 10.47% CAGR versus WMT at 5.20%.
- Does CAT or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
- CAT yields 0.69% and WMT yields 0.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CAT or WMT more profitable?
- CAT runs the higher net margin — CAT at 13.31% versus WMT at 3.13%.
- How have CAT and WMT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CAT delivered 29.17% and WMT delivered 18.43% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Caterpillar P/E ratioWalmart P/E ratioCaterpillar dividend yieldWalmart dividend yieldCaterpillar ROEWalmart ROECaterpillar operating marginWalmart operating marginCaterpillar revenue growthWalmart revenue growthCaterpillar free cash flowWalmart free cash flow
Caterpillar & Walmart appear in these rankings
25+ Year Dividend GrowersHighest ROE StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return StocksLargest Companies by Market Cap
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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.