Should I Buy CAT Stock in 2026?

Data-driven analysis and honest assessment for Caterpillar Inc

Analysis Updated:
CAUTIONSeveral concerns warrant careful consideration

Current Price: $629.77P/E: 31.7

Decision Score

4.9/10

Weak

Based on 6 fundamental factors

Score Breakdown:

Valuation (20%)5/10

Elevated P/E of 31.7

Growth (20%)5/10

Slow growth of 0%

Profitability (20%)4/10

Thin margins (0% net)

Financial Health (15%)5/10

Financial health data limited

Cash Flow (15%)6/10

Decent FCF yield of 3.4%

Insider Activity (10%)5/10

No recent insider activity

Key Investment Metrics

Current Price

$629.77

P/E Ratio

31.74

Revenue Growth

0.1%

Profit Margin

0.1%

Market Cap

$289.3B

Dividend Yield

0.01%

How CAT Compares to Competitors

Understanding how CAT stacks up against peers helps inform your investment decision.

How CAT Compares to Peers

Upcoming Events for CAT

+5 Reasons TO Buy CAT

1. Large-cap stability and market leadership

moderate

With market cap over $100B, this company has established leadership and resources to weather cycles.

-5 Reasons NOT to Buy CAT

1. Thin profit margins of 0.1%

high risk

Low margins provide little cushion against cost increases or pricing pressure.

2. Premium valuation at 32x earnings

medium risk

P/E of 32 requires sustained growth to justify. Multiple compression risk exists.

3. High PEG ratio of 2.1

medium risk

PEG above 2 suggests expensive relative to growth rate.

4. Minimal revenue growth

low risk

Growth of 0.1% barely keeps pace with inflation.

Who Should Buy CAT?

Investment Profile

Risk Level

Medium

Recommended Holding Period

3-5 years

Best For:

    Not Suitable For:

    • Growth Investors

      Limited 0% growth may disappoint

    • Value Investors

      Premium P/E of 32 doesn't fit value criteria

    • Income-Focused Retirees

      Low 0.0% yield

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    Pro tip: Compare CAT directly with competitors using our comparison tool to see which stock better fits your criteria.

    Get the Full Picture

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is CAT stock price today?

    CAT (Caterpillar Inc) stock is trading at $629.77 as of the latest market data. Stock prices update in real-time during market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET).

    Is CAT stock going up or down today?

    CAT stock price movements are influenced by market conditions, news, earnings reports, and investor sentiment. Check our live dashboard for real-time price changes and technical indicators.

    Should I buy CAT stock now?

    The decision to buy CAT depends on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and financial goals. Our AI analysis evaluates fundamentals, valuation metrics, growth prospects, and market conditions to help inform your decision.

    Is CAT a buy, hold, or sell right now?

    Our AI-powered analysis provides buy/hold/sell recommendations for CAT based on multiple factors including valuation, growth metrics, technical indicators, and analyst consensus. Visit our dashboard for the latest recommendation.

    Is CAT stock overvalued or undervalued?

    CAT currently trades at a P/E ratio of 31.74, which may indicate premium valuation. Our DCF calculator provides intrinsic value estimates to help determine if CAT is fairly priced.

    What is CAT's P/E ratio?

    CAT has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 31.74, which measures how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. Compare this to industry peers and historical averages for context.

    What is CAT's market cap?

    CAT (Caterpillar Inc) has a market capitalization of $289.34 billion, making it a large-cap stock.

    What is CAT's price to book ratio?

    CAT trades at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 13.99, which compares the stock price to the company's book value per share. A P/B below 1.0 may indicate undervaluation, while above 3.0 may suggest premium pricing.

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    Disclaimer

    This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The decision score and recommendations are based on quantitative factors and do not account for all risks, your personal financial situation, or qualitative factors. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.