AGX
Argan, Inc.
Engineering & Construction
Market Cap$9.57B
5Y Perf.+1765.4%
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Stock Comparison
AGX vs CAT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$416.75B
5Y Perf.+645.6%
AGX vs CAT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | AGX | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering & Construction | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $9.57B | $416.75B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $915M | $70.75B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $120M | $9.42B |
| Gross Margin | 19.2% | 32.5% |
| Operating Margin | 13.1% | 16.6% |
| Forward P/E | 62.5x | 38.8x |
| Total Debt | $3M | $43.33B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $145M | $9.98B |
AGX vs CAT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
AGX
CAT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argan, Inc. (AGX) | 100 | 1865.4 | +1765.4% |
| Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) | 100 | 745.6 | +645.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: AGX vs CAT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: AGX leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and capital preservation and lower volatility. Caterpillar Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and profitability and margin quality. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
AGX
Argan, Inc.
The Growth Play
AGX carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 52.5%, EPS growth 157.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 19.7%
- 19.9% 10Y total return vs CAT's 12.3%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.40, Low D/E 0.8%, current ratio 1.63x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
The Income Pick
CAT is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability.
- Dividend streak 8 yrs, beta 1.54, yield 0.7%
- Lower P/E (38.8x vs 62.5x)
- 13.3% margin vs AGX's 13.1%
Best for: income & stability
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | AGX | 52.5% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3% |
| Value | CAT | Lower P/E (38.8x vs 62.5x) |
| Quality / Margins | CAT | 13.3% margin vs AGX's 13.1% |
| Stability / Safety | AGX | Beta 1.40 vs CAT's 1.54, lower leverage |
| Dividends | CAT | 0.7% yield, 8-year raise streak, vs AGX's 0.2% |
| Momentum (1Y) | AGX | +312.1% vs CAT's +181.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | AGX | 11.4% ROA vs CAT's 10.0%, ROIC 43.2% vs 15.9% |
AGX vs CAT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
AGX vs CAT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCATLAGGINGAGX
AGXArgan, Inc.
2leads
CATCaterpillar Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs AGXMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CAT5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CAT6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
AGX7/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
AGX6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
CAT2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAT is the larger business by revenue, generating $70.8B annually — 77.3x AGX's $915M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 13.3% (CAT) to 13.1% (AGX). On growth, CAT holds the edge at +22.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | AGXArgan, Inc. | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $915M | $70.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $123M | $14.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $120M | $9.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $283M | $11.4B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +19.2% | +32.5% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +13.1% | +16.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +13.1% | +13.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +30.9% | +16.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -2.3% | +22.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +8.5% | +30.2% |
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 47.6x trailing earnings, CAT trades at a 58% valuation discount to AGX's 112.2x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, CAT's 33.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than AGX's 100.5x.
| Metric | AGXArgan, Inc. | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $9.6B | $416.8B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $9.4B | $450.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 112.20x | 47.57x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 62.52x | 38.79x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.69x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 100.48x | 33.41x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 10.95x | 6.17x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 27.27x | 19.71x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 59.46x | 40.56x |
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
AGX leads this category, winning 7 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAT delivers a 47.5% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $48 in annual profit, vs $29 for AGX. AGX carries lower financial leverage with a 0.01x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CAT's 2.03x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), AGX scores 7/9 vs CAT's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | AGXArgan, Inc. | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +28.6% | +47.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +11.4% | +10.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +43.2% | +15.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +27.0% | +19.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.01x | 2.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$143M | $33.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $145M | $10.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $3M | $43.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | 9.22x |
AGX leads this category, winning 7 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
AGX leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in AGX five years ago would be worth $138,514 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $38,251 for CAT. Over the past 12 months, AGX leads with a +312.1% total return vs CAT's +181.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors AGX at 158.5% vs CAT's 62.0% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | AGXArgan, Inc. | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +112.0% | +50.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +312.1% | +181.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +1627.9% | +324.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +1285.1% | +282.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +1987.2% | +1227.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +158.5% | +62.0% |
AGX leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — AGX and CAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
AGX is the less volatile stock with a 1.40 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CAT's 1.54 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. CAT currently trades 96.2% from its 52-week high vs AGX's 93.0% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | AGXArgan, Inc. | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.40x | 1.54x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $742.30 | $931.35 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $164.00 | $318.11 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +93.0% | +96.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 75.8 | 76.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 398K | 2.4M |
Evenly matched — AGX and CAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates AGX as "Buy" and CAT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply -7.9% upside for CAT (target: $825) vs -39.0% for AGX (target: $421). For income investors, CAT offers the higher dividend yield at 0.65% vs AGX's 0.19%.
| Metric | AGXArgan, Inc. | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $420.67 | $824.80 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 7 | 53 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.2% | +0.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 3 | 8 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.31 | $5.86 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.0% | +1.2% |
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CAT leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). AGX leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Total Returns). 1 tied.
Best OverallCaterpillar Inc. (CAT)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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AGX vs CAT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is AGX or CAT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Argan, Inc.
(AGX) is the stronger pick with 52. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the better valuation at 47. 6x trailing P/E (38. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Argan, Inc. (AGX) a "Buy" — based on 7 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — AGX or CAT?
On trailing P/E, Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the cheapest at 47. 6x versus Argan, Inc. at 112. 2x. On forward P/E, Caterpillar Inc. is actually cheaper at 38. 8x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — AGX or CAT?
Over the past 5 years, Argan, Inc.
(AGX) delivered a total return of +1285%, compared to +282. 5% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: AGX returned +1987% versus CAT's +1228%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — AGX or CAT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Argan, Inc.
(AGX) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 40β versus Caterpillar Inc. 's 1. 54β — meaning CAT is approximately 10% more volatile than AGX relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Argan, Inc. (AGX) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 1% versus 2% for Caterpillar Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — AGX or CAT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Argan, Inc.
(AGX) is pulling ahead at 52. 5% versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Argan, Inc. grew EPS 157. 3% year-over-year, compared to -14. 6% for Caterpillar Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, AGX leads at 19. 7% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — AGX or CAT?
Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the more profitable company, earning 13. 1% net margin versus 9. 8% for Argan, Inc. — meaning it keeps 13. 1% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CAT leads at 16. 6% versus 10. 1% for AGX. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CAT leads at 32. 3%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is AGX or CAT more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) trades at 38. 8x forward P/E versus 62. 5x for Argan, Inc. — 23. 7x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for CAT: -7. 9% to $824. 80.
08Which pays a better dividend — AGX or CAT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the highest yield at 0. 7%, versus 0. 2% for Argan, Inc. (AGX).
09Is AGX or CAT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (0. 7% yield, +1228% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (CAT: +1228%, AGX: +1987%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between AGX and CAT?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: AGX is a small-cap high-growth stock; CAT is a large-cap quality compounder stock. CAT pays a dividend while AGX does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(AGX: -2.3% · CAT: 22.2%)Net Margin>
%
(AGX: 13.1% · CAT: 13.3%)P/E Ratio<
x
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