BWMN
Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
Engineering & Construction
Market Cap$532M
5Y Perf.+124.5%
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Side-by-side financial analysisBWMN
CAT
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Stock Comparison
BWMN vs CAT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$423.68B
5Y Perf.+277.7%
BWMN vs CAT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot |  BWMN |  CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering & Construction | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $532M | $423.68B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $377M | $70.75B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $11M | $9.42B |
| Gross Margin | 46.6% | 32.5% |
| Operating Margin | 4.8% | 16.6% |
| Forward P/E | 17.9x | 36.9x |
| Total Debt | $147M | $43.33B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $11M | $9.98B |
BWMN vs CAT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
BWMN
CAT
| Stock | May 21 | Jun 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowman Consulting G… (BWMN) | 100 | 224.5 | +124.5% |
| Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) | 100 | 377.7 | +277.7% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: BWMN vs CAT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CAT leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
🥇CAT emerged as the overall leader. Track its performance:
BWMN
Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
The Growth Play
BWMN is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and valuation efficiency.
- Rev growth 14.9%, EPS growth 329.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 23.3%
- PEG 0.35 vs CAT's 1.31
- 14.9% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3%
Best for: growth exposure and valuation efficiency
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
The Income Pick
CAT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 32 yrs, beta 1.67, yield 0.6%
- 11.7% 10Y total return vs BWMN's 121.9%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.67, current ratio 1.44x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth |  BWMN | 14.9% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3% |
| Value | BWMN | Lower P/E (17.9x vs 36.9x), PEG 0.35 vs 1.31 |
| Quality / Margins |  CAT | 13.3% margin vs BWMN's 2.8% |
| Stability / Safety | CAT | Beta 1.67 vs BWMN's 1.81 |
| Dividends | CAT | 0.6% yield; 32-year raise streak; the other pay no meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | CAT | +153.9% vs BWMN's +12.4% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CAT | 10.0% ROA vs BWMN's 1.9%, ROIC 15.9% vs 3.6% |
BWMN vs CAT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
BWMN vs CAT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCATLAGGINGBWMN
BWMNBowman Consulting Gro…
1leads
CATCaterpillar Inc.
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs BWMNMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CAT5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
BWMN7/7
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CAT5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CAT6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
CAT2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
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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 — 187.6x BWMN's $377M. CAT is the more profitable business, keeping 13.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to BWMN's 2.8%. On growth, CAT holds the edge at +22.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | BWMNBowman Consulting… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $377M | $70.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $47M | $14.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $11M | $9.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $32M | $11.4B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +46.6% | +32.5% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +4.8% | +16.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +2.8% | +13.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +8.5% | +16.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -100.0% | +22.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -100.0% | +30.2% |
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
BWMN leads this category, winning 7 of 7 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 42.6x trailing earnings, BWMN trades at a 12% valuation discount to CAT's 48.4x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), BWMN offers better value at 0.84x vs CAT's 1.72x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | BWMNBowman Consulting… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $532M | $423.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $668M | $457.0B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 42.56x | 48.36x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 17.88x | 36.94x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.84x | 1.72x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 14.37x | 33.92x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.09x | 6.27x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.99x | 20.03x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 15.91x | 41.24x |
BWMN leads this category, winning 7 of 7 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAT delivers a 47.5% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $48 in annual profit, vs $4 for BWMN. BWMN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.56x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CAT's 2.03x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), BWMN scores 6/9 vs CAT's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | BWMNBowman Consulting… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +4.1% | +47.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +1.9% | +10.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.6% | +15.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +5.1% | +19.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.56x | 2.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $136M | $33.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $11M | $10.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $147M | $43.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.38x | 9.22x |
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CAT five years ago would be worth $42,769 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $22,846 for BWMN. Over the past 12 months, CAT leads with a +153.9% total return vs BWMN's +12.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CAT at 57.4% vs BWMN's 1.4% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | BWMNBowman Consulting… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -8.3% | +52.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +12.4% | +153.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +4.2% | +289.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +128.5% | +327.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +121.9% | +1168.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +1.4% | +57.4% |
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CAT is the less volatile stock with a 1.67 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than BWMN's 1.81 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 BWMN's 67.8% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | BWMNBowman Consulting… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.81x | 1.67x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $45.83 | $946.83 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $26.00 | $355.70 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +67.8% | +96.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 47.2 | 52.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 105K | 2.4M |
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates BWMN as "Buy" and CAT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 86.7% upside for BWMN (target: $58) vs -3.1% for CAT (target: $882). CAT is the only dividend payer here at 0.64% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | BWMNBowman Consulting… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $58.00 | $882.20 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 7 | 53 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +0.6% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 32 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $5.86 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +4.5% | +1.2% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
CAT leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). BWMN leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
Best OverallCaterpillar Inc. (CAT)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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BWMN vs CAT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is BWMN or CAT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
(BWMN) is the stronger pick with 14. 9% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN) offers the better valuation at 42. 6x trailing P/E (17. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN) 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 — BWMN or CAT?
On trailing P/E, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
(BWMN) is the cheapest at 42. 6x versus Caterpillar Inc. at 48. 4x. On forward P/E, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is actually cheaper at 17. 9x. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. wins at 0. 35x versus Caterpillar Inc. 's 1. 31x — a PEG below 1. 0 traditionally signals the market is underpricing earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — BWMN or CAT?
Over the past 5 years, Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) delivered a total return of +327. 7%, compared to +128. 5% for Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CAT returned +1169% versus BWMN's +121. 9%. 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 — BWMN or CAT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 67β versus Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. 's 1. 81β — meaning BWMN is approximately 9% more volatile than CAT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 56% versus 2% for Caterpillar Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — BWMN or CAT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
(BWMN) is pulling ahead at 14. 9% versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. grew EPS 329. 4% year-over-year, compared to -14. 6% for Caterpillar Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, BWMN leads at 23. 3% 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 — BWMN or CAT?
Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the more profitable company, earning 13. 1% net margin versus 2. 5% for Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. — 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 3. 9% for BWMN. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — BWMN leads at 47. 7%, 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 BWMN or CAT more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 0. 35x versus Caterpillar Inc. 's 1. 31x. A PEG below 1. 0 is traditionally considered the threshold for growth-adjusted undervaluation. On forward earnings alone, Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN) trades at 17. 9x forward P/E versus 36. 9x for Caterpillar Inc. — 19. 1x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for BWMN: 86. 7% to $58. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — BWMN or CAT?
In this comparison, CAT (0.
6% yield) pays a dividend. BWMN does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is BWMN 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. 6% yield, +1169% 10Y return). Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (BWMN) carries a higher beta of 1. 81 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (CAT: +1169%, BWMN: +121. 9%), 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 BWMN 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.
CAT pays a dividend while BWMN 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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