Rental & Leasing Services
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Side-by-side financial analysisStock Comparison
PONY vs CAT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Agricultural - Machinery
PONY vs CAT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Rental & Leasing Services | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $2.87B | $423.68B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $90M | $70.75B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-134M | $9.42B |
| Gross Margin | 15.7% | 32.5% |
| Operating Margin | -289.8% | 16.6% |
| Forward P/E | — | 36.9x |
| Total Debt | $15M | $43.33B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $295M | $9.98B |
PONY vs CAT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Nov 24 | Jun 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pony AI Inc. Americ… (PONY) | 100 | 62.6 | -37.4% |
| Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) | 100 | 224.2 | +124.2% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: PONY vs CAT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
PONY is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night.
- Rev growth 20.3%, EPS growth 85.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 9.7%
- Lower volatility, beta 3.32, Low D/E 0.9%, current ratio 13.67x
- 20.3% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3%
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 PONY's -32.1%
- Beta 1.67, yield 0.6%, current ratio 1.44x
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 20.3% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3% | |
| Quality / Margins | 13.3% margin vs PONY's -148.5% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.67 vs PONY's 3.32 | |
| Dividends | 0.6% yield, 32-year raise streak, vs PONY's 0.2% | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +153.9% vs PONY's -35.8% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 10.0% ROA vs PONY's -11.4%, ROIC 15.9% vs -20.9% |
PONY vs CAT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
PONY vs CAT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
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 — 785.0x PONY's $90M. CAT is the more profitable business, keeping 13.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to PONY's -148.5%. On growth, CAT holds the edge at +22.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $90M | $70.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$256M | $14.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$134M | $9.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$209M | $11.4B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +15.7% | +32.5% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -2.9% | +16.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -148.5% | +13.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -2.3% | +16.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +16.3% | +22.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +110.8% | +30.2% |
Valuation Metrics
PONY leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $2.9B | $423.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $2.6B | $457.0B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -23.29x | 48.36x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 36.94x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.72x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | 33.92x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 31.83x | 6.27x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.81x | 20.03x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 41.24x |
Profitability & Efficiency
CAT leads this category, winning 5 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 $-12 for PONY. PONY 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), CAT scores 5/9 vs PONY's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -12.4% | +47.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -11.4% | +10.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -20.9% | +15.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -19.4% | +19.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.01x | 2.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$280M | $33.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $295M | $10.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $15M | $43.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | 9.22x |
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 $6,792 for PONY. Over the past 12 months, CAT leads with a +153.9% total return vs PONY's -35.8%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CAT at 57.4% vs PONY's -12.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -49.3% | +52.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -35.8% | +153.9% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -32.1% | +289.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -32.1% | +327.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -32.1% | +1168.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -12.1% | +57.4% |
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 PONY's 3.32 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 PONY's 32.7% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 3.32x | 1.67x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $24.92 | $946.83 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $7.95 | $355.70 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +32.7% | +96.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 38.6 | 52.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 4.3M | 2.4M |
Analyst Outlook
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates PONY as "Buy" and CAT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 182.2% upside for PONY (target: $23) vs -3.1% for CAT (target: $882). For income investors, CAT offers the higher dividend yield at 0.64% vs PONY's 0.21%.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $23.00 | $882.20 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 2 | 53 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.2% | +0.6% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 32 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.02 | $5.86 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +1.2% |
CAT leads in 5 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). PONY leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
PONY vs CAT: Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is PONY or CAT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Pony AI Inc.
American Depositary Shares (PONY) is the stronger pick with 20. 3% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the better valuation at 48. 4x trailing P/E (36. 9x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares (PONY) a "Buy" — based on 2 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 is the better long-term investment — PONY or CAT?
Over the past 5 years, Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) delivered a total return of +327. 7%, compared to -32. 1% for Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares (PONY). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CAT returned +1169% versus PONY's -32. 1%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — PONY or CAT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 67β versus Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares's 3. 32β — meaning PONY is approximately 100% more volatile than CAT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares (PONY) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 1% versus 2% for Caterpillar Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — PONY or CAT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Pony AI Inc.
American Depositary Shares (PONY) is pulling ahead at 20. 3% versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares grew EPS 85. 4% year-over-year, compared to -14. 6% for Caterpillar Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, PONY leads at 9. 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.
05Which has better profit margins — PONY or CAT?
Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the more profitable company, earning 13. 1% net margin versus -148. 9% for Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares — 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 -289. 8% for PONY. 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.
06Is PONY or CAT more undervalued right now?
Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for PONY: 182.
2% to $23. 00.
07Which pays a better dividend — PONY or CAT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the highest yield at 0. 6%, versus 0. 2% for Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares (PONY).
08Is PONY 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). Pony AI Inc. American Depositary Shares (PONY) carries a higher beta of 3. 32 — 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%, PONY: -32. 1%), 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.
09What are the main differences between PONY 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: PONY is a small-cap high-growth stock; CAT is a large-cap quality compounder stock. CAT pays a dividend while PONY 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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