WFG
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
Paper, Lumber & Forest Products
Market Cap$4.54B
5Y Perf.+121.7%
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Stock Comparison
WFG vs CAT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$420.89B
5Y Perf.+653.0%
WFG vs CAT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | WFG | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Paper, Lumber & Forest Products | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $4.54B | $420.89B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $5.81B | $70.75B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-1.46B | $9.42B |
| Gross Margin | 2.0% | 32.5% |
| Operating Margin | -12.8% | 16.6% |
| Forward P/E | — | 39.2x |
| Total Debt | $457M | $43.33B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $277M | $9.98B |
WFG vs CAT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
WFG
CAT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Fraser Timber … (WFG) | 100 | 221.7 | +121.7% |
| Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) | 100 | 753.0 | +653.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: WFG vs CAT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: WFG and CAT are tied at the top with 3 categories each — the right choice depends on your priorities. Caterpillar Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and recent price momentum and sentiment. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
WFG
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
The Income Pick
WFG carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 10 yrs, beta 0.66, yield 2.2%
- Rev growth 23.5%, EPS growth -222.8%, 3Y rev CAGR -7.7%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.66, Low D/E 5.7%, current ratio 2.13x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
CAT is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 12.0% 10Y total return vs WFG's 118.9%
- 13.3% margin vs WFG's -25.2%
- +181.8% vs WFG's -17.8%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | WFG | 23.5% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3% |
| Quality / Margins | CAT | 13.3% margin vs WFG's -25.2% |
| Stability / Safety | WFG | Beta 0.66 vs CAT's 1.54, lower leverage |
| Dividends | WFG | 2.2% yield, 10-year raise streak, vs CAT's 0.6% |
| Momentum (1Y) | CAT | +181.8% vs WFG's -17.8% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CAT | 10.0% ROA vs WFG's -15.2%, ROIC 15.9% vs -6.8% |
WFG vs CAT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
WFG vs CAT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCATLAGGINGWFG
WFGWest Fraser Timber Co…
2leads
CATCaterpillar Inc.
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs WFGMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CAT6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
WFG3/4
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CAT5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CAT6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
WFG2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAT is the larger business by revenue, generating $70.8B annually — 12.2x WFG's $5.8B. CAT is the more profitable business, keeping 13.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to WFG's -25.2%. On growth, CAT holds the edge at +22.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | WFGWest Fraser Timbe… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $5.8B | $70.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$139M | $14.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$1.5B | $9.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$632M | $11.4B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +2.0% | +32.5% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -12.8% | +16.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -25.2% | +13.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -10.9% | +16.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -8.6% | +22.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -5.6% | +30.2% |
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
WFG leads this category, winning 3 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, CAT's 33.7x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than WFG's 66.1x.
| Metric | WFGWest Fraser Timbe… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $4.5B | $420.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4.7B | $454.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -4.91x | 48.04x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 39.18x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.71x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 66.09x | 33.72x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.81x | 6.23x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.80x | 19.90x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 40.97x |
WFG leads this category, winning 3 of 4 comparable metrics.
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 $-20 for WFG. WFG carries lower financial leverage with a 0.06x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CAT's 2.03x.
| Metric | WFGWest Fraser Timbe… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -19.9% | +47.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -15.2% | +10.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -6.8% | +15.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -7.6% | +19.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.06x | 2.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $180M | $33.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $277M | $10.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $457M | $43.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -8.07x | 9.22x |
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 8 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 $39,125 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,753 for WFG. Over the past 12 months, CAT leads with a +181.8% total return vs WFG's -17.8%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CAT at 62.4% vs WFG's -5.4% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | WFGWest Fraser Timbe… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -4.4% | +51.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -17.8% | +181.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -15.4% | +328.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -22.5% | +291.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +118.9% | +1203.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -5.4% | +62.4% |
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — WFG and CAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WFG is the less volatile stock with a 0.66 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 99.5% from its 52-week high vs WFG's 76.0% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | WFGWest Fraser Timbe… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.66x | 1.54x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $78.55 | $908.90 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $57.34 | $318.11 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +76.0% | +99.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 31.6 | 69.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 174K | 2.4M |
Evenly matched — WFG and CAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
WFG leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates WFG as "Buy" and CAT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 35.1% upside for WFG (target: $81) vs -8.8% for CAT (target: $825). For income investors, WFG offers the higher dividend yield at 2.19% vs CAT's 0.65%.
| Metric | WFGWest Fraser Timbe… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $80.67 | $824.80 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 4 | 53 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.2% | +0.6% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 10 | 8 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.79 | $5.86 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +2.9% | +1.2% |
WFG leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CAT leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). WFG leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook). 1 tied.
Best OverallCaterpillar Inc. (CAT)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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WFG vs CAT: Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is WFG or CAT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, West Fraser Timber Co.
Ltd. (WFG) is the stronger pick with 23. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the better valuation at 48. 0x trailing P/E (39. 2x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) a "Buy" — based on 4 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 — WFG or CAT?
Over the past 5 years, Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) delivered a total return of +291. 3%, compared to -22. 5% for West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CAT returned +1203% versus WFG's +118. 9%. 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 — WFG or CAT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), West Fraser Timber Co.
Ltd. (WFG) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 66β versus Caterpillar Inc. 's 1. 54β — meaning CAT is approximately 134% more volatile than WFG relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 6% versus 2% for Caterpillar Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — WFG or CAT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), West Fraser Timber Co.
Ltd. (WFG) is pulling ahead at 23. 5% versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Caterpillar Inc. grew EPS -14. 6% year-over-year, compared to -222. 8% for West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CAT leads at 4. 4% 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 — WFG or CAT?
Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the more profitable company, earning 13. 1% net margin versus -17. 2% for West Fraser Timber Co. 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 -8. 7% for WFG. 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 WFG or CAT more undervalued right now?
Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for WFG: 35.
1% to $80. 67.
07Which pays a better dividend — WFG or CAT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (WFG) offers the highest yield at 2. 2%, versus 0. 6% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT).
08Is WFG or CAT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, West Fraser Timber Co.
Ltd. (WFG) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 66), 2. 2% yield, +118. 9% 10Y return). Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) carries a higher beta of 1. 54 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (WFG: +118. 9%, CAT: +1203%), 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 WFG and CAT?
These companies operate in different sectors (WFG (Basic Materials) and CAT (Industrials)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: WFG is a small-cap high-growth stock; CAT is a large-cap quality compounder stock. 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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