CAT vs CTAS
Caterpillar (CAT) and Cintas (CTAS) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $89.0B for Cintas, about 3.5 times the size. On trailing earnings, CAT is cheaper at 29.6x versus 44.2x for CTAS.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | CTAS |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $89.0B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 44.2x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 36.4x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $11.6B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 10.9% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 51.0% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 24.1% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $2.0B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 0.93% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +17.7% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +17.1% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -65% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | B- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CAT vs CTAS FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or CTAS?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $89.0B for Cintas, about 3.5 times the size.
Is CAT or CTAS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CAT is cheaper at 29.6x versus 44.2x for CTAS. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, CAT or CTAS?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +17.7% for CTAS, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or CTAS?
CAT yields 0.95% versus 0.93% for CTAS.
Full pages: Caterpillar · Cintas