CAT vs MMM
Caterpillar (CAT) and 3M (MMM) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $89.5B for 3M, about 3.5 times the size. On trailing earnings, MMM is cheaper at 25.9x versus 29.6x for CAT.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $89.5B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 25.9x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 17.5x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $25.2B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 1.0% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 39.5% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 23.7% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $4.0B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 1.80% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +2.9% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +6.5% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -59% |
| 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)
$20.0K
$40.0K
20222023202420252026
CAT vs MMM FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or MMM?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $89.5B for 3M, about 3.5 times the size.
Is CAT or MMM cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MMM is cheaper at 25.9x versus 29.6x for CAT. 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 MMM?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +2.9% for MMM, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or MMM?
MMM yields 1.80% versus 0.95% for CAT.
Full pages: Caterpillar · 3M