CAT vs UAL
Caterpillar (CAT) and United Airlines (UAL) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $31.8B for United Airlines, about 9.9 times the size. On trailing earnings, UAL is cheaper at 9.0x versus 29.6x for CAT.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | UAL |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $31.8B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 9.0x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 8.2x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $65.6B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 17.4% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 30.9% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 7.0% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $2.5B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | None |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +2.4% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +15.9% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -93% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CAT vs UAL FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or UAL?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $31.8B for United Airlines, about 9.9 times the size.
Is CAT or UAL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, UAL is cheaper at 9.0x 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 UAL?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +2.4% for UAL, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or UAL?
CAT yields 0.95%; UAL does not pay a dividend.
Full pages: Caterpillar · United Airlines