Caterpillar Inc vs Li Auto Inc — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $936.2 (market cap $429.89B), while Li Auto Inc trades at $12.45 (market cap $12.25B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 35.1× Li Auto Inc's market cap, and Caterpillar Inc pays a 0.7% dividend while Li Auto Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | LI | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $429.89B | $12.25B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $31.80 |
52-Week Low | $404.64 | $11.74 |
Enterprise Value | $468.88B | $1.17B |
Dividend Yield | 0.7% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $931.47, down 2.2% on the day, but has gained 51% year-to-date, driven by strong earnings beats and AI-related infrastructure demand. The stock shows a bullish moving average signal but neutral overall technicals, with support near $922. Revenue reached $67.59 billion in 2025, with a net income margin of 13.33%, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 46.48 appear elevated. Recent news highlights its role in the AI data center boom, with the Power & Energy segment seeing significant backlog growth.
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus and AI-driven tailwinds, but high valuation and exposure to economic cycles pose risks. With 55% of analysts rating it a Buy and a consensus price target of $1,030, upside potential exists, though investors should weigh margin pressures and debt levels against growth catalysts from data center and infrastructure spending.
Li Auto (LI) trades at $12.18, down 0.66% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and mixed earnings history. The company reported a net income margin of -1.66% for 2025 and faces headwinds from domestic competition and aggressive discounting. Recent news highlights delivery updates and new model launches, but the stock remains under pressure amid broader EV sector challenges.
The outlook is cautious with a consensus price target of $14.80, suggesting potential upside, but risks include profitability concerns, competitive pressures, and volatile cash flows. Recovery hinges on successful execution of the L series and global expansion, with FY2025-2026 seen as trough years before potential improvement from 2027.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Caterpillar Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets construction, mining, and forestry machinery. The Company also manufactures engines and other related parts for its equipment, and offers financing and insurance. Caterpillar distributes its products through a worldwide organization of dealers.
Read more on CAT →Li Auto is a leading Chinese NEV manufacturer that designs, develops, manufactures, and sells premium smart NEVs. The company started volume production of its first model Li One in November 2019. The model is a six-seater, large, premium plug-in electric SUV equipped with a range extension system and advanced smart vehicle solutions. It sold over 90,000 EVs in 2021, accounting for about 2.7% of China's passenger new energy vehicle market. Beyond Li One, the company will expand its product line, including both BEVs and PHEVs, to target a broader consumer base.
Read more on LI →