Caterpillar Inc vs Old Dominion Freight Line Inc — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $844.8 (market cap $385.01B), while Old Dominion Freight Line Inc trades at $209.64 (market cap $44.07B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 8.7× Old Dominion Freight Line Inc's market cap, and Caterpillar Inc pays the higher dividend (0.78%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | ODFL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $385.01B | $44.07B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $248.73 |
52-Week Low | $407.79 | $126.29 |
Enterprise Value | $423.45B | $43.81B |
Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 0.55% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $843.37, up 0.14% on the day, with strong year-to-date performance driven by robust earnings beats and AI data center demand. The stock shows a bearish technical signal but maintains solid fundamentals, including a net income margin of 14.51% and ROE of 56.99%. Recent news highlights growth from power and energy segments, with a dividend increase expected in June 2026.
Outlook remains positive due to earnings momentum and infrastructure tailwinds, though elevated valuation ratios like a P/E of 36.07 pose risks. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $1,010 price target, but investors should monitor economic cycles and competitive pressures that could impact future performance.
ODFL stock trades at $216.36, up 2.34% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $1.68 versus $1.54 expected, driven by yield improvements and cost discipline. The company maintains robust profitability with a net income margin of 19.44% and ROE of 24.82%, though revenue has declined from $6.3B in 2022 to $5.5B in 2025. Analyst consensus price target is $239.85, suggesting upside potential.
Outlook is mixed: earnings momentum and a solid balance sheet support growth, but high valuation ratios (P/E of 41.6) and freight volume pressures pose risks. Investors should weigh the premium pricing against operational efficiency gains and market recovery prospects.
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 →Old Dominion Freight Line is the fourth-largest less-than-truckload carrier in the United States, with more than 240 service centers and 9,200-plus tractors. OD is by far one of the most disciplined and efficient providers in the trucking industry, and its profitability and capital returns stand head and shoulders above its peers. Strategic initiatives revolve around increasing network density through market share gains and maintaining industry-leading service via consistent infrastructure investment.
Read more on ODFL →