Caterpillar Inc vs Vistra Corp — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $938 (market cap $429.89B), while Vistra Corp trades at $159.59 (market cap $53.42B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 8× Vistra Corp's market cap, and Caterpillar Inc pays the higher dividend (0.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | VST | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $429.89B | $53.42B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $217.92 |
52-Week Low | $404.64 | $134.71 |
Enterprise Value | $468.88B | $75.17B |
Dividend Yield | 0.7% | 0.58% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $933.34, down 2.0% on the day but up 51% year-to-date, reflecting strong momentum from AI-driven infrastructure demand. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $5.54 surpassing expectations by 19%. Valuation metrics remain elevated with a P/E of 46.39 and P/S of 6.18, while profitability remains robust with a 13.33% net margin and 51.35% ROE. Technical indicators show neutral signals with support at $922 and resistance at $943.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus pointing to $1,020 price target (9% upside) and 55% buy ratings. Key opportunities include AI data center power demand generating $10.2B in generator sales, while risks include elevated valuation and cyclical exposure to economic conditions. The company's 32nd consecutive dividend increase expected in June supports income investors.
Vistra Corp. (VST) trades at $158.12, down 0.47% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported strong Q1 2026 earnings beating estimates, with revenue growth from $17.74B in 2025 to $19.4B projected for 2026. Net income margin improved to 11.52%, supported by robust cash flow from operations of $4.07B. Recent news highlights Vistra's positioning in the AI power demand surge and long-term power purchase agreements with major tech firms.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $230.50, implying significant upside. Key opportunities include exposure to growing electricity demand and strategic renewables focus. Risks involve power-price volatility, high debt levels, and execution of growth projects. Analyst sentiment is strongly bullish with 91% buy ratings, though investors should monitor Q2 2026 earnings due August 7 for confirmation of growth trajectory.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Vistra is a leading integrated retail electricity and power generation company that serves as a critical infrastructure provider for the digital economy. It operates a diversified portfolio of zero-carbon nuclear and renewable assets alongside a massive, flexible natural gas fleet, positioning it as an indispensable partner for energy-intensive AI data centers and industrial electrification.
Read more on VST →