CAT vs DAL
Caterpillar (CAT) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $50.5B for Delta Air Lines, about 6.3 times the size. On trailing earnings, DAL is cheaper at 15.3x versus 29.6x for CAT.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | DAL |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $50.5B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 15.3x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 10.5x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | — |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | — |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | — |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | — |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $3.0B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 1.12% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +32.0% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +15.0% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -82% |
| 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)
CAT vs DAL FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or DAL?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $50.5B for Delta Air Lines, about 6.3 times the size.
Is CAT or DAL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DAL is cheaper at 15.3x 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 DAL?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +32.0% for DAL, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or DAL?
DAL yields 1.12% versus 0.95% for CAT.
Full pages: Caterpillar · Delta Air Lines