Caterpillar vs John Deere (CAT vs DE)

Caterpillar (CAT) vs John Deere (DE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Caterpillar (CAT) and John Deere (DE) compete in industrials. Here are Caterpillar and John Deere side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Caterpillar or John Deere.

Caterpillar vs John Deere: the figures

Caterpillar and John Deere figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Caterpillar or John Deere figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Caterpillar and John Deere

1. Debt: John Deere owes 6.7x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Caterpillar owes 2.2x its EBITDA.
2. Valuation: John Deere trades at 37.6x its annual earnings and Caterpillar at 23.2x; the market pays more for each dollar of John Deere profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3. Growth: Caterpillar grew sales +17.3% year on year in its latest quarter, against +4.9% for John Deere.

Caterpillar or John Deere: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Caterpillar is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Caterpillar pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Caterpillar has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Caterpillar trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Caterpillar nor John Deere wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Caterpillar and John Deere make money

Caterpillar (CAT)

Caterpillar builds heavy equipment and engines. Energy & Transportation, its largest segment, sells engines, turbines and generators for data centers, oil and gas, and locomotives. Construction Industries makes excavators and loaders, Resource Industries supplies mining trucks and equipment, and Financial Products provides customer financing through Cat Financial. Full Caterpillar analysis.

John Deere (DE)

Deere & Company, known for its John Deere brand, builds machinery. Production & Precision Agriculture, its largest segment, sells large tractors and combines with precision farming technology. Small Agriculture & Turf sells smaller tractors and mowers, Construction & Forestry makes earthmoving and forestry equipment, and Financial Services funds customers and dealers. Full John Deere analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Caterpillar vs John Deere

Is Caterpillar or John Deere the better stock?

Choosing between Caterpillar and John Deere depends on what you are looking for. Caterpillar is growing faster right now, and Caterpillar trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Caterpillar or John Deere: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Caterpillar or John Deere?

As of November 4, 2026, Caterpillar yields 1.05% and John Deere yields 0.97%. Also check how much of their profit Caterpillar and John Deere pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Caterpillar or John Deere?

On P/E, John Deere (37.6x) is more expensive than Caterpillar (23.2x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Caterpillar and John Deere?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Caterpillar and John Deere, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Caterpillar or John Deere.

More comparisons with Caterpillar or John Deere

• Caterpillar vs Honeywell
• Caterpillar vs Union Pacific
• John Deere vs Honeywell
• John Deere vs Union Pacific

More companies like Caterpillar and John Deere: industrials stocks. Educational content about Caterpillar and John Deere, not investment advice.