Say What??? Caterpillar More the Apple of Investors' Eyes than Apple?

Little boys, and some big boys, aren’t the only ones who think industrial loaders and wheel excavators are cooler than Siri. The market seems to think so, too.

Caterpillar (CAT) and Apple (AAPL) are both enjoying stellar runs. Apple crushed analysts' expectations a few weeks back by reporting a 118% jump in profit to $13.06 billion and a 73% rise in revenues for the last three months of 2011. Caterpillar turned out record-breaking quarterly and full-year results when it reported last week despite depressed construction activity in most of its most important markets.

But it seems the smart money has more faith in the economies of Europe and China than in one of America's most innovative companies ever.

Caterpillar PE Ratio Chart by YCharts

Caterpillar's price-to-earnings ratio is higher than Apple's despite the fact that revenue and earnings growth, to name but two, seem to be stronger at Apple than at Cat.

Side-by-side, Apples fundamentals appear to be enjoying much stronger upward trend lines than Cat’s. But Apple isn’t getting the love.

Caterpillar Net Income Chart by YCharts

Net income and revenue for both companies are growing, but the rate of increase certainly puts Apple in the lead.

Caterpillar Revenues Chart by YCharts

And profit margins bear out the efficiency of Apple over Caterpillar.

Caterpillar Profit Margin Chart by YCharts

YCharts Pro may see something that others don't. It finds that Apple is 17.5% below its historic valuation while Caterpillar is 16.2% above its historic valuation. What would Siri say?

Michael McHugh is an editor for the YCharts Pro Investor Service which includes professional stock charts, stock ratings, stock screener and portfolio strategies.