Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) Fourth-Quarter Earnings Preview

Melius returned to a bullish stance on Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT), upgrading the stock to a Buy and setting a price target of $500. The move reflects a sharp upward revision in long-term earnings projections, especially for 2027, driven by the growing role of Caterpillar's engine business in powering next-generation data centers.

This shift in outlook doesn’t rely on a rebound in traditional markets like construction or mining. Instead, it focuses on Caterpillar’s expanding presence in power generation—an area becoming increasingly critical amid the surge in demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure. The firm sees Caterpillar playing a more integral role in providing essential and continuous power, far beyond just backup systems, as the strain on the electrical grid intensifies.

Compared to peers enjoying rich valuation multiples, Caterpillar still trades at a more conservative level. But Melius now believes the company deserves a re-rating. Their $500 price target implies a 30% upside based on a 17x earnings multiple, reflecting confidence in the company’s potential to capture long-term growth in data center-driven power needs.

• Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) receives a "Buy" rating from Bank of America Securities, reflecting confidence in its growth prospects.
• The stock price shows a positive trend, with a current increase of $4.73 or 1.37%, indicating investor optimism.
• Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary with a limited-edition boot collection, highlighting its significant contributions to global infrastructure.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. The company has a significant impact on global infrastructure, contributing to major projects like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Caterpillar competes with companies like Komatsu and John Deere in the heavy machinery industry.

On June 3, 2025, Bank of America Securities reiterated its "Buy" rating for Caterpillar, maintaining a bullish outlook. The stock price at the time was $349.40, as highlighted by Benzinga. The decision was influenced by the "surprisingly durable" U.S. economy and global momentum, which are expected to support Caterpillar's growth.

Caterpillar's stock price reflects a positive trend, with a current increase of $4.73 or 1.37%. The stock has fluctuated between $344.92 and $350.83 during the day. Over the past year, CAT has seen a high of $418.50 and a low of $267.30, indicating significant volatility. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $164.33 billion.

In celebration of Caterpillar's 100th anniversary, Cat Footwear, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc., launched a limited-edition boot collection. This collection honors Caterpillar's contributions to global infrastructure, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Each boot serves as a tribute to these monumental achievements.

Today's trading volume for CAT is 2,613,068 shares, reflecting investor interest in the stock. Caterpillar's century-long impact on infrastructure and its current market performance highlight its significance in the industry. The company's ability to adapt to global economic conditions supports its continued growth and success.

• Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) reported a revenue of $64.8 billion in 2024, demonstrating its industry leadership.
• The company announced a dividend of $1.41 per share, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns.
• CAT's stock reached a high of $324.67, indicating strong investor confidence despite recent financial challenges.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. The company is set to hold its virtual annual shareholder meeting on June 11, 2025, at 8 a.m. CDT. Shareholders who owned Caterpillar common stock as of April 14, or their legal proxy holders, can participate in the meeting. They will have the opportunity to submit questions and vote on various items, with details available in Caterpillar's 2025 proxy statement.

In 2024, Caterpillar reported a revenue of $64.8 billion, solidifying its position as a leader in its industry. The company operates through three main segments: Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation. Additionally, it offers financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. Despite its strong market presence, Caterpillar's recent financial performance showed some challenges. On April 30, 2025, the company reported earnings per share of $4.25, slightly below the estimated $4.35, and generated quarterly revenue of approximately $14.25 billion, which fell short of the estimated $14.72 billion.

Caterpillar's commitment to its shareholders is evident in its dividend announcements. On April 21, 2025, the company declared a dividend of $1.41, with the record date also being April 21, 2025. Shareholders can expect the payment to be made on May 20, 2025. This declaration was made earlier on April 9, 2025, showcasing the company's dedication to providing returns to its investors despite recent earnings misses.

The company's stock performance remains strong, with CAT reaching a high of $324.67 recently. This reflects investor confidence in Caterpillar's long-term strategy and its efforts to build a more sustainable world. As the company continues to navigate the challenges of the global market, its focus on sustainability and innovation will likely play a crucial role in its future success.

• Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) reported a revenue of $64.8 billion in 2024, demonstrating its industry leadership.
• The company announced a dividend of $1.41 per share, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns.
• CAT's stock reached a high of $324.67, indicating strong investor confidence despite recent financial challenges.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is a global leader in manufacturing construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. The company is set to hold its virtual annual shareholder meeting on June 11, 2025, at 8 a.m. CDT. Shareholders who owned Caterpillar common stock as of April 14, or their legal proxy holders, can participate in the meeting. They will have the opportunity to submit questions and vote on various items, with details available in Caterpillar's 2025 proxy statement.

In 2024, Caterpillar reported a revenue of $64.8 billion, solidifying its position as a leader in its industry. The company operates through three main segments: Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation. Additionally, it offers financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. Despite its strong market presence, Caterpillar's recent financial performance showed some challenges. On April 30, 2025, the company reported earnings per share of $4.25, slightly below the estimated $4.35, and generated quarterly revenue of approximately $14.25 billion, which fell short of the estimated $14.72 billion.

Caterpillar's commitment to its shareholders is evident in its dividend announcements. On April 21, 2025, the company declared a dividend of $1.41, with the record date also being April 21, 2025. Shareholders can expect the payment to be made on May 20, 2025. This declaration was made earlier on April 9, 2025, showcasing the company's dedication to providing returns to its investors despite recent earnings misses.

The company's stock performance remains strong, with CAT reaching a high of $324.67 recently. This reflects investor confidence in Caterpillar's long-term strategy and its efforts to build a more sustainable world. As the company continues to navigate the challenges of the global market, its focus on sustainability and innovation will likely play a crucial role in its future success.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is a prominent player in the global market, known for its manufacturing and sale of construction and mining equipment, engines, and turbines. The company operates through various segments, including Construction Industries, Resource Industries, Energy & Transportation, and Financial Products, each offering a diverse range of products and services. Caterpillar's extensive portfolio positions it as a key competitor in the heavy machinery industry.

Over the past year, there has been a noticeable shift in the consensus price target for Caterpillar's stock. A year ago, the average price target was $372.09, but it has since decreased to $291.5 in the last quarter and further to $283 in the past month. This downward trend suggests a more cautious or bearish sentiment among analysts regarding Caterpillar's stock performance. Factors such as market conditions, company performance, and broader economic influences on the industries Caterpillar serves could contribute to this change.

Despite the declining price targets, Caterpillar is anticipated to surpass earnings estimates in its upcoming report, as highlighted by Zacks. The company is believed to have the right mix of factors that could lead to an earnings beat. However, Wells Fargo analyst Seth Weber has set a lower price target of $231 for Caterpillar, indicating a more conservative outlook for the stock.

In contrast, United Rentals, the world's largest equipment rental provider, is highlighted as a more attractive investment option by some analysts. United Rentals boasts a fleet valued at $21.43 billion and reported $15.3 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024. The company maintains a strong EBITDA margin of 46.7% and benefits from a diversified customer base and strategic mergers and acquisitions. This stability, coupled with limited exposure to residential construction, makes United Rentals a resilient choice against tariffs and market fluctuations.

Caterpillar recently experienced a significant increase in its share price, rising by 9.9% during the last trading session with above-average trading volume. Despite this impressive performance, the current trend in earnings estimate revisions does not suggest continued strength for the stock in the near future. Investors should consider these changes in analyst sentiment alongside other company news and financial performance metrics to make informed decisions about investing in Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is a prominent player in the global market, known for its manufacturing and sale of construction and mining equipment, engines, and turbines. The company operates through various segments, including Construction Industries, Resource Industries, Energy & Transportation, and Financial Products, each offering a diverse range of products and services. Caterpillar's extensive portfolio positions it as a key competitor in the heavy machinery industry.

Over the past year, there has been a noticeable shift in the consensus price target for Caterpillar's stock. A year ago, the average price target was $372.09, but it has since decreased to $291.5 in the last quarter and further to $283 in the past month. This downward trend suggests a more cautious or bearish sentiment among analysts regarding Caterpillar's stock performance. Factors such as market conditions, company performance, and broader economic influences on the industries Caterpillar serves could contribute to this change.

Despite the declining price targets, Caterpillar is anticipated to surpass earnings estimates in its upcoming report, as highlighted by Zacks. The company is believed to have the right mix of factors that could lead to an earnings beat. However, Wells Fargo analyst Seth Weber has set a lower price target of $231 for Caterpillar, indicating a more conservative outlook for the stock.

In contrast, United Rentals, the world's largest equipment rental provider, is highlighted as a more attractive investment option by some analysts. United Rentals boasts a fleet valued at $21.43 billion and reported $15.3 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024. The company maintains a strong EBITDA margin of 46.7% and benefits from a diversified customer base and strategic mergers and acquisitions. This stability, coupled with limited exposure to residential construction, makes United Rentals a resilient choice against tariffs and market fluctuations.

Caterpillar recently experienced a significant increase in its share price, rising by 9.9% during the last trading session with above-average trading volume. Despite this impressive performance, the current trend in earnings estimate revisions does not suggest continued strength for the stock in the near future. Investors should consider these changes in analyst sentiment alongside other company news and financial performance metrics to make informed decisions about investing in Caterpillar Inc.

UBS reaffirmed its Sell rating on Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) while significantly lowering its price target to $243 from $385, citing growing concerns over macroeconomic pressures that could undercut the company's earnings trajectory.

While Caterpillar has already started to lag due to weakening demand and softer pricing trends, UBS sees further deterioration ahead, particularly as tariffs and economic uncertainty weigh on construction, oil & gas, and mining sectors. The firm views these segments as especially vulnerable given their sensitivity to global economic momentum.

UBS forecasts Machinery, Energy & Transportation (ME&T) revenue to decline 7% in the second half of 2025, in stark contrast to Wall Street’s expectation of a 2% rise. The firm is also significantly more cautious than consensus on 2026 earnings, projecting results 28% below current Street estimates.

Given Caterpillar’s status as a barometer for global industrial health, UBS believes continued macro softness justifies a more bearish outlook, with downside risks outweighing potential near-term catalysts.