Breaking Down Caterpillar: 9 Analysts Share Their Views

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Throughout the last three months, 9 analysts have evaluated Caterpillar CAT, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.

The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.

Bullish Somewhat Bullish Indifferent Somewhat Bearish Bearish
Total Ratings 4 1 1 2 1
Last 30D 0 0 1 0 0
1M Ago 1 0 0 0 0
2M Ago 2 1 0 0 0
3M Ago 1 0 0 2 1

Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $409.0, a high estimate of $515.00, and a low estimate of $295.00. This upward trend is apparent, with the current average reflecting a 2.44% increase from the previous average price target of $399.25.

price target chart

Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview

A clear picture of Caterpillar's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.

Analyst Analyst Firm Action Taken Rating Current Price Target Prior Price Target
David Raso Evercore ISI Group Announces In-Line $365.00 -
Jamie Cook Truist Securities Raises Buy $471.00 $454.00
Kyle Menges Citigroup Raises Buy $460.00 $435.00
Tami Zakaria JP Morgan Raises Overweight $515.00 $500.00
Stephen Volkmann Jefferies Raises Buy $475.00 $455.00
David Raso Evercore ISI Group Raises Underperform $365.00 $321.00
Steven Fisher UBS Raises Sell $295.00 $285.00
Kyle Menges Citigroup Lowers Buy $435.00 $445.00
Mircea Dobre Baird Raises Underperform $300.00 $299.00

Key Insights:

  • Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Caterpillar. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
  • Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Caterpillar compared to the broader market.
  • Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Caterpillar's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.

Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Caterpillar's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Caterpillar analyst ratings.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Its reporting segments are: construction industries (40% sales/47% operating profit, or OP), resource industries (20% sales/19% OP), and energy & transportation (40% sales/34% OP). Market share approaches 20% across many products. Caterpillar operates a captive finance subsidiary to facilitate sales. The firm has global reach (46% US sales/54% ex-US). Construction skews more domestic, while the other divisions are more geographically diversified. An independent network of 156 dealers operates approximately 2,800 facilities, giving Caterpillar reach into about 190 countries for sales and support services.

Financial Insights: Caterpillar

Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.

Revenue Growth: Caterpillar's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -4.19%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Industrials sector.

Net Margin: Caterpillar's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 15.3%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.

Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 13.49%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.

Return on Assets (ROA): Caterpillar's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.91% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.

Debt Management: Caterpillar's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at 1.95. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.

The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained

Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.

Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.

In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.

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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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