Caterpillar (CAT) News Today

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) is facing market pressure as investors weigh weaker industrial data and broad selling in large-cap stocks against improving analyst earnings expectations. The company’s shares remain below their 50-day moving average of $912.19 and two-hundred-day moving average of $832.06, reflecting recent volatility after a strong 12-month advance.

• Positive Sentiment: Analysts raised medium- and long-term earnings forecasts. Zacks Research increased its FY2026 EPS estimate to $26.55 from $24.51, FY2027 to $30.14 from $29.01, and FY2028 to $35.97 from $34.31. It also lifted several quarterly forecasts, including Q2 2027 EPS to $7.90 and Q2 2028 EPS to $9.37, while maintaining a “Strong-Buy” rating. These revisions suggest analysts see continued operating momentum and support for Caterpillar’s longer-term earnings outlook.
• Positive Sentiment: Volume-driven growth and the company’s backlog remain supportive. A Zacks analysis said rising volumes across Caterpillar’s three business segments are accelerating growth and prompted a sharp upgrade to its 2026 sales outlook. Caterpillar’s record backlog and broad end-market demand could help cushion a slowdown in near-term industrial activity. Caterpillar’s Volume Gains Drive Growth: Can Its Uptrend Continue?
• Neutral Sentiment: The estimate revisions were mixed by quarter. Zacks lowered its Q4 2026 EPS forecast to $6.47 from $6.61, but raised its full-year and future-year estimates. The mixed changes indicate some near-term caution even as the broader earnings trajectory remains favorable.
• Negative Sentiment: Weak July U.S. industrial production data raised demand concerns. Cooling industrial activity has prompted investors to question whether Caterpillar’s backlog and end-market demand can remain resilient if the manufacturing cycle slows. How Weaker U.S. Industrial Output Data May Test Caterpillar’s Backlog Resilience
• Negative Sentiment: Market-wide selling amplified CAT’s weakness. Caterpillar was among the largest drags on the Dow as investors reduced exposure to economically sensitive companies and rotated away from AI-related and high-growth trades. The Dow Loses Steam. Goldman and Caterpillar Strike Again.