Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Can Caterpillar (CAT) Keep the Earnings Streak Alive This Quarter?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Looking for a stock that might be in a good position to beat earnings at its next report? Consider Caterpillar Inc. (CAT - Free Report) , a firm in the Manufacturing - Construction and Mining industry, which could be a great candidate for another beat.

This company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. In fact, in these reports, CAT has beaten estimates by at least 15% in both cases, suggesting it has a nice short-term history of crushing expectations.

Earnings in Focus

Two quarters ago, CAT expected to post earnings of 62 cents per share, while it actually produced earnings of $1.28 per share, a beat of 106.5%. Meanwhile, for the most recent quarter, the company looked to deliver earnings of $1.26 per share, when it actually produced earnings per share of $1.49 instead, representing a 18.3% positive surprise.

Caterpillar, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

 

Caterpillar, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Caterpillar, Inc. Quote

Thanks in part to this history, recent estimates have been moving higher for Caterpillar. In fact, the Earnings ESP for CAT is positive, which is a great sign of a coming beat.

After all, the Zacks Earnings ESP compares the most accurate estimate to the broad consensus, looking to find stocks that have seen big revisions as of late, suggesting that analysts have recently become more bullish on the company’s earnings prospects. This is the case for CAT, as the firm currently has a Zacks Earnings ESP of +0.52%, so another beat could be around the corner.

This is particularly true when you consider that CAT has a great Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) which can be a harbinger of outperformance and a signal for a strong earnings profile. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

When you add this solid Zacks Rank to a positive Earnings ESP, a positive earnings surprise happens nearly 70% of the time, so it seems pretty likely that CAT could see another beat at its next report, especially if recent trends are any guide.

5 Trades Could Profit "Big-League" from Trump Policies

If the stocks above spark your interest, wait until you look into companies primed to make substantial gains from Washington's changing course.

Today Zacks reveals 5 tickers that could benefit from new trends like streamlined drug approvals, tariffs, lower taxes, higher interest rates, and spending surges in defense and infrastructure.

See these buy recommendations now >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - free report >>

Published in