Caterpillar 2Q Earnings Pregame Scorecard

Having topped analysts' estimates last quarter by 24 cents per share, Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) is expected to deliver its latest earnings on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.

Expectations

Analysts currently expect Caterpillar to come in with earnings of $2.28 per share on revenues of $17.11 billion. Analysts gave estimates ranging from earnings per share to earnings per share.

Stock Movement

The stock fell $9.26 per share between May 29, 2012 and June 4, 2012. Looking at change over the last three months, April 23, 2012 and July 18, 2012, the stock price fell $24.38 (-22.8%), from $106.90 to $82.52.

Company Fundamental Trends The company enters this earnings announcement with substantial revenue momentum. The company has averaged year-over-year revenue growth of 34% over the last four quarters. The company will look to keep the its run of success flowing with earnings announcement, after experiencing income increases the last three quarters. Net income rose 44.1% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year and 59.8% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year before increasing again in the first quarter.

Stock Ratings

Analysts are bullish on the stock as 12 analysts rate it as a buy and there are no sell ratings. Analyst sentiment has been improving recently, as the average rating risen slightly over the past three months.

Last Quarter's Results

In the first quarter, profit rose 29.5% to $1.59 billion ($2.37 a share) from $1.23 billion ($1.84 a share) the year earlier, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 23.4% to $15.98 billion from $12.95 billion.

Summary

Reporting Period: 2Q

Date of Release: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 before market open

EPS: $2.28

Revenue Estimate: $17.11 billion

(Company fundamentals by Xignite Financials. Earnings estimates provided by Zacks)