Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) Shares Down 1.5% After Insider Selling

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)’s stock price fell 1.5% during mid-day trading on Wednesday following insider selling activity. The stock traded as low as $750.38 and last traded at $752.9710. 2,494,192 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 17% from the average session volume of 3,006,679 shares. The stock had previously closed at $764.76.

Specifically, CAO William E. Schaupp sold 972 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $764.20, for a total value of $742,802.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 824 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $629,700.80. This represents a 54.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Rodney Michael Shurman sold 1,764 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $763.39, for a total transaction of $1,346,619.96. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 1,440 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,099,281.60. The trade was a 55.06% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In other Caterpillar news, insider Anthony D. Fassino sold 7,891 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $776.90, for a total value of $6,130,517.90. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 46,643 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $36,236,946.70. This represents a 14.47% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

CAT has been the subject of several research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Caterpillar in a research report on Monday, December 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $740.00 to $765.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Robert W. Baird set a $805.00 price target on shares of Caterpillar in a report on Friday, January 30th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Caterpillar from $700.00 to $750.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Oppenheimer boosted their target price on Caterpillar from $700.00 to $729.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Sixteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $702.95.

Trending Headlines about Caterpillar

Here are the key news stories impacting Caterpillar this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Caterpillar completed the acquisition of RPMGlobal, an Australian mining‑software provider — this expands CAT’s data‑driven mining tech and recurring‑revenue services, supporting margin diversification away from pure equipment sales. Caterpillar Bolsters Mining Technology Solutions with RPMGlobal Acquisition
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst comparison coverage (Caterpillar vs. Deere) highlights CAT’s record revenues, rising estimates and stronger return on equity versus peers — a bullish read that supports longer‑term upside. Caterpillar vs. Deere: Which Equipment Stock is a Better Buy Now?
• Positive Sentiment: Caterpillar’s recent dividend and continued analyst buy ratings/target upgrades are supportive for investor sentiment and income‑oriented holders. MarketBeat: CAT news & dividend details
• Neutral Sentiment: Management presented at Barclays’ Industrial Select Conference; the transcript may offer detail on demand trends and execution but doesn’t constitute new financial guidance by itself. Investors will watch for any follow‑up guidance. Caterpillar Presents at Barclays Conference (Transcript)
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage noting CAT as a “trending” stock reflects increased retail/institutional attention; helpful for liquidity but not a direct earnings catalyst. Here is What to Know Beyond Why Caterpillar is a Trending Stock
• Negative Sentiment: Insider sale: Anthony D. Fassino sold 7,891 shares (~$6.13M), trimming his stake ~14.5% — large insider selling can spook investors and create near‑term selling pressure even if routine. SEC Filing – Insider Sale by Anthony D. Fassino
• Negative Sentiment: Research houses (Zacks) trimmed near‑term Q2 EPS estimates for CAT, signaling softer short‑term earnings expectations that could weigh on the stock until results or updated guidance dispel concerns. Q2 EPS Estimates for Caterpillar Lowered by Zacks Research

Caterpillar Stock Performance

The company’s fifty day simple moving average is $641.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $546.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $352.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44.

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The industrial products company reported $5.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.67 by $0.49. The company had revenue of $19.13 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.81 billion. Caterpillar had a return on equity of 45.76% and a net margin of 13.14%.The firm’s revenue was up 17.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $5.14 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Caterpillar Inc. will post 19.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Caterpillar Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be given a dividend of $1.51 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.8%. Caterpillar’s dividend payout ratio is 32.09%.

Institutional Trading of Caterpillar

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kilter Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Caterpillar during the 2nd quarter valued at $27,000. Torren Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Caterpillar during the fourth quarter valued at about $27,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Caterpillar in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 1,060.0% in the 3rd quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 58 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Frazier Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in Caterpillar by 220.0% during the 4th quarter. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC now owns 48 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.98% of the company’s stock.

About Caterpillar

Caterpillar Inc is a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and locomotives. The company’s product portfolio includes earthmoving machines such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and off‑highway trucks, as well as a range of power generation products including generator sets and power systems for industrial and commercial use. Caterpillar serves customers across heavy construction, mining, energy, transportation and related industries with both equipment and integrated technology solutions.

In addition to manufacturing, Caterpillar provides a broad range of aftermarket parts and support services, including maintenance, repair, remanufacturing and fleet management tools.