Caterpillar Cites Supply Chain Issues for Top-Line Miss

The company also noted higher costs and its exit from Russia

Digital Content Manager

Aug 2, 2022 at 9:16 AM

The shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) are off 3.5% at $188.01 ahead of the bell, following the blue-chip heavy equipment maker's second-quarter earnings report. CAT posted profits of $3.18 per share, which topped estimates, though its revenue of $14.25 billion fell short of expectations. The company said its sales were dinged by supply chain issues, rising costs, as well as pulling its business out of Russia.

While the equity was able to log a 10.9% lead last month, it still sits at a more than 5.7% year-to-date deficit. The stock saw an impressive rally off its July 14 annual low, though it looks like some of this upside lost steam at the 70-day moving average.

Options traders took a more bearish-than-usual stance on CAT ahead of its second-quarter report. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), the security sports a 50-day put/call volume ratio of 1.06, which sits higher than 87% of readings from the past year.

Analysts, meanwhile, have been split. Of the 16 in coverage, nine say "buy" or better, and seven say "hold" or worse. Adding to this, the 12-month consensus price target of $220.04 is a relatively slim 17.7% premium to current levels.

Follow @Schaeffers

Minimize Risk While Maximizing Profits

There is no options strategy like this one, which consistently minimizes risk while maintaining maximum profits. Perfect for traders looking for ways to control risk, reduce losses, and increase the likelihood of success when trading calls and puts. The Schaeffer’s team has over 41 years of options trading success targeting +100% gains on every trade. Rest assured your losses are effectively limited to your initial cost at the time of making your move! Don't waste another second... join us right now before the next trade is released!