Caterpillar (CAT) Tops Q4 EPS by 37c; Guides Above Street

(Updated - January 25, 2018 7:33 AM EST)

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) reported Q4 EPS of $2.16, $0.37 better than the analyst estimate of $1.79. Revenue for the quarter came in at $12.9 billion versus the consensus estimate of $11.98 billion.

• Fourth-quarter sales and revenues up 35 percent
• Broad-based sales recovery gained momentum in the fourth quarter of 2017
• Fourth-quarter 2017 results include a charge of $2.4 billion, or $3.91 per share, from U.S. tax reform legislation
• Expect growth in many end markets in 2018
• Implementing new strategy focused on operational excellence and profitable growth

2018 Outlook

Caterpillar is beginning 2018 with strong sales momentum resulting from strong order rates, lean dealer inventories and an increasing backlog. Additionally, there are positive economic indicators across most of the world and in many of the company's end markets. Caterpillar is preparing its factories and suppliers to be ready for continued growth, while remaining focused on managing with a flexible and competitive cost structure that should enable the company to respond quickly if economic fundamentals change.

The company expects 2018 profit per share in a range of $7.75 to $8.75. Excluding restructuring costs of about $400 million, adjusted profit per share is expected in a range of $8.25 to $9.25 (**** consensus is 8.19).

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Caterpillar (CAT) click here.

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