ZACKSยท2025-11-21 18:30Core Insights - Caterpillar Inc. and Deere & Company are leading players in the heavy machinery sector, with Caterpillar focusing on construction and mining, while Deere specializes in agriculture and forestry [1] - Caterpillar's market capitalization is approximately $257 billion, while Deere's is around $129 billion, indicating their significant roles in industrial and agricultural cycles [2] Caterpillar Overview - In Q3 2025, Caterpillar achieved record revenues of $17.6 billion, a 9.5% increase year-over-year, primarily due to a 10% rise in sales volume [2][8] - The company anticipates modest revenue growth for 2025, with projected revenues between $42 billion and $72 billion, and adjusted operating margins expected between 10% and 22% [3] - Caterpillar is poised to benefit from the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is expected to drive demand for its construction equipment [4] - The company is also experiencing strong demand for reciprocating engines for data centers, planning to double output through a multi-year capital investment [5] - Caterpillar aims to increase service revenues from $14 billion in 2016 to $28 billion by 2026, capitalizing on high-margin aftermarket parts and services [6] Deere Overview - Deere has faced eight consecutive quarters of revenue declines, with lower earnings attributed to reduced volumes in agriculture and construction sectors [7] - The company expects a decline in sales volumes for 2025, with a projected net income between $4.75 billion and $5.25 billion, reflecting a 29.6% decrease from the previous year [9] - Despite current challenges, long-term demand for agricultural equipment is expected to rise due to global food demand and the need to replace aging machinery [11][12] Financial Estimates Comparison - Caterpillar's 2025 sales estimate is $66.11 billion, indicating a 2% year-over-year growth, while earnings per share are projected to decline by 16% [13] - Deere's 2025 sales estimate is $38.31 billion, reflecting a 14.4% year-over-year decline, with earnings per share expected to fall by 27.7% [14] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, Caterpillar's stock has increased by 50.5%, compared to Deere's 12.4% gain [15] - Caterpillar trades at a forward earnings multiple of 25.51X, while Deere's multiple is 23.49X [16] - Caterpillar's return on equity stands at 47.16%, significantly higher than Deere's 21.97%, indicating more efficient use of shareholder funds [19] Investment Outlook - Caterpillar shows stronger momentum with rising volumes and renewed revenue growth, making it a more favorable investment compared to Deere, which faces near-term pressures [20][21]