Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) Sees Significant Decrease in Short Interest

20 Jan 2026, 18:12 by Amy Steele · The Cerbat Gem

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT – Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 5,608,881 shares, a decrease of 21.3% from the December 15th total of 7,123,267 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,237,144 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.5 days. Currently, 1.2% of the company’s stock are short sold. Currently, 1.2% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,237,144 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.5 days.

Caterpillar News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Caterpillar this week:

Positive Sentiment: Oppenheimer raised its price target on CAT to $700 (from $645) and kept an “outperform” rating, signaling analyst confidence and an upside case that supports investor sentiment. Oppenheimer adjusts price target on Caterpillar to $700 from $645; maintains outperform rating
Positive Sentiment: Caterpillar unveiled “Cat AI Assistant,” a software/AI initiative that could expand higher‑margin services, telematics and aftermarket revenue over time. Product innovation tends to support multiple expansion for industrial names. Caterpillar reveals Cat AI Assistant
Positive Sentiment: Analysis suggests CAT could benefit from accelerated data‑center buildout in 2026 (on-site power, generators, electrification support), creating a potential demand tailwind outside traditional construction cycles. How Caterpillar stock stands to benefit from data center buildout in 2026
Neutral Sentiment: Brokerage consensus remains around a “Moderate Buy,” reflecting mixed but generally constructive analyst views rather than a clear directional change. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) Given Average Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by Brokerages
Neutral Sentiment: Comparisons with Volvo highlight slowing end-market demand and tariff pressures; both firms are investing in tech and capacity for long‑term infrastructure opportunities—this is strategic context rather than an immediate catalyst. Caterpillar vs. Volvo: Which Heavy Equipment Stock is the Better Buy?
Neutral Sentiment: Broader dividend/aristocrat pieces mention income strategies for 2026 but don’t introduce a company‑specific catalyst for CAT today. Should You Buy Dividend Aristocrats in 2026?
Negative Sentiment: An industry piece questions whether Caterpillar will return to producing new on‑highway engines, underscoring product/strategy uncertainty in segments that could weigh on future revenue mix. Will Caterpillar ever return to production of new on-highway engines?

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Caterpillar news, insider Jason Kaiser sold 10,707 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $563.60, for a total value of $6,034,465.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 8,649 shares in the company, valued at $4,874,576.40. This trade represents a 55.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CFO Andrew R. J. Bonfield sold 10,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $575.06, for a total value of $5,750,600.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 45,460 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,142,227.60. This represents a 18.03% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 54,729 shares of company stock worth $31,084,308 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.33% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Caterpillar

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kilter Group LLC bought a new position in Caterpillar in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Caterpillar in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC increased 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 purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. IFS Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Caterpillar during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Finally, RiverPark Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Caterpillar during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. 70.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Caterpillar Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:CAT traded down $18.28 on Tuesday, reaching $628.61. 2,657,069 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,442,489. Caterpillar has a twelve month low of $267.30 and a twelve month high of $655.68. The company has a fifty day moving average of $588.42 and a 200-day moving average of $505.37. The company has a market capitalization of $294.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.27, a PEG ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34.

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The industrial products company reported $4.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.52 by $0.43. Caterpillar had a return on equity of 47.16% and a net margin of 14.34%.The business had revenue of $17.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $16.72 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $5.17 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Caterpillar will post 19.86 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Caterpillar Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 19th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be given a $1.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Caterpillar’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.01%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

CAT has been the topic of several analyst reports. DA Davidson upped their price target on shares of Caterpillar from $408.00 to $569.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $485.00 to $555.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Truist Financial reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $729.00 price target (up previously from $582.00) on shares of Caterpillar in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Caterpillar from $570.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised Caterpillar from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $625.85.

Get Our Latest Report on CAT

Caterpillar Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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.