CAT trades 21.4% below Wall Street's consensus target of $985.58.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes CAT achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 29.8x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 56 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of September 24, 2026, Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $985.58, based on estimates from 56 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $812.02, this represents a potential upside of +21.4%. The company has a market capitalization of $374.05B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $882.00 to a high of $1155.00, representing a 28% spread in expectations. The median target of $975.00 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 31 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,21 rating it Hold, and 4 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The positive sentiment balance indicates moderate optimism about the stock prospects.
From a valuation perspective, CAT trades at a trailing P/E of 43.1x and forward P/E of 29.8x. The forward PEG ratio of 1.06 indicates reasonable valuation for growth. Analysts expect EPS to grow +16.3% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $1271.07, with bear and bull scenarios of $800.77 and $1674.76 respectively. Model confidence stands at 55/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 DEDeere & Company | $191.5B | $709.48 | $731.20 | +3.1% | Buy | 39.2x | 46 |
 CNHCNH Industrial N.V. | $17.0B | $13.75 | $14.56 | +5.9% | Buy | 31.0x | 15 |
 AGCOAGCO Corporation | $8.8B | $121.68 | $131.00 | +7.7% | Buy | 21.5x | 29 |
 PCARPACCAR Inc | $59.0B | $112.09 | $136.33 | +21.6% | Hold | 18.8x | 45 |
 CMICummins Inc. | $72.4B | $524.65 | $787.50 | +50.1% | Buy | 17.8x | 51 |
 VMCVulcan Materials Company | $31.7B | $244.40 | $314.63 | +28.7% | Buy | 26.7x | 36 |
 MLMMartin Marietta Materials, Inc. | $29.4B | $490.45 | $648.20 | +32.2% | Buy | 27.1x | 40 |
 TEXTerex Corporation | $4.3B | $58.21 | $82.50 | +41.7% | Buy | 11.5x | 31 |
 ACCOACCO Brands Corporation | $392M | $4.25 | $6.00 | +41.2% | Hold | 4.8x | 7 |
 OSKOshkosh Corp | $8.4B | $135.49 | $169.29 | +24.9% | Buy | 12.7x | 38 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CAT stock.
The consensus Wall Street price target for CAT is $985.58, representing 21.4% upside from the current price of $812.02. With 56 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
CAT has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 56 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 31 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $985.58 implies 21.4% upside from current levels.
CAT trades at a forward P/E of 29.8005x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $985.58 (21.4% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $1155 for CAT, while the most conservative target is $882. The consensus of $985.58 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $1675 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
CAT is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 56 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 31 have Buy ratings, 21 recommend Hold, and 4 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month CAT stock forecast based on 56 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $985.58, with estimates ranging from $882 (bear case) to $1155 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $1271, with bear/bull scenarios of $801/$1675.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates CAT's fair value at $1271 (base case), with a bear case of $801 and bull case of $1675. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 55/100.
CAT trades at a forward P/E ratio of 29.8x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 43.1x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on CAT, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $985.58 price target (21.4% upside). 31 of 56 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
CAT analyst price targets range from $882 to $1155, a 28% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $985.58 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $801-$1675 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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