Caterpillar (CAT) is expected to report Q4 earnings on Wednesday, January 27 before the market open with a conference call scheduled for 11:00 am ET.

GUIDANCE

Analysts are looking for EPS of 28c on revenue of $8.11B.  The consensus range for EPS is 14c-38c, while the range for revenue is $7.64B-$8.55B, according to First Call.  Caterpillar reported mixed results in Q3, missing revenue estimates.  On October 20, the company raised its FY09 EPS estimates and said FY09 revenue will be in-line with expectations. 

ANALYST'S VIEW

A report by the Wall Street Journal the same day stated that CAT was poised for a recovery due to the cheap dollar, which will boost foreign sales of the company’s equipment.  RBC Capital echoed those sentiments a day later noting that the company is well positioned for a global recovery.  It raised its target on the stock to $67 from $65.  The stock is currently trading around the same level it was when Q3 earnings were released back in October.  It has recently fallen about 11% from its 52-week high, but is up almost 100% since July.  Investors will be looking to see if Caterpillar has benefited from the nascent recovery in the U.S and abroad.