JPMorgan analyst Ann Duignan removed Eaton (ETN) from her firm's Analyst Focus List while adding Caterpillar (CAT). The analyst names Caterpillar her "top Value pick" in U.S. Machinery into 2020 saying it is more leveraged to an improving global economy. The analyst maintains Overweight ratings on Caterpillar, Eaton and Oshkosh (OSK) citing "compelling" valuations. She remains Underweight Deere (DE), Enerpac Tool (EPAC) and Allison Transmission (ALSN).

Stifel downgraded Caterpillar to Hold from Buy with a price target of $350, up from $293, after the company reported Q1 results. The firm noted that Q1 sales were "modestly" below expectations, though EBIT and EPS were ahead of consensus estimates. Results also reflected weaker end user sales, the analyst tells investors in a research note.

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Baird raised the firm's price target on Oshkosh to $158 from $140 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares following the Q1 report. The quarter showcased ongoing improvement in the company's overall execution, with Access and Vocational margins continuing to surprise positively, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm believes Oshkosh's Vocational and Defense units have "meaningful runway" to drive operating income growth, which should be able to offset any future Access cyclical softening.

"We are reaffirming our full year 2024 guidance provided to the market on February 13. Allison expects 2024 Net Sales in the range of $3,050 to $3,150 million, Net Income in the range of $635 to $685 million, Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $1,070 to $1,130 million, Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities in the range of $700 to $760 million, Capital Expenditures in the range of $125 to $135 million, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow in the range of $575 to $625 million."

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Still does not expect significant change in machine dealer inventory compared to 2023. Still expects 2024 full-year adjusted operating profit margin to be in the top half of the updated target range relative to the expected corresponding level of sales and revenues. Still expects 2024 full-year ME&T free cash flow to be in the top half of the updated target range. Still anticipates another year of services growth.

Sees Q2 dealer inventories of machines down year-over-year. Expects Q2 price realization to remain favorable vs, last year. Sees Q2 adjusted operating profit margin similar to 2Q23. Guidance taken from Q1 investor presentation slides.

Reports Q1 revenue $15.8B, consensus $16.04B. "I'm pleased with our team's performance that resulted in higher adjusted operating profit margin, record adjusted profit per share and strong ME&T free cash flow. Our strong balance sheet and ME&T free cash flow allowed us to deploy a record $5.1 billion of cash for share repurchases and dividends in the first quarter," said Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. "We continue to execute our strategy for long-term profitable growth."

Raises FY24 revenue view to ~$10.7B from $10.4B, consensus $10.3B.

Notable companies reporting before tomorrow's open, with earnings consensus, include Merck (MRK), consensus $1.87... Caterpillar (CAT), consensus $5.14... Comcast (CMSCA), consensus 99c... Honeywell (HON), consensus $2.17... Bristol-Myers (BMY), consensus ($4.44)... Altria (MO), consensus $1.15... Keurig Dr. Pepper (KDP), consensus 35c... GE Vernova (GEV), consensus (37c)... Royal Caribbean (RCL), consensus $1.33... Tractor Supply (TSCO), consensus $1.72... Mobileye (MBLY), consensus (6c)... Textron (TXT), consensus $1.23... LabCorp (LH), consensus $3.48... Southwest Airlines (LUV), consensus (34c)... American Airlines (AAL), consensus (29c)... Harley-Davidson (HOG), consensus $1.51.