Dow Jones Review: Caterpillar
The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which analyst John Reeves and advisor David Meier discuss topics across the investing world.
Over the next couple of weeks, John and David will be revisiting some calls they made on individual stocks of the Dow. Today, they're talking Caterpillar. This company is down a disappointing 9% so far in 2012 compared with just a 5% or so gain for the Dow average as a whole. John and David suspected that this one might underperform over the long term, but frankly, they're a bit surprised at Caterpillar's relative performance so far this year. David, in particular, was worried about Caterpillar's margins contracting if the global economy started to slow. The margins haven't contracted yet at Caterpillar or competitor John Deere, but investors appear to be expecting that in the near future. And over the long haul, David remains unconvinced that Caterpillar can outperform the market.
Caterpillar pays a pretty good dividend, though it may not be the most attractive Dow stock right now from a total return perspective. If you'd like to learn more about some outstanding high-yielders, The Motley Fool has compiled a special free report outlining our top nine dependable, dividend-paying stocks. It's called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." You can access your copy today at no cost! Just click here to discover the winners we've picked.
The article Dow Jones Review: Caterpillar originally appeared on Fool.com.
David Meierhas no positions in the stocks mentioned above.John Reeveshas no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Westport Innovations.Motley Fool newsletter services recommendCummins and Westport Innovations. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.
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