A slowdown in the U.S. shale boom made itself felt in the most recent results of heavy equipment maker Caterpillar, which on July 24 reported a sharp dip in sales to the energy sector.
The industrial bellwether recorded an 11% drop in revenues from the oil and gas industry in the second quarter, citing “lower demand for new equipment in the Permian Basin.”
The company retained its full-year profit guidance of $12.06-$13.06 a share, but said it expected to come in at the lower end of this—assuming a recovery in oil and gas by the end of the year. Shares in Caterpillar were down 4% in pre-market trading.
The U.S. shale boom has driven up American oil production exponentially in recent years, but lately, investment has slowed and recent indicators have highlighted a deceleration in production growth.
Despite the weaker results in energy, Caterpillar was boosted by stronger demand from the construction sector, where sales jumped 5%, and natural resources, which rose 11%. Overall revenues were up 3% at $14.4 billion for the quarter, with consolidated operating profit up 2% at $2.213 billion.
“Sales and revenues increased this quarter, including a record performance from Construction Industries, which reflected our strong competitive position globally,” said Caterpillar chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby.
“Our strong operating cash flow in the quarter allowed us to repurchase shares and pay dividends of about $1.9 billion. This is in line with our intention to return substantially all free cash flow to shareholders.”
Recommended Reading
Oil Prices Jump 4% on Reports of Iran Preparing to Attack Israel
2024-10-01 - An Israeli attack on Iranian oil production or export facilities could cause a material disruption, potentially more than a 1 MMbbl/d.
Geopolitical Tensions Complicate Oil Price Predictions
2024-10-14 - Geopolitical tensions around the world are an ongoing wildcard for oil prices in the near-term, according to BOK Financial Securities’ Dennis Kissler. U.S. producers will have to pivot off of whatever hand they are dealt.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (Oct. 14, 2024)
2024-10-14 - Similar to last week, Stratas Advisors forecast that oil prices will be relatively flat with a downward bias unless there is another military strike of note.
Saudi Signals Willingness to Weaken Oil Prices, Defend Market Share
2024-09-26 - Analysts caution that reports of Saudi Arabia abandoning a philosophy of supporting prices in favor of defending market share could be a move to get OPEC+ members in line rather than to launch a costly oil war with the U.S., among others.
What's Affecting Oil Prices This Week? (Sept. 30, 2024)
2024-09-30 - Based on Stratas Advisors' demand forecast, there is room for Saudi Arabia to increase supply gradually and not collapse oil prices — if there is no dramatic increase in non-OPEC supply and the other members of OPEC+ do not grossly exceed their quotas.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.