Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Joy Global Inc. (JOY), Deere & Company (DE): Which Heavy-Machinery Stock Has the Best Prospects?

On the plus side, Caterpillar is actively buying back shares and recently upped its dividend by 15%, which underscores management’s optimism that the future will be brighter than the recent past.

At the same time, there’s simply much less risk of catching a falling knife when it comes to Deere & Company (NYSE:DE). Because of the continued strength of agricultural activity, Deere’s present and future are bright.

While both Caterpillar and Joy Global could be long-term winners, there’s no denying Deere & Company (NYSE:DE)’s vastly more favorable operating environment. As a result, investors should favor Deere among these heavy-machinery stocks.

The article Which Heavy-Machinery Stock Has the Best Prospects? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Robert Ciura.

Robert Ciura and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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