Why did Caterpillar stock surge 148%?

The surge is primarily due to market expectations that Caterpillar will benefit from data center infrastructure demand, especially power generators.

Is Caterpillar a data center stock?

Not directly, but the market believes it is part of the data center supply chain through its power solutions.

What does the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation think of Caterpillar?

The foundation considers Caterpillar one of the best long-term stocks to invest in and holds it in its portfolio.

Caterpillar (CAT): The Unlikely Data Center Stock Soaring 148%

Caterpillar (CAT) stock has gained 50% year-to-date and 148% over the past year, driven by market speculation linking it to the data center boom. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust considers it a top long-term investment.

June 19, 2026

2 min read

Source: Insider Monkey

Key Numbers

ytd gain

50%

one year gain

148%

According to a report from Insider Monkey, Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT) is one of the best long-term stocks to invest in according to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust.

Caterpillar shares have gained around 50% since the year began and have surged more than 148% over the past year. The stock has soared alongside data center stocks because the Street believes it is part of that ecosystem.

Details

Caterpillar, traditionally known for heavy machinery and industrial equipment, is not a typical tech or data center stock. However, the market has begun viewing it as an unlikely player in this space, possibly due to its role in providing power generators and infrastructure for data centers.

Context

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, a well-known charitable investment fund, holds Caterpillar as a long-term investment, adding credibility to the stock's potential. However, the report does not specify whether the trust has recently increased or decreased its stake.

What This Means for Investors

Despite the strong performance, investors should remain cautious. Caterpillar's connection to data centers is still speculative and not officially confirmed. The substantial gains also raise the risk of a pullback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caterpillar is a leading American manufacturer of heavy equipment and machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, and diesel engines.

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This article was rewritten in Wrqti's editorial style based on information from the original source above. Content is informational only — not investment advice.