Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) stock is volatile after the company reported better-than-expected second-quarter 2024 results. Total sales and revenue for the quarter declined 4% year-over-year to $16.69 billion, beating the consensus of $16.68 billion. CAT’s adjusted earnings were $5.99 per share, compared to $5.55 a year ago and above the consensus of $5.54. Sales dropped due to a lower sales volume of $1.206 billion, partially offset by a favorable price realization of $578 million. The decrease in sales volume was mainly driven by the impact from changes in dealer inventories. Adjusted operating profit margin was 22.4% for the quarter, compared to 21.3% a year ago. Enterprise operating cash flow was $3 billion, and the company ...