Caterpillar reported third-quarter 2026 sales and revenue of $20.7 billion, up 17% from $17.6 billion a year earlier. The industrial equipment maker posted profit per share of $7.13 and adjusted profit per share of $7.20, while its operating profit margin increased to 20.4% from 17.3% in the prior-year quarter.
The company attributed the revenue increase primarily to higher sales volume and favorable price realization. Management also pointed to strong order rates and a record backlog, suggesting that demand for equipment remained robust across its end markets.
Caterpillar generated $4.4 billion in enterprise operating cash flow during the quarter and ended the period with $7.9 billion in enterprise cash. It deployed $2 billion for share repurchases and dividends, including $1.2 billion in stock buybacks and $700 million in dividends.
The results show that demand for heavy machinery and infrastructure equipment can remain strong even as investors debate the pace of broader economic growth. The company has also been linked to data-center power demand, but its results reflect a wider mix of construction, resource and energy-related markets.
Source: Caterpillar, October 29, 2026 — https://www.caterpillar.com/en/news/corporate-press-releases/h/3q26-results-caterpillar-inc.html
