Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT, XETRA:CAT) posted fourth quarter financial results that exceeded Wall Street expectations on both earnings and revenue, supported by higher equipment sales volumes.
The heavy-equipment maker posted adjusted earnings of $5.16 per share for the fourth quarter, slightly up from $5.14 per share a year earlier and above analysts’ expectations of $4.71.
Revenue rose 18% to $19.1 billion, compared with $16.2 billion in the same period last year and above the consensus estimate of $17.7 billion.
Operating profit margin for the quarter declined to 13.9% from 18% a year earlier, while adjusted operating profit margin fell to 15.6% from 18.3%.
For the full year, Caterpillar reported revenue of $67.6 billion, up 4% from $64.8 billion in 2024. The company said the increase was driven by higher sales volume of $3.4 billion, partially offset by unfavorable price realization of $0.8 billion.
Full-year profit was $18.81 per share, down from $22.05 in 2024, while adjusted profit per share was $19.06, compared with $21.90 the prior year.
Full-year operating profit margin declined to 16.5% from 20.2% in 2024, with adjusted operating profit margin at 17.2%, down from 20.7%.
“Our centennial year marked a significant milestone, underscored by the highest full-year sales and revenues in Caterpillar’s history and a single-quarter record of $19.1 billion,” Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed said in a statement.
“With a record backlog, we enter the new year with strong momentum and a continued focus on delivering long-term value for our customers and shareholders.”
Shares of Caterpillar traded up 2.8% at $662 following the release of its earnings.