Caterpillar has announced record third-quarter sales and revenues of $12.981 billion, 13 percent higher than third quarter 2007 sales and revenues of $11.442 billion. Profit per share for the third quarter 2008 was $1.39, down $0.01 from profit per share of $1.40 in the third quarter of 2007.
Sales and revenues of $12.981 billion increased $1.539 billion from the third quarter of last year, $833 million from sales volume, $385 million from improved price realization, $262 million from the effects of currency and $59 million from higher financial products revenues. The geographic mix of sales continued to shift outside North America with foreign sales and revenues increasing 22 percent in some regions compared to 3 percent inside North America. Sales and revenues outside North America represent 60 percent of Cat’s total sales and revenues in the third quarter, up from 56 percent of the total one year ago.
Profit of $868 million was down $59 million from $927 million in the third quarter of 2007, a 6 percent decline, and profit per share was $1.39, a decrease of $0.01 from profit per share of $1.40 for the third quarter of 2007. The decrease was the result of higher manufacturing costs, primarily for materials.
