Caterpillar Inc. posted fourth-quarter profit that topped analysts’ expectations on higher-than-anticipated demand for its iconic yellow machines from construction.
The Irving, Texas-based producer reported adjusted earnings of $5.14 per share, beating the $5.05 average estimate of analysts polled by Bloomberg. Caterpillar is viewed as a bellwether for global economic growth since it supplies heavy equipment to the construction, mining and energy industries around the world.