Caterpillar's

While commercial and residential construction activity in the U.S. remains weak, Caterpillar's sales growth in the region has been robust lately because of dealers buying equipment for their rental businesses and customers replacing worn-out machinery.

Caterpillar Continues Sales Growth Streak Bob Tita 2011

"Caterpillar's results are likely to be better than expected."

Caterpillar Continues Sales Growth Streak Bob Tita 2011

North America accounts for roughly a third of Caterpillar's revenue; Europe and Asia, about a quarter each, and Latin America, about 15%.

Investors Get Global Gauge in Caterpillar Kelly Evans 2012

In North America—Caterpillar's largest market—sales rose 41% period, up from a 38% increase in the October period and a 26% increase in the September period.

Caterpillar Continues Sales Growth Streak Bob Tita 2011

Associated Press Caterpillar's stock already seems to have priced in a cautious outlook, trading at just 12 times estimated 2012 earnings per share.

Investors Get Global Gauge in Caterpillar Kelly Evans 2012

During an interview last month, Caterpillar's chief executive, Doug Oberhelman , acknowledged the long-term threat from Chinese competitors: "There are all these companies in China, and there's consolidation happening, and you just know that one or two will emerge as a serious rival."

Caterpillar Loses Ground In China's Excavator Market James R. Hagerty 2011

Caterpillar's sales of standard excavators in China quadrupled to 9,920 units in 2010 from 2,470 units in 2005, according to Off-Highway.

Caterpillar Loses Ground In China's Excavator Market James R. Hagerty 2011

Because the overall market grew much faster, though, Caterpillar's market share fell to 7% last year from 11% in 2005.

Caterpillar Loses Ground In China's Excavator Market James R. Hagerty 2011

But analysts at Morgan Stanley said in a report last week that Caterpillar's excavator sales in China rose 52% in the first half from a year earlier, falling short of Sany's 97% rise but exceeding overall market growth of 29%.

Caterpillar Loses Ground In China's Excavator Market James R. Hagerty 2011

Caterpillar's stock already seems to have priced in a cautious outlook, trading at just 12 times estimated 2012 earnings per share.

Investors Get Global Gauge in Caterpillar Kelly Evans 2012