Summary by Futu AI
Caterpillar reported Q3 2024 total sales and revenues of $16.11 billion, down 4% year-over-year, with profit falling 12% to $2.46 billion. The decline was primarily due to lower sales volume, partially offset by favorable price realization. Operating profit margin decreased to 19.5% from 20.5% in Q3 2023.Sales decreased in Construction Industries and Resource Industries but increased in Energy & Transportation. North America sales fell 5%, while Latin America grew 6%. EAME and Asia/Pacific sales declined 6% and 7% respectively. Dealer inventory increased $400 million during Q3 2024, compared to a $600 million increase in Q3 2023.For Q4 2024, Caterpillar expects slightly lower total sales and revenues compared to Q4 2023, impacted by lower machine sales to end users. The company anticipates continued services growth and projects full-year 2024 restructuring costs of approximately $400 million. Caterpillar maintains a strong cash position of $5.64 billion and reaffirmed its commitment to returning substantially all ME&T free cash flow to shareholders over time.