Caterpillar Global Machine Sales Jump 34%

Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT), one of the world's largest heavy machinery makers, said on Tuesday that machinery sales by dealers grew across every region it tracks in the three months ending in August, with global sales rising 34% and North American sales climbing 30%.

The Peoria, Ill.-based company saw the biggest gains in Europe, Africa and Middle East region, where sales were up 46%, and in Latin America, where they rose by 43%, according to a regulatory filing. The rate in the Asia/Pacific region was 24%, the slowest of any region it measures.

Tuesdays release reflects sales by dealers to end-users, which the company says arent subject to normal internal audits.

Caterpillar plans on releasing its third-quarter earnings in late October, according to its website. Analysts forecast the company will earn $1.62 a share on $15 billion in sales.