Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Caterpillar beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew significantly and GAAP earnings per share increased significantly.

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
Caterpillar booked revenue of $17.37 billion. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $17.14 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 22% higher than the prior-year quarter's $14.23 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $2.54. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $2.30 per share. GAAP EPS of $2.54 for Q2 were 67% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.52 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 28.2%, 210 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.1%, 370 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.8%, 270 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $17.43 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $2.40.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $69.50 billion. The average EPS estimate is $9.55.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Caterpillar is outperform, with an average price target of $124.00.

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