Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) reported earnings on Oct. 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Caterpillar missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
 Caterpillar recorded revenue of $16.45 billion. The 14 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for sales of $16.89 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $15.72 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 $2.26. The 20 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $2.24 per share. GAAP EPS of $2.54 for Q3 were 49% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.71 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 28.0%, 220 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.8%, 460 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.3%, 300 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $17.77 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $2.30.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $67.90 billion. The average EPS estimate is $9.44.

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 $105.43.

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