Caterpillar says June equipment retail sales rise 22 percent, increase for 2nd straight month

Caterpillar’s June retail sales up 22 pct

PEORIA, Ill. — Heavy machinery maker Caterpillar Inc. saw retail sales rise 22 percent in June, the company said in a regulatory filing Thursday.

The increase in overall sales of machinery and engines through dealers marks the second straight month that overall sales increased.

The biggest increase was in the Asia-Pacific region, where sales were up 36 percent, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. North American sales rose 26 percent while Latin American results were up 18 percent. Europe, Africa and the Middle East sales moved up 8 percent.

Overall sales of reciprocating and turbine engines were up 2 percent during June.

Caterpillar has shown improving sales as it recovers from the deep recession that saw dealers slash inventories and buyers cut back on orders. The company reported a 91 percent improvement in second-quarter profit on Thursday.

Shares rose $1.12 to $67.99 in afternoon trading.