AOMAHA, Nebraska (AP) - Strong sales growth in developing countries pushed Caterpillar's third-quarter earnings 96 percent higher, and the world's largest maker of mining and construction equipment increased its outlook for this year.

Caterpillar said yesterday it earned $792 million net income, or $1.22 per share, in the third quarter. That is well above the $404 million, or 64 cents per share, the Peoria, Ill., company reported last year.

The company, whose sales are considered a strong indicator of global economic health, says revenue jumped 53 percent to $11.13 billion from last year's $7.3 billion.

Caterpillar easily beat expectations of $1.09 earnings per share on revenue of $10.48 billion.

Caterpillar's shares gained 22 cents to $80.10 in early trading yesterday.

Caterpillar now expects to earn between $3.80 and $4 per share in 2010. Previously, it predicted earnings between $3.15 and $3.85 per share.