** Truist Securities raises the price target on construction and mining equipment maker Caterpillar CAT.N to $414 from $396

** New PT is a premium of 14.8% from last close

** Brokerage reiterates 'buy' rating

** Says the company’s earnings and margins are expected to stay strong this quarter, supported by steady demand from the energy sector, a large order backlog, rising aftermarket parts sales, and increased spending from oil and gas clients

** Truist raise 2026 EPS forecast to $24.50 from $24.40

** Shares are up 1% at $365 in early trade

** 13 of 28 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 15 "hold"; their median PT is $376.50- data compiled by LSEG

** Including session moves, shares up nearly 1% YTD

(Reporting by Apratim Sarkar)

((Apratim.Sarkar@thomsonreuters.com))