Jan 29 (Reuters) - Caterpillar reported a rise in fourth-quarter revenue and profit on Thursday, driven by sustained demand for its power-generation equipment amid a rapid build-out of data centers.

Caterpillar shares gained 6.3% in premarket trading.

The world's largest construction and mining equipment maker reported an adjusted profit of $5.16 per share for the quarter ended December 31, up from $5.14 per share a year earlier. Revenue rose to $19.1 billion from $16.2 billion.

The surge in artificial intelligence adoption is driving demand for computing power and pushing tech heavyweights to invest billions in new data-center infrastructure, boosting demand for Caterpillar's back-up power generators.

The company, seen as a bellwether for the global industrial economy, has also raised prices on its industrial equipment, supporting margins and countering a softness from a recovering construction equipment business.

Analysts expect the construction segment to return to growth in 2026, supported by stronger dealer orders, stabilizing non-residential construction activity, and increased rental fleet demand.