For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2006 sales and revenues of $41.517 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and a wide and growing offering of related services.
Caterpillar’s 2006 sales and revenues brought record profit of $3.537 billion, or $5.17 per share, up 28 percent from a year ago. The company also reported a record fourth quarter with sales and revenues of $11.003 billion and profit of $882 million, or $1.32 per share, up 10 percent from last year.
6 Sigma
The long-term payoff of 6 Sigma will be seen as we develop future leaders who are prepared to address the increasingly complex issues that face us as an industry leader. More than 30,000 employees are involved in 6 Sigma and are helping to shape the Caterpillar of tomorrow.
Caterpillar Dealer Network
Caterpillar’s global dealer network provides a key competitive edge - customers deal with people they know and trust. Almost all dealerships are independent and locally owned. Many have relationships with their customers that span at least two generations. Cat dealers serve equipment, service and financing needs for customers in more than 200 countries. Rental services are offered through more than 1,500 outlets worldwide.
Corporate Governance
Caterpillar’s reputation for integrity is a fundamental part of our heritage and one of our most valuable assets. Visit the Corporate Governance section for a reliable source for the corporate governance practices our Board has in place to ensure we are building on Caterpillar’s sound reputation. As an industry leader, we recognize our responsibility to help restore confidence in Corporate America, and we consider ourselves a leader for corporate governance practices.
Financial Strength
Caterpillar is financially strong - able to fund product programs for future customer needs, provide financing for dealers and customers, and reward its shareholders. We continue to generate significant net free cash flow enabling investments in strategic growth opportunities.
Social Responsibility
Caterpillar’s reputation for making a difference in the world is something we are proud of as a company. In response to the Asian Tsunami disaster, Caterpillar and its dealers provided machines, money and resources for relief and recovery efforts. Caterpillar is also proud to be the lead corporate donor in The Nature Conservancy’s Great Rivers Partnership project. And Cat has once again been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
Stockholder Value
Caterpillar is committed to generating attractive returns for our stockholders. Strategic growth initiatives involving our machine, engine and service businesses are expected to drive attractive stockholder returns for years to come.