Summary
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) filed its 2009 Form 10-K on February 18, 2010, reporting on a year significantly impacted by the global economic crisis. The company experienced a substantial decline in sales and revenues, down 37% from 2008, resulting in a profit decrease of 75%. Despite these challenges, Caterpillar managed to improve its balance sheet, maintain its dividend rate, and continue selective investments in new products and capacity. The company's response included executing 'trough' plans to reduce costs, which resulted in significant redundancy costs. Signs of economic improvement were observed in the second half of 2009, particularly in developing economies, with government stimulus packages providing a positive outlook for machinery and engine sales, although the recovery remained uneven. Caterpillar's core businesses remain strong, comprising Machinery, Engines, and Financial Products. The company maintained its market leadership in construction and mining equipment and diesel engines. Strategic initiatives in 2009 included joint ventures in China for truck manufacturing and remanufacturing services, and an agreement to acquire a South Korea-based manufacturer of undercarriage components. The company also focused on research and development, particularly for upcoming emissions regulations, and continued its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency through initiatives like Caterpillar Production System (CPS) and Six Sigma. The financial products division, Cat Financial, continues to support sales by providing financing to customers and dealers.
Financial Highlights
51 data points| Revenue | $32.40B |
| Cost of Revenue | $23.89B |
| Gross Profit | $8.51B |
| R&D Expenses | $1.42B |
| SG&A Expenses | $3.65B |
| Operating Expenses | $31.82B |
| Operating Income | $577.00M |
| Net Income | $895.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.45 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.43 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 615.20M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 626.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1In 2009, Caterpillar's sales and revenues decreased by 37% compared to 2008, with profits falling by 75% due to the severe global economic recession.
- 2The company incurred $0.75 per share in redundancy costs as part of its 'trough' cost-reduction plans.
- 3Despite the economic downturn, Caterpillar focused on strengthening its balance sheet, maintaining its dividend rate, and continuing selective strategic investments.
- 4Signs of economic recovery began to emerge in the second half of 2009, particularly in developing markets, supported by government stimulus measures.
- 5Caterpillar continued its expansion in emerging markets, notably through joint ventures in China for truck manufacturing and remanufacturing, and pursued strategic acquisitions.
- 6Research and Development spending increased to support new product development, especially for upcoming Tier 4 emissions regulations.
- 7The company maintained its leadership positions in its core segments: Machinery, Engines, and Financial Products.