10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

CATERPILLAR INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 14, 2003For Securities:CAT

Summary

Caterpillar Inc. reported a strong first quarter for 2003, with total sales and revenues reaching $4.82 billion, a 9% increase year-over-year. This growth was primarily driven by favorable currency impacts on price realization and increased volumes in truck engines and machines. Net profit saw a significant jump of 61% to $129 million, translating to $0.37 per share, up from $80 million or $0.23 per share in the prior year's first quarter. The company highlighted improved operating efficiencies, better price realization (excluding currency effects), and higher volumes as key contributors to the profit increase. The Financial Products segment also performed well, with revenues up 9% due to portfolio growth. Despite a challenging and uncertain global business environment, Caterpillar demonstrated operational resilience and strategic focus on innovation and efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total sales and revenues increased by 9% to $4.82 billion, driven by currency-related price realization and higher volumes.
  • 2Net profit surged by 61% to $129 million ($0.37/share) compared to $80 million ($0.23/share) in Q1 2002.
  • 3Improved operating efficiencies, better price realization, and higher volumes contributed to the profit growth.
  • 4The Financial Products segment saw a 9% revenue increase due to portfolio growth at Cat Financial.
  • 5Geographic diversification proved beneficial, with strong growth noted in Asia, particularly China.
  • 6Caterpillar continues to invest in innovation, such as its new clean-diesel engines with ACERT technology.
  • 7The company maintained a cautious outlook for the full year 2003, expecting sales to be flat to up 4%, with profit per share between $2.20 and $2.30.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the 9% increase in total sales and revenues to $4.82 billion were favorable currency impacts on price realization (approximately two-thirds of the improvement) and higher sales volumes in truck engines and machines.

Caterpillar is managing the transition to new emission standards by utilizing banked emissions credits to offset non-conformance penalties (NCPs) on certain engines. While higher shipments of 'bridge' engines are expected to result in a net unfavorable impact of $30 million after tax for 2003, the company is also implementing price increases on ACERT engines, reflecting their added value, and anticipates not paying NCPs beyond 2003 as ACERT engines become fully compliant and widely produced.

Caterpillar provided a cautious outlook for the full year 2003, anticipating sales and revenues to be flat to up 4%. Full-year profit per share is expected to range from $2.20 to $2.30. The company expects challenges due to continuing political unrest and delayed economic recovery but foresees gradual economic improvement in the latter half of the year, particularly in Asia/Pacific.

Caterpillar is involved in significant legal disputes with Navistar International Transportation Corporation and International Truck and Engine Corporation. The lawsuit against Navistar, initiated by Caterpillar, alleges breach of contract related to fuel injectors and seeks over $100 million in damages. Conversely, International Truck and Engine Corporation has sued Caterpillar, alleging breach of contract regarding heavy-duty engine sales and pricing. These ongoing litigations represent substantial amounts and potential financial impact for the company.