Summary
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) reported a net loss of $112 million, or $(0.19) per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2009, a significant decline from the $922 million profit in the same period of 2008. This downturn is primarily attributed to a 22% decrease in sales and revenues, totaling $9.225 billion, driven by the severe global recession impacting demand across all major segments. The company incurred substantial redundancy costs of $558 million ($0.58 per share) related to workforce reductions aimed at aligning costs with lower sales volumes. Despite these challenges, Caterpillar highlighted ongoing efforts to manage costs, reduce inventory levels, and maintain financial strength, positioning itself for a recovery when global economic conditions improve. Looking ahead, Caterpillar updated its 2009 outlook, now expecting sales and revenues to be within a range of plus or minus 10 percent around a midpoint of $35 billion. The company anticipates continued profitability excluding redundancy costs, with an expected profit per share of approximately $1.25. Efforts to strengthen the balance sheet and maintain liquidity remain a priority, with a focus on inventory reduction and careful capital expenditure management. The company is actively managing through this challenging economic cycle by adjusting production, controlling costs, and making strategic investments for long-term competitiveness.
Financial Highlights
26 data points| Revenue | $9.22B |
| Cost of Revenue | $7.03B |
| Gross Profit | $1.48B |
| R&D Expenses | $388.00M |
| SG&A Expenses | $882.00M |
| Operating Expenses | $9.40B |
| Operating Income | -$175.00M |
| Net Income | -$112.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $-0.19 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $-0.19 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 602.10M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 602.10M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net loss of $112 million ($0.19 per diluted share) for Q1 2009, a significant decrease from Q1 2008 profit of $922 million.
- 2Sales and revenues declined 22% to $9.225 billion, largely due to the severe global recession impacting machinery and engine demand.
- 3Substantial redundancy costs of $558 million ($0.58 per share) were incurred due to workforce reductions to align costs with lower sales.
- 4The company is actively managing costs and inventory, with a target to lower inventory by approximately $3 billion in 2009.
- 5Updated 2009 sales and revenue outlook is now a range of +/- 10% around $35 billion, reflecting continued economic uncertainty.
- 6Financial Products segment experienced a 49% decrease in operating profit due to lower net yield on earning assets and a write-down on retained interests.
- 7Despite the challenging environment, the company is focusing on maintaining financial strength, liquidity, and making strategic investments for long-term growth.