What is the primary purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to provide supplemental, unaudited information to investors regarding Caterpillar's dealer statistics for retail sales of machines and engines. This data helps offer a clearer understanding of business trends and market demand.

How strong was the retail sales growth for Caterpillar's machines in the period reported?

Retail sales of machines showed very strong global growth. For the three-month rolling period ending April 2011, worldwide retail sales increased by 66% compared to the same period in the prior year. This growth was broad-based across all major geographic regions.

Are these dealer statistics part of Caterpillar's official financial results?

No, the dealer statistics provided in this 8-K are based on unaudited reports from Caterpillar's independent dealers and are not subject to the company's internal controls over financial reporting. They are considered supplemental information to help investors understand the business and are not a substitute for audited financial statements.

Which business sectors for engines experienced a decline in sales?

Marine engine sales experienced a significant decline, showing a 27% decrease for the three-month rolling period ending April 2011 compared to the prior year. Other engine sectors like Electric Power and Industrial showed positive growth.

CAT 8-K: Regulation FD — May 19, 2011

Summary

Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) filed an 8-K on May 19, 2011, providing supplemental information on dealer statistics for retail sales of machines and engines. This data, based on unaudited dealer reports and presented in constant dollars, offers insights into the company's business performance and the demand within the industries it serves. The report highlights significant year-over-year growth in retail machine sales across all major regions, with particular strength observed in Asia/Pacific, EAME (Europe, Africa, and Middle East), Latin America, ROW (Rest of World), and North America. This broad-based sales increase suggests a robust global demand for Caterpillar's equipment during the period ending April 2011. In addition to machine sales, the report also details engine sales to retail users and OEMs. While Electric Power and Industrial engine sales showed positive growth, Marine engine sales experienced a notable decline. Petroleum engine sales demonstrated mixed performance, with strong growth in the most recent month but overall growth for the period was positive. Investors should note that this information is unaudited and provided for supplemental understanding, with actual financial results potentially differing due to various risk factors outlined in the filing.

Key Highlights

1Significant global growth in retail machine sales, with the 'World' category showing a 66% increase for the three months ending April 2011 compared to the prior year.
2Strongest machine sales growth observed in Asia/Pacific (up 65%), EAME (up 64%), Latin America (up 72%), and ROW (up 66%), indicating broad international demand.
3North America also showed robust machine sales growth of 65% for the period.
4Electric Power and Industrial engine sales experienced positive growth, with Electric Power up 45% and Industrial up 28% for the three months ending April 2011.
5Marine engine sales continued to decline, showing a 27% decrease for the three months ending April 2011.
6Petroleum engine sales showed a mixed trend, with a 25% increase for the three-month period but significant volatility month-to-month.
7The provided dealer statistics are unaudited and based on reports from independent dealers, serving as supplemental information rather than audited financial results.

CATERPILLAR INC 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (May 19, 2011)

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions