Summary
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) filed an 8-K on September 20, 2013, providing supplemental information on dealer sales statistics for August 2013, compared to the prior year. This filing offers investors a glimpse into the company's operational performance at the retail level, which can precede official financial reporting. The data highlights trends in machine and power system deliveries, segmented by geographic region and end-use sector, based on unaudited reports from independent dealers. This information is intended to aid in understanding Caterpillar's business and the industries it serves, particularly given the time lag between Caterpillar's sales to dealers and dealer deliveries to end-users. Key takeaways from the August 2013 data indicate a challenging global environment, with a notable 10% decline in worldwide machine retail sales on a rolling three-month basis. The Asia/Pacific region experienced the most significant downturn in machine sales, down 30% for the period. Conversely, Power Systems showed mixed results, with Electric Power, Industrial, and Transportation sectors experiencing positive growth, while the Petroleum sector saw a considerable decline. Investors should note that this information is furnished and not subject to the company's internal controls over financial reporting.
Key Highlights
- 1Caterpillar released supplemental dealer sales statistics for the three-month rolling period ending August 2013, offering an early look at retail demand.
- 2Worldwide retail sales of machines experienced a 10% decline on a rolling three-month basis compared to the prior year.
- 3The Asia/Pacific region showed the steepest decline in machine retail sales, down 30% for the three-month rolling period.
- 4North America demonstrated resilience in machine retail sales, showing a 1% increase for the rolling three-month period.
- 5Power Systems retail sales presented a mixed picture: Electric Power, Industrial, and Transportation sectors saw positive growth, while Petroleum sector sales declined significantly.
- 6The data is based on unaudited reports from Caterpillar's independent dealers and is furnished under Regulation FD, not audited.
- 7The company's actual results may differ materially from any implied forward-looking statements due to various risk factors detailed in the filing.