A
Global Strategic Player
For
more than 75 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been building the world's
infrastructure, and in partnership with Caterpillar dealers, is
driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. A
Fortune 100 company, Caterpillar is the world's leading
manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and
natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company is a
technology leader in construction, transportation, mining,
forestry, energy, logistics, electronics, financing and electric
power generation.
In
2003, Caterpillar posted sales and revenues of $22.76 billion and
a profit of $1.1 billion. Approximately half of all sales were to
customers outside of the United States, maintaining Caterpillar's
position as a global supplier and leading U.S. exporter.
Caterpillar
products and components are manufactured in 50 U.S. facilities and
in 65 other locations in 23 countries around the globe.
Caterpillar
invested nearly $670 million in research and technology in 2003.
Worldwide, our employees earned more than 3700 patents since 1997.
6
Sigma
Using 6 Sigma, we have achieved gains in virtually all key areas
of the company. More than 25,000 employees are directly engaged in
more than 15,000 projects. In 2003, we expanded the reach of 6
Sigma into our extended enterprise. Ninety-seven Caterpillar
dealers and approximately 240 suppliers are using 6 Sigma to help
improve their businesses, which strengthens our value chain.
Caterpillar
Dealer Network
Caterpillar's global dealer network provides a key competitive
edge - customers deal with people they know and trust. Almost all
dealerships are independent and locally owned. Many have
relationships with their customers that span at least two
generations. Cat dealers serve equipment, service and financing
needs for customers in more than 200 countries. Rental services
are offered through more than 1,400 outlets worldwide.
Corporate
Governance
Caterpillar's reputation for integrity is a fundamental part of
our heritage and one of our most valuable assets. Visit the
Corporate Governance section for a reliable source for the
corporate governance practices our Board has in place to ensure we
are building on Caterpillar's sound reputation. As an industry
leader, we recognize our role in restoring confidence in Corporate
America, and we are setting the standard for corporate governance.
Financial
Strength
Caterpillar is financially strong - able to fund product programs
for future customer needs, provide financing for dealers and
customers, and reward its shareholders. We continue to generate
significant net free cash flow enabling investments in strategic
growth opportunities.
Social
Responsibility
Named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index in September
2002, Caterpillar is recognized for successful integration of
long-term economic, environmental and social aspects into business
strategies that benefit all stakeholders. Caterpillar's commitment
to social responsibility ensures our ability to meet today's needs
without sacrificing the ability to meet the needs of future
generations.
Shareholder
Value
Caterpillar is committed to generating attractive returns for our
shareholders. Strategic growth initiatives involving our machine,
engine and service businesses are expected to drive these returns
over the next several years. Since 1993, Caterpillar has increased
cash dividends nine times, boosting the quarterly dividend to $.35
per share. Since June 1995, we have repurchased approximately 63
million shares, or about 15 percent of our outstanding shares.
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