Caterpillar Stock Price, News & Analysis

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) is hosting its first-ever Global Dealer Technician Challenge to highlight the important role of dealer technicians in customer service. The competition, open to participating independent Cat dealers, aims to showcase the high-tech, high-impact nature of technician careers. Henry Venneman, Caterpillar Global Service Vice President, emphasizes that the challenge will test technicians' skills in agility, resilience, and versatility.

The event also aims to address the growing demand for technicians, with Cat dealers potentially needing to hire over 44,000 technicians by the end of 2026. The challenge will involve regional and semifinal competitions worldwide, culminating in a final event at CONEXPO/CON-AGG in Las Vegas in March 2026.

Cat Financial reported second-quarter 2024 revenues of $865 million, a 9% increase from Q2 2023. However, the company recorded a loss of $65 million, down 143% from the previous year's profit. This was primarily due to a $210 million loss on divestiture of a non-U.S. entity. Excluding this, profit before income taxes was $192 million, a 6% decrease. Retail new business volume increased by 8% to $3.41 billion. Past dues improved to 1.74% from 2.15% in Q2 2023. The allowance for credit losses decreased to 0.89% of finance receivables, down from 1.18% at year-end 2023. Despite challenges, Cat Financial maintains strong business activity and portfolio performance.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) reported second-quarter 2024 results with sales and revenues of $16.7 billion, a 4% decrease compared to Q2 2023. The company's profit per share was $5.48, down from $5.67 in Q2 2023, while adjusted profit per share rose to $5.99 from $5.55. The decrease in sales was primarily due to lower sales volume, partially offset by favorable price realization. Caterpillar's operating profit margin was 20.9%, slightly down from 21.1% in Q2 2023. The company deployed $2.5 billion for share repurchases and dividends in the quarter. Despite lower overall sales, Caterpillar saw improvements in adjusted operating profit margin and record adjusted profit per share, reflecting the diversity of its end markets and disciplined strategy execution.

Radwell International, a leading global industrial operations, automation, and electronics solutions provider, has announced the appointment of Chris Snodgrass as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 5, 2024. Snodgrass, who will also join the company's Board of Directors, brings extensive operational and management experience from diverse industrial sectors. He previously served as Senior Vice President at Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT), where he led the Building Construction Products division and the Product Support & Logistics division.

Snodgrass's appointment follows a comprehensive search process, with full support from Radwell's Board and investors. His track record includes driving growth, expanding margins, and managing complex global operations. The new CEO aims to position Radwell for accelerated growth through enhanced offerings and customer-oriented solutions.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced that it will release its second-quarter 2024 financial results on August 6, 2024, at 5:30 a.m. CDT. The company will host a teleconference and webcast for securities analysts and institutional investors at 7:30 a.m. CDT on the same day. The one-hour conference call can be accessed via webcast or telephone, with toll-free and toll dial-in numbers provided. Supporting materials will be available before the webcast on the company's investor website. For those unable to attend the live event, a replay will be available on the website shortly after the broadcast. No telephone replay will be available.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced an 8% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.41 per share, payable on August 20, 2024, for shareholders of record as of July 22, 2024. Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a $20 billion increase in share repurchase authorization, bringing the total to approximately $21.8 billion. This decision aligns with Caterpillar's strategy to return most of its Machinery, Energy & Transportation (ME&T) free cash flow to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. CEO Jim Umpleby attributed these actions to strong financial performance and continued robust ME&T free cash flow. Caterpillar has consistently paid dividends since its inception and has raised annual dividends for 30 consecutive years, solidifying its status as an S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat.

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) donates $500,000 to the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation's Vision 2025 Campaign. This initiative aims to close the skills gap and address the workforce shortage in the equipment distribution industry. AEDF's Vision 2025 focuses on improving programs in high schools and technical schools, particularly in underserved areas. AEDF's assessment highlights a need for 73,500 heavy equipment technicians over the next five years. The campaign aims to recognize 200 high school programs, accredit 120 college programs by 2027, and generate 10,000 skilled technicians, 5,000 AEDF certified technicians, and 500 AEDF certified managers. Caterpillar’s donation is part of over $7 million raised by nearly 75 investors.

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) has launched the 'Pathways to Sustainability' program to assist mining, quarry, and aggregate industry customers in their energy transition efforts. This four-year initiative offers participants comprehensive learning opportunities, project advisement, and access to sustainable products. The program focuses on six strategic areas: strategy, people, product, process, technology, and infrastructure, aiming to help customers achieve site emissions reduction goals. This follows the company's 2021 Early Learner program which included battery electric machine testing. Caterpillar aims to support customers in designing and achieving their unique sustainability goals.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) released its 2023 company reports highlighting sustainability efforts, financial accomplishments, and contributions to a more sustainable world. CEO Jim Umpleby praised the global team's progress, emphasizing strong financial results and sustainability initiatives.