Caterpillar Inc. is a multinational American company and a global leader in the capital goods sector. It was founded by Benjamin Holt and C. L. Best.
Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, the company operates worldwide, providing equipment, engines, and solutions for the construction, mining, energy, and transportation industries.
Caterpillar offers a wide portfolio of products and services, including:
-
Construction and Mining Equipment: Hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, track-type tractors, and motor graders. Solutions for infrastructure and large-scale engineering projects.
-
Engines and Generators: Diesel and natural gas engines for industrial, marine, and power generation applications. Generator sets for commercial and residential use.
-
Aftermarket Services: Maintenance, spare parts, and specialized technical support. Financing and insurance solutions through Caterpillar Financial Services.
-
Technology and Digital Solutions: Remote equipment monitoring and data analytics via the Cat Connect platform. Operational efficiency tools such as fleet management and productivity control.
Operating in over 190 countries, the company has a strong presence in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
In Brazil, Caterpillar operates through manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and an extensive network of dealers.
Market factors that influence Caterpillar include infrastructure demand, commodity price fluctuations, environmental regulations, and the shift toward more sustainable technologies, such as the electrification of heavy machinery.
The company also owns several subsidiaries, including Perkins Engines, Solar Turbines, and Progress Rail.
With approximately 102,000 employees globally, Caterpillar maintains an integrated operational structure composed of factories, distribution centers, regional offices, and R&D units.
Caterpillar’s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker CAT.
History and founding of Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar Inc. was founded in 1925 from the merger between Holt Manufacturing Company and C. L. Best Tractor Co., originally based in California.
The merger aimed to combine both companies' expertise in tractor and agricultural machinery manufacturing, positioning the new company as a leading player in the industry.
In its early years, the company faced challenges tied to the rise of agricultural and industrial mechanization but quickly stood out due to its innovation in track-type equipment, offering greater efficiency on difficult terrain.
Expansion followed rapidly, driven by growing infrastructure demands in the United States. In the 1940s, Caterpillar played a crucial role during World War II, supplying machinery and engines to the military, which fueled its global growth.
The post-war era marked significant international expansion and product diversification. In 1950, the company established its first foreign subsidiary in the United Kingdom, continuing its global trajectory.
Caterpillar went public in 1929, listing on the NYSE and reinforcing its status as a key player in the capital goods industry.
Between 2020 and 2024, Caterpillar made substantial investments in technological innovation, focusing on automation, electrification of heavy equipment, and sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
The company also pursued strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in emerging markets and expand its portfolio of digital products.
Additional Information
The Company Caterpillar Inc. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 258.15 Billions, having an equity of $ 20.66 Billions.
With a total of 102.300 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Capital Assets and categorized in industry of Agricultural and Construction Machinery.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 64.67 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 9.27 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 27.84, a P/BV ratio of 12.50 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of CAT was at 1.06%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker CAT.