• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Caterpillar Reports Record Sales and Revenues and Profit Per Share for 2008

Posted on: Monday, 26 January 2009, 06:30 CST

PEORIA, Ill., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced record sales and revenues of $51.324 billion for 2008, up 14 percent from 2007. Profit per share was $5.66, up 5 percent and profit after tax of $3.557 billion was about flat with 2007. The company also reported record fourth-quarter sales and revenues of $12.923 billion, 6 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2007. Profit per share for the quarter was $1.08, down 28 percent from the fourth quarter of 2007.

"While 2008 was our sixth consecutive year of record sales and revenues, it was an extraordinarily challenging year," said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens. "Through the first three quarters we experienced booming demand from key global industries, notably mining and energy, and most emerging market countries. Delivery times for many products were extended, and we were focused on increasing production and expediting shipments to meet customer needs," Owens added. "Then we were whipsawed in the fourth quarter as key industries were hit by a rapidly deteriorating global economy and plunging commodity prices. In anticipation of lower demand we encouraged dealers to align inventory with declining volume, and they responded with significant order cancellations, particularly in December."

For the year, sales and revenues increased $6.366 billion- $3.816 billion from higher sales volume, $1.352 billion from improved price realization, $653 million from the effects of currency, $284 million from higher Financial Products revenues and $261 million from the consolidation of Caterpillar Japan Ltd. (Cat Japan). Profit for 2008 was about flat with 2007, with the positive impact of higher price realization, improved sales volume and lower income tax expense about offset by higher operating costs, especially material and freight costs.

Fourth-quarter sales and revenues of $12.923 billion increased $779 million from the fourth quarter of last year. Higher sales volume of $494 million, improved price realization of $308 million, $261 million related to the consolidation of Cat Japan and $19 million from higher Financial Products revenues were partially offset by $303 million of lower sales from the effects of currency. Fourth-quarter profit of $661 million decreased $314 million as significantly higher Machinery and Engines operating costs and a sharp decline in profit related to Financial Products, more than offset a $409 million favorable tax item and favorable price realization.

"Fourth-quarter profit was disappointing, particularly in light of record fourth-quarter sales and revenues and a significant favorable tax adjustment," Owens said. "Fourth-quarter costs included transitional expenses as we moved to lower volumes and initiated production cuts. In addition, Financial Products results were impaired by financial market turbulence. It is now clear that we need to sharply lower our production and costs, and aggressive actions were triggered in December," Owens said.

Outlook

Global economic conditions and key commodity prices have continued to decline significantly. Financial markets remain under stress, and our expectations for 2009 have deteriorated. Uncertainty around the depth and duration of this recession makes it very difficult to forecast sales and revenues. As a result, Caterpillar is rapidly executing strategic "trough" plans and implementing actions throughout the company to deal with a very challenging global business environment. We have initiated actions which will remove about 20,000 workers from our business and every indirect spend dollar will be heavily scrutinized. These actions support lowering our production costs in line with a 25-percent decline in sales volume and reducing Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) and Research and Development (R&D) costs supporting our Machinery and Engines business by about 15 percent. We are encouraged by government stimulus programs and actions taken by central banks around the world to spur growth. However, economic conditions remain uncertain, and we are planning for 2009 sales and revenues to be in a range of plus or minus 10 percent from $40 billion. At $40 billion in 2009 sales and revenues, the company expects to achieve profit of $2.50 per share, excluding redundancy costs.

"These are very uncertain times, and it's imperative that we focus Team Caterpillar on dramatically reducing production schedules and costs in light of poor economic conditions throughout the world," Owens said. "While it's painful for our employees and suppliers, it's absolutely necessary given economic circumstances. We expect to have most of the actions needed to lower employment and cost levels in place by the end of the first quarter," Owens added.

"Without a doubt, 2009 will be a very tough year, but it's important to remember that economic cycles aren't new, and we will emerge from this even stronger than we are today. Throughout our 83-year history Caterpillar has successfully managed through the Great Depression, several recessions, a world war and numerous other adversities. We're a strong company with a management team that's been through tough times before. We are the global leader, with an unparalleled dealer network. We've strengthened our market position in past recessions, and we have done so over the past few months. In addition, we will continue to invest in product technology and operational efficiency through these tough times," Owens added. "When the economy does recover, the need for better housing, roads and capacity for energy and mining will still be there, and we will be prepared to respond."

Note: Glossary of terms included on pages 33-34; first occurrence of terms shown in bold italics.

For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2008 sales and revenues of $51.324 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services. More information is available at: http://www.cat.com.

SAFE HARBOR Certain statements in this release relate to future events and expectations and as such constitute forward-looking statements involving known and unknown factors that may cause actual results of Caterpillar Inc. to be different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. In this context, words such as "will," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "should" or other similar words and phrases often identify forward-looking statements made on behalf of Caterpillar. It is important to note that actual results of the company may differ materially from those described or implied in such forward-looking statements based on a number of factors and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, (i) adverse change in general economic conditions; (ii) adverse change in the industries Caterpillar serves including construction, infrastructure, mining, energy, marine and electric power generation; (iii) Caterpillar's ability to manage material, including steel, and freight costs; (iv) Caterpillar's ability to generate cash from operations, secure external funding for its operations and manage its liquidity needs; (v) material adverse change in customers' access to liquidity and capital; (vi) currency exchange or interest rates changes; (vii) political stability; (viii) market acceptance of the company's products and services; (ix) significant changes in the competitive environment; (x) epidemic diseases; (xi) severe change in weather conditions negatively impacting operations; (xii) changes in law, regulations and tax rates; and (xiii) other general economic, business and financing conditions and factors described in more detail in the company's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2008. This filing is available on our website at http://www.cat.com/sec_filings. We do not undertake to update our forward- looking statements.

Key Points Fourth Quarter 2008 (Dollars in millions except per share data) 2008 2007 $ Change % Change Machinery and Engines Sales $12,120 $11,360 $760 7% Financial Products Revenues 803 784 19 2% Total Sales and Revenues 12,923 12,144 779 6% Profit After Tax $661 $975 $(314) (32)% Profit per common share - diluted $1.08 $1.50 $(0.42) (28)%

Fourth-quarter sales and revenues of $12.923 billion were 6 percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2007. Machinery sales increased 3 percent, Engines sales increased 14 percent, and Financial Products revenues increased 2 percent.

Fourth-quarter profit was $661 million, and profit per share of $1.08 was $0.42 less than the fourth quarter of 2007.

Fourth-quarter profit declined $314 million as higher operating costs more than offset a $409 million favorable tax adjustment and improved price realization.

Full Year 2008 (Dollars in millions except per share data) 2008 2007 $ Change % Change Machinery and Engines Sales $48,044 $41,962 $6,082 14% Financial Products Revenues 3,280 2,996 284 9% Total Sales and Revenues 51,324 44,958 6,366 14% Profit After Tax $3,557 $3,541 $16 - Profit per common share - diluted $5.66 $5.37 $0.29 5%

Machinery and Engines sales improved $6.082 billion driven by growth in emerging markets, our broad global footprint in industries like mining and energy and growth in integrated service businesses. Machinery sales increased 12 percent, and Engines sales increased 19 percent.

Machinery and Engines operating cash flow was $3.560 billion. Machinery and Engines capital expenditures were $2.421 billion, and we repurchased 27.3 million shares of stock at a cost of $1.879 billion.

Outlook -- We expect a very weak year for the world economy, continued declines in commodity prices and industry declines in all regions. -- Economic conditions remain uncertain, and we are planning for 2009 sales and revenues to be in a range of plus or minus 10 percent from $40 billion. -- At $40 billion in 2009 sales and revenues, the company expects to achieve profit of $2.50 per share, excluding redundancy costs.

A question and answer section has been included in this release starting on

page 26. DETAILED ANALYSIS Consolidated Sales and Revenues Comparison 2008 vs. 2007 To access this chart, go to http://www.cat.com for the downloadable version of Caterpillar 4Q 2008 earnings.

The chart above graphically illustrates reasons for the change in Consolidated Sales and Revenues between 2007 (at left) and 2008 (at right). Items favorably impacting sales and revenues appear as upward stair steps with the corresponding dollar amounts above each bar, while items negatively impacting sales and revenues appear as downward stair steps with dollar amounts reflected in parentheses above each bar. The bar entitled Machinery Volume includes the impact of consolidation of Cat Japan sales. Caterpillar management utilizes these charts internally to visually communicate with the company's Board of Directors and employees.

Sales and Revenues

Sales and revenues for 2008 were $51.324 billion, up $6.366 billion, 14 percent, from 2007. Machinery sales volume was up $2.399 billion, driven by strength in developing economies. Engines sales volume increased $1.678 billion due to growth in all major industries, with particular strength in petroleum.

In addition, price realization contributed $1.352 billion, currency had a positive impact on sales of $653 million driven primarily by the stronger euro and Financial Products revenues increased 9 percent.

Sales and Revenues by Geographic Region (Millions of dollars) Total %Change North America %Change EAME 2007 Machinery $28,359 $12,596 $8,588 Engines(1) 13,603 5,092 5,245 Financial Products(2) 2,996 2,007 479 $44,958 $19,695 $14,312 (Millions of dollars) %Change Asia/Pacific %Change Latin America %Change 2007 Machinery $4,026 $3,149 Engines(1) 2,136 1,130 Financial Products(2) 240 270 $6,402 $4,549 (Millions of dollars) Total %Change North America %Change EAME 2008 Machinery $31,804 12% $12,769 1% $9,220 Engines(1) 16,240 19% 5,445 7% 6,311 Financial Products(2) 3,280 9% 2,001 - 590 $51,324 14% $20,215 3% $16,121 (Millions of dollars) %Change Asia/Pacific %Change Latin America %Change 2008 Machinery 7% $5,709 42% $4,106 30% Engines(1) 20% 2,910 36% 1,574 39% Financial Products(2) 23% 361 50% 328 21% 13% $8,980 40% $6,008 32% (1) Does not include internal engines transfers of $2.822 billion and $2.549 billion in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Internal engines transfers are valued at prices comparable to those for unrelated parties. (2) Does not include internal revenues earned from Machinery and Engines of $308 million and $400 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Machinery Sales Sales of $31.804 billion increased $3.445 billion, or 12 percent, from 2007. -- Excluding the consolidation of Cat Japan, sales volume increased $2.138 billion, with the gain occurring in the developing economies of Africa/Middle East, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Asia/Pacific and Latin America. -- Price realization increased $541 million. -- Currency benefited sales by $505 million. -- Geographic mix between regions (included in price realization) was $2 million favorable. -- The consolidation of Cat Japan added $261 million to 2008 sales. -- Dealers in all regions reported higher inventories than year-end 2007 in both dollars and months of supply. -- The U.S. economy was in recession throughout 2008, which contributed to weaknesses in both construction and quarrying. Coal mining and oil sands development were about the only positives for North America. -- The euro-zone entered recession in the second quarter and the United Kingdom in the third quarter. As a result of these recessions, housing construction declined sharply, nonresidential construction weakened and sales volume declined. -- Sales improved in the developing regions of Africa/Middle East, CIS, Asia/Pacific and Latin America through the first three quarters of 2008. However, growth slowed sharply in the fourth quarter in response to weakening economies. North America - Sales increased $173 million, or 1 percent. -- Sales volume decreased $143 million. -- Price realization increased $316 million. -- Dealers added slightly to reported inventories this year, a contrast to more than a billion-dollar reduction in 2007. Dealers reported higher inventories than a year earlier in both dollars and months of supply. -- Dealers reported significantly lower deliveries to end users, a result of the recession in the United States that persisted throughout the year. That recession led to lower sales in most key industries other than coal mining and the Canadian oil sands. -- U.S. housing starts declined to 904 thousand units, the lowest since 1945. Negatives for housing included a severe tightening in mortgage lending standards, sharp declines in home prices and more than an 11-month supply of unsold new homes. Canadian housing starts declined 6 percent. -- Spending for U.S. nonresidential construction increased in response to the surge in new orders over the past few years. However, new orders for commercial construction declined 18 percent in 2008. Problems for building construction included increased vacancy rates, declines in property prices and tighter credit conditions for businesses. -- New orders for highway construction declined almost 7 percent. Unfavorable factors included limited growth in Federal highway funding, state and local government budget difficulties and a sharp increase in material input prices. -- Nonmetals mining and quarry production dropped almost 14 percent in response to lower construction activity. -- The Central Appalachian coal price rose 90 percent, driven by a 43-percent increase in U.S. coal exports. U.S. coal production increased 2.2 percent, and Canadian production rose 1.2 percent. As a result, sales of the large tractors used in coal mining surged. -- Investment in Canadian oil sands increased 23 percent, benefiting from a 38-percent increase in crude oil prices. EAME - Sales increased $632 million, or 7 percent. -- Sales volume increased $196 million. -- Price realization increased $66 million. -- Currency benefited sales by $370 million. -- Dealers reported year-end 2008 inventories that were significantly higher than a year earlier in both dollars and months of supply. -- Sales volume dropped in both the euro-zone and the United Kingdom, due to recessions and a slowing in construction. -- Housing permits in the euro-zone dropped 22 percent, and U.K. housing orders fell 35 percent. High interest rates and home price declines in several European countries contributed to weakness in housing. -- Mining and energy development, as well as increased construction, caused sales volume to increase in Africa/Middle East. Oil prices increased 37 percent, and production rose more than 4 percent from a year earlier, which led to an increase in drilling. -- Sales volume increased significantly in the CIS region, despite economic problems that developed in the fourth quarter. Positive factors included low interest rates, increased government spending, increased energy prices and higher production of most energy commodities. Asia/Pacific - Sales increased $1,683 million, or 42 percent. -- Sales volume excluding the consolidation of Cat Japan increased $1,254 million. -- Price realization increased $91 million. -- Currency benefited sales by $77 million. -- The consolidation of Cat Japan added $261 million to 2008 sales. -- Dealers reported year-end 2008 inventories that were significantly higher than a year earlier in both dollars and months of supply. -- The largest gain in sales volume occurred in China, the result of higher sales of locally produced wheel loaders and increased construction activity. -- Another large gain in sales volume occurred in Indonesia, largely due to much higher coal prices. Indonesia is the world's largest exporter of thermal coal, and coal supplies in Asia were very tight for most of the year. -- Sales volume increased in Australia, primarily due to high metals and energy prices. Capital expenditures for mineral development increased 37 percent, and expenditures for coal increased 46 percent. Rapid growth in the mining industry stretched infrastructure capacity so investment in infrastructure increased 13 percent. -- In India, 11-percent growth in construction and 4 percent higher mining output contributed to an increase in sales volume. Latin America - Sales increased $957 million, or 30 percent. -- Sales volume increased $833 million. -- Price realization increased $66 million. -- Currency benefited sales by $58 million. -- Dealers reported year-end 2008 inventories that were significantly higher than a year earlier in both dollars and months of supply. -- Brazil had the largest increase in sales volume. Economic growth continued to benefit from interest rate reductions taken in 2007, resulting in a 10-percent increase in construction. Iron ore exports increased 62 percent, due to increased production and much higher prices. -- Sales volume increased sharply in Mexico. Positives included much higher oil prices, increased natural gas production and 3-percent growth in construction. -- Sales volume growth in Colombia occurred in response to much higher coal prices. In Chile, high copper prices led to an increase in sales volume. Engines Sales Sales of $16.240 billion increased $2.637 billion, or 19 percent, from 2007. -- Sales volume increased $1.678 billion. -- Price realization increased $811 million. -- Currency benefited sales $148 million. -- Geographic mix between regions (included in price realization) was $36 million favorable. -- Dealer-reported inventories were up, and months of supply were up slightly, supporting strong delivery rates. North America - Sales increased $353 million, or 7 percent. -- Sales volume increased $62 million. -- Price realization increased $291 million. -- Sales for on-highway truck applications increased 10 percent compared to a very weak 2007. Demand remained below historic norms due to the slowing U.S. economy that resulted in a reduction in freight tonnage. Also, the impact of the decision to exit the on- highway truck business was starting to be felt as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers reduced their reliance on Caterpillar products. -- Sales for petroleum engine applications increased 5 percent, driven by a slight increase in natural gas and drilling applications. -- Sales for marine applications increased 37 percent, with strong demand early in the year for supply vessels that support offshore drilling. This more than offset a decline in engine sales for pleasure craft. -- Sales for industrial applications increased 11 percent. -- Sales for electric power applications decreased 2 percent due to economic uncertainty and tightening credit conditions. EAME - Sales increased $1,066 million, or 20 percent. -- Sales volume increased $639 million. -- Price realization increased $293 million. -- Currency benefited sales by $134 million. -- Sales for petroleum applications increased 46 percent based on strong demand for engines used in drilling and production. Turbines and turbine-related services increased in support of gas transmission and oil and gas production applications in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. -- Sales for electric power applications increased 18 percent, with strong demand for large- and mid-sized generator sets into Africa and the Middle East. Mid-sized generator sets also benefited from successful rental development. -- Sales for marine applications increased 30 percent in workboats and commercial vessels. -- Sales for industrial applications increased 6 percent, with strong demand for small engines used in the telecom sector. In addition, demand for agricultural applications also improved as a result of high agricultural commodity prices. Asia/Pacific - Sales increased $774 million, or 36 percent. -- Sales volume increased $603 million. -- Price realization increased $157 million. -- Currency benefited sales by $14 million. -- Sales for petroleum applications increased 54 percent to support record Chinese drill rig activity and increased demand for Asian shipyards in support of offshore drilling. -- Sales for marine applications increased 30 percent, with strong demand for workboats and offshore shipbuilding. Large diesel demand grew in the offshore and general cargo industries. -- Sales of electric power engines increased 18 percent, with increased demand from Bangladesh industrial customers, and continued success with Chinese coal mine methane customers, for large gas generator sets. Diesel demand resulted from data and telecommunication center demand in China, and utility, mining and paper mill demand from Indonesia. -- Sales for industrial applications increased 62 percent driven by sales in Australia into mining and irrigation sectors and by sales in New Zealand. Latin America - Sales increased $444 million, or 39 percent. -- Sales volume increased $410 million. -- Price realization increased $34 million. -- Sales for petroleum applications increased 61 percent driven by the heightened demand for power to support drilling and production in Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and Peru. Turbines and turbine-related services increased for oil and gas production and gas transmission applications in South America. -- Sales of electric power engines increased 37 percent driven by high commodity prices and infrastructure investment. -- Sales for industrial applications increased 29 percent. This demand was driven by good economic conditions and higher agricultural commodity prices. -- Sales for on-highway truck applications decreased 7 percent as a result of a loss of OEM business in this region. Financial Products Revenues Revenues of $3.280 billion increased $284 million, or 9 percent, from 2007. -- Growth in average earning assets increased revenues $368 million, which was partially offset by a decrease of $175 million due to lower interest rates on new and existing finance receivables. -- Revenues from earned premiums at Cat Insurance increased $84 million. Consolidated Operating Profit Comparison 2008 vs 2007 To access this chart, go to http://www.cat.com for the downloadable version of Caterpillar 4Q 2008 earnings.

The chart above graphically illustrates reasons for the change in Consolidated Operating Profit between 2007 (at left) and 2008 (at right). Items favorably impacting operating profit appear as upward stair steps with the corresponding dollar amounts above each bar, while items negatively impacting operating profit appear as downward stair steps with dollar amounts reflected in parentheses above each bar. Caterpillar management utilizes these charts internally to visually communicate with the company's Board of Directors and employees. The bar entitled Other includes the operating profit impact of consolidating adjustments, consolidation of Cat Japan and Machinery and Engines other operating expenses.

Operating Profit

2008 operating profit of $4.448 billion was down $473 million from 2007 as improved price realization and higher sales volume were more than offset by higher costs and the unfavorable impact of currency.

Manufacturing costs increased $1.694 billion compared with 2007. The majority of the manufacturing cost increase was driven by higher material and freight costs. Material costs increased due to higher steel and commodity prices, and freight costs increased primarily due to higher fuel prices, and expediting costs related to higher production volume. In addition, manufacturing labor and overhead costs increased to support capacity expansion and velocity initiatives.

SG&A and R&D costs were up $605 million to support significant new product programs and growth.

Currency had a $154 million unfavorable impact on operating profit as the benefit to sales was more than offset by the negative impact on costs.

Operating Profit by Principal Line of Business (Millions of dollars) 2008 2007 $ Change % Change Machinery(1) $1,803 $2,758 $(955) (35)% Engines(1) 2,319 1,826 493 27% Financial Products 579 690 (111) (16)% Consolidating Adjustments (253) (353) 100 Consolidated Operating Profit $4,448 $4,921 $(473) (10)% (1) Caterpillar operations are highly integrated; therefore, the company uses a number of allocations to determine lines of business operating profit for Machinery and Engines. Operating Profit by Principal Line of Business -- Machinery operating profit of $1.803 billion was down $955 million, or 35 percent, from 2007. Improved price realization and higher sales volume were more than offset by higher costs and the unfavorable impact of currency. -- Engines operating profit of $2.319 billion was up $493 million, or 27 percent, from 2007. The favorable impacts of improved price realization and higher sales volume were partially offset by higher costs. -- Financial Products operating profit of $579 million was down $111 million, or 16 percent, from 2007. The decrease was attributable to a $136 million increase in SG&A expenses due primarily to a $95 million increase in the provision for credit losses at Cat Financial, a $105 million impact from decreased net yield of average earning assets, partially offset by a $130 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets. Other Profit/Loss Items -- Other income/expense was income of $299 million compared with income of $320 million in 2007. The favorable currency impacts of $79 million were more than offset by a $50 million unfavorable change in mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate derivative contracts at Cat Financial and a $37 million impairment of investments in Cat Insurance's portfolio as a result of poor market performance. -- The provision for income taxes for 2008 reflects an annual tax rate of 31.5 percent, excluding the discrete items discussed below, compared to a 30-percent rate in 2007. The increase in the tax rate excluding discrete items over 2007 is attributable to changes in our geographic mix of profits from a tax perspective. The provision for income taxes for 2008 also includes discrete benefits of $456 million. Repatriation of non-U.S. earnings resulted in a tax benefit of $409 million due to available foreign tax credits in excess of the U.S. tax liability on the dividend. A benefit of $47 million was also recorded in 2008 due to a change in tax status of a non-U.S. subsidiary allowing indefinite reinvestment of undistributed profits and reversal of U.S. tax previously recorded. -- Equity in profit/(loss) of unconsolidated affiliated companies was income of $37 million compared with income of $73 million in 2007. The decrease is primarily related to lower profit at Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. (SCM) through the first nine months and the absence of profit after the consolidation of Cat Japan. On August 1, 2008, SCM redeemed one-half of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.'s (MHI's) shares in SCM for $464 million. Caterpillar now owns 67 percent of the renamed entity, Caterpillar Japan Ltd. We consolidated Cat Japan's balance sheet on September 30, 2008. We began consolidating Cat Japan's results of operations in the fourth quarter.

Employment

Caterpillar's worldwide employment was 112,887 at the end of 2008, up 11,554 from a year ago. Of the increase, approximately 5,500 were the result of consolidating Cat Japan and about 1,300 were the result of acquisitions. The remaining increase of 4,800 employees primarily supported growth and new product introductions.

Revolving Credit Facilities

Largely driven by a significant decline in pension asset returns, Caterpillar recognized a $3.4 billion year-end charge to other comprehensive income. This non-operational charge caused our consolidated net worth to drop below the covenant level in our $6.85 billion revolving credit facility (Credit Facility). Our corporate bank group has consented to Caterpillar's consolidated net worth level. We have no borrowings under this revolving credit facility.

Cat Financial's profit was negatively impacted by, among other things, deteriorating economic conditions in the fourth quarter. This resulted in a decrease in its quarterly interest coverage ratio to a level below that required in the Credit Facility. This, in addition to Caterpillar's drop in consolidated net worth, resulted in Cat Financial falling below or failing to meet similar covenant requirements in several other loan agreements. Cat Financial's corporate bank group, with respect to the Credit Facility and other loan agreements similarly affected, has consented to Cat Financial's quarterly interest coverage level for the fourth quarter.

2009 Outlook

The financial and banking crisis accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2008 and has significantly impacted economic growth in general and the industries that we serve around the globe. As a result, our outlook for 2009 has worsened.

We expect 2009 will be the weakest year for economic growth in the postwar period. We are expecting recessionary conditions to persist in most of the world throughout the year, with no growth in the world economy.

-- Preliminary data indicates the world economy fell into recession in fourth quarter 2008. The developed economies of the United States, euro-zone, United Kingdom and Japan declined sharply, many developing economies slowed, and commodity prices dropped in response to weaker demand. -- Economic policymakers were distracted by inflationary concerns during last summer's surge in commodity prices and were slow to respond to economic weaknesses and the credit crisis. Effective actions did not really begin until after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September. The timing of the response means the world economy will likely remain severely depressed through at least the middle of 2009. -- Central banks in developed economies have cut interest rates to, or near, record lows, and several key developing economies have responded by lowering rates. In addition, some countries are implementing measures to increase monetary growth, reduce credit spreads and drive spending through fiscal stimulus programs, which should aid construction. -- Most commodity prices dropped below investment threshold levels in late 2008, and producers are reducing and delaying investments. We expect this unfavorable environment to persist throughout the year. -- We expect 2009 will be a dismal year for the world economy, but conditions for much better growth are developing, particularly in industries we serve. Interest rates throughout the world are at historically low levels and should eventually be favorable for investment. Despite a higher level of spending over the past few years, capacity in the world's infrastructure, mining and energy industries is still inadequate or outdated. Reduced investment in 2009 is going to leave future capacity even more strained. Government stimulus plans are a step in the right direction and should help economic growth. -- While we are encouraged by actions that have been taken to drive economic improvements, we are concerned that the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan are responding too slowly to today's economic crisis. In addition, we are concerned that central banks may begin tightening policies at the first sign of economic recovery and could create another downturn.

North American economies should decline 1.5 percent in 2009, but we expect the United States will be the first major economy to pull out of recession, sometime in the second half of 2009.

-- The U.S. economy has been in recession throughout 2008, GDP started declining in the third quarter of 2008, and U.S. machinery industries that we serve have been declining since early 2006. Output likely will decline throughout the second quarter, causing this recession to about match the 1981-82 recession in duration and severity. -- The Federal Funds rate has traded at the lowest level on record, and the Fed has indicated it will keep rates low for an extended time. So, we assume no rate increases will occur this year. Despite the low Federal Funds rate, credit spreads remain elevated, so the Fed is focusing on increasing liquidity and providing funds directly to businesses and consumers. Monetary growth has accelerated at unprecedented rates and should eventually encourage more spending, possibly in the second half of 2009. -- The Obama administration's stimulus program should increase funds for infrastructure construction. Quick passage of the bill could increase funding in the second half of 2009, and some improvement in infrastructure spending is expected. -- Housing affordability is near a record high, and 30-year mortgage rates could fall below 4.5 percent this year, helping to stabilize housing later in the year. We expect housing starts will be approximately 900 thousand units, about the same as 2008. -- Central Appalachian coal prices should average a little more than $40 per ton in 2009, which should allow a 0.5 percent increase in coal production. -- The Canadian economy should decline slightly, prompting the Bank of Canada to cut its interest rate another 25 basis points to 0.75 percent.

We expect European economies to decline 0.9 percent this year. Recessions in both the euro-zone and United Kingdom will likely last most of the year, making the recessions some of the worst in the postwar period.

-- The Bank of England recently cut interest rates to 1.5 percent, the lowest since 1694. The European Central Bank cut interest rates to 2 percent and boosted monetary growth. However, the bank has been less aggressive in cutting interest rates than other central banks, creating the risk of an extended period of weakness. -- European governments announced stimulus packages, which will provide funds for infrastructure construction. However, we expect housing and nonresidential construction will decline in most European countries.

The Japanese economy should decline about 2 percent, remaining in recession for most of the year.

-- The Bank of Japan recently cut interest rates from 0.3 percent to 0.1 percent. However, the short-term interest rate, as in the last cycle, has not had a significant impact on improving growth. -- The bank has started buying commercial paper and has increased bank reserves slightly. Easing, however, has not been sufficient to provide the liquidity for an economic recovery. -- Government stimulus packages should boost public construction, but private construction likely will continue declining.

Economic growth in the developing economies should average about 3 percent in 2009, the slowest since 2002, but still outperform developed economies.

-- In recent years, these economies have benefited from lower inflation and interest rates, more competitive exports and higher commodity prices. Many of those factors remain more favorable than in past downturns. -- Key countries, particularly in Asia, have aggressively reversed past policy tightening; with interest rates at or below lows earlier this decade. We expect further easing in many countries. -- In the past, balance-of-payments problems often prevented these countries from adopting expansive economic policies during worldwide economic slowdowns. We do not expect these countries to be as severely constrained since many are running surpluses with developed countries and have accumulated significant foreign exchange reserves. -- Most governments have not increased spending in line with increases in export and commodity revenues. As a result, governments will not need to cut spending in line with declines in exports and commodity revenues.

2009 Sales and Revenues Outlook

The depth and duration of economic decline throughout the world makes it very difficult to forecast sales and revenues. As a result, we are focused on executing our strategic "trough" plans throughout the company.

We are encouraged by the actions of central banks around the world and the prospects of fiscal stimulus. We are optimistic that economic conditions in the United States will stabilize later in the year and may show some signs of recovery. However, we are implementing actions throughout the company to be prepared for a very negative year with sales and revenues in a range of plus or minus 10 percent from $40 billion.

While sales and revenues could be higher than $40 billion in 2009, the economic picture is extremely difficult to predict, and it is prudent to focus the company on actions that will deliver our "trough" profit goal.

We expect significant declines in all geographic regions in most industries. At $40 billion, the sales volume decline, excluding the impact of consolidating Cat Japan, is about 25 percent. Volume related to machines and engines would be down about 30 percent, and sales and revenues of integrated service businesses would be down about 5 percent.

Some improvement in price realization and about $1 billion of additional sales as a result of the consolidation of Cat Japan are partial offsets to the sharp drop in volume.

2009 Profit Outlook

As a result of sharply declining sales, we expect 2009 profit to drop significantly from 2008, and we are taking actions to deliver our "trough" profit target of $2.50 per share, excluding redundancy costs, at $40 billion in 2009 sales and revenues. We have initiated actions which will remove about 20,000 workers from our business and every indirect spend dollar will be heavily scrutinized. These actions support lowering our production costs in line with a 25-percent decline in sales volume and reducing SG&A and R&D costs supporting our Machinery and Engines business collectively by about 15 percent. Actions include: -- Voluntary and involuntary separations and layoffs of about 4,000 full-time production employees. Depending on business conditions more layoffs may be required as the year unfolds. -- Sharp declines in overtime work. Factory overtime is a key element of volume flexibility and many facilities were working high levels of overtime through most of 2008. -- Several facilities have shortened workweeks, and thousands of employees have been, or will be, affected by temporary layoffs and full and partial plant shutdowns. -- Elimination of almost 8,000 temporary, contract and agency workers. While these workers are a key element of our "flexible workforce" they are not included among the 112,887 full-time employees at year end. -- Voluntary separations of about 2,500 support and management employees. -- Additional layoffs or separations of as many as 5,000 support and management employees. -- Hiring freezes and suspension of salary increases for most support and management employees. -- Significant reductions in total compensation for executives / senior managers. -- At $2.50 profit per share, our short-term incentive plan would not trigger payment. -- Reduction in indirect expenses of about 15 percent. -- Significant reduction in capital expenditures. -- Shifting more resources to work on short- and medium-term material cost reduction. -- Shifting more resources to work on inventory reduction projects. Elements of the 2009 Profit Outlook -- We expect significantly lower sales volume across all regions and most industries. The consolidation of Cat Japan is expected to add about $1 billion to sales, but be negative to profit as a result of severe economic decline in Japan. -- We are forecasting improved price realization for 2009 as there still is cost pressure in the system. -- To support our price realization forecast, we are rapidly scaling back production to align dealer inventory with demand as we move through the year, and we believe the industry is rapidly scaling back to minimize inventory as well. -- Material costs are expected to increase slightly. Because material costs rose significantly in the second half of 2008 and our material costs tend to lag trends in commodities, we expect that year-over- year cost comparisons will be negative in the first half of the year and will improve in the second half. -- We expect efficiency improvement as a result of continued implementation of the Cat Production System (CPS) however, production volume, particularly in the first quarter, will likely drop faster than manufacturing costs as we sharply lower production, employment and cost levels. -- Excluding Cat Japan, Machinery and Engines SG&A and R&D expenses are forecast to decline about 15 percent. R&D spending in 2009 will be primarily focused on new products to meet Tier 4 regulatory emissions requirements. -- We expect about $500 million of redundancy expense related to employment reductions, most of the expense is expected to occur in the first quarter. -- The tax rate in 2009 is expected to approximate the 2008 rate of 31.5 percent, excluding discrete tax items. -- Financial Products profit before tax is expected to decline by about 50 percent in 2009 as a result of higher liquidity costs and the resulting tighter spreads between the cost of borrowing and Cat Financial's lending rates.

Machinery and Engines Cash Flow

Our priorities for the use of cash remain unchanged-a strong balance sheet that helps protect our credit rating, capital to support growth, appropriately funded employee benefit plans, modestly increasing dividends and stock repurchases with excess cash.

-- For 2009 we expect operating cash flow to hold up better than profit, with a significant decline in inventory and lower receivables helping to offset the impact of lower profit. -- The funded status of our defined benefit pension plans declined in 2008. As a result we expect to contribute approximately $1 billion in 2009 versus $422 million that was contributed in 2008. -- Capital expenditures are expected to be about $1.5 billion in 2009, a decline of about 38 percent from 2008. -- As a result of current economic conditions, we have temporarily put our stock repurchase program on hold.

First Quarter 2009

It's not our practice to provide specific quarterly profit guidance, and we don't intend to start. However, we are in unprecedented times, and some discussion around the first quarter is appropriate.

While we expect the full year of 2009 to be very challenging, profit in the first half, and particularly the first quarter, will be under severe pressure. In fact, a first-quarter loss is possible. There are two primary reasons that profit will be particularly weak early in the year:

-- First, production volume will be severely depressed and is likely to fall faster than dealer sales to end users. We opened dealer order boards around the world in the fourth quarter to allow dealers to cancel existing orders in response to deteriorating economic conditions. Dealers reacted and have cut orders substantially. We expect that this will result in further declines in dealer inventory in the first quarter at a time of year when dealers normally build inventory in preparation for higher sales to end users in the spring and summer. We have announced significant measures to bring production, costs and employment down, but given lead times necessary for employees, we expect that our production and sales will fall faster than costs early in the year. -- Second, we expect a substantial charge for redundancy costs, about $500 million for the year, with most of it coming in the first quarter. DETAILED ANALYSIS Consolidated Sales & Revenues Comparison 4th Qtr. 2008 vs 4th Qtr. 2007 To access this chart, go to http://www.cat.com for the downloadable version of Caterpillar 4Q 2008 earnings.

The chart above graphically illustrates reasons for the change in Consolidated Sales and Revenues between fourth quarter 2007 (at left) and fourth quarter 2008 (at right). Items favorably impacting sales and revenues appear as upward stair steps with the corresponding dollar amounts above each bar, while items negatively impacting sales and revenues appear as downward stair steps with dollar amounts reflected in parentheses above each bar. The bar entitled Machinery Volume includes the impact of consolidation of Cat Japan sales. Caterpillar management utilizes these charts internally to visually communicate with the company's Board of Directors and employees.

Sales and Revenues

Sales and revenues for fourth quarter 2008 were $12.923 billion, up $779 million, or 6 percent, from fourth quarter 2007. Machinery volume was up $297 million. Excluding Cat Japan, machinery volume was up $36 million. Engines volume was up $458 million, as growth in developing economies more than offset significant weakness in developed economies. Price realization improved $308 million. Financial Products revenues increased $19 million. Currency had a negative impact on sales of $303 million due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies.

Sales and Revenues by Geographic Region (Millions of dollars) Total %Change North America %Change EAME Fourth Quarter 2007 Machinery $7,460 $3,112 $2,322 Engines(1) 3,900 1,275 1,617 Financial Products(2) 784 494 150 $12,144 $4,881 $4,089 (Millions of dollars) %Change Asia/Pacific %Change Latin America %Change Fourth Quarter 2007 Machinery $1,194 $832 Engines(1) 654 354 Financial Products(2) 62 78 $1,910 $1,264 (Millions of dollars) Total %Change North America %Change EAME Fourth Quarter 2008 Machinery $7,675 3% $2,833 (9)% $2,013 Engines(1) 4,445 14% 1,379 8% 1,670 Financial Products(2) 803 2% 490 (1)% 144 $12,923 6% $4,702 (4)% $3,827 (Millions of dollars) %Change Asia/Pacific %Change Latin America %Change Fourth Quarter 2008 Machinery (13)% $1,652 38% $1,177 41% Engines(1) 3% 849 30% 547 55% Financial Products(2) (4)% 89 44% 80 3% (6)% $2,590 36% $1,804 43% (1) Does not include internal engines transfers of $646 million and $652 million in fourth quarter 2008 and 2007, respectively. Internal engines transfers are valued at prices comparable to those for unrelated parties. (2) Does not include internal revenues earned from Machinery and Engines of $66 million and $104 million in fourth quarter 2008 and 2007, respectively. Machinery Sales Sales of $7.675 billion increased $215 million, or 3 percent, from fourth quarter 2007. -- Sales volume increased $36 million, with the gain occurring in the developing economies of Africa/Middle East, CIS, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. -- Price realization increased $85 million. -- Currency decreased sales by $167 million. -- Geographic mix between regions (included in price realization) was $14 million favorable. -- The consolidation of Cat Japan sales added $261 million to 2008 sales. -- Dealers in all regions reported higher inventories than year-end 2007 in both dollars and months of supply. -- The financial crisis intensified after the collapse of Lehman Brothers in mid September. Recessions in the developed countries worsened, and growth in the developing economies slowed abruptly. As a result, dealers reported lower deliveries to end users than a year earlier. -- The U.S. economy probably declined at the fastest rate in more than 25 years. Construction, nonmetals mining and quarrying weakened further. Coal mining and oil sands development were about the only positives for North America. -- The European economy declined, putting additional downward pressure on construction. -- Sales volume increased in the developing regions of Africa/Middle East, CIS, Asia/Pacific and Latin America, although at a slower rate than earlier in the year. Higher interest rates, the credit crisis, lower commodity prices and reduced exports to developed countries were the major factors causing this slowing. North America - Sales decreased $279 million, or 9 percent. -- Sales volume decreased $354 million. -- Price realization increased $75 million. -- Sales volume declined in line with lower reported dealer deliveries to end users. Dealers added slightly to inventories, leaving them higher than a year earlier in both dollars and months of supply. -- The U.S. economy was in recession and the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers caused a severe tightening in financial markets. As a result, economic output dropped sharply, and key industries reduced machine purchases. -- U.S. housing starts fell below a 700 thousand unit annual rate, the lowest this cycle, and permits for new construction were even lower. Housing starts were depressed by relatively high mortgage interest rates, a further tightening in credit, a 10-percent decline in new home prices and more than an 11-month supply of unsold new homes. -- Orders for U.S. nonresidential construction fell 28 percent below a year earlier. Negatives included limited growth in Federal highway funding, higher material input costs, and declines in commercial property prices. Banks further tightened credit standards on commercial real estate loans in response to rising delinquencies and financial stresses. -- Sharp declines in construction caused a 13-percent drop in nonmetals mining and quarry production. -- Metals mining production increased sharply, but much lower metals prices prompted mines to reduce machine purchases. -- Coal production increased almost 3 percent, benefiting from increased exports and much higher coal prices. Sales of machines used in coal mining increased. -- Crude oil prices declined, but to levels that were still attractive for investment. EAME - Sales decreased $309 million, or 13 percent. -- Sales volume decreased $199 million. -- Price realization decreased $19 million. -- Currency impact decreased sales by $91 million. -- Dealers in all regions reported higher inventories than year-end 2007 in both dollars and months of supply. -- Preliminary data suggest recessions in both the euro-zone and the United Kingdom worsened in fourth quarter 2008, and dealers reported sizable declines in deliveries. -- Interest rates remained relatively high, contributing to weakness in construction. Housing permits in the euro-zone were probably down more than 20 percent, and U.K. housing orders plunged more than 50 percent. Heavy construction in the euro-zone declined 6 percent. -- Sales volume increased slightly in Africa/Middle East, ending more than 5 years of strong year-on-year growth. -- In the CIS, sales volume increased, although at a slower rate than earlier in the year. Russia's economy slowed due to higher interest rates, a credit crisis and lower oil revenues. -- In both Africa/Middle East and CIS, sales volume in December was lower than a year earlier. Asia/Pacific - Sales increased $458 million, or 38 percent. -- Sales volume increased $235 million. -- Price realization increased $17 million. -- Currency impact decreased sales by $55 million. -- The consolidation of Cat Japan sales added $261 million to 2008 sales. -- Dealers in all regions reported higher inventories than year-end 2007 in both dollars and months of supply. -- Recessions in developed economies caused export growth to slow or decline for most countries. In addition, several countries had raised interest rates, which helped slow economic growth. -- China's economy slowed, which sharply curtailed growth in sales volume. -- Higher coal prices contributed to sizable sales volume growth in Indonesia. -- Mine output expanded in Australia as mining employment increased 30 percent. Higher production, along with commodity prices that were still attractive for investment, led to increased sales volume. -- India had tightened economic policies to cope with inflation and the economy slowed in the fourth quarter. Sales volume increased slightly, ending several years of rapid growth. Latin America - Sales increased $345 million, or 41 percent. -- Sales volume increased $368 million. -- Price realization decreased $2 million. -- Currency impact decreased sales by $21 million. -- Dealers reported higher inventories than year-end 2007 in both dollars and months of supply. -- The largest gain in sales volume occurred in Chile. Positives were efforts to expand mine production and increased construction. -- Higher coal prices boosted sales volume in Colombia. -- Although the Mexican economy was sluggish, construction and the energy industries expanded. Sales volume increased sharply. -- Interest rate increases in Brazil caused the economy to slow sharply in the fourth quarter, with industrial production declining. The world steel industry reduced production in the last half of 2008, causing Brazil's iron ore production to drop 5 percent. As a result, growth in sales volume slowed significantly from rates experienced during the first three quarters. Engines Sales Sales of $4.445 billion increased $545 million, or 14 percent, from fourth quarter 2007. -- Sales volume increased $458 million. -- Price realization increased $223 million. -- Currency impact decreased sales $136 million. -- Geographic mix between regions (included in price realization) was $2 million favorable. -- Dealer-reported inventories were up, and months of supply were up slightly, supporting strong delivery rates. North America - Sales increased $104 million, or 8 percent. -- Sales volume increased $22 million. -- Price realization increased $82 million. -- Sales for petroleum engine applications increased 14 percent due to strong demand for gas compression, drilling and well service applications. Turbine sales for gas transmission projects were down due to timing of customer project schedules. This was partially offset by an increase in turbine-related services. -- Sales for electric power applications increased 8 percent, driven by increases in turbine sales to support power plant projects. -- Sales for on-highway truck applications increased 3 percent, when compared with a very weak fourth quarter 2007 in the North American on-highway heavy-duty truck market. Demand remained below historic norms due to the slow U.S. economy that resulted in a reduction in freight tonnage. Also, the impact of the decision to exit the on- highway truck business was starting to be felt as OEM customers reduced their reliance on Caterpillar products. -- Sales for industrial applications decreased 3 percent due to substantially lower demand in construction, material handling and auxiliary power units. EAME - Sales increased $53 million, or 3 percent. -- Sales volume increased $85 million. -- Price realization increased $72 million. -- Currency impact decreased sales by $104 million. -- Sales for industrial applications decreased 16 percent, as demand in the construction segments slowed with reduced spending on infrastructure development. This was partially offset by increases in agricultural applications. -- Sales for marine applications increased 27 percent in workboats and commercial vessels to support projects that were driven by high commodity prices. -- Sales for petroleum applications increased 16 percent based on strong demand for engines used in drilling and production. Turbine sales increased for gas transmission and oil and gas production applications. -- Sales for electric power applications increased 6 percent, with strong demand in Africa/Middle East offsetting weaker demand in Europe and the CIS and a decrease in turbine sales, which were the result of timing of large power plant projects. Asia/Pacific - Sales increased $195 million, or 30 percent. -- Sales volume increased $170 million. -- Price realization increased $57 million. -- Currency impact decreased sales by $32 million. -- Sales for petroleum applications increased 79 percent to support Chinese drill rig activity and increased demand for Asian shipyards in support of offshore drilling. Turbine sales increased for gas transmission and oil and gas production applications. -- Sales for marine applications increased 34 percent, with continued strong demand for workboat, offshore and general cargo vessels. -- Sales for industrial applications increased 39 percent, as a result of higher sales into mining and irrigation sectors in Australia and increased sales in New Zealand. -- Sales of electric power engines decreased 2 percent. Latin America - Sales increased $193 million, or 55 percent. -- Sales volume increased $183 million. -- Price realization increased $10 million. -- Sales for petroleum applications increased 60 percent as turbines and turbine-related services increased for gas transmission and oil and gas production applications. -- Sales of electric power engines increased 82 percent to support infrastructure investment. -- Sales for on-highway truck applications decreased 42 percent as a result of OEM customers working down inventory and a loss of OEM business. Financial Products Revenues Revenues of $803 million increased $19 million, or 2 percent, from the fourth quarter 2007. -- Growth in average earning assets increased revenues $56 million, which was partially offset by a decrease of $46 million due to lower interest rates on new and existing finance receivables. -- Revenues from earned premiums at Cat Insurance increased $24 million. Consolidated Operating Profit Comparison 4th Qtr. 2008 vs 4th Qtr. 2007 To access this chart, go to http://www.cat.com for the downloadable version of Caterpillar 4Q 2008 earnings.

The chart above graphically illustrates reasons for the change in Consolidated Operating Profit between fourth quarter 2007 (at left) and fourth quarter 2008 (at right). Items favorably impacting operating profit appear as upward stair steps with the corresponding dollar amounts above each bar, while items negatively impacting operating profit appear as downward stair steps with dollar amounts reflected in parentheses above each bar. Caterpillar management utilizes these charts internally to visually communicate with the company's Board of Directors and employees. The bar entitled Other includes the operating profit impact of consolidating adjustments, consolidation of Cat Japan and Machinery and Engines other operating expenses.

Operating Profit

Operating profit in fourth quarter 2008 of $457 million was $798 million lower than fourth quarter 2007 as improved price realization and higher sales volume were more than offset by higher costs.

Manufacturing costs increased $938 million compared with fourth quarter 2007. The increase was driven by higher material and freight costs, along with manufacturing inefficiencies as costs did not drop in line with a sharp decline in production volume.

SG&A and R&D costs were up $279 million to support significant new product programs and growth initiatives.

Financial Products operating profit decreased $87 million. Operating Profit by Principal Line of Business (Millions of dollars) Fourth Quarter Fourth Quarter $ % 2008 2007 Change Change Machinery(1) $(6) $619 $(625) (101)% Engines(1) 438 571 (133) (23)% Financial Products 74 161 (87) (54)% Consolidating Adjustments (49) (96) 47 Consolidated Operating Profit $457 $1,255 $(798) (64)% (1) Caterpillar operations are highly integrated; therefore, the company uses a number of allocations to determine lines of business operating profit for Machinery and Engines. Operating Profit by Principal Line of Business -- Machinery operating loss was $6 million compared to an operating profit of $619 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Substantially all of the change was the result of higher manufacturing costs. -- Engines operating profit of $438 million was down $133 million, or 23 percent, from fourth quarter 2007. Higher costs were partially offset by improved price realization and higher sales volume. -- Financial Products operating profit of $74 million was down $87 million, or 54 percent, from fourth quarter 2007. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $57 million impact from decreased net yield on average earning assets and a $42 million increase in the provision for credit losses at Cat Financial, partially offset by a $22 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets. Other Profit/Loss Items -- Other income/expense was expense of $26 million compared with income of $88 million in fourth quarter 2007. The decrease was primarily due to a $47 million unfavorable change in mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate derivative contracts at Cat Financial and a $37 million impairment of investments in Cat Insurance's portfolio as a result of poor market performance. -- The provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2008 reflects an annual tax rate of 31.5 percent, excluding the discrete item discussed below, compared to a 30-percent rate in 2007. The increase in the tax rate excluding discrete items over 2007 is primarily attributable to a less favorable geographic mix of profits from a tax perspective. Although we expected to lower our annual tax rate by approximately one percentage point in the fourth quarter due to the renewal of the U.S. research and development tax credit in October 2008, this benefit was offset by less favorable fourth quarter geographic mix of profits from a tax perspective resulting in no change in the estimated tax rate from third quarter 2008. The provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2008 also includes a discrete benefit of $409 million related to repatriation of non-U.S. earnings with available foreign tax credits in excess of the U.S. tax liability on the dividend. This compares to a favorable adjustment of $55 million in the fourth quarter 2007 related to a decrease in the estimated tax rate. -- Equity in profit/(loss) of unconsolidated affiliated companies was income of $5 million compared with income of $22 million in fourth quarter 2007. The decline reflects the absence of profit at Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. (SCM) due to the redemption, on August 1, 2008, of one-half of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.'s (MHI's) shares in SCM.

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category