Caterpillar Reports Best Quarter in History and Raises 2012 Profit Outlook

PEORIA, Ill., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced second-quarter 2012 profit per share of $2.54, an all-time quarterly record, and a 67-percent increase from second-quarter 2011 profit per share of $1.52.  Sales and revenues were $17.374 billion, also an all-time record, and a 22-percent increase from second-quarter 2011 sales and revenues of $14.230 billion.  Profit was $1.699 billion in the quarter, an increase of 67 percent from $1.015 billion in the second quarter of 2011.

"I am very pleased with Caterpillar's record-breaking performance in the second quarter.  Our employees, dealers and suppliers across the globe are doing a superb job of executing our strategy.  They have helped deliver the highest level of financial performance for any quarter in our history for our stockholders and outstanding value for our customers," said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Doug Oberhelman. 

"Our global footprint, the breadth of industries we serve and our extensive line of products and services have helped us achieve these record-breaking results during this time of heightened economic uncertainty, and execution has been outstanding.  Whether you look at cost control, delivery performance, safety, quality, new product introductions or margin rates, Caterpillar's operational performance in the quarter was excellent.  It's what drove second-quarter profit and is providing a solid foundation as we balance our positive long-term view of the world economy with the high level of uncertainty we're all seeing today," Oberhelman added.

2012 Outlook      

We have narrowed the outlook range for sales and revenues and raised the outlook for profit.  The sales and revenues outlook range for 2012 is now $68 to $70 billion with profit of about $9.60 per share at the middle of the sales and revenues outlook range.  The previous outlook for sales and revenues was a range of $68 to $72 billion with profit of about $9.50 per share at the middle of the sales and revenues outlook range.

The adjustment to the high end of the sales and revenues outlook is a result of weaker economic conditions in much of the world and about $1 billion of negative currency impacts.  Since the introduction of our outlook in January of 2012, the U.S. dollar has strengthened and has negatively impacted our sales and revenues outlook as our sales in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translating into fewer U.S. dollars.

The profit outlook improved as a result of better underlying operating performance, partially offset by the negative impact from an increase in our estimated annual tax rate for 2012.  Currency had little impact on the change in the profit-per-share outlook from $9.50 to $9.60 because of the offsetting impact on sales in the worldwide markets we serve with costs resulting from our extensive global manufacturing footprint and cost base.  The outlook for 2012 reflects full-year records for sales and revenues and profit. 

"Caterpillar's success in 2012 is occurring despite U.S. construction activity that remains depressed and well below the prior peak, the problems facing Eurozone economies and economic concerns in China," Oberhelman said.  "While we're expecting a record year in 2012, we understand the world is facing economic challenges, and if it becomes necessary, we are prepared to act quickly as we did in late 2008 and 2009.  While we're prepared, the good news is, this doesn't feel like 2008.  Interest rates are low, central banks are prepared to inject more liquidity if needed, and housing is coming off lows, not a peak, and seems to be improving," Oberhelman added.

"While we will not hesitate to act if we need to, we believe that actions needed for better world economic growth for the future have already begun.  Brazil started easing monetary policy with lower interest rates in late 2011, and we are now seeing improvement in our business there.  China has started taking action, and we expect that further monetary easing and investment initiatives in China should help economic growth in late 2012 and 2013.  In the United States, we were pleased to see the passage of a transportation bill that provides our customers more clarity through fiscal 2014.  We expect that with continued fiscal and monetary action the economies in Asia/Pacific, Latin America and North America can improve.  It will likely take some time for the Eurozone to fix its problems, but we expect that monetary easing by the European Central Bank, a commitment to resolve debt issues and more focus on economic growth should help stabilize the situation and lead to better prospects in the future.

"I am cautiously optimistic about the world economy in 2013, very positive on the long-term prospects for global growth and excited about the role Caterpillar will play in making that growth happen.  After all, the road to progress … begins with a road," Oberhelman said.

Notes:

• Glossary of terms is included on pages 20-21; first occurrence of terms shown in bold italics.
• Information on non-GAAP financial measures is included on page 22.

For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent.  With 2011 sales and revenues of $60.138 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.  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.caterpillar.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this release relate to future events and expectations and are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words such as "believe," "estimate," "will be," "will," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "project," "intend," "could," "should" or other similar words or expressions often identify forward-looking statements.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding our outlook, projections, forecasts or trend descriptions. These statements do not guarantee future performance, and we do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

Caterpillar's actual results may differ materially from those described or implied in our forward-looking statements based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to: (i) global economic conditions and economic conditions in the industries and markets we serve; (ii) government monetary or fiscal policies and infrastructure spending ; (iii) commodity or component price increases and/or limited availability of raw materials and component products, including steel; (iv) our and our customers', dealers' and suppliers' ability to access and manage liquidity; (v) political and economic risks and instability, including national or international conflicts and civil unrest; (vi) our and Cat Financial's ability to: maintain credit ratings, avoid material increases in borrowing costs, and access capital markets; (vii) the financial condition and credit worthiness of Cat Financial's customers; (viii) inability to realize expected benefits from acquisitions and divestitures, including the acquisition of Bucyrus International, Inc.; (ix) international trade and investment policies; (x) challenges related to Tier 4 emissions compliance; (xi) market acceptance of our products and services; (xii) changes in the competitive environment, including market share, pricing and geographic and product mix of sales; (xiii) successful implementation of capacity expansion projects, cost reduction initiatives and efficiency or productivity initiatives, including the Caterpillar Production System; (xiv) sourcing practices of our dealers or original equipment manufacturers; (xv) compliance with environmental laws and regulations; (xvi) alleged or actual violations of trade or anti-corruption laws and regulations; (xvii) additional tax expense or exposure; (xviii) currency fluctuations; (xix) our or Cat Financial's compliance with financial covenants; (xx) increased pension plan funding obligations; (xxi) union disputes or other employee relations issues; (xxii) significant legal proceedings, claims, lawsuits or investigations; (xxiii) compliance requirements imposed if carbon emissions legislation and/or regulations are adopted; (xxiv) changes in accounting standards; (xxv) failure or breach of IT security; (xxvi) adverse effects of natural disasters; and (xxvii) other factors described in more detail under "Item 1A.  Risk Factors" in our Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2012 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  This filing is available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/secfilings. 

• Second-quarter sales and revenues of $17.374 billion were an all-time high and were 22 percent higher than the second quarter of 2011.  Excluding the effect of acquisitions, sales and revenues increased 12 percent from the second quarter of 2011.
• Profit per share was $2.54 in the second quarter of 2012, the highest quarterly profit per share in our history.  Second-quarter 2012 profit per share increased $1.02 from the second quarter of 2011.
• Machinery & Power Systems (M&PS) operating cash flow was $1.281 billion in the second quarter of 2012, compared with $2.467 billion in the second quarter of 2011.  The decrease was due to unfavorable changes in working capital partially offset by higher profit.
• M&PS debt-to-capital ratio was 40.9 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2012, up slightly from 40.5 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2012 due to the issuance of $1.5 billion of long-term debt in June 2012. 
• The liquidity position also continued to strengthen in the second quarter.  Total cash on a consolidated basis was $5.1 billion, an increase of $2.2 billion from the end of the first quarter.
• Excluding the effect of acquisitions, the global workforce has increased by 12,367 people since the end of the second quarter of 2011: 6,020 in the United States and 6,347 outside the United States.

2012 Outlook

• The 2012 outlook now reflects sales and revenues in a range of $68 to $70 billion and profit of about $9.60 per share at the middle of the sales and revenues range.  The previous outlook was for sales and revenues in the range of $68 to $72 billion and profit per share to be about $9.50 at the middle of the sales and revenues range.
• The capital expenditures 2012 outlook of about $4 billion remains unchanged—with about half invested in the United States.
• The outlook for 2012 represents the highest sales and revenues and profit in Caterpillar history, exceeding last year's record results. 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Consolidated Sales and Revenues Comparison
Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011

To access this chart, go to http://caterpillar.com for the downloadable version of Caterpillar 2Q2012 earnings.

The chart above graphically illustrates reasons for the change in Consolidated Sales and Revenues between the second quarter of 2011 (at left) and the second quarter of 2012 (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.  Caterpillar management utilizes these charts internally to visually communicate with the company's Board of Directors and employees.

Sales and Revenues

Sales and revenues were $17.374 billion in the second quarter of 2012, an increase of $3.144 billion, or 22 percent, from the second quarter of 2011.  The improvement was a result of sales volume, acquisitions and price realization.  Sales volume improved $1.527 billion, as sales for both new equipment and aftermarket parts increased.  Sales volume increased in Resource Industries, Construction Industries and Power Systems. 

Excluding acquisitions, sales increased in all geographic regions with the most significant improvement in North America.  Outside of North America, the most significant improvement was in Asia/Pacific.  Within Asia/Pacific, increases, primarily in Australia, more than offset a decline in China.  While sales in Europe were down, sales in Africa, the Middle East and the CIS increased.  Sales in Latin America were slightly higher.  

The acquisition of Bucyrus International Inc. added $1.176 billion in sales, and the Motoren-Werke Mannheim Holding GmbH (MWM) acquisition added $196 million in sales.  Price realization improved $499 million. 

The increase in machinery sales volume was primarily the result of higher end user demand. 

Mine production increased despite lower commodity prices for metals and coal compared with a year earlier.  While lower than a year ago, most mining-related commodity prices have remained at levels attractive for investment.  This was positive for mining in most regions of the world and drove increased sales for Resource Industries. 

Some improvements in construction activity and continued fleet upgrading, primarily in North America, led to higher sales of construction equipment.  Despite the increase in our machine sales in North America, construction activity in the United States and other developed countries is still well below prior peaks.  Construction sales declined in the Asia/Pacific region, where a large decrease in China more than offset increases in other Asia/Pacific countries.

Power Systems' sales improved with the most significant increases occurring in petroleum and rail applications.  Worldwide demand for energy, at prices that encourage continued investment, resulted in higher sales of engines and turbines for petroleum applications.  Sales of our rail products and services, primarily locomotives, increased due to higher demand.  Those increases were partially offset by lower sales for electric power generation.

Consolidated Operating Profit

Consolidated Operating Profit Comparison
Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011

To access this chart, go to http://caterpillar.com for the downloadable version of Caterpillar 2Q2012 earnings.

The chart above graphically illustrates reasons for the change in Consolidated Operating Profit between the second quarter of 2011 (at left) and the second quarter of 2012 (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 consolidating adjustments and Machinery and Power Systems other operating (income) expenses.

Operating profit for the second quarter of 2012 was $2.616 billion compared with $1.601 billion for the second quarter of 2011.  The increase was primarily the result of higher sales volume and improved price realization.  Acquisitions and divestitures favorably impacted operating profit by $230 million, primarily related to Bucyrus.  See further discussion on the impact of Bucyrus on page 17.

The improvements were partially offset by higher period manufacturing costs and increased SG&A and R&D expenses.

Manufacturing costs were up $141 million primarily due to higher period costs related to production volume and capacity expansion programs.  SG&A and R&D expenses increased $56 million primarily due to higher volume and increased costs to support product programs, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense.

While manufacturing period costs, SG&A and R&D increased, as a percent of sales each declined compared with the second quarter of 2011.  This focus on cost control contributed to the increase in operating profit as a percent of sales.

Other Profit/Loss Items

• Interest expense excluding Financial Products increased $20 million from the second quarter of 2011 due to long-term debt issued in 2011 relating to the acquisition of Bucyrus.
• Other income/expense was income of $70 million compared with expense of $161 million in the second quarter of 2011.  The change was primarily due to the absence of second-quarter 2011 losses of $162 million on interest rate swaps and credit facility fees associated with the debt issuance for the Bucyrus acquisition and the favorable impact of currency gains and losses.
• The provision for income taxes in the second quarter of 2012 reflects an estimated annual tax rate of 30.5 percent compared with 29 percent for the second quarter of 2011 and 26.5 percent for the full-year 2011, excluding the items discussed below.  The increase from 26.5 percent to 30.5 percent is primarily due to expected changes in our geographic mix of profits from a tax perspective and the expiration of the U.S. research and development tax credit. 
  
  The tax provision for the second quarter of 2012 also includes a negative impact of $75 million from goodwill not deductible for tax purposes related to the divestiture of portions of the Bucyrus distribution business and $12 million for an increase in the 2012 estimated annual tax rate from 30 to 30.5 percent.  A $72 million net benefit was recorded in the second quarter of 2011 due to planned repatriation of non-U.S. earnings offset by an increase in prior year tax reserves.

Global Workforce

Caterpillar worldwide full-time employment was 132,825 at the end of second quarter 2012 compared with 108,175 at the end of second quarter 2011, an increase of 24,650 full-time employees.  In addition, the flexible workforce increased by 4,039 for a total increase in the global workforce of 28,689.

The increase was primarily a result of acquisitions and higher sales volume.  Acquisitions, primarily Bucyrus, MWM and ERA Mining Machinery Limited (Siwei), added 16,322 people to the global workforce.

Construction Industries

Construction Industries' sales were $5.340 billion in the second quarter of 2012, an increase of $399 million, or 8 percent, from the second quarter of 2011.  Sales increased in North America, were about flat in the EAME region and declined in Latin America and Asia/Pacific.  The improvement in sales was a result of higher volume across all major equipment product categories.  Sales of aftermarket parts were about flat.

Some improvement in construction activity and continued fleet upgrading, primarily in North America, led to the increase in sales.  While the improvement in North America more than offset lower sales in China and other parts of the world, the construction industry in North America is still well below the prior peak.

Construction Industries' sales were lower in Asia/Pacific, where a large decrease in China more than offset increases in other Asia/Pacific countries.  China's austerity policies caused machine demand to peak in the first half of 2011, making the second quarter of 2011 in China a strong sales quarter.

Construction Industries' profit was $688 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared with $482 million in the second quarter of 2011.  The increase in profit was primarily due to improved price realization and higher sales volume and was partially offset by the negative impact of currency, which was mainly due to the Japanese yen and the Brazilian real.  Manufacturing, SG&A and R&D expenses were about flat.

Resource Industries

Resource Industries' sales were $5.390 billion in the second quarter of 2012, an increase of $2.184 billion, or 68 percent, from the second quarter of 2011.  The sales increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Bucyrus in the third quarter of 2011 and higher sales volume in all regions of the world.  While sales volume for both new equipment and aftermarket parts improved, the more significant increase was for new equipment.

Though the prices for metals and coal were down from a year earlier, mine production increased and price levels remained attractive for investment.  This was positive for mining in most regions of the world. 

Bucyrus sales were $1.176 billion in the second quarter of 2012, with $292 million in North America, $148 million in Latin America, $271 million in EAME and $465 million in Asia/Pacific. 

Resource Industries' profit of $1.426 billion in the second quarter of 2012 was significantly higher than profit of $796 million in the second quarter of 2011.  The acquisition of Bucyrus increased segment profit by $285 million.  See further discussion on the impact of Bucyrus on page 17.

Excluding the effect of the Bucyrus acquisition, Resource Industries' profit increased by $345 million, primarily due to higher sales volume and improved price realization.  The improvement was partially offset by higher manufacturing, SG&A and R&D costs.  The manufacturing cost increase was primarily due to higher costs related to increased production volume.

Power Systems

Power Systems' sales were $5.511 billion in the second quarter of 2012, an increase of $593 million, or 12 percent, from the second quarter of 2011.  The improvement was the result of higher sales volume, the acquisition of MWM and improved price realization.  The sales volume increase was almost all in North America.

The most significant increases in Power Systems' sales occurred in petroleum and rail applications.  Worldwide demand for energy, at prices that encourage continued investment, resulted in higher sales of engines and turbines for petroleum applications.  Sales of our rail products and services, primarily locomotives, increased due to higher demand.  Those increases were partially offset by lower sales for electric power generation.

Power Systems' profit was $982 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared with $736 million in the second quarter of 2011.  The increase was primarily due to higher sales volume and improved price realization.  The improvements were partially offset by increased period manufacturing, SG&A and R&D expenses.

MWM, acquired during the fourth quarter of 2011, added sales of $196 million, primarily in EAME, and was about neutral to profit.

Financial Products Segment

Financial Products' revenues were $764 million for both the second quarter of 2012 and 2011.  The favorable impact from higher average earning assets was primarily offset by an unfavorable impact from lower interest rates.

Financial Products' profit was $188 million in the second quarter of 2012, compared with $172 million in the second quarter of 2011.  The increase was primarily due to a $24 million favorable impact due to lower claims experience at Cat Insurance and a $13 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets.  These increases were partially offset by $9 million lower net gains from returned or repossessed equipment.

At the end of the second quarter of 2012, past dues at Cat Financial were 3.35 percent compared with 3.19 percent at the end of the first quarter of 2012, 2.89 percent at the end of 2011 and 3.73 percent at the end of the second quarter of 2011.  Although past dues have improved when compared with the second quarter of 2011, the increase from the end of 2011 and from the first quarter of 2012 reflects higher delinquencies in our European marine and China portfolios.  Write-offs, net of recoveries, were $16 million for the second quarter of 2012, down from $29 million for the second quarter of 2011. 

As of June 30, 2012, Cat Financial's allowance for credit losses totaled $393 million or 1.47 percent of net finance receivables, compared with $369 million or 1.47 percent of net finance receivables at year-end 2011.  The allowance for credit losses as of June 30, 2011, was $382 million or 1.52 percent of net finance receivables.

Corporate Items and Eliminations

Expense for corporate items and eliminations was $782 million in the second quarter of 2012, an increase of $143 million from the second quarter of 2011.  Corporate items and eliminations include: corporate-level expenses; timing differences, as some expenses are reported in segment profit on a cash basis; retirement benefit costs other than service cost; and currency differences, as segment profit is reported using annual fixed exchange rates and inter-segment eliminations. 

The increase in expense from the second quarter of 2011 was primarily due to higher corporate-level expenses and timing differences.

2012 OUTLOOK

Economic Outlook

Economic growth remained sluggish in the first half of 2012, prompting central banks throughout the world to ease policies further.  Average short-term interest rates in the developed countries are now lower than during the recent recession; rates in the developing countries are within 50 basis points of 2009 lows.  We expect that further interest rate cuts are likely.  However, governments also tightened budgets, which reduced overall economic growth.  Continued budget austerity likely will offset some of the benefits of lower interest rates, and world economic growth will likely average about 2.5 percent in 2012, slightly less than in 2011 and more than a percentage point lower than in 2010.  Key points related to our outlook include:

• Worldwide demand for most commodities has increased so far this year, but prices have generally declined.  We expect economic growth will support demand for most commodities but average prices will probably be lower than in 2011.  Key price assumptions for the full year of 2012 are that Brent crude oil will average $105 per barrel; copper, $3.50 per pound; and Chinese iron ore, $145 per metric ton.  We believe prices for most commodities will remain sufficiently attractive to encourage production and investment.
• While commodity prices have remained attractive for investment, some mining customers are extending their investments as a result of permitting delays in developed countries and uncertainty about world economic growth over the next few years.
• U.S. coal prices declined enough to cause coal mines to reduce both production and investment.  Producers have increased exports to record highs, which is contributing to softer coal prices in Asia.  However, we do not expect that Asian coal prices will decline enough to cause Asian mines to reduce production or investment.
• Recoveries in developed countries remain weak, with some countries returning to recession.  Most central banks are maintaining record low interest rates and are expanding balance sheets to improve the functioning of financial markets.  Over the past year, the dollar value of central bank balance sheets increased about 18 percent, or about $1.4 trillion. 
• The U.S. economy slowed sharply in the first quarter of 2012, and employment data suggest second-quarter growth will also be weak.  However, historically reliable leading indicators suggest a recession is unlikely in 2012.
• Declines in U.S. federal, state and local government spending reduced first-quarter economic growth by more than a half percentage point.  State and local investments, which include infrastructure, were the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2008.  We expect total U.S. government spending to decline at a slower rate in the second half of 2012.
• The U.S. Federal Reserve's balance sheet expansion in the first half of 2010 benefited the economy, but those gains seem to be slowing.  Banks are expanding credit at a moderate rate, but money growth is slowing.  We have not detected much benefit to economic growth from the central bank's policy of lengthening the maturity of its securities.
• Eventually, we expect the U.S. Federal Reserve will resume expanding its balance sheet, but not soon enough to benefit growth in 2012.  We believe modest recovery will continue in the United States, with economic growth slowing to slightly more than 2 percent in 2012.
• Some industries important to our sales in the United States are beginning to recover.  Housing starts are increasing in response to rising apartment demand, low mortgage rates and more than four years of depressed activity.  We forecast housing starts will exceed 750 thousand units this year.  Although this represents the best level of housing starts since 2008, it is a decline from our prior forecast of 800 thousand units.  Nonresidential construction is also expected to increase, although highway construction will likely remain weak. 
• Budget austerity and monetary tightening in 2011 pushed the Eurozone economies near a recession in the first quarter of 2012.  Problems are spreading beyond those countries struggling with debt problems; in the majority of Eurozone countries, unemployment is rising and business confidence is deteriorating.
• The European Central Bank offered two liquidity programs and cut interest rates for the third time since October of 2011, and rates are at a record low.  We anticipate additional actions this year, but we now expect overall Eurozone economic growth will likely be negative in 2012. 
• The Bank of Japan pushed bank liquidity to a record high, and construction will benefit from reconstruction programs.  We expect the Japanese economy will grow more than 2 percent in 2012.
• Four recent interest rate cuts and continued growth in mining will likely lead to more than 3 percent economic growth in Australia.  Although mining profits in Australia started declining in the fourth quarter of 2011, we expect mining capital expenditures will be higher in 2012 than in 2011.
• Developing economies slowed in response to interest rate increases in 2011, and central banks have begun reversing policies.  The larger economies of Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey all have lower short-term interest rates than at the depth of the financial crisis in 2009.
• The Chinese government has accelerated policy easing, with its second consecutive interest rate cut in July 2012.  Infrastructure spending is running behind the government's target, and we expect the government will introduce supplemental investment programs.
• With this expected easing, we believe China's economic growth will slow to about 8 percent in 2012.  Data through May suggest infrastructure spending is improving.  Year-to-date imports of key commodities increased compared with 2011.
• Most other developing countries in Asia also cut interest rates.  Economic growth, except in India, which is struggling with inflation, will likely be close to that in 2011 rather than improve as previously expected.
• Brazil reduced its short-term interest rate to a record low, and at least one more cut is likely this year.  Other Latin American countries are likely to maintain current low interest rates.  We project regional economic growth of more than 3 percent in 2012, which is lower than the 4 percent previously expected.  We also expect faster growth in construction than the overall economy.
• We expect economic growth in both Africa/Middle East and CIS will exceed 4.5 percent, slightly higher than in 2011.  Construction activity, which is growing faster, will likely be up more than 10 percent this year.  Positives are low interest rates, attractive oil prices and increased oil production.

Economic Risks

• Central banks, particularly in developed countries, have repeatedly overestimated inflation risks and underestimated growth and employment problems.  These miscalculations have contributed to the weakest economic recovery in decades and persistent high unemployment.  If central banks remain too cautious, such actions may prolong the weak recovery and risk another downturn.
• Austerity measures implemented to reduce deficits have contributed to short-term slowing in economic growth.  A continued emphasis on austerity, without other actions to drive growth, threatens modest recoveries.  In addition, budget cuts have tended to fall heavily on already poorly-funded infrastructure programs.

2012 Sales and Revenues Outlook

We have updated our outlook and now expect sales and revenues in a range of $68 to $70 billion.  That is a change from our previous sales and revenues outlook range of $68 to $72 billion. 

From the time the previous outlook was first established in January of 2012, the U.S. dollar has strengthened versus most currencies around the world.  That has negatively impacted the full-year outlook by about $1 billion as sales in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translating into fewer U.S. dollars.

While the world's economic environment is weaker than we had expected, our sales have continued to grow.  In addition, dealer machine deliveries to end users have continued to increase compared with 2011 and in June 2012, the most recent month, we had the highest month-over-month percentage increase versus 2011 since January of this year.

2012 Profit Outlook

The outlook reflects profit per share of about $9.60 at the middle of the sales and revenues outlook range for 2012.  Our previous outlook expected profit per share of about $9.50 at the middle of the $68 to $72 billion outlook range for sales and revenues.

The profit outlook improved as a result of better underlying operating performance, partially offset by the negative impact from an increase in our estimated annual tax rate for 2012.  The current outlook includes a 0.5 percentage point increase in the 2012 estimated annual tax rate, from 30 percent to 30.5 percent.  The increase is attributable to the expected geographic mix of profits from a tax perspective including relatively more profit expected to be taxed in the United States.

Currency had little impact on the change in the profit-per-share outlook because of the offsetting impact on sales in the worldwide markets we serve with costs resulting from our extensive global manufacturing footprint and cost base. 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The following definition is provided for "non-GAAP financial measures" in connection with Regulation G issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  This non-GAAP financial measure has no standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to the calculation of similar measures for other companies.  Management does not intend this item to be considered in isolation or substituted for the related GAAP measure.

Machinery and Power Systems

Caterpillar defines Machinery and Power Systems as it is presented in the supplemental data as Caterpillar Inc. and its subsidiaries with Financial Products accounted for on the equity basis.  Machinery and Power Systems information relates to the design, manufacture and marketing of our products.  Financial Products information relates to the financing to customers and dealers for the purchase and lease of Caterpillar and other equipment.  The nature of these businesses is different, especially with regard to the financial position and cash flow items.  Caterpillar management utilizes this presentation internally to highlight these differences.  We also believe this presentation will assist readers in understanding our business.  Pages 26-31 reconcile Machinery and Power Systems with Financial Products on the equity basis to Caterpillar Inc. consolidated financial information.

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.