The board of directors of Caterpillar Inc. last week voted to maintain the quarterly cash dividend of $0.52 per share of common stock, payable May 20, to stockholders of record at the close of business, April 22.
“We had a record year in 2012 and I am pleased to announce to our stockholders that we are maintaining Caterpillar’s quarterly dividend,” said Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar chairman and CEO. “While we're encouraged by some recent improvements in economic indicators, there are still uncertainties in the world and the company is ready for any circumstances. The balance sheet is strong and dividend payments are a good way to reward long-term investors in the company. We are committed to providing value to our stockholders.”
Caterpillar has paid higher dividends to its stockholders for 19 consecutive years, and since 1998, the company’s cash dividend has more than tripled. Caterpillar has paid a cash dividend every year since the company was formed in 1925 and has paid a quarterly dividend since 1933.
Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar is a 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 and Progress Rail Services.
