Unveiling the Numbers: Caterpillar’s 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Report
Description
Fourth-quarter 2024 sales and revenues were $16.2 billion; full-year sales and revenues reached $64.8 billion. The fourth-quarter 2024 profit per share was $5.78, with an adjusted profit per share of $5.14. The full-year profit per share stood at $22.05, with an adjusted profit per share of $21.90. Caterpillar also reported a strong enterprise operating cash flow of $12.0 billion and ended the year with $6.9 billion of enterprise cash. In 2024, the company deployed $10.3 billion of cash for share repurchases and dividends.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
Looking at the numbers, in comparison to 2023, the sales and revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased from $17.1 billion to $16.2 billion. However, the full-year sales and revenues also saw a decline from $67.1 billion in 2023 to $64.8 billion in 2024. The profit per share increased from $5.28 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $5.78 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Similarly, the full-year profit per share increased from $20.12 in 2023 to $22.05 in 2024. When considering the adjusted profit per share, there were slight fluctuations between the years, with $5.23 in 2023 to $5.14 in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $21.21 in 2023 to $21.90 for the full year 2024.
Please see a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures in the appendix on pages 14 to 16.
IRVING, Texas, Jan. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) announced fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2024.
How Will This Affect Me?
As an investor, these financial figures provide insights into Caterpillar’s performance in 2024. The increase in profit per share and strong cash flow indicate a positive outlook for the company, potentially leading to higher dividends for shareholders. On the other hand, the slight decline in sales and revenues may raise concerns about market trends and competition within the industry, impacting the overall value of the company’s stock.
How Will This Affect the World?
Considering Caterpillar’s position as a global leader in the construction and mining equipment industry, its financial performance can have ripple effects on the global economy. A strong enterprise operating cash flow and significant cash deployment for share repurchases and dividends may boost investor confidence in the market. Moreover, Caterpillar’s financial results can serve as an indicator of the overall health of the industrial sector, influencing investment decisions and economic trends worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Caterpillar’s 2024 fourth-quarter and full-year report showcase a mixed performance in terms of sales, revenues, and profits. While the company reported a decline in sales compared to the previous year, the increase in profit per share and strong cash flow demonstrate resilience amidst market challenges. Investors and industry analysts will closely monitor Caterpillar’s strategies moving forward to assess its future growth and impact on the global economy.
