Caterpillar’s resilient global team delivered excellent results in 2017. As demand improved during the year, they capitalized on the opportunities to serve our customers around the world.
They also introduced new products, further developed our digital capabilities and moved forward with the changes inherent in our new strategy.
In 2017, our sales and revenues increased 18 percent to $45.5 billion. Profit improved from a loss of $0.11 per share in 2016 to a profit of $1.26 per share, and 2017 adjusted profit per share more than doubled to $6.88.
We ended 2017 with a strong balance sheet and more than $8 billion in cash. Our dividend remains a high priority, and we have paid higher dividends for 24 consecutive years. Since 2007, our cash dividend has more than doubled.
Jim Umpleby
Chief Executive Officer