The board of directors of Caterpillar Inc. last week declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.42 per share of common stock, payable Nov. 20, to stockholders of record at the close of business Oct. 26.
“Team Caterpillar’s remarkable performance and rapid response to the global economic downturn over the last year has been a fundamental factor in our ability to maintain an attractive dividend,” said Caterpillar chairman and CEO Jim Owens. “Our financial strength during this recession enables Caterpillar to continue a long tradition of rewarding stockholders. In fact, over the last 10 years, our total stockholder return (stock appreciation plus dividends) is more than 200 percent.”
The $0.42 dividend maintains the dividend rate from the previous quarter. Including last week’s announcement, Caterpillar has paid a cash dividend every year since the company was formed in 1925 and its cash dividend has nearly tripled since 1998.
Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc. is a 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.