Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today reported first-quarter 2011 profit per share of $1.84—an all-time quarterly record and a 411-percent improvement from $0.36 in the first quarter of 2010. First-quarter sales and revenues of $12.949 billion were up 57 percent from $8.238 billion in the first quarter of 2010. Profit was a record $1.225 billion in the quarter, an increase of 426 percent from $233 million in the first quarter of 2010.
The outlook for 2011 has improved. Sales and revenues are now expected to be in a range of $52 to $54 billion and profit in a range of $6.25 to $6.75 per share. The previous 2011 outlook was for sales and revenues to exceed $50 billion and for profit to be near $6.00 per share.
Caterpillar Inc. manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide.
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Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2011.
Merck earned $1.04 billion, or 34 cents per share compared with $299 million, or 9 cents per share, a year ago,
Non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings per share (EPS) for the first quarter of $0.92 excludes certain other items.
The company updated its 2011 non-GAAP EPS target range to $3.66 to $3.76 from the previous target range of $3.64 to $3.76.
Merck is a global healthcare company.
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United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) Board of Directors approved a 12.9 percent increase in its second quarter dividend to 48 cents per common share. The dividend is payable June 10 to shareowners of record at the close of business May 20.
UTC has paid cash dividends on its common stock every year since 1936.
UTC is a diversified company that provides high technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries worldwide.
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Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL) reported worldwide net sales of $3,994 million in first quarter 2011, an increase of 4.5% versus first quarter 2010.
Net income and Diluted earnings per share in first quarter 2011 were $576 million and $1.16. Net income and Diluted earnings per share in first quarter 2010 were $357 million and $0.69.
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company
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Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) today reported earnings of $6.2 billion ($3.09 per share – diluted) for the first quarter 2011, compared with $4.6 billion ($2.27 per share – diluted) in the 2010 first quarter.
Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide.
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