Cat Financial Announces First-Quarter 2014 Results

April 24, 2014

Cat Financial reported first-quarter 2014 revenues of $713 million, an increase of $33 million, or 5 percent, compared with the first quarter of 2013. First-quarter 2014 profit after tax was $136 million, a $5 million, or 4 percent, decrease from the first quarter of 2013.

The increase in revenues was primarily due to a $23 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets and an $8 million favorable impact from returned or repossessed equipment.

Profit before income taxes was $188 million for the first quarter of 2014, compared with $187 million for the first quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily due to a $10 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets and an $8 million favorable impact from returned or repossessed equipment, mostly offset by a $17 million increase in provision for credit losses.

The provision for income taxes reflects an estimated annual tax rate of 26 percent in the first quarter of 2014 compared with 27 percent in the first quarter of 2013. The decrease in rate is primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of pre-tax profits. The first-quarter 2013 estimated annual tax rate of 27 percent excludes a benefit of $7 million, reflecting the impact of the American Taxpayer Relief Act.

During the first quarter of 2014, new retail financing was $2.80 billion, a decrease of $102 million, or 4 percent, from the first quarter of 2013. The decrease was primarily related to the Mining and Asia/Pacific operating segments, partially offset by improvements in the North America operating segment.

At the end of the first quarter of 2014, past dues were 2.44 percent, compared with 2.37 percent at the end of 2013. The slight increase in past dues compared to year-end 2013 was primarily due to seasonality impacts. At the end of the first quarter of 2013, past dues were 2.52 percent. Write-offs, net of recoveries, were $38 million for the first quarter of 2014, compared with $10 million for the first quarter of 2013. The increase was primarily related to higher write-offs in the Latin American marine portfolio that were previously provided for in the allowance for credit losses.

As of March 31, 2014, Cat Financial's allowance for credit losses totaled $373 million or 1.25 percent of net finance receivables, compared with $378 million or 1.30 percent of net finance receivables at year-end 2013. The allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2013, was $429 million or 1.49 percent of net finance receivables.

"Our business continues to perform well, reflecting steady earning asset growth and good portfolio health during the quarter," said Kent Adams, president of Cat Financial and vice president with responsibility for the Financial Products Division of Caterpillar Inc. "The global Cat Financial team delivered solid results and we continue to be well positioned to serve Caterpillar, Cat dealers and customers worldwide.”

For over 30 years, Cat Financial, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., has been providing financial service excellence to customers. The company offers a wide range of financing alternatives to customers and Cat® dealers for Cat machinery and engines, Solar® gas turbines and other equipment and marine vessels. Cat Financial has offices and subsidiaries located throughout North and South America, Asia, Australia and Europe, with its headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Click here to download the full version of the Cat Financial 1Q 2014 results release, including Statistical Highlights.

Caterpillar contact: Jim Dugan, (309) 494-4100 (Office) or (309) 360-7311 (Mobile)