Cat Financial Announces First-Quarter 2015 Results

April 23, 2015

Cat Financial Announces First-Quarter 2015 Results

Cat Financial reported first-quarter 2015 revenues of $689 million, a decrease of $22 million, or 3 percent, compared with the first quarter of 2014. First-quarter 2015 profit after tax was $133 million, a $2 million, or 2 percent, increase from the first quarter of 2014.

The decrease in revenues was primarily due to a $13 million unfavorable impact from lower average financing rates and a $7 million unfavorable impact from lower average earning assets.

Profit before income taxes was $187 million for the first quarter of 2015, compared with $182 million for the first quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to a $19 million decrease in provision for credit losses, partially offset by a $7 million decrease in net yield on average earning assets and a $3 million unfavorable net impact from lower average earning assets.

The provision for income taxes reflects an estimated annual tax rate of 28 percent in the first quarter of 2015, compared with 26 percent in the first quarter of 2014. The increase in the estimated annual tax rate is primarily due to changes in the geographic mix of pre-tax profits.

During the first quarter of 2015, retail new business volume was $2.47 billion, a decrease of $329 million, or 12 percent, from the first quarter of 2014. The decrease was primarily related to lower volume in Latin America, Asia and Mining, partially offset by increases in North America.

At the end of the first quarter of 2015, past dues were 3.08 percent, compared with 2.17 percent at the end of 2014. The increase in past dues compared to year-end 2014 was primarily due to the performance of the Latin American and Mining portfolios and seasonality impacts. At the end of the first quarter of 2014, past dues were 2.56 percent. Write-offs, net of recoveries, were $12 million for the first quarter of 2015, compared with $39 million for the first quarter of 2014.

As of March 31, 2015, Cat Financial's allowance for credit losses totaled $392 million or 1.38 percent of net finance receivables, compared with $401 million or 1.36 percent of net finance receivables at year-end 2014. The allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2014, was $384 million or 1.29 percent of net finance receivables.

"Our business continues to perform well, reflecting a stable portfolio and a diversified funding platform," 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 2015 results release, including Statistical Highlights.

Caterpillar contact: Rachel Potts, 309-675-6892 or 309-573-3444, [email protected]