Corporate Governance
Caterpillar's reputation for integrity is a fundamental part of its heritage and one of the company's most valuable assets. The Corporate Governance section of the company's web site, www.cat.com, is a reliable source for the corporate governance practices the Board has in place to ensure the company is building on Caterpillar's sound reputation. As an industry leader, the company recognizes its role in restoring confidence in Corporate America, and is setting the standard for corporate governance.
Social Responsibility
Caterpillar continues to demonstrate that a strong focus on social responsibility and sustaining the environment contributes to delivering strong financial results and creating profitable growth opportunities. Caterpillar is an active member of the Business Roundtable's RESOLVE program, which mobilizes the resources and expertise of member companies behind the goal of enhanced voluntary action to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the GHG intensity of the U.S. economy. Caterpillar recently joined Climate Leaders, a voluntary program established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which focuses on developing solutions to reduce GHG emissions and address the challenges of global climate change.
Caterpillar has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the third consecutive year, which recognizes the companies that lead their industries in corporate social responsibility.
Positioned for the Future
Today, Caterpillar is a high-tech global growth company that is focused on expanding into new markets and new products. The company is well positioned for the future, with the broadest, most diversified set of product and service offerings in its history and an established leadership position in most industries where the company competes. Caterpillar invested nearly $670 million in research and development in 2003. Worldwide, Caterpillar employees have been granted more than 3,700 patents since 1997. A number of well-defined initiatives -- profitable growth, performance through 6 Sigma and building a positive culture through people -- help define key factors for future success.
