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Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) | Analysis of Income Taxes

Income Tax Accounting Policy

The provision for income taxes is determined using the asset and liability approach taking into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions. Tax laws require items to be included in tax filings at different times than the items are reflected in the financial statements. A current liability is recognized for the estimated taxes payable for the current year. Deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets and liabilities are recovered or paid. Deferred taxes are adjusted for enacted changes in tax rates and tax laws. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.

Source: Caterpillar Inc., Annual Report

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Caterpillar Inc., income tax expense (benefit), continuing operations

USD $ in millions

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  12 months ended Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
U.S. 971  750  247  (443) 673 
Non-U.S. 1,250  1,014  645  350  446 
State (U.S.) 56  72  44  (13) 41 
Current tax provision (benefit) 2,277  1,836  936  (106) 1,160 
U.S. 332  103  (335)
Non-U.S. (89) (92) (75) (149) 99 
State (U.S.) (26) (16) 29 
Deferred tax provision (benefit) 251  (116) 32  (164) (207)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 2,528  1,720  968  (270) 953 

Source: Based on data from Caterpillar Inc. Annual Reports

Item Description The company
Current tax provision (benefit) The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable income (loss) from continuing operations. Caterpillar Inc.'s current tax provision (benefit) increased from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.
Deferred tax provision (benefit) The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Caterpillar Inc.'s deferred tax provision (benefit) declined from 2010 to 2011 but then increased from 2011 to 2012 exceeding 2010 level.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations; income tax expense (benefit) may include interest and penalties on tax uncertainties based on the entity's accounting policy. Caterpillar Inc.'s provision (benefit) for income taxes increased from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.

Effective Income Tax Rate (EITR)

Caterpillar Inc., effective income tax rate (EITR) reconciliation

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
Taxes at U.S. statutory rate 35.00% 35.00% 35.00% 35.00% 35.00%
Non-U.S. subsidiaries taxed at other than 35% -4.20% -6.90% -9.00% -46.00% -2.60%
State and local taxes, net of federal 0.70% 0.40% 0.70% -3.30% 1.00%
Interest and penalties, net of tax 0.30% 0.40% 0.40% 3.50% 0.20%
U.S. research and production incentives -1.00% -2.30% -1.50% -8.20% -0.80%
Other, net -0.30% -0.10% -0.60% -5.10% -1.30%
Increases (decreases) in taxes -4.50% -8.50% -10.00% -59.10% -3.50%
Prior year tax and interest adjustments -3.70% 0.60% -0.90% -23.40% –%
Nondeductible goodwill 3.90% 0.50% –% –% –%
Release of valuation allowances –% -0.30% -0.70% –% –%
Non-U.S. earnings reinvestment changes –% -1.70% –% –% -10.20%
Tax law change related to Medicare subsidies –% –% 2.40% –% –%
Effective rate 30.70% 25.60% 25.80% -47.50% 21.30%

Source: Based on data from Caterpillar Inc. Annual Reports

Item Description The company
Effective rate A ratio calculated by dividing the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the period by GAAP-basis pretax income from continuing operations. Caterpillar Inc.'s effective rate declined from 2010 to 2011 but then increased from 2011 to 2012 exceeding 2010 level.

Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Caterpillar Inc., components of deferred tax assets and liabilities

USD $ in millions

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
Pension 2,100  2,130  1,065  1,207  1,888 
Postemployment benefits other than pensions 1,678  1,622  1,501  1,362  1,530 
Tax carryforwards 663  821  1,117  1,185  712 
Warranty reserves 358  338  253  243  312 
Stock-based compensation 281  232  215  182  148 
Inventory 195  372  269  229  275 
Allowance for credit losses 170  131  111  102  134 
Post sale discounts 141  141  142  112  140 
Deferred compensation 110  102  106  95  78 
Other, net 491  645  394  396  427 
Deferred income tax assets, gross 6,187  6,534  5,173  5,113  5,644 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (586) (470) (412) (475) (334)
Deferred income tax assets 5,601  6,064  4,761  4,638  5,310 
Capital and intangible assets (2,759) (2,743) (1,423) (1,185) (1,233)
Bond discount (249)
Translation (173) (193) (169) (96) (133)
Undistributed profits of non-U.S. subsidiaries (128) (215)
Deferred income tax liabilities (3,309) (3,151) (1,592) (1,281) (1,366)
Deferred income taxes, net 2,292  2,913  3,169  3,357  3,944 

Source: Based on data from Caterpillar Inc. Annual Reports

Item Description The company
Deferred income tax assets, gross The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amounts of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws (before the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such sum amount to net realizable value). Includes any tax benefit realized in deferred tax assets for significant impacts of tax planning strategies. Caterpillar Inc.'s deferred income tax assets, gross increased from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly declined from 2011 to 2012.
Deferred income tax assets The aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; net of deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Caterpillar Inc.'s deferred income tax assets increased from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly declined from 2011 to 2012.
Deferred income taxes, net For entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities. A temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will reverse in ensuing periods. Caterpillar Inc.'s deferred income taxes, net declined from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities, Classification

Caterpillar Inc., deferred tax assets and liabilities, classification

USD $ in millions

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Source: Based on data from Caterpillar Inc. Annual Reports

Item Description The company
Current deferred income tax assets (included in deferred and refundable income taxes) The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward should be presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset. Caterpillar Inc.'s current deferred income tax assets (included in deferred and refundable income taxes) increased from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly declined from 2011 to 2012 not reaching 2010 level.
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included in noncurrent deferred and refundable income taxes) The noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Caterpillar Inc.'s noncurrent deferred income tax assets (included in noncurrent deferred and refundable income taxes) declined from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.
Current deferred tax liabilities (included in other current liabilities) Represents the current portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A current taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a current asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Caterpillar Inc.'s current deferred tax liabilities (included in other current liabilities) increased from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly declined from 2011 to 2012.
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities (included in other liabilities) Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Caterpillar Inc.'s noncurrent deferred tax liabilities (included in other liabilities) increased from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly declined from 2011 to 2012.

Analyst Adjustments: Removal of Deferred Taxes

Caterpillar Inc., adjustments to financial data

USD $ in millions

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  Adjustment to Current Assets
Current assets (as reported) 42,524  38,128  31,810  26,789  31,633 
Less: Current deferred tax assets, net 979  1,384  824  802  785 
Current assets (adjusted) 41,545  36,744  30,986  25,987  30,848 
  Adjustment to Total Assets
Total assets (as reported) 89,356  81,446  64,020  60,038  67,782 
Less: Current deferred tax assets, net 979  1,384  824  802  785 
Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net 1,863  2,157  2,493  2,704  3,298 
Total assets (adjusted) 86,514  77,905  60,703  56,532  63,699 
  Adjustment to Current Liabilities
Current liabilities (as reported) 29,755  28,561  22,020  19,292  26,069 
Less: Current deferred tax liabilities, net 66  69  11 
Current liabilities (adjusted) 29,689  28,492  22,013  19,281  26,060 
  Adjustment to Total Liabilities
Total liabilities (as reported) 71,774  68,044  52,695  50,738  61,068 
Less: Current deferred tax liabilities, net 66  69  11 
Less: Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net 484  559  141  138  130 
Total liabilities (adjusted) 71,224  67,416  52,547  50,589  60,929 
  Adjustment to Equity Attributable To Common Stockholders
Equity attributable to common stockholders (as reported) 17,532  12,883  10,824  8,740  6,087 
Less: Current deferred tax assets, net 979  1,384  824  802  785 
Less: Noncurrent deferred tax assets, net 1,863  2,157  2,493  2,704  3,298 
Add: Current deferred tax liabilities, net 66  69  11 
Add: Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, net 484  559  141  138  130 
Equity attributable to common stockholders (adjusted) 15,240  9,970  7,655  5,383  2,143 
  Adjustment to Profit Attributable To Common Stockholders
Profit attributable to common stockholders (as reported) 5,681  4,928  2,700  895  3,557 
Add: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 251  (116) 32  (164) (207)
Profit attributable to common stockholders (adjusted) 5,932  4,812  2,732  731  3,350 

Adjusted Ratios: Removal of Deferred Taxes (Summary)

Caterpillar Inc., adjusted ratios

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  Current Ratio
Reported current ratio 1.43 1.33 1.44 1.39 1.21
Adjusted current ratio 1.40 1.29 1.41 1.35 1.18
  Net Profit Margin
Reported net profit margin 8.62% 8.19% 6.34% 2.76% 6.93%
Adjusted net profit margin 9.00% 8.00% 6.41% 2.26% 6.53%
  Total Asset Turnover
Reported total asset turnover 0.74 0.74 0.67 0.54 0.76
Adjusted total asset turnover 0.76 0.77 0.70 0.57 0.81
  Financial Leverage
Reported financial leverage 5.10 6.32 5.91 6.87 11.14
Adjusted financial leverage 5.68 7.81 7.93 10.50 29.72
  Return on Equity (ROE)
Reported ROE 32.40% 38.25% 24.94% 10.24% 58.44%
Adjusted ROE 38.92% 48.26% 35.69% 13.58% 156.32%
  Return on Assets (ROA)
Reported ROA 6.36% 6.05% 4.22% 1.49% 5.25%
Adjusted ROA 6.86% 6.18% 4.50% 1.29% 5.26%
Ratio Description The company
Adjusted current ratio A liquidity ratio calculated as adjusted current assets divided by adjusted current liabilities. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted current ratio deteriorated from 2010 to 2011 but then improved from 2011 to 2012 not reaching 2010 level.
Adjusted net profit margin An indicator of profitability, calculated as adjusted net income divided by total revenue. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted net profit margin improved from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.
Adjusted total asset turnover An activity ratio calculated as total revenue divided by adjusted total assets. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted total asset turnover improved from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly deteriorated from 2011 to 2012.
Adjusted financial leverage A measure of financial leverage calculated as adjusted total assets divided by adjusted total equity.
Financial leverage is the extent to which a company can effect, through the use of debt, a proportional change in the return on common equity that is greater than a given proportional change in operating income.
Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted financial leverage declined from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.
Adjusted ROE A profitability ratio calculated as adjusted net income divided by adjusted shareholders' equity. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted ROE improved from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly deteriorated from 2011 to 2012 not reaching 2010 level.
Adjusted ROA A profitability ratio calculated as adjusted net income divided by adjusted total assets. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted ROA improved from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.

Adjusted Current Ratio

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  As Reported
Current assets (USD $ in millions) 42,524  38,128  31,810  26,789  31,633 
Current liabilities (USD $ in millions) 29,755  28,561  22,020  19,292  26,069 
   
Current ratio1 1.43 1.33 1.44 1.39 1.21
  Adjusted for Deferred Taxes
Adjusted current assets (USD $ in millions) 41,545  36,744  30,986  25,987  30,848 
Adjusted current liabilities (USD $ in millions) 29,689  28,492  22,013  19,281  26,060 
   
Adjusted current ratio2 1.40 1.29 1.41 1.35 1.18

2012 Calculations

1 Current ratio = Current assets ÷ Current liabilities
= 42,524 ÷ 29,755 = 1.43

2 Adjusted current ratio = Adjusted current assets ÷ Adjusted current liabilities
= 41,545 ÷ 29,689 = 1.40

Ratio Description The company
Adjusted current ratio A liquidity ratio calculated as adjusted current assets divided by adjusted current liabilities. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted current ratio deteriorated from 2010 to 2011 but then improved from 2011 to 2012 not reaching 2010 level.

Adjusted Net Profit Margin

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  As Reported
Profit attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 5,681  4,928  2,700  895  3,557 
Sales and revenues (USD $ in millions) 65,875  60,138  42,588  32,396  51,324 
   
Net profit margin1 8.62% 8.19% 6.34% 2.76% 6.93%
  Adjusted for Deferred Taxes
Adjusted profit attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 5,932  4,812  2,732  731  3,350 
Sales and revenues (USD $ in millions) 65,875  60,138  42,588  32,396  51,324 
   
Adjusted net profit margin2 9.00% 8.00% 6.41% 2.26% 6.53%

2012 Calculations

1 Net profit margin = 100 × Profit attributable to common stockholders ÷ Sales and revenues
= 100 × 5,681 ÷ 65,875 = 8.62%

2 Adjusted net profit margin = 100 × Adjusted profit attributable to common stockholders ÷ Sales and revenues
= 100 × 5,932 ÷ 65,875 = 9.00%

Ratio Description The company
Adjusted net profit margin An indicator of profitability, calculated as adjusted net income divided by total revenue. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted net profit margin improved from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.

Adjusted Total Asset Turnover

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  As Reported
Sales and revenues (USD $ in millions) 65,875  60,138  42,588  32,396  51,324 
Total assets (USD $ in millions) 89,356  81,446  64,020  60,038  67,782 
   
Total asset turnover1 0.74 0.74 0.67 0.54 0.76
  Adjusted for Deferred Taxes
Sales and revenues (USD $ in millions) 65,875  60,138  42,588  32,396  51,324 
Adjusted total assets (USD $ in millions) 86,514  77,905  60,703  56,532  63,699 
   
Adjusted total asset turnover2 0.76 0.77 0.70 0.57 0.81

2012 Calculations

1 Total asset turnover = Sales and revenues ÷ Total assets
= 65,875 ÷ 89,356 = 0.74

2 Adjusted total asset turnover = Sales and revenues ÷ Adjusted total assets
= 65,875 ÷ 86,514 = 0.76

Ratio Description The company
Adjusted total asset turnover An activity ratio calculated as total revenue divided by adjusted total assets. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted total asset turnover improved from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly deteriorated from 2011 to 2012.

Adjusted Financial Leverage

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  As Reported
Total assets (USD $ in millions) 89,356  81,446  64,020  60,038  67,782 
Equity attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 17,532  12,883  10,824  8,740  6,087 
   
Financial leverage1 5.10 6.32 5.91 6.87 11.14
  Adjusted for Deferred Taxes
Adjusted total assets (USD $ in millions) 86,514  77,905  60,703  56,532  63,699 
Adjusted equity attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 15,240  9,970  7,655  5,383  2,143 
   
Adjusted financial leverage2 5.68 7.81 7.93 10.50 29.72

2012 Calculations

1 Financial leverage = Total assets ÷ Equity attributable to common stockholders
= 89,356 ÷ 17,532 = 5.10

2 Adjusted financial leverage = Adjusted total assets ÷ Adjusted equity attributable to common stockholders
= 86,514 ÷ 15,240 = 5.68

Ratio Description The company
Adjusted financial leverage A measure of financial leverage calculated as adjusted total assets divided by adjusted total equity.
Financial leverage is the extent to which a company can effect, through the use of debt, a proportional change in the return on common equity that is greater than a given proportional change in operating income.
Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted financial leverage declined from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.

Adjusted Return On Equity (ROE)

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  As Reported
Profit attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 5,681  4,928  2,700  895  3,557 
Equity attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 17,532  12,883  10,824  8,740  6,087 
   
ROE1 32.40% 38.25% 24.94% 10.24% 58.44%
  Adjusted for Deferred Taxes
Adjusted profit attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 5,932  4,812  2,732  731  3,350 
Adjusted equity attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 15,240  9,970  7,655  5,383  2,143 
   
Adjusted ROE2 38.92% 48.26% 35.69% 13.58% 156.32%

2012 Calculations

1 ROE = 100 × Profit attributable to common stockholders ÷ Equity attributable to common stockholders
= 100 × 5,681 ÷ 17,532 = 32.40%

2 Adjusted ROE = 100 × Adjusted profit attributable to common stockholders ÷ Adjusted equity attributable to common stockholders
= 100 × 5,932 ÷ 15,240 = 38.92%

Ratio Description The company
Adjusted ROE A profitability ratio calculated as adjusted net income divided by adjusted shareholders' equity. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted ROE improved from 2010 to 2011 but then slightly deteriorated from 2011 to 2012 not reaching 2010 level.

Adjusted Return On Assets (ROA)

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    Dec 31, 2012 Dec 31, 2011 Dec 31, 2010 Dec 31, 2009 Dec 31, 2008
  As Reported
Profit attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 5,681  4,928  2,700  895  3,557 
Total assets (USD $ in millions) 89,356  81,446  64,020  60,038  67,782 
   
ROA1 6.36% 6.05% 4.22% 1.49% 5.25%
  Adjusted for Deferred Taxes
Adjusted profit attributable to common stockholders (USD $ in millions) 5,932  4,812  2,732  731  3,350 
Adjusted total assets (USD $ in millions) 86,514  77,905  60,703  56,532  63,699 
   
Adjusted ROA2 6.86% 6.18% 4.50% 1.29% 5.26%

2012 Calculations

1 ROA = 100 × Profit attributable to common stockholders ÷ Total assets
= 100 × 5,681 ÷ 89,356 = 6.36%

2 Adjusted ROA = 100 × Adjusted profit attributable to common stockholders ÷ Adjusted total assets
= 100 × 5,932 ÷ 86,514 = 6.86%

Ratio Description The company
Adjusted ROA A profitability ratio calculated as adjusted net income divided by adjusted total assets. Caterpillar Inc.'s adjusted ROA improved from 2010 to 2011 and from 2011 to 2012.