SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 15, 1998
CATERPILLAR INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
1-768
(Commission File Number)
37-0602744
(IRS Employer I.D. No.)
100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
61629
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (309) 675-1000
Item 5. Other Events
CATERPILLAR UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ANALYST 4Q CONSENSUS
On December 15, 1998, Caterpillar Inc. indicated that
fourth-quarter profit will fall short of analysts' expectations.
The First Call average for 16 analysts is $1.06 profit per share.
The company now expects fourth-quarter sales and revenues to be
slightly above the third quarter of 1998 and profit per share to be
moderately less than the $.92 reported for the third quarter.
A number of factors will adversely affect fourth-quarter
results. These include continuing high sales discounts, a
relatively unfavorable product sales mix, the agreement with the
EPA, and an adverse tax adjustment at Shin Caterpillar
Mitsubishi. Partially offsetting the above is a favorable
income tax adjustment relating to the recognition of additional
deferred tax assets.
* * *
The information above is forward looking and involves risks
and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results.
A discussion of these risks and uncertainties is contained in
Form 8-K filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission on
October 16, 1998.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
CATERPILLAR INC.
By: /s/ R. Rennie Atterbury III
R. Rennie Atterbury III
Vice President
Date: December 15, 1998
