Caterpillar is reporting record-breaking sales and profit for 2011. Sales and revenues increased 41-percent from the previous year, amounting to more than 60-billion dollars. The company reported net income of nearly $5 billion.  That’s a $3.25 improvement per share from 2010.

Caterpillar CFO Ed Rapp says the 2011 results are worth celebrating, but the celebration is short because Cat has a challenging slate in 2012. He says the company has a heavy capital program in 2012 that includes $4 Billion that has to be deployed well. Cat will continue to roll out Tier Four emissions requirements, and the three major acquisitions made over the last 18 months have to continue to be fully integrated into the business.

The aggressive plans for 2012 rest on last years’ growth in sales and revenues that’s the largest percentage increase in 64 years. Fourth quarter results also broke records. Caterpillar posted more than $1.25 Billion dollars in profit.  That’s an $.85 improvement per share from the same quarter in 2010. The company also raised its outlook for 2012. Sales and revenues are expected to be at least $68 Billion with a per share profit estimated at $9.25.