def14a_2012.htm
 
 
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 14A
 
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
 
 

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Definitive Additional Materials
     
   
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Caterpillar Inc.
 
 
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SEC 1913 (04-05)
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100 NE Adams Street
Peoria, Illinois  61629

May 2, 2012
 
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
 
I am pleased to invite you to attend Caterpillar’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 13, 2012.  The meeting will be held at the Marriott Riverwalk, 899 Market Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205 beginning at 8:00 a.m.  We hope that you will attend the meeting, but whether or not you are planning to attend, we encourage you to vote your shares.  As always, every stockholder’s vote is important.
 
This booklet includes a formal notice of the meeting and the proxy statement which, among other things, provides information on Caterpillar’s corporate governance, executive compensation programs and the matters to be voted on at the meeting.  The booklet also contains information about our business and 2011 financial performance.  Our company had a strong year and I encourage you to review the financial information contained in Appendix C.
 
If you wish to attend the meeting, you will need to request an admission ticket in advance.  Procedures for requesting an admission ticket are described on page 56.
 
I thank you for your commitment to Caterpillar and urge you to vote your shares.
 

   
Sincerely yours,
   
   
Douglas R. Oberhelman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 





100 NE Adams Street
Peoria, Illinois  61629

Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Caterpillar Inc.


Date: June 13, 2012
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Place: Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, 899 Market Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205

The items of business are:

§  
Elect as Directors the sixteen nominees identified in the proxy statement, each for a term of one year.

§  
Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2012.

§  
Approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, executive compensation.

§  
Amend the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to provide stockholders the right to call special meetings of stockholders.

§  
Amend the Company’s Bylaws to enhance and clarify the procedures to be followed by stockholders for submitting proposed items of business at future meetings of stockholders.

§  
Vote on four stockholder proposals described in the proxy statement, if properly presented at the meeting.

§  
Conduct any other business properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

We initiated delivery of the proxy materials to stockholders on or about May 2, 2012.  Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 16, 2012 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournment or postponement.  A list of these stockholders is available at the Company’s headquarters in Peoria, Illinois.
     
By order of the Board of Directors
   
   
Christopher M. Reitz
Corporate Secretary
May 2, 2012
   

If you wish to attend the meeting, you will need to request an admission ticket in advance.  Procedures for requesting an admission ticket are described on page 56.
 

 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
       
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 


 
 
SUMMARY INFORMATION
 
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement.  This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider.  You should read the complete proxy statement and appendices before voting.

 
Business Highlights
 
Record Financial Results.  2011 sales and revenues, profits, Machinery & Power Systems operating cash flows and profits per share were all time records.

Dividend Increase.  During 2011 the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend to $.46 per share.

Acquisitions.  In 2011 we completed the all-cash acquisitions of mining equipment manufacturer Bucyrus International, Inc. and also MWM Holding GmbH,  a leading global supplier of sustainable, natural gas and alternative-fuel engines.

Building for the Future.  In 2011 we made capital investments of $2.6 billion in our Machinery & Power System businesses and laid the groundwork for a planned $4 billion of additional investment in 2012.  During 2011, we continued the most extensive new product development program in the Company’s history.
 
 
Compensation Highlights
 
The Company’s strong performance is reflected in the compensation our executive officers earned in 2011, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this proxy statement.
 
Name and
Principal Position
Salary
Long and Short-
Term Incentives
Stock and Stock
Option Awards
Total of
All Columns
Douglas R. Oberhelman, Chairman & CEO
$
1,429,506
 
$
4,934,935
 
$
8,309,208
 
$
14,673,649
 
Richard P. Lavin, Group President
$
723,504
 
$
2,130,410
 
$
2,028,847
 
$
4,882,761
 
Stuart L. Levenick, Group President
$
794,652
 
$
2,188,945
 
$
2,122,839
 
$
5,106,436
 
Edward J. Rapp, Group President & CFO
$
723,504
 
$
2,066,319
 
$
2,180,424
 
$
4,970,247
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq, Group President
$
1,035,476
 
$
3,293,598
 
$
2,122,839
 
$
6,451,913
 
Steven H. Wunning, Group President
$
806,199
 
$
2,434,944
 
$
2,245,661
 
$
5,486,804
 
 
 
Stockholder Actions
 
Company Proposals
Board
Recommendation
Election of Directors
FOR each Nominee
Ratification of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
FOR
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
FOR
Amend Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to Provide Stockholders the Right to Call Special Meetings
FOR
Amend Bylaw Advance Notice Provisions
FOR
 
Stockholder Proposals
 
Report on Political Contributions and Expenses
AGAINST
Director Election Majority Vote Standard
AGAINST
Review of Global Corporate Standards
AGAINST
Stockholder Action by Written Consent
AGAINST

Page 1

Election of Directors (Proposal 1)
 
You will find important information in Proposal 1 about the qualifications and experience of each of the director nominees that you are being asked to elect. The Governance Committee performs an annual assessment to see that our directors have the skills and experience to effectively oversee the Company. All of our directors have proven leadership, sound judgment, integrity and a commitment to the success of our Company.

Nominee
Age
Director
Since
Principal Occupation
Committees
David L. Calhoun
55
2011
CEO and Executive Director of Nielsen Holdings N.V.
Compensation
Daniel M. Dickinson
50
2006
Managing Partner of HCI Equity Partners
Audit
Eugene V. Fife
71
2002
Managing Principal of Vawter Capital LLC; Retired Partner of Goldman Sachs & Co.
Governance
Juan Gallardo
64
1998
Chairman of Grupo Embotelladoras Unidas S.A.B. de C.V.
Public Policy
David R. Goode
71
1993
Former Chairman, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation
Compensation
Jesse J. Greene, Jr.
67
2011
Former Vice President of Financial Management and Chief Financial Risk Officer of International Business Machines Corporation
Audit
Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
51
2012
Former United States Ambassador to China and former Governor of Utah
 
Peter A. Magowan
70
1993
Former President and Managing General Partner of the San Francisco Giants and Former Chairman and CEO of Safeway Inc.
Governance
Dennis A. Muilenburg
48
2011
Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company and President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Public Policy
Douglas R. Oberhelman
59
2010
Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc.
N/A
William A. Osborn
64
2000
Former Chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Corporation and The Northern Trust Company
Audit
Charles D. Powell
70
2001
Chairman of Capital Generation Partners, LVMH Services Limited and Magna Holdings
Public Policy
Edward B. Rust, Jr.
61
2003
Chairman, CEO and President of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
Compensation
Susan C. Schwab
57
2009
Professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and a Strategic Advisor for Mayer Brown LLP; Former United States Trade Representative
Public Policy
Joshua I. Smith
71
1993
Chairman and Managing Partner of the Coaching Group, LLC
Compensation
Miles D. White
57
2011
Chairman and CEO of Abbott Laboratories
Governance
 

Ratification of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Proposal 2)
 
As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking our stockholders to ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers as our registered independent auditor for 2012. Set forth below is a summary of their fees for services provided in 2011 and 2010.
 
 
(in millions)
 
2011
 
2010
Audit and Audit Related Fees
$
33.2
   
$
28.2
 
Tax Fees and Other
 
6.6
     
4.0
 
TOTAL
 
$
39.8
   
$
32.2
 
 

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Proposal 3)
 
For the second year, our stockholders have the opportunity to cast a non-binding, advisory vote on our executive compensation program. Last year stockholders overwhelmingly supported our compensation program. In evaluating this proposal, we recommend that you review our Compensation Discussion and Analysis, which explains how and why the Compensation Committee of our Board arrived at its executive compensation actions and decisions for 2011.
 

Amend Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to Provide Stockholders the Right to Call Special Meetings (Proposal 4)
 
We are proposing to modify our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to provide stockholders collectively holding 25 percent of the Company’s outstanding stock with the right to call special meetings of stockholders.
 

Amend Bylaws to Update Notice Provisions (Proposal 5)
 
We recommend that stockholders approve amendments to the Company’s Bylaws to clarify and enhance the timeline and procedures stockholders should follow when proposing future business for a vote of the stockholders.
 

Stockholder Proposals (Proposals 6 – 9)
 
You will be asked to consider four stockholder proposals involving (1) political contributions, (2) majority voting for directors, (3) human rights standards and (4) stockholder action by written consent.

Page 2

 
PART ONE — Information about E-proxy, Meeting Attendance
and Voting Matters
 
 Internet Availability of Proxy Materials
 
As permitted by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Caterpillar Inc. (Caterpillar, the Company, we or us) is providing, in most cases, the proxy materials for its 2012 annual meeting of stockholders (Annual Meeting) electronically through the Internet or e-mail.  On or about May 2, 2012, we initiated delivery of proxy materials to our stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 16, 2012 in one of three ways: 1) a notice in the mail containing instructions on how to access proxy materials through the Internet (Internet Notice), 2) a paper copy of the proxy materials in the mail or 3) an e-mail distribution of the proxy materials.  If you received an Internet Notice, you will not receive a paper copy of the proxy materials in the mail.  Instead, the Internet Notice provides instructions on how to access the proxy materials and vote online or by telephone.  If you received an Internet Notice and would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials or elect to receive the proxy materials via e-mail in the future, please follow the instructions included in the Internet Notice.  If you received a paper copy of the proxy materials and would like to register to receive an Internet Notice or an e-mail regarding availability of proxy materials in the future, you can do so by any of the following methods:
 
 
§
Internet – Go to www.eproxyaccess.com/cat2012 and follow the registration instructions.
 
 
§
Telephone – From within the United States or Canada, call us free of charge at 1-866-580-7648.  From locations outside the United States or Canada, please call +1-215-521-4898.
 
 
§
E-mail – Send us an e-mail at cat@eproxyaccess.com. Include the control number from your paper copy as the subject line and indicate whether you wish to receive an Internet Notice or e-mail copy of the proxy materials and whether your request is for this meeting only or for all future meetings.
 
 
 Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Meeting Attendance and Voting
 
Q:
Why am I receiving these proxy materials?
   
A:
You have received these proxy materials because you are a Caterpillar stockholder, and Caterpillar’s Board of Directors (Board) is soliciting your authority or proxy to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting.  This proxy statement includes information that we are required to provide to you under SEC rules and is designed to assist you in voting your shares.
 
 
Q:
Why didn’t I receive an “annual report” or “sustainability report” with my proxy materials?
   
A:
Our 2011 “Year in Review” and 2011 “Sustainability Report” are available exclusively online at www.caterpillar.com/investor.  The online, interactive format of the reports furthers our efforts to lower costs and reduce the environmental impact of our communications.  As required by SEC rules, complete financial statements, financial statement notes and management’s discussion and analysis for 2011 are included with the proxy statement distributed to stockholders.
 
 
Q:
How do I obtain an admission ticket to attend the Annual Meeting?
   
A:
Anyone wishing to attend the Annual Meeting must have an admission ticket issued in his or her name.  Admission is limited to:

 
§
Stockholders on April 16, 2012, together with one immediate family member;
 
 
§
 
An authorized proxy holder of a stockholder of record on April 16, 2012; or
 
 
§
 
An authorized representative of a stockholder of record who has been designated to present a stockholder proposal.

 
You must provide evidence of your ownership of shares with your ticket request and follow the requirements for obtaining an admission ticket specified in the “Admission and Ticket Request Procedure” on page 56.  Accredited members of the media and analysts are also permitted to attend the Annual Meeting pursuant to the directions provided in the “Admission and Ticket Request Procedure” on page 56.

Page 3
 
 
Q:
What is a stockholder of record?
   
A:
A stockholder of record or registered stockholder is a stockholder whose ownership of Caterpillar common stock is reflected directly on the books and records of our transfer agent, Computershare Shareowner Services LLC (formerly BNY Mellon Shareowner Services).  If you hold stock through a bank, broker or other intermediary, you hold your shares in “street name” and are not a stockholder of record. For shares held in street name, the stockholder of record is your bank, broker or other intermediary.  Caterpillar only has access to ownership records for the stockholders of record.  So, if you are not a stockholder of record, the Company needs additional documentation to evidence your stock ownership as of the record date – such as a copy of your brokerage account statement, a letter from your broker, bank or other nominee or a copy of your voting instruction card.
 
 
Q:
When was the record date and who is entitled to vote?
   
A:
The Board set April 16, 2012 as the record date for the Annual Meeting.  Holders of Caterpillar common stock on that date are entitled to one vote per share.  As of April 16, 2012, there were approximately 652,500,000 shares of Caterpillar common stock outstanding.
 
A list of all registered stockholders will be available for examination by stockholders during normal business hours at 100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629 at least ten days prior to the Annual Meeting and will also be available for examination at the Annual Meeting.
 
 
Q:
How do I vote?
   
A:
You may vote by any of the following methods:

 
§
 
In person – Stockholders of record and stockholders with shares held in street name that obtain an admission ticket and attend the Annual Meeting will receive a ballot for voting.  If you hold shares in street name, you must also obtain a legal proxy from your broker to vote in person and submit the proxy along with your ballot at the meeting.
 
 
§
 
By mail Signing and returning the proxy and/or voting instruction card provided.
 
 
§
By phone or via the Internet – Following the instructions on your Internet Notice, proxy and/or voting instruction card or e-mail notice.

 
If you vote by phone or the Internet, please have your Internet Notice, proxy and/or voting instruction card or e-mail notice available.  The control number appearing on your Internet Notice, proxy and/or voting instruction card or e-mail notice is necessary to process your vote.  A phone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned the card by mail.
 
 
Q:
How do I vote my 401(k) or savings plan shares?
   
A:
If you participate in a 401(k) or savings plan sponsored by Caterpillar or one of its subsidiaries that includes a Caterpillar stock investment fund, you may give voting instructions to the plan trustee with respect to the shares of Caterpillar common stock in that fund that are associated with your plan account.  The plan trustee will follow your voting instructions unless it determines that to do so would be contrary to law.  If you do not provide voting instructions, the plan trustee will act in accordance with the employee benefit plan documents.  In general, the plan documents specify that the trustee will vote the shares for which it does not receive instructions in the same proportion that it votes shares for which it received timely instructions, unless it determines that to do so would be contrary to law.
 
You may revoke previously given voting instructions by following the instructions provided by the trustee.

Page 4
 
 
Q:
How are shares in the Caterpillar pension plan voted?
   
A:
The Caterpillar Inc. Master Retirement Trust owns shares of Caterpillar stock for the benefit of certain defined benefit pension plans sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries.  The Northern Trust Company acts as trustee and votes the shares held by the trust at its discretion.  In exercising this discretion, Northern Trust acts in a fiduciary capacity for the exclusive benefit of the participants in the pension plans.  To the extent that an investment manager retained to invest assets of the trust holds Caterpillar stock in its portfolio, the investment manager, in its discretion, will direct the trustee to vote the shares held in the portfolio.  In exercising this discretion, the investment manager acts in a fiduciary capacity for the exclusive benefit of the participants in the pension plans.
 
 
Q:
What are “broker non-votes” and why is it important that I submit my voting instructions for shares I hold in street name?
   
A:
Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), if a broker or other financial institution holds your shares in its name and you do not provide your voting instructions to them, that firm’s discretion to vote your shares for you is very limited.  For this Annual Meeting, in the absence of your voting instructions, your broker only has discretion to vote on Company Proposal 2, the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm.  It does not have discretion to vote your shares for any of the other proposals expected to be presented at the Annual Meeting. If you do not provide voting instructions and your broker elects to vote your shares on Proposal 2, the missing votes for each of the other proposals are considered “broker non-votes.”
 
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares promptly.
 
 
Q:
How can I authorize someone else to attend the Annual Meeting or vote for me?
   
A:
Stockholders of record can authorize someone other than the individual(s) named on the proxy and/or voting instruction card to vote on their behalf by crossing out the individual(s) named on the card and inserting the name of the individual being authorized or by providing a written authorization to the individual being authorized to attend or vote.
 
Street name holders can contact their broker to obtain documentation with authorization to attend or vote at the Annual Meeting.
 
To obtain an admission ticket for an authorized proxy representative, see the requirements specified in the “Admission and Ticket Request Procedure” on page 56.
 
 
Q:
How can I change or revoke my vote?
   
A:
For stockholders of record: You may change or revoke your vote by submitting a written notice of revocation to Caterpillar Inc. c/o Corporate Secretary at 100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629 before the proxies vote your shares at the meeting or by attending the meeting and voting in person.  For all methods of voting, the last vote cast will supersede all previous votes.
 
For holders in street name: You may change or revoke your voting instructions by following the specific directions provided to you by your bank or broker.
 
 
Q:
Is my vote confidential?
   
A:
Yes. Proxy cards, ballots, Internet and telephone votes that identify stockholders are kept confidential.  There are exceptions for contested proxy solicitations or when necessary to meet legal requirements.  Innisfree M&A Incorporated, the independent proxy tabulator used by Caterpillar, counts the votes and acts as the inspector of election for the Annual Meeting.

Page 5
 
 
Q:
What is the quorum for the Annual Meeting?
   
A:
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting.  Holders of at least one-third of all Caterpillar common stock must be present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting to constitute a quorum.  Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present for establishing a quorum.
 
 
Q:
What vote is necessary for action to be taken on proposals?
   
A:
Directors are elected by a plurality vote of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote, meaning that director nominees with the most affirmative votes are elected to fill the available seats.
 
Proposals 4 and 5 involve amendments to Caterpillar’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and each requires the affirmative vote of the majority of all outstanding shares of Caterpillar stock.
 
All other actions presented for a vote of the stockholders at the Annual Meeting require an affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote.
 
Abstentions will have no effect on director elections.  Abstentions will have the effect of a vote against all other proposals.  Broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against Proposals 4 and 5, but will not have an effect on any of the other proposals presented for your vote.
 
Votes submitted by mail, telephone or Internet will be voted by the individuals named on the card (or the individual properly authorized) in the manner indicated.  If you do not specify how you want your shares voted, they will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations.  If you hold shares in more than one account, you must vote each proxy and/or voting instruction card you receive to ensure that all shares you own are voted.
 
 
Q:
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?
   
A:
Whenever possible, registered shares and plan shares for multiple accounts with the same registration will be combined into the same proxy card.  Shares with different registrations cannot be combined and as a result, you may receive more than one proxy card.  For example, shares held in your individual account will not be combined on the same proxy card as shares held in a joint account with your spouse.
 
Street shares are not combined with registered or plan shares and may result in your receipt of more than one proxy card.  For example, shares held by a broker for your account will not be combined with shares registered directly in your name.
 
If you hold shares in more than one form, you must vote separately for each notice, proxy and/or voting instruction card or e-mail notification you receive that has a unique control number to ensure that all shares you own are voted.
 
If you receive more than one proxy card for accounts that you believe could be combined because the registration is the same, contact our transfer agent (for registered shares) or your broker (for street shares) to request that the accounts be combined for future mailings.
 
 
Q:
Who pays for the solicitation of proxies?
   
A:
Caterpillar pays the cost of soliciting proxies on behalf of the Board.  This solicitation is being made by mail and through the Internet, but also may be made by telephone or in person.  We have hired Innisfree to assist in the solicitation.  We will pay Innisfree a fee of $15,000 for these services, and will reimburse their out-of-pocket expenses.  We will reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for sending proxy materials to stockholders and obtaining their votes.


Q:
Are there any matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting that are not included in this proxy statement?
   
A:
We do not know of any matters to be voted on by stockholders at the meeting other than those discussed in this proxy statement.  If any other matter is properly presented at the Annual Meeting, proxy holders will vote on the matter in their discretion.

Page 6
 
 
PART TWO — Corporate Governance Information
 
Corporate Governance Guidelines
 
Our Board has adopted Guidelines on Corporate Governance Issues (Corporate Governance Guidelines), which are available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/governance.  The Corporate Governance Guidelines reflect the Board’s commitment to oversee the effectiveness of policy and decision-making both at the Board and management level, with a view to enhancing stockholder value over the long term.
 
 
Sustainability
 
We seek to provide work environments, products, services and solutions that make efficient use of the world's natural resources and reduce unnecessary impacts on people, the environment and the economy.  For example, we are building engines with lower emissions, recycling 90 percent of our factory waste and working towards operational goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent, increase energy efficiency by 25 percent, use alternative and renewable energy sources for 20 percent of our energy needs and hold water consumption flat.
 
 
Succession Planning
 
The Board is actively engaged and involved in talent management.  This includes a detailed review of the Company’s global leadership and succession plans with a focus on key positions at the senior officer level.

In addition, the committees of the Board regularly discuss the talent pipeline for specific critical roles.  High potential leaders are given exposure and visibility to Board members through formal presentations and informal events.  More broadly, the Board is regularly updated on key talent indicators for the overall workforce, including diversity, recruiting and development programs.
 
 
Stockholder Rights Plan
 
We do not have a stockholder rights plan. The Board will obtain stockholder approval prior to adopting a stockholder rights plan unless the Board, in the exercise of its fiduciary duties, determines that, under the circumstances, it would be in the best interests of Caterpillar and our stockholders to adopt a rights plan without prior stockholder approval.
 
 
Political Contributions Disclosure
 
We currently disclose on our website www.caterpillar.com/contributions a description of our oversight process for political contributions and an itemized list of corporate and employee PAC contributions to federal and state political candidates.

Page 7
 
 
Composition of the Board
 
As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board consists of 16 directors.  Directors are elected at each annual meeting to serve for a one-year term and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, subject to their earlier death, resignation or removal.  If a nominee is unavailable for election, proxy holders will vote for another nominee proposed by the Board or, as an alternative, the Board may reduce the number of directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting.  Biographical information and qualifications of our directors are included under Proposal 1 – Election of Directors on page 16.

The Board has determined that, with the exception of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, all directors and director candidates are independent as determined under NYSE listing standards and the standards described under “Director Independence Determinations” on page 8.
 
 
Related Party Transaction Approval Process
 
Caterpillar’s Board has adopted a written process governing the approval of transactions that are expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year and that involve both the Company and any director, executive officer or their immediate family members.  Under the process, all such transactions must be approved in advance by the Governance Committee.
 
Prior to entering into such a transaction, the director or officer must submit the details of the proposed transaction to the Company’s Chief Legal Officer, including whether the related person or his or her immediate family member has or will have a direct or indirect interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10 percent beneficial owner of an entity involved in the transaction).   The Chief Legal Officer will then submit the matter to the Governance Committee for its  consideration.
 
Based on information provided by the directors, the executive officers, and the Chief Legal Officer, the Governance Committee determined that there are no related party transactions required to be reported in this proxy statement.
 
 
Director Independence Determinations
 
The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines establish that no more than two non-independent directors shall serve on the Board at any point in time.  A director is “independent” if he or she has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company or with senior management of the Company and their respective affiliates.  Annually, the Board makes an affirmative determination regarding the independence of each director based upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee.  The Board makes its independence determinations on a case-by-case basis, after consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances.  To assist in making its independence determinations, the Board has adopted the following standards, which conform to the applicable NYSE rules.  Under these standards, a director is considered independent if he or she:
 
(1)
Has no material relationship with the Company, either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company, and does not have any relationship that precludes independence under the NYSE director independence standards;
 
(2)
Is not currently, or within the past three years, employed by the Company, or an immediate family member is not currently, or for the past three years, employed as an executive officer of the Company;
 
(3)
Is not a current employee, nor is an immediate family member a current executive officer of, a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the past three years, exceeds the greater of $1 million or two percent of the consolidated gross revenues of that company;
 
(4)
Has not received, nor has an immediate family member received, during any twelve month period within the last three years, direct remuneration in excess of $120,000 from the Company other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior services;

Page 8
 
 
(5)
(i) is not a current partner or employee of a firm that is the Company’s internal or external auditor; (ii) does not have an immediate family member who is a current partner of such a firm; (iii) does not have an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the Company’s audit; and (iv) has not, nor has an immediate family member, been a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the Company’s audit within the last three years;
 
(6)
Is not part of an “interlocking directorate,” whereby an executive officer of the Company simultaneously served on the compensation committee of another company that employed the director as an executive officer during the last three years;
 
(7)
Is free of any relationships with the Company that may impair, or appear to impair, his or her ability to make independent judgments; and
 
(8)
Is not employed by a non-profit organization where a substantial portion of funding for the past three years (exceeding the greater of $1 million or two percent of the organization’s annual consolidated gross revenues) comes from the Company or the Caterpillar Foundation.

Applying these standards, the Board determined that each of the directors and director candidates met the independence standards except Mr. Oberhelman, who is a current employee of the Company.
 
 
Independent Director Meetings
 
The independent directors generally meet in executive session as part of each regularly scheduled Board meeting, with the Presiding Director serving as Chairman.
 
 
Process for Identifying and Evaluating Potential Directors
 
The Governance Committee solicits and receives recommendations and reviews the qualifications of potential director candidates.  After review, the Governance Committee recommends to the full Board candidates for election at the annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders and candidates to fill vacancies on the Board.  Potential director nominees may also be recommended by our stockholders and are similarly reviewed by the Governance Committee, which makes recommendations to the full Board.  Additional information about the process for nominating directors and stockholder nominations is described in the “Governance Committee” section on page 14.

Our Chairman and CEO and Governance Committee periodically review with the Board the particular characteristics or attributes that would be most beneficial to the Company in future Board members.  These characteristics, which are set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, include, but are not limited to: (i) integrity, honesty and accountability, with a willingness to express independent thought; (ii) successful leadership experience and stature in an individual’s primary field, with a background that demonstrates an understanding of business affairs as well as the complexities of a large, publicly-held company (with particular consideration being given to candidates with experience as chief executive officers of successful capital-intensive businesses with international operations); (iii) demonstrated ability to think strategically and make decisions with a forward-looking focus, with the ability to assimilate relevant information on a broad range of complex topics; (iv) be a team player with a demonstrated willingness to ask tough questions in a constructive manner that adds to the decision-making process of the Board; (v) independence and absence of conflicts of interest; (vi) ability to devote necessary time to meet director responsibilities; and (vii) ability to commit to the Company’s stock ownership guidelines.

Consistent with these criteria for potential director candidates and Caterpillar’s Worldwide Code of Conduct, the Board values diversity of talents, skills, abilities and experiences and believes that the diversity that exists on the Board provides significant benefits to the Company.  Although there is no specific diversity policy, the Governance Committee may also consider the diversity of its members and potential candidates in selecting new directors.

Page 9
 
 
Board Leadership Structure
 
The Board has elected the CEO as the Chairman of the Board of the Company.  The Board has further elected the Chairman of the Governance Committee as Presiding Director of the Company.  The Presiding Director’s duties and responsibilities include: (i) presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present; (ii) serving as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors; (iii) approving information sent to the Board; (iv) approving meeting agendas for the Board; (v) approving meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items; (vi) authority to call meetings of the independent directors; and (vii) if requested by major stockholders, ensuring that he is available for consultation and direct communication.

The Board has determined that the combined role of Chairman and CEO is appropriate for the Company as it promotes unified leadership and direction for the Company, allowing for a single, clear focus for management to execute the Company’s strategy and business plans.  This structure also avoids the added costs and inefficiencies that would result by mandating an independent Chairman.  The Board believes that the governance structure and role of the Presiding Director allow the Board to effectively work with the combined role of the Chairman and CEO.
 
 
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
 
The full Board oversees enterprise risk as part of its role in reviewing and overseeing the implementation of the Company’s strategic plans and objectives.  The risk oversight function is administered both in full Board discussions and in individual committees that are tasked by the Board with oversight of specific risks as more fully described in the summary of each committee below.

On a regular basis, the Board and its committees receive information and reports from management on the status of the Company and the risks associated with the Company’s strategy and business plans.  In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the Company’s risk assessment and risk management policies and procedures at least annually, including its major financial risk exposures and steps taken to monitor and control such exposures. The Chairman of the Audit Committee presents this information to the full Board for review.

The Board believes the combined role of Chairman and CEO is an effective structure which facilitates the Board’s understanding of the risks associated with the Company’s strategic plans and objectives.  Additionally, maintaining an independent Board with a Presiding Director permits open discussion and assessment of the Company’s ability to manage these risks.

 
Board Meetings and Committees
 
In 2011, our Board met seven times.  Regularly scheduled executive sessions, led by the Presiding Director, were held without management present.  In addition to those meetings, directors attended meetings of the Board committees to which they are appointed.  Overall attendance for our directors at Board and committee meetings held in 2011 was 97 percent.  For Board meetings only, attendance was 96 percent in 2011.  Each director attended at least 75 percent of the total meetings of the Board and committee on which he or she served.  Company policy, posted on our website, states that absent unavoidable conflict, directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting.  All directors attended the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders.

Our Board has four standing committees – Audit, Compensation, Governance and Public Policy.  Each committee’s charter is available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/governance.  Following is a description of each committee of the Board.  Current committee memberships are listed in the “Committee Membership” table on page 11.

The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the integrity of Caterpillar’s financial statements, Caterpillar’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications and independence of Caterpillar’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (auditors), the performance of Caterpillar’s internal audit function and the auditors, the effectiveness of Caterpillar’s internal controls and the implementation and effectiveness of Caterpillar’s ethics and compliance program.  The Audit Committee performs this function by monitoring Caterpillar’s financial reporting process and internal controls and by assessing the audit efforts of the auditors and the internal auditing department.  

Page 10

 
 
The Audit Committee has ultimate authority and responsibility to appoint, retain, compensate, evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the auditors.  The Audit Committee also reviews updates on emerging accounting and auditing issues provided by the auditors and by management to assess their potential impact on Caterpillar.  All members of the Audit Committee met the standards for independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards, the rules of the SEC and the financial literacy standards adopted by the Board.  Additionally, the Board has determined that each Audit Committee member qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under SEC rules. During 2011, the Audit Committee met eleven times and overall attendance was 100 percent.

The Compensation Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities in connection with the compensation of the Company’s directors, officers and employees. It performs this function by establishing and overseeing the Company’s compensation programs, recommending to the Board the compensation of directors who are not officers of the Company, administering the Company’s equity compensation plans, furnishing an annual Compensation Committee Report on executive compensation and approving the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in the Company’s proxy statement, in accordance with applicable SEC rules and regulations.  All members of the Compensation Committee meet the standards for independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards.  During 2011, the Compensation Committee met six times and overall attendance was 100 percent.

The Governance Committee assists the Board by making recommendations regarding the size and composition of the Board and the criteria to be used for the selection of candidates to serve on the Board.  The Governance Committee discusses and evaluates the qualifications of directors up for re-election and recommends the slate of director candidates to be nominated for election at the Annual Meeting.  Stockholders who are interested in nominating a director candidate can do so in accordance with the policy discussed in the “Governance Committee” section on page 14.  In addition, the Governance Committee recommends candidates to the Board for election as officers of the Company.  The Governance Committee also oversees the Corporate Governance Guidelines and leads the Board in its annual self-evaluation process and shares the results with the Board for discussion and deliberation.  All members of the Governance Committee meet the standards for independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards.  During 2011, the Governance Committee met six times and overall attendance was 100 percent.

The Public Policy Committee assists the Board in its oversight of matters of domestic and international public policy affecting the Company’s business, such as trade policy and international trade negotiations and major global legislative and regulatory developments.  It also provides oversight in the areas of investor, consumer, community and employee relations, policies promoting diversity, sustainable development initiatives and charitable and political contributions.  All members of the Public Policy Committee meet the standards for independence set forth in the NYSE listing standards.  During 2011, the Public Policy Committee met six times and overall attendance was 95 percent.

Committee Membership
 
 
Audit
Compensation
Governance
Public Policy
David L. Calhoun
 
Ö
   
Daniel M. Dickinson
Ö
     
Eugene V. Fife
   
Ö*
 
Juan Gallardo
     
Ö
David R. Goode
 
Ö*
   
Jesse J. Greene, Jr.
Ö
     
Peter A. Magowan
   
Ö
 
Dennis A. Muilenburg
     
Ö
William A. Osborn
Ö*
     
Charles D. Powell
     
Ö*
Edward B. Rust, Jr.
 
Ö
   
Susan C. Schwab
     
Ö
Joshua I. Smith
 
Ö
   
Miles D. White
   
Ö
 
* Chairman of Committee

Page 11
 
 
Communication with the Board
 
You may communicate with any of our directors, our Board as a group, our non-management directors as a group or any Board committee as a group by sending an e-mail to Directors@CAT.com or by mail to Caterpillar Inc. c/o Corporate Secretary at 100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629.  The Board has delegated to the Corporate Secretary, or his designee, responsibility for determining, in his discretion, whether the communication is appropriate for consideration.  According to the policy adopted by the Board, the Corporate Secretary is required to direct all communications regarding personal grievances, administrative matters, the conduct of the Company’s ordinary business operations, billing issues, product or service related inquiries, order requests and similar issues to the appropriate individual within the Company.  All other communications are to be submitted to the Board as a group, to the particular director to whom it is directed or, if appropriate, to the Presiding Director or committee the Corporate Secretary believes to be the most appropriate recipient.  If a legitimate business concern is sent, you will receive a written acknowledgement from the Corporate Secretary’s office confirming receipt of your communication.
 
 
Code of Ethics
 
Caterpillar’s code of ethics is called Our Values in Action (Code of Conduct).  Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Commitment are the core values identified in the Code of Conduct and are the foundation for Caterpillar’s corporate strategy.  The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the Board and to management and employees worldwide.  It documents the high ethical standards that Caterpillar has upheld since its formation in 1925.  The Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/code.

The Audit Committee has established a means for employees, suppliers, customers, stockholders and other interested parties to submit confidential and anonymous reports (where permitted by law) of suspected or actual violations of the Code of Conduct, our enterprise policies or applicable laws, including those related to accounting practices, internal controls or auditing matters and procedures; theft or fraud of any amount; insider trading; performance and execution of contracts; conflicts of interest; violation of securities and antitrust laws; and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Any employee, stockholder or other interested party can submit a report via the following methods:
 
 
§
Direct Telephone:  309-494-4393 (English only)
 
 
§
Call Collect Helpline:  770-582-5275 (language translation available)
 
 
§
Confidential Fax:  309-494-4818
 
 
§
E-mail:  BusinessPractices@CAT.com
 
 
§
Internet:  www.caterpillar.com/obp
 
 
Audit Committee Report
 
The Audit Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors (as defined for members of an audit committee in SEC rules and the NYSE listing standards) and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/governance.  Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process.  The auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).  The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring these processes.  In this regard, the Audit Committee meets periodically with management, the internal auditors and external auditors.  The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the scope of its responsibilities and the authority to retain outside counsel, experts and other advisors as it determines appropriate to assist it in conducting any investigations.  The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting and, if appropriate, replacing the current auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

Page 12

 
The Audit Committee has discussed with the Company’s auditors the overall scope and execution of the independent audit and has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management.  Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  Discussions about the Company’s audited financial statements included the auditors’ judgments about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.  The Audit Committee also discussed with the auditors other matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 Communication with Audit Committees, as amended (as adopted by the PCAOB in Rule 3200T).  Management, the internal auditors and the auditors also made presentations to the Audit Committee throughout the year on specific topics of interest, including the Company’s: (i) enterprise risk assessment process; (ii) information technology systems and controls; (iii) income tax strategy and risks; (iv) derivatives policy and usage; (v) benefit plan fund management; (vi) 2011 integrated audit plan; (vii) updates on completion of the audit plan; (viii) critical accounting policies; (ix) assessment of the impact of new accounting guidance; (x) compliance with the internal controls required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (xi) balance sheet strategy; (xii) risk management initiatives and controls for various acquisitions and business units; and (xiii) strategy and management of the implementation of new systems.

The auditors provided to the Audit Committee the written communications required by applicable standards of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee discussed the auditors’ independence with management and the auditors.  The Audit Committee concluded that the auditors’ independence had not been impaired.

Based on: (i) the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the auditors; (ii) the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management; and (iii) the report of the auditors to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 
By the members of the
Audit Committee consisting of:
 
 
 
William A. Osborn (Chairman)
 
 
Daniel M. Dickinson
 
 
Jesse J. Greene, Jr.
 

 
Audit Fees and Approval Process
 
Pre-Approval Process
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the auditors.  It has policies and procedures in place designed to ensure that the Company and its subsidiaries comply with the requirements for pre-approval set forth in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the SEC rules regarding auditor independence.  These policies and procedures provide a mechanism whereby management can request and secure pre-approval of audit and non-audit services in an orderly manner with minimal disruption to normal business operations.  The policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and do not delegate the Audit Committee’s responsibility to management.  These policies and procedures address any service provided by the auditors and any audit or audit-related services to be provided by any other audit service provider.  The pre-approval process includes an annual and interim component.

Annual Pre-Approval Process
Annually, not later than the Audit Committee meeting held in February of each year, management and the auditors jointly submit a service matrix of the types of audit and non-audit services that management may wish to have the auditors perform for the year.  The service matrix categorizes the types of services by audit, audit-related, tax and all other services.  Approval of a service is merely an authorization that this type of service is permitted by the Audit Committee, subject to pre-approval of specific services.  Management and the auditors jointly submit an annual pre-approval limits request.  The request lists aggregate pre-approval limits by service category.  The request also lists known or anticipated services and associated fees.  The Audit Committee approves or rejects the pre-approval limits and each of the listed services.

Page 13
 

Interim Pre-Approval Process
During the course of the year, the Audit Committee chairman has the authority to pre-approve requests for services that were not approved in the annual pre-approval process.  However, all services, regardless of fee amounts, are subject to restrictions on the services allowable under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SEC rules regarding auditor independence.  In addition, all fees are subject to ongoing monitoring by the Audit Committee.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fee Information
Fees for professional services provided by our auditors included the following (in millions):
 
 
2011
 
2010
Audit Fees 1 
$
31.6
   
$
23.2
 
Audit-Related Fees 2 
 
1.6
     
5.0
 
Tax Compliance Fees 3 
 
1.8
     
2.2
 
Tax Planning and Consulting Fees 4 
 
3.9
     
1.7
 
All Other Fees 5 
 
0.9
     
0.1
 
TOTAL
 
$
39.8
   
$
32.2
 
 
1
“Audit Fees” principally includes audit and review of financial statements (including internal control over financial reporting), statutory and subsidiary audits, SEC registration statements, comfort letters and consents.
2
“Audit-Related Fees” principally includes agreed upon procedures for securitizations, attestation services requested by management, accounting consultations, pre- or post- implementation reviews of processes or systems, financial due diligence and audits of employee benefit plan financial statements.  Total fees paid directly by the benefit plans, and not by the Company, were $1.0 in 2011 and $0.7 in 2010 and are not included in the amounts shown above.
3
“Tax Compliance Fees” includes, among other things, statutory tax return preparation and review and advice on the impact of changes in local tax laws.
4
“Tax Planning and Consulting Fees” includes, among other things, tax planning and advice and assistance with respect to transfer pricing issues.
5
 “All Other Fees” principally includes subscriptions to knowledge tools, attendance at training classes/seminars and other advisory services.

 
Governance Committee
 
The Governance Committee is comprised of three directors, all of whom meet the independence requirements for nominating committee members as defined in the NYSE listing standards and as determined by the Board in its business judgment.  The Governance Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, a copy of which is available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/governance.  As part of its mandate, the Governance Committee evaluates and makes recommendations regarding proposed candidates to serve on the Board, including recommending the slate of nominees for election at the Annual Meeting.

Director Resignation Policy
The Board has adopted a director resignation policy, which can be found in the Corporate Governance Guidelines.  The policy establishes that any director who receives more “withheld” votes than “for” votes in an uncontested election shall promptly tender his or her resignation.  The independent directors of the Board will then evaluate the relevant facts and circumstances and make a decision, within 90 days after the election, on whether to accept the tendered resignation.  The Board will promptly publicly disclose its decision and, if applicable, the reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation.

Page 14
 
 
Process for Nominating Directors
The Governance Committee solicits and receives recommendations for potential director candidates from directors, the Chairman and Caterpillar management.  The Governance Committee also considers unsolicited inquiries and nominees recommended by stockholders.  Recommendations should be sent to the Corporate Secretary at 100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629.

When considering a candidate, the Governance Committee believes that certain characteristics are essential.  For example, candidates must be individuals of high integrity, honesty and accountability, with a willingness to express independent thought.  Candidates must also have successful leadership experience and stature in their primary fields, with a background that demonstrates an understanding of business affairs as well as the complexities of a large, publicly held company.  Particular consideration will be given to candidates with experience as a chief executive officer of successful, capital-intensive businesses with international operations.  In addition, candidates must have a demonstrated ability to think strategically and make decisions with a forward-looking focus and the ability to assimilate relevant information on a broad range of complex topics.

The Governance Committee also believes that certain characteristics are desirable, such as being a team player with a demonstrated willingness to ask tough questions in a constructive manner that adds to the decision-making process of the Board.  At the same time, candidates should be independent, with an absence of conflicts of interests.  Moreover, candidates should have the ability to devote the time necessary to meet director responsibilities and serve on no more than five public company boards in addition to the Board.  Candidates must also have the ability to commit to stock ownership requirements according to the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Stockholder Nominations and Other Stockholder Business Proposals
In accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, stockholders may nominate a director candidate to serve on the Board by providing advance written notice to the Company no later than 90 days in advance of the 2013 annual meeting.  If you would like to formally propose any other business at the 2013 annual stockholder meeting, you must provide notice at least 45 days, but not more than 90 days, before the meeting.  In each case, your proposal must be delivered in the manner and accompanied by the information required by our Bylaws.  You may request a copy of the Company’s Bylaws by writing to the Corporate Secretary at 100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629.   They are also available on our website at www.caterpillar.com/governance.

If you are seeking to include your proposal in the Company’s 2013 proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, your proposal must be received in writing no later than January 2, 2013.  Stockholder proposals should be sent to Caterpillar Inc. by mail c/o Corporate Secretary at 100 NE Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61629.  Additionally, we request that you send a copy to the following facsimile number:  309-494-1467.

Note that Proposal 5 involves amending the advance notice provisions of the Bylaws.  If this proposal is approved, the deadlines and processes for submitting proposals will be different than described above.  In that case, you should observe the new deadlines and procedures, which are described under Proposal 5.  If Proposal 5 is approved, the amended Bylaws will be promptly posted on our website and filed with the SEC.

Page 15
 
 
PART THREE — Proposals to be Voted on at the 2012 Annual Meeting
 
Company Proposals
 
PROPOSAL 1 — Election of Directors
 
The Board has nominated the following individuals to stand for election for a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2013.  The nominees were evaluated and recommended by the Governance Committee in accordance with the process described on page 15.

Director and Director Candidate Biographies and Qualifications
 
Directors have been in their current positions for the past five years unless otherwise noted.
 
 
   
DAVID L. CALHOUN, 55, is currently Chief Executive Officer (since May 2010) and Executive Director (since January 2011) of Nielsen Holdings N.V. (marketing and media information) and Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Nielsen Company B.V.   Prior to his positions at Nielsen, Mr. Calhoun served as Vice Chairman of General Electric Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Infrastructure.  Other current directorships: Medtronic, Inc. and The Boeing Company.  Mr. Calhoun has advised Medtronic, Inc. that he will not stand for re-election at its 2012 annual stockholders’ meeting.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Mr. Calhoun has been a director since 2011.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Calhoun provides valuable insight and perspective on general strategic and business matters, stemming from his extensive executive and management experience with Nielsen and GE.  Mr. Calhoun also has significant manufacturing and high-technology industry expertise as evidenced by his leadership of GE’s aircraft engines and transportation businesses.
     
 
   
DANIEL M. DICKINSON, 50, is currently Managing Partner of HCI Equity Partners (private equity investment).  Other current directorships: Progressive Waste Solutions Ltd., Mistras Group, Inc. and HCI Equity Partners.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Mr. Dickinson has been a director of the Company since 2006.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Dickinson’s experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity business and role as an investment banker provides important insight for the Company’s growth strategy.  His significant financial expertise and experience, both in the United States and internationally, contributes to the Board’s understanding and ability to analyze complex issues. His experience as a director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
EUGENE V. FIFE, 71, is currently Managing Principal of Vawter Capital LLC (private investment).  Mr. Fife served as the interim CEO and President of Eclipsys Corporation (healthcare information services) from April to November of 2005 and the non-executive Chairman from 2001 until 2010, when Eclipsys merged with Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.  Mr. Fife was formerly a partner of Goldman Sachs & Co., retiring in 1995.  Other current directorships: Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.  Other directorships within the last five years: Eclipsys Corporation.  Mr. Fife has been a director of the Company since 2002.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Fife’s investment banking experience bolsters the expertise of the Board and adds important insights for the Company’s growth strategy.  His financial expertise and experience are important considerations for the Board.  Additionally, his experiences as a chief executive officer and director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
 
Page 16

 
     
 
   
JUAN GALLARDO, 64, is currently Chairman and was formerly CEO of Grupo Embotelladoras Unidas S.A.B. de C.V. (beverages and bottling).  Other current directorships: Lafarge SA.  Other directorships within the last five years: Grupo Mexico, S.A. de C.V.  Mr. Gallardo has been a director of the Company since 1998.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Gallardo’s international business experience, particularly in Latin America and South America, are important for the Company’s growth strategy.  His extensive background in trade-related issues also contributes to the Board’s expertise.  In addition, his experience as a chief executive officer and director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
DAVID R. GOODE, 71, was formerly Chairman, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation (holding company engaged principally in surface transportation).  Other current directorships: Delta Air Lines, Inc. and Texas Instruments Incorporated.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Mr. Goode has been a director of the Company since 1993.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Goode’s experience in the transportation and railroad industry provides valuable expertise to the Board.  His extensive experience in a capital-intensive industry enables him to make important contributions to the Company’s growth strategy.  In addition, his experience as a chief executive officer and director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
JESSE J. GREENE, JR., 67, was formerly Vice President of Financial Management and Chief Financial Risk Officer of International Business Machines Corporation (computer and office equipment).  Other current directorships: none.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Mr. Greene has been a director of the Company since 2011.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Greene’s financial and information technology experience is valuable to the Board.  His experience as a chief financial risk officer and executive of a large, publicly-traded multinational corporation enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
JON M. HUNTSMAN, JR., 51, former United States Ambassador to China (2009-2011) and former governor of Utah (2005-2009).  Other current directorships: Ford Motor Company and Huntsman Corporation.  Other directorships within the last five years:  none.  Mr. Huntsman became a director of the Company in April 2012.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Huntsman’s extensive global knowledge and experience – particularly in Asia with trade and other policy issues – and operational experience gained as governor of Utah enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
 
Mr. Huntsman was brought to the attention of the Governance Committee by Mr. Oberhelman following a reference from an unrelated third party.
     
 
   
PETER A. MAGOWAN, 70, was formerly President and Managing General Partner (1993-2008) of the San Francisco Giants (major league baseball team) and Chairman (1980-1998) and Chief Executive Officer (1980-1993) of Safeway Inc. (food retailer).  Other current directorships: none.  Other directorships within the last five years: DaimlerChrysler AG.  Mr. Magowan has been a director of the Company since 1993.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Magowan’s business experience as a long-term chief executive officer of Safeway Inc., a large, publicly-traded multinational corporation, is particularly valuable to the Board.  His experience in owning and managing a professional baseball organization also provides a diverse viewpoint on business matters.  In addition, his experience as a director of other large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
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DENNIS A. MUILENBURG, 48, has been Executive Vice President of The Boeing Company (aerospace/defense products and services) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security since September 2009.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Muilenburg was President of Boeing Global Services & Support (2008-2009), Vice President and General Manager of the Boeing Combat Systems division (2006-2008) and Vice President and Program Manager for Boeing Future Combat Systems (2003-2006).  Other current directorships: none.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Mr. Muilenburg has been a director since 2011.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Muilenburg provides valuable insight to the Board on strategic and business matters, stemming from his experience with large-scale product development programs and his world-wide supply chain and manufacturing expertise.
     
 
   
DOUGLAS R. OBERHELMAN, 59, is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caterpillar Inc.  Prior to his current position, Mr. Oberhelman served as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-Elect and as a Group President of Caterpillar Inc.  Other current directorships: Eli Lilly and Company.  Other directorships within the last five years: Ameren Corporation.  Mr. Oberhelman has been a director of the Company since 2010.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Oberhelman’s extensive experience and knowledge of the Company, gained during over 35 years of service in a wide range of Caterpillar leadership positions, enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
WILLIAM A. OSBORN, 64, was formerly Chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Corporation (multibank holding company) and The Northern Trust Company (bank).  Other current directorships: Abbott Laboratories and General Dynamics Corporation.  Other directorships within the last five years: Nicor Inc., Tribune Company and Northern Trust Corporation.  Mr. Osborn has been a director of the Company since 2000.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Osborn’s financial expertise and experience is valuable to the Board.  His experience as a chairman and chief executive officer of a large, publicly-traded multinational corporation is particularly important to the Board.  In addition, his experience as a director of other large, publicly-traded corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
CHARLES D. POWELL, 70, is currently Chairman of Capital Generation Partners (asset and investment management), LVMH Services Limited (luxury goods) and Magna Holdings (real estate investment).  Prior to his current positions, Lord Powell was Chairman of Sagitta Asset Management Limited (asset management).  Other current directorships: LVMH Moët-Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Textron Inc.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Lord Powell has been a director of the Company since 2001.
 
The Board believes that Lord Powell’s substantial knowledge of international affairs and business expertise are important to the Board.  His trade, public and governmental affairs and international experience is also valued by the Board.  In addition, his role as a director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
EDWARD B. RUST, JR., 61, is currently Chairman, CEO and President of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (insurance). He is also President and CEO of State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm Life Insurance Company and other principal State Farm affiliates as well as Trustee and President of State Farm Mutual Fund Trust and State Farm Variable Product Trust.  Other current directorships: Helmerich & Payne, Inc. and The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Mr. Rust has been a director of the Company since 2003.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Rust’s financial and business experience is valuable to the Board.  His role as a chief executive officer of a major national corporation and experience as a director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.  In addition, his extensive involvement in education improvement compliments the Company’s culture of social responsibility.
 
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SUSAN C. SCHWAB, 57, is currently a Professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and a Strategic Advisor for Mayer Brown LLP.  Prior to her current positions, Ambassador Schwab held various positions including United States Trade Representative (member of the President’s cabinet) and Deputy United States Trade Representative.  Other current directorships: FedEx Corporation and The Boeing Company.  Other directorships within the last five years: none.  Ambassador Schwab has been a director of the Company since 2009.
 
The Board believes that Ambassador Schwab brings extensive knowledge, insight and experience on international trade issues to the Board.  Her experience in education and her previous role as the U.S. Trade Representative provide important insights for the Company’s global business model and long-standing support of open trade.  In addition, her experience as a director of large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables her to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
JOSHUA I. SMITH, 71, is currently Chairman and Managing Partner of the Coaching Group, LLC (management consulting).  Other current directorships: Comprehensive Care Corporation, FedEx Corporation and The Allstate Corporation.  Other directorships within the last five years: CardioComm Solutions Inc.  Mr. Smith has been a director of the Company since 1993.
 
The Board believes that Mr. Smith’s experience in management consulting and business leadership provides important guidance to the Board.  His experience as the Chairman of the U.S. Commission on Minority Business Development, Maryland Small Business Development Finance Authority and as a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides valued insights on diversity issues.  In addition, his experience as the founder and chief executive officer of his own business and role as a director of other large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
   
MILES D. WHITE, 57, is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abbott Laboratories (pharmaceutical and medical products).  Other current directorships: McDonald’s Corporation.  Other directorships within the last five years: Motorola, Inc. and Tribune Company.  Mr. White has been a director of the Company since 2011.
 
The Board believes that Mr. White’s experience as the chief executive officer of a large, complex multinational company provides important insight to the Board.  His skills include knowledge of cross-border operations, strategy and business development, risk assessment, finance, leadership development and succession planning, and corporate governance matters.  In addition to his role as an executive officer, his experience as a director of other large, publicly-traded multinational corporations enables him to provide meaningful input and guidance to the Board and the Company.
     
 
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE NOMINEES PRESENTED IN PROPOSAL 1.
 
 
PROPOSAL 2 — Ratification of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board seeks an indication from stockholders of their approval or disapproval of the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors for 2012.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has been our auditors since 1925.  For additional information regarding the Company’s relationship with PricewaterhouseCoopers, please refer to the “Audit Committee Report” on page 12 and the “Audit Fees and Approval Process” disclosure on page 13.

If the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors for 2012 is not approved by the stockholders, the adverse vote will be considered a direction to the Audit Committee to consider other auditors for next year.  However, because of the difficulty in making any substitution of auditors so long after the beginning of the current year, the appointment for the year 2012 will stand, unless the Audit Committee finds other good reason for making a change.

Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so.  The representatives will also be available to respond to questions at the meeting.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE RECOMMEND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 2.

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PROPOSAL 3 — Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
 
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) required us to hold the following votes at our 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting: (i) stockholder vote to approve, on an advisory non-binding basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in the 2011 proxy statement in accordance with SEC rules (Say on Pay Vote), and (ii) an advisory vote on the frequency of the Say on Pay Vote in the future (Frequency Vote).  In light of the vote of Company stockholders at our 2011 annual stockholders’ meeting with respect to the Frequency Vote, we determined to include the Say on Pay Vote in our proxy materials for each annual meeting of stockholders until the next Frequency Vote, which will occur no later than our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders.

Caterpillar has a "pay-for-performance" and “pay-at-risk” philosophy that forms the foundation of the Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding compensation of Caterpillar's named executive officers.  This approach, which has been used consistently over the years, has resulted in Caterpillar's ability to attract and retain the executive talent necessary to guide the Company during a period of tremendous growth and transformation.  Please refer to "Executive Compensation—Compensation Discussion and Analysis" for an overview of the compensation of Caterpillar's named executive officers.

Accordingly, we are asking for stockholder approval of the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation of Caterpillar’s named executive officers as described under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," the compensation tables and the narrative discussion associated with the compensation tables in Caterpillar’s proxy statement for its 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby APPROVED.”

This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the policies and practices described in this proxy statement.

This vote is advisory and therefore not binding on Caterpillar, the Compensation Committee or the Board. The Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of Company stockholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the named executive officer compensation, we will consider those stockholders' concerns, and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.

 
PROPOSAL 4 — Amend Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to Provide Stockholders the Right to Call Special Meetings
 
We are seeking the approval of our stockholders to amend our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to enable stockholders owning, individually or in the aggregate, shares representing at least 25 percent of the voting power of the Company to require the Corporate Secretary to call a special meeting of stockholders. Currently, stockholders do not have the right to call special stockholder meetings.  If approved, this proposal would become effective upon the filing of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing the proposed amendments with the Secretary of State of Delaware, which the Company intends to do promptly after the required stockholder approval is obtained.
 
Proposals to allow stockholders holding less than 25 percent of the Company’s stock in the aggregate to call special meetings have not passed at prior meetings of Caterpillar stockholders.  However, the Board believes a 25 percent aggregate ownership threshold for stockholders to request a special meeting achieves an appropriate balance between enhancing stockholder rights and protecting against the risk that a small minority of stockholders will pursue special interests that are not in the best interests of our stockholders as a whole.  Organizing and preparing for a special meeting involves significant commitment of management time and focus, and imposes substantial legal, administrative and distribution costs.  Accordingly, we believe that a special meeting should only be held to cover special or extraordinary events when fiduciary, strategic, significant transactional or similar considerations dictate that the matter be addressed expeditiously, rather than waiting until the next annual meeting.  We will continue to maintain our existing governance mechanisms that afford management and the Board the ability to respond to proposals and concerns of all stockholders, regardless of the level of share ownership.
 
Stockholders submitting a special meeting request would be required to provide information similar to the information currently required for stockholders to bring business or a nominee for director before an annual meeting. The Bylaws would also describe how a stockholder may revoke a request. In addition, the Bylaws would specify when a special meeting requested by stockholders will not be held, including if: (1) the request to call a special meeting relates to an item of business that is not a proper subject for stockholder action under applicable law; and (2) an identical or substantially similar item will be submitted for stockholder approval at any stockholder meeting to be held within 90 days after the Corporate Secretary receives a special meeting request.

Page 20
 
 
The proposed amendments to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws to allow stockholders to call special meetings are set forth on Appendix A.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 4.
 
 
PROPOSAL 5 — Amend Bylaw Advance Notice Provisions
 
Our Board of Directors believes it is important that any stockholder who desires to propose a candidate for election to the Board or other stockholder business
 
§  
receive clearly articulated and reasonable timelines and instructions to accomplish this; and
 
§  
fully disclose their interest in Caterpillar and the matter being proposed.
 
Although our Bylaws and the federal securities laws are intended to provide such notice and require such disclosure, the Bylaw notice provisions do not fully account for the latest accepted practices, advances in electronic communications and relatively new forms of derivative investment instruments. For this reason, we are proposing the Bylaw advance notice provisions be updated.  A summary of the proposed amendments is set forth below:
 
Item
Current Bylaw Provisions
Proposed Revision
SEC Rule 14a-8 proposals (i.e. those intended to be included in the Company’s proxy statement as permitted by SEC rules)
No provision
Clarifies that shareholder proposals submitted for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement will follow the timeline set forth in the SEC rules and not the bylaws
Timing of submission of annual meeting stockholder proposals – other than SEC Rule 14a-8 proposals or nomination of directors
45 – 90 days before the meeting; if less than 60 days notice of the annual meeting is given, then not later than 15 days from the meeting notice
60-120 days before the anniversary date of the prior year meeting;
if the annual meeting date varies by more than 30 days from the prior year meeting date, then not later than 15 days following public announcement of the meeting date, but not earlier than 120 days in advance of the meeting
Timing of submission of annual meeting stockholder proposals to elect directors
90 days before the meeting
60-120 days before the anniversary date of the prior year meeting;
if the annual meeting date varies by more than 30 days from the prior year meeting date, then not later than 15 days following public announcement of the meeting date, but not earlier than 120 days in advance of the meeting
Timing of submission of special meeting stockholder proposal to elect directors
Not later than 10 days from the meeting notice
Not later than 10 days following public announcement of the meeting date
Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership
No requirement to disclose
The disclosure requirements applicable to proponents that are record holders also apply to the beneficial holders
Stockholder agreements
No requirement to disclose
A proponent must disclose agreements with others concerning the subject matter of their proposal
Derivative positions
No requirement to disclose
A proponent must disclose if they have entered into agreements that create or vary their voting or economic interest in Caterpillar stock

The text of the proposed amendments to the Bylaws advance notice provisions are set forth on Appendix B.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 5.

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Stockholder Proposals
 
PROPOSAL 6 — Report on Political Contributions and Expenses
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8(l)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company will provide the name, address and number of Company securities held by the proponent of this stockholder proposal promptly upon receipt of a written or oral request.

Resolution Proposed by Stockholder
 
Resolved, that the shareholders of the Caterpillar Inc. (“the Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semi-annually, disclosing the Company’s:

1.  
Policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures (both direct and indirect) made with corporate funds.
 
2.  
Monetary and non-monetary contributions and expenditures (direct and indirect) used to participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, and used in any attempt to influence the general public, or segments thereof, with respect to elections or referenda.  The report shall include:
 
a.  
An accounting through an itemized report that includes the identity of the recipient as well as the amount paid to each recipient of the Company’s funds that are used for political contributions or expenditures as described above; and
 
b.  
The title(s) of the person(s) in the Company responsible for the decision(s) to make the political contributions or expenditures.

The report shall be presented to the board of directors or relevant board oversight committee and posted on the Company’s website.

Supporting Statement of Proponent
 
As long-term shareholders of Caterpillar, we support transparency and accountability in corporate spending on political activities. These include any activities considered intervention in any political campaign under the Internal Revenue Code, such as direct and indirect political contributions to candidates, political parties, or political organizations; independent expenditures; or electioneering communications on behalf of federal, state or local candidates.
 
Disclosure is consistent with public policy, in the best interest of the company and its shareholders, and critical for compliance with federal ethics laws.  Moreover, the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision recognized the importance of political spending disclosure for shareholders when it said "[D]isclosure permits citizens and shareholders to react to the speech of corporate entities in a proper way. This transparency enables the electorate to make informed decisions and give proper weight to different speakers and messages." Gaps in transparency and accountability may expose the company to reputational and business risks that could threaten long-term shareholder value.
 
Caterpillar has contributed at least $2,114,285 in corporate funds since the 2002 election cycle. (CQ: http://moneyline.cq.com/pml/home.do and National Institute on Money in State Politics: http://www.followthemoney.org/index.phtml.)
 
However, relying on publicly available data does not provide a complete picture of the Company's political spending.  For example, the Company's payments to trade associations used for political activities are undisclosed and unknown.  In some cases, even management does not know how trade associations use their company's money politically.  The proposal asks the Company to disclose all of its political spending, including payments to trade associations and other tax exempt organizations used for political purposes.  This would bring our Company in line with a growing number of leading companies, including Exelon, Merck and Microsoft that support political disclosure and accountability and present this information on their websites.
 
The Company's Board and its shareholders need comprehensive disclosure to be able to fully evaluate the political use of corporate assets. We urge your support for this critical governance reform.

Page 22

 
Caterpillar Response to PROPOSAL 6 — Report on Political Contributions and Expenses
 
After careful consideration, the Board recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons provided below.

Caterpillar is committed to complying with laws and regulations governing federal and state political contributions and adhering to the highest standards of ethics and transparency in engaging in any political activities.

We currently disclose on our website www.caterpillar.com/contributions the Company’s policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures, including the authorization process and an itemized report of political expenditures made by Caterpillar as well as The Caterpillar Political Action Committee, a voluntary non-partisan, employee-sponsored political action committee.  The Company intends to update these itemized political expenditures reports on an annual basis.

Like most of its competitors, Caterpillar does not publish amounts contributed to trade associations or otherwise mandate disclosure of funds spent for non-political purposes that are later used by third parties to support political activity.  In many cases we support organizations for reasons having little or nothing to do with their political advocacy—it would be misleading to suggest that their political activity was deliberately funded or otherwise directed or influenced in any way by Caterpillar.  Additionally, mandatory disclosures with respect to the trade associations could reveal to our competitors (most of whom do not make these disclosures themselves) sensitive aspects of our corporate strategy.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “AGAINST” PROPOSAL 6.
 
 
PROPOSAL 7 — Director Election Majority Vote Standard
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8(l)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company will provide the name, address and number of Company securities held by the proponent of this stockholder proposal promptly upon receipt of a written or oral request.

Resolution Proposed by Stockholder
 
Resolved: That the shareholders of Caterpillar Inc. (or the “Company”) hereby request that the Board of Directors initiate the appropriate process to amend the Company’s governance documents (certificate of incorporation or bylaws) to provide that director nominees shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the majority of votes cast at an annual meeting of shareholders, with a plurality vote standard retained for contested director elections, that is, when the number of director nominees exceeds the number of board seats.

Supporting Statement of Proponent
 
In order to provide shareholders a meaningful role in director elections, Caterpillar’s director election vote standard should be changed to a majority vote standard.  A majority vote standard would require that a nominee receive a majority of the votes cast in order to be elected.  The standard is particularly well-suited for the vast majority of director elections in which only board nominated candidates are on the ballot.  We believe that a majority vote standard in board elections would establish a challenging vote standard for board nominees and improve the performance of individual directors and entire boards.  Our Company presently uses a plurality vote standard in all director elections.  Under the plurality vote standard, a nominee for the board can be elected with as little as a single affirmative vote, even if a substantial majority of the votes cast are “withheld” from the nominee.

An increasing number of companies, including 3M Company, The Boeing Company, Deere & Co., General Dynamics Corp., and Honeywell International Inc., have adopted a majority vote standard for director elections.  Additionally, these companies have adopted director resignation policies to address post-election issues related to the status of director nominees who fail to win election.  Other companies, including our Company, have responded only partially to the call for change by simply adopting post-election director resignation policies.

Page 23
 
 
We believe that a post-election director resignation policy without a majority vote standard in company bylaws or articles is an inadequate reform.  The critical first step in establishing a meaningful majority vote policy is the adoption of a majority vote standard.  With a majority vote standard in place, the board can then consider action on developing post-election procedures to address the status of directors that fail to win election.  A majority vote standard combined with a post-election director resignation policy would establish a meaningful right for shareholders to elect directors, and reserve for the board an important post-election role in determining the continued status of an unelected director.

We urge shareholders to vote FOR this proposal.

 
Caterpillar Response to PROPOSAL 7 — Director Election Majority Vote Standard
 
After careful consideration, the Board recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons provided below.

The Company received a similar proposal for the past several years and each year the proposal received less than a majority of the votes cast by stockholders. In light of these results and for the reasons provided below, the Board believes that the Company’s current method of electing directors is not only preferred by our stockholders, but continues to be in the best long-term interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Company stockholders currently elect their directors by plurality voting; however, the Board has adopted a director resignation policy, which provides that any director nominee who receives a greater number of “withheld” votes than votes “for” is required to tender his or her resignation to the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee will consider the resignation and recommend to the Board whether or not to accept the resignation. The independent directors will then make a decision regarding the resignation and publicly disclose their decision. The Board believes that this policy promotes a good balance between providing stockholders a meaningful and significant role in the process of electing directors and allowing the Board flexibility to exercise its independent judgment on a case-by-case basis.

Moreover, the proponent’s characterization of plurality voting, particularly the statement that a director may be elected by a single vote even if a substantial majority of the votes cast are “withheld,” is improbable – especially in light of the Company’s past voting results.  The Company’s stockholders have an excellent history of electing strong and independent directors by plurality voting. During the past ten years, the average affirmative vote for directors has been greater than 95 percent of the shares voted through the plurality voting process.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “AGAINST” PROPOSAL 7.

 
PROPOSAL 8 — Review of Global Corporate Standards
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8(l)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company will provide the name, address and number of Company securities held by the proponent of this stockholder proposal promptly upon receipt of a written or oral request.

Resolution Proposed by Stockholder
 
Whereas, Caterpillar, a global corporation, faces increasingly complex problems as the international social and cultural context changes.

Companies are faced with ethical and legal challenges arising from diverse cultures and political and economic contexts. Today, management must address issues that include human rights, workers’ right to organize, non-discrimination in the workplace, protection of environment and sustainable community development.  Caterpillar itself does business in countries with human rights challenges including China, Colombia, Myanmar/Burma, Syria and Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Page 24

 
We believe global companies must implement comprehensive codes of conduct, such as those found in “Principles for Global Corporate Responsibility: Bench Marks for Measuring Business Performance,” developed by an international group of religious investors. (www.bench-marks.org)  Companies must formulate policies to reduce risk to reputation in the global marketplace.  To address this situation, some companies, such as Hewlett-Packard and Coca-Cola, are even extending policies to include franchisees, licensees and agents that market, distribute or sell their products.

In August 2003, the United Nations Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights took historic action by adopting “Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights.”(www1.umn.edu/humanrts/links/NormsApril2003.html)

RESOLVED: shareholders request the Board of Directors to review and amend, where applicable, Caterpillar’s policies related to human rights that guide international and U.S. operations, extending policies to include franchisees, licensees and agents that market, distribute or sell its products, to conform more fully with international human rights and humanitarian standards, and that a summary of this review be posted on Caterpillar’s website by October 2012.

Supporting Statement of Proponent
 
Caterpillar’s current policy, the Worldwide Code of Conduct, contains no references to existing international human rights codes except for a corporate policy of non-discrimination, and aspirational goals to maintain employee health and safety.  It does not apply to company dealers whose activities can carry extensive reputational risks for Caterpillar.  We believe company policies should reflect more robust, comprehensive understanding of human rights.

We recommend the review include policies designed to protect human rights-civil, political, social, environmental, cultural and economic-based on internationally recognized human rights standards, i.e., Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Fourth Geneva Convention, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, core labor standards of the International Labor Organization, International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights, and United Nations resolutions and reports of UN special rapporteurs on countries where Caterpillar does business.

This review and report will assure shareholders that Caterpillar policies and practices reflect or conform to human rights conventions and guidelines and international law.  We are not recommending specific provisions of the above-named international conventions.  We believe significant commercial advantages may accrue to Caterpillar by adopting a comprehensive policy based on UN Human Rights Norms serving to enhance corporate reputation, improve employee recruitment and retention, improve community and stakeholder relations and reduce risk of adverse publicity, consumer boycotts, divestment campaigns already underway in churches and university campuses as well as lawsuits.

 
Caterpillar Response to PROPOSAL 8 — Review of Global Corporate Standards
 
After careful consideration, the Board recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons provided below.

Our Worldwide Code of Conduct (Code of Conduct) defines what we stand for and believe in, documenting the uncompromisingly high ethical standards our Company has upheld since its founding in 1925.
 
Our Code of Conduct, first published in 1974 and most recently updated in 2010, is readily available on the Company’s website at www.caterpillar.com/code and, as illustrated in the following excerpts, already embodies many of the principles contained in the proponents’ proposal.

  We Treat People Fairly and Prohibit Discrimination
§  
We build and maintain a productive, motivated work force by treating all employees fairly and equitably. We respect and recognize the contributions of employees as well as other stakeholders.
§  
We will select and place employees on the basis of their qualifications for the work to be performed, considering accommodations as appropriate and needed – without regard to their race, religion, national origin, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and/or physical or mental disability.
§  
We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.

Page 25

 
  We Treat Others with Respect and Do Not Tolerate Intimidation or Harassment
§  
Caterpillar insists on a work environment free of intimidation and harassment.

  We Select, Place and Evaluate Employees Based on their Qualifications and Performance
§  
Caterpillar selects, places, evaluates and rewards employees based on their personal qualifications and skills for the job, demonstrated performance and the contributions they make to Caterpillar.

  We Foster an Inclusive Environment
§  
We understand and accept the uniqueness of individuals, and are non-judgmental regarding differences. We value the diversity of unique talents, skills, abilities, and experiences that enable Caterpillar people to achieve superior business and personal results.

  We Conduct Business Worldwide With Consistent Global Standards
§  
As a global company, we understand that there are many differing economic and political philosophies and forms of government throughout the world. We acknowledge the wide diversity that exists among the social customs and cultural traditions in the countries in which we operate. We respect such differences, and to the extent that we can do so in keeping with the principles of our Code of Conduct, we will maintain the flexibility to adapt our business practices to them.

  We Protect the Health and Safety of Others and Ourselves
§  
As a company, we strive to contribute toward a global environment in which all people can work safely and live healthy, productive lives, now and in the future. We actively promote the health and safety of everyone on our property with policies and practical programs that help individuals safeguard themselves and their co-workers.

  We Support Environmental Responsibility Through Sustainable Development
§  
We strive to create stockholder value by providing customers with solutions that improve the sustainability of their operations. We leverage technology and innovation to increase our efficiency and productivity while reducing environmental impact.  We develop new business opportunities that help our customers, dealers, distributors and suppliers do the same.  Our products and services will meet or exceed applicable regulations and standards wherever they are initially sold.  We lead industry and community initiatives that share our commitment to making sustainable progress possible.

  We Refuse to Make Improper Payments
§  
In dealing with public officials, other corporations and private citizens, we firmly adhere to ethical business practices. We will not seek to influence others, either directly or indirectly, by paying bribes or kickbacks, or by any other measure that is unethical or that will tarnish our reputation for honesty and integrity. Even the appearance of such conduct must be avoided.

  Living By the Code
§  
While we conduct our business within the framework of applicable laws and regulations, for us, mere compliance with the law is not enough. We strive for more than that. Through our Code of Conduct, we envision a work environment all can take pride in, a company others respect and admire, and a world made better by our actions.

  We View Our Suppliers As Our Business Allies
§  
We look for suppliers and business allies who demonstrate strong values and ethical principles and who support our commitment to quality. We avoid those who violate the law or fail to comply with the sound business practices we embrace.

  We Build Outstanding Relationships with Our Dealers and Distribution Channel Members
§  
Our dealers and distributors serve as a critical link between our company and our customers worldwide.  We value their positive contributions to our reputation and their deep commitment to the customers and communities they serve.

Page 26

 
At Caterpillar, we are dedicated to promoting a healthy, productive and rewarding work environment for our employees worldwide.
 
Our Code of Conduct reflects our dedication to these issues.  Your Board believes that the Code of Conduct effectively articulates our long-standing support for, and continued commitment to, human rights and does not believe that implementation of this proposal is necessary or desirable as the concerns raised by the proponent are already being addressed in a meaningful way.  As these issues are already provided for in our Code of Conduct, the Board further believes that this proposal would add unnecessary cost to the Company and divert management’s attention from the current processes in place to address these issues.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “AGAINST” PROPOSAL 8.

 
PROPOSAL 9 — Stockholder Action by Written Consent
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8(l)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company will provide the name, address and number of Company securities held by the proponent of this stockholder proposal promptly upon receipt of a written or oral request.

Resolution Proposed by Stockholder
 
RESOLVED, Shareholders request that our board of directors undertake such steps as may be necessary to permit written consent by shareholders entitled to cast the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize the action at a meeting at which all shareholders entitled to vote thereon were present and voting (to the fullest extent permitted by law). This includes written consent regarding issues that our board is not in favor of.

Supporting Statement of Proponent
 
This proposal topic won majority shareholder support at 13 major companies in 2010. This included 67%-support at both Allstate and Sprint. Hundreds of major companies enable shareholder action by written consent. It would be best to adopt this proposal in the least wordy manner possible.

This written consent proposal is particularly important because our company spent extra money to tilt the vote against the 2011 proposal to enable shareholders to call a special meeting. In spite of management's extra money, we still gave 49%-support to the special meeting proposal.

The merit of this proposal should also be considered in the context of the opportunity for additional improvement in our company's 2011 reported corporate governance in order to make our company more competitive:

The Corporate Library, an independent investment research firm rated our company "D" with "High Governance Risk," and " Very High Concern" in executive pay – $51 million for our ex-CEO James Owens.

David Goode (related to the Delta Air Lines bankruptcy) was still on our Executive Pay Committee. And Susan Schwab (related to the Calpine Corporation bankruptcy) was still one-third of our Public Policy Committee.

David Calhoun received our highest negative votes – a walloping 24%. Mr. Calhoun was a CEO at one company and a director at 4 companies – overextension concern. Four of our directors had 13 to 18 years long-tenure – independence concern. Directors with 18-years tenure made up 67% of our executive pay committee.

Please encourage our board to respond positively to this proposal to initiate improved corporate governance to make our company more competitive:

Shareholder Action by Written Consent - Yes on 9.

Page 27
 
 
Caterpillar Response to PROPOSAL 9 — Stockholder Action by Written Consent
 
Statement in Opposition to Proposal
 
After careful consideration, the Board recommends a vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons provided below.

The Board believes that all stockholders should have the opportunity to deliberate and vote on pending stockholder actions, and that therefore stockholders should generally act only in the context of an annual or special meeting.  To that end, the Company has sponsored a proposal to be voted on at this meeting that would allow holders in the aggregate of 25 percent or more of Caterpillar’s shares to call a special stockholder meeting.  The Board believes this action will enhance our stockholders’ right to bring important matters before all stockholders for consideration, while providing the Board with an adequate opportunity to examine any proposed action and provide a carefully considered recommendation to our stockholders. This approach also helps ensure that the Company governs its affairs in the most efficient and cost-effective manner consistent with legal, regulatory and internal requirements.  In addition, the Company has afforded stockholders numerous ways to contact members of the Board and share thoughts, opinions and concerns about the Company.

The Board believes, however, that action by written consent can be used to circumvent the important deliberative process of a stockholder meeting.  Written consent rights as proposed could deprive many stockholders of the opportunity to deliberate in an open and transparent manner, or even receive accurate and complete information on important pending actions.  In addition, permitting stockholder action by written consent can create substantial confusion and disruption for stockholders, as multiple stockholder groups could solicit multiple written consents simultaneously, some of which may be duplicative or contradictory.

FOR THESE REASONS, YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “AGAINST” PROPOSAL 9.

 
PART FOUR — Other Important Information
 
Persons Owning More than Five Percent of Caterpillar Common Stock

The following table lists those persons or groups (based on a review of Schedules 13G filed with the SEC) who beneficially own more than five percent of Caterpillar common stock as of December 31, 2011.
 
Persons Owning More than Five Percent of Caterpillar Common Stock
 
 
 
Voting Authority
 
Dispositive Authority
Total Amount
of Beneficial
Percent
of
Name and Address
Sole
Shared
Sole
Shared
Ownership
Class
BlackRock, Inc.
40 East 52nd Street
New York, NY  10022
 
34,053,703
0
34,053,703
0
34,053,703
5.27
State Street Corporation and various direct and indirect subsidiaries (1)
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA  02111
 
0
29,762,341
0
73,206,210
73,206,210
11.30
(1)
State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as investment manager for certain Caterpillar defined benefit plans (7,052,263 shares) and defined contribution plans (36,391,606 shares).

Page 28
 
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 
Security ownership of management, the Board of Directors and Nominees to the Board of Directors is included in the following table.
 
Caterpillar Common Stock Owned by Executive Officers and Directors
(as of March 1, 2012)
 
 
Common
Stock 1
Shares
underlying
Stock Options/
SARs 2
Right to Acquire
within 60 days 3
David L. Calhoun
1,200
 
 
 
Daniel M. Dickinson
6,436
 
5,833
 
 
Eugene V. Fife
27,331
 
24,000
 
 
Juan Gallardo
230,874
 
44,833
 
 
David R. Goode
73,327
 
28,833
 
 
Jesse J. Greene, Jr.
7,960
 
 
 
Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
 
 
 
Richard P. Lavin
80,323
 
206,874
 
341,603
 
Stuart L. Levenick
138,137
 
474,880
 
349,619
 
Peter A. Magowan
307,574
 
28,833
 
 
Dennis A. Muilenburg
 
 
 
Douglas R. Oberhelman
121,068
 
813,368
 
681,364
 
William A. Osborn
39,974
 
20,833
 
 
Charles D. Powell
15,723
 
44,833
 
 
Edward J. Rapp
43,589
 
351,942
 
214,768
 
Edward B. Rust, Jr.
23,519
 
20,833
 
 
Susan C. Schwab
6,812
 
0
 
 
Joshua I. Smith
13,737
 
26,833
 
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq
118,282
 
571,810
 
352,766
 
Miles D. White
1,980
 
0
 
 
Steven H. Wunning
75,405
 
460,988
 
352,179
 
All directors and executive officers as a group 4
1,384,452
 
3,435,153
 
2,488,611
 
             
1
Common stock that is directly or indirectly beneficially owned, including stock that is individually or jointly owned and shares over which the individual has either sole or shared investment or voting authority.
2
Shares subject to stock options or SARs exercisable within 60 days.
3
SARs or RSUs that individual has the right to acquire within 60 days if such individual elected to retire pursuant to long-service separation.
4
This group includes directors, named executive officers and two additional executive officers subject to Section 16 filing requirements (group).  Amount includes 298,645 shares for which voting and investment power is shared.  No individual within the group beneficially owns more than one percent of our stock. The group beneficially owns 1.15 percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  None of the shares held by the group has been pledged.

Page 29
 
 
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis (CD&A)
 
Executive Summary
 
Business Performance
As illustrated above, our Sales and Revenues in 2011 were a record $60.138 billion, an increase of 41 percent from $42.588 billion in 2010.  Caterpillar was able to achieve this increased growth while controlling costs, which contributed to our profit of $4.928 billion, an increase of 83 percent from $2.700 billion in 2010.  This resulted in a profit per share (PPS) of $7.40 in 2011, which was up 78 percent from $4.15 in 2010.
 
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
 
The objective of the Company’s executive compensation program is to attract, retain and motivate talented executive officers who will improve the Company’s performance and provide strategic leadership.  Additionally, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee or Committee) designs compensation programs to align the actions of our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) with the long-term interests of our stockholders based on two fundamental concepts:  Pay for Performance and Pay at Risk.  As illustrated below, over 84 percent of our 2011 NEO compensation was variable or “at risk” and tied to Caterpillar’s performance:

Page 30
 

 
The Company’s executive compensation design includes four principles that drive our Pay for Performance and Pay at Risk philosophy:
 
 
1.
Base salary is the lowest percentage of total direct compensation. Our NEOs have responsibility for overall Company performance so a significant amount of their compensation should be contingent on performance. To achieve this objective, base salary represents the lowest percentage of their compensation.
 
 
2.
Short-term incentive compensation is based on performance.  Short-term incentive compensation awarded under our Executive Short-Term Incentive Plan (ESTIP) is based on the achievement of annual performance goals at the corporate and business unit levels.  This drives accountability and rewards exceptional results.  Payouts are subject to a threshold performance “trigger” and are not guaranteed.
 
 
3.
Long-term incentive compensation is based on Company performance. We expect our executives to focus on the Company’s continued success.  Under our Long-Term Cash Performance Plan (LTCPP) awards are tied to the Company’s performance over a period of time.  Executives have a higher ratio of long-term to short-term incentive compensation.  Payouts are subject to a threshold performance “trigger” and are not guaranteed.
 
 
4.
Equity should be a significant percentage of compensation. Profitable growth is an important priority for the Company and our stockholders.  To align the actions of our executives with the expectations of our stockholders, equity represents a significant percentage of their compensation.

Compensation Practices and Policies
 
The Committee engages in an ongoing review of the Company’s executive compensation programs to ensure they support the compensation philosophy and objectives.  In connection with this ongoing review, the Committee continues to implement and maintain best practices for executive compensation.  These best practices include the following, each of which reinforces our compensation philosophy:
 
§  
Stock ownership requirements – Compared to Caterpillar’s peer group, Caterpillar stock ownership requirements for NEOs, (a minimum of 50 percent of the average number of shares or units granted to the NEO during the last five years which currently equates to over three times base salary), discussed on page 33, are in the upper quartile.  Each of our NEOs has exceeded these requirements.
 
§  
Benchmark process – The Committee reviews the external marketplace in order to set market-based pay levels and consider best practices when making compensation decisions.
 
§  
Independent compensation consultation – The Committee retains and consults an independent compensation consultant.
 
§  
No pre-existing change in control severance benefits – The Company does not have any pre-existing change in control severance arrangements with its NEOs.  Under the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive plans, a termination of employment in addition to a change in control is required to trigger benefits.

Page 31
 
 
§  
Compensation recoupment policy – The Company may seek the reimbursement of bonus and incentive compensation or cancel unvested or deferred awards based on the misconduct of an executive officer that causes the Company to restate all or a portion of its financial statements.
 
§  
Prohibition on hedging and related transactions – The Company prohibits NEOs, directors and employees from engaging in transactions involving Company securities that hedge or offset any decreases in the market value of such securities, including put or call options, pledges, any other form of hedging transactions, margin purchases of Company stock or short sales.
 
§  
No tax gross-ups – The Company does not pay tax gross-ups for payments relating to a change in control or with respect to perquisites.
 
§  
Equity grant policies – The Company does not backdate, re-price or grant equity awards retroactively.  The grant date for annual equity awards is fixed on the first Monday in March and the first business day in May for the Chairman’s Award.

Say-on-Pay Consideration
 
In June 2011, the Company held a stockholder advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs (Say-on-Pay).  Our stockholders overwhelmingly approved the compensation of our NEOs, with almost 90 percent of stockholder votes cast in favor of our Say-on-Pay resolution.  Based on the strong stockholder support expressed for our NEO compensation program, the Committee applied the same effective principles and Pay for Performance and Pay at Risk philosophy in structuring executive compensation for 2012.

Overview of Compensation Practices
 
The Compensation Committee
 
The Compensation Committee is responsible for the executive compensation program design and decision-making process for NEO compensation.  The Committee regularly reviews executive compensation practices, including the methodologies for setting NEO total compensation, the goals of the program and the underlying compensation philosophy.  The Committee also considers the recommendations and market data provided by its independent compensation consultant and makes decisions, as it deems appropriate, on executive compensation based on its assessment of performance and achievement of Company, business unit and individual goals, as well as its judgment as to what is in the best interest of Caterpillar and its stockholders.  The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are described more fully in its charter, which is available at www.caterpillar.com/governance.
 
Named Executive Officers
 
The Company’s NEOs for 2011 were Douglas R. Oberhelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Richard P. Lavin, Group President, Construction Industries and Growth Markets; Stuart L. Levenick, Group President, Customer and Dealer Support; Edward J. Rapp, Group President, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer (CFO); Gerard R. Vittecoq, Group President, Energy and Power Systems; and Steven H. Wunning, Group President, Resource Industries.

Independent Compensation Consultant
 
The Compensation Committee retained Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (Meridian) as its independent compensation consultant.  Meridian provides executive and director compensation consulting services to the Committee, including advice regarding the design and implementation of such compensation programs, market information, regulatory updates and analyses and trends on executive base salary, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, benefits and perquisites.  Interactions between Meridian and management are generally limited to discussions on behalf of the Committee or as required to compile information at the Committee’s direction.  Meridian does not provide any other services to the Company.

Benchmarking
 
The Committee uses a peer group of 28 large public companies to provide a reasonable comparison basis for, and to benchmark the components of, the Company’s executive compensation.  The Committee targets the size-adjusted median level of the peer group for the executive total cash compensation package and long-term incentive compensation components.  Our peer group companies represent a cross section of industries, not just heavy manufacturing, because we compete for executive talent from a variety of industries.  To account for differences in the size of our peer group companies, market data provided by the independent compensation consultant is statistically adjusted (regressed) allowing for a comparison of our compensation levels to similarly sized companies.  Our 2011 peer group was unchanged from our 2010 peer group.

Page 32

 
 
2011 Peer Group
 
§ 3M Company
§ FedEx Corporation
§ PepsiCo, Inc.
§ Alcoa Inc.
§ Ford Motor Company
§ Pfizer Inc.
§ Altria Group, Inc.
§ General Dynamics Corporation
§ The Procter & Gamble Company
§ American Express Company
§ General Electric Company
§ Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
§ Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
§ Honeywell International Inc.
§ United Parcel Service, Inc.
§ The Boeing Company
§ International Business Machines Corporation
§ United Technologies Corporation
§ Cummins Inc.
§ Johnson & Johnson
§ Valero Energy Corporation
§ Deere & Company
§ Johnson Controls, Inc.
§ Weyerhaeuser Company
§ Dell Inc.
§ Lockheed Martin Corporation
 
§ The Dow Chemical Company
§ PACCAR Inc
 

Components of Caterpillar’s Compensation Program
 
 
Component
Description
Pay for Performance / Pay at Risk
Annual Cash
Compensation
 
Base Salary
 
Competitive pay to attract and retain talented executives.
 
Base salary represents the smallest percentage of NEO compensation which reinforces our Pay at Risk philosophy.  Increases are generally market and performance-driven.
 
ESTIP
 
Annual incentive plan that delivers a targeted percentage of base salary based on performance against predetermined corporate and business unit goals.
 
Variable component of pay intended to motivate and reward achievement of annual objectives. Goals are focused on shorter-term critical issues that are indicative of improved year-over-year performance.  Payouts are not guaranteed, and no payouts are made if performance thresholds are not achieved.
 
Long-Term
 Incentive Compensation
 
Equity Awards
 
For 2011, most NEO equity awards were in the form of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs), while a small percentage of NEO equity awards were in the form of time-vested Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
 
Time-vested RSUs reward  strong, sustained underlying stock value, while SARs reward increasing stockholder value (share appreciation). Equity awards align the interests of our NEOs with those of our stockholders.
 
LTCPP
 
Three-year performance program with cash payouts based on achieving corporate-level objectives.  Payout amounts are targeted as a percentage of base salary, with a threshold, target and maximum level payout based on performance.
 
LTCPP is tied to longer-term company performance and aligns executive actions with stockholder expectations.  Payouts can vary greatly from one year to the next.
 
Other
Benefits
 
Health and Welfare Benefit Plans, Perquisites
 
Executives are eligible to participate in health and welfare benefit plans generally available to other employees in the countries in which they are located and receive a limited number of perquisites commonly provided in the marketplace.
 
These programs provide competitive benefits that help attract and retain executive talent.
 

Page 33

 
Annual Cash Compensation
 
Base Salary
 
Base salary is the only fixed component of our executive officers’ total cash compensation.  The Committee targets the base salary midpoint at the size-adjusted median level of the peer group, with the minimum base salary at 80 percent of the midpoint and the maximum at 120 percent of the midpoint.  An executive officer’s base salary within that range is related to the individual’s level of responsibility and experience.  Merit increases are also possible based on performance, including achievement of individual and Company objectives, contribution to Caterpillar’s performance and leadership accomplishments.

Following a review of compensation data with respect to the 2011 peer group, the Committee approved a change to the Group President base salary ranges from the levels established for 2010, effective April 1, 2011.   The minimum base salary increased from $584,000 to $616,000, the mid-point increased from $730,000 to $770,000 and the maximum increased from $876,000 to $924,000.  There were no changes to the CEO base salary range in 2011.
 
2011 Salary Adjustments
 
For all but the CEO, the 2011 salary adjustments were the first increases for the past three years due to salary freezes during a period of economic and business uncertainty.  The Committee approved the following salary changes as described below:

Executive
2010 Salary
(Actual)
2011 Salary
(Actual)
Description
Douglas R. Oberhelman
$1,084,448
$1,429,506
On November 1, 2010, Mr. Oberhelman’s annual base salary was increased to $1,368,000, representing the minimum salary level in the CEO base salary range.  Increase in 2011 reflects additional level of experience.
 
Richard P. Lavin
$584,004
$723,504
Mr. Lavin’s 2011 base salary reflects market based midpoint for Group Presidents, additional responsibilities and level of experience – change reflects no increase in salary over prior three years due to austerity measures.
 
Stuart L. Levenick
$729,996
$794,652
Mr. Levenick’s 2011 base salary increase reflects additional responsibilities and level of experience – change reflects no increase in salary over prior three years due to austerity measures.
 
Edward J. Rapp
$584,004
$723,504
Mr. Rapp’s 2011 base salary reflects market based midpoint for Group Presidents, additional responsibilities and level of experience – change reflects no increase in salary over prior three years due to austerity measures.
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq*
$988,777
$1,035,476
Mr. Vittecoq’s 2011 base salary increase reflects additional responsibilities and level of experience – change reflects no increase in salary over prior three years due to austerity measures.
 
Steven H. Wunning
$729,996
$806,199
Mr. Wunning’s 2011 base salary increase reflects additional responsibilities and level of experience – change reflects no increase in salary over prior three years due to austerity measures.
 
*Mr. Vittecoq’s salary is paid in Swiss Francs and was converted to U.S. dollars based on the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Annual Incentive Compensation - ESTIP
 
ESTIP is an incentive compensation plan designed to provide NEOs with an opportunity to earn an annual cash incentive based on Company and business unit financial performance as well as the achievement of strategic business unit goals.  The objective of ESTIP is to provide executives with the opportunity to earn cash compensation tied to the short-term performance of the Company and reward NEOs for achieving corporate and business unit objectives. The Committee has discretion to reduce individual ESTIP awards, but increases are not permitted.  In addition, individual payouts are capped at $4.0 million.  There were no adjustments made to the 2011 ESTIP payouts to the NEOs.

The Committee establishes a threshold, target and maximum performance level for the Company Performance Measure and each Business Unit Performance Measure based on recommendations from management, Meridian and a review of historical and forecasted results.  If the threshold performance levels are not achieved, there is no payout.  The results of each performance measure are expressed as a payout factor based on the percentage of the target performance level.  For the 2011 ESTIP:

Page 34
 
 
 
§
performance levels greater than threshold but less than target result in a payout factor range of 30 percent to 99.99 percent of the executive’s target opportunity
 
 
§
target to maximum performance results in a payout range of 100 percent to 199.99 percent
 
 
§
achieving the maximum or greater performance levels results in a payout factor of 200 percent

Based on Caterpillar’s strategic goals, the Committee set a performance “trigger” of $2.50 profit per share (PPS) that must be achieved prior to any ESTIP payout for all NEOs, except Mr. Lavin and Mr. Wunning.

To further drive accountability for increased machine business unit profitability, the CEO presented, and the Committee approved, an incentive program (Machine Group Incentive Program) for Mr. Lavin and Mr. Wunning, who together have accountability for our machine business units (Construction and Resource Industries reportable segments).  Under the Machine Group Incentive Program, before any ESTIP payouts would be made, our machine business units were required to achieve business plan profitability, including the expense of any 2011 Machine Group Incentive Program payouts.  In effect, before any payouts would be made under ESTIP, participants in this program were required to fund their incentive payout by achieving profitability over and above their business plan target levels.  If the target level of profitability was not achieved, then no payouts would be made.  Payouts are only made to the extent that profitability exceeded target.  Because participants in this plan had their entire amount of incentive compensation at risk, the Committee approved a 10 percent payout premium, but only if results exceeded the target plus incentive expense.

ESTIP Formula
 
 
Target Incentive as a Percent of Base Salary:  The Committee sets the Target Incentive, expressed as a percentage of base salary for NEOs, based on the target annual bonus opportunities for similar positions in our peer group after considering the total annual cash compensation for comparable positions.  For 2011, the Committee approved a Target Incentive for the CEO at 135 percent of base salary and 100 percent of base salary for Group Presidents (targets were unchanged from 2010).

Company Performance Measure:  The Committee established corporate return on assets (ROA) as the Company Performance Measure.  ROA is determined by Machinery and Power Systems profit after tax, plus short-term incentive compensation expense after tax, divided by the average monthly Machinery and Power Systems assets and, for ESTIP purposes, excludes the acquisition of Bucyrus International, Inc. (Bucyrus).  The Committee believes ROA is an indicator of how efficiently management uses corporate assets and incents the most effective allocation and profitable use of the Company’s assets.  To encourage a focus on improving Company performance, the Committee set the target performance level for 2011 at 11.0 percent, which was significantly higher than the 2010 target of 6.9 percent.

The Committee made the following determinations in weighting the Company Performance Measure for each NEO:

Executive
Weight
Committee Determinations
Douglas R. Oberhelman
100%
 
As the Chairman and CEO, Mr. Oberhelman is responsible for overall Company performance; his ESTIP is based entirely on the corporate measure.
 
Richard P. Lavin
25%
 
Mr. Lavin is primarily responsible for machine-related business units resulting in a higher weighting on business unit measures.
 
Stuart L. Levenick
25%
 
Mr. Levenick is primarily responsible for customer and dealer support business units resulting in a higher weighting on business unit measures.
 
Edward J. Rapp
80%
 
Mr. Rapp is primarily responsible for corporate-level financial and corporate services resulting in a higher weighting of the corporate measure.
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq
50%
 
Mr. Vittecoq’s primary responsibility is for the Power Systems segment.  The corporate measure was given additional weight because it is more reflective of his global responsibilities for Power Systems.
 
Steven H. Wunning
25%
 
Mr. Wunning is primarily responsible for machine-related business units resulting in a higher weighting on business unit measures.
 

Page 35

 
Company Performance Measure Results
 
The Company’s 2011 ROA of 14 percent exceeded the target level resulting in a Company Performance Measure payout factor of 168.24 percent.  Mr. Oberhelman’s payout was based 100 percent on the Company Performance Measure resulting in an ESTIP award of $3,247,389.

Business Unit Performance Measures:  As part of our strategy revision in 2010, we announced changes to our organizational structure, and Group Presidents were given accountability for a related set of end-to-end businesses they manage.  Based on the corporate strategic goals of achieving superior financial results and being the global leader in the markets it serves, the CEO recommended specific Business Unit Performance Measures to the Committee for each Group President.  At its February 2011 meeting, the Committee considered the recommendations and approved the measures described below to incent the Group Presidents to drive the Company’s strategic goals throughout the organization.

The Committee set targets for these measures, including the Machine Group Incentive Program, at or above the business plan that were designed to be reasonably achievable with strong management performance.  Maximum performance levels were designed to be difficult to achieve given historical performance and the Company’s forecasted results at the time the measures were approved.  The Business Unit Performance Measures were also weighted according to the Company’s business priorities and the responsibilities of each Group President.

Description of Business Unit Performance Measures
 
 
Business Unit Performance Measure
 
Corporate Strategy
 
Description
Return on Net Assets (RONA)
Superior Financial Performance
The Committee approved RONA for certain business units because it measures how efficiently accountable profit is generated from net assets.  For ESTIP, RONA is calculated as segment/business unit profit plus short-term incentive compensation expense divided by the average monthly net segment/business unit assets.
 
Building Construction Products (BCP) RONA: RONA based on the results of the BCP business unit.
 
Customer & Dealer Support RONA:  RONA based on three operating segments from the "All Other" reportable segment category, excluding costs related to examining strategic options for the Company’s third party logistics business.
 
Machine Group RONA:  RONA based on the combination of Construction and Resource Industries reportable segments, excluding BCP (which is accounted for separately for ESTIP) and the impact of the acquisition of Bucyrus.
 
Power Systems RONA:  RONA based on the Power Systems reportable segment.
 
Percent of Industry Sales (PINS)
Global Leader
The Committee approved PINS as a performance measure to focus on the Company’s strategic goal of being the global leader.  PINS is used to measure improvements in the Company’s competitive position in the markets it serves by comparing dealer sales (including deliveries to dealer rental operations) of equipment to industry sales.  Certain products and geographic areas are excluded from this measure due to availability of accurate data or recent acquisition. Products were given different weights based on NEO responsibilities and relationship to the corporate strategy.
 
Customer & Dealer Support Group Enterprise Parts (Orders) Sales
Global Leader
The Committee approved this measure because increasing parts sales is an important aspect of the corporate strategy.  This measure represents the percentage of Caterpillar branded parts (orders) sales at actual price levels compared to business plan.
 
Financial Products Division Return on Equity (ROE)
Superior Financial Performance
The Committee approved this measure to drive accountability and performance for Caterpillar’s Financial Products reportable segment.  For ESTIP, ROE is calculated by dividing the full year profit (after tax) by the average of the monthly accountable equity balances, excluding the impact of interest costs and equity changes associated with differences in planned vs. actual dividends.  Dividends are payments of retained earnings from Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, the Company’s wholly owned finance subsidiary, to Caterpillar.
 

Page 36

 
Business Unit Performance Measure Results
 
Richard P. Lavin:  Mr. Lavin’s Business Unit Performance Measures include Machine Group RONA with a target level of 42.3 percent, weighted 35 percent. Machine Group PINS and BCP RONA were his other Business Unit Performance Measures.  The weighted average results of his Business Unit Performance Measures resulted in a payout factor of 115.93 percent.  Mr. Lavin’s combined weighted average payout factor of 157.99 percent resulted in an ESTIP award of $1,258,438.

Stuart L. Levenick:  Mr. Levenick’s Business Unit Performance Measures include Customer & Dealer Support RONA with a target level of 34 percent, weighted 25 percent. Machine Group PINS (excluding SEM branded wheel loaders) and Customer & Dealer Support Group Enterprise Parts (Orders) Sales were his other Business Unit Performance Measures.  The weighted average results of his Business Unit Performance Measures resulted in a payout factor of 111.34 percent.  Mr. Levenick’s combined weighted average payout factor of 153.40 percent resulted in an ESTIP award of $1,219,429.

Edward J. Rapp:  Mr. Rapp’s Business Unit Performance Measure was Financial Products Division ROE with a target level of 10.9 percent, weighted 20 percent. The results of his Business Unit Performance Measure resulted in a payout factor of 121.42 percent.  Mr. Rapp’s combined weighted average payout factor of 158.88 percent resulted in an ESTIP award of $1,150,486.

Gerard R. Vittecoq:  Mr. Vittecoq’s Business Unit Performance Measure was Power Systems RONA with a target level of 29.1 percent, weighted 50 percent. The results of his Business Unit Performance Measure resulted in a weighted payout factor of 100 percent.  Mr. Vittecoq’s combined weighted average payout factor of 184.12 percent resulted in an ESTIP award of $1,904,792.

Steven H. Wunning:  Mr. Wunning’s Business Unit Performance Measures include Machine Group RONA with a target level of 42.3 percent, weighted 50 percent and Machine Group PINS (excluding BCP).  The weighted average results of his Business Unit Performance Measures resulted in a payout factor of 114.73 percent.  Mr. Wunning’s combined weighted average payout factor of 156.78 percent resulted in an ESTIP award of $1,390,955.

2012 Company Performance Measures
 
Operating Profit After Capital Charge (OPACC) measures Caterpillar’s performance against stockholders’ expectations for a company in the top quartile of the Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500).  An increase in OPACC means Caterpillar is utilizing assets efficiently to generate stockholder value.  Generating attractive stockholder value is key to Caterpillar’s long-term success.  The Committee determined that a shift in the way we measure our success to better align our actions to our stock price performance was necessary to adapt to the market and stay competitive.  To support our future growth and to reinforce the importance of increasing OPACC, it will be a 2012 ESTIP metric for all NEOs.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation
 
Based on market data provided by Meridian, the Committee has adopted a portfolio approach to long-term executive compensation, where two or more long-term incentive compensation vehicles are used in combination.  The Committee reviews this approach annually, and maintained this structure for 2011.  Caterpillar’s 2011 long-term incentive plan provides for equity grants and cash performance awards.  Providing a portion of long-term incentive in the form of cash also allows the Committee to manage the share run rate and preserve the available pool of shares authorized for issuance under the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).

Equity Awards
 
For 2011, the Committee approved market-based equity awards for our NEOs based on benchmarking against our peer group.  The dollar value target was determined by calculating the median long-term incentive compensation amount based on our peer group and subtracting the present value of the target LTCPP opportunity.  The Committee made these awards in the form of SARs to reinforce its compensation philosophy of linking executive officer actions to long-term Company performance and shareholder appreciation.

At the February 2011 Committee meeting, the CEO discussed his recommendations for adjustments to the market-based awards for the other NEOs based on his assessment of individual performance and leadership impact.  After discussion and review of the CEO’s recommendations, the Committee approved positive adjustments to these awards in the range of 5 to 15 percent.

Page 37

 
Pursuant to the Chairman’s Restricted Stock Award Program (Chairman’s Award), the Committee may also approve discretionary awards of time-vested RSUs to NEOs, other than the CEO, as a way to recognize increased responsibilities or significant efforts that may not be reflected in the performance objectives under ESTIP or LTCPP.  Grant recommendations submitted by the Chairman are reviewed and then approved, adjusted or rejected by the Committee.  RSUs awarded under this program are subject to a five-year vesting schedule with one-third vesting on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, and are limited to no more than 15,000 RSUs to any one employee in a calendar year.

2011 Equity Awards
 
Executive
Equity Award
(SARs)
Chairman’s Award
(RSUs)
Total Value
2011 Equity Awards
Value(1)
#
Value
#
Douglas R. Oberhelman
$
8,309,208
 
226,224
$
N/A
 
N/A
$
8,309,208
 
Richard P. Lavin
$
1,971,262
 
53,669
$
57,585
 
500
$
2,028,847
 
Stuart L. Levenick
$
2,065,254
 
56,228
$
57,585
 
500
$
2,092,839
 
Edward J. Rapp
$
2,065,254
 
56,228
$
115,170
 
1,000
$
2,180,424
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq
$
2,065,254
 
56,228
$
57,585
 
500
$
2,092,839
 
Steven H. Wunning
$
2,159,283
 
58,788
$
86,378
 
750
$
2,245,661
 
(1) Grant date fair market value determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Standard Codification Topic 718.

Equity Grant Timing
 
Under the Company’s equity grant policy, the grant date for annual market-based equity awards is the first Monday in March while the grant date for the Chairman’s Awards to NEOs is the first business day in May.

Stock Ownership Requirements
 
The Committee establishes stock ownership requirements for all NEOs receiving equity compensation.  NEOs are required to own shares or share equivalents of Caterpillar stock equal to a minimum of 50 percent of the average number of shares or units granted to the NEO during the last five years.  NEOs’ vested unexercised securities are not considered in determining whether these guidelines are met.  Failure to meet these requirements results in automatic grant reductions equal to the percentage shortfall in meeting the ownership requirement.  Exceptions in the case of compelling circumstances must be approved by the Committee.  Our stock ownership requirements are in the upper quartile of our peer group, and currently, all NEOs exceed the stock ownership requirements.

Long-Term Cash Performance Plan (LTCPP)
 
As part of its portfolio approach, the Committee approves cash awards under the LTCPP, which are tied to long-term Company performance over a three-year performance cycle.  Each year, the Committee establishes a target opportunity for NEOs (expressed as a percentage of base salary), specifies two performance measures for the cycle and approves payout factors based on performance at the threshold, target and maximum levels.  The LTCPP is different from the ESTIP because each measure within LTCPP triggers independently, but the threshold performance level must be met in order to receive a payout for that particular measure.  Although increasingly larger payments are awarded when the target and maximum performance levels are achieved, the LTCPP payout amount can vary greatly from one year to the next based on achievement of goals from the prior three-year period.  The LTCPP target for 2011, as a percentage of base salary was 170 percent for the CEO and 110 percent for the Group Presidents.

The Committee has the discretion to reduce individual LTCPP awards, but individual increases are not permitted; no adjustments were made to the 2011 LTCPP payouts to the NEOs.  In addition, individual payouts are capped at $5.0 million.

2009-2011 LTCPP Cycle:  At its February 2009 meeting, the Committee established relative PPS growth, measured against the S&P peer group (described below), and ROA as the performance measures for the 2009-2011 cycle.  Payouts were based on a range, expressed as a percentage of an NEO’s target opportunity.  For performance at the threshold level up to target, the payout range was 50 percent to 99.99 percent of target; for target to maximum performance, the payout range was 100 percent to 149.99 percent of target; and for maximum and greater performance, the payout range was 150 percent of target.

Page 38

 
Based on the challenging global economic conditions at the time these targets were established, the Committee determined that the target performance levels were very challenging and achieving the targets would put the Company ahead of historical benchmark levels.  The following chart summarizes the 2009-2011 cycle, including the performance-based results:

Performance Measure
Weight
Performance Levels
Results
Payout Factor
Weighted Factor
Threshold
Target
Max.
ROA
50%
6%
10%
15%
6.8%
60.33%
105.17%
Relative PPS Growth
(Measured against
S&P Peer Group)
50%
25th percentile
50th percentile
75th percentile
Above 75th
percentile
150%

The following performance-based payouts resulted from the 2009-2011 LTCPP:
 
Executive
Performance-Based Payout
(2009-2011 LTCPP)
 
Douglas R. Oberhelman
$1,687,546
Richard P. Lavin
$729,622
Stuart L. Levenick
$869,516
Edward J. Rapp
$729,622
Gerard R. Vittecoq
$1,162,257
Steven H. Wunning
$873,989
 
2010-2012 LTCPP Cycle: The 2010-2012 LTCPP cycle also includes relative PPS growth measured against the S&P peer group (50 percent) and ROA (50 percent).  The Committee approved the same range of payouts as the 2009-2011 LTCPP cycle and established the performance levels to focus management on improved performance following a significant economic downturn. The threshold level was designed to be reasonably achievable, given the economic and market conditions at the time, the target level was designed to be reasonably achievable with strong management performance, while the maximum level was designed to be difficult to achieve.

Page 39

 
S&P Peer Group
 
The following companies were selected by the Committee to compare Caterpillar’s relative PPS growth because they are part of our specific industry and provide a more accurate comparison by minimizing market cycle fluctuations.  There were no changes in the S&P Peer Group from 2010 to 2011.

 
S&P Peer Group
 
§3M Company
§General Electric Company
§Navistar International Corporation
§Cummins Inc.
§Honeywell International Inc.
§PACCAR Inc
§Danaher Corporation
§Illinois Tool Works Inc.
§Pall Corporation
§Deere & Company
§Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited
§Parker-Hannifin Corporation
§Dover Corporation
§ITT Corporation
§Textron Inc.
§Eaton Corporation
§Johnson Controls, Inc.
§United Technologies Corporation

2011-2013 LTCPP Cycle:  Following a comprehensive review of executive compensation completed by Meridian in 2010, management recommended to the Committee that beginning with the 2011-2013 LTCPP cycle, the LTCPP performance measures should be ROA and total shareholder return (TSR) measured against the companies within the S&P 500, each weighted 50 percent.  TSR is the combined impact of stock price appreciation and dividends paid and is a measure used to compare the performance of different companies over time.  At its February 2011 meeting, the Committee approved TSR as  a measure to better align company performance with stockholder expectations and ROA to encourage NEOs to focus on exceeding the Company’s financial goals.  The Committee determined that the threshold level was designed to be reasonably achievable, given the challenges of managing profitably through an economic recovery, the target level was designed to be reasonably achievable with strong management performance, while the maximum level was designed to be difficult to achieve.

Also, based on Meridian’s compensation review, the Committee noted that consistent with the Company’s Pay for Performance philosophy, when the Company’s performance results fell below target, the LTCPP payout levels decreased and, in some cases, did not payout.  However, when Company performance was above, or significantly exceeded, target expectations, the payout range did not sufficiently reward such performance.  Therefore, the Committee approved the following payout ranges for the 2011-2013 cycle, expressed as a percentage of an NEO’s target opportunity:  Threshold level up to target performance level, 30 percent to 99.99 percent; target to maximum performance level, 100 percent to 199.99 percent; and maximum and greater performance, 200 percent.

2011 Compensation Decisions
 
Chairman and CEO Compensation Decisions
 
The Board, excluding the CEO, conducts the CEO’s performance evaluation which is based on objective and subjective criteria including:
 
 
§
Caterpillar’s financial performance.
 
 
§
The accomplishment of Caterpillar’s long-term strategic objectives.
 
 
§
The achievement of individual goals set at the beginning of each year.
 
 
§
The development of Caterpillar’s top management team.

Prior to the Board’s evaluation of the CEO’s performance and its approval of his compensation, the Committee evaluates CEO compensation using benchmark information and also conducts an initial performance review.  The Committee makes a preliminary compensation recommendation to the Board based on this initial evaluation and performance review.  In February 2012, the Board reviewed the Committee’s assessment of Mr. Oberhelman’s performance and approved his compensation.  In making these determinations, the Board noted that the most critical results for Mr. Oberhelman’s 2011 performance were:
 
§  
Delivered superior results and grew the Company’s profitability.
 
o  
2011 sales and revenues up 41 percent from 2010.
 
o  
2011 profit per share of $7.40 up 78 percent from $4.15 in 2010.
 
o  
Machinery and Power Systems operating cash flow nearing $8 billion – Caterpillar’s best year ever.
 
§  
Developed an outstanding team while demonstrating and advocating Caterpillar’s Values in Action – focused on safety, diversity & inclusion and growth of Caterpillar’s global footprint.
 
§  
Successful closing and integration of several acquisitions, including Bucyrus International, Inc. (Bucyrus), Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD) and MWM Holding GmbH (MWM) into the Caterpillar team.
 
§  
Smooth introduction of Tier 4 machines with minimal quality issues.
 
§  
Drove customer focus and supplier collaboration through weekly customer visits and frequent contact with strategic suppliers while maintaining intense competitive reviews and benchmarking.
 
§  
Led the transition from an asset-driven metric, ROA, to a return on capital-driven metric, OPACC.

Other NEO Compensation Decisions
 
The CEO presents a performance evaluation and recommended compensation adjustments to the Committee based on objective and subjective criteria for each NEO.  In February 2012, the CEO met with the Committee to share his evaluations of the other NEOs and discuss performance-based compensation adjustments.  The Committee approved the other NEOs’ compensation and proposed adjustments based on performance and total compensation benchmark information.  In making these determinations, the Committee noted that the most critical results for each NEO’s 2011 performance were:
 
Richard P. Lavin, Group President
 
§  
Strong financial performance – OPACC and RONA exceeded targets.
§  
Focus on quality – as delivered quality and reliability exceeded targets.
§  
Parts sales exceeded plan.

Page 40
 
 
Stuart L. Levenick, Group President
 
§  
Superior financial performance – accountable profit, OPACC, RONA, cash flow and inventory turnover results all exceeded targets.
§  
Sales and price realization both exceeded goals in his area of responsibility.
§  
Percent of Parts Sales – Cat Branded (POPS-C), parts orders, and parts availability all exceeded plan.
 
Edward J. Rapp, Group President and Chief Financial Officer
 
§  
Superior corporate financial position – machinery and equipment operating cash flow, direct material, and debt/debt plus equity metrics all exceeded targets.
§  
Financial Products Division accountable profit and return on equity exceeded targets.
§  
Successful leadership of Caterpillar’s most active year of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq, Group President
 
§  
Superior financial performance – net sales and transfers, accountable profit, OPACC, RONA, cash flow and inventory turnover results all exceeded targets.
§  
Continued integration of EMD and MWM operations.
§  
Focus on quality – as delivered quality and reliability exceeded plan.
 
Steven H. Wunning, Group President
 
§  
Superior financial performance – accountable profit, OPACC, RONA, cash flow and inventory turnover results all exceeded targets; responded exceptionally well to high customer demand.
§  
Successful integration of legacy Bucyrus and Caterpillar Global Mining organizations (employees and businesses); good progress on transition of related Bucyrus sales and distribution functions to dealers.
§  
Stellar leadership of Tier 4 introduction for 50 product launches in 2011 resulting in excellent dealer and customer acceptance.

Discretionary Bonuses
 
Periodically, the Committee approves discretionary cash bonuses for NEOs to recognize increased responsibilities or results or to reward significant efforts that may not be reflected in the performance objectives established under the annual cash incentive plan or long-term incentive program.  The Committee believes that these discretionary bonuses are necessary when important Company events require significant time and effort in addition to the time and effort needed for meeting the Company’s target performance objectives.  In light of the performance results for each Group President discussed above, the Committee approved the following discretionary bonuses based on the recommendations of the CEO:

Discretionary Bonus
Richard P. Lavin
$142,350
Stuart L. Levenick
$100,000
Edward J. Rapp
$186,211
Gerard R. Vittecoq
$226,549
Steven H. Wunning
$170,000

 
Post-Termination and Change in Control Benefits
 
Except for customary provisions in employee benefit plans and as required by applicable law, the NEOs do not have any pre-existing executive severance packages or contracts.  As required under Swiss law, Mr. Vittecoq has an employment contract, which provides for certain post-termination benefits.  Change in control benefits are provided under our long-term and short-term plans and represent customary provisions for these types of plans and have no direct correlation with other compensation decisions. These change in control provisions generally provide accelerated vesting and maximum payout under the incentive plans, but are subject to a “double trigger,” whereby both a change in control and involuntary termination of employment without cause are needed to trigger such provisions.  There is no cash severance or other benefits for termination related to change in control beyond what is provided for in LTIP and ESTIP.  Additional information is disclosed in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section on page 50 of this proxy statement.

Page 41

 
In the event of a change in control, maximum payout factors are provided for amounts payable under the  LTIP and ESTIP.
 
 
§
LTIP allows for the maximum performance level to be paid under each open plan cycle of the LTCPP, prorated based on the time of active employment during the performance cycle.
 
 
§
All unvested stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units vest immediately.
 
 
§
Options and SARs remain exercisable over the normal life of the grant.
 
 
§
ESTIP provides for a maximum payout factor of 200 percent.

Retirement and Other Benefits
 
The defined contribution and defined benefit plans available to the NEOs (excluding Mr. Vittecoq) are also available to many U.S. Caterpillar salaried and management employees.  Mr. Vittecoq is not eligible for U.S. benefit plans because he is on Swiss payroll and eligible for Swiss benefit programs.  Mr. Vittecoq participates in Caprevi, Prevoyance Caterpillar (Swiss retirement plan) and the Swiss Employees’ Investment Plan (Swiss retention plan), which are available to all other Swiss management-level employees.  All of the NEOs, excluding Mr. Vittecoq, participate in the following U.S. retirement plans described below:

Plan Type
Title
Description
Pension
 
Caterpillar Inc. Retirement Income Plan (RIP)
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan under which benefit amounts are not offset for any Social Security benefits.  RIP was closed to new entrants, effective January 1, 2011. All NEOs participate in this plan and continue to earn benefits under RIP until the earlier of separation or December 31, 2019.
 
Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP)
 
 
If compensation or retirement income under RIP exceeds the IRS limitations, the excess benefits are paid from SERP.  The formula used to calculate the benefit payable in SERP is similar to the one used under RIP.  As with RIP, SERP was closed to new entrants effective January 1, 2011.  All NEOs continue to earn SERP benefits until the earlier of separation or December 31, 2019.
 
Savings
 
Caterpillar 401(k) Savings Plan
 
 
U.S.-based NEOs are eligible to participate in the Caterpillar 401(k) Savings Plan under which the Company matches 50 percent of the first six percent of pay contributed to the savings plan.
 
Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan (SDCP)
 
 
All U.S.-based NEOs are eligible to participate in SDCP, which provides the opportunity to increase deferrals of base salary and to elect deferrals of ESTIP and LTCPP awards.  Under the terms of SDCP, supplemental base pay deferrals earn matching contributions at a rate of three percent of the deferred amount, supplemental ESTIP deferrals earn matching contributions at a rate of 50 percent of the first six percent of ESTIP deferrals and excess base pay deferrals are matched 50 percent.
 
 
Supplemental (SEIP) and Deferred (DEIP) Employees’ Investment Plan
 
All U.S.-based NEOs were previously eligible to participate in SEIP and DEIP.  These plans were frozen in March 2007.  Compensation deferred into SEIP and DEIP prior to January 1, 2005, remains in SEIP and DEIP.

Page 42
 
 
Perquisites
 
The Company provides NEOs a limited number of perquisites that the Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with the overall compensation program and those commonly provided in the marketplace.  The Committee annually reviews the levels of perquisites provided to the NEOs which include home security systems, parking and limited personal use of the Company aircraft and related ground transportation.  These perquisites are provided to attract and retain talented executive officers, for security purposes and to allow the NEOs to devote additional time to Caterpillar business.  Costs associated with these perquisites are included in the “2011 All Other Compensation Table” on page 45.
 
Tax Implications:  Deductibility of NEO Compensation
 
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, generally NEO compensation over $1 million for any year is not deductible for United States income tax purposes.  However, performance-based compensation is exempt from the deduction limit if certain requirements are met.  The goal of the Committee is to structure compensation to take advantage of this exemption under Section 162(m) to the extent practicable. However, the Committee may elect to provide compensation outside those requirements when necessary to achieve its compensation objectives.  Substantially all 2011 NEO compensation is expected to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) or otherwise not exceed $1 million, except RSUs granted under the Chairman’s Award program and the CEO’s base salary.
 
Compensation Recoupment Policy
 
Under the Company’s compensation recoupment policy, the Board will require reimbursement of any bonus or incentive compensation awarded to an officer or cancel unvested restricted or deferred stock awards previously granted to the officer if all of the following apply:
 
§  
The amount of the bonus, incentive compensation or stock award was calculated based on the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement.
 
§  
The officer engaged in intentional misconduct that caused or partially caused the need for the restatement.
 
§  
The amount of the bonus, incentive compensation or stock award that would have been awarded to the officer had the financial results been properly reported would have been lower than the amount actually awarded.
 
 
Compensation Committee Report
 
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the CD&A included in this proxy statement with management and is satisfied that the CD&A fairly and completely represents the philosophy, intent and actions of the Committee with regard to executive compensation.  Based on such review and discussion, we recommend to the Board that the CD&A be included in this proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for filing with the SEC.

   
By the members of the Compensation
Committee consisting of:
 
   
   
David R. Goode (Chairman)
   
   
David L. Calhoun
   
   
Edward B. Rust, Jr.
   
   
Joshua I. Smith
   

Page 43
 
 
Executive Compensation Tables
 
2011 Summary Compensation Table
Name and
Principal Position
Year
Salary
Bonus 1
Stock
Awards
Option
Awards 2
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation 3
Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings 4
All Other
Compensation 5
Total
Douglas R. Oberhelman
2011
$
1,429,506
 
$
 
$
 
$
8,309,208
 
$
4,934,935
 
$
2,080,873
 
$
147,501
 
$
16,902,023
 
Chairman & CEO
2010
$
1,084,448
 
$
 
$
494,608
 
$
6,074,611
 
$
2,727,563
 
$
105,345
 
$
63,725
 
$
10,550,300
 
 
2009
$
729,996
 
$
 
$
148,292
 
$
1,179,874
 
$
266,635
 
$
505,259
 
$
164,719
 
$
2,994,775
 
Richard P. Lavin
2011
$
723,504
 
$
142,350
 
$
57,585
 
$
1,971,262
 
$
1,988,060
 
$
731,176
 
$
363,873
 
$
5,977,810
 
Group President
2010
$
584,004
 
$
38,500
 
$
223,202
 
$
2,886,780
 
$
1,377,730
 
$
152,994
 
$
88,590
 
$
5,351,800
 
 
2009
$
584,004
 
$
 
$
132,644
 
$
1,055,465
 
$
196,257
 
$
366,197
 
$
148,887
 
$
2,483,454
 
Stuart L. Levenick
2011
$
794,652
 
$
100,000
 
$
57,585
 
$
2,065,254
 
$
2,088,945
 
$
956,381
 
$
122,743
 
$
6,185,560
 
Group President
2010
$
729,996
 
$
 
$
173,761
 
$
3,008,526
 
$
1,722,141
 
$
186,811
 
$
93,515
 
$
5,914,750
 
 
2009
$
729,996
 
$
 
$
132,644
 
$
1,055,465
 
$
264,505
 
$
621,419
 
$
144,239
 
$
2,948,268
 
Edward J. Rapp
2011
$
723,504
 
$
186,211
 
$
115,170
 
$
2,065,254
 
$
1,880,108
 
$
789,978
 
$
90,713
 
$
5,850,938
 
Group President & CFO
2010
$
584,004
 
$
 
$
248,720
 
$
3,252,017
 
$
1,377,730
 
$
108,223
 
$
101,432
 
$
5,672,126
 
 
2009
$
584,004
 
$
 
$
132,644
 
$
1,055,465
 
$
196,190
 
$
362,994
 
$
100,886
 
$
2,432,183
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq 6
2011
$
1,035,476
 
$
226,549
 
$
57,585
 
$
2,065,254
 
$
3,067,049
 
$
1,388,869
 
$
66,928
 
$
7,907,710
 
Group President
2010
$
988,777
 
$
49,424
 
$
173,761
 
$
2,886,780
 
$
2,496,932
 
$
954,012
 
$
41,377
 
$
7,591,063
 
 
2009
$
895,957
 
$
 
$
140,003
 
$
1,113,944
 
$
327,253
 
$
882,754
 
$
35,838
 
$
3,395,749
 
Steven H. Wunning
2011
$
806,199
 
$
170,000
 
$
86,378
 
$
2,159,283
 
$
2,264,944
 
$
695,886
 
$
107,833
 
$
6,290,523
 
Group President
2010
$
729,996
 
$
 
$
173,761
 
$
3,008,526
 
$
1,722,141
 
$
 
$
97,837
 
$
5,732,261
 
 
2009
$
729,996
 
$
 
$
132,644
 
$
1,055,465
 
$
264,925
 
$
481,115
 
$
168,011
 
$
2,832,156
 
1
Periodically NEOs earn discretionary bonuses to recognize increased responsibilities or significant efforts that may not be reflected in the performance objectives established under the short-term or long-term incentive plans.  The Compensation Committee believes that these discretionary bonuses are necessary when important Company events require significant time and effort by the NEO.  In February 2012, the Compensation Committee approved lump sum discretionary bonuses of $142,350 for Mr. Lavin; $100,000 for Mr. Levenick; $186,211 for Mr. Rapp; $226,549 for Mr. Vittecoq; and $170,000 for Mr. Wunning.
2
The amounts in these columns represent awards granted under the Caterpillar Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).  The amounts reported in these columns are valued based on the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (FASB ASC Topic 718).  For the restricted stock unit awards, the aggregate grant date fair value was calculated based on the fair market value (average of the high and low price) of Caterpillar stock on the award date of May 2, 2011 ($115.17 per share).  Assumptions made in the calculation of these amounts are included in Note 2 “Stock based compensation” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2012.
3
The amounts in this column reflect cash payments made to NEOs under ESTIP in 2012 with respect to 2011 performance and under the LTCPP with respect to performance over a three year plan cycle from 2009 through 2011 as follows: Mr. Oberhelman $3,247,389/ESTIP and $1,687,546/LTCPP; Mr. Lavin $1,258,438/ESTIP and $729,622/LTCPP; Mr. Levenick $1,219,429/ESTIP and $869,516/LTCPP; Mr. Rapp $1,150,486/ESTIP and $729,622/LTCPP; Mr. Vittecoq $1,904,792/ESTIP and $1,162,257/LTCPP; Mr. Wunning $1,390,955/ESTIP and $873,989/LTCPP.  All amounts reported for Mr. Vittecoq were paid in Swiss Francs and have been converted to U.S. dollars.
4
Because NEOs do not receive “preferred” or “above market” earnings on compensation deferred into SDCP, SEIP and/or DEIP, the amount shown represents only the change between the actuarial present value of each officer’s total accumulated pension benefit between December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011.  The amount assumes the pension benefit is payable at each NEO’s earliest unreduced retirement age based upon the officer’s current pensionable earnings.
5
All Other Compensation for 2011 consists of the following items detailed in a separate table appearing on page 45:  Matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) plan, matching contributions to SDCP/EIP, corporate aircraft usage, home security and ISE allowances.
6
All amounts reported for Mr. Vittecoq were paid in Swiss Francs and have been converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2011 (1 Swiss Franc = 1.064 U.S. Dollars).

Page 44
 
 
2011 All Other Compensation Table
Name
Year
Matching
Contributions
401(k)
Matching
Contributions
SDCP/EIP
Corporate
Aircraft 2
Home
Security 3
Other 4
Total All Other
Compensation
Douglas R. Oberhelman
2011
$
6,840
 
$
48,980
 
$
69,307
 
$
20,754
 
$
1,620
 
$
147,501
 
 
2010
$
14,700
 
$
 
$
45,000
 
$
2,405
 
$
1,620
 
$
63,725
 
 
2009
$
14,700
 
$
71,491
 
$
21,190
 
$
55,718
 
$
1,620
 
$
164,719
 
Richard P. Lavin
2011
$
6,061
 
$
35,816
 
$
24,380
 
$
1,063
 
$
296,553
 
$
363,873
 
 
2010
$
14,700
 
$
20,340
 
$
3,125
 
$
1,063
 
$
49,362
 
$
88,590
 
 
2009
$
14,700
 
$
51,974
 
$
520
 
$
950
 
$
80,743
 
$
148,887
 
Stuart L. Levenick
2011
$
7,350
 
$
43,315
 
$
69,430
 
$
1,028
 
$
1,620
 
$
122,743
 
 
2010
$
14,700
 
$
 
$
76,167
 
$
1,028
 
$
1,620
 
$
93,515
 
 
2009
$
14,700
 
$
68,491
 
$
58,500
 
$
928
 
$
1,620
 
$
144,239
 
Edward J. Rapp
2011
$
6,797
 
$
35,816
 
$
46,375
 
$
825
 
$
900
 
$
90,713
 
 
2010
$
14,700
 
$
20,340
 
$
64,667
 
$
825
 
$
900
 
$
101,432
 
 
2009
$
14,700
 
$
51,974
 
$
32,587
 
$
725
 
$
900
 
$
100,886
 
Gerard R. Vittecoq
2011
$
N/A
 1
$
49,703
 
$
17,225
 
$
 
$
 
$
66,928
 
 
2010
$
N/A
 1
$
41,377
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
41,377
 
 
2009
$
N/A
 1
$
35,838
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
35,838
 
Steven H. Wunning
2011
$
6,438
 
$
43,661
 
$
56,114