Caterpillar, Inc. honored their 80 years in the New York Stock Exchange as of December 2nd with an appearance by Chairman and CEO Jim Owens, who rang the opening bell in commemoration.

His appearance was paired with a display of Caterpillar machines including a mini hydraulic excavator, a multi-terrain loader, and the No. 31 Caterpillar NASCAR racing machine driven by Jeff Burton.

"For decades, our customers have counted on Caterpillar products to help them achieve success in their businesses," Owens said.  "Caterpillar has also forged a strong reputation with stockholders for performance and financial strength in both good times and challenging environments such as those facing the global economy during the last year.”

"We have made dividend payments to our stockholders for 305 consecutive quarters, starting in November 1933, and to celebrate 80 years as a listed company on the NYSE is a mark few companies achieve, and it is a tribute to Team Caterpillar," he continued.

Caterpillar Inc. earned a profit of $11.6 million in 1929, the first year the company appeared on the NYSE. One share of the Caterpillar Tractor Company was $56.25 in 1929. The total stockholder return in Caterpillar’s 80 years is more than 36,000 percent.  If kept through the 80 years, one share purchased in 1929 would now be worth $20,320.12. Today over 7.8 million shares of Caterpillar, Inc. are traded.

 MORE NASCAR NEWS