Caterpillar (CAT), the world's largest construction equipment manufacturer, has been a global powerhouse for over a century. The company, known as "Cat", produces everything from construction equipment to diesel-electric locomotives and industrial gas turbines, serving industries from construction and mining to energy and transportation. It traces its roots to Holt Manufacturing, which developed early steam tractors in the late 19th century. Caterpillar was added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1991, highlighting the vital role of heavy machinery in the U.S. economy. Today, Caterpillar employs around 118,000 people worldwide and operates on a business-to-business model, serving customers across construction, energy, transportation, and government sectors. The firm's full-year sales and revenues of $67.6 billion were the highest in Caterpillar’s history.