DEERFIELD, Ill. – Caterpillar's profits are down 46% with much of the global economy seized by the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The company has already withdrawn all financial guidance and said Tuesday that it expects that the outbreak will skew its performance throughout the year.
The heavy mining and construction equipment builder has been deemed essential by a number of central governments in maintaining infrastructure, and it's implemented new safety protocols to continue operations.
About 75% of its primary production facilities continue to operate as of mid-April. Caterpillar Inc. earned $1.09 billion, or $1.98 per share, for the three months ended March 31.