Caterpillar Inc. Group President Douglas R. Oberhelman discussed Friday during a conference call with financial analysts the importance of sound governance practices to the successful implementation of Caterpillar’s strategy in a difficult business environment. Oberhelman also announced the launch of a Corporate Governance section of the company’s Web site Cat.com.
"Caterpillar is fortunate to have built over the years a solid reputation as a highly ethicalcompany," Oberhelman said. "This Web site provides an easily accessible and reliable source for the corporate governance practices our Board has in place to ensure we are building on Caterpillar’s sound reputation. As an industry leader, we recognize our role in restoring confidence in Corporate America, and we aresetting the standard for corporate governance."
A recent independent study of corporate governance practices conducted by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) placed Caterpillar in the top 11 percent of firms in the S&P 500 with an 89.3 score on ISS’ Corporate Governance Quotient (CGQ). Compared to other firms in the capital goods industry, Caterpillar placed in the top seven percent with a 93.4 Industry CGQ.
In unveiling the Corporate Governance section of Cat.com, Oberhelman described its contents and encouraged investors and others to look over the governance information provided. Visitors may access the Board of Directors’ Guidelines of Corporate Governance, first published in 1999.
Over a decade ago, the company implemented stock ownership guidelines for recipients of stock option grants including corporate officers, other key employees and directors; and, in 1992, Caterpillar implemented a confidential voting policy for shareholders. In addition, Caterpillar has never offered golden parachutes to any company officers.
The Corporate Governance Web site on Cat.com also provides a current list of officers, directors and directors’ committee memberships. Each of Caterpillar’s Board Committees is comprised of fully independent directors. Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Glen Barton is the only current or former Caterpillar employee on the Board.
Current charters for each of Caterpillar’s Board Committees are available on the Corporate Governance site. In 1993, Caterpillar’s Board adopted charters for its Audit, Compensation, Public Policy and Nominating and Governance Committees, which legislators just recently mandated in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The site also offers a link to the certification of financial statements signed by Caterpillar’s CEO and Chief Financial Officer.
Visitors to the site may also access Caterpillar’s Code of Worldwide Business Conduct, first published in 1974 and updated several times since, most recently in October 2000. The document sets expectations for the highest level of ethical behavior for Caterpillar employees at all levels.
In addition to reference material, the site provides the public with updates on Caterpillar’s corporate governance practices. Currently summarized on the site is an update from the October 9, 2002 Board Meeting, at which the Caterpillar Board approved an amendment to its Shareholders’ Rights Plan, adding a Three-Year Independent Director Evaluation Provision, known as a "TIDE" Provision. This provision establishes a committee of independent directors to review and evaluate the Rights Plan at least every three years to determine if it continues to serve the best interests of the company and its shareholders.
For more information, visit www.cat.com/about_cat/investor_information/ 16_corporate_governance/corporate_governance.html .
Today's top stories
