Fortune Lists Caterpillar^® as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies

Caterpillar ranked number 27 on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies list this year, jumping eight places from its rank of 35 in 2010.

Fortune administers an annual study to measure nine key attributes of companies (listed below), and ranks the top 50 organizations according to the results. The most admired company is the organization that receives the highest scores. Apple has held the number one ranking since 2008.

Top executives from eligible companies and financial analysts provide feedback to determine which companies have the strongest reputations within and across industries. The study is designed to provide insight into the essence of business success and identify the business practices that differentiate the World's Most Admired Companies.

Results for 2011 show that the World's Most Admired Companies are more engaged and motivated than prior to the recession. Fortune editor Geoff Colvin also attributes the strength of the highest performing companies to their belief that people are their most valuable asset.

Fortune rates company reputation based on nine key attributes:

• Innovation
• People management
• Use of corporate assets
• Community/environment
• Quality of management
• Financial soundness
• Long-term investment
• Quality of products/services
• Global competitiveness

"It is an honor to receive this award and be listed as one of the world's most admired companies," said Caterpillar HR Vice President Kim Hauer. "I'm excited to see Caterpillar move up in this ranking. It's a great step toward building the Best Team and a truly world-class organization."