Investing in the stock market is one of the best ways to build wealth, and one blue-chip stock that has delivered for investors for decades is Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT). Caterpillar has established itself as a stalwart in the heavy machinery industry. The company has grown its dividend payout for 30 consecutive years — a testament to its business and strong balance sheet.
Although the business is cyclical and subject to fluctuations in the U.S. economy, it exemplifies why you should buy quality companies and hold them for the long haul. In fact, investors who bought Caterpillar 25 years ago have experienced returns that have far exceeded the S&P 500. Read on to see how much a $2,500 investment 25 years ago would be worth today.
Caterpillar designs and manufactures heavy machinery and equipment for construction, mining, energy, and transportation. The company is the top construction equipment manufacturer, developing this machinery for nearly a century. Last year the industrial giant generated $59 billion in sales across its three primary segments:
Continue reading
