If you'd invested in Caterpillar Inc. (CAT): performance and returns
Looking for Caterpillar Inc.'s share price history and how much the stock has returned? Here's its year-by-year performance and what $1,000 invested at different dates would be worth today.
💰 Calculator: how much would Caterpillar Inc. have returned?
This calculator shows how much Caterpillar Inc. stock would have returned based on the amount invested and the starting year. Pick a sum and a year and you'll instantly see what it would be worth today and the total gain. Real prices, excluding dividends.
If I'd invested $1,000 in Caterpillar Inc.
| Investment | Worth today | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| 1 years ago | $2,936 | +194% |
| 3 years ago | $4,445 | +345% |
| 5 years ago | $5,850 | +485% |
| 10 years ago | $15,670 | +1467% |
| since inception (1985) | $267,267 | +26627% |
Return by year (Caterpillar Inc.)
| Year | Return | $1,000 invested at year start |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (YTD) | +86% | $1,859 (+86%) |
| 2025 | +58% | $2,936 (+194%) |
| 2024 | +23% | $3,602 (+260%) |
| 2023 | +23% | $4,445 (+345%) |
| 2022 | +16% | $5,151 (+415%) |
| 2021 | +14% | $5,850 (+485%) |
| 2020 | +23% | $7,211 (+621%) |
| 2019 | +16% | $8,380 (+738%) |
| 2018 | -19% | $6,758 (+576%) |
| 2017 | +70% | $11,483 (+1048%) |
| 2016 | +36% | $15,670 (+1467%) |
Frequently asked questions
How much does CAT return?
$1,000 invested in Caterpillar Inc. 10 years ago would be worth $15,670 today, i.e. +32%/yr on average (price, excluding dividends).
What was CAT's best/worst year?
Best year: 2017 (+70%). Worst year: 2018 (-19%). Year-by-year detail is above.
How much would $1,000 invested in CAT since inception be worth?
Since 1985, $1,000 would have become $267,267 (+26627%). Past performance is not a guarantee.
Do Caterpillar Inc.'s returns include dividends?
No — these returns are price-only. If Caterpillar Inc. pays a dividend, its total return would be somewhat higher — see its dividend page.
What is Caterpillar Inc.'s average annual return (ROI)?
Caterpillar Inc.'s return on investment is about +32%/yr over 10 years (price, excluding dividends), versus the S&P 500's ~10%/yr over the long run.