TLDR
- Caterpillar (CAT) to acquire RPMGlobal for $728 million in a deal expected to close in Q1 2026.
- The acquisition enhances Caterpillar’s mining software, fleet management, and autonomy technology.
- CAT stock closed at $491.30 on Oct. 10, down 1.81%, and traded up 1.66% pre-market to $499.60.
- Dutch pension fund ABP divested its €387 million Caterpillar stake citing ethical concerns.
- Erste Group upgraded CAT from Hold to Buy, expecting strong sales and profit growth into 2026.
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) stock closed at $491.30, down 1.81% on October 10, 2025, before climbing 1.66% to $499.60 in pre-market trading.
The move followed the company’s announcement that it will acquire Australian mining software provider RPMGlobal Holdings Limited (ASX: RUL) for $728 million (A$1.12 billion).
Under the terms of the deal, Caterpillar or its subsidiary will acquire 100% of RPMGlobal’s fully diluted share capital through a Scheme of Arrangement, offering A$5.00 per share in cash. This price represents a 32.6% premium to RPM’s closing price of A$3.77 on August 28, 2025, and a 44.2% premium to its one-month average price.
The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, including clearance from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
Caterpillar to acquire Australia's RPMGlobal for $728 million https://t.co/Gw3BnreoSc https://t.co/Gw3BnreoSc
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 12, 2025
Strategic Expansion in Mining Technology
Founded in 1977 and based in Brisbane, RPMGlobal develops data-driven software solutions for mining operations, spanning asset management, planning, fleet control, and autonomous systems.
Caterpillar’s Group President, Denise Johnson, stated that RPMGlobal’s agile innovation culture aligns with the company’s focus on solving customer challenges. The deal will enhance Caterpillar’s digital capabilities across its Resource Industries segment, complementing its existing strength in heavy machinery and mining solutions.
Caterpillar’s financial advisor for the transaction is J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. The company has not disclosed the financial terms beyond the equity valuation.
Dividend Strength and Financial Health
Caterpillar’s Board of Directors voted to maintain a quarterly dividend of $1.51 per share, marking 32 consecutive years of dividend increases. This achievement reinforces its status as a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index.
According to InvestingPro, Caterpillar holds a “GOOD” financial health score, reflecting its strong balance sheet and capacity to pursue acquisitions while maintaining shareholder returns.
Mixed Reactions: Ethical Divestment vs. Analyst Optimism
While analysts are optimistic about Caterpillar’s outlook, institutional sentiment is divided. Erste Group upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy, citing high operating margins and return on equity. The firm expects sales growth in Q3 2025 and a profit surge by early 2026.
However, Dutch pension fund ABP announced it has divested its €387 million stake in Caterpillar, citing ethical concerns over the company’s equipment use in conflict zones. The divestment underscores the growing emphasis on responsible investing among institutional shareholders.
Performance Overview
Caterpillar’s year-to-date return stands at 37.09%, outpacing the S&P 500’s 11.41%. Over one year, CAT has gained 25.83%, and over three and five years, it has surged 190.51% and 241.04%, respectively, well above the benchmark’s growth.
As Caterpillar integrates RPMGlobal, the move signals a strategic pivot toward advanced mining technology, solidifying its position as an industry leader while balancing growth with shareholder returns.
