Caterpillar Makes a Killing

Literally.

Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. [reported] stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings on Thursday, citing "unprecedented customer demand" for its products.

And who is one of their most dedicated customers?

The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and partnering law firms today [March 15, 2005] filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois-based Caterpillar, Inc. on behalf of the parents of Rachel Corrie, the 23-year-old American peace activist and student who was run over and killed by a Caterpillar D9 bulldozer on March 16, 2003.

The suit . . . alleges that Caterpillar, Inc. violated international and state law by providing specially designed bulldozers to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) that it knew would be used to demolish homes and endanger civilians.

Remember that when you consider adding the mammoth industrial machine maker's stock to your portfolio.