Cat Financial reported first-quarter 2012 revenues of $668 million, an increase of $28 million, or 4%, compared with the first quarter of 2011. First-quarter profit after tax was $120 million, a $37 million, or 45%, increase from the first quarter of 2011.

Cat said new retail financing in the first quarter of 2012 was $3.1 billion, an increase of $292 million, or 11%, from the first quarter of 2011. The increase was a result of growth across all operating segments with the exception of North America, which declined slightly.

The increase in revenues was principally due to a $47 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets (finance receivables and operating leases at constant rates), partially offset by a $15 million unfavorable impact from lower rates on new and existing finance receivables and operating leases.

Profit before income taxes was $170 million for the first quarter of 2012, compared to $115 million for the first quarter of 2011. The increase was principally due to a $36 million decrease in the provision for credit losses, an $18 million favorable impact from higher average earning assets and a $13 million improvement in net yield on average earning assets. These increases were partially offset by a $10 million increase in general, operating and administrative expense.

At the end of the first quarter of 2012, past dues were 3.19% compared with 2.89% at the end of 2011. The increase in past dues from year-end is primarily due to seasonality impacts. At the end of the first quarter of 2011, past dues were 3.94%. Write-offs, net of recoveries, were $11 million for the first quarter of 2012, down from $41 million in the first quarter of 2011.

As of March 31, 2012, Cat Financial’s allowance for credit losses totaled $379 million or 1.47% of net finance receivables, compared with $369 million or 1.47% of net finance receivables at year-end 2011. The allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2011, was $380 million, which was 1.55% of net finance receivables.

“We are very pleased with our first-quarter results,” said Kent Adams, Cat Financial president and vice president of Caterpillar. “Cat Financial’s business continues to perform well, with a growing asset portfolio and decreases in write-offs and past dues from the first quarter of last year. We are well positioned to support Caterpillar customers and dealers around the world.”

To read the full text of the Cat Financial news release click here.