Carry a big yellow stick

The epicenter of the construction and affiliated industries has spoken -- loudly. Caterpillar Inc. today reported record first quarter 2006 sales and revenues of $9.392 billion and record first-quarter profit of $840 million, or $1.20 per share. Sales and revenues increased 13 percent, and profit per share was up 48 percent compared with the first quarter of 2005. Wow. If that isn't a clear indication of how the industry is cooking right now, I don't know what is. Your comment?