The world’s largest manufacturer of earth-moving machines,...

The world’s largest manufacturer of earth-moving machines, Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar Inc., reported a loss of $84 million in the first quarter of 1987 and a 5% decline in sales. Caterpillar, whose profits have shrunk steadily since 1985, said the loss includes a one-time $25-million charge for a voluntary early retirement program implemented by Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. and a $16-million charge for the termination of debt repayment contracts with the Mexican government.