Caterpillar Inc. CAT is well-poised for delivering improved results this year, backed by strong backlog levels, solid demand for construction and mining equipment, and its ongoing cost control efforts. A robust liquidity position, investments focused on expanding offerings and services, and digital initiatives like e-commerce are likely to drive growth for the company in the long haul.High Demand to Offset Costs in 2021Caterpillar’s backlog at the end of the second quarter of 2021 was $18.4 billion, which was up $1.5 billion on a sequential basis. This is likely to get reflected in the third-quarter performance. The company along with other players in the same industry such as Terex Corporation TEX, The Manitowoc Company, Inc. MTW and Astec Industries, Inc. ASTE have been witnessing higher material costs lately, particularly of steel and other commodities. These companies are also grappling with higher freight costs, labor constraints and supply chain headwinds, which are expected to hinder their margins this year.On top of this, Caterpillar anticipates incentive compensation of about $1.5 billion for the year, which remains a headwind. This will lead to higher SG&A expenses through the year. The company is ramping up R&D project spending to support services growth strategy and new product development. Despite these factors weighing on margins, Caterpillar’s ongoing restructuring efforts and higher demand witnessed in its markets will drive growth.Segments Show PromiseIn North America, demand from both residential and non-residential construction will boost sales for Caterpillar’s construction equipment. With the U.S Senate passing the $1-TRILLION infrastructure bill, the perked-up investment in roads, bridges, airports and waterways represents a huge opportunity for Caterpillar. The outlook for the construction sector holds promise in the rest of the world as well.In Resource Industries, mining orders have been witnessing an uptrend, courtesy of improving metal prices. There has been an improvement in heavy construction and quarry and aggregates, particularly in North America and the EAME. This is anticipated to continue through the year. Miners are increasingly opting for autonomous systems to increase productivity and reduce costs. To capitalize on this trend, Caterpillar is enhancing its autonomous capabilities and bringing innovative products to markets.In the Energy & Transportation segment, the Oil & Gas sector is anticipated to regain strength gradually. The company expects improvement in power generation, supported by data center activity. It envisions sales to improve in transportation, courtesy of an increase in rail services and international businesses. It anticipates modest growth in the marine business as well. Industrial expects to witness growth, with activity strengthening across most applications.Solid Balance Sheet to Aid GrowthCaterpillar’s cash and liquidity position remains strong with the company ending second-quarter 2021 with cash and short-term investments of $10.8 billion. ME&T debt at the end of second-quarter 2021 stood at $9.7 billion. It is on track to deliver its ME&T free cash flow target of $4-$8 billion for 2021.The company continues to focus on customers and the future by continuing to invest in digital capabilities, connecting assets and job sites, and developing the next-generation productive and efficient products. It plans to fund initiatives that drive long-term growth focused on areas of expanded offerings and services, and digital initiatives like e-commerce. Time to Invest in Legal Marijuana If you’re looking for big gains, there couldn’t be a better time to get in on a young industry primed to skyrocket from $17.7 billion back in 2019 to an expected $73.6 billion by 2027. After a clean sweep of 6 election referendums in 5 states, pot is now legal in 36 states plus D.C. Federal legalization is expected soon and that could be a still greater bonanza for investors. Even before the latest wave of legalization, Zacks Investment Research has recommended pot stocks that have shot up as high as +285.9%. You’re invited to check out Zacks’ Marijuana Moneymakers: An Investor’s Guide. It features a timely Watch List of pot stocks and ETFs with exceptional growth potential.Today, Download Marijuana Moneymakers FREE >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Caterpillar Inc. (CAT): Free Stock Analysis Report The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (MTW): Free Stock Analysis Report Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE): Free Stock Analysis Report Terex Corporation (TEX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research