Deere & Company (DE)

Sector: Industrials|Industry: Farm & Heavy Construction Machinery|Market Cap: $119.61B|Employees: 75.8K


Deere & Company is a global leader in the production of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment and solutions. Primary revenue streams are generated through the sales of equipment, parts, and services. The company's market position is strong, leveraging its brand recognition and technological advancements as key competitive advantages, and it has a significant global presence.

  1. Filings
  2. Company Profile

Business Summary

Deere & Company, incorporated in Delaware in 1958, is a global leader in manufacturing agricultural equipment since 1837, along with turf, construction, and forestry equipment and solutions. John Deere Financial provides financing for equipment, parts, services, and operational inputs. Deere operates through four business segments: Production and Precision Agriculture (PPA), Small Agriculture and Turf (SAT), Construction and Forestry (CF), and Financial Services (FS). The company focuses on delivering equipment, technology, and solutions aligned with customers' production systems. Deere emphasizes precise global navigation satellite systems, advanced connectivity and telematics, on-board sensors, automation software, and digital tools to enhance customer decision-making and job execution.

Key Statistics

  • Employees: 75,800 (as of October 27, 2024)
  • Geographic Footprint: Operations in over 100 countries
  • Headquarters: Moline, Illinois
  • Founded: 1837
  • Number of locations/facilities: Owns/leases 83 factories and other support facilities
  • Revenue: $51.7 billion (FY2024)
  • Market Capitalization: $108.3 billion (as of April 26, 2024)
  • Key Subsidiaries/Brands: John Deere Financial, Hagie, Mazzotti, Monosem, PLA, King Agro, Sunbelt Outdoor Products, Unimil, Vapormatic, A & I, Frontier, Kemper, GreenSystem, Smart Apply, Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann, Benninghoven, Ciber, and Waratah.

Leadership

  • CEO: John C. May (Since 2020)
  • CFO: Joshua A. Jepsen (Since 2022)
  • Board Chair: John C. May (Since 2020)
  • Other Key Executives: Ryan D. Campbell (President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division and Power Systems), Jahmy J. Hindman (Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer), Rajesh Kalathur (President, John Deere Financial, and Chief Information Officer), Deanna M. Kovar (President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division), Felecia J. Pryor (Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer), Cory J. Reed (President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division), Justin R. Rose (President, Lifecycle Solutions), Kellye L. Walker (Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer)

Key Financial Metrics

  • Annual Revenue: $51.7 billion (FY2024)
  • Net Income: $7.1 billion (FY2024)
  • Market Cap: $108.3 Billion (as of April 26, 2024)
  • Total Assets: $107.3 billion (FY2024)
  • Number of employees: 75,800 (as of October 27, 2024)
  • Key Financial Highlights: Net income declined in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by declining market conditions. The company maintains a focus on structural profitability and strategically investing in solutions that deliver value to customers.

Products and Services

Deere & Company offers a wide range of products and services across its four business segments:

  • Production and Precision Agriculture: Large tractors, combines, cotton pickers, sugarcane harvesters, tillage, seeding, and application equipment.
  • Small Agriculture and Turf: Mid-size and utility tractors, turf and utility equipment (including riding lawnmowers and golf course equipment), hay and forage equipment.
  • Construction and Forestry: Construction and forestry equipment, including excavators, loaders, dozers, motor graders, and roadbuilding equipment.
  • Financial Services: Retail and wholesale financing, revolving charge accounts, and extended warranties.

Key Business Segments

Deere & Company operates through four reportable segments:

  • Production and Precision Agriculture (PPA): 47% of equipment operations net sales in FY2024.
  • Small Agriculture and Turf (SAT): 24% of equipment operations net sales in FY2024.
  • Construction and Forestry (CF): 29% of equipment operations net sales in FY2024.
  • Financial Services (FS): Provides financing and leasing services for Deere equipment.

Business Strategy

Deere & Company's strategy centers around its Smart Industrial Operating Model, focusing on production systems, technology stack, and lifecycle solutions. The company aims to deliver intelligent solutions through investments in technology and R&D. Deere's Leap Ambitions framework seeks to enhance customer value and sustainability by optimizing operations and resource utilization. Key strategic initiatives include digitalization, automation, autonomy, and alternative power technologies. Deere is also investing in Solutions as a Service business model and expanding precision agriculture solutions.

Industry Context

Deere & Company operates in the global agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry machinery markets. The company faces competition from global players like AGCO Corporation, CLAAS, CNH Industrial, Kubota, Mahindra, and Toro. The industry is influenced by factors such as farm income, commodity prices, government policies, technological advancements, and environmental regulations. Deere's competitive advantages include its established brand recognition, extensive dealer network, and focus on integrated technology solutions.

Risk Factors

  • Market Dependence: Deere's financial results are heavily dependent on the agricultural market cycle and overall economic conditions. Downturns in the agricultural industry can significantly impact demand for equipment.
  • Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty: Global political and economic instability, including events like the Russia/Ukraine war and shifts in U.S. trade policies, can create market volatility and impact Deere's operations.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Fluctuations in raw material prices, component availability, and global logistics can disrupt Deere's production and increase costs.
  • Competition: Deere faces intense competition from both established global players and smaller, specialized manufacturers, requiring continuous innovation and competitive pricing.
  • Technology and Cybersecurity Risks: Deere's increasing reliance on technology and interconnected systems exposes the company to cybersecurity threats and potential disruptions, which could compromise sensitive data and operations.

Last Updated

2024-12-12

(Generated from latest 10-K filing)