Summary
Deere & Company's (DE) 2019 10-K filing reveals a company navigating a complex global economic landscape. While the company experienced an increase in net sales and revenues by 5% to $39.3 billion, driven by strong performance in its construction and forestry segment and price realization across its operations, net income attributable to Deere & Company saw a significant increase of 37% to $3.25 billion. This growth was partly influenced by discrete tax benefits. The agricultural sector, however, faced headwinds from trade tensions and challenging weather conditions, impacting farmer confidence and leading to a forecast decrease in agricultural equipment sales for 2020. Despite the mixed performance in its core agricultural business, Deere's outlook remains positive, with the company investing in smarter, more efficient solutions and initiating organizational restructuring for agility. Key areas of focus for investors include the company's exposure to trade policy changes, commodity price fluctuations, and economic conditions affecting its customers. The financial services segment also experienced a decrease in net income, impacted by residual value losses on operating leases and unfavorable financing spreads, though this was partially offset by a higher average portfolio. The company's robust liquidity position and access to capital markets provide a stable foundation amidst these challenges.
Financial Highlights
45 data points| Revenue | $39.26B |
| R&D Expenses | $1.78B |
| SG&A Expenses | $3.55B |
| Operating Expenses | $35.17B |
| Operating Income | $4.42B |
| Interest Expense | $1.47B |
| Net Income | $3.25B |
| EPS (Basic) | $10.28 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $10.15 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 316.50M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 320.60M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net sales and revenues increased 5% to $39.3 billion in fiscal year 2019.
- 2Net income attributable to Deere & Company surged 37% to $3.25 billion, aided by tax reform benefits.
- 3The Construction and Forestry segment saw sales increase by 10% and operating profit by 40%, indicating strong demand in this sector.
- 4The Agriculture and Turf segment experienced a 2% sales increase, but operating profit declined 11% due to higher production costs and R&D expenses.
- 5The Financial Services segment's net income decreased by 43%, impacted by lease residual values and financing spreads.
- 6The company forecasts a 5% to 10% decline in Agriculture and Turf sales for fiscal year 2020.
- 7Deere & Company continues to repurchase shares, with $1,075 million remaining under its authorized repurchase plan at the end of fiscal year 2019, and authorized an additional $8,000 million in December 2019.