Deere & Company (DE)

Deere & Co.'s stock (DE) experienced an increase of approximately 27% over the six months leading up to February 2026 due to investor sentiment that fiscal year 2026 could mark the bottom of the agricultural cycle and accelerating demand in the construction sector. The stock's performance was further supported by stronger-than-expected earnings, rising order momentum, and positive analyst updates. However, around November 2025, Deere's shares fell due to a weaker sales outlook for fiscal year 2024 and a significant year-over-year decline in profitability. Demand conditions began to stabilize towards the end of the year.

Demand for Deere & Co.'s products and services exhibits clear seasonality, particularly within its agricultural and turf segments. Tractor sales typically peak before the spring and fall harvest months in the U.S. Online search interest for "john deere tractors" peaks in late spring and early summer, and "john deere lawn mowers" shows a similar peak in May. Deere & Co. leverages this seasonality through promotional events like "Deere Season" and strategically manages its inventory to align with retail demand.

Deere & Co., known as John Deere, is a global American corporation specializing in agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains, and lawn care equipment, also providing financial services. The company operates through Production & Precision Agriculture (PPA), focusing on equipment and technology for large-scale growers; Small Agriculture & Turf (SAT), offering products for smaller operations and turf care; Construction & Forestry, catering to the construction, forestry, and road-building industries; and Financial Services, financing sales and leases. Deere & Co. has advanced in robotics and precision agriculture through acquisitions like Bear Flag Robotics.

Deere & Co. has a substantial global presence, with business activities spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa. The company operates over 100 locations in more than 30 countries worldwide, including manufacturing plants, parts distribution centers, marketing offices, and technical centers. Key geographic locations for manufacturing and operations include the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, India, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa.

Deere & Co. maintains a strong and positive brand reputation as a renowned manufacturer and global leader. Its reputation is built on a long history of innovation, durability, and customer-focused solutions. The company's focus on integrating advanced technologies, such as precision agriculture and autonomous solutions, further enhances its standing in the market. There were no specific events identified in the past year that negatively impacted Deere & Co.'s brand reputation.

Deere & Co.'s ownership is predominantly held by institutional investors, who collectively own a substantial majority of the company's shares, often exceeding 70-80%. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Cascade Investment LLC, associated with Bill Gates' family office, is a significant individual shareholder.