DEERE & CO (DE) AI Stock Summary
Profitable cyclical at a premium
Updated
Snapshot
Deere is a profitable industrial giant navigating a cyclical downturn in its core agriculture business. FY 2025 revenue fell 11.6% to $44.66B, and net income dropped to $5.03B, but the company remains deeply profitable with an 18.8% operating margin. It generates strong cash flow, producing $3.23B in free cash flow last year, and holds $9.69B in cash against $63.94B in debt. The market prices this resilience at a rich valuation, with a P/E of 34.71. Recent quarterly results show construction and small equipment sales growing, helping to cushion the decline in large tractor and combine sales.
What's Happening Right Now
- Thu 21st May '26 · Earnings Beat: Deere beat Q2 earnings estimates with $6.55 per share, driven by strength in construction and small agriculture segments that offset weakness in large farm equipment.
- Fri 1st May '26 · CFO Appointment: Brent Norwood was elected as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective May 1, 2026.
- Wed 8th Apr '26 · Lawsuit Settlement: The company settled a class action lawsuit over repair services for $99 million, removing a legal overhang without admitting wrongdoing.
Bottom Line
Deere is a high-quality business facing a temporary headwind in its largest segment. The agriculture cycle is down, but construction and small equipment are holding up, keeping the company profitable and cash-positive. The stock is not cheap, trading at nearly 35 times earnings, which reflects its brand strength and diversified portfolio. A reader should view this as a stable, expensive hold rather than a bargain, with the main risk being a deeper-than-expected drop in farm spending.