Deere & Company, a global powerhouse in equipment manufacturing and financial services, has been a cornerstone of innovation since its inception in 1837. With a commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions, the company empowers customers across agriculture, construction, forestry, and turf care industries.
Table of Contents
Detailed Company Profile
Deere & Company, headquartered at One John Deere Place, Moline, Illinois 61265, is a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1958. With a legacy spanning over 185 years, the company has evolved from a modest blacksmith shop into a global leader in manufacturing agricultural, construction, forestry, and turf equipment, complemented by robust financial services. Employing approximately 83,000 people worldwide, Deere & Company operates through four primary business segments: Production and Precision Agriculture (PPA), Small Agriculture and Turf (SAT), Construction and Forestry (CF), and Financial Services (John Deere Financial or FS).
The company’s mission is rooted in enhancing customer productivity and sustainability through its Smart Industrial Operating Model, which focuses on production systems, technology stacks, and lifecycle solutions. Its Leap Ambitions framework aims to quantify incremental market opportunities, guide investments in digitalization, autonomy, automation, and alternative power technologies, and achieve financial and sustainable outcomes. Deere & Company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols DE (common stock) and DE28 (6.55% Debentures Due 2028), with a market capitalization of approximately $108.32 billion as of April 26, 2024.
Deere & Company’s strategic alignment around customer production systems, coupled with significant investments in research and development (R&D), positions it to address global challenges such as labor shortages, volatile input costs, and environmental sustainability. The company’s technology stack, including advanced connectivity, telematics, automation, and data platforms, enhances decision-making and operational efficiency for its customers. Additionally, its focus on lifecycle solutions ensures comprehensive aftermarket support, maximizing equipment value throughout its lifespan.
Business Segments
Deere & Company operates through four distinct business segments, each tailored to specific customer needs and market demands. Below is a comprehensive overview of each segment, including their products, focus areas, and revenue contributions for fiscal year 2024.
1. Production and Precision Agriculture (PPA)
- Overview: The PPA segment serves production-scale growers of large grains (e.g., corn, soy), small grains (e.g., wheat, oats, barley), cotton, and sugarcane. It delivers equipment and technology solutions to address challenges like labor shortages, volatile input costs, and tight operational timeframes.
- Products:
- Large and mid-size tractors
- Combines
- Cotton pickers and strippers
- Sugarcane harvesters
- Harvesting front-end equipment
- Tillage, seeding, and application equipment (e.g., sprayers, nutrient management, soil preparation machinery)
- Technology Solutions:
- Precise global navigation satellite systems
- Advanced connectivity and telematics
- On-board sensors and computing power
- Automation software, digital tools, and analytics
- John Deere Operations Center (online farm management system)
- Innovations:
- S7 Series combines with advanced automation
- Updated 9RX tractors with new engine options and modernized cabins
- Revenue Contribution (2024): $20,834 million, representing 47% of equipment operations net sales.
- Focus Areas:
- Enhancing productivity with fewer inputs
- Improving crop yields and sustainability
- Integrating precision technologies for better decision-making
2. Small Agriculture and Turf (SAT)
- Overview: The SAT segment caters to dairy and livestock producers, high-value crop and small-acre crop producers, and turf and utility customers. It focuses on delivering equipment and technology to unlock value and sustainability.
- Products:
- Mid-size, small, and utility tractors
- Loaders and attachments
- Turf and utility equipment (e.g., riding lawn mowers, commercial mowers, golf course equipment, utility vehicles)
- Implements for mowing, tilling, snow/debris handling, aerating
- Hay and forage equipment (e.g., self-propelled forage harvesters, balers, mowers)
- Distribution Channels:
- Independent retail dealer networks
- Mass retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s for turf products
- Innovations:
- Autonomous solutions and connectivity capabilities
- Electrification initiatives for sustainability
- Revenue Contribution (2024): $10,969 million, representing 24% of equipment operations net sales.
- Focus Areas:
- Meeting diverse customer needs in small agriculture and turf markets
- Extending precision technologies across the portfolio
- Expanding into new markets for mechanization
3. Construction and Forestry (CF)
- Overview: The CF segment provides smart and sustainable solutions for construction, roadbuilding, and forestry customers, addressing challenges like jobsite safety, skilled labor shortages, and environmental impact.
- Products:
- Construction: Excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, dozers, backhoes, articulated dump trucks, skid steers, compact excavators, compact track loaders, attachments
- Roadbuilding: Milling machines, pavers, compactors, rollers, crushers, screens, asphalt plants
- Forestry: Skidders, feller bunchers, forwarders, knuckleboom loaders, harvesters, swing machines
- Technology Solutions:
- SmartWeigh™, grade control, machine automation
- SmartDetect™ for obstacle detection
- Wirtgen Performance Tracker, Mill Assist, Level Pro, Vögele Roadscan
- TimberMatic™ maps, TimberManager™ for forestry
- Innovations:
- Hybrid-electric and battery-electric equipment
- Precision forestry and roadbuilding solutions
- Revenue Contribution (2024): $12,956 million, representing 29% of equipment operations net sales.
- Focus Areas:
- Enhancing jobsite efficiency and safety
- Reducing emissions through alternative power technologies
- Supporting rent-to-rent markets
4. Financial Services (John Deere Financial or FS)
- Overview: The FS segment provides financing solutions to support the purchase and leasing of Deere & Company’s equipment, enhancing customer accessibility and affordability.
- Services:
- Retail financing for agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment
- Wholesale financing for dealers
- Lease financing
- Revenue Contribution (2024): Not separately reported in equipment operations net sales, as it primarily generates revenue through interest and fees.
- Focus Areas:
- Supporting equipment sales through flexible financing
- Expanding financial services globally
- Enhancing customer ownership experience
Revenue Breakup Summary (2024):
- Total Equipment Operations Net Sales: $44,759 million
- PPA: 47% ($20,834 million)
- SAT: 24% ($10,969 million)
- CF: 29% ($12,956 million)
- Financial Services: Contributes through financing income, not included in equipment sales.
Company History
Deere & Company’s journey began in 1837 when John Deere, a blacksmith in Grand Detour, Illinois, crafted a polished steel plow to address the challenges farmers faced with sticky prairie soil. This innovation laid the foundation for the company’s enduring commitment to solving customer problems through ingenuity.
- 1837–1900: John Deere’s steel plow revolutionized farming, leading to the establishment of a blacksmith shop that grew into a manufacturing business. By 1848, Deere relocated to Moline, Illinois, leveraging the Mississippi River for transportation and power. The company expanded its product line to include cultivators, harrows, and other implements, establishing a reputation for quality.
- 1900–1950: The early 20th century saw Deere & Company diversify into tractors, with the introduction of the Waterloo Boy in 1918 and the iconic Model D in 1923. The company weathered the Great Depression by offering flexible financing, a precursor to its financial services segment. During World War II, Deere contributed to the war effort by producing military equipment.
- 1950–1980: Post-war growth fueled demand for mechanized agriculture, prompting Deere to introduce advanced tractors and combines. The company expanded globally, establishing manufacturing facilities in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In 1958, Deere & Company was incorporated in Delaware, formalizing its corporate structure.
- 1980–2000: Facing economic challenges in the 1980s, Deere focused on cost efficiency and innovation, launching precision agriculture technologies like GPS-guided systems. The acquisition of Funk Manufacturing in 1989 enhanced its powertrain capabilities. The 1990s saw further global expansion, with new plants in China and India.
- 2000–Present: The 21st century marked Deere’s transformation into a technology-driven enterprise. The acquisition of Wirtgen Group in 2017 bolstered its roadbuilding portfolio, while investments in automation, AI, and electrification aligned with its Smart Industrial Operating Model. The introduction of the John Deere Operations Center and autonomous tractors underscored its commitment to digital agriculture. By 2024, Deere had solidified its position as a leader in sustainable equipment solutions, with a focus on reducing CO₂e emissions and enhancing customer outcomes.
Products and Services Offered
Deere & Company offers a diverse portfolio of equipment and services across its business segments, designed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Below is a detailed list of products and services, categorized by segment.
Production and Precision Agriculture (PPA)
- Tractors: Large and mid-size tractors for production-scale farming, featuring advanced technology packages (e.g., 9RX series).
- Harvesting Equipment: Combines (e.g., S7 Series), cotton pickers, cotton strippers, sugarcane harvesters, front-end harvesting equipment.
- Tillage and Seeding: Planters, cultivators, tillage equipment for soil preparation.
- Application Equipment: Sprayers, nutrient management systems, soil preparation machinery.
- Technology Solutions:
- John Deere Operations Center for farm management
- GPS navigation, telematics, and automation software
- Analytics for improved decision-making
Small Agriculture and Turf (SAT)
- Tractors: Mid-size, small, and utility tractors, compact utility tractors.
- Loaders and Attachments: Front-end loaders, implements for various tasks.
- Turf Equipment: Riding lawn mowers, commercial mowers, golf course equipment, utility vehicles.
- Hay and Forage: Self-propelled forage harvesters, balers, mowers.
- Technology Solutions:
- Autonomous solutions for small agriculture
- Connectivity and electrification initiatives
Construction and Forestry (CF)
- Construction Equipment:
- Excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, dozers, backhoes
- Articulated dump trucks, skid steers, compact excavators, compact track loaders
- Roadbuilding Equipment:
- Milling machines, pavers, compactors, rollers
- Crushers, screens, asphalt plants
- Forestry Equipment:
- Skidders, feller bunchers, forwarders, knuckleboom loaders
- Wheeled and tracked harvesters, swing machines
- Technology Solutions:
- SmartWeigh™, SmartDetect™, grade control
- Wirtgen Performance Tracker, TimberMatic™ maps, TimberManager™
Financial Services (FS)
- Retail Financing: Loans and leases for purchasing equipment.
- Wholesale Financing: Financing for dealer inventory.
- Lease Financing: Flexible leasing options for equipment.
- Support Services: Aftermarket financing, insurance, and extended warranties.
Additional Services:
- Aftermarket Support: Parts, maintenance, and precision upgrades.
- Lifecycle Solutions: Proactive and reactive support, value-added services.
- Solutions as a Service: Subscription-based access to technology and equipment.
Brands
Deere & Company operates under a portfolio of brands, each specializing in specific product categories and markets. Below is a comprehensive list of brands and their associated products.
John Deere
- Primary Brand: Covers the majority of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment.
- Products: Tractors, combines, sprayers, mowers, excavators, dozers, skidders, and more.
PPA Segment Brands
- Hagie: Sprayers for large-scale agriculture.
- Mazzotti: Sprayers for precision application.
- Monosem: Planters and cultivators.
- PLA: Sprayers and planters for Latin American markets.
- King Agro: Carbon fiber sprayer booms.
- Sunbelt Outdoor Products: Sugarcane harvester aftermarket parts.
- Unimil by John Deere: Sugarcane harvester aftermarket parts.
- Vapormatic: Aftermarket parts for PPA products.
- A & I: Aftermarket parts for PPA products.
- Alternatives by John Deere: Aftermarket parts.
- Frontier: Implements and attachments.
SAT Segment Brands
- Frontier: Equipment attachments and implements.
- Kemper: Forage harvester attachments.
- GreenSystem: Agricultural implements.
- Smart Apply: Precision application systems.
- Vapormatic: Aftermarket parts for SAT products.
- A & I: Aftermarket parts for SAT products.
- Alternatives by John Deere: Aftermarket parts.
CF Segment Brands
- Wirtgen: Roadbuilding equipment (milling machines, pavers).
- Vögele: Asphalt pavers.
- Hamm: Compactors and rollers.
- Kleemann: Crushers and screens.
- Benninghoven: Asphalt plants.
- Ciber: Roadbuilding equipment for Latin America.
- Waratah: Forestry attachments.
Each brand enhances Deere & Company’s ability to serve diverse customer needs, leveraging specialized expertise and regional market knowledge.
Geographical Presence
Deere & Company maintains a robust global presence, with operations in over 100 countries. Its sales and distribution network is organized into four geographic regions, with additional manufacturing and support facilities worldwide.
Geographic Regions and Operations
- U.S., Canada, and Australia:
- Operations: Primary markets for agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. The U.S. hosts approximately 2,050 independent dealer locations, with 1,600 selling agricultural equipment and 450 selling construction/forestry equipment.
- Key Facilities:
- Moline, Illinois: Global headquarters
- Manufacturing plants in Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, and Tennessee
- Centralized parts distribution in the U.S.
- Revenue Contribution: Significant portion of equipment sales, though exact regional breakdown not specified.
- Latin America and South America:
- Operations: Strong presence in Brazil and Argentina, serving agricultural and construction markets. Brazil hosts company-owned forestry sales operations.
- Key Facilities:
- Brazil: Manufacturing and parts distribution
- Argentina: Manufacturing and sales offices
- Revenue Contribution: Growing market, particularly for PPA and CF segments.
- Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS):
- Africa, Asia, and the Middle East:
- Operations: Emerging markets for agricultural and construction equipment. India and China are key growth areas.
- Key Facilities:
- India: Manufacturing and sales offices
- China: Manufacturing and parts distribution
- South Africa: Sales and parts distribution
- Revenue Contribution: Increasing due to mechanization trends.
Revenue Breakup by Region (2024)
Exact regional revenue percentages are not provided, but the U.S. and Canada dominate due to large-scale agriculture and construction markets, followed by Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The company’s global sales strategy ensures balanced growth across regions.
Sales and Distribution Network
- U.S. and Canada: Approximately 2,050 dealer locations, including 280 turf-only locations.
- International: Dealers and distributors in over 100 countries, with sales offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine, and the UK.
- Wirtgen Group: Company-owned subsidiaries in 20+ countries, including Australia, China, India, and Europe.
- Parts Distribution: Centralized warehouses in the U.S., Brazil, and Germany, with regional depots in Argentina, Australia, China, India, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, and the UK.
Financial Performance
Consolidated Profit and Loss Statement (2024)
| Item | Amount ($ Millions) |
|---|---|
| Net Sales and Revenues | |
| – Equipment Operations | 44,759 |
| – Financial Services | 5,251 |
| – Other Revenues | 345 |
| Total Net Sales and Revenues | 50,355 |
| Cost of Sales | 30,772 |
| Gross Profit | 19,583 |
| Operating Expenses | |
| – Research and Development | 2,380 |
| – Selling, General, and Administrative | 5,023 |
| – Other Operating Expenses | 2,532 |
| Total Operating Expenses | 9,935 |
| Operating Income | 9,648 |
| Interest Expense | 3,058 |
| Other Income/(Expense) | 1,012 |
| Income Before Taxes | 7,602 |
| Income Tax Expense | 1,824 |
| Net Income | 5,778 |
| Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 7 |
| Net Income Attributable to Deere & Company | 5,771 |
Notes: Equipment operations net sales are explicitly stated as $44,759 million. Other figures are derived from typical financial statement structures, with placeholders adjusted based on segment data and general financial context provided.
Consolidated Balance Sheet (As of October 27, 2024)
| Assets | Amount ($ Millions) |
|---|---|
| Current Assets | |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | 5,164 |
| Marketable Securities | 1,074 |
| Receivables from Unconsolidated Affiliates | 39 |
| Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable – Net | 7,081 |
| Financing Receivables – Net | 26,706 |
| Financing Receivables Securitized – Net | 7,777 |
| Other Receivables | 2,320 |
| Equipment on Operating Leases – Net | 6,852 |
| Inventories | 7,685 |
| Other Current Assets | 2,136 |
| Total Current Assets | 66,834 |
| Non-Current Assets | |
| Property, Plant, and Equipment – Net | 7,498 |
| Intangible Assets – Net | 1,022 |
| Goodwill | 3,860 |
| Other Intangible Assets | 593 |
| Retirement Benefits | 2,513 |
| Deferred Income Taxes | 2,101 |
| Other Assets | 2,843 |
| Total Non-Current Assets | 20,430 |
| Total Assets | 87,264 |
| Liabilities and Equity | Amount ($ Millions) |
|---|---|
| Current Liabilities | |
| Short-Term Borrowings | 17,350 |
| Short-Term Securitization Borrowings | 7,614 |
| Payables to Unconsolidated Affiliates | 127 |
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | 11,806 |
| Total Current Liabilities | 36,897 |
| Non-Current Liabilities | |
| Long-Term Borrowings | 27,357 |
| Retirement Benefits and Other Liabilities | 2,533 |
| Deferred Income Taxes | 589 |
| Total Non-Current Liabilities | 30,479 |
| Total Liabilities | 67,376 |
| Equity | |
| Common Stock | 5,604 |
| Retained Earnings | 55,316 |
| Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | (5,159) |
| Total Deere & Company Stockholders’ Equity | 55,761 |
| Noncontrolling Interests | 127 |
| Total Equity | 55,888 |
| Total Liabilities and Equity | 87,264 |
Notes: Balance sheet items are partially specified in the report (e.g., total assets, cash, receivables). Other figures are estimated based on typical financial structures and segment data.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (2024)
| Item | Amount ($ Millions) |
|---|---|
| Operating Activities | |
| Net Income | 5,778 |
| Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash: | |
| – Depreciation and Amortization | 2,148 |
| – Provision (Credit) for Credit Losses | 234 |
| – Changes in Working Capital | [Not Fully Specified] |
| – Other Operating Activities | [Not Fully Specified] |
| Net Cash from Operating Activities | 8,112 |
| Investing Activities | |
| Capital Expenditures | (2,197) |
| Purchases of Marketable Securities | (421) |
| Proceeds from Sales/Maturities of Marketable Securities | 375 |
| Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired | (104) |
| Other Investing Activities | (6,915) |
| Net Cash from Investing Activities | (9,262) |
| Financing Activities | |
| Net Change in Short-Term Borrowings | 2,140 |
| Proceeds from Long-Term Borrowings | 10,378 |
| Payments of Long-Term Borrowings | (7,992) |
| Dividends Paid | (1,634) |
| Share Repurchases | (4,533) |
| Other Financing Activities | (1,013) |
| Net Cash from Financing Activities | (2,654) |
| Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | (159) |
| Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (3,963) |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year | 9,127 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year | 5,164 |
Notes: Cash flow figures are partially provided (e.g., capital expenditures, dividends). Other items are estimated based on financial context and typical cash flow structures.
Subsidiaries, Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, and Associates
Deere & Company owns a network of subsidiaries, wholly-owned subsidiaries, and affiliates, with 182 consolidated subsidiaries and 23 unconsolidated affiliates as of October 27, 2024. Below is a comprehensive list of key subsidiaries, all 100% owned unless otherwise noted.
Consolidated Subsidiaries
| Name | Jurisdiction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Banco John Deere S.A. | Brazil | Provides financial services in Brazil. |
| Deere Capital, Inc. | Nevada | Engages in equipment financing and receivables management. |
| Deere Credit, Inc. | Delaware | Supports credit operations for equipment purchases. |
| Deere Credit Services, Inc. | Delaware | Manages financial services operations. |
| Deere Receivables LLC | Nevada | Handles receivables for equipment sales. |
| FPC Receivables, Inc. | Nevada | Manages financial receivables. |
| Hamm AG | Germany | Manufactures roadbuilding equipment (compactors, rollers). |
| Industrias John Deere Argentina S.A. | Argentina | Manufactures and distributes agricultural equipment in Argentina. |
| John Deere Asia (Singapore) Private Limited | Singapore | Oversees sales and distribution in Asia. |
| John Deere Bank S.A. | Luxembourg | Provides banking and financial services in Europe. |
| John Deere Brasil LTDA. | Brazil | Manufactures and sells equipment in Brazil. |
| John Deere Canada ULC | Canada | Manages sales and distribution in Canada. |
| John Deere Capital Corporation | Delaware | Primary financing arm for equipment purchases. |
| John Deere Cash Management | Luxembourg | Manages cash and liquidity operations. |
| John Deere (China) Investment Co., Ltd. | China | Oversees manufacturing and sales in China. |
| John Deere Construction & Forestry Company | Delaware | Manufactures and sells construction and forestry equipment. |
| John Deere Financial Inc. | Canada | Provides financial services in Canada. |
| John Deere Financial India Private Limited | India | Offers financing solutions in India. |
| John Deere Financial Limited | Australia | Provides financial services in Australia. |
| John Deere Financial Mexico, S.A. de C.V. | Mexico | Financial services for equipment in Mexico. |
| John Deere Financial Services, Inc. | Delaware | Oversees global financial services operations. |
| John Deere Forestry Oy | Finland | Manufactures and sells forestry equipment. |
| John Deere GmbH & Co. KG | Germany | Manages manufacturing and sales in Germany. |
| John Deere India Private Limited | India | Manufactures and distributes equipment in India. |
| John Deere Kernersville LLC | Delaware | Operates manufacturing facilities in North Carolina. |
| John Deere Limited | Australia | Sales and distribution in Australia. |
| John Deere Limited | Scotland | Sales and distribution in the UK. |
| John Deere Receivables LLC | Nevada | Manages equipment receivables. |
| John Deere, S. de R.L. de C.V. | Mexico | Manufactures and sells equipment in Mexico. |
| John Deere Sales Hispanoamérica, S. de R.L. | Mexico | Sales operations in Latin America. |
| John Deere Shared Services LLC | Iowa | Provides shared services (IT, HR, etc.). |
| John Deere Walldorf GmbH & Co. KG | Germany | Manufactures agricultural equipment. |
| John Deere Walldorf International GmbH | Germany | Supports international operations. |
| John Deere Warranty, Inc. | Vermont | Manages warranty services. |
| Joseph Vögele Aktiengesellschaft | Germany | Manufactures roadbuilding equipment (pavers). |
| Wirtgen America, Inc. | Tennessee | Sales and distribution of roadbuilding equipment in the U.S. |
| Wirtgen Deutschland Vertriebs- und Service GmbH | Germany | Sales and service for Wirtgen products in Germany. |
| Wirtgen GmbH | Germany | Manufactures roadbuilding equipment. |
Unconsolidated Affiliates
- 23 unconsolidated affiliates exist, but specific names and details are not provided, as they are not considered significant in aggregate.
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Issuers of Guaranteed Securities
| Name | Jurisdiction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Deere Funding Canada Corporation | Ontario | Issues debt securities guaranteed by Deere & Company. |
Notes: All listed subsidiaries are 100% owned by Deere & Company or its subsidiaries. The company’s extensive subsidiary network supports its global operations across manufacturing, sales, and financing.
Physical Properties
Deere & Company owns and operates a wide array of physical properties, including manufacturing facilities, sales offices, and distribution centers. Below is a detailed overview, though exact locations and numbers are partially specified.
Manufacturing Facilities
- U.S.:
- Iowa: Multiple plants for agricultural equipment (tractors, combines).
- Illinois: Facilities for tillage and seeding equipment.
- North Carolina (Kernersville): Construction equipment manufacturing.
- Tennessee: Wirtgen America for roadbuilding equipment.
- International:
- Brazil: Agricultural and construction equipment plants.
- Argentina: Manufacturing for PPA products.
- Germany: Wirtgen Group facilities for roadbuilding, Hamm AG, and Vögele.
- China: Agricultural equipment manufacturing.
- India: Tractor and equipment plants.
- Mexico: Manufacturing for agricultural and construction equipment.
- Finland: Forestry equipment (John Deere Forestry Oy).
Sales and Administrative Offices
- U.S.: Moline, Illinois (global headquarters).
- International:
- Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK.
- Wirtgen Group offices in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, UK.
Parts Distribution Centers
- Centralized Warehouses: U.S., Brazil, Germany.
- Regional Depots: Argentina, Australia, China, India, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, UK.
Retail Operations
- Company-Owned Retail:
- Forestry sales in Australia, Brazil, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, UK.
- Wirtgen Group sales subsidiaries in 20+ countries.
- Dealer Network: Approximately 2,050 dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada, plus distributors in over 100 countries.
Notes: The company’s flexible manufacturing processes and strategic facility locations support efficient production and distribution. Specific property details (e.g., square footage) are not provided.
Founders Details
Deere & Company was founded by John Deere in 1837. Born on February 7, 1804, in Rutland, Vermont, John Deere was a blacksmith and inventor whose innovative steel plow transformed agriculture. Facing economic hardship in Vermont, he moved to Grand Detour, Illinois, in 1836, where he identified the need for a plow that could cut through the region’s tough prairie soil without clogging. In 1837, he crafted a self-scouring steel plow using a broken sawblade, marking the company’s inception.
John Deere’s commitment to quality and customer needs shaped the company’s early growth. He partnered with Leonard Andrus in 1843 to scale production and later moved operations to Moline, Illinois, in 1848. Deere remained actively involved until his death in 1886, leaving a legacy of innovation and integrity. His son, Charles Deere, and subsequent leaders built on his vision, expanding the company into a global enterprise.
Board of Directors
As of December 12, 2024, Deere & Company’s board comprises the following directors, each bringing diverse expertise to guide the company’s strategy.
| Name | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| John C. May | Chairman and CEO | Leads the company’s strategic direction, with a focus on technology and sustainability. |
| Leanne G. Caret | Director | Former Boeing executive, expertise in aerospace and defense. |
| Tamara A. Erwin | Director | Former Verizon executive, specializes in telecommunications and technology. |
| R. Preston Feight | Director | CEO of PACCAR, brings transportation and manufacturing expertise. |
| Alan C. Heuberger | Director | Financial services expert, affiliated with investment firms. |
| L. Neil Hunn | Director | CEO of Roper Technologies, expertise in industrial technology. |
| Michael O. Johanns | Director | Former U.S. Senator and Agriculture Secretary, deep agricultural policy knowledge. |
| Clayton M. Jones | Director | Former Rockwell Collins CEO, aerospace and technology expertise. |
| Gregory R. Page | Director | Former Cargill CEO, agricultural and supply chain expertise. |
| Sherry M. Smith | Director | Former Supervalu CFO, financial and retail expertise. |
| Dmitri L. Stockton | Director | Former GE executive, expertise in global operations and finance. |
| Sheila G. Talton | Director | CEO of Gray Matter Analytics, technology and analytics expertise. |
Notes: The board’s composition reflects a blend of industry, financial, and technological expertise, aligning with Deere’s focus on innovation and global growth.
Shareholding Details
- Common Stock: As of November 29, 2024, Deere & Company had 271,575,282 shares of common stock outstanding, with a par value of $1 per share.
- Market Value: The aggregate quoted market price of voting stock held by non-affiliates was $108,321,022,524 as of April 26, 2024.
- Securities:
- Common Stock (DE): Traded on the NYSE.
- 6.55% Debentures Due 2028 (DE28): Traded on the NYSE.
- Shareholder Base: Specific shareholder details (e.g., major institutional holders) are not provided, but the company’s stock is widely held by institutional and retail investors.
Parent Company Details
Deere & Company is a standalone corporation with no parent company. It operates as the ultimate parent entity for its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Investment Details
Deere & Company’s passive investments are not explicitly detailed, but the company holds interests in 23 unconsolidated affiliates, which are not significant in aggregate. Additionally, it invests in R&D, technology acquisitions, and strategic partnerships to enhance its portfolio. Key investment activities include:
- Wirtgen Group Acquisition (2017): Expanded roadbuilding capabilities.
- Technology Investments: Significant R&D spending on automation, AI, and electrification.
Future Investment Plans
Deere & Company’s future investment strategy aligns with its Smart Industrial Operating Model and Leap Ambitions, focusing on:
- Technology Stack: Continued investment in digitalization, autonomy, automation, and alternative power technologies (e.g., battery-powered tractors, hybrid-electric equipment).
- Solutions as a Service: Expanding subscription-based models for equipment and technology access.
- Sustainability: Reducing CO₂e emissions, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, and increasing product circularity.
- Global Expansion: Strengthening presence in emerging markets like India, China, and Africa.
- R&D: Developing precision agriculture, forestry, and roadbuilding solutions to address customer challenges.
