Core Insights - Deere & Company (DE) and CNH Industrial N.V. (CNH) are leading global players in agricultural machinery, with Deere holding the top position [1] - Both companies are significantly impacted by ongoing weaknesses in agricultural and construction markets, raising questions about investment choices [2] Company Overview - Deere has a market capitalization of $139 billion and specializes in agricultural, forestry, and turf equipment, with a strong presence in precision farming technology [3] - CNH Industrial has a market capitalization of approximately $16 billion and operates well-known agricultural equipment brands such as New Holland and Case IH [8] Financial Performance - Both DE and CNH have faced revenue declines for seven consecutive quarters, with DE's earnings slipping in the last six quarters due to lower volumes in agriculture and construction [4][9] - DE anticipates a 30% decline in large agriculture equipment sales in fiscal 2025, while CNH expects total net sales to decline between 11% and 19% compared to 2024 [5][10] Market Outlook - The agricultural equipment market in the U.S. and Canada is projected to decline by 10-15% for small equipment, while European markets are expected to decline approximately 5% [5] - Construction equipment demand is also under pressure, with DE expecting a 10% drop in U.S. and Canadian construction equipment sales [6] Innovation and Growth Prospects - Both companies are ramping up innovation capabilities, with DE focusing on advanced technologies and geographic expansion to drive long-term growth [7][11] - CNH is making strategic strides in automation and digital integration, with 80% of its precision components developed internally in 2024 [12] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DE's fiscal 2025 earnings is $18.82 per share, indicating a year-over-year fall of 26.54% [13] - CNH's 2025 earnings estimate is 62 cents per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 41% [14] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, DE stock has gained 21.2%, outperforming the Zacks manufacturing - farm equipment industry's growth of 19.7%, while CNH has lagged at 15% [16] - DE is trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 24.49X, while CNH is at 17.71X, with CNH trading at a discount to industry averages [18] Investment Considerations - Both companies face near-term headwinds, but are fundamentally tied to long-term megatrends such as rising food demand and advancements in agricultural technology [20] - From a valuation standpoint, CNH appears more attractive currently, with a Value Score of B compared to DE's D [21]
DE or CNH: Which Equipment Maker Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio?