Deere & Company (DE): A Bull Case Theory

Core Thesis - Deere & Company is positioned for potential recovery as agricultural conditions stabilize, entering FY2025 at a cyclical trough [1][4] Company Overview - Deere & Company manufactures and distributes various equipment globally, operating through two main divisions: Equipment Operations and Financial Services [1] - Equipment Operations includes Production & Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture & Turf, and Construction & Forestry [1] Industry Dynamics - Deere's results are cyclical, closely tracking farm income and crop prices, with recent declines in net sales expected from FY2023 through FY2025 due to normalized commodity prices [2] - The rate of sales contraction is slowing, indicating a potential bottom of the cycle [2] Competitive Positioning - Deere is significantly larger than key competitors like CNH Industrial and Kubota, with approximately double their scale in Equipment Operations [3] - In agriculture, Deere experienced a 14% sales decline in FY2025, consistent with peers, while competitors like CLAAS showed greater resilience [3] Market Performance - Deere's stock has risen approximately 75% since the end of 2020, outperforming most agricultural peers, reflecting market confidence in its structural advantages [4] - The current environment is seen as an attractive long-term entry point for investors as sales declines moderate and competitive scale remains strong [4] Previous Coverage - Previous bullish analyses highlighted Deere's margin resilience, consistent earnings beats, aggressive buybacks, and expanding ag-tech initiatives despite cyclical pressures, with a stock price appreciation of approximately 26.88% since May 2025 [5]