John Deere(US:DE)2025-11-26 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net sales and revenues increased by 11% to $12.4 billion, while net sales for equipment operations rose by 14% to $10.6 billion. However, net income attributable to Deere & Company decreased to $1.1 billion, or $3.93 per diluted share [6][12]. - For the full year, net sales and revenues were down 12% to $45.7 billion, with net sales for equipment operations down 13% to $38.9 billion. Net income was $5 billion, or $18.50 per diluted share [6][12]. Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production and Precision Ag segment saw net sales of $4.74 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with an operating margin of 12.7%. The increase was attributed to higher shipment volumes and favorable price realization [7]. - Small Ag and Turf segment reported net sales of $2.57 billion, up 7% year-over-year, but operating profit declined to $25 million due to higher tariffs and production costs [8]. - Construction and Forestry segment experienced a 27% increase in net sales to $3.382 billion, with an operating margin of 10.3% [12]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The outlook for large equipment sales in North America is expected to decline by 15%-20%, while small ag and turf demand is estimated to be flat to up 5% [9][10]. - In Europe, the industry is projected to be flat to up 5%, with robust dairy sector margins and improving arable cash flows [10][43]. - South America is expected to see flat industry sales, with Brazil's demand tempered by high interest rates and strong global crop yields [10][11]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to manage inventory carefully and avoid oversupply while focusing on used inventory reduction. This strategy is expected to position the market well for 2026 [34]. - The company is committed to advancing its smart industrial journey, emphasizing technology and innovation to enhance customer value and operational efficiency [20][66]. - The focus on R&D investment is expected to support future growth and unlock value for customers and shareholders [64][66]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that fiscal 2025 was marked by significant challenges, but the company demonstrated resilience with over $5 billion in net income and strong operating margins [5][18]. - The company anticipates a subdued large ag market in North America for 2026 but sees growth opportunities in small ag, turf, and construction forestry segments [6][10]. - Management expressed optimism about stabilizing market conditions and the potential for growth driven by favorable commodity demand and government support for farmers [37][46]. Other Important Information - The company expects a full-year net income forecast for 2026 to be in the range of $4 billion to $4.75 billion, with a projected effective tax rate between 25%-27% [16]. - The company plans to resume normal capital allocation activities in 2026 after pausing buybacks in Q4 2025 due to market uncertainty [64]. Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company thinking about offsetting the $1.2 billion tariff headwind in 2026? - The company expects to capture back some of the incremental exposure from tariffs through price-cost positive strategies and plans to take additional price increases as needed [70]. Question: Can you unpack the decremental margin on the sales decline in the Production and Precision Ag segment? - The company acknowledged that a significant portion of the decremental margin is attributed to tariffs, and they are working on improving profitability in other regions, particularly Brazil [74].