Deere Earnings Wow on the Bottom-Line

November 23, 2016 by Chris Lange

Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) reported its fiscal fourth-quarter financial results before the markets opened on Wednesday. The company said that it had $0.90 in earnings per share (EPS) and $5.65 billion in revenue. Consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters called for $0.40 in EPS and $5.38 billion in revenue. The same period from last year had $1.08 in EPS and $5.93 billion in revenue.

The Agriculture & Turf segment sales fell 5% for the quarter with an operating profit of $371 million due to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by the favorable effects of currency translation for the quarter.

Construction & Forestry sales decreased 5% for the quarter, largely as a result of lower shipment volumes and higher sales-incentive costs. The segment had an operating loss of $17 million for the quarter as well.

In terms of guidance, the company projects its equipment sales to decrease about 1% for fiscal 2017 and be down about 4% for the first quarter compared with the same periods of 2016. Net sales and revenues are projected to decrease about 1% for fiscal 2017, while net income attributable to Deere is anticipated to be about $1.4 billion.

The consensus estimates are calling for $0.55 in EPS and $4.56 billion in revenue for the fiscal first quarter. For the 2017 fiscal year, analysts are predicting $3.85 in EPS and $22.72 billion in revenue.

On the books, cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $4.79 billion at the end of the quarter, versus $4.60 billion at the end of the previous fiscal year.

Samuel R. Allen, Chairman and CEO, commented:

John Deere has completed another successful year in spite of continuing weakness in the global agricultural and construction equipment sectors. The company in 2016 had one of its ten-best years in both sales and earnings, a noteworthy achievement in light of the difficult business climate. Deere’s performance benefited from the adept execution of its operating plans and disciplined cost management as well as the impact of a broad product portfolio. As a result, the company has remained well-positioned to serve its customers while making continued investments in quality and innovation that we’re confident will be supportive of growth in the future.

Shares of Deere closed Tuesday at $92.01, with a consensus analyst price target of $85.21 and a 52-week trading range of $70.16 to $93.14. Following the release of the earnings report, the stock was up 12% at $103.40 in early trading indications Wednesday.

Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE

Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply
clicking here
you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.


Click here
to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.