DEERE & CO

Previous wording

Production volumes are expected to continue to decline during the remainder of 2024 due to demand shifts amid challenges in the global agricultural and turf sectors coupled with proactive production and inventory management while the construction industry remains relatively stable.

Current wording

Production volumes are expected to continue to decline during the remainder of 2024 due to reduced demand amid challenges in the global agricultural and turf sectors and construction industry coupled with inventory management through planned underproduction to retail demand.

Previous wording

Agricultural Market Business Cycle. The agricultural market is affected by various factors including commodity prices, acreage planted, crop yields, and government policies. These factors affect farmers’ income and may result in lower demand for equipment. We may experience any of the following effects during unfavorable market conditions: lower net sales, higher sales discounts, higher receivable write-offs, and losses on equipment on operating leases. A potential benefit is that customers may invest in integrated technology solutions and precision agriculture to lower input costs and improve margins.

Current wording

Agricultural Market Business Cycle. The agricultural market is affected by various factors including commodity prices, acreage planted, crop yields, and government policies. These factors affect farmers’ income and may result in lower demand for equipment. We may experience any of the following effects during unfavorable market conditions: lower net sales, higher sales discounts, higher receivable write-offs, and losses on equipment on operating leases.

Previous wording

Interest Rates. Central bank policy interest rates increased in 2023 and have remained elevated. Increased rates impacted us in several ways, primarily affecting the financing spreads for the financial services operations and demand for our products.

Current wording

Interest Rates. Central bank policy interest rates increased in 2023 and have remained elevated. Increased rates impacted us in several ways, primarily affecting the demand for our products and financing spreads for the financial services operations.

Previous wording

Rising interest rates have historically impacted our borrowings sooner than the benefit is realized from receivable and lease portfolios. As a result, our financial services operations experienced $35 (after-tax) less favorable financing spreads in 2024 compared to 2023. We expect to continue experiencing spread compression in 2024, but at a moderating pace relative to spread compression experienced in 2023.

Current wording

Rising interest rates have historically impacted our borrowings sooner than the benefit is realized from receivable and lease portfolios. As a result, our financial services operations experienced $66 (after-tax) less favorable financing spreads in 2024 compared to 2023. We expect to continue experiencing spread compression in 2024.

Previous wording

Other Items of Concern and Uncertainties – Other items that could impact our results are:

Current wording

Other items that could impact our results are:

Previous wording

Net sales and revenues decreased for both the quarter and year-to-date periods primarily due to lower sales volumes. Net income and diluted EPS decreased driven by lower sales. The discussion of net sales and operating profit is included in the Business Segment Results below.

Current wording

Net sales and revenues decreased for both the quarter and year-to-date periods primarily due to lower sales volumes. Net income and diluted EPS decreased driven by lower sales. The discussion of net sales and operating profit is included in the Business Segment Results below. Net income in each of the periods presented were impacted by special items. See Note 21 for additional details.

Previous wording

An explanation of the cost of sales to net sales ratio and other significant statement of consolidated income changes follow:

Current wording

An explanation of the cost of sales to net sales ratio and other significant statement of consolidated income changes follows:

Previous wording

Production and precision agriculture sales decreased for the quarter as a result of lower shipment volumes (primarily in Brazil, the U.S., and Europe), driven by softened demand. This was partially offset by price realization in the U.S. and Canada. Operating profit decreased primarily due to lower shipment volumes and higher production costs, partially offset by price realization.

Current wording

Production and precision agriculture sales decreased for the quarter as a result of lower shipment volumes (primarily in the U.S., Europe, Brazil, and Asia) driven mainly by lower commodity prices and higher interest rates, partially offset by price realization in the U.S. and Canada. Operating profit decreased primarily due to lower shipment volumes and employee-separation programs’ expenses, partially offset by price realization and lower warranty expenses.

Previous wording

Sales for the first six months decreased as a result of lower shipment volumes (primarily in Brazil, the U.S., and Europe), partially offset by price realization in the U.S. and Canada. Operating profit for the first six months decreased due to lower sales volume, higher selling, administrative, and general expenses and research and development expenses, partially offset by price realization.

Current wording

Sales for the first nine months decreased as a result of lower shipment volumes (primarily in Brazil, the U.S., and Europe) partially offset by price realization in the U.S. and Canada. Operating profit for the first nine months decreased due to lower sales volume, higher selling, administrative, and general expenses and research and development expenses, partially offset by price realization and lower warranty expenses.

Previous wording

Small agriculture and turf sales decreased for the quarter due to lower shipment volumes (primarily in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico), partially offset by price realization in the U.S. Operating profit decreased due to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by price realization.

Current wording

Small agriculture and turf sales decreased for the quarter due to lower shipment volumes (primarily in Europe, the U.S., and Mexico) driven mainly by uncertainty in commodity prices and higher interest rates, partially offset by price realization in the U.S. and Europe. Operating profit decreased due to lower shipment volumes and higher warranty expenses, partially offset by price realization.

Previous wording

Sales for the first six months decreased as a result of lower shipment volumes (primarily in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico), partially offset by price realization. Operating profit for the first six months decreased primarily as a result of lower sales volumes, higher selling, administrative, and general expenses and research and development expenses, and higher warranty expenses. These items were partially offset by price realization, favorable mix, and lower production costs.

Current wording

Sales for the first nine months decreased as a result of lower shipment volumes (primarily in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico), partially offset by price realization. Operating profit for the first nine months decreased primarily as a result of lower sales volumes and higher warranty expenses. These items were partially offset by price realization and lower production costs.

Previous wording

Construction and forestry sales decreased for the quarter due to lower worldwide shipment volumes. Operating profit decreased due to lower sales volumes and increased selling, administrative, and general expenses and research and development expenses.

Current wording

Construction and forestry sales decreased for the quarter due to lower U.S. shipment volumes, driven by moderating demand and efforts to reduce field inventory. Operating profit decreased due to lower sales volumes, unfavorable mix, and unfavorable price realization.

Previous wording

The segment’s six-month sales decreased due to lower shipment volumes in all major regions outside the U.S., partially offset by price realization and the favorable impact of currency translation. The first six-month’s operating profit decreased due to lower sales volumes, higher selling, administrative, and general expenses and research and development expenses, increased production costs, and the unfavorable impact of currency translation. These factors were partially offset by price realization.

Current wording

Sales for the first nine months decreased due to lower worldwide shipment volumes, partially offset by price realization. Operating profit for the first nine months decreased due to lower sales volumes, increased production costs driven by low volume inefficiencies, and higher selling, administrative, and general expenses and research and development expenses. These factors were partially offset by price realization.

Previous wording

The average balance of receivables and leases financed was 16 percent higher in the second quarter of 2024 and 18 percent higher in the first six months of 2024 compared with the same periods last year. Revenue also increased due to higher average financing rates in both periods. Interest expense increased compared to both prior periods as a result of higher average borrowings and higher average borrowing rates. Financial services net income in both periods increased due to income earned on higher average portfolio balances, partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses and less favorable financing spreads. The results of both periods were also affected by a correction of the accounting treatment for financing incentives offered to John Deere dealers. The cumulative effect of this correction, $173 pretax ($135 after-tax), was recorded in the second quarter of 2023.

Current wording

The average balance of receivables and leases financed was 12 percent higher in the third quarter of 2024 and 16 percent higher in the first nine months of 2024 compared with the same periods last year. Revenue also increased due to higher average financing rates in both periods. Interest expense increased compared to both prior periods as a result of higher average borrowing rates and higher average borrowings. Financial services net income decreased in the third quarter of 2024 due to a higher provision for credit losses and less favorable financing spreads, partially offset by income earned on higher average portfolio balances and favorable discrete tax items. Excluding the impact of an accounting correction in the prior year, financial services net income decreased in the first nine months of 2024 due to a higher provision for credit losses and less favorable financing spreads, partially offset by income earned on higher average portfolio balances. Net income for the first nine months of 2023 was affected by a correction of the accounting treatment for financing incentives offered to John Deere dealers. The cumulative effect of this correction, $173 pretax ($135 after-tax), was recorded in the second quarter of 2023.

Previous wording

We closely monitor our cash requirements. Based on the available sources of liquidity, we expect to meet our funding needs in the short term (next 12 months) and long term (beyond 12 months). We are forecasting lower operating cash flows in 2024 compared with 2023.

Current wording

We closely monitor our cash requirements. Based on the available sources of liquidity, we expect to meet our funding needs in the short term (next 12 months) and long term (beyond 12 months). We are forecasting lower operating cash flows from equipment operations in 2024 compared with 2023 driven by a decrease in net income adjusted for non-cash provisions and a reduction in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Previous wording

The financial services operations rely on their ability to raise substantial amounts of funds to finance their receivable and lease portfolios.

Current wording

The financial services operations rely on their ability to raise substantial amounts of funds to finance their receivable and lease portfolios. Banco John Deere S.A. assets and liabilities were reclassified to held for sale in the third quarter of 2024 (see Note 21).

Previous wording

In the first half of 2024, we invested $177 in U.S. dollar denominated bonds issued by the central bank of Argentina. The bonds are recorded in “Marketable securities,” classified as “International debt securities.” These bonds can be held until maturity or sold in a secondary market outside of Argentina to settle intercompany debt (see Note 17).

Current wording

In 2024, we invested $177 in U.S. dollar denominated bonds issued by the central bank of Argentina. The bonds are recorded in “Marketable securities,” classified as “International debt securities.” These bonds can be held until maturity or sold in a secondary market outside of Argentina to settle intercompany debt.

Previous wording

Cash inflows from consolidated operating activities in the first six months of 2024 were $944. This resulted mainly from net income adjusted for non-cash provisions, partially offset by a working capital change. Included in the working capital change was a cash outflow of $1,300 from accounts payable and accrued expenses due to a higher profit sharing payout in the first quarter of 2024 based on strong fiscal year 2023 results, lower accrued expenses related to dealer sales discounts, and less trade payables consistent with our forecasted decrease in production. Cash outflows from investing activities were $1,670 in the first six months of this year. The primary drivers were purchases of property and equipment and growth in the retail customer receivable portfolio and equipment on operating leases. Cash outflows from financing activities were $1,162 in the first six months of 2024, as cash returned to shareholders was partially offset by higher external borrowings. Cash returned to shareholders was $3,218 in the first six months of 2024. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased $1,893 during the first six months of 2024.

Current wording

Cash inflows from consolidated operating activities in the first nine months of 2024 were $4,139. This resulted mainly from net income adjusted for non-cash provisions, partially offset by a working capital change. Included in the working capital change was a cash outflow of $1,015 from accounts payable and accrued expenses due to less trade payables consistent with our forecasted decrease in production and lower accrued expenses related to dealer sales discounts and employee benefits. Cash outflows from investing activities were $3,671 in the first nine months of this year. The primary drivers were growth in the retail customer receivable portfolio and equipment on operating leases and purchases of property and equipment. Cash outflows from financing activities were $789 in the first nine months of 2024, as cash returned to shareholders was partially offset by higher external borrowings. Cash returned to shareholders was $4,429 in the first nine months of 2024. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased $327 during the first nine months of 2024.

Previous wording

Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable. Trade accounts and notes receivable arise from sales of goods to customers. Trade receivables increased $1,141 during the first six months of 2024, primarily due to a seasonal increase. These receivables decreased $1,091, compared to a year ago, due to lower sales volumes. The percentage of total worldwide trade receivables outstanding for periods exceeding 12 months was 2 percent at April 28, 2024, 1 percent at October 29, 2023, and 1 percent at April 30, 2023.

Current wording

Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable. Trade accounts and notes receivable arise from sales of goods to customers. Trade receivables decreased $270 during the first nine months of 2024 and decreased $1,828 compared to a year ago, primarily due to lower sales volumes. The percentage of total worldwide trade receivables outstanding for periods exceeding 12 months was 3 percent at July 28, 2024, 1 percent at October 29, 2023, and 1 percent at July 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Financing Receivables and Equipment on Operating Leases. Financing receivables and equipment on operating leases consist of retail notes originated in connection with financing of new and used equipment, operating leases, revolving charge accounts, sales-type and direct financing leases, and wholesale notes. Financing receivables and equipment on operating leases increased $1,580 during the first six months of 2024 and increased $8,368 in the past 12 months due to higher dealer inventory levels and elevated sales of new and used retail inventory. Total acquisition volumes of financing receivables and equipment on operating leases were 16 percent higher in the first six months of 2024, compared with the same period last year, as volumes of wholesale notes, retail notes, financing leases, and operating leases were higher, while revolving charge accounts were flat compared to April 30, 2023.

Current wording

Financing Receivables and Equipment on Operating Leases. Financing receivables and equipment on operating leases consist of retail notes originated in connection with financing of new and used equipment, operating leases, revolving charge accounts, sales-type and direct financing leases, and wholesale notes. Financing receivables and equipment on operating leases increased $1,363 during the first nine months of 2024 and increased $4,276 in the past 12 months due to higher dealer inventory levels and an increase in the retail customer receivable portfolio, partially offset by the reclassification of Banco John Deere S.A. receivables to “Assets held for sale” in the third quarter of 2024 (see Note 21). Total acquisition volumes of financing receivables and equipment on operating leases were 8 percent higher in the first nine months of 2024, compared with the same period last year, as volumes of wholesale notes, operating leases, financing leases, and retail notes were higher, while revolving charge accounts were flat compared to July 30, 2023.

Previous wording

Inventories. Inventories increased by $283 during the first six months of 2024, primarily due to a seasonal increase. Inventories decreased by $1,270 compared to a year ago due to lower forecasted shipment volumes. A majority of these inventories are valued on the last-in, first out (LIFO) method.

Current wording

Inventories. Inventories decreased by $464 during the first nine months of 2024 and decreased by $1,654 compared to a year ago. The decreases were due to lower forecasted shipment volumes. A majority of these inventories are valued on the last-in, first out (LIFO) method.

Previous wording

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment cash expenditures in the first six months of 2024 were $719 compared with $584 in the same period last year. Capital expenditures in 2024 are estimated to be approximately $1,900.

Current wording

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment cash expenditures in the first nine months of 2024 were $1,043 compared with $887 in the same period last year. Capital expenditures in 2024 are estimated to be approximately $1,850.

Previous wording

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses. Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased by $1,521 in the first six months of 2024, primarily due to a decrease in accrued expenses associated with dealer sales discounts and employee benefits, and decreased accounts payable associated with trade payables. Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $107 compared to a year ago due to a decrease in accounts payable associated with trade payables, partially offset by an increase in accrued expenses associated with derivative liabilities, extended warranty liabilities, and accrued interest.

Current wording

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses. Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased by $1,733 in the first nine months of 2024, primarily due to decreased accounts payable associated with trade payables, and a decrease in accrued expenses associated with derivative liabilities, dealer sales discounts, and employee benefits. Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $943 compared to a year ago due to a decrease in accounts payable associated with trade payables and a decrease in accrued expenses associated with derivative liabilities, partially offset by an increase in extended warranty liabilities.

Previous wording

Borrowings. Total external borrowings increased by $2,226 in the first six months of 2024 and increased $7,538 compared to a year ago, generally corresponding with the level of the receivable and lease portfolios, as well as other working capital requirements.

Current wording

Borrowings. Total external borrowings increased by $2,444 in the first nine months of 2024 and increased $3,992 compared to a year ago, generally corresponding with the level of the receivable and lease portfolios, as well as other working capital requirements. The change in borrowings was also impacted by the reclassification of Banco John Deere S.A. borrowings to “Liabilities held for sale” in the third quarter of 2024 (see Note 21).

Previous wording

John Deere Capital Corporation (Capital Corporation), a U.S. financial services subsidiary, has a revolving warehouse facility to utilize bank conduit facilities to securitize retail notes (see Note 9). The facility was renewed in November 2023 with an expiration in November 2024 and with an increase in the total capacity or “financing limit” from $1,500 to $2,000. At April 28, 2024, $1,434 of securitization borrowings were outstanding under the facility. At the end of the contractual revolving period, unless the banks and Capital Corporation agree to renew, Capital Corporation would liquidate the secured borrowings over time as payments on the retail notes are collected.

Current wording

John Deere Capital Corporation (Capital Corporation), a U.S. financial services subsidiary, has a revolving warehouse facility to utilize bank conduit facilities to securitize retail notes (see Note 9). The facility was renewed in November 2023 with an expiration in November 2024 and with an increase in the total capacity or “financing limit” from $1,500 to $2,000. At July 28, 2024, $1,566 of securitization borrowings were outstanding under the facility. At the end of the contractual revolving period, unless the banks and Capital Corporation agree to renew, Capital Corporation would liquidate the secured borrowings over time as payments on the retail notes are collected.

Previous wording

In the first six months of 2024, the financial services operations issued $1,880 and retired $1,900 of retail note securitization borrowings, which are presented in “Net proceeds in short-term borrowings (original maturities three months or less).”

Current wording

In the first nine months of 2024, the financial services operations issued $3,722 and retired $2,849 of retail note securitization borrowings, which are presented in “Net proceeds (payments) in short-term borrowings (original maturities three months or less).”

Previous wording

Lines of Credit. We also have access to bank lines of credit with various banks throughout the world. Worldwide lines of credit totaled $10,934 at April 28, 2024, $2,787 of which were unused. For the purpose of computing unused credit lines, commercial paper and short-term bank borrowings were considered to constitute utilization. Included in the total credit lines at April 28, 2024 was a 364-day credit facility agreement of $5,000 expiring in the second quarter of 2025. In addition, total credit lines included long-term credit facility agreements of $2,750 expiring in the second quarter of 2028 and $2,750 expiring in the second quarter of 2029. These credit agreements require Capital Corporation and other parts of our business to maintain certain performance metrics and liquidity targets. All requirements in the credit agreements have been met during the periods included in the financial statements.

Current wording

At July 28, 2024, $4,917 of these worldwide lines of credit were unused. For the purpose of computing unused credit lines, commercial paper and short-term bank borrowings were considered to constitute utilization. These credit agreements require Capital Corporation and other parts of our business to maintain certain performance metrics and liquidity targets. All requirements in the credit agreements have been met during the periods included in the financial statements.