DEERE & Business Summary

Deere & Co (DE) operates a diversified industrial manufacturing model, generating revenue through the sale of heavy machinery, aftermarket parts, and a rapidly expanding suite of software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions under its "Smart Industrial" strategy. The company’s operations are divided into four primary segments: Production & Precision Agriculture, which focuses on large-scale farming solutions; Small Agriculture & Turf, serving mid-sized farms and residential markets; Construction & Forestry, providing earthmoving and timber equipment; and Financial Services, which facilitates equipment leasing and dealer financing. As of February 2026, Deere remains the dominant force in the North American large agricultural machinery market with an estimated 45% share, while maintaining a top-three global position in construction equipment. It competes directly with CNH Industrial and AGCO Corporation in the agricultural sector, and Caterpillar Inc. and Kubota Corporation across its construction and utility lines, distinguishing itself through a high-margin "tech stack" that integrates autonomous hardware with cloud-based data analytics. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deere, the company is currently led by Chairman and CEO John C. May, a veteran executive who joined the firm in 1997 and previously served as a management consultant at KPMG. The leadership team includes Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Jahmy Hindman, the company's first-ever CTO, who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering with a specialization in artificial neural networks. In a significant leadership transition occurring today, February 18, 2026, Joshua Jepsen concludes his tenure as Senior Vice President and CFO, with Ryan Campbell—the current President of Construction & Forestry and former CFO—set to assume the role of interim Chief Financial Officer effective tomorrow. Deere’s strategic direction is further guided by a high-profile Board of Directors that includes Brian Sikes (CEO of Cargill), Leanne Caret (former Boeing EVP), and Alan Heuberger of Cascade Asset Management, the investment firm managing the interests of Bill Gates, one of the company’s largest institutional shareholders.