Deere & Co. reported its third quarter earnings that came in lower than expected by analysts. The company also lowered guidance on its full year sales and profit.
The farm equipment maker’s earnings in the quarter increased +4.6% year-over-year to $2.71 per share, but fell short of the Street estimate by 13 cents.
But total revenues climbed +3% from last year to $10.03 billion – beating analysts' forecasts of $9.38 billion.
Looking ahead, Deere expects its full-year 2019 equipment sales to increase + 4% - which is below its prior forecast of around +5%. The company now predicts that its net income would come in at $3.2 billion, down from the company's earlier guidance of $3.3 billion.
CEO Sam Allen indicated that trade tensions continue to weigh on the agriculture industry and therefore on Deere’s earnings prospects. Allen mentioned concerns over exports market, near-term demand for commodities such as soybeans, and overall crop conditions – headwinds that have reportedly led to many farmers holding off major equipment purchases.
Nevertheless, Allen remains hopeful that the long-term potential for the company’s businesses remains healthy. He emphasized that Deere continues to expand its global customer base, and that it is focused on achieving sustainable profitable growth.