Who Owns Deere Company?

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Who Owns Deere & Company?

Deere & Company, a titan in agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment, traces its roots to 1837. Founded by John Deere, its legacy began with a revolutionary self-scouring steel plow. Today, it's a global leader headquartered in Moline, Illinois.

With fiscal year 2024 revenue reaching $51.72 billion, Deere & Company is a significant player. Its extensive product line includes tractors, combines, and excavators, alongside financial services and precision agriculture technology. The company holds a substantial 27.35% market share in tractors and agricultural machinery manufacturing as of Q1 2025.

Deere & Company's ownership is primarily held by institutional investors, with Vanguard Group and BlackRock being the largest shareholders. These investment management firms collectively manage a significant portion of the company's outstanding shares, influencing its strategic decisions and long-term direction. Understanding this ownership structure is key for stakeholders.

The company's commitment to innovation is evident in its advanced machinery, including the development of sophisticated Deere PESTEL Analysis tools for modern farming. As of 2024, Deere & Company employed approximately 75,847 individuals worldwide, underscoring its vast operational scale and global reach.

The Deere Company ownership journey began with its founder, John Deere, a blacksmith who moved to Illinois in 1836. He established a blacksmith shop in 1837, which evolved into a major agricultural implement provider.

Founder's Vision

John Deere, a blacksmith by trade, relocated to Illinois with the aim of overcoming bankruptcy. His innovative spirit led to the development of the self-scouring steel plow, a product that became the cornerstone of his business.

Early Operations

Initial funding for the business likely came from John Deere's personal savings and reinvested profits. Specific details regarding the initial capital investment are not widely available.

Strategic Relocation

In 1848, John Deere moved his operations to Moline, Illinois. This strategic move capitalized on the logistical advantages offered by access to both the Mississippi River and railroad networks for enhanced distribution.

Incorporation and Family Leadership

The company was formally incorporated as Deere & Company in 1868. The initial stockholders included John Deere, his son Charles Deere, Stephen Velie, and George Vinton, marking the beginning of a long tradition of family involvement.

Son Takes the Helm

Charles Deere, John Deere's son, assumed leadership and served as CEO for approximately four decades. His tenure solidified a legacy of family management that continued for nearly a century, significantly shaping the company's early growth.

Early Expansion

Under the early leadership, the company expanded its reach to become a nationwide provider of agricultural implements. This period laid the groundwork for the company's future success and market presence.

The early ownership structure, with John Deere and his family at the forefront, was instrumental in guiding the company's initial vision and expansion. This foundational period established the company as a key player in the agricultural sector, setting a precedent for its subsequent development and market influence. Understanding this history is crucial for grasping the current Deere Company ownership and its evolution.

Founding and Early Milestones

Deere & Company was founded by John Deere in 1837. The company's initial success was driven by his invention of the self-scouring steel plow, which revolutionized farming practices.

• John Deere, a blacksmith, founded the company.
• The self-scouring steel plow was the company's breakthrough product.
• Partnership with Leonard Andrus boosted production.
• Relocation to Moline, Illinois, improved distribution.
• Incorporated as Deere & Company in 1868.
• Charles Deere, John's son, led the company for decades.

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Deere & Company, incorporated in 1958 as John Deere–Delaware Company, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1868. The company's ownership structure has evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting changes in corporate finance and investment trends, ultimately leading to its current status as a publicly traded entity with a diverse shareholder base.

The ownership landscape of Deere & Company is predominantly shaped by institutional investors, indicating a strong confidence from major financial entities in the company's long-term prospects. This significant institutional backing influences corporate governance and strategic decision-making, with a focus on sustained growth and shareholder value. Understanding who owns John Deere provides insight into the company's operational direction and its position within the broader market, impacting its Target Market of Deere.

Deere & Company's Shareholder Profile

Deere & Company's ownership is largely concentrated among institutional investors, with individual insiders and retail investors holding smaller stakes. This structure reflects the company's status as a major publicly traded entity.

• Institutional investors collectively own a substantial majority of Deere & Company shares.
• Key institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and JPMorgan Chase.
• Cascade Investment LLC is a notable individual shareholder with a significant percentage of ownership.
• The high level of institutional ownership suggests a focus on long-term value creation and robust corporate governance.

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The Board of Directors at Deere & Company is instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction and ensuring robust corporate governance. As of the 2025 Proxy Statement, John C. May holds the dual roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The board comprises a blend of internal leadership and independent directors, many of whom bring substantial experience from major investment firms and diverse industries.

Deere & Company's governance framework, updated in December 2024, includes provisions for an independent Lead Director should the Chairman not be independent. Director responsibilities are further defined by stock ownership requirements for non-employee directors and limitations on serving on other public company boards, with sitting CEOs restricted to one such board. The company operates under a standard one-share-one-vote system, common for entities traded on the NYSE, meaning voting power is directly tied to share ownership, without evidence of special voting rights or dual-class share structures. This structure ensures that Deere Company ownership is broadly distributed among its shareholders. The company's commitment to good governance was evident in its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where key votes included executive compensation and the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as its independent auditor for fiscal 2025. Discussions around shareholder proposals, such as those concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) policies, highlight the ongoing engagement between management and shareholders on critical corporate responsibility matters, as detailed in the 2025 proxy statement. Understanding these governance aspects is key to comprehending Deere Company ownership dynamics.

Board Governance and Shareholder Influence

Deere & Company's Board of Directors is structured to provide oversight and strategic guidance. Shareholder influence is primarily exercised through voting rights tied to share ownership, reflecting a commitment to transparent governance.

• John C. May serves as both Chairman and CEO.
• Corporate Governance Policies, revised in 2024, set director responsibilities.
• A one-share-one-vote structure is in place.
• Shareholder proposals on DE&I were addressed in the 2025 proxy statement.
• Understanding the Marketing Strategy of Deere can provide further context on company operations.

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In the last three to five years, Deere & Company has seen shifts in its ownership trends, with a notable increase in institutional holdings. The company has also been actively managing its share count through buybacks, indicating a strategy focused on shareholder value.

Deere & Company has demonstrated a consistent commitment to returning capital to its shareholders through share repurchases. Over the twelve months ending April 30, 2025, the company repurchased approximately -$8.513 billion in net common equity. This aggressive buyback strategy has led to a significant reduction in outstanding shares, with a 20% decrease over the past decade, positioning Deere as a prominent repurchaser within the industrial sector. This trend is a key aspect of understanding Deere Company ownership and who owns John Deere.

Strategic Acquisitions for Growth

Deere has strategically acquired companies to enhance its technological capabilities. The acquisition of Blue River Technology in 2017 bolstered its precision agriculture offerings, while the July 2025 acquisition of Sentera expanded its drone and data analytics technologies.

Leadership Evolution

Key leadership transitions have occurred, including Deanna Kovar's move to President, Ag & Turf, Small Ag on November 1, 2024. Jahmy Hindman was also elected Senior Vice President in June 2023, in addition to his Chief Technology Officer role.

Institutional Investor Dominance

Institutional investors hold a significant majority of Deere & Company stock, exceeding 73% as of August 2025. This indicates a strong preference for the company among large investment funds, suggesting a focus on long-term stability and strategic portfolio management.

Future Investment and Outlook

Despite a projected net income decline of 21-30% for fiscal year 2025, Deere is investing $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing and innovation over the next decade. This commitment underscores a focus on advanced technologies and proactive inventory management, as highlighted by Chairman and CEO John May.

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