This Unstoppable Dividend-Paying Growth Stock Is Up More Than 260% in 5 Years. Here's Why It Just Hit an All-Time High.

Core Viewpoint - Deere & Company has seen its shares reach an all-time high, reflecting strong performance despite a recent decline in net income, indicating investor confidence in the company's long-term growth potential [1][4]. Financial Performance - For the second quarter of fiscal 2025, Deere reported a net income of $1.8 billion, down 24% year-over-year and 37% compared to the same quarter in 2023 [4]. - The company's trailing-12-month earnings are still more than double pre-pandemic highs, demonstrating resilience in earnings growth [7]. - Deere updated its full-year fiscal 2025 net income projection to a range of $4.75 billion to $5.5 billion, reflecting a $500 million pretax impact from current tariff levels [8]. Market Dynamics - Deere operates in a cyclical industry, with earnings influenced by factors such as crop prices and economic growth, which can lead to fluctuations in customer spending [5]. - The industry outlook for fiscal 2025 anticipates a 30% decline in large agriculture in the U.S. and Canada, with smaller declines in other regions [11]. Segment Performance - Net sales for the second quarter were reported as follows: Production & Precision Agriculture at $5.23 billion, Small Agriculture & Turf at $2.99 billion, and Construction & Forestry at $2.95 billion [10]. - The operating margins for these segments were 22%, 19.2%, and 12.9% respectively, with Construction & Forestry experiencing significant margin pressure due to lower shipment volumes [10]. Shareholder Value - Deere has a low payout ratio of 26%, indicating strong free cash flow generation, which supports dividend payments and stock buybacks [14]. - The company raised its dividend by 10.2% to $1.62 per share per quarter, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [14]. - Over the past five years, Deere's dividend has more than doubled, and its share count has decreased by over 13%, enhancing earnings per share growth [15][16]. Strategic Positioning - Despite economic slowdowns, Deere remains a high-margin business with substantial free cash flow, allowing for reinvestment and shareholder returns [12]. - The company is well-insulated from tariff impacts due to its significant domestic manufacturing, positioning it favorably for future growth [18]. - Deere is viewed as a foundational stock for long-term investment, capable of supporting operating expenses and capital return programs [19].