Could it be that both analysts and investors might have misjudged Deere & Co.'s
Oh sure, the company missed analysts' expectations by fully $0.33 per share, but that deviation may say as much about our current approach to forecasting as to the new desirability of holding Deere's shares. Until a few years ago, most companies were reluctant to provide forward earnings guidance, leaving analysts to formulate their own models and expectations for quarterly revenues and earnings. The result was a far larger variance among the expectations than exists today, when analysts are able to tuck in comfortably and safely at or near the mid-points of corporate guidance ranges.
A rollercoaster quarter
Unfortunately for Deere, and those who purport to forecast its results, the company's circumstances changed significantly during the quarter, both internally and externally. The result -- with management reluctant to raise its hand and alter guidance repeatedly amid the quarter -- was a set of Wall Street expectations that ultimately became outmoded. Oh, for a return to the prior system, which clearly was a far sterner test of the analysts' individual sagacity.
While the per-share earnings miss was substantial, year-on-year results for the company were actually quite solid. Earnings were $788 million, or $1.98 per share, compared with $712.3 million, or $1.69 per quarter for the comparable quarter in 2011. That bump on the net earnings line represented a 10.6% improvement, and revenue growth of 15% to $9.59 billion. Analysts had expected the per-share number to come in closer to $2.31. That miss resulted in Deere's shares being taken down by 6.3% on Wednesday.
Softening signs from China
We became starkly aware three weeks ago that all was not uniformly rosy for equipment sales across the planet when Caterpillar
Despite its spotty geography, however, the company's worldwide equipment operations increased 16% year on year, with 5% higher price realizations matching an identical unfavorable currency translation. Breaking down the equipment unit further, agriculture and turf sales were 14% higher year on year, while the top line for construction and forestry increased fully 23% for the quarter.
New product challenges
The aforementioned internal effects related to what the company termed "manufacturing execution." As CFO Jim Field noted during the company's post-release call:
The all new North American combine line with significant product innovations and IT-F compliant engines was most challenged and accounts for the bulk of the shortfall. The issue is not quality; in fact we are receiving positive customer views on the machines already in the field. We just had trouble ramping up production to meet the aggressive build schedules in the quarter. As a result, we experienced production delays of up to 14 calendar days.
Looking ahead, management has figuratively pulled in its horns, somewhat, vis-a-vis its sales forecast for the full year. The new target for the October fiscal year is now $3.1 billion, versus an expectation of $3.35 billion, which was rendered in May. For the individual sector, agriculture and turf sales are expected to expand by about 13% for the full year, with the U.S. and Canada anticipated to contribute more than 10% to the growth. The European Union is likely to be flat, the Commonwealth of Independent States is anticipated to be "up strongly," and both South America and Asia will probably continue to slide.
The Foolish bottom line
For my money, then, while Deere's results fell short of those of Caterpillar, its fellow Midwestern equipment manufacturer, they nevertheless topped those of Amsterdam's CNH Global, with which it competes in certain product lines.
Because our global population is not likely to curb our eating habits, Deere's slowdown in China, India, and Argentina is likely to be temporary. I therefore remain a fan of the company for the long term. However, Caterpillar’s breadth is unsurpassed in this sector, and its extensive service network and unparalleled brand strength combine to give it solid competitive advantages. For investors interested in Caterpillar’s stock, read all about Caterpillar's strengths and weaknesses, plus whether the company is a buy right now in our brand new report. Just click here to access it now.
