10 Best Stocks to Buy According to Bill Gates

6. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE)

Stake Value as of Q4 2024: $1,507,261,059

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, and lawn and turf care. It also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) had a tough Q1 2025 as its revenue slumped 35% to $6.81 billion and missed analysts’ estimates by over $1 billion, primarily due to lower shipment volumes and ongoing market challenges. The company’s Construction & Forestry segment witnessed a steep 38% sales decline to $2 billion, with operating profit also down by 89%, driven by unfavorable pricing and higher research and development expenses. However, DE’s Financial Services division managed to achieve an 11% rise in net income to $230 million, aided by special items and a decreased valuation allowance on assets held for sale of Banco John Deere. However, despite the current difficulties, the company returned over $800 million in cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter.

A significant threat to Deere & Company (NYSE:DE)’s operations has emerged in the form of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, which have increased uncertainty regarding the impact on US farmers as several of their crops are particularly vulnerable to retaliatory measures. Moreover, the prices of several industrial metals are rising as a result of the said tariffs, raising input costs for the company.