Deere Reports Net Income of $757 Million for Fourth Quarter, $2.751 Billion for Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Deere reported a 5% increase in fourth-quarter net income to $757 million, or $2.39 per share, amid disciplined cost management. However, total net sales decreased 2% to $9.731 billion for Q4 and 9% to $35.540 billion for the full year. The company anticipates 2021 earnings between $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion, driven by improving agricultural demand and smart industrial strategies. Despite certain negative impacts, including employee-separation costs, Deere remains optimistic about market recovery in agriculture and construction sectors.

Positive

• Fourth-quarter net income increased by 5% to $757 million.
• 2021 earnings forecast set between $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion.
• Agriculture & Turf segment net sales rose 8% in Q4.

Negative

• Net sales decreased by 2% to $9.731 billion in Q4.
• Full-year net income fell by 15% to $2.751 billion.
• Construction & Forestry segment net sales dropped 16% in Q4.

MOLINE, Ill., Nov. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

• Fourth-quarter net income rises 5% aided by strong execution and disciplined cost management.
• Improving fundamentals in agricultural sector setting stage for stronger demand in year ahead.
• Earnings for 2021 forecast to be $3.6 to $4.0 billion.

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) reported net income of $757 million for the fourth quarter ended November 1, 2020, or $2.39 per share, compared with net income of $722 million, or $2.27 per share, for the quarter ended November 3, 2019. For fiscal 2020, net income attributable to Deere & Company was $2.751 billion, or $8.69 per share, compared with $3.253 billion, or $10.15 per share, in 2019.

Worldwide net sales and revenues decreased 2 percent, to $9.731 billion, for the fourth quarter of 2020 and declined 9 percent, to $35.540 billion, for the full year. Equipment operations net sales were $8.659 billion for the quarter and $31.272 billion for the year, compared with corresponding totals of $8.703 billion and $34.886 billion in 2019.

"John Deere delivered another quarter of strong performance and a solid year despite the challenges associated with managing the pandemic," said John C. May, chairman and chief executive officer. "In this regard, I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of John Deere employees, dealers and suppliers throughout the world who have helped us safely maintain our operations and serve customers. Because of their contributions, Deere was able to complete a successful year and is positioned to continue providing differentiated solutions and unlocking even greater value for customers."

Company Outlook & Summary

Net income attributable to Deere & Company for fiscal 2021 is forecast to be in a range of $3.6 billion to $4.0 billion.

In the year ahead, Deere expects to benefit from improving conditions in the farm economy and stabilization in construction and forestry markets, according to May. "Higher crop prices and improved fundamentals are leading to renewed optimism in the agricultural sector and improving demand for farm equipment," he said. "At the same time, we are looking forward to realizing the benefits of our smart industrial operating strategy, which is designed to accelerate the delivery of solutions that will drive improved profitability and sustainability in our customers' operations."

Deere & Company		Fourth Quarter								Full Year
$ in millions		2020			2019			% Change		2020			2019			% Change
Net sales and revenues		$	9,731		$	9,896		-2%		$	35,540		$	39,258		-9%
Net income		$	757		$	722		5%		$	2,751		$	3,253		-15%
Fully diluted EPS		$	2.39		$	2.27				$	8.69		$	10.15

Net income in the fourth quarter and full-year 2020 was negatively affected by impairment charges and employee-separation costs of $211 million and $458 million after-tax, respectively. For the same periods in 2019, the similar charges were $74 million and $82 million. In addition, net income was unfavorably affected by discrete adjustments to the provision for income taxes in both periods of 2020 and favorably impacted in both periods of 2019.

Equipment Operations		Fourth Quarter
$ in millions		2020			2019			% Change
Net sales		$	8,659		$	8,703		-1%
Operating profit		$	1,056		$	788		34%
Net income*		$	571		$	632		-10%

* Includes equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates.

For a discussion of net sales and operating profit results, see the Agriculture & Turf and Construction & Forestry sections below.

Agriculture & Turf		Fourth Quarter
$ in millions		2020			2019			% Change
Net sales		$	6,198		$	5,756		8%
Operating profit		$	860		$	527		63%
Operating margin			13.9%			9.2%

Agriculture & Turf sales increased for the quarter due to price realization and higher shipment volumes, partially offset by the unfavorable effects of currency translation. Operating profit rose primarily due to price realization, lower research and development expenses, reduced selling, administrative, and general expenses, improved shipment volumes / mix, and lower warranty expenses. These items were partially offset by employee-separation expenses and impairments.

 

Construction & Forestry		Fourth Quarter
$ in millions		2020			2019			% Change
Net sales		$	2,461		$	2,947		-16%
Operating profit		$	196		$	261		-25%
Operating margin			8.0%			8.9%

Construction & Forestry sales moved lower for the quarter primarily due to lower shipment volumes, partially offset by price realization. Operating profit declined mainly due to lower sales volume / mix, impairments, and employee-separation expenses. The decrease in profit was partially offset by price realization, lower research and development expenses, reduced selling, administrative, and general expenses, lower warranty expenses, and improved production costs.

 

Financial Services		Fourth Quarter
$ in millions		2020			2019			% Change
Net income		$	186		$	90		107%

The increase in financial services net income for the quarter was mainly due to lower impairments and reduced losses on operating-lease residual values and favorable financing spreads, partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses, and employee-separation expenses.

Market Conditions and Outlook (Annual)				Currency		Price
$ in millions		Net Sales		Translation		Realization
Agriculture & Turf		10% to 15%		1%		3%
Construction & Forestry		5% to 10%		1%		1%
John Deere Financial		Net Income		$630

Market Conditions & Outlook

Agriculture & Turf. Deere's worldwide sales of agriculture and turf equipment are forecast to increase by 10 to 15 percent for fiscal-year 2021, including a positive currency-translation effect of 1 percent. Industry sales of agricultural equipment in the U.S. and Canada are forecast to rise 5 to 10 percent driven by gains in larger models. Full-year industry sales in the EU28 member nations are forecast to be flat to up 5%. In South America, industry sales of tractors and combines are forecast to be up about 5 percent while Asian sales are expected to be slightly lower. Industry sales of turf and utility equipment in the U.S. and Canada are forecast to be flat to up 5 percent.

Construction & Forestry. Deere's worldwide sales of construction and forestry equipment are anticipated to be up 5 to 10 percent for 2021 with foreign-currency rates having a favorable translation effect of 1 percent. The outlook reflects some degree of recovery from the pandemic in construction equipment, continued strength in compact construction due to residential building activity, and expected growth in the roadbuilding sector. On an industry basis, North American construction equipment sales are expected to be down about 5 percent with sales of compact equipment up about 5 percent. Global forestry industry sales are forecast to be flat to up 5 percent for the year.

Financial Services. Fiscal-year 2021 net income attributable to Deere & Company for the financial services operations is forecast to be approximately $630 million. Results are expected to benefit from favorable financing spreads, lower losses on operating-lease residual values, and income earned on a higher average portfolio, partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses.

John Deere Capital Corporation

The following is disclosed on behalf of the company's financial services subsidiary, John Deere Capital Corporation (JDCC), in connection with the disclosure requirements applicable to its periodic issuance of debt securities in the public market.

		Fourth Quarter								Full Year
$ in millions		2020			2019			% Change		2020			2019			% Change
Revenue		$	693		$	785		-12%		$	2,808		$	2,890		-3%
Net income		$	154		$	68		126%		$	425		$	419		1%
Ending portfolio balance										$	38,726		$	38,251		1%

Net income for the current quarter was higher than in the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily due to lower impairments and reduced losses on operating-lease residual values, favorable financing spreads, and a lower provision for credit losses, partially offset by employee-separation expenses. Full year 2020 net income was about the same as in 2019 with lower impairments and reduced losses on operating-lease residual values, and income from a higher average portfolio, largely offset by a higher provision for credit losses and unfavorable financing spreads. The full year 2019 was also affected by favorable discrete adjustments to the provision for income taxes.

Safe Harbor Statement

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:  Statements under "Company Outlook & Summary," "Market Conditions & Outlook," and other forward-looking statements herein that relate to future events, expectations, and trends involve factors that are subject to change, and risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.  Some of these risks and uncertainties could affect particular lines of business, while others could affect all of the company's businesses.

The company's agricultural equipment business is subject to a number of uncertainties including the factors that affect farmers' confidence and financial condition.  These factors include demand for agricultural products, world grain stocks, weather conditions, soil conditions, harvest yields, prices for commodities and livestock, crop and livestock production expenses, availability of transport for crops, trade restrictions and tariffs (e.g., China), global trade agreements, the level of farm product exports (including concerns about genetically modified organisms), the growth and sustainability of non-food uses for some crops (including ethanol and biodiesel production), real estate values, available acreage for farming, the land ownership policies of governments, changes in government farm programs and policies, international reaction to such programs, changes in and effects of crop insurance programs, changes in environmental regulations and their impact on farming practices, animal diseases (e.g., African swine fever) and their effects on poultry, beef and pork consumption and prices and on livestock feed demand, and crop pests and diseases and the impact of the COVID pandemic on the agricultural industry including demand for, and production and exports of, agricultural products, and commodity prices.

Factors affecting the outlook for the company's turf and utility equipment include consumer confidence, weather conditions, customer profitability, labor supply, consumer borrowing patterns, consumer purchasing preferences, housing starts and supply, infrastructure investment, spending by municipalities and golf courses, and consumable input costs.  Many of these factors have been and may continue to be impacted by global economic effects, including the downturn resulting from the COVID pandemic and responses to the pandemic taken by governments and other authorities.

Consumer spending patterns, real estate and housing prices, the number of housing starts, interest rates, commodity prices such as oil and gas, the levels of public and non-residential construction, and investment in infrastructure are important to sales and results of the company's construction and forestry equipment.  Prices for pulp, paper, lumber and structural panels are important to sales of forestry equipment.  Many of these factors affecting the outlook for the company's construction and forestry equipment have been and may continue to be impacted by global economic effects, including the downturn resulting from the COVID pandemic and responses to the pandemic taken by governments and other authorities.

All of the company's businesses and its results are affected by general economic conditions in the global markets and industries in which the company operates; customer confidence in general economic conditions; government spending and taxing; foreign currency exchange rates and their volatility, especially fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar; interest rates (including the availability of IBOR reference rates); inflation and deflation rates; changes in weather patterns; the political and social stability of the global markets in which the company operates; the effects of, or response to, terrorism and security threats; wars and other conflicts; natural disasters; and the spread of major epidemics (including the COVID pandemic) and government and industry responses to epidemics such as travel restrictions and extended shut down of businesses.

Uncertainties related to the magnitude and duration of the COVID pandemic may significantly adversely affect the company's business and outlook.  These uncertainties include: prolonged reduction or closure of the company's operations, or a delayed recovery in our operations; additional closures as mandated or otherwise made necessary by governmental authorities; disruptions in the supply chain and a prolonged delay in resumption of operations by one or more key suppliers, or the failure of any key suppliers; the company's ability to meet commitments to customers on a timely basis as a result of increased costs and supply challenges; the ability to receive goods on a timely basis and at anticipated costs; increased logistics costs; delays in the company's strategic initiatives as a result of reduced spending on research and development; additional operating costs at facilities that remain open due to remote working arrangements, adherence to social distancing guidelines and other COVID-related challenges; increased risk of cyber attacks on network connections used in remote working arrangements; increased privacy-related risks due to processing health-related personal information; legal claims related to personal protective equipment designed, made, or provided by the company or alleged exposure to COVID on company premises; absence of employees due to illness; the impact of the pandemic on the company's customers and dealers, and their delays in their plans to invest in new equipment; requests by the company's customers or dealers for payment deferrals and contract modifications; the impact of disruptions in the global capital markets and/or continued declines in the company's financial performance, outlook or credit ratings, which could impact the company's ability to obtain funding in the future; the duration and impact of the resurgence in COVID cases in any country, state, or region; and the impact of the pandemic on demand for our products and services as discussed above.  It is unclear when a sustained economic recovery could occur and what a recovery may look like.  All of these factors could materially and adversely affect our business, liquidity, results of operations and financial position.

Significant changes in market liquidity conditions, changes in the company's credit ratings and any failure to comply with financial covenants in credit agreements could impact access to funding and funding costs, which could reduce the company's earnings and cash flows.  Financial market conditions could also negatively impact customer access to capital for purchases of the company's products and customer confidence and purchase decisions, borrowing and repayment practices, and the number and size of customer loan delinquencies and defaults.  A debt crisis, in Europe or elsewhere, could negatively impact currencies, global financial markets, social and political stability, funding sources and costs, asset and obligation values, customers, suppliers, demand for equipment, and company operations and results.  The company's investment management activities could be impaired by changes in the equity, bond and other financial markets, which would negatively affect earnings.

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union and the perceptions as to the impact of the withdrawal may adversely affect business activity, political stability and economic conditions in the United Kingdom, the European Union and elsewhere.  The economic conditions and outlook could be further adversely affected by (i) uncertainty regarding any new or modified trade arrangements between the United Kingdom and the European Union and/or other countries, (ii) the risk that one or more other European Union countries could come under increasing pressure to leave the European Union, or (iii) the risk that the euro as the single currency of the Eurozone could cease to exist.  Any of these developments, or the perception that any of these developments are likely to occur, could affect economic growth or business activity in the United Kingdom or the European Union, and could result in the relocation of businesses, cause business interruptions, lead to economic recession or depression, and impact the stability of the financial markets, availability of credit, currency exchange rates, interest rates, financial institutions, and political, financial and monetary systems.  Any of these developments could affect our businesses, liquidity, results of operations and financial position.

Additional factors that could materially affect the company's operations, access to capital, expenses and results include changes in, uncertainty surrounding and the impact of governmental trade, banking, monetary and fiscal policies, including financial regulatory reform and its effects on the consumer finance industry, derivatives, funding costs and other areas; governmental programs, policies, and tariffs for the benefit of certain industries or sectors; sanctions in particular jurisdictions; retaliatory actions to such changes in trade, banking, monetary and fiscal policies; actions by central banks; actions by financial and securities regulators; actions by environmental, health and safety regulatory agencies, including those related to engine emissions, carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, noise and the effects of climate change; changes to GPS radio frequency bands or their permitted uses; changes in labor and immigration regulations; changes to accounting standards; changes in tax rates, estimates, laws and regulations and company actions related thereto; changes to and compliance with privacy regulations; changes to and compliance with economic sanctions and export controls laws and regulations; compliance with U.S. and foreign laws when expanding to new markets and otherwise; and actions by other regulatory bodies.

Other factors that could materially affect results include production, design and technological innovations and difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints and prices; the loss of or challenges to intellectual property rights whether through theft, infringement, counterfeiting or otherwise; the availability and prices of strategically sourced materials, components and whole goods; delays or disruptions in the company's supply chain or the loss of liquidity by suppliers; disruptions of infrastructures that support communications, operations or distribution; the failure of customers, dealers, suppliers or the company to comply with laws, regulations and company policy pertaining to employment, human rights, health, safety, the environment, sanctions, export controls, anti-corruption, privacy and data protection and other ethical business practices; events that damage the company's reputation or brand; significant investigations, claims, lawsuits or other legal proceedings; start-up of new plants and products; the success of new product initiatives; changes in customer product preferences and sales mix; gaps or limitations in rural broadband coverage, capacity and speed needed to support technology solutions; oil and energy prices, supplies and volatility; the availability and cost of freight; actions of competitors in the various industries in which the company competes, particularly price discounting; dealer practices especially as to levels of new and used field inventories; changes in demand and pricing for used equipment and resulting impacts on lease residual values; labor relations and contracts; changes in the ability to attract, train and retain qualified personnel; acquisitions and divestitures of businesses; greater than anticipated transaction costs; the integration of new businesses; the failure or delay in closing or realizing anticipated benefits of acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures; the implementation of organizational changes; the failure to realize anticipated savings or benefits of cost reduction, productivity, or efficiency efforts; difficulties related to the conversion and implementation of enterprise resource planning systems; security breaches, cybersecurity attacks, technology failures and other disruptions to the company's and suppliers' information technology infrastructure; changes in company declared dividends and common stock issuances and repurchases; changes in the level and funding of employee retirement benefits; changes in market values of investment assets, compensation, retirement, discount and mortality rates which impact retirement benefit costs; and significant changes in health care costs.

The liquidity and ongoing profitability of John Deere Capital Corporation and other credit subsidiaries depend largely on timely access to capital in order to meet future cash flow requirements, and to fund operations, costs, and purchases of the company's products.  If general economic conditions deteriorate or capital markets become more volatile, including as a result of the COVID pandemic, funding could be unavailable or insufficient.  Additionally, customer confidence levels may result in declines in credit applications and increases in delinquencies and default rates, which could materially impact write-offs and provisions for credit losses.

The company's forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions relating to the factors described above, which are sometimes based upon estimates and data prepared by government agencies.  Such estimates and data are often revised.  The company, except as required by law, undertakes no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new developments or otherwise.  Further information concerning the company and its businesses, including factors that could materially affect the company's financial results, is included in the company's other filings with the SEC (including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of the company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q).

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2020 Press Release
(in millions of dollars)
Unaudited
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		November 1			November 3			%		November 1			November 3			%
		2020			2019			Change		2020			2019			Change
Net sales and revenues:
Agriculture and turf		$	6,198		$	5,756		+8		$	22,325		$	23,666		-6
Construction and forestry			2,461			2,947		-16			8,947			11,220		-20
Total net sales			8,659			8,703		-1			31,272			34,886		-10
Financial services			891			971		-8			3,589			3,621		-1
Other revenues			181			222		-18			679			751		-10
Total net sales and revenues		$	9,731		$	9,896		-2		$	35,540		$	39,258		-9
Operating profit: *
Agriculture and turf		$	860		$	527		+63		$	2,969		$	2,506		+18
Construction and forestry			196			261		-25			590			1,215		-51
Financial services			249			128		+95			746			694		+7
Total operating profit			1,305			916		+42			4,305			4,415		-2
Reconciling items **			(219)			(90)		+143			(472)			(310)		+52
Income taxes			(329)			(104)		+216			(1,082)			(852)		+27
Net income attributable to Deere & Company		$	757		$	722		+5		$	2,751		$	3,253		-15

* Operating profit is income from continuing operations before corporate expenses, certain external interest expense, certain foreign exchange gains and losses, and income taxes. Operating profit of the financial services segment includes the effect of interest expense and foreign exchange gains or losses.

** Reconciling items are primarily corporate expenses, certain external interest expense, certain foreign exchange gains and losses, pension and postretirement benefit costs excluding the service cost component, and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

 

 

DEERE & COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
For the Three Months Ended November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars and shares except per share amounts) Unaudited
		2020			2019
Net Sales and Revenues
Net sales		$	8,659		$	8,703
Finance and interest income			867			956
Other income			205			237
Total			9,731			9,896
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales			6,470			6,735
Research and development expenses			443			488
Selling, administrative and general expenses			1,011			945
Interest expense			278			388
Other operating expenses			414			515
Total			8,616			9,071
Income of Consolidated Group before Income Taxes			1,115			825
Provision for income taxes			329			104
Income of Consolidated Group			786			721
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			(28)			1
Net Income			758			722
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			1
Net Income Attributable to Deere & Company		$	757		$	722
Per Share Data
Basic		$	2.41		$	2.30
Diluted		$	2.39		$	2.27
Average Shares Outstanding
Basic			314.1			313.9
Diluted			317.1			317.9

See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

DEERE & COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
For the Years Ended November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars and shares except per share amounts) Unaudited
		2020			2019
Net Sales and Revenues
Net sales		$	31,272		$	34,886
Finance and interest income			3,450			3,493
Other income			818			879
Total			35,540			39,258
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales			23,677			26,792
Research and development expenses			1,644			1,783
Selling, administrative and general expenses			3,477			3,551
Interest expense			1,247			1,466
Other operating expenses			1,612			1,578
Total			31,657			35,170
Income of Consolidated Group before Income Taxes			3,883			4,088
Provision for income taxes			1,082			852
Income of Consolidated Group			2,801			3,236
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates			(48)			21
Net Income			2,753			3,257
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			2			4
Net Income Attributable to Deere & Company		$	2,751		$	3,253
Per Share Data
Basic		$	8.77		$	10.28
Diluted		$	8.69		$	10.15
Average Shares Outstanding
Basic			313.5			316.5
Diluted			316.6			320.6

See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

DEERE & COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As of November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars) Unaudited
		2020			2019
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	7,066		$	3,857
Marketable securities			641			581
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates			31			46
Trade accounts and notes receivable - net			4,171			5,230
Financing receivables - net			29,750			29,195
Financing receivables securitized - net			4,703			4,383
Other receivables			1,220			1,487
Equipment on operating leases - net			7,298			7,567
Inventories			4,999			5,975
Property and equipment - net			5,817			5,973
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates			193			215
Goodwill			3,081			2,917
Other intangible assets - net			1,327			1,380
Retirement benefits			863			840
Deferred income taxes			1,499			1,466
Other assets			2,432			1,899
Total Assets		$	75,091		$	73,011
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings		$	8,582		$	10,784
Short-term securitization borrowings			4,682			4,321
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates			105			142
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			10,112			9,656
Deferred income taxes			519			495
Long-term borrowings			32,734			30,229
Retirement benefits and other liabilities			5,413			5,953
Total liabilities			62,147			61,580
Redeemable noncontrolling interest						14
Stockholders' Equity
Total Deere & Company stockholders' equity			12,937			11,413
Noncontrolling interests			7			4
Total stockholders' equity			12,944			11,417
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity		$	75,091		$	73,011

See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

DEERE & COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars) Unaudited
		2020			2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$	2,753		$	3,257
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses			110			43
Provision for depreciation and amortization			2,118			2,019
Impairment charges			194			77
Share-based compensation expense			81			82
Loss on sales of businesses and unconsolidated affiliates			24			5
Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			(7)			9
Credit for deferred income taxes			(11)			(465)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade, notes, and financing receivables related to sales			2,009			(869)
Inventories			397			(780)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(7)			46
Accrued income taxes payable/receivable			8			173
Retirement benefits			(537)			(233)
Other			351			48
Net cash provided by operating activities			7,483			3,412
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Collections of receivables (excluding receivables related to sales)			17,381			16,706
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities			93			89
Proceeds from sales of equipment on operating leases			1,783			1,648
Proceeds from sales of business and unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash sold						93
Cost of receivables acquired (excluding receivables related to sales)			(19,965)			(18,873)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired			(66)
Purchases of marketable securities			(130)			(140)
Purchases of property and equipment			(820)			(1,120)
Cost of equipment on operating leases acquired			(1,836)			(2,329)
Collateral on derivatives - net			268			59
Other			(27)			(57)
Net cash used for investing activities			(3,319)			(3,924)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Decrease in total short-term borrowings			(1,360)			(917)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			9,271			9,986
Payments of long-term borrowings			(7,383)			(6,426)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			331			178
Repurchases of common stock			(750)			(1,253)
Dividends paid			(956)			(943)
Other			(133)			(116)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities			(980)			509
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash			32			(56)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash			3,216			(59)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year			3,956			4,015
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Year		$	7,172		$	3,956

See Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(1)	In September 2020, the Company sold its German lawn mower business. At the time of the sale, total assets were $26 million, which were recorded in "Other assets" and total liabilities were $5 million, which were recorded in "Accounts payable and accrued expenses." No cash proceeds were received, resulting in a loss on sale, including transaction costs, of $24 million pretax and after-tax. The loss was recorded with a $24 million pretax and after-tax accrual recognized in the third quarter of 2020 when a definitive sale agreement was finalized. The loss was recorded in "Other operating expenses" in the agriculture and turf operations.
(2)	In the fourth quarter and full year 2020, the Company recorded impairments and other charges as follows:

		Three Months Ended November 1, 2020													Twelve Months Ended November 1, 2020
		Agriculture			Construction			Financial							Agriculture			Construction			Financial
		and Turf			and Forestry			Services			Total				and Turf			and Forestry			Services			Total
Factory closure
China – agriculture equipment *		$	7								$	7			$	20								$	20
Fixed asset and lease impairments
German asphalt plant factory *																		$	62						62
Brazil construction equipment factory *					$	16						16							16						16
Other international fixed assets ****			17			2						19				17			2						19
Equipment on operating leases **																					$	22			22
Operating lease inventory **																						10			10
Affiliate company impairments
Minority investment in construction equipment company headquartered in South Africa ***						23						23							43						43
Construction equipment joint venture located in Brazil ***						7						7							7						7
Total 1 2		$	24		$	48					$	72			$	37		$	130		$	32		$	199

*      Recorded in "Cost of sales"

**    Recorded in "Other operating expenses"

***  Recorded in "Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliate"

****Recorded $15 million in "Cost of sales" and $4 million in "Selling, administrative, and general expenses"

1      The after-tax effect was $62 million and $180 million in the fourth quarter and full year 2020, respectively.

2      The non-cash charges were $72 million and $194 million in the fourth quarter and full year 2020, respectively.

(3)	During first and fourth quarters of 2020, the Company implemented employee-separation programs for the Company's salaried workforce in several geographic areas, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The programs' main purpose was to improve efficiency through a leaner, more flexible organization. The programs were largely voluntary in nature with the expense recorded primarily in the period in which the employees irrevocably accepted a separation offer. For the limited involuntary employee-separation programs, the expense was recorded when management committed to a plan, the plan was communicated to the employees, and the employees were not required to provide service beyond the legal notification period. The programs provided for cash payments based on years of service, and in some countries, subsidized healthcare for a limited period and outplacement services. The total pretax expenses for the fourth quarter and full year of 2020 were as follows:

		Three Months Ended November 1, 2020												Twelve Months Ended November 1, 2020
		Agriculture			Construction			Financial						Agriculture			Construction			Financial
		and Turf			and Forestry			Services			Total			and Turf			and Forestry			Services			Total
Cost of sales		$	50		$	13					$	63		$	82		$	22					$	104
Research and    development expenses			32			5						37			47			8						55
Selling, administrative    and general expenses			58			10		$	11			79			96			24		$	15			135
Other operating expenses												18												41
Total		$	140		$	28		$	11		$	197		$	225		$	54		$	15		$	335

	Total program payments will be $301 million with $166 million paid in 2020 and $135 million to be disbursed over two years. Included in total pretax expense are non-cash charges of $13 million and $34 million in the fourth quarter and full year 2020, respectively, resulting from curtailment losses in certain OPEB plans that were recorded outside of operating profit in "Other operating expense." Annual savings from these programs are estimated to be approximately $250 million, of which approximately $85 million was realized in 2020.
(4)	In September 2020, the Company acquired Unimil, a leading Brazilian Company in the after-sales service parts business for sugarcane harvesters, which is based in Piracicaba, Brazil. The total cash purchase price before final adjustments, net of cash acquired of $5 million, was $66 million with $6 million funded to an escrow account to secure certain indemnity obligations. In addition to the cash purchase price, $14 million of liabilities were assumed. The preliminary asset and liability fair values at the acquisition date assigned to the assets and liabilities were approximately $5 million of trade accounts receivables, $2 million of other receivables, $10 million of inventories, $22 million of property and equipment, $28 million of goodwill, $13 million of other intangible assets, $5 million of accounts payable and accrued expenses, and $9 million of net deferred tax liabilities. The goodwill is not expected to be deducted for tax purposes. Unimil is included in the Company's agriculture and turf operating segment.
(5)	Dividends declared and paid on a per share basis were as follows:

		Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
		November 1			November 3			November 1			November 3
		2020			2019			2020			2019
Dividends declared		$	.76		$	.76		$	3.04		$	3.04
Dividends paid		$	.76		$	.76		$	3.04		$	2.97

(6)	The calculation of basic net income per share is based on the average number of shares outstanding. The calculation of diluted net income per share recognizes any dilutive effect of share-based compensation.
(7)	The consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of all Deere & Company's subsidiaries. In the supplemental consolidating data in Note 8 to the financial statements, the "Equipment Operations" represents the enterprise without "Financial Services", which include the Company's agriculture and turf operations and construction and forestry operations, and other corporate assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses not reflected  within "Financial Services".

 

 

(8) SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING DATA
STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Three Months Ended November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars) Unaudited		EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS 1						FINANCIAL SERVICES						ELIMINATIONS						CONSOLIDATED
		2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019
Net Sales and Revenues
Net sales		$	8,659		$	8,703														$	8,659		$	8,703
Finance and interest income			38			40		$	891		$	1,007		$	(62)		$	(91)			867			956		2
Other income			211			267			60			50			(66)			(80)			205			237		3
Total			8,908			9,010			951			1,057			(128)			(171)			9,731			9,896
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales			6,470			6,735															6,470			6,735
Research and development expenses			443			488															443			488
Selling, administrative and general expenses			890			840			123			106			(2)			(1)			1,011			945		4
Interest expense			92			75			195			323			(9)			(10)			278			388		5
Interest compensation to Financial Services			53			81									(53)			(81)								5
Other operating expenses			93			96			385			498			(64)			(79)			414			515		6
Total			8,041			8,315			703			927			(128)			(171)			8,616			9,071
Income before Income Taxes			867			695			248			130									1,115			825
Provision for income taxes			266			64			63			40									329			104
Income after Income Taxes			601			631			185			90									786			721
Equity in income (loss) of  unconsolidated affiliates			(29)			1			1												(28)			1
Net Income			572			632			186			90									758			722
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			1																		1
Net Income Attributable to Deere & Company		$	571		$	632		$	186		$	90								$	757		$	722

The supplemental consolidating data is presented for informational purposes. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated financial statements.

1 The Equipment Operations represents the enterprise without Financial Services. The Equipment Operations includes the Company's agriculture and turf operations, construction and forestry operations, and other corporate assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses not reflected within Financial Services.

2 Elimination of Financial Services interest income earned from Equipment Operations.

3 Elimination of Equipment Operations' margin from inventory transferred to equipment on operating leases.

4 Elimination of intercompany service fees.

5 Elimination of Equipment Operations interest expense to Financial Services.

6 Elimination of Financial Services lease depreciation expense related to inventory transferred to equipment on operating leases.

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING DATA (Continued)
STATEMENT OF INCOME
For the Years Ended November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars) Unaudited		EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS 1						FINANCIAL SERVICES						ELIMINATIONS						CONSOLIDATED
		2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019
Net Sales and Revenues
Net sales		$	31,272		$	34,886														$	31,272		$	34,886
Finance and interest income			112			118		$	3,610		$	3,735		$	(272)		$	(360)			3,450			3,493		2
Other income			808			881			257			234			(247)			(236)			818			879		3
Total			32,192			35,885			3,867			3,969			(519)			(596)			35,540			39,258
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales			23,679			26,793									(2)			(1)			23,677			26,792		4
Research and development expenses			1,644			1,783															1,644			1,783
Selling, administrative and general expenses			2,878			3,031			606			528			(7)			(8)			3,477			3,551		4
Interest expense			329			256			942			1,234			(24)			(24)			1,247			1,466		5
Interest compensation to Financial Services			248			336									(248)			(336)								5
Other operating expenses			278			299			1,572			1,506			(238)			(227)			1,612			1,578		6
Total			29,056			32,498			3,120			3,268			(519)			(596)			31,657			35,170
Income before Income Taxes			3,136			3,387			747			701									3,883			4,088
Provision for income taxes			899			689			183			163									1,082			852
Income after Income Taxes			2,237			2,698			564			538									2,801			3,236
Equity in income (loss) of  unconsolidated affiliates			(50)			20			2			1									(48)			21
Net Income			2,187			2,718			566			539									2,753			3,257
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			2			4															2			4
Net Income Attributable to Deere & Company		$	2,185		$	2,714		$	566		$	539								$	2,751		$	3,253

The supplemental consolidating data is presented for informational purposes. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated financial statements.

1 The Equipment Operations represents the enterprise without Financial Services. The Equipment Operations includes the Company's agriculture and turf operations, construction and forestry operations, and other corporate assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses not reflected within Financial Services.

2 Elimination of Financial Services interest income earned from Equipment Operations.

3 Elimination of Equipment Operations' margin from inventory transferred to equipment on operating leases.

4 Elimination of intercompany service fees.

5 Elimination of Equipment Operations interest expense to Financial Services.

6 Elimination of Financial Services lease depreciation expense related to inventory transferred to equipment on operating leases.

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING DATA (Continued)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
As of November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars) Unaudited	EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS 1						FINANCIAL SERVICES						ELIMINATIONS						CONSOLIDATED
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,145		$	3,175		$	921		$	682								$	7,066		$	3,857
Marketable securities		7			1			634			580									641			581
Receivables from unconsolidated affiliates		5,290			2,017								$	(5,259)		$	(1,971)			31			46		7
Trade accounts and notes receivable - net		1,013			1,482			4,238			5,153			(1,080)			(1,405)			4,171			5,230		8
Financing receivables - net		106			65			29,644			29,130									29,750			29,195
Financing receivables securitized - net		26			44			4,677			4,339									4,703			4,383
Other receivables		1,117			1,376			151			116			(48)			(5)			1,220			1,487		8
Equipment on operating leases - net								7,298			7,567									7,298			7,567
Inventories		4,999			5,975															4,999			5,975
Property and equipment - net		5,778			5,929			39			44									5,817			5,973
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates		174			199			19			16									193			215
Goodwill		3,081			2,917															3,081			2,917
Other intangible assets - net		1,327			1,380															1,327			1,380
Retirement benefits		859			836			59			58			(55)			(54)			863			840		9
Deferred income taxes		1,763			1,896			45			57			(309)			(487)			1,499			1,466		10
Other assets		1,439			1,158			994			741			(1)						2,432			1,899
Total Assets	$	33,124		$	28,450		$	48,719		$	48,483		$	(6,752)		$	(3,922)		$	75,091		$	73,011
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities
Short-term borrowings	$	292		$	987		$	8,290		$	9,797								$	8,582		$	10,784
Short-term securitization borrowings		26			44			4,656			4,277									4,682			4,321
Payables to unconsolidated affiliates		104			142			5,260			1,970		$	(5,259)		$	(1,970)			105			142		7
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		9,114			9,232			2,127			1,836			(1,129)			(1,412)			10,112			9,656		8
Deferred income taxes		385			414			443			568			(309)			(487)			519			495		10
Long-term borrowings		10,124			5,415			22,610			24,814									32,734			30,229
Retirement benefits and other liabilities		5,366			5,912			102			94			(55)			(53)			5,413			5,953		9
Total liabilities		25,411			22,146			43,488			43,356			(6,752)			(3,922)			62,147			61,580
Redeemable noncontrolling interest					14																		14
Stockholders' Equity
Total Deere & Company stockholders' equity		12,937			11,413			5,231			5,127			(5,231)			(5,127)			12,937			11,413		11
Noncontrolling interests		7			4															7			4
Financial Services equity		(5,231)			(5,127)									5,231			5,127								11
Adjusted total stockholders' equity		7,713			6,290			5,231			5,127									12,944			11,417
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	33,124		$	28,450		$	48,719		$	48,483		$	(6,752)		$	(3,922)		$	75,091		$	73,011

The supplemental consolidating data is presented for informational purposes. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated financial statements.

1  The Equipment Operations represents the enterprise without Financial Services. The Equipment Operations includes the Company's agriculture and turf operations, construction and forestry operations, and other corporate assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses not reflected within Financial Services.

7  Elimination of receivables / payables between Equipment Operations and Financial Services.

8  Reclassification of sales incentive accruals on receivables sold to Financial Services.

9  Reclassification of net pension assets / liabilities.

10 Reclassification of deferred tax assets / liabilities in the same taxing jurisdictions.

11 Elimination of Financial Services equity.

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING DATA (Continued)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended November 1, 2020 and November 3, 2019
(In millions of dollars) Unaudited		EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS 1						FINANCIAL SERVICES						ELIMINATIONS						CONSOLIDATED
		2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income		$	2,187		$	2,718		$	566		$	539								$	2,753		$	3,257
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses			5			14			105			29									110			43
Provision for depreciation and amortization			1,016			1,015			1,227			1,135		$	(125)		$	(131)			2,118			2,019		12
Impairment charges			162						32			77									194			77
Share-based compensation expense															81			82			81			82		13
Loss on sale of businesses and unconsolidated affiliates			24			5															24			5
Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			381			437			(2)			(2)			(386)			(426)			(7)			9		14
Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes			105			(222)			(116)			(243)									(11)			(465)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade, notes, and financing receivables related to sales			373			(142)									1,636			(727)			2,009			(869)		15, 17, 18
Inventories			1,011			(102)									(614)			(678)			397			(780)		16
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(331)			13			(1)			163			325			(130)			(7)			46		17
Accrued income taxes payable/receivable			(14)			(355)			22			528									8			173
Retirement benefits			(544)			(235)			7			2									(537)			(233)
Other			385			54			136			190			(170)			(196)			351			48		12, 13, 16
Net cash provided by operating activities			4,760			3,200			1,976			2,418			747			(2,206)			7,483			3,412
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Collections of receivables (excluding receivables related to sales)									18,829			18,190			(1,448)			(1,484)			17,381			16,706		15
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities						12			93			77									93			89
Proceeds from sales of equipment on operating leases									1,783			1,648									1,783			1,648
Proceeds from sales of businesses and unconsolidated affiliates, net of cash sold						93																		93
Cost of receivables acquired (excluding receivables related to sales)									(21,360)			(20,321)			1,395			1,448			(19,965)			(18,873)		15
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired			(66)																		(66)
Purchases of marketable securities			(4)			(3)			(126)			(137)									(130)			(140)
Purchases of property and equipment			(816)			(1,118)			(4)			(2)									(820)			(1,120)
Cost of equipment on operating leases acquired									(2,666)			(3,246)			830			917			(1,836)			(2,329)		16
Increase in investment in Financial Services			(21)			(8)									21			8								14
Decrease (increase) in trade and wholesale receivables									1,999			(935)			(1,999)			935								15
Collateral on derivatives - net			(6)						274			59									268			59
Other			(78)			35			(38)			(54)			89			(38)			(27)			(57)		18
Net cash used for investing activities			(991)			(989)			(1,216)			(4,721)			(1,112)			1,786			(3,319)			(3,924)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Decrease in total short-term borrowings			(177)			(149)			(1,183)			(768)									(1,360)			(917)
Change in intercompany receivables/payables			(3,207)			(305)			3,207			305
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			4,586			1,348			4,685			8,638									9,271			9,986
Payments of long-term borrowings			(607)			(972)			(6,776)			(5,454)									(7,383)			(6,426)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			331			178															331			178
Repurchases of common stock			(750)			(1,253)															(750)			(1,253)
Capital investment from Equipment Operations									21			8			(21)			(8)								14
Dividends paid			(956)			(943)			(386)			(427)			386			427			(956)			(943)		14
Other			(105)			(79)			(28)			(38)						1			(133)			(116)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities			(885)			(2,175)			(460)			2,264			365			420			(980)			509
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash			76			(42)			(44)			(14)									32			(56)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash			2,960			(6)			256			(53)									3,216			(59)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year			3,196			3,202			760			813									3,956			4,015
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash at End of Year		$	6,156		$	3,196		$	1,016		$	760								$	7,172		$	3,956

The supplemental consolidating data is presented for informational purposes. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the consolidated financial statements.

1  The Equipment Operations represents the enterprise without Financial Services. The Equipment Operations includes the Company's agriculture and turf operations, construction and forestry operations, and other corporate assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses not reflected within Financial Services.

12 Elimination of depreciation on leases related to inventory transferred to equipment on operating leases.

13 Reclassification of share-based compensation expense.

14 Elimination of dividends from Financial Services to the Equipment Operations, which are included in the Equipment Operations net cash provided by operating activities, and capital investments in Financial Services from the Equipment Operations.

15 Primarily reclassification of receivables related to the sale of equipment.

16 Reclassification of lease agreements with direct customers.

17 Reclassification of sales incentive accruals on receivables sold to Financial Services.

18 Elimination and reclassification of the effects of Financial Services partial financing of the construction and forestry retail locations sales and subsequent collection of those amounts.

 

 

Deere & Company
Other Financial Information
For the Twelve Months Ended		Equipment Operations*						Agriculture and Turf						Construction and Forestry*
		November 1			November 3			November 1			November 3			November 1			November 3
Dollars in millions		2020			2019			2020			2019			2020			2019
Net Sales		$	31,272		$	34,886		$	22,325		$	23,666		$	8,947		$	11,220
Net Sales - excluding Roadbuilding		$	28,348		$	31,693		$	22,325		$	23,666		$	6,023		$	8,027
Average Identifiable Assets
With Inventories at LIFO		$	19,567		$	20,761		$	10,305		$	10,748		$	9,262		$	10,013
With Inventories at LIFO - excluding Roadbuilding		$	13,629		$	14,460		$	10,305		$	10,748		$	3,324		$	3,712
With Inventories at Standard Cost		$	20,984		$	22,139		$	11,455		$	11,860		$	9,529		$	10,279
With Inventories at Standard Cost - excluding Roadbuilding		$	15,046		$	15,838		$	11,455		$	11,860		$	3,591		$	3,978
Operating Profit		$	3,559		$	3,721		$	2,969		$	2,506		$	590		$	1,215
Operating Profit - excluding Roadbuilding		$	3,289		$	3,378		$	2,969		$	2,506		$	320		$	872
Percent of Net Sales - excluding Roadbuilding			11.6	%		10.7	%		13.3	%		10.6	%		5.3	%		10.9	%
Operating Return on Assets - excluding Roadbuilding
With Inventories at LIFO - excluding Roadbuilding			24.1	%		23.4	%		28.8	%		23.3	%		9.6	%		23.5	%
With Inventories at Standard Cost - excluding Roadbuilding			21.9	%		21.3	%		25.9	%		21.1	%		8.9	%		21.9	%
SVA Cost of Assets - excluding Roadbuilding		$	(1,806)		$	(1,900)		$	(1,375)		$	(1,423)		$	(431)		$	(477)
SVA - excluding Roadbuilding		$	1,483		$	1,478		$	1,594		$	1,083		$	(111)		$	395
For the Twelve Months Ended		Financial Services
		November 1			November 3
Dollars in millions			2020			2019
Net Income Attributable to Deere & Company		$	566		$	539
Average Equity		$	5,099		$	5,040
Return on Equity			11.1	%		10.7	%
Operating Profit		$	746		$	694
Cost of Equity		$	(673)		$	(657)
SVA		$	73		$	37
The Company evaluates its business results on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In addition, it uses a metric referred to as Shareholder Value Added (SVA), which management believes is an appropriate measure for the performance of its businesses. SVA is, in effect, the pretax profit left over after subtracting the cost of enterprise capital. The Company is aiming for a sustained creation of SVA and is using this metric for various performance goals. Certain compensation is also determined on the basis of performance using this measure. For purposes of determining SVA, each of the equipment segments is assessed a pretax cost of assets, which on an annual basis is approximately 12 percent of the segment's average identifiable operating assets during the applicable period with inventory at standard cost. Management believes that valuing inventories at standard cost more closely approximates the current cost of inventory and the Company's investment in the asset. The Financial Services segment is assessed an annual pretax cost of approximately 13 percent of the segment's average equity. The cost of assets or equity, as applicable, is deducted from the operating profit or added to the operating loss of each segment to determine the amount of SVA.   * The results and assets related to the Company's Roadbuilding product line are excluded from the calculation of SVA to allow time for integration and assimilation of the 2017 acquisition of Wirtgen Group Holding GmbH's operations.

 

 

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SOURCE Deere & Company

FAQ

What was Deere's net income for Q4 2020?

Deere's net income for Q4 2020 was $757 million.

How much did Deere's total net sales decrease in 2020?

Deere's total net sales decreased by 9% to $35.540 billion in 2020.

What is Deere's earnings forecast for 2021?

Deere forecasts earnings between $3.6 billion and $4.0 billion for 2021.

How did the Agriculture & Turf segment perform in Q4 2020?

The Agriculture & Turf segment reported an 8% increase in net sales for Q4 2020.

What was the impact of employee-separation costs on Deere's net income?

Employee-separation costs negatively affected Deere's net income, contributing to a 15% decline in full-year net income.