New York, February 4, 2026, 21:20 (EST) — The market has closed.
Deere & Co shares climbed 4.1% to close at $567.26 on Wednesday, hitting a new 52-week high and marking their third consecutive session of gains. The stock fluctuated between $545.01 and $571.30 during the day, with roughly 3.2 million shares traded as the Dow advanced while the S&P 500 declined. (MarketWatch)
This move is significant as Deere approaches a critical period when investors will seek new insights on 2026 demand and margins following the stock’s recent surge to record levels. The company announced on Wednesday that it will hold its first-quarter earnings call on Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. Central time. (Seeking Alpha)
On that day, Deere will also see a shift in its finance leadership. CFO Joshua A. Jepsen is stepping down effective Feb. 19, according to a regulatory filing. Ryan D. Campbell will take over as acting CFO in the interim. (SEC)
So far, the rally is leading the charge. Deere has topped several heavy machinery rivals over the last two sessions, despite uneven moves in the broader market.
The key now is if buyers hold their ground when U.S. markets reopen Thursday, or if the stock sheds some of this week’s gains as traders position themselves ahead of earnings.
Investors still have Deere’s older outlook to consider, though it may be outdated now. Back in late November, the company projected fiscal 2026 net income between $4.0 billion and $4.75 billion. CEO John May described 2026 as likely “the bottom of the large ag cycle,” but cautioned that margin pressure from tariffs was still weighing on results.
Macro headlines may cloud the outlook for industrial stocks through next week. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics postponed the January employment report to Wednesday, Feb. 11, following a short government shutdown. January’s CPI is now set for Friday, Feb. 13, according to Reuters. (Reuters)
This matters for Deere since interest rates and growth forecasts continue to drive valuations in heavy equipment stocks, particularly when shares are already factoring in a strong quarter.
Yet, as earnings approach, the risks are clear. Signs of weaker order flow, deeper discounting, or a tariff impact that’s bigger than anticipated might trigger profit-taking after the stock’s recent surge to a fresh high.
Deere’s next key event comes Feb. 19 with its earnings report and conference call. Investors will be focused on any updates regarding demand for large agricultural equipment, pricing trends, cost pressures, and how the company addresses the CFO transition in its communications.
