On this case i need answer question is attached at last.

Deere & Company in 2015: Striving for Growth in a Weakening Global Agriculture Sector

In 2015, Deere & Company, headquartered in Moline, Illinois, maintained its position as the leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment and machinery worldwide. Operating in over 26 countries, the company achieved remarkable success in fiscal 2013, boasting its best-ever year with record net income for the third consecutive year, despite the global construction industry experiencing a slowdown. This triumph was attributed to Deere's strategic focus on product innovation, quality, operational excellence, cost reduction, and outstanding customer service on a global scale. In pursuit of growth, the company invested in new plant capacity in Brazil, Germany, and China in 2013 and planned to establish seven additional factories in international markets in 2014.

Deere's prospects for even stronger financial performance appeared promising due to the forecasted doubling of global demand for agricultural products by 2050. Already, international markets such as China, Brazil, and Russia accounted for more than 35% of the company's revenues in 2013, with the expectation that these emerging markets would contribute an even larger percentage of sales in the long term as living standards in these regions continued to improve.

However, in 2015, Deere faced significant challenges brought about by a sudden weakness in the global agricultural sector. Throughout 2014 and continuing into 2015, the weakening farm economy resulted in decreased agriculture sales, which more than offset the increase in construction and forestry sales, leading to a 5% drop in new sales. The primary challenge for Deere in 2015 was the ongoing declining demand for agricultural equipment, which translated into substantial reductions in both sales and earnings. Fiscal 2014 saw a decline of 3.4% in revenue and a 10.6% decrease in net income. Rajesh Kalathur, Deere's Chief Financial Officer, acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that the company was facing the most profound downturn in the North American agricultural sector in a quarter-century. Nonetheless, Deere's management remained optimistic about having a profitable year despite the prospect of lower sales.

Transitioning from fiscal 2014 to 2015, Deere primarily focused on defending against competitive pressures from its chief agricultural and construction equipment industry rivals, including Caterpillar, CNH Industrial N.V., and AGCO Corporation. Concurrently, the company needed to find ways to adapt to the reduction in global demand for agricultural machinery and equipment.

In conclusion, Deere & Company encountered both remarkable successes and formidable challenges in 2015. The company's ability to weather the downturn in the agricultural sector while defending its position against competitors would be critical in determining its financial performance for the year. As Deere aimed to overcome these obstacles, it continued to strive for growth in a challenging and weakening global agriculture sector.

1. Among the agricultural and construction equipment industries, which on more attractive for Deere? Please provide supporting reasons for your answer.