Deere & Co

They're the brands you can't help but know, with logos that nearly everyone recognizes. These companies were founded back in the 1800s and became major players in the next century -- and the one after that. And while their logos have changed over time, they're essentially just refinements of the originals.

The U.S. trade gap widened to just under $500 billion in 2010, but that obscures impressive growth in global sales of U.S. goods. And the outlook for 2011 is even better. Still, to reach a trade surplus, America must solve two serious problems.

This season's series of colossal storms have cost millions of dollars for states, municipalities and businesses. But companies in these six industries are finding that the rough winter's snows are a gift from the weatherman.

If you've been to a supermarket lately, you've probably noticed that food prices are soaring. And that spells an opportunity for investors. Asset-management expert John Stephenson offers tips for small investors aiming to tap into the agricultural market.

Deere & Co. (DE) reported earnings of $1.07 per share for the quarter ended Oct. 31, compared with a loss of 53 cents per share a year ago. The earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 included charges worth 76 cents per share related to the impairment of goodwill and voluntary employee...

Among quarterly results scheduled for this holiday-shortened week, investors may be thankful for earnings results from Tyson Foods, the Arkansas-based poultry and meat producer. Analog Devices and Deere also are reporting.

Deere & Company (DE) agreed to sell its wind energy business to Exelon Corporation (EXC) for $900 million, including earn-out provisions. Exelon Generation Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Exelon Corp, will buy John Deere Renewables in a deal expected to close by the end of 2010, Deere...