CEO May John C II Balances Sales and Buy‑Backs: Deere & Co. Insider Confidence Signals Bullish Outlook

Insider Activity Spotlight: Deere & Co. on January 8, 2026

The latest Form 4 filing from Chairman and CEO May John C II shows a mix of option exercises and share transactions that reveal both the CEO’s confidence in the company and the broader insider sentiment. On January 8, 2026, May exercised a 16b‑3 option plan and sold a total of 41,472 shares at an average price of $254.83, followed by a series of 15,504, 12,456, 8,216, and 5,296 share sales across five separate trades, all executed under the same 10b‑5‑1 plan. The most recent purchase was a single buy of 41,472 shares at $487.80, bringing his post‑transaction holdings to 159,442 shares.

The pattern is telling. The bulk of the sales occurred at lower price points—mid‑$250s—while the purchase was made near the current market price of $500. This suggests a disciplined, rule‑based approach rather than a reaction to short‑term volatility. The 10b‑5‑1 plan, adopted in June 2025, is a common tool for insiders to lock in future sales, providing liquidity while maintaining market stability. For investors, the fact that the CEO is buying at the current price signals a bullish view and reinforces confidence in Deere’s long‑term trajectory, especially as the company continues to capitalize on its diversified machinery portfolio.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

1. Confidence Indicator – CEO purchases often precede earnings releases or strategic announcements. With Deere’s recent quarterly guidance solid and its earnings per share projected to rise, the purchase can be seen as a vote of confidence. Investors may view this as a green light to hold or accumulate shares.

2. Liquidity Management – The simultaneous sales under the 10b‑5‑1 plan indicate that the CEO is managing personal liquidity without affecting market perception. The plan’s pre‑arranged nature means the market can anticipate such trades, reducing the likelihood of price swings.

3. Market Sentiment vs. Social Buzz – Despite a negative sentiment score of –32 on social media, the transaction volume remains relatively muted. The buzz rate of 66.67 % shows moderate engagement, suggesting that the insider activity is not a headline event but a routine move that should not trigger panic among shareholders.

Profile of May John C II: A Consistent Insider

Reviewing May’s historical transactions paints a portrait of a seasoned executive who balances personal liquidity with corporate stewardship. Over the past year, he has sold shares in December 2025 for prices ranging from $475 to $485, but he also purchased large blocks of options and shares in early December, reflecting a long‑term commitment to Deere. The pattern of selling during market dips and buying near or above the 52‑week high demonstrates a disciplined strategy aimed at minimizing market impact while preserving his stake in the company’s success.

Moreover, his transactions are spread across a wide range of dates, reducing the risk of clustering that could alarm investors. This cadence, combined with the use of a rule‑based plan, signals that May’s primary focus remains on driving shareholder value rather than opportunistic trading.

Conclusion

For the seasoned investor, May John C II’s January 8, 2026 transaction underscores a steady, rule‑guided approach to insider trading that balances personal needs with corporate confidence. The CEO’s purchase near the current price, coupled with a history of disciplined selling, suggests a bullish outlook for Deere & Co. Investors should view this activity as a positive endorsement of the company’s prospects, while remaining mindful of the broader industry dynamics that continue to shape the machinery sector.