There have been no material changes to the contractual and other cash requirements identified in the Company’s most recently issued Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Cash Flows (in millions of dollars)
| | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended | |
| | July 30, 2023 | | July 31, 2022 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 2,896 | | $ | 418 | |
Net cash used for investing activities | | | (4,563) | | | (4,430) | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 3,379 | | | 515 | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | | 125 | | | (143) | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | | $ | 1,837 | | $ | (3,640) | |
Cash inflows from operating activities in the first nine months of 2023 were $2,896 million. This resulted mainly from net income adjusted for non-cash provisions, partially offset by a working capital change and change in accrued income taxes payable. Cash outflows from investing activities were $4,563 million in the first nine months of 2023. The primary drivers were growth in the retail customer receivable portfolio and purchases of property and equipment. Cash inflows from financing activities were $3,379 million in the first nine months of 2023, as higher external borrowings to support working capital requirements and financing receivable growth were offset by repurchases of common stock and dividends paid. Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash increased $1,837 million during the first nine months of 2023.
Trade Accounts and Notes Receivable. Trade accounts and notes receivable arise from sales of goods to customers. Trade receivables increased $2,887 million during the first nine months of 2023, primarily due to a seasonal increase and higher sales volumes, as well as the effect of foreign currency translation. These receivables increased $2,601 million, compared to a year ago, primarily due to higher sales volumes. The percentage of total worldwide trade receivables outstanding for periods exceeding 12 months was 1 percent at each of July 30, 2023, October 30, 2022, and July 31, 2022.
Financing Receivables and Equipment on Operating Leases. Financing receivables and equipment on operating leases consist of retail notes originated in connection with financing of new and used equipment, operating leases, revolving charge accounts, sales-type and direct financing leases, and wholesale notes. Financing receivables and equipment on operating leases increased $5,819 million during the first nine months of 2023 and increased $8,261 million in the past 12 months due to strong retail sales. Total acquisition volumes of financing receivables and equipment on operating leases were 32 percent higher in the first nine months of 2023, compared with the same period last year, as volumes of wholesale notes, retail notes, revolving charge accounts, operating leases, and finance leases were higher compared to July 31, 2022.
Inventories. Inventories increased by $855 million during the first nine months of 2023 and increased by $229 million compared to a year ago. The increases were due to higher forecasted sales volumes. The effect of foreign currency translation also increased inventories during the first nine months of 2023. A majority of these inventories are valued on the last-in, first out (LIFO) method.
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment cash expenditures in the first nine months of 2023 were $887 million, compared with $596 million in the same period last year. Capital expenditures in 2023 are estimated to be approximately $1,650 million.
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses. Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased by $518 million in the first nine months of 2023. Accounts payable and accrued expenses increased $2,354 million compared to a year ago due to an increase in accrued expenses associated with employee benefits, accrued taxes, dealer sales discounts, and derivative liabilities.
Borrowings. Total external borrowings have changed generally corresponding with the level of the receivable and the lease portfolio, as well as other working capital requirements.
John Deere Capital Corporation (Capital Corporation), a U.S. financial services subsidiary, has a revolving warehouse facility to utilize bank conduit facilities to securitize retail notes (see Note 9). The facility was renewed in November 2022 with an expiration in November 2023 and increased the total capacity or “financing limit” from $1,000 million to $1,500 million. At July 30, 2023, $1,415 million of securitization borrowings were outstanding under the facility. At the end of the contractual revolving period, unless the banks and Capital Corporation agree to renew, Capital Corporation would liquidate the secured borrowings over time as payments on the retail notes are collected.