Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 7 percent to $4.202 billion for the first quarter compared with $3.935 billion a year ago. Net sales of the equipment operations were $3.691 billion for the quarter, compared with $3.526 billion last year.

?EUR??,,????'??We?EUR??,,????'???re continuing to attract new customers worldwide, who value the productivity and precision that our offerings deliver,?EUR??,,????'?? Robert W. Lane, chairman and chief executive officer said. ?EUR??,,????'??At the same time, our rigorous management of operating costs and asset levels is helping sustain strong financial performance.?EUR??,,????'??

Deere?EUR??,,????'???s equipment divisions had operating profit of $261 million for the quarter, compared with $262 million last year. Operating profit was negatively affected by lower manufacturing volumes and the expensing of stock options. These items were mostly offset by higher shipments, improved price realization and lower retirement benefit costs.

Commercial and consumer sales rose 20 percent for the quarter primarily due to higher sales in the landscapes business. Shipments excluding landscapes were up 9 percent. The division had operating profit of $19 million for the quarter versus an operating loss of $2 million for the quarter last year. The improvement was primarily due to an increase in the profitability of the landscapes business