US agricultural equipment maker Deere released earnings for first quarter that decreased from the same period last year but beat estimates. The company’s earnings totaled $1.75 billion, or $6.23 per share. This compares with $1.96 billion, or $6.55 per share, in last year’s first quarter. Analysts on average had expected the company to earn $5.21 per share. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude special items. The company’s revenue for the quarter fell 3.6% to $12.19 billion from $12.65 billion last year.