DEERE & CO
10-K405, 1999-01-26
FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
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                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                               ----------------------
                                   FORM 10-K 405
                               ----------------------
                   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                       OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                     FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998

                           Commission file number 1-4121
                                  DEERE & COMPANY
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)




                DELAWARE                                  36-2382580
         (State of incorporation)            (IRS Employer Identification No.)

  ONE JOHN DEERE PLACE, MOLINE, ILLINOIS       61265          (309) 765-8000
 (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)      (Telephone Number)


                           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT
                            TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT

 TITLE OF EACH CLASS                        NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH
 Common stock, $1 par value                 REGISTERED
                                            New York Stock Exchange
                                            Chicago Stock Exchange
 5-1/2% Convertible Subordinated            Frankfurt (Germany) Stock Exchange
    Debentures Due 2001
 8.95% Debentures Due 2019                  New York Stock Exchange
 8-1/2% Debentures Due 2022                 New York Stock Exchange
                                            New York Stock Exchange

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  X         No   
   -----         -----

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to 
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information 
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any 
amendment to this Form 10-K.     [   ]

The aggregate quoted market price of voting stock of registrant held by 
nonaffiliates at December 31, 1998 was $7,584,500,778. At December 31, 1998, 
231,713,158 shares of common stock, $1 par value, of the registrant were 
outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. Portions of the proxy 
statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on February 24, 
1999 are incorporated by reference in Part III.

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PART I
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ITEM 1.   BUSINESS.

PRODUCTS

Deere & Company (Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively called John Deere)
have operations which are categorized into six business segments. 

     The worldwide AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT segment manufactures and distributes a
     full line of farm equipment -- including tractors; combine, cotton and
     sugarcane harvesters; tillage, seeding and soil preparation machinery;
     sprayers; hay and forage equipment; materials handling equipment; and
     integrated precision farming technology. 

     The worldwide CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT segment manufactures and distributes a
     broad range of machines used in construction, earthmoving and forestry --
     including backhoe loaders; crawler dozers and loaders; four-wheel-drive
     loaders; excavators; scrapers; motor graders; log skidders; and forestry
     harvesters. This segment also includes the manufacture and distribution of
     engines and drivetrain components for the original equipment manufacturer
     (OEM) market. 

     The worldwide COMMERCIAL AND CONSUMER EQUIPMENT segment manufactures and
     distributes equipment for commercial and residential uses -- including
     small tractors for lawn, garden, commercial and utility purposes; riding
     and walk-behind mowers; golf course equipment; snowblowers; handheld
     products such as chain saws, string trimmers and leaf blowers; skid-steer
     loaders; utility vehicles; and other outdoor power products. 

     The products produced by the equipment segments are marketed primarily
     through independent retail dealer networks and major retail outlets.

     The CREDIT segment, which mainly operates in the United States and Canada,
     primarily finances sales and leases by John Deere dealers of new and used
     equipment and sales by non-Deere dealers of recreational products. In
     addition, it provides wholesale financing to dealers of the foregoing
     equipment and finances retail revolving charge accounts.

     The INSURANCE segment issues policies in the United States primarily for:
     general and specialized lines of commercial property and casualty
     insurance; group accident and health insurance for employees of
     participating John Deere dealers; and disability insurance for employees of
     John Deere. 

     The HEALTH CARE segment provides health management programs and related
     administrative services in the United States to John Deere and commercial
     clients.


                                     1

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John Deere's worldwide agricultural, construction and commercial and consumer 
equipment operations and subsidiaries are sometimes referred to as the 
"Equipment Operations." The credit, insurance and health care subsidiaries 
are sometimes referred to as "Financial Services."

The Company believes that its worldwide sales of agricultural equipment 
during recent years have been greater than those of any other business in its 
industry. It also believes that John Deere is an important provider of most 
of the types of construction equipment that it markets, and the leader in 
some size ranges. The Company also believes that it is the world's largest 
producer of premium turf care equipment and utility vehicles. The John Deere 
enterprise has manufactured agricultural machinery since 1837. The present 
Company was incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1958.

MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK

Grain and oilseed prices declined significantly during the fourth quarter on 
prospects for record or near-record crop production and the effects of 
weakening demand from Asia. Pork prices moved substantially lower as well. As 
a result, United States farm income is expected to decline in 1999, despite a 
recently enacted emergency government-aid package. At the same time, farm 
income declines are expected in other parts of the world, and unsettled 
financial conditions should continue to have an unfavorable impact on credit 
availability in emerging markets. Accordingly, retail demand for agricultural 
equipment in 1999 is now projected to decline by 20 percent in North America, 
by 10 percent in Europe, and by 15 percent in Latin America and Australia. 
The Company's first quarter financial results will be significantly affected 
by the reduced production schedules for large tractors and combines 
associated with this lower level of demand. 

North American construction equipment industry sales and housing starts are 
expected to decline slightly next year, but remain at favorable levels. In 
addition, the Company is implementing an initiative aimed at better matching 
production schedules to customer orders, leading to lower field inventories 
and improved product availability. Initial stages of implementation will 
result in lower shipments to dealers.

Sales of commercial and consumer equipment should continue to increase in 
1999 following strong gains in 1998. New product introductions are expected 
to expand the Company's position in the many growing markets served by this 
division. 

Credit operations are expected to improve in 1999 because of a larger 
portfolio, primarily due to recent growth in leasing. Insurance and health 
care operations also are well-positioned for improved results. At the same 
time, the Company's Financial Services subsidiaries are expected to see 
continued margin pressure, resulting from their highly competitive markets. 

Based on these conditions, the Company's worldwide physical volume of sales 
is currently projected to decline by approximately 13 to 15 percent in 1999, 
compared with 1998. In this environment, the previously stated goal of 
reporting flat earnings per share in 1999 is not achievable. First quarter 
physical volume in 1999 is projected to be 23 to 25 percent below the 
comparable level of the first quarter of 1998.


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The present economic situation is challenging the Company to balance its 
response to current conditions with its ongoing need for investment in its 
future. In this regard, the Company has reduced capital spending and is 
aggressively managing costs and assets, while pursuing further efficiency 
gains through various quality and supply management initiatives. At the same 
time, the Company fully intends to maintain its commitment to the key 
projects that underlie its plans for global growth and long-term market-share 
improvement.

1998 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS COMPARED WITH 1997

Deere & Company achieved record worldwide net income in 1998, totaling $1,021 
million, or $4.20 per share ($4.16 diluted), compared with last year's net 
income of $960 million, or $3.78 per share ($3.74 diluted). The Equipment 
Operations and the Financial Services operations both contributed to the 
higher level of earnings. 

Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 8 percent to a record $13,822 
million in 1998 compared with $12,791 million in 1997. Net sales of the 
Equipment Operations increased 8 percent in 1998 to $11,926 million from 
$11,082 million last year. Export sales from the United States totaled $1,970 
million for 1998 compared with $2,013 million last year. Overseas sales, 
which were affected by weaker economic conditions and adverse currency 
fluctuations, were slightly lower in 1998. Overall, the Company's worldwide 
physical volume of sales increased 8 percent for the year.

Finance and interest income increased 16 percent to $1,007 million in 1998 
compared with $867 million last year, while insurance and health care 
premiums increased 4 percent to $693 million in the current year compared 
with $668 million in 1997.

The Company's worldwide Equipment Operations, which exclude income from the 
credit, insurance and health care operations and unconsolidated affiliates, 
had record income of $831 million in 1998 compared with $817 million in 1997. 

Net income of the Company's Financial Services operations in 1998 was $175 
million compared with $138 million in 1997. Additional information is 
presented in the discussion of credit, insurance and health care operations 
on pages 27 through 29.

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS

AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

Sales of agricultural equipment, particularly in the United States and 
Canada, are affected by total farm cash receipts, which reflect levels of 
farm commodity prices, acreage planted, crop yields and government payments. 
Sales are also influenced by general economic conditions, farm land prices, 
farmers' debt levels, interest rates, agricultural trends and the levels of 
costs associated with farming. Weather and climatic conditions can also 
affect buying decisions of equipment purchasers. 

Innovations to machinery and technology also influence buying. Reduced 
tillage practices have been adopted by many farmers to control soil erosion 
and lower production costs. John Deere has responded to this shift by 
delivering leading edge planters, drills and tillage equipment.


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Additionally, the Company has developed a precision farming approach using 
advanced technology and satellite positioning that should enable farmers to 
better control input costs and yields and to improve environmental management.

Large, cost-efficient, highly-mechanized agricultural operations account for 
an important share of total United States farm output. The large-size 
agricultural equipment used on such farms has been particularly important to 
John Deere. A large proportion of the Equipment Operations' total 
agricultural equipment sales in the United States is comprised of tractors 
over 100 horsepower, self-propelled combines and self-propelled cotton 
pickers.

Seasonal patterns in retail demand for agricultural equipment result in 
substantial variations in the volume and mix of products sold to retail 
customers during various times of the year. Seasonal demand must be estimated 
in advance, and equipment must be manufactured in anticipation of such demand 
in order to achieve efficient utilization of manpower and facilities 
throughout the year. For certain equipment, the Company offers early order 
discounts to retail customers. Production schedules are based, in part, on 
these early order programs. The Equipment Operations incur substantial 
seasonal indebtedness with related interest expense to finance production and 
inventory of equipment, and to finance sales to dealers in advance of 
seasonal demand. The Equipment Operations often encourage early retail sales 
decisions for both new and used equipment, by waiving retail finance charges 
or offering low-rate financing, during off-season periods and in early order 
promotions. 

An important part of the competition within the agricultural equipment 
industry during the past decade has come from a diverse variety of short-line 
and specialty manufacturers with differing manufacturing and marketing 
methods. Because of industry conditions, especially acquisitions of 
short-line and specialty manufacturers by large integrated competitors, the 
competitive environment is undergoing significant change.

In addition to the agricultural equipment manufactured by the Equipment 
Operations, a number of agricultural products are purchased from other 
manufacturers for resale by John Deere outside the United States and Canada.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

The construction equipment industry is broadly defined as including 
construction, earthmoving and forestry equipment, as well as some materials 
handling equipment and a variety of machines for specialized construction 
applications, including uses in the mining industry. The Equipment Operations 
provide types and sizes of equipment that compete for approximately 
two-thirds of the estimated total United States market for all types and 
sizes of construction equipment (other than the market for cranes and 
specialized mining equipment). Retail sales of John Deere construction 
equipment are influenced by prevailing levels of residential, industrial and 
public construction and the condition of the forest products industry. Sales 
are also influenced by general economic conditions and the level of interest 
rates. 

John Deere construction equipment falls into three broad categories: utility 
tractors and smaller earthmoving equipment; medium capacity construction and 
earthmoving equipment; and forestry


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machines. The Equipment Operations' construction equipment business began in 
the late 1940s with wheel and crawler tractors of a size and horsepower range 
similar to agricultural tractors, utilizing common components. Through the 
years, the Equipment Operations substantially increased production capacity 
for construction equipment, adding to the line larger machines such as 
crawler loaders and dozers, log skidders, motor graders, hydraulic excavators 
and four-wheel-drive loaders. These products incorporate technology and many 
major components similar to those used in agricultural equipment, including 
diesel engines, transmissions and sophisticated hydraulics and electronics. 
In addition to the construction equipment manufactured by the Equipment 
Operations, certain products are purchased from other manufacturers for 
resale by John Deere.

The Company and Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Inc. of Japan ("Hitachi") 
have a joint venture for the manufacture of hydraulic excavators in the 
United States and Mexico and for the distribution of excavators in North, 
Central and South America. The Company also has supply agreements with 
Hitachi under which a broad range of construction products manufactured by 
John Deere in the United States, including four-wheel-drive loaders and small 
crawler dozers, are distributed by Hitachi in Japan and other Far East 
markets.

The division has also taken a number of initiatives in the rental equipment 
market for construction machinery including specially designed rental 
programs for Deere dealers, expanded cooperation with major national 
equipment rental companies, and direct participation in the rental market, 
through the Company's minority ownership in Sunstate Equipment Co., LLC.

The Equipment Operations also manufacture and distribute diesel engines and 
drivetrain components both for use in John Deere products and for sale to 
other original equipment manufacturers. 

COMMERCIAL AND CONSUMER EQUIPMENT 

John Deere commercial and consumer equipment includes rear-engine riding 
mowers, front-engine lawn tractors, lawn and garden tractors, compact utility 
tractors, utility tractors, skid steer loaders, front mowers, small utility 
vehicles, handheld products such as chain saws, string trimmers and leaf 
blowers, and a broad line of associated implements for mowing, tilling, snow 
and debris handling, aerating, and many other residential, commercial, golf 
and sports turf care applications. The product line also includes walk-behind 
mowers, snow throwers and other outdoor power products. Retail sales of 
commercial and consumer equipment products are influenced by weather 
conditions, consumer spending patterns and general economic conditions.

The division sells entry-level lawn, yard and garden tractors and walk-behind 
mowers under the name "Sabre by John Deere" in North America. The division 
also sells consumer products under the Homelite and Green Machine brand names 
and sells walk-behind mowers in Europe under the SABO brand name and 
commercial mowing equipment under the Roberine brand name. The division also 
builds products for sale by others. Beginning in 1999, the Company will build 
products under the Scott's-TM- brand for sale through Home Depot stores.


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In addition to the equipment manufactured by the commercial and consumer 
division, certain products are purchased from other manufacturers for resale 
by John Deere.

ENGINEERING AND RESEARCH

John Deere makes large expenditures for engineering and research to improve 
the quality and performance of its products, and to develop new products. 
Such expenditures were $444 million, or 3.7 percent of net sales of equipment 
in 1998, and $412 million, or 3.7 percent in 1997.

MANUFACTURING

MANUFACTURING PLANTS. In the United States and Canada, the Equipment 
Operations own and operate 19 factory locations, which contain approximately 
30.0 million square feet of floor space. Six of the factories are devoted 
primarily to the manufacture of agricultural equipment, eight to commercial 
and consumer equipment, two to construction equipment, one to engines, one to 
hydraulics and power train components, and one to power train components 
manufactured mostly for OEM markets. The Equipment Operations own and operate 
tractor factories in Germany and Mexico; agricultural equipment factories in 
France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands and South Africa; engine factories 
in France, Mexico and Argentina; a component factory in Spain; an axle 
facility in Mexico; and commercial and consumer facilities in Germany, Mexico 
and the Netherlands. These overseas facilities contain approximately 7.9 
million square feet of floor space. The Equipment Operations also have 
financial interests in other manufacturing organizations, which include 
agricultural equipment manufacturers in Brazil, China and the United States 
and a joint venture that builds construction excavators in the United States.

John Deere's facilities are well maintained, in good operating condition and 
are suitable for their present purposes. These facilities, together with 
planned capital expenditures, are expected to meet John Deere's manufacturing 
needs in the foreseeable future.

The Equipment Operations manufacture many of the components included in their 
products. The principal raw materials required for the manufacture of 
products are purchased from numerous suppliers. Although the Equipment 
Operations depend upon outside sources of supply for a substantial number of 
components, manufacturing operations are extensively integrated. Similar or 
common manufacturing facilities and techniques are employed in the production 
of components for agricultural, construction and commercial and consumer 
equipment. 

The physical volume of sales in 1998 was 8 percent higher than in 1997. 
Capacity is adequate to satisfy anticipated retail demand. The Equipment 
Operations' manufacturing strategy involves the implementation of appropriate 
levels of technology and automation, so that manufacturing processes can 
remain viable at varying production levels and can be flexible enough to 
accommodate many of the product design changes required to meet market 
requirements.

In order to utilize manufacturing facilities and technology more effectively, 
the Equipment Operations pursue continuous improvements in manufacturing 
processes. These include steps to streamline manufacturing processes and 
enhance customer responsiveness. The Company has implemented flexible 
assembly lines that can handle a wider product mix and deliver products at 


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the times when dealers and customers require them. Additionally, considerable 
effort is being directed to manufacturing cost reduction through process 
improvement, product design, advanced manufacturing technology, enhanced 
environmental management systems, and compensation incentives related to 
productivity and organizational structure. The Equipment Operations also 
pursue the sale to other companies of selected parts and components that can 
be manufactured and supplied to third parties on a competitive basis.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The Equipment Operations' capital expenditures were 
$425 million in 1998 compared with $479 million in 1997 and $258 million in 
1996. Provisions for depreciation applicable to the Equipment Operations' 
property, plant and equipment during these years were $267 million, $253 
million and $253 million, respectively. The Equipment Operations' capital 
expenditures for 1999 are currently estimated to approximate $335 million. 
The 1999 expenditures will be associated with new products, operations 
improvement programs and the manufacture and marketing of products in new 
markets such as Mexico, India, China, Brazil and the former Soviet Union. 
Future levels of capital expenditures will depend on business conditions.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

John Deere owns a significant number of patents, licenses and trademarks 
which have been obtained over a period of years. The Company believes that, 
in the aggregate, the rights under these patents, licenses and trademarks are 
generally important to its operations, but does not consider that any patent, 
license, trademark or group of them (other than its house trademarks) is of 
material importance in relation to John Deere's business.

MARKETING

In the United States and Canada, the Equipment Operations, excluding certain 
consumer product lines, distribute equipment and service parts through one 
agricultural equipment sales and administration office supported by seven 
agricultural equipment sales branches, one construction equipment sales and 
administration office and one commercial and consumer equipment sales and 
administration office (collectively called sales branches). In addition, the 
Equipment Operations operate a centralized parts distribution warehouse in 
coordination with several regional parts depots in the United States and 
Canada and have an agreement with a third party to operate a high-volume 
parts warehouse in Indiana.

The sales branches in the United States and Canada market John Deere products 
at approximately 3,400 dealer locations, all of which are independently 
owned. 1,685 sell agricultural equipment, while 420 sell construction 
equipment. Smaller construction equipment is sold by nearly all of the 
construction equipment dealers and larger construction equipment, forestry 
equipment and a line of light construction equipment are sold by most of 
these dealers. Commercial and consumer equipment is sold by most John Deere 
agricultural equipment dealers, a few construction equipment dealers, and 
about 1,300 commercial and consumer equipment dealers, many of whom also 
handle competitive brands and dissimilar lines of products. In addition, the 
Sabre, Homelite, Green Machine and Scott's-TM- product lines are sold through 
independent dealers and various general and mass merchandisers. 


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Outside North America, John Deere agricultural equipment is sold to 
distributors and dealers for resale in over 110 countries by sales branches 
located in five European countries, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay 
and Australia, by export sales branches in Europe and the United States, and 
by associated companies in Brazil and China. Commercial and consumer 
equipment sales overseas occur primarily in Europe and Australia. Outside 
North America, construction equipment is sold primarily by an export sales 
branch located in the United States. 

WHOLESALE FINANCING

The Equipment Operations provide wholesale financing to dealers in the United 
States for extended periods, to enable dealers to carry representative 
inventories of equipment and to encourage the purchase of goods by dealers in 
advance of seasonal retail demand. Down payments are not required, and 
interest is not charged for a substantial part of the period for which the 
inventories are financed. A security interest is retained in dealers' 
inventories, and periodic physical checks are made of dealers' inventories. 
Generally, terms to dealers require payments as the equipment which secures 
the indebtedness is sold to retail customers. Variable market rates of 
interest are charged on balances outstanding after certain interest-free 
periods, which currently are one to twelve months for agricultural tractors, 
one to five months for construction equipment, and two to 24 months for most 
other equipment. Financing is also provided to dealers on used equipment 
accepted in trade, on repossessed equipment, and on approved equipment from 
other manufacturers. A security interest is obtained in such equipment. 
Dealer defaults in recent years have not been significant. 

In Canada, John Deere products (other than service parts and commercial and 
consumer equipment) in the possession of dealers are inventories of the 
Equipment Operations that are consigned to the dealers. Dealers are required 
to make deposits on consigned equipment remaining unsold after specified 
periods.

Sales to overseas dealers are made by the Equipment Operations' overseas and 
export sales branches and are, for the most part, financed by John Deere in a 
manner similar to that provided for sales to dealers in the United States and 
Canada, although maturities tend to be shorter overseas and a security 
interest is not always retained in the equipment sold.

Receivables from dealers, which largely represent dealer inventories, were 
$4.1 billion at October 31, 1998 compared with $3.3 billion at October 31, 
1997 and $3.2 billion at October 31, 1996. At those dates, the ratios of 
worldwide net dealer receivables to fiscal year net sales, were 34 percent, 
30 percent and 33 percent, respectively. The highest month-end balance of 
such receivables during each of the past two fiscal years was $4.4 billion at 
April 30, 1998 and $3.6 billion at April 30, 1997. Wholesale financing is 
also provided by the Company's credit segment. See "Financial 
Services--Credit Operations" below.


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FINANCIAL SERVICES

CREDIT OPERATIONS

UNITED STATES, CANADA, MEXICO, AUSTRALIA, GERMANY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. In 
the United States and Canada, the Company's credit subsidiaries provide and 
administer financing for retail purchases of new and used John Deere 
agricultural, construction and commercial and consumer equipment. The 
Company's credit subsidiaries include John Deere Capital Corporation (Capital 
Corporation) and its subsidiaries (Deere Credit, Inc., Farm Plan Corporation, 
Deere Credit Services, Inc., John Deere Receivables, Inc., John Deere Funding 
Corporation, Arrendadora John Deere, S.A. de C.V., and John Deere Credit 
Limited-Australia, among others), and John Deere Credit Inc. (Canada) 
(collectively referred to as the Credit Companies). Deere & Company and John 
Deere Construction Equipment Company are referred to as the "sales 
companies." The Capital Corporation purchases retail installment sales and 
loan contracts (retail notes) from the sales companies. These retail notes 
are acquired by the sales companies through John Deere retail dealers in the 
United States and Mexico. John Deere Credit Inc. purchases and finances 
retail notes acquired by John Deere's equipment sales branches in Canada. The 
terms of retail notes and the basis on which the Credit Companies acquire 
retail notes from the sales companies are governed by agreements with the 
sales companies. Certain subsidiaries of the Capital Corporation lease John 
Deere agricultural, construction and commercial and consumer equipment to 
retail customers in the United States, Mexico and Australia.

The Credit Companies also purchase and finance retail notes unrelated to John 
Deere, representing primarily recreational product notes acquired from 
independent dealers of recreational vehicles and from marine product mortgage 
service companies. The Credit Companies also finance and service revolving 
charge accounts through merchants or leading farm input providers in the 
agricultural, construction, lawn and grounds care and yacht retail markets 
and, additionally, provide wholesale financing for wholesale inventories of 
recreational vehicles, manufactured housing units, yachts, John Deere engine 
inventories and John Deere agricultural and John Deere construction equipment 
owned by dealers of those products. 

Retail notes acquired by the sales companies have been immediately sold to 
the Credit Companies. The Equipment Operations have been the Credit 
Companies' major source of business, but in some cases, retail purchasers of 
John Deere products finance their purchases outside the John Deere 
organization.

The Credit Companies' terms for financing equipment retail sales (other than 
smaller items purchased through unsecured revolving charge accounts) provide 
for retention of a security interest in the equipment financed. The Credit 
Companies' guidelines for minimum down payments, which vary with the types of 
equipment and repayment provisions, are generally not less than 20 percent on 
agricultural and construction equipment, 10 percent on lawn and grounds care 
equipment used for personal use, 10 percent for recreational vehicles and 20 
percent for yachts. Finance charges are sometimes waived for specified 
periods or reduced on certain John Deere products sold or leased in advance 
of the season of use or in other sales promotions. The Credit Companies 
generally receive compensation from the Equipment Operations equal to a 
competitive interest rate for periods during


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which finance charges are waived or reduced on the retail notes or leases. 
The cost is accounted for as a deduction in arriving at net sales by the 
Equipment Operations.

Retail leases are offered to equipment users in the United States, Mexico, 
the United Kingdom and Australia. A small number of leases are executed with 
units of local government. Leases are usually written for periods of one to 
six years, and frequently contain an option permitting the customer to 
purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term. Retail leases are also 
offered in a generally similar manner to customers in Canada through John 
Deere Credit Inc. and the Company's Canadian subsidiary, John Deere Limited.

The Company has an agreement with the Capital Corporation to make income 
maintenance payments to the Capital Corporation such that its ratio of 
earnings before fixed charges to fixed charges is not less than 1.05 to 1 for 
each fiscal quarter. For 1998 and 1997, the Capital Corporation's ratios were 
1.63 to 1 and 1.64 to 1, respectively. The Company has also committed to own 
at least 51 percent of the voting shares of capital stock of the Capital 
Corporation and to maintain the Capital Corporation's consolidated tangible 
net worth at not less than $50 million. These arrangements are not intended 
to make the Company responsible for the payment of any indebtedness, 
obligation or liability of the Capital Corporation or any of its direct or 
indirect subsidiaries. No payments were necessary under this agreement in 
1997 or 1998. Additional information on the Credit Companies appears under 
the caption "Credit Operations" on pages 27 and 28.

OVERSEAS. John Deere Credit Limited (United Kingdom) offers equipment 
financing products within the United Kingdom. John Deere Credit-Germany, a 
partnership, offers equipment financing within Germany. John Deere Credit 
Limited (Australia) offers equipment financing products within Australia. 
Retail sales financing outside of the United States and Canada is affected by 
a diversity of customs and regulations.

INSURANCE

The Company's insurance subsidiaries consist of John Deere Insurance Group, 
Inc. and its subsidiaries. The insurance group's business focus is on 
marketing commercial property/casualty insurance services and coverages to 
selected market segments. Marketing efforts are directed through separate 
business units that specialize in particular market segments. The Dealer 
Operations business unit insures dealership organizations in the United 
States, with primary focus on agricultural equipment, construction equipment 
and automobile dealerships. The Transportation business unit insures trucking 
operations, with primary focus on long-haul trucking firms. The Specialty 
Managers business unit provides insurance coverages for niche markets through 
contracted underwriting managers. Other specialty insurance business marketed 
through the different business units includes programs that provide physical 
damage insurance on equipment utilized in forestry, construction and 
agricultural operations, extended warranty protection on Deere equipment, 
group accident and health insurance for employees of participating John Deere 
dealers and a small amount of long-term disability insurance for John Deere 
employees.

For additional financial information on insurance operations, see the 
material under the caption "Insurance Operations" on pages 28 and 29.


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HEALTH CARE

In 1985, the Company formed John Deere Health Care, Inc. to commercialize the 
Company's expertise in the field of health care, which had been developed 
from efforts to control its own health care costs. John Deere Health Care 
currently provides health management programs and related administrative 
services, through its health maintenance organization subsidiaries, Heritage 
National Healthplan, Inc., John Deere Family Healthplan, Inc. and John Deere 
Healthplan of Georgia, Inc., for companies located in Illinois, Iowa, 
Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia. At October 31, 1998, 
approximately 428,000 individuals were enrolled in these programs, of which 
approximately 69,800 were John Deere employees, retirees and their 
dependents. The Company has announced its intention to discontinue its health 
care operations in Georgia during 1999. 

For additional financial information on health care operations, see the 
material under the caption "Health Care Operations" on page 29.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to a wide variety of state, federal and international 
environmental laws, rules and regulations. These laws, rules and regulations 
may affect the way the Company conducts its operations and failure to comply 
with these regulations could lead to fines and other penalties. The Company 
is also involved in the evaluation and clean-up of a limited number of sites. 
Management does not expect that these matters will have a material adverse 
effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the 
Company.

EMPLOYEES

At October 31, 1998, John Deere had approximately 37,000 full-time employees, 
including approximately 26,700 employees in the United States and Canada. 
From time to time, John Deere also retains consultants, independent 
contractors, and temporary and part-time workers. Unions are certified as 
bargaining agents for approximately 49 percent of John Deere's United States 
employees. Most of the Company's United States production and maintenance 
workers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the United Auto 
Workers (UAW), with an expiration date of September 30, 2003. 

The majority of employees at John Deere facilities overseas are also 
represented by unions.


                                     11

<PAGE>

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Following are the names and ages of the executive officers of the Company, 
their positions with the Company and summaries of their backgrounds and 
business experience. All executive officers are elected or appointed by the 
Board of Directors and hold office until the annual meeting of the Board of 
Directors following the annual meeting of stockholders in each year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 NAME, AGE AND OFFICE (AT DECEMBER 31, 1998), AND YEAR             PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS OTHER
     ELECTED TO OFFICE                                               THAN OFFICE OF THE COMPANY CURRENTLY HELD
  <S>                      <C>                             <C>      <C>
 Hans W. Becherer          63  Chairman                     1990    1990 and prior, President
 Bernard L. Hardiek        58  Division President           1995    1994-95 Executive Vice President; 
                                                                         1994 and prior, Senior Vice President
 Ferdinand F. Korndorf     49  Division President           1995    1994-95 Senior Vice President; 1991-94 Vice President
 Pierre E. Leroy           50  Division President           1996    1994-96 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial 
                                                                         Officer; 1994 and prior, Vice President and Treasurer
 Michael P. Orr            51  Division President           1997    1997 and prior, President, John Deere Credit
 Joseph W. England         58  Senior Vice President        1981
 Nathan J. Jones           42  Senior Vice President and    1998    1995-98 Vice President and Treasurer; 
                               Chief Financial Officer                   1994 and prior, Assistant Treasurer
 Robert W. Lane            49  Senior Vice President, Ag    1998    1996-98 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
                               Division, and Managing                    1995-96 Senior Vice President, Ag Division; 
                               Director, Region II                       1992-95 Director Latin America, the Far East,
                                                                              Australia and South Africa
 John K. Lawson            58  Senior Vice President        1996    1995-96 Division President; 1992-95 Senior Vice President;

 Frank S. Cottrell         56  Senior Vice President,       1998    1993-98, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
                               Secretary and General
                               Counsel
</TABLE>


ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.

See "Manufacturing" in Item 1.

The Equipment Operations also own and operate buildings housing seven sales 
branches, one centralized parts depot, five regional parts depots and several 
transfer houses and warehouses throughout the United States and Canada. These 
facilities contain approximately 5.0 million square feet of floor space. The 
Equipment Operations also own and operate buildings housing three sales 
branches, one centralized parts depot and three regional parts depots in 
Europe. These facilities contain approximately 920,000 square feet of floor 
space.

Deere & Company administrative offices, offices for insurance, research 
facilities and certain facilities for health care activities, all of which 
are owned by John Deere, together contain about 2.0 million square feet of 
floor space and miscellaneous other facilities total 0.5 million square feet. 
John Deere also leases space in various locations totaling about 2.3 million 
square feet.


                                     12

<PAGE>

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Company is subject to various unresolved legal actions which arise in the 
normal course of its business, the most prevalent of which relate to product 
liability, retail credit, software licensing, patent and trademark matters. 
Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these 
unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, the Company believes 
these unresolved legal actions will not have a material effect on its 
financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

None.

PART II
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED 
          STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the 
Chicago Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt (Germany) Stock Exchange. See the 
information concerning quoted prices of the Company's common stock and the 
number of stockholders in the second table and the third paragraph, and the 
data on dividends declared and paid per share in the first table, under the 
caption "Supplemental Information (Unaudited)" on page 43.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Financial Summary
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  (Millions of dollars except per share amounts)                1998           1997          1996          1995          1994
 <S>                                                      <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>
 For the Year Ended October 31:
      Total net sales and revenues                         $   13,822    $   12,791    $   11,229    $   10,291    $    8,977
      Net income                                           $    1,021    $      960    $      817    $      706    $      604
      Net income per share                                 $     4.20    $     3.78    $     3.14    $     2.71    $     2.34
      Net income per share - diluted(1)                    $     4.16    $     3.74    $     3.11    $     2.69    $     2.32
      Dividends declared per share                         $      .88    $      .80    $      .80    $      .75    $  .68-1/3
 At October 31:
      Total assets                                         $   18,002    $   16,320    $   14,653    $   13,847    $   12,781
      Long-term borrowings                                 $    2,792    $    2,623    $    2,425    $    2,176    $    2,054
</TABLE>

(1)  Restated for adoption of FASB Statement No. 128 in 1998.


                                     13

<PAGE>

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

See the information under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis" on
pages 24 through 30.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Company is exposed to a variety of market risks, including interest rates
and currency exchange rates. The Company attempts to actively manage these
risks. See the information under "Management's Discussion and Analysis" on page
30, the "Financial Instruments" note on page 42 and the supplementary data under
"Financial Instrument Risk Information" on page 43.

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

See the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and supplementary
data on pages 18 through 43.

ITEM 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
          FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None. 


PART III
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

The information regarding directors in the proxy statement dated January 16,
1998 (the "proxy statement"), under the captions "Election of Directors" and
"Directors Continuing in Office", is incorporated herein by reference.
Information regarding executive officers is presented in Item 1 of this report
under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant". Information required
under Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the
proxy statement under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance."

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information in the proxy statement under the captions "Compensation of
Executive Officers" and "Compensation of Directors" is incorporated herein by
reference. 


                                     14

<PAGE>

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

(a)  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS.

     The information on the security ownership of a certain beneficial owner in
     the proxy statement under the caption "Principal Holders of Voting
     Securities" is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT.

     The information on shares of common stock of the Company beneficially owned
     by, and under option to (i) each director and (ii) the directors and
     officers as a group, contained in the proxy statement under the captions
     "Election of Directors", "Directors Continuing in Office", "Summary
     Compensation Table" and "Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal
     Year and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Values" is incorporated herein by
     reference.

(c)  CHANGE IN CONTROL.

     None.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

None.


                                     15

<PAGE>

PART IV
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
<S>                                                                       <C>
(a)(1)   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     Statement of Consolidated Income for the years ended
     October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996                                       18

     Consolidated Balance Sheet, October 31, 1998 and 1997                 
                                                                           20

     Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the years ended
     October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996                                       22

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                            
                                                                           31

(a)(2)   SCHEDULE TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended
     October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996                                       48
</TABLE>
(a)(3)   EXHIBITS

     SEE THE "INDEX TO EXHIBITS" ON PAGES 49 AND 50 OF THIS REPORT.

     Certain instruments relating to long-term borrowings, constituting less
     than 10 percent of registrant's total assets, are not filed as exhibits
     herewith pursuant to Item 601(b)4(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Registrant
     agrees to file copies of such instruments upon request of the Commission.

(b)  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. 

     Current reports on Form 8-K dated September 14, 1998 (Item 7) and 
     August 18, 1998 (Item 7).

     FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES OMITTED

     The following schedules for the Company and consolidated subsidiaries are
     omitted because of the absence of the conditions under which they are
     required: I, III, IV and V.


                                     16

<PAGE>

                       (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)





                                     17

<PAGE>

DEERE & COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             CONSOLIDATED
                                                           (DEERE & COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)               1998            1997             1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>              <C>
NET SALES AND REVENUES                                       
Net sales of equipment......................................  $11,925.8       $11,081.7        $ 9,640.0
Finance and interest income.................................    1,007.1           867.4            763.4
Insurance and health care premiums..........................      692.9           668.1            658.1
Investment income...........................................       73.1            67.2             66.2
Other income................................................      122.6           107.0            101.7
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
    Total...................................................   13,821.5        12,791.4         11,229.4
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSTS AND EXPENSES                                               
Cost of goods sold..........................................    9,233.7         8,481.1          7,460.2
Research and development expenses...........................      444.4           412.3            370.3
Selling, administrative and general expenses................    1,309.4         1,320.7          1,146.6
Interest expense............................................      519.4           422.2            402.2
Insurance and health care claims and benefits...............      579.0           554.0            502.1
Other operating expenses....................................      175.6            94.0             61.4
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
    Total...................................................   12,261.5        11,284.3          9,942.8
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME OF CONSOLIDATED GROUP BEFORE INCOME TAXES............    1,560.0         1,507.1          1,286.6
Provision for income taxes..................................      553.9           550.9            479.8
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
INCOME OF CONSOLIDATED GROUP................................    1,006.1           956.2            806.8
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSS) OF UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES         
  AND AFFILIATES                                                
    Credit..................................................         .1            (1.4)
    Insurance...............................................
    Health care.............................................         .2
    Other...................................................       15.0             5.3             10.5
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
         Total..............................................       15.3             3.9             10.5
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME..................................................  $ 1,021.4       $   960.1        $   817.3
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA                                                       
Net income..................................................  $    4.20       $    3.78        $    3.14
Net income - diluted........................................  $    4.16       $    3.74        $    3.11
Dividends declared..........................................  $     .88       $     .80        $     .80
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The "Consolidated" (Deere & Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries) data in 
this statement conform with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 94. In the 
supplemental consolidating data in this statement, "Equipment Operations" 
(Deere & Company with Financial Services on the Equity Basis) reflect the 
basis of consolidation described on page 31 of the notes to the consolidated 
financial statements. The consolidated group data in the "Equipment 
Operations" income statement reflect the results of the agricultural 
equipment, construction equipment and commercial and consumer equipment 
operations. The supplemental "Financial Services" consolidating data in this 
statement include Deere & Company's credit, insurance and health care 
subsidiaries. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial 
Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the "Consolidated" data.

The information on pages 24 through 43 is an integral part of this statement.

                                       18

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                 FINANCIAL SERVICES
                                                             (DEERE & COMPANY WITH FINANCIAL
                                                              SERVICES ON THE EQUITY BASIS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31               YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)              1998        1997         1996         1998        1997        1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
NET SALES AND REVENUES                                                                                
Net sales of equipment...................................... $11,925.8   $11,081.7    $9,640.0
Finance and interest income.................................     131.1       114.8       120.5     $  887.0    $  757.6    $  648.5
Insurance and health care premiums..........................                                          720.8       697.2       690.6
Investment income...........................................                                           73.1        67.2        66.2
Other income................................................      40.4        47.6        28.8         85.9        63.1        76.2
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
    Total...................................................  12,097.3    11,244.1     9,789.3      1,766.8     1,585.1     1,481.5
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COSTS AND EXPENSES                                            
Cost of goods sold..........................................   9,252.7     8,499.3     7,486.1
Research and development expenses...........................     444.4       412.3       370.3
Selling, administrative and general expenses................     932.5       940.3       817.7        382.8       388.9       337.1
Interest expense............................................     128.0        80.8       107.4        402.3       346.4       300.3
Insurance and health care claims and benefits...............                                          585.8       560.2       503.8
Other operating expenses....................................      50.4        19.5        24.3        125.2        74.4        37.1
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
    Total...................................................  10,808.0     9,952.2     8,805.8      1,496.1     1,369.9     1,178.3
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME OF CONSOLIDATED GROUP BEFORE INCOME TAXES............   1,289.3     1,291.9       983.5        270.7       215.2       303.2
Provision for income taxes..................................     458.1       475.2       373.5         95.8        75.7       106.4
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
INCOME OF CONSOLIDATED GROUP................................     831.2       816.7       610.0        174.9       139.5       196.8
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSS) OF UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES        
  AND AFFILIATES                                              
    Credit..................................................     162.8       147.2       146.6           .1        (1.4)
    Insurance...............................................       8.9        29.6        32.7
    Health care.............................................       3.5       (38.7)       17.5           .2
    Other...................................................      15.0         5.3        10.5
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
         Total..............................................     190.2       143.4       207.3           .3        (1.4)
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME.................................................. $ 1,021.4   $   960.1    $  817.3     $  175.2    $  138.1    $  196.8
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
                                                             ---------   ---------    --------     --------    --------    --------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE DATA                                                
Net income..................................................  
Net income - diluted........................................  
Dividends declared..........................................  
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       19

<PAGE>
DEERE & COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   CONSOLIDATED
                                                  (DEERE & COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)                    OCTOBER 31
ASSETS                                                          1998            1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>
Cash and short-term investments.............................  $   309.7       $   330.0
Cash deposited with unconsolidated subsidiaries.............
                                                              ---------       ---------
    Cash and cash equivalents...............................      309.7           330.0
Marketable securities.......................................      867.3           819.6
Receivables from unconsolidated subsidiaries and
  affiliates................................................       36.2            14.6
Trade accounts and notes receivable - net...................    4,059.2         3,333.8
Financing receivables - net.................................    6,332.7         6,404.7
Other receivables...........................................      536.8           412.7
Equipment on operating leases - net.........................    1,209.2           774.6
Inventories.................................................    1,286.7         1,072.7
Property and equipment - net................................    1,700.3         1,524.1
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates...      172.0           149.9
Intangible assets - net.....................................      217.6           157.8
Prepaid pension costs.......................................      674.3           592.9
Other assets................................................      109.7           107.2
Deferred income taxes.......................................      396.3           543.6
Deferred charges............................................       93.5            81.6
                                                              ---------       ---------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.......................................................  $18,001.5       $16,319.8
                                                              ---------       ---------
                                                              ---------       ---------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings.......................................  $ 5,322.1       $ 3,774.6
Payables to unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates......       31.1            48.7
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......................    2,853.2         2,839.7
Insurance and health care claims and reserves...............      411.3           414.7
Accrued taxes...............................................      144.9           117.5
Deferred income taxes.......................................       19.7            21.4
Long-term borrowings........................................    2,791.7         2,622.8
Retirement benefit accruals and other liabilities...........    2,347.7         2,333.2
                                                              ---------       ---------
    Total liabilities.......................................   13,921.7        12,172.6
                                                              ---------       ---------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value (authorized - 600,000,000 shares;
  issued - 263,852,871 shares in 1998 and 263,849,303
  shares in 1997), at stated value..........................    1,789.8         1,778.5
Retained earnings...........................................    3,839.5         3,048.4
Minimum pension liability adjustment........................      (18.7)          (14.0)
Cumulative translation adjustment...........................      (80.5)          (57.4)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities....................       24.5            22.2
Unamortized restricted stock compensation...................       (7.2)          (17.4)
Common stock in treasury, 31,542,845 shares in 1998 and
  13,556,164 shares in 1997, at cost........................   (1,467.6)         (613.1)
                                                              ---------       ---------
    Total stockholders' equity..............................    4,079.8         4,147.2
                                                              ---------       ---------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.......................................................  $18,001.5       $16,319.8
                                                              ---------       ---------
                                                              ---------       ---------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The "Consolidated" (Deere & Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries) data in this
statement conform with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 94. In the
supplemental consolidating data in this statement, "Equipment Operations" (Deere
& Company with Financial Services on the Equity Basis) reflect the basis of
consolidation described on page 31 of the notes to the consolidated financial
statements. The supplemental "Financial Services" consolidating data in this
statement include Deere & Company's credit, insurance and health care
subsidiaries. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial
Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the "Consolidated" data.

The information on pages 24 through 43 is an integral part of this statement.

                                       20

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                                        FINANCIAL SERVICES
(DEERE & COMPANY WITH FINANCIAL SERVICES ON THE EQUITY BASIS)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           OCTOBER 31                 OCTOBER 31
                                                                       1998          1997         1998         1997
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>          <C>
Cash and short-term investments.............................        $    68.3     $   61.2     $  241.5     $  268.8
Cash deposited with unconsolidated subsidiaries.............            139.6        350.0
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
    Cash and cash equivalents...............................            207.9        411.2        241.5        268.8
Marketable securities.......................................                                      867.3        819.6
Receivables from unconsolidated subsidiaries and             
  affiliates................................................             95.5         57.3                       6.1
Trade accounts and notes receivable - net...................          4,059.2      3,333.8
Financing receivables - net.................................             85.8         83.5      6,246.9      6,321.2
Other receivables...........................................            139.4          2.1        397.3        410.6
Equipment on operating leases - net.........................            218.6        193.9        990.6        580.7
Inventories.................................................          1,286.7      1,072.7
Property and equipment - net................................          1,653.9      1,479.1         46.4         45.0
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates...          1,620.4      1,494.7         20.3         13.0
Intangible assets - net.....................................            210.1        148.4          7.6          9.4
Prepaid pension costs.......................................            674.3        592.9
Other assets................................................             78.3         66.6         31.4         40.6
Deferred income taxes.......................................            372.6        490.8         23.7         52.8
Deferred charges............................................             63.3         57.2         30.1         24.4
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.......................................................        $10,766.0     $9,484.2     $8,903.1     $8,592.2
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                         
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES                                                  
Short-term borrowings.......................................        $ 1,512.4     $  171.1     $3,809.7     $3,603.5
Payables to unconsolidated subsidiaries and affiliates......             43.0         54.8        187.0        392.7
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......................          2,098.1      2,134.1        755.1        705.6
Insurance and health care claims and reserves...............                                      411.3        414.7
Accrued taxes...............................................            142.1        114.2          2.8          3.2
Deferred income taxes.......................................             19.7         21.4
Long-term borrowings........................................            552.9        539.9      2,238.8      2,082.9
Retirement benefit accruals and other liabilities...........          2,318.0      2,301.5         29.7         31.8
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
    Total liabilities.......................................          6,686.2      5,337.0      7,434.4      7,234.4
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                         
Common stock, $1 par value (authorized - 600,000,000 shares; 
  issued - 263,852,871 shares in 1998 and 263,849,303        
  shares in 1997), at stated value..........................          1,789.8      1,778.5        237.1        238.4
Retained earnings...........................................          3,839.5      3,048.4      1,223.2      1,104.5
Minimum pension liability adjustment........................            (18.7)       (14.0)
Cumulative translation adjustment...........................            (80.5)       (57.4)       (16.1)        (7.3)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities....................             24.5         22.2         24.5         22.2
Unamortized restricted stock compensation...................             (7.2)       (17.4)
Common stock in treasury, 31,542,845 shares in 1998 and      
  13,556,164 shares in 1997, at cost........................         (1,467.6)      (613.1)
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
    Total stockholders' equity..............................          4,079.8      4,147.2      1,468.7      1,357.8
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.......................................................        $10,766.0     $9,484.2     $8,903.1     $8,592.2
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
                                                                    ---------     --------     --------     --------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       21

<PAGE>
DEERE & COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             CONSOLIDATED
                                                           (DEERE & COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)               1998            1997             1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income..................................................  $ 1,021.4       $   960.1        $   817.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities:
    Provision for doubtful receivables......................       57.0            51.0             59.9
    Provision for depreciation..............................      418.0           365.6            311.4
    Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
      and affiliates........................................       (9.7)            (.3)            (2.6)
    Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes............      141.9            (6.9)           (65.0)
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Receivables...........................................     (724.6)         (175.2)            89.9
      Inventories...........................................     (192.6)         (255.2)           (75.1)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses.................      (40.7)          186.3            162.1
      Insurance and health care claims and reserves.........       (3.5)          (22.9)           (39.7)
      Retirement benefit accruals...........................      (84.9)           41.0             72.0
      Other.................................................     (165.4)           13.2             14.2
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
        Net cash provided by operating activities...........      416.9         1,156.7          1,344.4
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Collection of financing receivables.........................    5,685.3         5,324.1          4,353.4
Proceeds from sales of financing receivables................    1,859.9           968.0            960.3
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable
  securities................................................      187.3           226.0            104.4
Proceeds from sales of equipment on operating leases........      154.5           101.9             86.0
Cost of financing receivables acquires......................   (7,521.5)       (6,805.0)        (5,902.6)
Purchases of marketable securities..........................     (224.9)         (166.7)          (127.3)
Purchases of property and equipment.........................     (434.8)         (484.9)          (275.9)
Cost of operating leases acquired...........................     (752.3)         (540.8)          (299.4)
Acquisitions of businesses..................................     (103.0)          (45.7)          (112.4)
Other.......................................................       27.6            39.0             (2.0)
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
        Net cash used for investing activities..............   (1,121.9)       (1,384.1)        (1,215.5)
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings................      802.3           524.5           (283.2)
Change in intercompany receivables/payables.................
Proceeds from long-term borrowings..........................    2,067.6         1,150.0          1,190.0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings..................   (1,106.4)         (816.8)          (661.4)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock......................       22.7            34.8             39.0
Repurchases of common stock.................................     (885.9)         (419.1)          (274.7)
Dividends paid..............................................     (212.4)         (204.3)          (209.3)
Other.......................................................       (1.2)            (.2)             (.4)
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
        Net cash provided by (used for) financing
          activities........................................      686.7           268.9           (200.0)
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH.....................       (2.0)           (3.0)            (1.1)
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT.........      (20.3)           38.5            (72.2)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR..............      330.0           291.5            363.7
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR....................  $   309.7       $   330.0        $   291.5
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
                                                              ---------       ---------        ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The "Consolidated" (Deere & Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries) data in this
statement conform with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 94. In the
supplemental consolidating data in this statement, "Equipment Operations" (Deere
& Company with Financial Services on the Equity Basis) reflect the basis of
consolidation described on page 31 of the notes to the consolidated financial
statements. The supplemental "Financial Services" consolidating data in this
statement include Deere & Company's credit, insurance and health care
subsidiaries. Transactions between the "Equipment Operations" and "Financial
Services" have been eliminated to arrive at the "Consolidated"data.

The information on pages 24 through 43 is an integral part of this statement.

                                       22

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                              FINANCIAL SERVICES
                                  (DEERE & COMPANY WITH FINANCIAL SERVICES ON THE EQUITY BASIS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31                 YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)              1998       1997       1996           1998        1997       1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                       
Net income.................................................  $1,021.4   $  960.1   $  817.3       $   175.2   $  138.1   $   196.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash            
  provided by operating activities:                        
    Provision for doubtful receivables.....................       6.4       12.8       17.2            50.6       38.2        42.7
    Provision for depreciation.............................     282.6      272.0      264.9           135.4       93.5        46.5
    Undistributed earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries      (127.9)      (3.0)     (51.5)            (.2)       1.5
      and affiliates.......................................     115.3       (4.6)     (70.7)           26.6       (2.4)        5.6
    Provision (credit) for deferred income taxes...........
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Receivables..........................................    (739.1)    (232.8)      82.7            14.4       57.7         8.1
      Inventories..........................................    (192.6)    (255.2)     (75.1)
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses................     (70.0)     198.2      130.1            29.3      (11.9)       31.0
      Insurance and health care claims and reserves........                                            (3.5)     (22.9)      (39.7)
      Retirement benefit accruals..........................     (82.9)      26.7       70.9            (2.1)      14.2         1.1
      Other................................................    (101.3)      31.7       27.4           (63.9)     (18.4)      (13.0)
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
        Net cash provided by operating activities..........     111.9    1,005.9    1,213.2           361.8      287.6       279.1
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                       
Collection of financing receivables........................      36.1       55.4       58.2         5,649.2    5,268.7     4,295.2
Proceeds from sales of financing receivables...............                   .1         .3         1,859.9      967.9       960.0
Proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable                                                      187.3      226.0       104.4
  securities...............................................      65.7       48.8       32.6            88.8       53.1        53.4
Proceeds from sales of equipment on operating leases.......     (41.0)     (36.4)     (41.3)       (7,480.5)  (6,768.6)   (5,861.3)
Cost of financing receivables acquires.....................                                          (224.9)    (166.7)     (127.3)
Purchases of marketable securities.........................    (421.6)    (473.8)    (256.8)          (13.1)     (11.2)      (19.2)
Purchases of property and equipment........................    (123.5)    (111.4)     (76.6)         (628.8)    (429.4)     (222.8)
Cost of operating leases acquired..........................     (95.9)     (37.2)    (106.2)           (7.2)      (8.5)       (6.2)
Acquisitions of businesses.................................      13.3        2.0        6.2            15.6        8.0        (7.9)
Other......................................................  --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
                                                               (566.9)    (552.5)    (383.6)         (553.7)    (860.7)     (831.7)
        Net cash used for investing activities.............  --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings...............   1,184.8       (2.8)      67.2          (382.5)     527.3      (350.4)
Change in intercompany receivables/payables................
Proceeds from long-term borrowings.........................     (15.0)      55.5      (39.0)         (195.4)    (250.4)      123.7
Principal payments on long-term borrowings.................     199.4                               1,868.2    1,150.0     1,190.0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock.....................     (38.9)    (128.0)    (317.5)       (1,067.5)    (688.8)     (344.0)
Repurchases of common stock................................      22.7       34.8       39.0                       29.0
Dividends paid.............................................    (885.9)    (419.1)    (274.7)
Other......................................................    (212.4)    (204.3)    (209.3)          (56.8)    (136.8)     (147.8)
                                                                 (1.1)       (.2)       (.4)           (1.3)
        Net cash provided by (used for) financing            --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
          activities.......................................     253.6     (664.1)    (734.7)          164.7      630.3       471.5
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH....................      (1.9)      (2.9)      (1.2)            (.1)
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENT........    (203.3)    (213.6)      93.7           (27.3)      57.2       (81.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR.............     411.2      624.8      531.1           268.8      211.6       292.7
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR...................  $  207.9   $  411.2   $  624.8       $   241.5   $  268.8   $   211.6
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
                                                             --------   --------   --------       ---------   --------   ---------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                       23
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED 
OCTOBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996 (UNAUDITED)

Deere & Company and its subsidiaries manufacture, distribute and finance a 
full line of agricultural equipment; a broad range of equipment for 
construction, forestry and public works; and a variety of commercial and 
consumer equipment. The company also provides credit, insurance and health 
care products for businesses and the general public. Additional information 
on these business segments is presented beginning on page 32.

1998 COMPARED WITH 1997 (UNAUDITED)
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Deere & Company achieved record worldwide net income in 1998, totaling $1,021 
million, or $4.20 per share ($4.16 diluted), compared with last year's income 
of $960 million, or $3.78 per share ($3.74 diluted). The Equipment Operations 
and the Financial Services operations both contributed to the higher level of 
earnings.

     Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 8 percent to a record $13,822 
million in 1998, compared with $12,791 million in 1997. Net sales of the 
Equipment Operations increased 8 percent in 1998 to $11,926 million from 
$11,082 million last year. Export sales from the United States totaled $1,970 
million for 1998, compared with $2,013 million last year. Overseas sales, 
which were affected by weaker economic conditions and adverse currency 
fluctuations, were slightly lower in 1998. Overall, the company's worldwide 
physical volume of sales increased 8 percent for the year.

     Finance and interest income increased 16 percent to $1,007 million in 
1998, compared with $867 million last year, while insurance and health care 
premiums increased 4 percent to $693 million in the current year, compared 
with $668 million in 1997.

     The company's worldwide Equipment Operations, which exclude income from 
the credit, insurance and health care operations and unconsolidated 
affiliates, had income of $831 million in 1998, compared with $817 million in 
1997. The strong performances of the commercial and consumer equipment and 
construction equipment operations led to the record results. Overall, the 
improvement was due to higher sales and production volumes, partially offset 
by higher sales incentive costs, growth expenditures, interest expense and 
unfavorable currency fluctuations. Operating profit, as defined below, 
represented 12.4 percent of net sales in 1998, compared to 12.6 percent in 
1997.

     Net income of the company's Financial Services operations improved in 
1998 totaling $175 million, compared with $138 million in 1997. Additional 
information is presented in the discussion of credit, insurance and health 
care operations on pages 27 through 29.

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA RESULTS

The following discussion of operating results by industry segment and 
geographic area relates to information beginning on page 32. Operating profit 
is income before interest expense, foreign exchange gains and losses, income 
taxes and certain corporate expenses. However, operating profit of the credit 
segment includes the effect of interest expense.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            1998 NET SALES AND REVENUES
                                BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>
Agricultural Equipment                    53%
Construction Equipment                    19%
Commercial and Consumer Equipment         15%
Health Care                                3%
Insurance                                  3%
Credit                                     7%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                           WORLDWIDE AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES           96     97     98       OPERATING PROFIT     96      97       98
(IN BILLIONS)                              (IN MILLIONS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>                  <C>     <C>      <C>
                    $6.1    $7.0   $7.2                         $821    $1,072   $962
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

    Operating profit of the worldwide agricultural equipment segment 
decreased to $962 million in 1998, compared with $1,072 million in 1997, as a 
result of higher sales incentive costs, an unfavorable sales mix and 
inefficiencies associated with production cuts, partially offset by an 
increase in sales. Agricultural equipment sales increased 2 percent in 1998, 
compared with 1997. However, during the fourth quarter of 1998, sales of 
agricultural equipment decreased 18 percent compared with the fourth quarter 
of 1997, as lower farm commodity prices and weaker farm economic conditions 
adversely affected retail demand. As a result, the company reduced production 
of large tractors and combines in order to keep inventories in balance. These 
conditions are expected to continue to affect the agricultural equipment 
operations in 1999, as explained further in the "Market Conditions and 
Outlook" section on pages 25 and 26.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              WORLDWIDE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES            96     97      98         OPERATING PROFIT       96      97      98
(IN BILLIONS)                                  (IN MILLIONS)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>     <C>     <C>         <C>                   <C>      <C>     <C>
                    $1.9    $2.3    $2.6                              $186     $216    $300
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     The worldwide construction equipment operations generated a 
significantly higher operating profit of $300 million this year, compared 
with $216 million in 1997. The increased operating profit in 1998 reflected 
higher sales and production 


                                       24

<PAGE>


volumes, lower operating expenses and improved operating efficiencies, partially
offset by higher sales incentive costs and production start-up expenses at the
engine facility in Torreon, Mexico. In 1998, construction equipment sales
increased 14 percent, compared with last year.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                       WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL AND CONSUMER EQUIPMENT
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES           96     97     98       OPERATING PROFIT     96      97       98
(IN BILLIONS)                              (IN MILLIONS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>                 <C>     <C>      <C>
                    $1.6    $1.8   $2.1                         $118    $114     $214
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


The worldwide commercial and consumer equipment segment's operating profit 
increased significantly to $214 million in 1998, compared with $114 million 
in 1997, as a result of higher sales and production volumes driven by strong 
retail demand for the company's products, as well as improved operating 
efficiencies. Partially offsetting these benefits were higher expenses for 
the promotion of new products and the start-up of new facilities. Last year's 
results were adversely affected by write-offs related to the Homelite product 
line. Commercial and consumer equipment sales increased 20 percent in 1998, 
compared with 1997.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 FINANCIAL SERVICES
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUES            96      97     98       OPERATING PROFIT    96      97       98
(IN BILLIONS)                               (IN MILLIONS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>                 <C>     <C>      <C>
                    $1.4    $1.6   $1.7                         $303    $214     $271
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


     The combined operating profit of the credit, insurance and health care 
business segments improved to $271 million in 1998, compared with $214 
million in 1997 as discussed on pages 27 through 29.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      UNITED STATES AND CANADA EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES           96     97     98       OPERATING PROFIT     96      97       98
(IN BILLIONS)                              (IN MILLIONS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>                 <C>     <C>      <C>
                    $6.9    $8.0   $8.9                         $867    $1,101   $1,177
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


     On a geographic basis, the United States and Canadian equipment 
operations had a higher operating profit of $1,177 million in 1998, compared 
with $1,101 million last year, as a result of higher sales and production 
volumes. Partially offsetting these benefits were higher sales incentive 
costs, a less favorable sales mix, inefficiencies associated with production 
schedule reductions and higher expenses related to the promotion of new 
products and start-up costs. Last year was affected by the previously 
mentioned Homelite product line write-offs. Sales increased 11 percent in 
1998 and the physical volume of sales increased 10 percent, compared with 
last year.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              OVERSEAS EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET SALES           96     97     98       OPERATING PROFIT     96      97       98
(IN BILLIONS)                              (IN MILLIONS)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>                 <C>     <C>      <C>
                    $2.7    $3.1   $3.0                         $258    $301     $299
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


      The overseas equipment operations had a slightly lower operating profit 
of $299 million in 1998, compared with $301 million last year, primarily due 
to higher sales incentive costs and start-up expenses at the Torreon engine 
facility. Overseas sales were slightly lower than last year, while the 
physical volume of sales increased 3 percent in 1998, compared with 1997. 

MARKET CONDITIONS AND OUTLOOK 

Grain and oilseed prices declined significantly during the fourth quarter on 
prospects for record or near-record crop production and the effects of 
weakening demand from Asia. Pork prices moved substantially lower as well. As 
a result, United States farm income is expected to decline in 1999, despite a 
recently enacted emergency government aid package. At the same time, farm 
income declines are expected in other parts of the world, and unsettled 
financial conditions should continue to have an unfavorable impact on credit 
availability in emerging markets. Accordingly, retail demand for agricultural 
equipment in 1999 is now projected to decline by 20 percent in North America, 
by 10 percent in Europe and by 15 percent in Latin America and Australia. The 
company's financial results for the first quarter will be significantly 
affected by the production cuts of large tractors and combines associated 
with this lower level of demand.

     North American construction equipment industry sales and housing starts 
are expected to decline slightly next year, but remain at favorable levels. 
In addition, the company is implementing an initiative aimed at better 
matching production schedules to customer orders, leading to lower field 
inventories and improved product availability. Initial stages of 
implementation will result in lower shipments to dealers.

     Sales of commercial and consumer equipment should continue to increase 
in 1999 following strong gains in 1998. New product introductions are 
expected to expand the company's position in the many growing markets served 
by this division.


                                       25

<PAGE>


     Credit operations are expected to improve in 1999 because of a larger 
portfolio, primarily due to recent growth in leasing. Insurance and health 
care operations also are well positioned for improved results. At the same 
time, the company's Financial Services subsidiaries are expected to see 
continued margin pressure, resulting from their highly competitive markets.

     Based on these conditions, the company's worldwide physical volume of 
sales is currently projected to decline by approximately 13 to 15 percent in 
1999, compared with 1998. In this environment, the previously stated goal of 
reporting flat earnings per share in 1999 is not achievable. Physical volume 
in the first quarter of 1999 is projected to be 23 to 25 percent below the 
comparable level in the first quarter of 1998.

     The present economic situation is challenging the company to balance its 
response to current conditions with its ongoing need for investment in the 
future. In this regard, the company has reduced capital spending and is 
aggressively managing costs and assets, while pursuing further efficiency 
gains through various quality and supply management initiatives. At the same 
time, the company fully intends to maintain its commitment to the key 
projects that underlie its plans for global growth and long-term market share 
improvement.

YEAR 2000

The company has established a global program (the "Year 2000 Program") to 
address the inability of certain computer and infrastructure systems to 
process dates in the Year 2000 and later. The major assessment areas include 
information systems, mainframe computers, personal computers, the distributed 
network, the shop floor, facilities systems, the company's products, product 
research and development facilities, and the readiness of the company's 
suppliers and distribution network. The program includes the following 
phases:  identification and assessment, business criticality analysis, 
project work prioritization, compliance plan development, remediation and 
testing, production implementation, and contingency plan development for 
mission critical systems.

     The company is on schedule to become Year 2000 compliant with its 
mission critical activities and systems, allowing substantial time for 
further testing, verification and the final conversion of less important 
systems. Over 90 percent of the company's systems identified as being mission 
critical have been tested and verified as being Year 2000 compliant. The 
company's goal has been to have all remaining mission critical and 
non-mission critical systems compliant by October 31, 1999, and the progress 
to date makes this goal realistic. The company has initiated information and 
infrastructure systems modifications to ensure that both information 
technology (IT) and non-IT systems are compliant.

     The company is assessing the Year 2000 readiness of its suppliers and 
dealers, raising awareness among its supply base by sponsoring seminars and 
developing contingency plans for its mission critical suppliers. The company 
is surveying over 3,000 of its major suppliers and is following up as 
appropriate with prioritization based on mission criticality. The company is 
requiring suppliers of new software or equipment and third parties who 
develop or modify software to provide a written warranty that their product 
is Year 2000 compliant and has been tested accordingly. In some instances, 
the company is independently testing the software.

     The total cost of the modifications and upgrades to date has not been 
material and the future costs to become Year 2000 compliant are not expected 
to be material. These costs are expensed as incurred and do not include the 
cost of scheduled replacement software. Other major systems projects have not 
been deferred due to the Year 2000 compliance projects. 

     Although no assurances can be given as to the company's compliance, 
particularly as it relates to third-parties, based upon the progress to date, 
the company does not expect the consequences of any of the company's 
unanticipated or unsuccessful modifications to have a material adverse effect 
on its financial position or results of operations. However, the failure to 
correct a material Year 2000 problem could result in the interruption of 
certain normal business activities and operations. The company's most 
reasonably likely worst case scenario is that the Year 2000 noncompliance of 
a critical third party, such as an energy supplier, could cause the supplier 
to fail to deliver, with the result that production is interrupted at one or 
more facilities. Such a disruption in production could result in lost sales 
or profits. The company is developing contingency plans, which should be 
complete by early 1999, should any Year 2000 failures occur in any of the 
assessment areas noted above.

EURO CONVERSION

The company is well advanced in the process of identification, implementation 
and testing of its systems to adopt the euro currency in its operations 
affected by this change. The company's affected suppliers, distribution 
network and financial institutions have been contacted and the company does 
not believe the currency change will significantly impact these 
relationships. As a result, the company expects to have its systems ready to 
process the euro conversion during the transition period from January 1, 1999 
through January 1, 2002. The cost of information systems modifications, 
effects on product pricing and purchase contracts, and the impact on foreign 
currency financial instruments, including derivatives, are not expected to be 
material.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 
1995: Statements under the "Market Conditions and Outlook", "Year 2000" and 
"Euro Conversion" headings above, the "Supplemental Information (Unaudited)" 
on page 43 and other statements herein that relate to future operating 
periods are subject to important risks and uncertainties that could cause 
actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements relating to 
the company's businesses involve certain factors that are subject to change, 
including: the many interrelated factors that affect farmers' confidence, 
including worldwide demand for agricultural products (including the impact on 
United States grain and meat exports of economic difficulties in Asia and 
other parts of the world), world grain stocks, commodity prices, weather 
conditions, real estate values, animal diseases, crop pests, harvest yields, 
and government farm programs; general economic conditions and housing starts; 
legislation, primarily legislation relating to agriculture, the environment, 
commerce and government spending on infrastructure; actions of competitors in 
the various industries in which the company competes; production 
difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints; dealer practices; 
labor relations; interest and currency exchange rates (including the effect 
of conversion to the euro); technological difficulties (including Year 2000 
compliance); accounting standards; and other risks and uncertainties. Further 
information, including factors that potentially could materially affect the 
company's financial results, is included in the company's filings with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                       26

<PAGE>


1997 COMPARED WITH 1996 (UNAUDITED)
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Deere & Company achieved record worldwide net income in 1997, totaling $960 
million, or $3.78 per share ($3.74 diluted), compared with $817 million, or 
$3.14 per share ($3.11 diluted), in 1996. The higher profit resulted from 
strong worldwide demand for the company's products. Operating margins 
remained at strong levels as a result of the company's continuous improvement 
and quality initiatives.

     Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 14 percent to $12,791 million 
in 1997, compared with $11,229 million in 1996. Net sales of the Equipment 
Operations increased 15 percent in 1997 to $11,082 million from $9,640 
million in 1996. International demand remained at strong levels, with export 
sales from the United States totaling $2,013 million for 1997, compared with 
$1,584 million in 1996. Overseas sales for 1997 also increased, rising by 11 
percent, compared with 1996. Overall, the company's worldwide physical volume 
of sales (excluding the sales of the newly consolidated Mexican subsidiaries) 
increased 15 percent for 1997, reflecting the strong worldwide demand for the 
company's products.

     Finance and interest income increased 14 percent to $867 million in 
1997, compared with $763 million in 1996, while insurance and health care 
premiums increased 2 percent to $668 million in 1997, compared with $658 
million in 1996.

     The company's worldwide Equipment Operations, which exclude income from 
the credit, insurance and health care operations and unconsolidated 
affiliates, had record income of $817 million in 1997, compared with $610 
million in 1996. The agricultural equipment and construction equipment 
operations both contributed to the improved results in 1997, as explained 
below. The worldwide ratio of cost of goods sold to net sales was 76.7 
percent in 1997, compared with 77.7 percent in 1996. The Equipment 
Operations' ratio of year-end assets to net sales decreased from 71 percent 
in 1996 to 70 percent in 1997.

     Net income of the company's Financial Services operations was $138 
million in 1997, compared with $197 million in 1996. Additional information 
is presented in the discussion of credit, insurance and health care 
operations on pages 27 through 29.

BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA RESULTS

The following discussion of operating results by industry segment and 
geographic area relates to information beginning on page 32.

     Operating profit of the worldwide agricultural equipment segment 
increased significantly to $1,072 million in 1997, compared with $821 million 
in 1996, as a result of an increase in sales and production volumes and 
improved efficiencies, partially offset by higher selling, administrative and 
general expenses. Agricultural equipment sales increased 16 percent in 1997, 
compared with 1996. 

     The worldwide construction equipment operations generated an operating 
profit of $216 million in 1997, compared with $186 million in 1996. The 
increased operating profit in 1997 reflected higher sales and production 
volumes and improved efficiencies, partially offset by growth expenditures 
and start-up expenses primarily at the new engine facility in Torreon, 
Mexico. In 1997, construction equipment sales increased 18 percent, compared 
with 1996.

     The worldwide commercial and consumer equipment operations had an 
operating profit of $114 million in 1997, compared with $118 million in 1996. 
The benefits from increased sales were offset by write-offs associated with 
the hand-held product line, start-up costs at new facilities and growth 
expenditures. Commercial and consumer equipment sales increased 9 percent in 
1997, compared with 1996.

     The combined operating profit of the credit, insurance and health care 
business segments was $214 million in 1997, compared with $303 million in 
1996 as discussed on pages 27 through 29.

     On a geographic basis, the United States and Canadian equipment 
operations had an operating profit of $1,101 million in 1997, compared with 
$867 million in 1996 as a result of higher sales and production volumes and 
improved efficiencies, which were partially offset by growth expenditures and 
write-offs associated with the hand-held product line. Sales increased 16 
percent in 1997 and the physical volume of sales increased 15 percent, 
compared with 1996.

     The overseas equipment operations generated a higher operating profit of 
$301 million in 1997, compared with $258 million in 1996, primarily due to 
the higher volumes of sales and production, which were partially offset by 
start-up expenses primarily at the Torreon engine facility. Overseas sales 
increased 11 percent and the physical volume of sales (excluding the newly 
consolidated Mexican subsidiaries) increased 15 percent in 1997, compared 
with 1996. 

CREDIT OPERATIONS 

Deere & Company's credit subsidiaries consist primarily of John Deere Credit 
Company and its subsidiaries in the United States and John Deere Credit Inc. 
in Canada. The credit operations primarily finance sales and leases by John 
Deere dealers of new and used equipment, and sales by non-Deere dealers of 
recreational products. In addition, these operations provide wholesale 
financing to dealers of the foregoing equipment and finance retail revolving 
charge accounts.

     Condensed combined financial information of the credit operations in 
millions of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                OCTOBER 31
FINANCIAL POSITION                                          1998          1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . .             $    191       $    205
                                                           ------         ------
Financing receivables and leases:
  Equipment retail notes . . . . . . . . . .                3,658          3,834
  Recreational product retail notes  . . . .                  684          1,015
  Revolving charge accounts. . . . . . . . .                  764            630
  Wholesale notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  894            653
  Financing leases . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  336            283
  Equipment on operating leases. . . . . . .                  991            581
                                                           ------         ------
     Total financing receivables and leases.                7,327          6,996
  Less allowance for credit losses . . . . .                   90             94
                                                           ------         ------
     Total - net . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                7,237          6,902
                                                           ------         ------
Other receivables. . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  173            170
                                                           ------         ------
Net property and other assets. . . . . . . .                   73             88
                                                           ------         ------
  Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             $  7,674       $  7,365
                                                         --------       --------
                                                         --------       --------
</TABLE>

(continued)


                                       27

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                OCTOBER 31
FINANCIAL POSITION                                          1998          1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
Short-term borrowings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         $  3,810        $ 3,603
Payables to Deere & Company. . . . . . . . . . . .              144            363
Deposits withheld from dealers and merchants . . .              176            164
Other liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              288            238
Long-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            2,239          2,083
Stockholder's equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            1,017            914
                                                           --------       --------
  Total liabilities and stockholder's equity               $  7,674        $ 7,365
                                                           --------       --------
                                                           --------       --------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                                  1998      1997      1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>       <C>       <C>
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $973      $820      $723
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Expenses:
  Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         400       346       301
  Selling, administrative and general. . . . . .         142       129       113
  Provision for credit losses. . . . . . . . . .          50        38        43
  Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         125        74        37
                                                      ------    ------    ------
     Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         717       587       494
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Income of consolidated group
  before income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . .         256       233       229
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . .          93        85        82
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Income of consolidated group . . . . . . . . . .         163       148       147
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates  .                    (1)
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $163      $147      $147
                                                      ------    ------    ------
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges . . . . . . .        1.63      1.67      1.75
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     Total acquisition volumes of financing receivables and leases by the 
credit subsidiaries increased 13 percent in 1998 to $8,109 million, compared 
with $7,198 million in 1997. During 1998, the volumes of leases, wholesale 
notes, revolving charge accounts and retail notes increased 34 percent, 30 
percent, 16 percent and 2 percent, respectively, driven primarily by the 
growth in agricultural and construction equipment finance products. The 
credit operations also sold retail notes which more than offset the increase 
in acquisition volumes, receiving proceeds of $1,860 million during 1998, 
compared with $968 million last year. At October 31, 1998 and 1997, net 
financing receivables and leases administered, which include receivables 
previously sold but still administered, were $9,625 million and $8,416 
million, respectively. The discussion of "Financing Receivables" on pages 37 
and 38 presents additional information.

     Net income of the credit operations was $163 million in 1998, compared 
with $147 million in 1997 and 1996. Net income in 1998 was higher than in 
1997 due primarily to higher earnings from a larger average receivable and 
lease portfolio financed and higher gains from retail note sales, partially 
offset by higher operating expenses and narrower financing spreads. Total 
revenues of the credit operations increased 19 percent in 1998, reflecting 
the larger average portfolio financed, compared with 1997. The average 
balance of credit receivables and leases financed was 13 percent higher in 
1998, compared with 1997. Higher average borrowings in 1998 resulted in a 16 
percent increase in interest expense, compared with 1997.

     Net income in 1997 was approximately equal to 1996 due primarily to 
higher earnings from a larger average receivable and lease portfolio financed 
and higher gains from the sales of retail notes, which were offset by lower 
securitization and servicing fee income, narrower financing spreads and 
higher expenditures associated with several growth initiatives. Total 
revenues of the credit operations increased 13 percent in 1997, reflecting 
the larger average portfolio financed, compared with 1996. The average 
balance of credit receivables and leases financed was 17 percent higher in 
1997, compared with 1996. Higher average borrowings in 1997 resulted in a 15 
percent increase in interest expense, compared with 1996.

INSURANCE OPERATIONS

Deere & Company's insurance subsidiaries consist of John Deere Insurance 
Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States, which mainly provide 
general and specialized commercial property and casualty coverages.

     Condensed combined financial information of the insurance operations in 
millions of dollars follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                OCTOBER 31
FINANCIAL POSITION                                          1998          1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . .        $   22          $  45
Marketable securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           733            695
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           240            254
                                                        --------       --------
     Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $  995          $ 994
                                                        --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------

Claims and reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $  349          $ 348
Unearned premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           131            124
Other liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           134            145
Stockholder's equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           381            377
                                                        --------       --------
     Total liabilities and stockholder's equity  .        $  995          $ 994
                                                        --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                                  1998      1997      1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>
Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              $  284    $  311    $  345
Investment and other income. . . . . . .                  57        54        56
                                                      ------    ------    ------
  Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . .                 341       365       401
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Expenses:
  Claims and benefits. . . . . . . . . .                 241       223       255
  Selling, administrative and general. .                  90       101       100
                                                      ------    ------    ------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 331       324       355
                                                      ------    ------    ------

Income of consolidated group before 
  income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  10        41        46
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . .                   1        11        13
                                                      ------    ------    ------
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              $    9    $   30    $   33
                                                      ------    ------    ------
                                                      ------    ------    ------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Net income of the insurance operations totaled $9 million in 1998, compared 
with $30 million in 1997 and $33 million in 1996. The decrease in 1998 net 
income, compared with 1997 was primarily due to unfavorable underwriting 
results related to adverse claims development in the transportation business 
and abnormally high weather-related property claims, partially offset by 
higher investment income from realized capital gains. Premiums decreased 9 
percent in 1998, while total claims, benefits, and selling, administrative 
and general expenses increased 2 percent from 1997. 

     The decrease in 1997 net income, compared with 1996 was due to lower 
underwriting results and a small gain from 


                                       28

<PAGE>


the sale of the personal lines business in 1996. Premiums decreased 10 
percent in 1997, while total claims, benefits, and selling, administrative 
and general expenses decreased 9 percent from 1996.

HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS

John Deere Health Care, Inc., directly or through its health maintenance 
organizations and Deere & Company's insurance subsidiaries, provides 
administrative services and managed health care programs in the United States 
for Deere & Company and commercial clients.

     Condensed combined financial information of the health care operations 
in millions of dollars follows:



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                OCTOBER 31
FINANCIAL POSITION                                          1998          1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . .        $   29         $   18
Marketable securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           134            125
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            71             90
                                                        --------       --------
  Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $  234         $  233
                                                        --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------

Claims and reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $   62         $   68
Unearned premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            10             16
Payables to Deere & Company. . . . . . . . . . . .            43             24
Other liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            48             58
Stockholder's equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            71             67
                                                        --------       --------
  Total liabilities and stockholder's equity . . .        $  234         $  233
                                                        --------       --------
                                                        --------       --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                                  1998      1997      1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>       <C>       <C>

Premiums and administrative services . . . . . . .     $  437    $  387    $  346
Investment and other income. . . . . . . . . . . .         17        13        12
                                                       ------    ------    ------
  Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        454       400       358
                                                       ------    ------    ------
Expenses:
  Claims and benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        344       337       249
  Selling, administrative and general. . . . . . .        105       122        81
                                                       ------    ------    ------
     Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        449       459       330
                                                       ------    ------    ------
Income (loss) of consolidated group before 
  income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          5       (59)       28
Provision (credit) for income taxes. . . . . . . .          2       (20)       11
                                                       ------    ------    ------
Net income  (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $    3    $  (39)   $   17
                                                       ------    ------    ------
                                                       ------    ------    ------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     The health care operations had net income of $3 million in 1998, 
compared to a net loss of $39 million in 1997 and net income of $17 million 
in 1996. The improved results in 1998 were primarily due to higher premium 
revenues, improved margins and lower selling, administrative and general 
expenses, compared to last year. Premiums and administrative services 
revenues increased 13 percent, while claims, benefits and selling, 
administrative and general expenses decreased 2 percent from 1997.

     The loss in 1997 reflected reduced margins caused by unusually 
competitive industry conditions, higher claims costs, strengthening of health 
care claims reserves and higher selling, administrative and general expenses. 
Additionally, charges for projected losses on certain insured contracts were 
recorded in 1997. Premiums and administrative services revenues increased 12 
percent, while claims, benefits and selling, administrative and general 
expenses increased 39 percent from 1996.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY (UNAUDITED)

The discussion of capital resources and liquidity has been organized to 
review separately, where appropriate, the company's Equipment Operations, 
Financial Services operations and the consolidated totals.

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS

The company's equipment businesses are capital intensive and are subject to 
large seasonal variations in financing requirements for receivables from 
dealers and inventories. Accordingly, to the extent necessary, funds provided 
by operations are supplemented from external borrowing sources.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - ----------------------------------------------------
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                      1996-1998
(IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                      <C>
- - ----------------------------------------------------
                           
Cash Provided by Operations . . . . . .     $2,331
Repurchases of Common Stock . . . . . .     $1,580
Purchases of Property and Equipment . .     $1,152
- - ----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     The positive cash flows provided by operating activities in 1998 were 
primarily the result of the record net income, partially offset by an 
increase in trade receivables and company-owned inventories. The aggregate 
amount of these operating cash flows of $112 million, an increase in 
borrowings of $1,345 million and cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
of the year were used primarily to fund repurchases of common stock of $886 
million, purchases of property and equipment of $422 million and the payment 
of dividends to stockholders of $212 million.

     Over the last three years, operating activities have provided an 
aggregate of $2,331 million in cash, including dividends received from the 
Financial Services subsidiaries of $341 million. In addition, borrowings 
increased $964 million and cash and cash equivalents decreased $323 million. 
The aggregate amount of these cash flows was used mainly to fund repurchases 
of common stock of $1,580 million, purchases of property and equipment of 
$1,152 million, stockholders' dividends of $626 million and acquisitions of 
businesses for $239 million. 

     The Equipment Operations' ratio of year-end assets to net sales was 76 
percent in 1998, compared to 70 percent in 1997. The higher ratio primarily 
reflected higher receivables and inventories. As expected, trade receivables 
and inventories declined during the fourth quarter while remaining above year 
ago levels. The reduced level of agricultural equipment production, initiated 
during the year, is intended to bring receivables and inventories into better 
balance with current levels of demand.

     Net trade accounts and notes receivable result mainly from sales to 
dealers of equipment that is being carried in their inventories. Trade 
receivables increased by $725 million during 1998. North American 
agricultural equipment trade receivables increased approximately $500 million 
and commercial and 


                                       29

<PAGE>


consumer equipment receivables increased approximately $155 million, while 
construction equipment receivables decreased approximately $60 million. Total 
overseas equipment receivables were approximately $130 million higher than 
one year ago. The ratios of worldwide net trade accounts and notes receivable 
at October 31 to fiscal year net sales were 34 percent in 1998, compared with 
30 percent in 1997 and 33 percent in 1996. 

     The collection period for trade receivables averages less than 12 
months. The percentage of receivables outstanding for a period exceeding 12 
months was 8 percent at October 31, 1998, compared with 5 percent at October 
31, 1997 and 8 percent at October 31, 1996.

     Company-owned inventories increased by $214 million in 1998. Since most 
of these inventories are valued on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, 
lower prevailing costs from prior years are assigned to beginning 
inventories. Inventories valued on an approximate current cost basis 
increased by 12 percent during 1998, compared to an increase in net sales of 
8 percent during the same period.

     Total interest-bearing debt of the Equipment Operations was $2,065 
million at the end of 1998, compared with $711 million at the end of 1997 and 
$849 million at the end of 1996. The ratio of total debt to total capital 
(total interest-bearing debt and stockholders' equity) at the end of 1998, 
1997 and 1996 was 33.6 percent, 14.6 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively.

     During 1998, Deere & Company issued $200 million of 6.55% debentures due 
in 2028 and retired $37 million of medium-term notes.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Financial Services credit subsidiaries rely on their ability to raise 
substantial amounts of funds to finance their receivable and lease 
portfolios. Their primary sources of funds for this purpose are a combination 
of borrowings and equity capital. Additionally, the credit subsidiaries 
periodically sell substantial amounts of retail notes. The insurance and 
health care subsidiaries generate their funds through internal operations and 
intercompany loans.

     Cash flows from the company's Financial Services operating activities 
were $362 million in 1998. Cash provided by financing activities totaled $165 
million in 1998, representing mainly an increase in total borrowings of $223 
million, which was partially offset by $57 million of dividends paid to the 
Equipment Operations. The aggregate cash provided by operating and financing 
activities was used primarily to increase total receivables and leases. Cash 
used for investing activities totaled $554 million in 1998, primarily due to 
acquisitions of receivables and leases exceeding collections by $2,371 
million, which was partially offset by proceeds of $1,860 million from the 
sale of receivables.

     Over the past three years, the Financial Services operating activities 
have provided $929 million in cash. In addition, the sale of receivables and 
an increase in borrowings have provided $3,788 million and $1,580 million, 
respectively. These amounts have been used mainly to fund receivable and 
lease acquisitions, which exceeded collections by $5,983 million, and $341 
million of dividend payments to the Equipment Operations.

     Marketable securities increased $48 million during 1998. These 
securities consist primarily of debt securities held by the insurance and 
health care operations in support of their obligations to policyholders. 

     Financing receivables and leases increased by $336 million in 1998, 
compared with 1997. The discussion of "Credit Operations" on pages 27 and 28, 
the "Financing Receivables" note on page 37 and the "Equipment on Operating 
Leases" note on page 38 provide further information.

     Total outside interest-bearing debt of the credit subsidiaries was 
$6,049 million at the end of 1998, compared with $5,686 million at the end of 
1997 and $4,720 million at the end of 1996. The credit subsidiaries' ratio of 
total interest-bearing debt to total stockholder's equity was 6.1 to 1 at the 
end of 1998, compared with 6.6 to 1 at the end of 1997 and 6.3 to 1 at the 
end of 1996.

     During 1998, the credit subsidiaries issued $200 million of 5.85% notes 
due in 2001, $150 million of 6.125% notes due in 2003 and $200 million of 
5.35% notes due in 2001, and retired $150 million of floating rate notes due 
in 1998. In 1998, these subsidiaries also issued $1,321 million and retired 
$918 million of medium-term notes.

CONSOLIDATED

The company maintains unsecured lines of credit with various United States 
and foreign banks. The discussion of "Short-Term Borrowings" on page 39 
provides further information.

     The company is naturally exposed to various interest rate and foreign 
currency risks. As a result, the company enters into derivative transactions 
to hedge certain of these exposures that arise in the normal course of 
business, and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or 
trading. Similar to other large credit companies, the company's credit 
operations actively manage the relationship of the types and amounts of their 
funding sources to their receivable and lease portfolio in an effort to 
diminish risk due to interest rate fluctuations, while responding to 
favorable financing opportunities. Accordingly, from time to time, these 
operations enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge their interest 
rate exposure in amounts corresponding to a portion of their borrowings. The 
company also has foreign currency exposures at some of its foreign and 
domestic operations related to buying, selling and financing in currencies 
other than the local currencies. The company has entered into agreements 
related to the management of these currency transaction risks. The credit and 
market risks under these interest rate and foreign currency agreements are 
not considered to be significant. Additional detailed information is included 
in the "Financial Instruments" note on page 42 and the "Supplemental 
Information (Unaudited)" on page 43.  

     Stockholders' equity was $4,080 million at October 31, 1998, compared 
with $4,147 million and $3,557 million at October 31, 1997 and 1996, 
respectively. The decrease in 1998 was caused primarily by an increase in 
common stock in treasury of $855 million related to the company's stock 
repurchase and employee benefit programs and cash dividends declared of $213 
million, partially offset by net income of $1,021 million.


                                       30

<PAGE>


SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Following are significant accounting policies in addition to those included 
in other notes to the consolidated financial statements.

     The consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of all 
companies in which Deere & Company has a majority ownership. Deere & Company 
records its investment in each unconsolidated affiliated company (20 to 50 
percent ownership) at its related equity in the net assets of such affiliate. 
Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership) are recorded at cost. 
Consolidated retained earnings at October 31, 1998 include undistributed 
earnings of the unconsolidated affiliates of $48 million. Dividends from 
unconsolidated affiliates were $6 million in 1998, $4 million in 1997 and $8 
million in 1996.

     The company's consolidated financial statements and some information in 
the notes and related commentary are presented in a format which includes 
data grouped as follows:

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS -- These data include the company's agricultural 
equipment, construction equipment and commercial and consumer equipment 
operations with Financial Services reflected on the equity basis. Data 
relating to the above equipment operations, including the consolidated group 
data in the income statement, are also referred to as "Equipment Operations" 
in this report.

FINANCIAL SERVICES -- These data include the company's credit, insurance and 
health care subsidiaries. 

CONSOLIDATED -- These data represent the consolidation of the Equipment 
Operations and Financial Services in conformity with Financial Accounting 
Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 94. References to "Deere & Company" or 
"the company" refer to the entire enterprise.

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally 
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual 
results could differ from those estimates.

     Sales of equipment and service parts are generally recorded by the 
company when they are shipped to independent dealers. Provisions for sales 
incentives and product warranty costs are recognized at the time of sale or 
at the inception of the incentive programs and are based on certain estimates 
the company believes are appropriate.

     In 1998, the company adopted FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share. 
This Statement had no effect on the company's previously reported primary net 
income per share. Diluted net income per share was restated for all prior 
periods for dilutions not considered material under the previous standard. 
The reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share is included in 
the "Capital Stock" note on page 40.

     In 1997 and 1998, the FASB issued Statements No. 130, Reporting 
Comprehensive Income, No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise 
and Related Information, and No. 132, Employers' Disclosures about Pensions 
and Other Postretirement Benefits, which must be adopted by fiscal year 1999. 
These Statements will have no effect on the company's financial position or 
net income. In 1998, the FASB also issued Statement No. 133, Accounting for 
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Under the new standard, all 
derivatives will be recorded at fair value in the financial statements. This 
statement must be adopted by fiscal year 2000 and its effect on the company's 
financial position or net income is not expected to be material.

     In December 1997, the company announced the extension of its stock 
repurchase program. At the company's discretion, repurchases of an additional 
$1 billion of Deere & Company common stock were to be made from time to time 
in the open market and through privately negotiated transactions. Additional 
information is included in the "Capital Stock" note on page 40.

     In December 1997 and September 1998, the company invested $39 million 
and $43 million, respectively, for a 100 percent interest in Cameco 
Industries, Inc., primarily a manufacturer of sugarcane harvesters and 
forestry equipment headquartered  in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The total goodwill 
was $57 million, which is being amortized to expense over 10 years. The 
purchase did not have a material effect on Deere & Company's financial 
position or operating results.

     Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with 
1998 financial statement presentations.


                                       31

<PAGE>



INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA DATA FOR THE 
YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
- - -------------------------------------------------
The company's operations are categorized into six business segments described 
as follows.

     The company's worldwide agricultural equipment segment manufactures and 
distributes a full line of farm equipment - including tractors; combine, 
cotton and sugarcane harvesters; tillage, seeding and soil preparation 
machinery; sprayers; hay and forage equipment; materials handling equipment; 
and integrated precision farming technology.

     The company's worldwide construction equipment segment manufactures and 
distributes a broad range of machines used in construction, earthmoving and 
forestry - including backhoe loaders; crawler dozers and loaders; 
four-wheel-drive loaders; excavators; scrapers; motor graders; log skidders 
and forestry harvesters. This segment also includes the manufacture and 
distribution of engines and drivetrain components for the original equipment 
manufacturer (OEM) market.

     The company's worldwide commercial and consumer equipment segment 
manufactures and distributes equipment for commercial and residential uses 
- - -including small tractors for lawn, garden, commercial and utility purposes; 
riding and walk-behind mowers; golf course equipment; snowblowers; handheld 
products such as chain saws, string trimmers and leaf blowers; skid-steer 
loaders; utility vehicles; and other outdoor power products.

     The products produced by the equipment segments are marketed primarily 
through independent retail dealer networks and major retail outlets.

     The company's credit segment, which mainly operates in the United States 
and Canada, primarily finances sales and leases by John Deere dealers of new 
and used equipment and sales by non-Deere dealers of recreational products. 
In addition, it provides wholesale financing to dealers of the foregoing 
equipment and finances retail revolving charge accounts.

     The company's insurance segment issues policies in the United States 
primarily for: general and specialized lines of commercial property and 
casualty insurance; group accident and health insurance for employees of 
participating John Deere dealers; and disability insurance for employees of 
the company.

     The company's health care segment provides health management programs 
and related administrative services in the United States to the company and 
commercial clients.

     Because of integrated manufacturing operations and common administrative 
and marketing support, a substantial number of allocations must be made to 
determine industry segment and geographic area data. Intersegment sales and 
revenues represent sales of components, insurance premiums, health care 
administrative services and finance charges. Interarea sales represent sales 
of complete machines, service parts and components to units in other 
geographic areas. Intersegment sales and revenues and interarea sales are 
generally priced at market prices. Overseas operations are defined to include 
all activities of divisions, subsidiaries and affiliated companies conducted 
outside the United States and Canada.

     Information relating to operations by industry segment in millions of 
dollars follows with related comments included in Management's Discussion and 
Analysis. In addition to the following unaffiliated sales and revenues by 
segment, intersegment sales and revenues in 1998, 1997, and 1996 were as 
follows: agricultural equipment net sales of $154 million, $126 million and 
$119 million; construction equipment net sales of $53 million, $33 million 
and $31 million; credit revenues of $2 million, $2 million and $3 million; 
insurance revenues of $8 million, $9 million and $4 million; and health care 
revenues of $21 million, $20 million and $29 million, respectively.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS                                      1998      1997      1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>       <C>
NET SALES AND REVENUES 
Unaffiliated customers:
  Agricultural equipment net sales . . . . . .      $ 7,217     $ 7,048   $ 6,097
  Construction equipment net sales . . . . . .        2,585       2,262     1,919
  Commercial and consumer equipment 
     net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,124       1,772     1,624
  Credit revenues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          971         818       720
  Insurance revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . .          333         356       397
  Health care revenues . . . . . . . . . . . .          433         380       329
                                                     ------      ------    ------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       13,663      12,636    11,086
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          159         155       143
                                                     ------      ------    ------
NET SALES AND REVENUES . . . . . . . . . . . .      $13,822     $12,791   $11,229
                                                     ------      ------    ------
                                                     ------      ------    ------
OPERATING PROFIT
Agricultural equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .      $   962     $ 1,072   $   821
Construction equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .          300         216       186
Commercial and consumer equipment. . . . . . .          214         114       118
Credit*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          256         232       229
Insurance* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           10          41        46
Health care* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            5         (59)       28
                                                     ------      ------    ------
  Total operating profit . . . . . . . . . . .        1,747       1,616     1,428
                                                     ------      ------    ------
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSE)
Interest income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           13           4         7
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (126)        (79)     (104)
Foreign exchange gain (loss) . . . . . . . . .          (24)          7        (2)
Corporate expenses-net . . . . . . . . . . . .          (35)        (37)      (32)
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (554)       (551)     (480)
                                                     ------      ------    ------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (726)       (656)     (611)
                                                     ------      ------    ------
NET INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $ 1,021     $   960   $   817
                                                     ------      ------    ------
                                                     ------      ------    ------
</TABLE>

* Operating profit of the credit business segment includes the effect of 
  interest expense, which is the largest element of its operating costs. 
  Operating profit of the insurance and health care business segments 
  includes investment income.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>       <C>
Agricultural equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .       $ 5,124    $ 4,194   $ 3,851
Construction equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .         1,207      1,160     1,072
Commercial and consumer equipment. . . . . . .         1,524      1,232     1,129
Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         7,674      7,365     6,542
Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           995        994     1,068
Health care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           234        233       236
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         1,244      1,142       755
                                                     -------    -------   -------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $18,002    $16,320   $14,653
                                                     -------    -------   -------
                                                     -------    -------   -------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(continued)


                                       32

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRY SEGMENTS                                      1998      1997      1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>       <C>

CAPITAL ADDITIONS
Agricultural equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  227      $  241    $  157
Construction equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .         113         123        49
Commercial and consumer equipment. . . . . . .          89         115        52
Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           9           6         4
Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           2           1         2
Health care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           2           6        13
                                                   -------     -------   -------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  442      $  492    $  277
                                                   -------     -------   -------
                                                   -------     -------   -------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPRECIATION EXPENSE
Agricultural equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  172      $  166    $  172
Construction equipment . . . . . . . . . . . .          48          45        41
Commercial and consumer equipment. . . . . . .          47          42        39
Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           4           4         3
Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           2           1         1
Health care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           6           7         5
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                 1
                                                   -------     -------   -------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  279      $  265    $  262
                                                   -------     -------   -------
                                                   -------     -------   -------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     The company views and has historically disclosed its operations as 
consisting of two geographic areas, the United States and Canada, and 
overseas, shown below in millions of dollars. The percentages shown in the 
captions for net sales and revenues, operating profit and identifiable assets 
indicate the approximate proportion of each amount that relates to either the 
United States only or to the company's Europe, Africa and Middle East 
division, the only overseas area deemed to be significant for disclosure 
purposes. The percentages are based upon a three-year average for 1998, 1997 
and 1996. In addition to the following geographic unaffiliated sales, 
interarea sales in 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows: United States and 
Canada equipment net sales of $1,125 million, $1,235 million and $981 
million, and overseas net sales of $668 million, $520 million and $415 
million, respectively.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS                                     1998        1997       1996
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>       <C>

NET SALES AND REVENUES 
Unaffiliated customers:
  United States and Canada:
    Equipment operations net sales (90%) . . .      $ 8,877     $ 8,018   $ 6,886
    Financial Services revenues (95%). . . . .        1,737       1,554     1,446
                                                    -------     -------   -------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       10,614       9,572     8,332
  Overseas net sales (71%) . . . . . . . . . .        3,049       3,064     2,754
                                                    -------     -------   -------
      Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       13,663      12,636    11,086
Other revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          159         155       143
                                                    -------     -------   -------
NET SALES AND REVENUES . . . . . . . . . . . .      $13,822     $12,791   $11,229
                                                    -------     -------   -------
                                                    -------     -------   -------

OPERATING PROFIT
United States and Canada:
  Equipment operations (93%) . . . . . . . . .      $ 1,177     $ 1,101   $   867
  Financial Services (92%) . . . . . . . . . .          271         214       303
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,448       1,315     1,170
Overseas equipment operations (84%). . . . . .          299         301       258
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total operating profit . . . . . . . . . . .      $ 1,747     $ 1,616   $ 1,428


- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS                                      1998        1997      1996
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
United States and Canada:
  Equipment operations (89%) . . . . . . . . .      $ 6,001     $ 4,969   $ 4,689
  Financial Services (92%) . . . . . . . . . .        8,903       8,592     7,846
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       14,904      13,561    12,535
Overseas equipment operations (61%)  . . . . .        1,854       1,617     1,363
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        1,244       1,142       755
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $18,002     $16,320   $14,653
                                                    -------     -------   -------
                                                    -------     -------   -------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAPITAL ADDITIONS
United States and Canada:
  Equipment operations . . . . . . . . . . . .      $   319     $   331   $   204
  Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .           13          13        19
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          332         344       223
Overseas equipment operations  . . . . . . . .          110         148        54
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $   442     $   492   $   277
                                                    -------     -------   -------
                                                    -------     -------   -------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPRECIATION EXPENSE
United States and Canada: 
  Equipment operations . . . . . . . . . . . .      $   202     $   192   $   183
  Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .           12          12         9
                                                    -------     -------   -------
       Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          214         204       192
Overseas equipment operations  . . . . . . . .           65          61        69
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                                  1
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            $   279     $   265   $   262
                                                    -------     -------   -------
                                                    -------     -------   -------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
United States and Canada:
  Equipment operations . . . . . . . . . . . .       24,000      22,400    22,600
  Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .        2,700       2,600     2,600
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       26,700      25,000    25,200
Overseas equipment operations  . . . . . . . .       10,300       9,400     8,700
                                                    -------     -------   -------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       37,000      34,400    33,900
                                                    -------     -------   -------
                                                    -------     -------   -------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Total exports from the United States were $1,970 million in 1998, $2,013 
million in 1997 and $1,584 million in 1996. Exports from the Europe, Africa 
and Middle East division were $614 million in 1998, $563 million in 1997 and 
$522 million in 1996. Most of these exports were to the United States and 
Canada.

REINSURANCE

The company's insurance subsidiaries utilize reinsurance to limit 
their losses and reduce their exposure to large claims. Although reinsurance 
contracts permit recovery of certain claims from reinsurers, the insurance 
subsidiaries are not relieved of their primary obligations to the 
policyholders. The financial condition of the reinsurers is evaluated to 
minimize any exposure to losses from insolvencies.


                                       33


<PAGE>

Insurance and health care premiums earned consisted of the following in millions
of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1998      1997      1996
                                                   --------  --------  -------
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C> 
Premiums earned:
  Direct from policyholders. . . . . . . . . .     $  739    $  711    $  706
  Reinsurance assumed. . . . . . . . . . . . .          7         5        19
  Reinsurance ceded. . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (25)      (19)      (34)
                                                   --------  --------  -------
   Financial Services premiums . . . . . . . .        721       697       691

Intercompany premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . .        (28)      (29)      (33)
                                                   --------  --------  -------
PREMIUMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  693    $  668    $  658
                                                   --------  --------  -------
                                                   --------  --------  -------

</TABLE>

The difference between premiums earned and written is not material. Reinsurance
recoveries on ceded reinsurance contracts during 1998, 1997 and 1996 totaled $31
million, $13 million and $6 million, respectively, and are deducted from
"Insurance and Health Care Claims and Benefits" expense. 
At October 31, 1998 and 1997, reinsurance receivables of $27 million and $38
million and prepaid insurance premiums of $9 million and $10 million,
respectively, were associated with a single reinsurer.

PENSION BENEFITS

The company has several pension plans covering substantially all of its United
States employees and employees in certain foreign countries. The United States
plans and significant foreign plans in Canada, Germany and France are defined
benefit plans in which the benefits are based primarily on years of service and
employee compensation. It is the company's policy to fund its United States
plans according to the 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and
income tax regulations. In Canada, the company's funding is in accordance with
local laws and income tax regulations, while the pension plans in Germany and
France are unfunded. Plan assets in the United States and Canada consist
primarily of common stocks, common trust funds, government securities and
corporate debt securities. Pension cost for United States plans is based on the
1983 Group Annuity Mortality Table.

  The components of net periodic pension cost and the significant assumptions
for the United States plans consisted of the following in millions of dollars
and in percents:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                     1998      1997      1996
                                                    ------    ------    ------
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $  94     $  88     $  86
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          361       339       322
Return on assets:. . . . . . . . . . . . . .             
  Actual gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (345)     (749)     (733)
  Deferred gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . .          (99)      350       363
Net amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . .           68        75        58
                                                   --------  --------  -------
NET COST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $  79    $  103     $  96
                                                   --------  --------  -------
                                                   --------  --------  -------

Discount rates for obligations . . . . . . .          7.0%      7.5%      7.5% 
Discount rate for expenses . . . . . . . . .          7.5%      7.5%      7.5% 
Assumed rate of compensation increases . . .          5.0%      5.0%      5.0%
Expected long-term rate of return. . . . . .          9.7%      9.7%      9.7% 

</TABLE>

A reconciliation of the funded status of the United States plans at October 31
in millions of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1998                              1997
                                   ---------------------------------   ---------------------------
                                       Assets           Accumulated      Assets        Accumulated
                                       Exceed            Benefits        Exceed         Benefits
                                     Accumulated         Exceed        Accumulated       Exceed
                                      Benefits           Assets          Benefits        Assets
                                   ----------------  --------------  ---------------  ------------
<S>                                <C>               <C>             <C>              <C> 
ACTUARIAL PRESENT VALUE 
   OF BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
  Vested benefit obligation. . . .  $  (4,284)          $  (71)       $  (3,940)        $  (65)
  Nonvested benefit obligation .         (601)             (19)            (532)           (14)
                                    -----------         --------      ----------        -------
  Accumulated benefit obligation       (4,885)             (90)          (4,472)           (79)
  Excess of projected benefit 
   obligation over accumulated 
   benefit obligation. . . . . . .       (443)              (7)            (389)            (9)
                                    -----------         --------      ----------        -------
Projected benefit obligation . . .     (5,328)             (97)          (4,861)           (88)
Plan assets at fair value. . . . .      5,492               12            5,259             11
                                    -----------         --------      ----------        -------
Projected benefit obligation 
  (in excess of) or less than
  plan assets. . . . . . . . . . .        164              (85)             398            (77)
Unrecognized net (gain) loss . . .        231               33             (184)            28
Prior service cost not yet 
  recognized in net periodic 
  pension cost . . . . . . . . . .        199               20              245             21
Remaining unrecognized 
  transition net (asset) liability 
  from November 1, 1985  . . . . .        (33)               2              (46)             3
Adjustment required to
  recognize minimum liability  . .                         (48)                            (43)
                                    -----------         --------      ----------        -------
PREPAID PENSION COST 
  (PENSION LIABILITY) 
  RECOGNIZED IN THE 
  CONSOLIDATED 
  BALANCE SHEET. . . . . . . . . .     $  561           $  (78)          $  413         $  (68)
                                    -----------         --------      ----------        -------
                                    -----------         --------      ----------        -------

</TABLE>

The components of net periodic pension cost and the 
significant assumptions for the foreign plans consisted of the 
following in millions of dollars and in percents:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                         1998            1997            1996
                                       --------        --------        --------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>             <C>
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . .       $  8            $  9            $  9
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . .         25              27              28
Return on assets:
  Actual (gain) loss . . . . . . .          1             (35)            (18)
  Deferred gain  (loss). . . . . .        (13)             23               7
Net amortization . . . . . . . . .                          7               7
                                       --------        -------          ------
NET COST . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  21           $  31           $  33
                                       --------        -------          ------
                                       --------        -------          ------

Discount rates for obligations . .    6.5-8.3%        6.5-8.3%        7.0-8.3%
Discount rates for expenses. . . .    6.5-8.3%        7.0-8.3%        7.0-8.3%
Assumed rates of compensation 
  increases. . . . . . . . . . . .    2.5-5.8%        2.5-5.8%        4.0-7.0%
Expected long-term rate of return.        8.3%            8.3%            8.3%

</TABLE>


                                       34

<PAGE>

  A reconciliation of the funded status of the foreign plans at October 31 in
millions of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1998                            1997
                                     ----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                         ASSETS       ACCUMULATED      ASSETS         ACCUMULATED
                                         EXCEED        BENEFITS        EXCEED          BENEFITS
                                     ACCUMULATED       EXCEED        ACCUMULATED         EXCEED
                                       BENEFITS         ASSETS         BENEFITS         ASSETS
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>
ACTUARIAL PRESENT VALUE 
   OF BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
  Vested benefit obligation. . . .     $  (82)        $  (280)         $  (85)        $  (266)
  Nonvested benefit obligation . .                         (4)                             (3)
                                       --------       ---------        --------       ---------
  Accumulated benefit obligation .        (82)           (284)            (85)           (269)
  Excess of projected benefit 
  obligation over accumulated 
  benefit obligation . . . . . . .         (9)            (30)            (11)            (29)
                                       --------       ---------        --------       ---------
Projected benefit obligation . . .        (91)           (314)            (96)           (298)
Plan assets at fair value. . . . .        157                             181
                                       --------       ---------        --------       ---------

Projected benefit obligation 
  (in excess of) or 
  less than plan assets. . . . .           66            (314)             85            (298)
Unrecognized net gain. . . . . . .        (27)             (6)            (44)             (2)
Prior service cost not yet recognized
  in net periodic pension cost . .          3                               1               1
Remaining unrecognized 
  transition net (asset) obligation
  from November 1, 1987. . . . . .         (6)             14              (9)             16
                                       --------       ---------        --------       ---------
PREPAID PENSION COST 
  (PENSION LIABILITY) RECOGNIZED
  IN THE CONSOLIDATED 
  BALANCE SHEET. . . . . . . . . .      $  36         $  (306)          $  33         $  (283)
                                       --------       ---------        --------       ---------
                                       --------       ---------        --------       ---------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS

The company generally provides defined benefit health care and life insurance
plans for retired employees in the United States and Canada. Provisions of the
benefit plans for hourly employees are, in large part, subject to collective
bargaining. The plans for salaried employees include certain cost-sharing
provisions. It is the company's policy to fund a portion of its obligations for
the United States postretirement health care benefit plans under provisions of
Internal Revenue Code Section 401(h). Plan assets consist primarily of common
stocks, common trust funds, government securities and corporate debt securities.

   The components of net periodic postretirement benefits cost and the 
significant assumptions for the United States and Canadian plans consisted of 
the following in millions of dollars and in percents:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1998       1997       1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>        <C> 
HEALTH CARE
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . .      $  71      $  69      $  61
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . .        153        148        135
Return on assets:. . . . . . . . . 
  Actual gain. . . . . . . . . . .        (20)       (45)       (37)
  Deferred gain (loss) . . . . . .        (11)        18         17
Net amortization . . . . . . . . .         (6)       (10)       (23)
                                         -----      ------     -----
  Net cost . . . . . . . . . . . .        187        180        153
                                         -----      ------     -----
LIFE INSURANCE
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . .          3          3          3
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . .         19         18         17
Net amortization . . . . . . . . .          2          1          1
                                         -----      ------     -----
  Net cost . . . . . . . . . . . .         24         22         21
                                         -----      ------     -----
TOTAL NET COST . . . . . . . . . .     $  211     $  202     $  174
                                         -----      ------     -----
                                         -----      ------     -----


Discount rates for obligations . .       7.25%      7.75%      7.75%
Discount rate for expense. . . . .       7.75%      7.75%      7.75%
Expected long-term rate of return.        9.7%       9.7%       9.7%
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   A reconciliation of the funded status of the United States and Canadian
plans at October 3l in millions of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            1998                   1997
                                    ----------------------   -------------------
                                      HEALTH       LIFE      HEALTH      LIFE
                                      CARE       INSURANCE    CARE     INSURANCE
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
ACCUMULATED POSTRETIREMENT 
  BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
  Retirees . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  (1,501)   $  (174)   $(1,407)   $  (157)
  Fully eligible active 
plan participants. . . . . . . . .       (250)       (42)      (254)       (37)
  Other active plan participants .       (485)       (65)      (399)       (54)
                                    -----------   --------  ---------   --------

  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . .     (2,236)      (281)    (2,060)      (248)
Plan assets at fair value. . . . .        359                   316
                                    -----------   --------  ---------   --------
Accumulated postretirement benefit 
  obligation in excess of plan assets  (1,877)      (281)    (1,744)      (248)
Unrecognized net loss. . . . . . .        274         56        181         34
Prior service credit not yet recognized 
  in net periodic postretirement 
  benefits cost. . . . . . . . . .        (12)                  (19)
                                    -----------   --------  ---------   --------
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT LIABILITY
  RECOGNIZED IN THE CONSOLIDATED
  BALANCE SHEET. . . . . . . . . .  $  (1,615)   $  (225)   $(1,582)   $  (214)
                                    -----------   --------  ---------   --------
                                    -----------   --------  ---------   --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

   The annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care
benefits (the health care cost trend rate) used to determine 1998 cost was
assumed to be 9.1 percent for 1999, decreasing gradually to 4.5 percent by the
year 2003. The rate used to determine 1997 cost was assumed to be 9.0 percent
for 1998, decreasing gradually to 4.5 percent by the year 2003. The rate used to
determine 1996 cost was assumed to be 9.2 percent for 1997, decreasing gradually
to 4.5 percent by the year 2003. An increase of one percentage point in the
assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligations at October 31, 1998 by $240 million and the
net periodic postretirement benefits cost for the year then ended by $31
million.

INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction and by 
significant component consisted of the following in millions 
of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         1998       1997      1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Current:
  United States:
  Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . .     $  216     $  434     $  406
  State  . . . . . . . . . . . . .         30         37         42
  Foreign  . . . . . . . . . . . .        164         88         98
                                       --------   -------    -------
  Total current. . . . . . . . . .        410        559        546
                                       --------   -------    -------
Deferred:
  United States:
  Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . .        138        (22)       (51)
  State  . . . . . . . . . . . . .         10                    (7)
Foreign  . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (4)        14         (8)
                                       --------   -------    -------
  Total deferred . . . . . . . . .        144         (8)       (66)
                                       --------   -------    -------
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES . . . .     $  554     $  551     $  480
                                       --------   -------    -------
                                       --------   -------    -------
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                   35

<PAGE>

  Based upon location of the company's operations, the consolidated income
before income taxes in the United States in 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $1,158
million, $1,057 million and $929 million, respectively, and in foreign countries
was $402 million, $450 million and $358 million, respectively. Certain foreign
operations are branches of Deere & Company and are, therefore, subject to United
States as well as foreign income tax regulations. The pretax income by location
and the preceding analysis of the income tax provision by taxing jurisdiction
are, therefore, not directly related.

  A comparison of the statutory and effective income tax provision and reasons
for related differences in millions of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1998       1997       1996
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX PROVISION
AT A STATUTORY RATE OF 35 PERCENT. . . . . .      $  546     $  527     $  450
INCREASE (DECREASE) RESULTING FROM:
State and local income taxes, net of 
  federal income tax benefit . . . . . . . .          25         25         23
Taxes on foreign income which differ from 
  the United States statutory rate . . . . .           3         12         24
Benefit of Foreign Sales Corporation . . . .         (20)       (15)        (7)
Other adjustments - net. . . . . . . . . . .                      2        (10)
                                                  --------   -------    --------
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES . . . . . . . . .      $  554     $  551     $  480
                                                  --------   -------    --------
                                                  --------   -------    --------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


   Deferred income taxes arise because there are certain items that are treated
differently for financial accounting than for income tax reporting purposes. An
analysis of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities at October 31 in
millions of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1998                          1997
                                              -----------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                  DEFERRED       DEFERRED      DEFERRED       DEFERRED
                                                    TAX             TAX          TAX            TAX 
                                                    ASSETS      LIABILITIES     ASSETS       LIABILITIES
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>
Deferred installment sales income. . . . . .                       $  429                       $ 346
Tax over book depreciation . . . . . . . . .                          123                         113
Deferred lease income. . . . . . . . . . . .                           30                           7
Accrual for retirement and 
  postemployment benefits. . . . . . . . . .      $  546                         $  580
Accrual for sales allowances . . . . . . . .         259                            246
Accrual for vacation pay . . . . . . . . . .          51                             46
Allowance for doubtful receivables . . . . .          47                             52
Claims and reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . .          21                             19
Tax loss and tax credit carryforwards. . . .          19                             12
Minimum pension liability 
  adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          10                              7
Unearned premiums. . . . . . . . . . . . . .           7                              8
Other items. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          96               95           114            84
Less valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . .          (2)                           (12)
                                                 --------          -------     ---------       -------

DEFERRED INCOME TAX
  ASSETS AND LIABILITIES . . . . . . . . . .      $1,054           $  677      $  1,072         $  550
                                                 --------          -------     ---------       -------
                                                 --------          -------     ---------       -------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


     At October 31, 1998, accumulated earnings in certain overseas subsidiaries
totaled $666 million for which no provision for United States income taxes or
foreign withholding taxes has been made, because it is expected that such
earnings will be reinvested overseas indefinitely. Determination of the amount
of unrecognized deferred tax liability on these unremitted earnings is not
practical.

     Deere & Company files a consolidated federal income tax return in the
United States, which includes the wholly-owned Financial Services subsidiaries.
These subsidiaries account for income taxes generally as if they filed separate
income tax returns.

     At October 31, 1998, certain foreign tax loss and tax credit carryforwards
for $19 million were available with an unlimited expiration date.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Marketable securities are held by the insurance and health care subsidiaries.
All marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale under FASB
Statement No. 115, with unrealized gains and losses shown as a component of
stockholders' equity. Realized gains or losses from the sales of marketable
securities are based on the specific identification method. 

     The amortized cost and fair value of marketable securities in millions of
dollars follow: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Amortized      Gross       Gross           
                                        Cost      Unrealized   Unrealized       Fair
                                       or Cost      Gains       Losses         Value
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>
OCTOBER 31, 1998
Equity securities. . . . . . . . .      $  99       $  5         $  7          $  97
U.S. government and agencies . . .        125          8                         133
States and municipalities. . . . .        175         11                         186
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . .        226         11                         237
Mortgage-backed securities . . . .        203         10                         213
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          1                                      1
                                       -------     ------       ------        -------
MARKETABLE SECURITIES. . . . . . .     $  829      $  45         $  7          $ 867
                                       -------     ------       ------        -------
                                       -------     ------       ------        -------

OCTOBER 31, 1997
Equity securities. . . . . . . . .       $  3       $  2                       $   5
U.S. government and agencies . . .        160          5                         165
States and municipalities. . . . .        160         11                         171
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . .        237          9         $  1            245
Mortgage-backed securities . . . .        224          8                         232
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          2                                      2
                                       -------     ------       ------        -------
MARKETABLE SECURITIES. . . . . . .     $  786      $  35         $  1         $  820
                                       -------     ------       ------        -------
                                       -------     ------       ------        -------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The contractual maturities of debt securities at October 31, 1998 in millions of
dollars follow: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
                                        Amortized    Fair
                                          Cost      Value
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>
Due in one year or less. . . . . .      $  47      $  48
Due after one through five years .        209        217
Due after five through 10 years. .        124        131
Due after 10 years . . . . . . . .        349        373
                                       -------    ------
DEBT SECURITIES. . . . . . . . . .     $  729     $  769
                                       -------    ------
                                       -------    ------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some
borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations. Proceeds from the sales
of available-for-sale securities were $105 million in 1998, $114 million in 1997
and $11 million in 1996. Gross realized gains and losses on those sales were 
not significant. The increase in the net unrealized holding gain after income
taxes was $3 million, $8 million and $11 million during 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.



                                     36

<PAGE>

TRADE ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

Trade accounts and notes receivable at October 31 consisted of 
the following in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1998          1997
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>             <C>
Trade accounts and notes:
  Agricultural . . . . . . . . . .              $  2,756      $  2,137
  Construction . . . . . . . . . .                   322           388
  Commercial and consumer. . . . .                   784           624
                                                ---------     ---------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 3,862         3,149
Other receivables. . . . . . . . .                   228           220
                                                ---------     ---------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . .                 4,090         3,369
Less allowance for doubtful receivables               31            35
                                                ---------     ---------
TRADE ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE-NET         $  4,059      $  3,334
                                                ---------     ---------
                                                ---------     ---------

</TABLE>

  At October 31, 1998 and 1997, dealer notes included above were $955 million
and $788 million, respectively.

  Trade accounts and notes receivable arise from sales to dealers of John Deere
agricultural, construction and commercial and consumer equipment. The company
generally retains as collateral a security interest in the equipment associated
with these receivables. Generally, terms to dealers require payments as the
equipment which secures the indebtedness is sold to retail customers. Interest
is charged on balances outstanding after certain interest-free periods, which
range from one to 12 months for agricultural tractors, one to five months for
construction equipment, and from two to 24 months for most other equipment.
Trade accounts and notes receivable have significant concentrations of credit
risk in the agricultural, construction and commercial and consumer business
sectors as shown in the previous table. On a geographic basis, there is not a
disproportionate concentration of credit risk in any area.

FINANCING RECEIVABLES

Financing receivables at October 31 consisted of the following in millions of
dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------
                                        1998        1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>        <C>
Retail notes:
  Equipment:
     Agricultural. . . . . . . . .   $  3,030   $  3,412
  Construction . . . . . . . . . .        953        877
  Commercial and consumer. . . . .        351        282
  Recreational products. . . . . .      1,044      1,606
                                     ---------   --------
  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . .      5,378      6,177
Revolving charge accounts. . . . .        764        630
Financing leases . . . . . . . . .        387        331
Wholesale notes. . . . . . . . . .        894        653
                                     ---------   --------
  Total financing receivables. . .      7,423      7,791
                                     ---------   --------
Less:
  Unearned finance income:
  Equipment notes. . . . . . . . .        590        654
  Recreational product notes . . .        360        590
  Financing leases . . . . . . . .         50         48
                                     ---------   --------
  Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,000      1,292
                                     ---------   --------
  Allowance for doubtful 
receivables. . . . . . . . . . . .         90         94
                                     ---------   --------
Financing receivables - net. . . .   $  6,333   $  6,405
                                     ---------   --------
                                     ---------   --------

</TABLE>

  Financing receivables have significant concentrations of credit risk in the
agricultural, construction, commercial and consumer, and recreational product
business sectors as shown in the previous table. On a geographic basis, there is
not a disproportionate concentration of credit risk in any area. The company
retains as collateral a security interest in the equipment associated with
retail notes, wholesale notes and financing leases.

  Financing receivable installments, including unearned finance income, at
October 31 are scheduled as follows in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------
                                       1998       1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>         <C>
Due in months:
  0 - 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  2,954   $  2,765
  13 - 24. . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,585      1,685
  25 - 36. . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,100      1,186
  37 - 48. . . . . . . . . . . . .        722        782
  49 - 60. . . . . . . . . . . . .        451        471
  Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . .        611        902
                                     ---------  ---------
TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  7,423   $  7,791
                                     ---------  ---------
                                     ---------  ---------

</TABLE>

  The maximum terms for retail notes are generally eight years for agricultural
equipment, five years for construction equipment, six years for commercial and
consumer equipment and 20 years for recreational products. The maximum term 
for financing leases is generally five years, while the maximum term for
wholesale notes is generally 12 months.

  The company's United States and Canadian credit subsidiaries received
proceeds of $1,860 million in 1998, $968 million in 1997 and $960 million in
1996 from the sale of retail notes. At October 31, 1998 and 1997, the unpaid
balances of retail notes previously sold were $2,388 million and $1,514 million,
respectively. The company's maximum exposure under all retail note recourse
provisions at October 31, 1998 and 1997 was $193 million and $177 million,
respectively. There is no anticipated credit risk related to nonperformance by
the counterparties. The retail notes sold are collateralized by security
interests in the related equipment sold to customers. At October 31, 1998 and
1997, worldwide financing receivables administered, which include financing
receivables previously sold but still administered, totaled $8,721 million and
$7,919 million, respectively.

  Total financing receivable amounts 60 days or more past due were $29 million
at October 31, 1998 compared with $24 million at October 31, 1997. These
past-due amounts represented .44 percent of the receivables financed at October
31, 1998 and .38 percent at October 31, 1997. The allowance for doubtful
financing receivables represented 1.40 percent and 1.44 percent of financing
receivables outstanding at October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. In addition,
at October 31, 1998 and 1997, the company's credit subsidiaries had $176 million
and $164 million, respectively, of deposits withheld from dealers 


                                 37

<PAGE>

and merchants available for potential credit losses. An analysis of the
allowance for doubtful credit receivables follows in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998       1997       1996
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>       <C>
Balance, beginning of the year . . . . . . .       $  94      $  93      $  88
Provision charged to operations. . . . . . .          50         38         43
Amounts written off. . . . . . . . . . . . .         (36)       (31)       (32)
Transfers related to retail note sales . . .         (18)        (6)        (6)
                                                  -------     ------     ------
BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR . . . . . . . . . .       $  90      $  94      $  93
                                                  -------     ------     ------
                                                  -------     ------     ------

</TABLE>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER RECEIVABLES

Other receivables at October 31 consisted of the following in 
millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998       1997
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>
Insurance and health care 
premiums receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . .       $  94      $  90
Reinsurance receivables. . . . . . . . . . .          94         91
Receivables relating to asset 
backed securitizations . . . . . . . . . . .         162        165
Taxes receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         129          2
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            58         65
                                                  -------    -------
Other receivables. . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  537     $  413
                                                  -------    -------
                                                  -------    -------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

  The credit subsidiaries' receivables related to asset backed securitizations
are equal to the present value of payments to be received for retained interests
and deposits made with other entities for recourse provisions under the retail
note sales agreements.

EQUIPMENT ON OPERATING LEASES

Operating leases arise from the leasing of John Deere equipment to retail
customers in the United States and Canada. Initial lease terms generally range
from 36 to 60 months. The net value of equipment on operating leases was $1,209
million and $775 million at October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Of these
leases, at October 31, 1998, $218 million was financed by the Equipment
Operations and $991 million by the credit subsidiaries. The equipment is
depreciated on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. The
accumulated depreciation on this equipment was $226 million and $140 million at
October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The corresponding depreciation expense
was $146 million in 1998, $95 million in 1997 and $53 million in 1996.

  Future payments to be received on operating leases totaled $530 million at
October 31, 1998 and are scheduled as follows: 
1999 - $219, 2000 - $171, 2001 - $86, 2002 - $43 and 2003 - $11.

INVENTORIES

Substantially all inventories owned by Deere & Company and its 
United States equipment subsidiaries are valued at cost, on the "last-in,
first-out" (LIFO) basis. Remaining inventories are 
generally valued at the lower of cost, on the "first-in, first-out" (FIFO)
basis, or market. The value of gross inventories on the LIFO basis represented
84 percent and 85 percent of worldwide gross inventories at FIFO value on
October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. If all inventories had been valued on a
FIFO basis, estimated inventories by major classification at October 31 in 
millions of dollars would have been as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1998      1997
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>
Raw materials and supplies . . . . . . . . .      $  250  $     228
Work-in-process  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         475        427
Finished machines and parts. . . . . . . . .       1,612      1,430
                                                ---------  ---------
  Total FIFO value . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2,337      2,085
Adjustment to LIFO basis . . . . . . . . . .       1,050      1,012
                                                ---------  ---------
INVENTORIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  1,287   $  1,073
                                                ---------  ---------
                                                ---------  ---------
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

PROPERTY AND DEPRECIATION

A summary of property and equipment at October 31 in millions 
of dollars follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    1998       1997
<S>                                           <C>         <C>
Land   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       $  56      $  54
Buildings and building equipment . . . . . .       1,042        958
Machinery and equipment. . . . . . . . . . .       2,206      2,099
Dies, patterns, tools, etc . . . . . . . . .         654        555
All other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         566        557
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . .         164        157
                                               ----------   --------
  Total at cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       4,688      4,380
Less accumulated depreciation. . . . . . . .       2,988      2,856
                                               ----------   --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - NET . . . . . . . .    $  1,700   $  1,524
                                               ----------   --------
                                               ----------   --------

</TABLE>

  Leased property under capital leases amounting to $5 million and $3 million
at October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, is included primarily in machinery
and equipment.

  Property and equipment additions and depreciation are reported on page 33.
Property and equipment expenditures for new and revised products, increased
capacity and the replacement or major renewal of significant items of property
and equipment are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor
renewals are generally charged to expense as incurred. Most of the company's
property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method for
financial accounting purposes. Depreciation for United States federal income tax
purposes is computed using accelerated depreciation methods.

  It is not expected that the cost of compliance with foreseeable environmental
requirements will have a material effect on the company's financial position or
results of operations.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Net intangible assets totaled $218 million and $158 million at October 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively. The Equipment Operations' balance of $210 million at
October 31, 1998 consisted primarily of unamortized goodwill, which resulted
from the purchase cost of assets acquired exceeding their fair value, and an
intangible asset of $22 million related to the additional minimum pension
liability required by FASB Statement No. 87. 

     Intangible assets, excluding the intangible pension asset, are being
amortized over 25 years or less, and the accumulated amortization was $66
million and $58 million at October 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
intangible pension asset is remeasured and adjusted annually. The unamortized
goodwill is reviewed periodically for potential impairment.



                                  38

<PAGE>

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings at October 31 consisted of the following 
in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1998         1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  1,268     $     98
Notes payable to banks . . . . . . . . . . .          44           35
Long-term borrowings due within one year . .         200           38
                                                ---------     ---------
     Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,512          171
                                                ---------     ---------
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Commercial paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2,124        2,559
Notes payable to banks . . . . . . . . . . .           7            2
Long-term borrowings due within one year . .       1,679        1,043
                                                ---------     ---------
     Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       3,810        3,604
                                                ---------     ---------
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS. . . . . . . . . . . .    $  5,322     $  3,775
                                                ---------     ---------
                                                ---------     ---------

</TABLE>

     The weighted average interest rates on total short-term borrowings,
excluding current maturities of long-term borrowings, at October 31, 1998 and
1997 were 5.4 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively. All of the Financial
Services' short-term borrowings represent obligations of the credit
subsidiaries.

     Unsecured lines of credit available from United States and foreign banks
were $5,435 million at October 31, 1998. Some of these credit lines are
available to both the Equipment Operations and certain credit subsidiaries. At
October 31, 1998, $1,974 million of the worldwide lines of credit were unused. 
For the purpose of computing the unused credit lines, total short-term
borrowings, excluding the current maturities of long-term borrowings, were
considered to constitute utilization. 

     Included in the above lines of credit is a long-term committed credit
agreement expiring in February 2003 for $3,500 million. The agreement is
mutually extendable and the annual facility fee is not significant. The credit
agreement has various requirements of John Deere Capital Corporation, including
the maintenance of its consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges at not
less than 1.05 to 1 for each fiscal quarter and the ratio of senior debt to
total stockholder's equity plus subordinated debt at not more than 8 to 1 at the
end of any fiscal quarter. The credit agreement also contains a provision
requiring Deere & Company to maintain consolidated tangible net worth of $500
million according to United States generally accepted accounting principles in
effect at October 31, 1994. Under this provision, the company's total retained
earnings balance was free of restriction at October 31, 1998.

     Deere & Company has a contractual agreement to conduct business with the
John Deere Capital Corporation on such terms that the Capital Corporation will
continue to satisfy the ratio requirement discussed above for earnings to fixed
charges, the Capital Corporation's tangible net worth will be maintained at not
less than $50 million and Deere & Company will own at least 51 percent of
Capital Corporation's voting capital stock. These arrangements are not intended
to make Deere & Company responsible for the payment of obligations of this
credit subsidiary.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses at October 31 consisted 
of the following in millions of dollars:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998       1997
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
Accounts payable:
     Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  913     $  967
     Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . .          52         50
     Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          45         37
Accrued expenses:
     Employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . .         177        160
     Dealer commissions. . . . . . . . . . .         217        201
     Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         694        719
                                                  --------   -------
         Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2,098      2,134
                                                  --------   -------

FINANCIAL SERVICES 
Accounts payable:
     Deposits withheld from 
dealers and merchants. . . . . . . . . . . .         176        164
     Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         161        140
Accrued expenses:
     Unearned premiums . . . . . . . . . . .         141        141
     Unpaid loss adjustment expenses . . . .          85         92
     Interest payable. . . . . . . . . . . .          57         49
     Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         135        120
                                                  --------   -------
         Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         755        706
                                                  --------   -------
Accounts payable and accrued expenses . . .     $  2,853    $ 2,840
                                                  --------   -------
                                                  --------   -------

</TABLE>

LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

Long-term borrowings at October 31 consisted of the following 
in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1998       1997
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS 
Notes and debentures:
     Medium-term notes due 2000 - 2006:
       Average interest rate of 8.9% as of 
       year end 1998 and 1997                     $  134     $  134
     8.95% debentures due 2019*. . . . . . .                    200
     8-1/2% debentures due 2022  . . . . . .         200        200
     6.55% debentures due 2028 . . . . . . .         200           
     Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          19          6
                                                  -------    -------
           Total                                  $  553     $  540
                                                  -------    -------

</TABLE>

*Reclassified to short-term borrowings in 1998 because 
 the obligation is callable by creditors in 1999.

(continued)
                                         39

<PAGE>

(continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1998               1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>            <C>
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Notes and debentures:
  Medium-term notes due 1999 - 2007:
     Average interest rate of 6.4% as of year end
     1998 and 6.7% as of year end 1997 . . .             $  1,549       $  1,286
  5% Swiss franc bonds due 1999: Swapped to U.S.
     dollars and a variable interest rate of 6.1% 
     as of year end 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                        97
  6% notes due 1999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       200
  6.30% notes due 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       200
  5.85% notes due 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        200
  5.35% notes due 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        200
  6.125% U.S. dollar notes due 2003: Swapped to 
     Canadian dollars and a variable interest rate of 
     6.3% as of year end 1998. . . . . . . . . . . . .        140
                                                          --------       ---------
       Total notes and debentures. . . . . . . . . . .      2,089          1,783
                                                          --------       ---------

Subordinated debt:
  9-5/8% subordinated notes due 1998: 
     Swapped to variable interest rate of 6.1% as 
     of year end 1997. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       150
  8-5/8% subordinated debentures due 2019. . . . . . .        150            150
                                                          --------       ---------
       Total subordinated debt . . . . . . . . . . . .        150            300
                                                          --------       ---------
          Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      2,239          2,083
                                                          --------       ---------
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  2,792       $  2,623
                                                          --------       ---------
                                                          --------       ---------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

</TABLE>

     All of the Financial Services' long-term borrowings 
represent obligations of the credit subsidiaries.
     The approximate amounts of the Equipment Operations' long-term borrowings
maturing and sinking fund payments required in each of the next five years in
millions of dollars are as follows: 1999 - $200, 2000 - $7, 2001 - $70, 2002 -
$25 and 2003 - $8. The approximate amounts of the credit subsidiaries' long-term
borrowings maturing and sinking fund payments required in each of the next five
years in millions of dollars are as follows: 1999 - $1,679, 2000 - $830, 2001 -
$690, 2002 - $255 and 2003 - $215.

LEASES

At October 31, 1998, future minimum lease payments under capital leases totaled
$4 million. Total rental expense for operating leases during 1998 was $73
million compared with $61 million in 1997 and $56 million in 1996. At October
31, 1998, future minimum lease payments under operating leases amounted to $125
million as follows: 1999 - $41, 2000 - $29, 2001 - $14, 2002 - $7, 2003 - $6 and
later years - $28.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

On October 31, 1998, the company's maximum exposure under all credit receivable
recourse provisions was $193 million for retail notes sold by the Financial
Services subsidiaries. Also, at October 31, 1998, the company had commitments of
approximately $101 million for construction and acquisition of property and
equipment.
     The company is subject to various unresolved legal actions which arise in
the normal course of its business, the most prevalent of which relate to product
liability, retail credit, software licensing, patent and trademark matters.
Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these
unresolved legal actions or the range of possible loss, the company believes
these unresolved legal actions will not have a material effect on its financial
position or results of operations.

CAPITAL STOCK

Changes in the common stock account in 1996, 1997 and 1998 
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Number of         Amount
                                                Shares Issued    (in millions)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>               <C>
Balance at October 31, 1995. . . . . . . . .     262,524,084      $  1,729
Stock options exercised with 
newly issued shares. . . . . . . . . . . . .       1,305,541            26
Debenture conversions. . . . . . . . . . . .           3,474             
Other    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                            15
                                                -------------      ---------
Balance at October 31, 1996. . . . . . . . .     263,833,099         1,770
     
Debenture conversions. . . . . . . . . . . .          16,204               
Other      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                             9
                                                -------------      ---------
Balance at October 31, 1997. . . . . . . . .     263,849,303         1,779
Debenture conversions. . . . . . . . . . . .           3,568               
     
Other      . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                            11
                                                -------------      ---------
Balance at October 31, 1998. . . . . . . . .     263,852,871      $  1,790
                                                -------------      ---------
                                                -------------      ---------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     The number of common shares the company is authorized to issue is 600
million and the number of authorized preferred shares, none of which has been
issued, is 9 million.
     In December 1997, the company announced it would extend the repurchase
program for an additional $1 billion of Deere & Company common stock. This is in
addition to the $500 million of stock repurchased under the original program
during 1996 and 1997. The major changes during 1998 affecting common stock in
treasury included the repurchase of 16,413,200 shares of common stock at a cost
of $762 million related to the repurchase program and 2,293,205 shares at a cost
of $123 million for ongoing stock option and restricted stock plans. In
addition, 719,724 shares of treasury stock at an original cost of $30 million
were issued under these plans.

     A reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per share follows in
millions, except per share amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1998       1997       1996
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>        <C>
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $  1,021.4   $  960.1   $  817.3
Average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . .       243.3      253.7      260.5
BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE . . . . . . . . .     $  4.20   $   3.78   $   3.14
                                               ----------  --------   ---------
                                               ----------  --------   ---------

Average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . .       243.3      253.7      260.5
Effect of dilutive securities:
  Stock options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         2.1        2.7        2.4
  Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..          3         .2         .3
                                               ----------  --------   ---------
  Total potential shares outstanding . . . .       245.7      256.6      263.2
                                               ----------  --------   ---------
                                               ----------  --------   ---------

Diluted net income per share . . . . . . . .     $  4.16   $  3.74*   $  3.11*
                                               ----------  --------   ---------
                                               ----------  --------   ---------

</TABLE>

*Restated for adoption of FASB 
  Statement No. 128 in 1998.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock options to purchase .5 million, none and .1 million shares during 1998,
1997 and 1996 were outstanding, but not included in the above diluted per share
computation because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average
market price of the company's common stock during the related periods.


                                  40

<PAGE>


STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS

The company issues stock options and restricted stock to key employees under 
plans approved by stockholders. Restricted stock is also issued to 
nonemployee directors. Options are generally awarded with the exercise price 
equal to the market price and become exercisable in one year. Certain other 
options are awarded with the exercise prices greater than the market price 
and become exercisable in one to five years, depending on the achievement of 
company performance goals. Options generally expire 10 years after the date 
of grant. The period of restriction for restricted stock issued to employees 
is normally four years and may depend on the achievement of company 
performance goals. If the company exceeds these goals, additional shares 
could be granted at the end of the restricted period. According to these 
plans at October 31, 1998, the company is authorized to grant stock options 
and restricted stock for an additional 12.6 million and 3.5 million shares, 
respectively.

     The company has retained the intrinsic value method of accounting for 
its plans in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, and no compensation expense 
for stock options was recognized under this method. For disclosure purposes 
only under FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, 
the Black-Scholes option pricing model was used to calculate the "fair 
values" of stock options. Based on this model, the fair values of stock 
options awarded during 1998, 1997 and 1996 with the exercise price equal to 
the market price were $19.84, $13.70 and $9.40 per option, respectively. 
Stock options awarded during 1998 with the exercise price greater than the 
market price were valued at $14.81 per option.

     Pro forma net income and earnings per share, as if the fair value method 
in FASB Statement No. 123 had been used to account for stock-based 
compensation, and the assumptions used are as follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1998         1997         1996
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>         <C>
Net income (in millions)
  As reported. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $  1,021      $  960      $  817
  Pro forma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        $    997      $  948      $  808
Net income per share
  As reported - basic. . . . . . . . . . . .        $   4.20      $ 3.78      $ 3.14
  Pro forma - basic. . . . . . . . . . . . .        $   4.10      $ 3.74      $ 3.10
  As reported - diluted. . . . . . . . . . .        $   4.16      $ 3.74      $ 3.11
  Pro forma - diluted. . . . . . . . . . . .        $   4.06      $ 3.70      $ 3.07
Black-Scholes assumptions*
  Risk-free interest rate. . . . . . . . . .            5.8%        6.2%        5.6%
  Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            1.6%        1.9%        2.3%
  Stock volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . .           34.7%       30.0%       25.2%
  Expected option life . . . . . . . . . . .       5.3 years   5.3 years   5.9 years
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*Weighted-averages

     The pro forma stock-based compensation expense included in net income 
above may not be representative of future years since only awards of stock 
options and restricted stock after November 1, 1995 have been included in 
accordance with FASB Statement No. 123.

     During the last three fiscal years, changes in shares under option in 
millions were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1998               1997                1996
                                              -----------------    -----------------    ------------------
                                                       Exercise             Exercise              Exercise
                                              Shares    Price*     Shares    Price*     Shares     Price*
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>      <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>        <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year. . . . . .   6.2      $30.90       6.3     $26.54      6.9        $22.33
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   2.2**     62.02**     1.5      42.69      1.8         34.90
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   (.7)      29.55      (1.5)     24.23     (2.0)        19.98
Expired or forfeited  . . . . . . . . . . .   (.1)      48.67       (.1)     28.70      (.4)        25.10
                                             ----                  ----                ----
Outstanding at end of year. . . . . . . . .   7.6       39.95       6.2      30.90      6.3         26.54
Exercisable at end of year. . . . . . . . .   3.8       30.52       3.1      24.70      3.1         19.35
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 *  Weighted-averages
 ** Includes 1.7 granted at market price of $56.50  
    and .5 granted above market price at $82.19

- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


    Options outstanding and exercisable in millions at October 31, 1998 were
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Options Outstanding              Options Exercisable
                                                    -------------------              -------------------
                                                         Remaining
Range of                                                Contractual      Exercise                 Exercise
Exercise Prices                           Shares         Life (yrs)*       Price*      Shares      Price*
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>              <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>
$13.63 - $23.56 . . . . . . . . . . .       1.7              5.0           $19.74        1.7        $19.74
$28.39 - $34.13 . . . . . . . . . . .       2.4              6.5            32.37        1.0         34.13
$40.60 - $47.36 . . . . . . . . . . .       1.3              8.0            42.83        1.1         42.69
$56.50  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       1.7              9.1            56.50
$82.19  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        .5              9.1            82.19
                                           ----                                         ----
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       7.6                                          3.8

 *Weighted-averages
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     In 1998, 1997, and 1996, the company granted 33,239, 292,681 and 95,016 
shares of restricted stock with weighted-average fair values of $55.60, 
$43.14 and $41.17 per share, respectively. The total compensation expense for 
the restricted stock plans, which are being amortized over the restricted 
periods, was $2 million, $15 million and $9 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, 
respectively.

EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE AND SAVINGS PLANS

The company maintains the following significant plans for eligible employees:

     John Deere Savings and Investment Plan, for salaried employees
     John Deere Stock Purchase Plan, for salaried employees
     John Deere Tax Deferred Savings Plan, for hourly and incentive
          paid employees
     Company contributions under these plans were $45 million in 1998, $41 
million in 1997 and $35 million in 1996.


RETAINED EARNINGS

An analysis of the company's retained earnings follows in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       1998         1997         1996
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>          <C>
Balance, beginning of the year . . . . . . .         $  3,048       $ 2,300      $  1,690
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            1,021           960           817
Dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . .             (213)         (202)         (207)
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .              (16)          (10)
                                                     --------       -------      --------
BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR . . . . . . . . . .         $  3,840       $ 3,048      $  2,300
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       41

<PAGE>


CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT

An analysis of the company's cumulative translation adjustment follows in 
millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 1998         1997         1996
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>
Balance, beginning of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  (57)       $  (14)      $  (12)
Translation adjustments for the year.. . . . . . . . . . . .       (21)          (37)           1
Income taxes applicable to translation adjustments . . . . .        (3)           (6)          (3)
                                                                ------        ------       ------
BALANCE, END OF THE YEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $  (81)       $  (57)      $  (14)
                                                                ------        ------       ------
                                                                ------        ------       ------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair values of financial instruments which do not approximate the 
carrying values in the financial statements at October 31 in millions of 
dollars follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            1998                1997
                                                     -----------------   -----------------
                                                     Carrying    Fair    Carrying    Fair
                                                       Value     Value     Value     Value
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>
Financing receivables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 6,333     $ 6,344  $ 6,405     $ 6,381
                                                     -------     -------  -------     -------
                                                     -------     -------  -------     -------
Long-term borrowings and related swaps:
   Equipment Operations borrowings . . . . . . . .   $   553     $   604  $   540     $   629
   Financial Services borrowings . . . . . . . . .     2,249       2,307    2,089       2,127
     Interest rate and
     foreign currency swaps. . . . . . . . . . . .       (10)        (30)      (6)        (19)
                                                     -------     -------  -------     -------
         Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 2,792     $ 2,881  $ 2,623     $ 2,737
                                                     -------     -------  -------     -------
                                                     -------     -------  -------     -------
</TABLE>


FAIR VALUE ESTIMATES

Fair values of the long-term financing receivables with fixed rates were based
on the discounted values of their related cash flows at current market interest
rates. The fair values of the remaining financing receivables approximated the
carrying amounts. 

     Fair values of long-term borrowings with fixed rates were based on the 
discounted values of their related cash flows at current market interest 
rates. Certain long-term borrowings of the credit operations have been 
swapped to current variable interest rates. Fair values of these swaps were 
also based on discounted values of their related cash flows at current market 
interest rates.

     Fair values and carrying values of the company's other interest rate 
swaps associated with short-term borrowings, foreign exchange forward 
contracts and options were not material.

DERIVATIVES

The company enters into derivative transactions only to hedge exposures 
arising in the normal course of business, and not for the purpose of creating 
speculative positions or trading. The following notional or contract amounts 
do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, therefore, are not 
representative of the company's risk. The net amounts exchanged are 
calculated on the basis of the notional amounts and other terms of the 
derivatives such as interest rates and exchange rates, and represent only a 
small portion of the notional amounts. The credit and market risks under 
these agreements are not considered to be significant since the 
counterparties have high credit ratings and the fair values and carrying 
values are not material.

INTEREST RATE SWAPS

The company's credit operations enter into interest rate swap agreements 
related to their borrowings in order to more closely match the type of 
interest rates of the borrowings to those of the assets being funded. The 
differential to be paid or received on all swap agreements is accrued as 
interest rates change and is recognized over the lives of the agreements in 
interest expense. 

     At October 31, 1998 and 1997, the total notional principal amounts of 
interest rate swap agreements related to short-term borrowings were $1,063 
million and $795 million, having rates of 4.0 to 6.4 percent and 3.4 to 6.3 
percent, terminating in up to 58 months and 36 months, respectively.

     The credit operations have entered into interest rate swap agreements 
with independent parties that change the effective rate of interest on 
certain long-term borrowings. The "Long-Term Borrowings" table on pages 39 
and 40 reflects the effective year-end variable interest rates relating to 
these swap agreements. The notional principal amounts and maturity dates of 
these swap agreements are the same as the principal amounts and maturities of 
the related borrowings. The credit operations also have interest rate swap 
agreements associated with medium-term notes. The "Long-Term Borrowings" 
table reflects the interest rates relating to these swap agreements. At 
October 31, 1998 and 1997, the total notional principal amounts of these swap 
agreements were $375 million and $380 million, terminating in up to 104 
months and 116 months, respectively.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE FORWARD CONTRACTS, SWAPS AND OPTIONS

The company has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts, swaps and 
purchased options in order to hedge the currency exposure of certain 
receivables, liabilities, expected inventory purchases and equipment sales. 
The foreign exchange forward contract and swap gains or losses are accrued as 
foreign exchange rates change for hedges of receivables and liabilities or 
deferred until expiration of the contract for hedges of future commitments.  
The contract gains or losses and premiums are recognized in other operating 
expenses, cost of sales or interest expense, and the premiums are either 
amortized or deferred over the terms of the contracts depending on the items 
being hedged. The foreign exchange purchased option premiums and any gains 
are deferred and recognized in cost of sales for future inventory purchases 
or sales for future sales of equipment. At October 31, 1998 and 1997, the 
company had foreign exchange forward contracts of $697 million and $415 
million, respectively, maturing in up to 12 months for both years and foreign 
currency swap agreements for $237 million and $97 million maturing in up to 
55 months and 15 months, respectively. At October 31, 1998 and 1997, the 
company had purchased options for $215 million and $280 million maturing in 
up to 27 months and 23 months, respectively. The total deferred gains or 
losses on these foreign exchange hedges were not material at October 31, 1998 
and 1997.

CASH FLOW INFORMATION

For purposes of the statement of consolidated cash flows, the company 
considers investments with original maturities of three months or less to be 
cash equivalents. Substantially all of the company's short-term borrowings 
mature within three months or less.


                                       42

<PAGE>


Cash payments for interest and income taxes consisted of the following in 
millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 1998         1997         1996
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>
Interest:
     Equipment Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         $  125        $  83        $  120
     Financial Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .            414          366           298
     Intercompany eliminations . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (10)          (5)           (6)
                                                                 ------        -----        ------
CONSOLIDATED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         $  529        $ 444        $  412
                                                                 ------        -----        ------
                                                                 ------        -----        ------
Income taxes:
     Equipment Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         $  449        $ 522        $  513
     Financial Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             80          112           104
     Intercompany eliminations . . . . . . . . . . . . .            (63)         (97)          (92)
                                                                 ------        -----        ------
CONSOLIDATED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         $  466        $ 537        $  525
                                                                 ------        -----        ------
                                                                 ------        -----        ------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly information with respect to net sales and revenues and earnings is 
shown in the following schedule. Such information is shown in millions of 
dollars except for per share amounts.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     FIRST      SECOND      THIRD        FOURTH
                                                    QUARTER     QUARTER    QUARTER      QUARTER
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
1998
Net sales and revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 2,846     $ 4,070    $ 3,694      $ 3,212
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . .        321         567        437          235
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        203         365        291          162
Net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        .81        1.48       1.20          .71
Net income per share - diluted . . . . . . . . .        .81        1.45       1.19          .71
Dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . .        .22         .22        .22          .22
Dividends paid per share . . . . . . . . . . . .        .20         .44       *             .22

1997
Net sales and revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 2,396     $ 3,521    $ 3,430      $ 3,444
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . .        285         508        400          314
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        177         319        253          211
Net income per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        .69        1.25       1.00          .84
Net income per share - diluted . . . . . . . . .        .68        1.24        .99          .83
Dividends declared per share . . . . . . . . . .        .20         .20        .20          .20
Dividends paid per share . . . . . . . . . . . .        .20         .20        .20          .20

 *The payment date was included in the second quarter.
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

     Common stock per share sales prices from New York Stock Exchange 
composite transactions quotations follow: 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     FIRST      SECOND      THIRD        FOURTH
                                                    QUARTER     QUARTER    QUARTER      QUARTER
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>

1998 MARKET PRICE
High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          $  59.88    $  64.13   $  59.50     $  43.56
Low  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          $  49.38    $  53.38   $  39.69     $  28.38
1997 MARKET PRICE
High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          $  47.13    $  46.75   $  60.50     $  59.00
Low  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .          $  39.13    $  40.88   $  44.38     $  48.75
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

At October 31, 1998, there were 32,127 holders of record of the company's $1 
par value common stock and 13 holders of record of the company's 5 1/2% 
convertible subordinated debentures due 2001.

DIVIDEND

A quarterly cash dividend of $.22 per share was declared at the board of 
directors' meeting held on December 2, 1998, payable on February 1, 1999. 


FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT RISK INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

The following is a sensitivity analysis for the company's derivatives and 
other financial instruments which have interest rate risk. These instruments 
are held for other than trading purposes. The gains or losses in the table 
below represent the changes in the financial instruments' fair values which 
would be caused by increasing the interest rates by 10 percent of the current 
market rates at October 31, 1998 and 1997. The fair values were determined 
based on the discounted values of their related cash flows. The gains or 
losses in fair values would have been as follows in millions of dollars:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Fair Value
                                                           Gains (Losses)
                                                           ---------------
                                                          1998          1997
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>           <C>
Marketable securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $  (13)       $  (14)
Financing receivables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         (37)          (39)

Long-term borrowings and related swaps:
     Equipment Operations borrowings . . . . . . . .          28            30
     Financial Services borrowings . . . . . . . . .          24            27
        Interest rate and foreign currency swaps . .          (7)           (7)
                                                          ------        ------
        Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      $   (5)       $   (3)
                                                          ------        ------
                                                          ------        ------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


TABULAR INFORMATION

The following foreign exchange forward contracts were held by the company to 
hedge certain currency exposures. All contracts have maturity dates of less 
than one year. The notional amounts and fair values in millions of dollars 
follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Average                   Fair Value
                                                              Contractual   Notional        Gains
                                                                 Rate*       Amount        (Losses)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>

OCTOBER 31, 1998
Buy US$ / Sell Canadian dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.5390        $  240       $  2.2
Buy Deutsche Mark / Sell US$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.6233           187         (1.7)
Buy US$ / Sell Australian dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.6189            86         (1.1)
Buy British Pound / Sell US$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      .5956            37          (.1)
Buy French Franc / Sell US$. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5.6281            34           .5
Buy Spanish Peseta / Sell US$. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     140.44            28         (1.9)
Other contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       85         (3.1)
                                                                               ------       ------
         Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                   $  697       $ (5.2)
                                                                               ------       ------
                                                                               ------       ------
OCTOBER 31, 1997
Buy US$ / Sell Canadian dollar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.3758        $  144       $  2.9
Buy Deutsche Mark / Sell US$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.7337           113          1.8
Buy British Pound / Sell US$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      .5991            47           .1
Buy Australian dollar / Sell US$ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1.4266            22
Buy French Franc / Sell US$. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5.9095            20           .5
Buy Spanish Peseta / Sell US$. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     148.53            19           .4
Other contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                       50          2.0
                                                                               ------       ------
         Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                   $  415       $  7.7
                                                                               ------       ------
                                                                               ------       ------

 *Currency per United States dollar (US$)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

At October 31, 1998 and 1997, the company had $215 million and $280 million 
of foreign exchange purchased options with a deferred premium of $5 million 
and $3 million, respectively. The premium is the maximum potential loss on 
these options, which are primarily held as hedges of expected inventory 
purchases. See pages 30 and 42 for further discussion of financial 
instruments including derivatives.


                                       43

<PAGE>


                       (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.)

                                          
                                          
                                          
                                          
                                          


                                     44

<PAGE>

                         [DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD]

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

Deere & Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Deere & 
Company and subsidiaries as of October 31, 1998 and 1997 and the related 
statements of consolidated income and of consolidated cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended October 31, 1998.  Our audits also 
included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index under Part IV, 
Item 14(a)(2).  These financial statements and the financial statement 
schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and 
financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing 
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to 
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all 
material respects, the financial position of Deere & Company and subsidiaries 
at October 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of their operations and their 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1998 
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our 
opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to 
the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly 
in all material respects the information set forth therein.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Chicago, Illinois

November 24, 1998


                                     45

<PAGE>


                                     SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed 
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

     Each person signing below also hereby appoints Hans W. Becherer, 
Nathan J. Jones and Frank S. Cottrell, and each of them singly, his or her 
lawful attorney-in-fact with full power to execute and file any and all 
amendments to this report together with exhibits thereto and generally to do 
all such things as such attorney-in-fact may deem appropriate to enable Deere 
& Company to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                              DEERE & COMPANY

                              By:   /s/ Hans W. Becherer
                                    ------------------------
                                        Hans W. Becherer
                                        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Date:     25 January 1999


     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed 
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Signature                   Title                            Date
       ---------                   -----                            ----
  <S>                          <C>                                 <C>
 /s/ Hans W. Becherer          Chairman, Director and        )
 ------------------------
      Hans W. Becherer         Chief Executive Officer       )
                                                             )
 /s/ John R. Block             Director                      )     25 January 1999
 ------------------------
    John R. Block                                            )

                                                             )
 /s/ Leonard A. Hadley         Director                      )
 ------------------------
    Leonard A. Hadley                                        )
                                                             )
 /s/ Regina E. Herzlinger      Director                      )
 ------------------------
    Regina E. Herzlinger                                     )
                                                             )
</TABLE>

                                     46

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      Signature                     Title                       Date
      ---------                     -----                       ----
 <S>                           <C>                              <C>
 /s/ Samuel C. Johnson         Director                      )
 ------------------------
     Samuel C. Johnson                                       )
                               Senior Vice President,        )
 /s/ Nathan J. Jones           Principal Financial Officer   )
 ------------------------      Principal Accounting Officer  )
     Nathan J. Jones     
                                                             )
 /s/ Arthur L. Kelly           Director                      )   25 January 1999
 ------------------------
     Arthur L. Kelly                                         )
                                                             )
 /s/ Antonio Madero B.         Director                      )
 ------------------------
     Antonio Madero B.                                       )
                                                             )
 /s/ William A. Schreyer       Director                      )
 ------------------------
     William A. Schreyer                                     )
                                                             )
 /s/ John R. Stafford          Director                      )
 ------------------------
     John R. Stafford                                        )

                                                             )
 /s/ John R. Walter            Director                      )
 ------------------------
     John R. Walter                                          )
                                                             )
 /s/ Arnold R. Weber           Director                      )
 ------------------------
     Arnold R. Weber                                         )
</TABLE>


                                     47

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               SCHEDULE II
                                            DEERE & COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                                                VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

                                         For the Years Ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
                                                    (in thousands of dollars)

- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Column A                                    Column B                             Column C 
- - --------------------------------------                 ----------      ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             Additions
                                                                       ----------------------------------------------------
                                                        Balance at     Charged to           Charged to other accounts
                                                        beginning      costs and   ----------------------------------------
          Description                                   of period      expenses    Description                      Amount
- - --------------------------------------                 ----------      ---------  -----------------------          --------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>        <C>                              <C>
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998
  Allowance for doubtful receivables:
    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
    Dealer receivable allowances                       $   34,801      $   6,347  Bad debt recoveries              $  1,840 
                                                                                                                            
    FINANCIAL SERVICES                                                                                                      
    Credit receivable allowances                           93,656         50,500                                            
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
    Consolidated receivable allowances                 $  128,457      $  56,847                                   $  1,840 
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
                                                                                                                            
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997                                                                                                 
  Allowance for doubtful receivables:                                                                                       
    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                                                                                                    
    Dealer receivable allowances                       $   34,850      $  12,768  Bad debt recoveries              $  1,419 
                                                                                                                            
    FINANCIAL SERVICES                                                                                                      
    Credit receivable allowances                           93,498         38,206                                            
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
    Consolidated receivable allowances                 $  128,348      $  50,974                                   $  1,419 
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
                                                                                                                            
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996                                                                                                 
  Allowance for doubtful receivables:                                                                                       
    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                                                                                                    
    Dealer receivable allowances                       $   24,012      $  17,210  Bad debt recoveries              $  1,306 
                                                                                  Purchase of Mexico                    434 
                                                                                    operations                              
    FINANCIAL SERVICES                                                                                                      
    Credit receivable allowances                           87,715         42,715                                            
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
    Consolidated receivable allowances                 $  111,727      $  59,925                                   $  1,740 
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------
                                                       ----------      ---------                                   --------

- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                                             Column D                              Column E
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------    ----------
                                                                            Deductions                              Balance
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------      at end
       Description                                          Description                              Amount        of Period
- - --------------------------------------               --------------------------------------        -----------    ----------
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998
  Allowance for doubtful receivables:
    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
    Dealer receivable allowances                     Dealer receivable write-offs                  $    11,649    $   31,339
                                                                                                                 
    FINANCIAL SERVICES                               Transfers related to retail note sales             18,572   
    Credit receivable allowances                     Credit receivable write-offs                       35,784        89,800
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
    Consolidated receivable allowances                                                             $    66,005    $  121,139
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------

                                                                                                                 
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997                                                                                      
  Allowance for doubtful receivables:                                                                            
    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                                                                                         
    Dealer receivable allowances                     Dealer receivable write-offs                  $    14,236    $   34,801
                                                                                                                 
    FINANCIAL SERVICES                               Transfers related to retail note sales              6,157   
    Credit receivable allowances                     Credit receivable write-offs                       31,891        93,656
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
    Consolidated receivable allowances                                                             $    52,284    $  128,457
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------


                                                                                                                 
YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996                                                                                      
  Allowance for doubtful receivables:                                                                            
    EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS                                                                                         
    Dealer receivable allowances                     Dealer receivable write-offs                  $     8,112    $   34,850
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                 
    FINANCIAL SERVICES                               Transfers related to retail note sales              6,316   
    Credit receivable allowances                     Credit receivable write-offs                       30,616        93,498
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
    Consolidated receivable allowances                                                             $    45,044    $  128,348
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
                                                                                                   -----------    ----------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                     48

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<S>    <C>
 2.    Not applicable

 3.1   Certificate of incorporation, as amended (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K of
       registrant for the year ended October 31, 1995*)

 3.2   Certificate of Designation Preferences and Rights of Series A
       Participating Preferred Stock 

 3.3   By-laws, as amended (Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K of registrant for the year
       ended October 31, 1997*)

 4.1   Indenture dated October 1, 1998 between registrant and The Chase
       Manhattan Bank, as Trustee

 4.2   Credit agreements among registrant, John Deere Capital Corporation,
       various financial institutions, and Chemical Bank, The Chase Manhattan
       Bank (National Association), Bank of Americas National Trust and Savings
       Association, Deutsche Bank AG, and The Toronto Dominion Bank, as
       Managing Agents, dated as of April 5, 1995 (Exhibit 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) to
       Form 10-Q of registrant for the period ended April 30, 1995*)

 4.3   Credit agreements among John Deere Limited, John Deere Finance Limited,
       various financial institutions and The Toronto-Dominion Bank as agent,
       dated as of April 5, 1995 (Exhibit 4.2(a) and 4.2(b) to Form 10-Q of
       registrant for the quarter ended April 30, 1995*)

 4.4   Amended and restated credit agreements among the registrant, John Deere
       Capital Corporation, various financial institutions and The Chase
       Manhattan Bank, Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association,
       Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Morgan
       Guaranty Trust Company of New York, NationsBank, N.A. and The First
       National Bank of Chicago as Managing Agents dated as of February 24,
       1998 (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-Q of the registrant for the quarter ended
       April 30, 1998*)

 4.5   Third Amending Agreements to Loan Agreements among John Deere Limited,
       John Deere Credit Inc., various financial institutions and The Toronto-
       Dominion Bank as agent, dated as of February 24, 1998 (Exhibit 4.2 to
       Form 10-Q of the registrant for the quarter ended April 30, 1998*)

 4.6   Form of common stock certificate

 4.7   Rights Agreement dated as of December 3, 1997 between registrant and The
       Bank of New York (Exhibit 1 to the registration statement on Form 8-A of
       registrant filed December 10, 1997*)

 Certain instruments relating to long-term debt constituting less than 10%
 of the registrant's total assets, are not filed as exhibits herewith
 pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. The registrant will
 file copies of such instruments upon request of the Commission.

 9.      Not applicable

 10.1    Agreement as amended November 1, 1994 between registrant and John
         Deere Capital Corporation concerning agricultural retail notes 

 10.2    Agreement as amended November 1, 1994 between registrant and John
         Deere Capital Corporation relating to lawn and grounds care retail
         notes 

 10.3    Agreement as amended November 1, 1994  between John Deere Industrial
         Equipment Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of registrant and John
         Deere Capital Corporation concerning industrial retail notes 
</TABLE>

                                     49

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>      <C>
 10.4    Agreement dated January 26, 1983 between registrant and John Deere
         Capital Corporation relating to agreements on retail notes with United
         States sales branches 

 10.5    Agreement dated July 14, 1997 between the John Deere Construction
         Equipment Company and John Deere Capital Corporation concerning
         construction retail notes (Exhibit 10.8 to John Deere Capital
         Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1997 Securities
         and Exchange Commission file number 1-6458*)

 10.6    John Deere Supplemental Pension Benefit Plan, as amended December 4,
         1996 (Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-K of registrant for the year ended
         October 31, 1996*)**

 10.7    1986 John Deere Stock Option Plan 

 10.8    1991 John Deere Stock Option Plan (Appendix to Notice and Proxy
         Statement of registrant for the annual shareholder meeting on 
         February 28, 1996*)**

 10.9    Deere & Company Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan 

 10.10   John Deere Restricted Stock Plan (Appendix to Notice and Proxy
         Statement of registrant for the annual shareholder meeting on 
         February 28, 1996*)**

 10.11   1993 Nonemployee Director Stock Ownership Plan 

 10.12   John Deere Performance Bonus Plan (Exhibit A to Notice and Proxy
         Statement of registrant for the annual shareholder meeting on 
         February 22, 1995*)**

 10.13   John Deere Equity Incentive Plan (Exhibit B to Notice and Proxy
         Statement of registrant for the annual shareholder meeting on 
         February 22, 1995*)**

 10.14   Deere & Company Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan
         (Exhibit 10.13 to Form 10-K of registrant for the year ended 
         October 31, 1996*)**

 10.15   John Deere Defined Contribution Restoration Plan (Exhibit 10.15 to
         Form 10-K of the registrant for the year ended October 31, 1997*)

 10.16   Agreement dated October 15, 1996 between registrant and John Deere
         Capital Corporation relating to fixed charges ratio, ownership and
         minimum net worth of John Deere Capital Corporation. (Exhibit 10.7 to
         John Deere Capital Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended 
         October 31, 1996 Securities and Exchange Commission file 
         number 1-6458*)

 12.     Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges

 13.     Not applicable

 16.     Not applicable

 18.     Not applicable

 21.     Subsidiaries

 22.     Not applicable

 23.     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

 24.     Not applicable

 27.     Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- - --------------------------------
*  Incorporated by reference. Copies of these exhibits are available from 
   the Company upon request.

** Compensatory plan or arrangement filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 14(c)
   of Form 10-K.


                                     50


<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2

                              CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
                          PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF SERIES A
                            PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK


                                   DEERE & COMPANY

                Pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law
                               of the State of Delaware


          We, Robert A. Hanson, Chairman of the Board, and Frank S. Cottrell,
Secretary, of Deere & Company, a corporation organized and existing under the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 103 thereof, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

          That pursuant to the authority conferred upon the Board of Directors
by the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the said Corporation, the said
Board of Directors on December 9, 1987, adopted the following resolution
creating a series of 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock designated as Series A
Participating Preferred Stock:

          RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of
Directors of this Corporation in accordance with the provisions of its Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, a series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation be
and it hereby is created, and that the designation and amount thereof and the
voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other
special rights of the shares of such series, and the qualifications, limitations
or restrictions thereof are as follows:

          Section 1.  DESIGNATION AND AMOUNT.  The shares of such series shall
be designated as "Series A Participating Preferred Stock" and the number of
shares constituting such series shall be 1,000,000.

          Section 2.  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.

          (A)   The dividend rate on the shares of Series A Participating
Preferred Stock for each quarterly dividend period (Hereinafter referred to as a
"quarterly dividend period"), which quarterly dividend periods shall commence on
February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 in each year (each such date being
referred to herein as a "Quarterly Dividend Payment Date") (or in the case of
original issuance, from the date of original issuance) and shall end on and
include the day next preceding the first date of the next quarterly dividend
period,


<PAGE>

                                        - 2 -

shall be equal (rounded to the nearest cent) to the greater of (a) $5 or (b) 
subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100 times the 
aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 100 times the aggregate 
per share amount (payable in cash, based upon the fair market value at the 
time the non-cash dividend or other distribution is declared as determined in 
good faith by the Board of Directors) of all non-cash dividends or other 
distributions other than a dividend payable in shares of Common Stock or a 
subdivision of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (by reclassification or 
otherwise), declared (but not withdrawn) on the Common Stock, $1.00 par 
value, of this Corporation (the "Common Stock") during the immediately 
preceding quarterly dividend period, or, with respect to the first quarterly 
dividend period, since the first issuance of any share or fraction of a share 
of Series A Participating Preferred Stock.  In the event the Corporation 
shall at any time after December 9, 1987 (the "Rights Declaration Date") (i) 
declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, (ii) 
subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) combine the outstanding 
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in each such case the 
amount to which holders of shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock 
were entitled immediately prior to such event under clause (b) of the 
preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction 
the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding 
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of 
shares Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

          (B)   Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on 
outstanding shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock from the 
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such 
shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, unless the date of issue of 
such shares is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly Dividend 
Payment Date, in which case dividends on such shares shall begin to accrue 
from the date of issue of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a 
Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the record date for the 
determination of holders of shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock 
entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend 
Payment Date, in either of which events such dividends shall begin to accrue 
and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.  Accrued but 
unpaid dividends shall not bear interest.  Dividends paid on the shares of 
Series A Participating Preferred Stock in an amount less than the total 
amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable on such shares shall 
be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the 
time outstanding.  The Board of Directors may fix a record date for
<PAGE>

                                     - 3 -

the determination of holders of shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock
entitled to receive payment of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, 
which record date shall be no more than 45 days prior to the date fixed for the
payment thereof.

          Section 3.   VOTING RIGHTS.  The holders of shares of Series A
Participating Preferred Stock shall have the following voting rights:

          (A)   Subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth,
each share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder
thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of
the Corporation.  In the event the Corporation shall at any time after the
Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii)
combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in
each such case the number of votes per share to which holders of shares of
Series A Participating Preferred Stock were entitled immediately prior to such
event shall be adjusted by multiplying such number by a fraction the numerator
of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after
such event and the denominator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

          (B)   Except as otherwise provided herein, by the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation or by law, the holders of shares of Series A Participating
Preferred Stock and the holders of shares of Common Stock shall vote together as
one class on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

          (C)   The provisions of Section 2.7 of the Corporation's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation are hereby expressly made applicable to the Series
A Participating Preferred Stock.

          Section 4.   REACQUIRED SHARES.  Any shares of Series A Participating
Preferred Stock purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner
whatsoever shall be retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition
thereof.  All such shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but
unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series
of Preferred Stock to be created by resolution or resolutions of the Board of
Directors, subject to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth
herein.

          Section 5.   LIQUIDATION, DISSOLUTION OR WINDING UP.  In the event of
any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,

<PAGE>

                                     - 4 -

dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, the holders of the Series A 
Participating Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive the greater of (a) 
$100 per share, plus accrued dividends to the date of distribution, whether 
or not earned or declared, or (b) an amount per share, subject to the 
provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, equal to 100 times the 
aggregate amount to be distributed per share to holders of Common Stock.  In 
the event the Corporation shall at any time after the Rights Declaration Date 
(i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, 
(ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, or (iii) combine the outstanding 
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in each such case the 
amount to which holders of shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock 
were entitled immediately prior to such event pursuant to clause (b) of the 
preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction 
of the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding 
immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of 
shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such event.

          Section 6.   CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, ETC.  In case the Corporation 
shall enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction 
in which the shares of Common Stock are exchanged for or changed into other 
stock or securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case 
the shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock shall at the same time 
be similarly exchanged or changed in an amount per share (subject to the 
provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth) equal to 100 times the 
aggregate amount of stock, securities, cash and/or any other property 
(payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for which each share of 
Common Stock is changed or exchanged.  In the event the Corporation shall at 
any time after the Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common 
Stock payable in shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding 
Common Stock, or (iii) combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller 
number of shares, then in each such case the amount set forth in the 
preceding sentence with respect to the exchange or change of shares of Series 
A Participating Preferred Stock shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount 
by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock 
outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the 
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to 
such event.

          Section 7.   OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.  (A)  The Corporation shall have 
the option to redeem the whole or any part of the Series A Participating 
Preferred Stock at any time in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.5 
of the  

<PAGE>


                                        - 5 -


Corporation's Restated Certificate of Incorporation at a redemption price equal
to, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 100 times the
"current per share market price" of the Common Stock on the date of the mailing
of the notice of redemption, together with unpaid accumulated dividends to the
date of such redemption.  In the event the Corporation shall at any time after
the Rights Declaration Date (i) declare any dividend on Common Stock payable in
shares of Common Stock, (ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock or (iii)
combine the outstanding Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, then in
each such case the amount to which holders of shares of Series A Participating
Preferred Stock were otherwise entitled immediately prior to such event under
the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a
fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the
number of shares of Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to such
event.  The "current per share market price" on any date shall be deemed to be
the average of the closing price per share of such Common Stock for the 10
consecutive Trading Days (as such terms is hereinafter defined) immediately
prior to such date.  The closing price for each day shall be the last sale
price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the principal
national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to
trading or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any
national securities exchange, the last quoted price or, if not so quoted the
average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as
reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.  Automated
Quotations System ("NASDAQ") or such other system then in use or, if on any such
date the Common Stock is not quoted by any such organization, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making
a market in the Common Stock selected by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.  If on such date no such market maker is making a market in the
Common Stock, the fair value of the Common Stock on such date as determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be used.  The term
"Trading Day" shall mean a day on which the principal national securities
exchange on which the Common Stock is listed or admitted to trading is open for
the transaction of business or, if the

<PAGE>

                                        - 6 -


Common Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday on which banking
institutions in the State of New York are not authorized or obligated by law or
executive order to close.

     (B)  The provisions of Section 2.5 of the Corporation's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation are hereby expressly made applicable to the Series
A Preferred Stock.

     Section 8.  FRACTIONAL SHARES.  Series A Participating Preferred Stock may
be issued in fractions of a share which shall entitle the holder, in proportion
to such holders fractional shares, to exercise voting rights, receive dividends,
participate in distributions and to have the benefit of all other rights of
holders of Series A Participating Preferred Stock.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have executed and subscribed this Certificate and do
affirm the foregoing as true under the penalties of perjury this 18th day of
December 1987.


                                        /s/ Robert A. Hanson
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Chairman of the Board



Attest:

/s/ Frank S. Cottrell 
- - ------------------------------
Secretary

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.1

- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                 Deere & Company


                                       To


                            The Chase Manhattan Bank,

                                     Trustee


                        --------------------------------


                                    Indenture

                           Dated as of October 1, 1998


                        --------------------------------



                           Providing for the Issuance

                                       of

                             Senior Debt Securities





<PAGE>



                                 DEERE & COMPANY
           Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                   and Indenture, dated as of October 1, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Trust Indenture                                            Indenture
   Act Section                                             Section
<S>                <C>                                     <C>
       ss. 310    (a)(1)                                    607(a)
                  (a)(2)                                    607(a)
                  (b)                                       607(b), 608
       ss. 312    (c)                                       701
       ss. 314    (a)                                       703
                  (a)(4)                                    1005
                  (c)(1)                                    102
                  (c)(2)                                    102
                  (e)                                       102
       ss. 315    (b)                                       601
       ss. 316    (a) (last sentence)                       101 ("Outstanding")
                  (a)(1)(A)                                 502, 512
                  (a)(1)(B)                                 513
                  (b)                                       508
       ss. 317    (a)(1)                                    503
                  (a)(2)                                    504
       ss. 318    (a)                                       111
                  (c)                                       111

</TABLE>
- - --------
 NOTE:        This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed
              to be a part of the Indenture.


<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

                                   ARTICLE ONE

             DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
<S>           <C>                                                           <C>
SECTION 101.  Definitions......................................................1
SECTION 102.  Compliance Certificates and Opinions............................11
SECTION 103.  Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee..........................12
SECTION 104.  Acts of Holders.................................................12
SECTION 105.  Notices, etc., to Trustee and Company...........................14
SECTION 106.  Notice to Holders; Waiver.......................................14
SECTION 107.  Effect of Headings and Table of Contents........................16
SECTION 108.  Successors and Assigns..........................................16
SECTION 109.  Separability Clause.............................................16
SECTION 110.  Benefits of Indenture...........................................16
SECTION 111.  Governing Law...................................................16
SECTION 112.  Legal Holidays..................................................16

                                   ARTICLE TWO

                                SECURITIES FORMS

SECTION 201.  Forms of Securities.............................................17
SECTION 202.  Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.................17
SECTION 203.  Securities Issuable in Global Form..............................17

                                  ARTICLE THREE

                                 THE SECURITIES

SECTION 301.  Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series............................19
SECTION 302.  Denominations...................................................23
SECTION 303.  Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating..................23
SECTION 304.  Temporary Securities............................................25
SECTION 305.  Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.............28
SECTION 306.  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities................31
SECTION 307.  Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved; Optional 
         Interest Reset.......................................................33
SECTION 308.  Optional Extension of Maturity..................................36
SECTION 309.  Persons Deemed Owners...........................................37


<PAGE>


                                       ii
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>           <C>                                                           <C>
SECTION 310.  Cancellation....................................................38
SECTION 311.  Computation of Interest.........................................38
SECTION 312.  Currency and Manner of Payments in Respect of Securities........38
SECTION 313.  Appointment and Resignation of Successor Exchange Rate Agent....42
SECTION 314.  CUSIP Numbers...................................................43

                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

SECTION 401.  Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.........................43
SECTION 402.  Application of Trust Funds......................................45

                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                                    REMEDIES

SECTION 501.  Events of Default...............................................45
SECTION 502.  Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment..............47
SECTION 503.  Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.48
SECTION 504.  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim................................49
SECTION 505.  Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities
         or Coupons...........................................................50
SECTION 506.  Application of Money Collected..................................50
SECTION 507.  Limitation on Suits.............................................50
SECTION 508.  Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium
         and Interest.........................................................51
SECTION 509.  Restoration of Rights and Remedies..............................51
SECTION 510.  Rights and Remedies Cumulative..................................51
SECTION 511.  Delay or Omission Not Waiver....................................52
SECTION 512.  Control by Holders of Securities................................52
SECTION 513.  Waiver of Past Defaults.........................................52
SECTION 514.  Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws................................53



<PAGE>


                                       iii
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
                                   ARTICLE SIX

                                   THE TRUSTEE
<S>           <C>                                                           <C>
SECTION 601.  Notice of Defaults..............................................53
SECTION 602.  Certain Rights of Trustee.......................................53
SECTION 603.  Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities..........55
SECTION 604.  May Hold Securities.............................................55
SECTION 605.  Money Held in Trust.............................................55
SECTION 606.  Compensation and Reimbursement..................................55
SECTION 607.  Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.........................56
SECTION 608.  Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor...............56
SECTION 609.  Acceptance of Appointment by Successor..........................58
SECTION 610.  Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.....59
SECTION 611.  Appointment of Authenticating Agent.............................60

                                  ARTICLE SEVEN

                HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

SECTION 701.  Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders....................61
SECTION 702.  Reports by Trustee..............................................62
SECTION 703.  Reports by Company..............................................62
SECTION 704.  Calculation of Original Issue Discount..........................63

                                  ARTICLE EIGHT

                  CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER

SECTION 801.  Company May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain Terms............63
SECTION 802.  Successor Person Substituted....................................64

                                  ARTICLE NINE

                             SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

SECTION 901.  Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders..............64
SECTION 902.  Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.................66
SECTION 903.  Execution of Supplemental Indentures............................67


<PAGE>


                                       iv
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
<S>           <C>                                                           <C>
SECTION 904.  Effect of Supplemental Indentures...............................67
SECTION 905.  Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.............................67
SECTION 906.  Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures..............68

                                   ARTICLE TEN

                                    COVENANTS

SECTION 1001.  Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.....................68
SECTION 1002.  Maintenance of Office or Agency................................68
SECTION 1003.  Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust..............70
SECTION 1004.  Additional Amounts.............................................71
SECTION 1005.  Statement as to Compliance.....................................72
SECTION 1006.  Limitation on Liens............................................72
SECTION 1007.  Limitation on Sale and Lease-back Transactions.................77
SECTION 1008.  Waiver of Certain Covenants....................................78

                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

SECTION 1101.  Applicability of Article.......................................78
SECTION 1102.  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee..........................78
SECTION 1103.  Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed..............78
SECTION 1104.  Notice of Redemption...........................................79
SECTION 1105.  Deposit of Redemption Price....................................80
SECTION 1106.  Securities Payable on Redemption Date..........................81
SECTION 1107.  Securities Redeemed in Part....................................82

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                                  SINKING FUNDS

SECTION 1201.  Applicability of Article.......................................82
SECTION 1202.  Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities..........83
SECTION 1203.  Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund......................83



<PAGE>


                                        v

<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                       REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
<S>            <C>                                                          <C>
SECTION 1301.  Applicability of Article.......................................83
SECTION 1302.  Repayment of Securities........................................84
SECTION 1303.  Exercise of Option.............................................84
SECTION 1304.  When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and
         Payable..............................................................84
SECTION 1305.  Securities Repaid in Part......................................85

                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

SECTION 1401.  Applicability of Article; Company's Option to Effect
         Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance....................................86
SECTION 1402.  Defeasance and Discharge.......................................86
SECTION 1403.  Covenant Defeasance............................................87
SECTION 1404.  Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance................87
SECTION 1405.  Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be Held
         in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.............................89

                                 ARTICLE FIFTEEN

                        MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

SECTION 1501.  Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called......................90
SECTION 1502.  Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.............................90
SECTION 1503.  Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings...........................91
SECTION 1504.  Quorum; Action.................................................91
SECTION 1505.  Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment
         of Meetings..........................................................92
SECTION 1506.  Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings................93

</TABLE>

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
EXHIBIT A - FORMS OF CERTIFICATION


<PAGE>
                                        1

                  INDENTURE, dated as of October 1, 1998, between DEERE &
COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the "Company"), having its
principal office at John Deere Road, Moline, Illinois 61265 and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee (hereinafter called
the "Trustee"), having its Corporate Trust Office at Global Trust Services, 450
West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001.

                             RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

                  The Company deems it necessary to issue from time to time for
its lawful purposes senior debt securities (hereinafter called the "Securities")
evidencing its unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, which may or may not
be convertible into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including
the Company), and has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this
Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of the Securities,
unlimited as to principal amount, to bear such rates of interest, to mature at
such times and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed as hereinafter
provided.

                  This Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, that are required to be part of this
Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by such provisions.

                  All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement
of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

                  For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of
the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for
the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities and
coupons, as follows:

                                   ARTICLE ONE

             DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

                  SECTION 101. Definitions. For all purposes of this Indenture,
except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

                  (1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings
         assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the
         singular;

                  (2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust
         Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the
         meanings assigned to them therein, and the terms "cash transaction" and
         "self-liquidating paper", as used in TIA Section 311,


<PAGE>


                                        2

         shall have the meanings assigned to them in the rules of the Commission
         adopted under the Trust Indenture Act;

                  (3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
         meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted
         accounting principles; and

                  (4) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder" and other
         words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to
         any particular Article, Section or other subdivision.

                  Certain terms, used principally in Article Three, Article
Five, Article Six and Article Ten, are defined in those Articles.

                  "Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning
specified in Section 104.

                  "Additional Amounts" means any additional amounts which are
required by a Security or by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, under
circumstances specified therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain
taxes imposed on certain Holders and which are owing to such Holders.

                  "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect
common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise;
and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the
foregoing.

                  "Authenticating Agent" means any authenticating agent
appointed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 611.

                  "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper, in the English
language or in an official language of the country of publication, customarily
published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays
or holidays, and of general circulation in each place in connection with which
the term is used or in the financial community of each such place. Where
successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the
successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers in
the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any
Business Day.

                  "Bearer Security" means any Security established pursuant to
Section 201 which is payable to bearer.


<PAGE>


                                        3

                  "Board of Directors" means the board of directors of the
Company, the executive committee or any committee of that board duly authorized
to act hereunder.

                  "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted
by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such
certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

                  "Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment
or any other particular location referred to in this Indenture or in the
Securities, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities
pursuant to Section 301, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
which is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment or
particular location are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to
close.

                  "CEDEL" means Centrale de Livraison de Valeurs Mobilieres,
S.A., or its successor.

                  "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as
from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, or, if at any time after execution of this instrument such Commission is
not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust
Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties on such date.

                  "Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first
paragraph of this Indenture until a successor corporation shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Company" shall mean such successor corporation.

                  "Company Request" and "Company Order" mean, respectively, a
written request or order signed in the name of the Company by the Chairman, the
President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the
Comptroller or an Assistant Comptroller, the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

                  "Conversion Date" has the meaning specified in Section 312(d).

                  "Conversion Event" means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign
Currency both by the government of the country which issued such currency and
for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public
institutions of or within the international banking community, (ii) the ECU both
within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by
public institutions of or within the European Communities or (iii) any currency
unit (or composite currency) other than the ECU for the purposes for which it
was established.


<PAGE>


                                        4

                  "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at
which, at any particular time, its corporate trust business shall be principally
administered, which office at the date hereof is located at Global Trust
Services, 450 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001, Attention: USA Service
Delivery.

                  "corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies
and business trusts.

                  "coupon" means any interest coupon appertaining to a Bearer
Security.

                  "Currency" means any currency or currencies, composite
currency or currency unit or currency units, including, without limitation, the
ECU, issued by the government of one or more countries or by any reorganized
confederation or association of such governments.

                  "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage
of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

                  "Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307.

                  "Dollar" or "$" means a dollar or other equivalent unit in
such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time shall be
legal tender for the payment of public and private debts.

                  "ECU" means the European Currency Unit as defined and revised
from time to time by the Council of the European Communities.

                  "Election Date" has the meaning specified in Section 312(h).

                  "Euroclear" means Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
Brussels Office, or its successor as operator of the Euroclear System.

                  "European Communities" means the European Union, the European
Coal and Steel Community and the European Atomic Energy Community.

                  "European Monetary System" means the European Monetary System
established by the Resolution of December 5, 1978 of the Council of the European
Communities.

                  "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Article Five.



<PAGE>


                                        5

                  "Exchange Rate Agent", with respect to Securities of or within
any series, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities
pursuant to Section 301, a New York Clearing House bank designated pursuant to
Section 301 or Section 313.

                  "Exchange Rate Officer's Certificate" means a certificate
setting forth (i) the applicable Market Exchange Rate or the applicable bid
quotation and (ii) the Dollar or Foreign Currency amounts of principal (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any (on an aggregate basis and on the basis of
a Security having the lowest denomination principal amount determined in
accordance with Section 302 in the relevant currency or currency unit), payable
with respect to a Security of any series on the basis of such Market Exchange
Rate or the applicable bid quotation signed by the Treasurer, any Vice President
or any Assistant Treasurer of the Company.

                  "Foreign Currency" means any Currency, including, without
limitation, the ECU issued by the government of one or more countries other than
the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association
of such governments.

                  "Government Obligations" means securities which are (i) direct
obligations of the United States of America or the government which issued the
Foreign Currency in which the Securities of a particular series are payable, for
the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of
a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality
of the United States of America or such government which issued the Foreign
Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable, the payment of
which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the
United States of America or such other government, which, in either case, are
not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also
include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with
respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on
or principal of any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the
account of the holder of a depository receipt; provided that (except as required
by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount
payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the
custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of
interest on or principal of the Government Obligation evidenced by such
depository receipt.

                  "Holder" means, in the case of a Registered Security, the
Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register and, in
the case of a Bearer Security, the bearer thereof and, when used with respect to
any coupon, shall mean the bearer thereof.

                  "Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or as
it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures
supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof,
and shall include the terms of particular


<PAGE>


                                        6

series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301; provided,
however, that, if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under
this instrument, "Indenture" shall mean, with respect to any one or more series
of Securities for which such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally
executed or as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or
more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable
provisions hereof and shall include the terms of the or those particular series
of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by
Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely
to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless
of when such terms or provisions were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions
or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed
and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such
Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.

                  "Indexed Security" means a Security as to which all or certain
interest payments and/or the principal amount payable at Maturity are determined
by reference to prices, changes in prices, or differences between prices, of
securities, Currencies, intangibles, goods, articles or commodities or by such
other objective price, economic or other measures as are specified in Section
301 hereof.

                  "interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue
Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, shall
mean interest payable after Maturity, and, when used with respect to a Security
which provides for the payment of Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004,
includes such Additional Amounts.

                  "Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any
Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such
Security.

                  "Market Exchange Rate" means, unless otherwise specified with
respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, (i) for any conversion
involving a currency unit on the one hand and Dollars or any Foreign Currency on
the other, the exchange rate between the relevant currency unit and Dollars or
such Foreign Currency calculated by the method specified pursuant to Section 301
for the Securities of the relevant series, (ii) for any conversion of Dollars
into any Foreign Currency, the noon buying rate for such Foreign Currency for
cable transfers quoted in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York and (iii) for any conversion of one Foreign
Currency into Dollars or another Foreign Currency, the spot rate at noon local
time in the relevant market at which, in accordance with normal banking
procedures, the Dollars or Foreign Currency into which conversion is being made
could be purchased with the Foreign Currency from which conversion is being made
from major banks located in either New York City, London or any other principal
market for Dollars or such purchased Foreign Currency, in each case determined
by the Exchange Rate Agent. Unless otherwise specified with respect to any


<PAGE>


                                        7

Securities pursuant to Section 301, in the event of the unavailability of any of
the exchange rates provided for in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii),
the Exchange Rate Agent shall use, in its sole discretion and without liability
on its part, such quotation of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of the
most recent available date, or quotations from one or more major banks in New
York City, London or other principal market for such currency or currency unit
in question, or such other quotations as the Exchange Rate Agent shall deem
appropriate. Unless otherwise specified by the Exchange Rate Agent, if there is
more than one market for dealing in any currency or currency unit by reason of
foreign exchange regulations or otherwise, the market to be used in respect of
such currency or currency unit shall be that upon which a nonresident issuer of
securities designated in such currency or currency unit would purchase such
currency or currency unit in order to make payments in respect of such
securities.

                  "Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the
date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal
becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated
Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption, notice of
option to elect repayment, notice of exchange or conversion, or otherwise.

                  "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by the
Chairman, the President or any Vice President and by the Treasurer, an Assistant
Treasurer, the Comptroller or an Assistant Comptroller, the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

                  "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who
may be counsel for the Company or who may be an employee of or other counsel for
the Company.

                  "Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which
provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and
payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to
Section 502.

                  "Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities, means, as
of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture, except:

                  (i)      Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or
         delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

                  (ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or
         redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder money in the
         necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any
         Paying Agent (other than the Company)


<PAGE>


                                        8

         in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the
         Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such
         Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, provided that, if such
         Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly
         given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to
         the Trustee has been made;

                  (iii) Securities, except to the extent provided in Sections
         1402 and 1403, with respect to which the Company has effected
         defeasance and/or covenant defeasance as provided in Article Fourteen;
         and

                  (iv) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306
         or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been
         authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any
         such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to
         the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a
         bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid
         obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at
a meeting of Holders for quorum purposes, and for the purpose of making the
calculations required by TIA Section 313, (i) the principal amount of an
Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such
determination or calculation and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such
purpose shall be equal to the amount of principal thereof that would be (or
shall have been declared to be) due and payable, at the time of such
determination, upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof
pursuant to Section 502, (ii) the principal amount of any Security denominated
in a Foreign Currency that may be counted in making such determination or
calculation and that shall be deemed Outstanding for such purpose shall be equal
to the Dollar equivalent, determined as of the date such Security is originally
issued by the Company as set forth in an Exchange Rate Officer's Certificate
delivered to the Trustee, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an
Original Issue Discount Security or Indexed Security, the Dollar equivalent as
of such date of original issuance of the amount determined as provided in clause
(i) above or (iii) below, respectively) of such Security, (iii) the principal
amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination
or calculation and that shall be deemed outstanding for such purpose shall be
equal to the principal face amount of such Indexed Security at original
issuance, unless otherwise provided with respect to such Security pursuant to
Section 301, and (iv) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon
the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be
disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining
whether the Trustee shall be protected in making such calculation or in relying
upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or
waiver, only Securities which the Trustee actually


<PAGE>


                                        9

knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which have
been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee
establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act
with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any
other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such
other obligor.

                  "Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to
pay the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Securities
or coupons on behalf of the Company.

                  "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

                  "Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities
of or within any series, means the place or places where the principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities are payable as
specified and as contemplated by Sections 301 and 1002.

                  "Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every
previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced
by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any
Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in
lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or a Security to which a
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains shall be deemed to
evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or
the Security to which the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon
appertains.

                  "Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to
be redeemed, in whole or in part, means the date fixed for such redemption by or
pursuant to this Indenture.

                  "Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to
be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this
Indenture.

                  "Registered Security" shall mean any Security which is
registered in the Security Register.

                  "Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest
Payment Date on the Registered Securities of or within any series means the date
specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301, whether or not a
Business Day.



<PAGE>


                                       10

                  "Repayment Date" means, when used with respect to any Security
to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the date fixed for such repayment by
or pursuant to this Indenture.

                  "Repayment Price" means, when used with respect to any
Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the price at which it is to
be repaid by or pursuant to this Indenture.

                  "Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee,
means any officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its
corporate trust matters.

                  "Security" or "Securities" has the meaning stated in the first
recital of this Indenture and, more particularly, means any Security or
Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however,
that, if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this
Indenture, "Securities" with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is
Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and
shall more particularly mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this
Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such
Person is not Trustee.

                  "Security Register" and "Security Registrar" have the
respective meanings specified in Section 305.

                  "Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted
Interest on the Registered Securities of or within any series means a date fixed
by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

                  "Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or
any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date
specified in such Security or a coupon representing such installment of interest
as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of
principal or interest is due and payable, as such date may be extended pursuant
to the provisions of Section 308.

                  "Subsidiary" means any corporation a majority of the
outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the
Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries of the Company. For the purposes of
this definition, "voting stock" means stock having voting power for the election
of directors, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of stock
has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

                  "Trust Indenture Act" or "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this Indenture was executed, except
as provided in Section 905.



<PAGE>


                                       11

                  "Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first
paragraph of this Indenture until a successor Trustee shall have become such
pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter
"Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder;
provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one such Person,
"Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean only
the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

                  "United States" means, unless otherwise specified with respect
to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, the United States of America
(including the states and the District of Columbia), its territories, its
possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.

                  "United States person" means, unless otherwise specified with
respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation, partnership or other
entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or an
estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income
taxation regardless of its source.

                  "Valuation Date" has the meaning specified in Section 312(c).

                  "Yield to Maturity" means the yield to maturity, computed at
the time of issuance of a Security (or, if applicable, at the most recent
redetermination of interest on such Security) and as set forth in such Security
in accordance with generally accepted United States bond yield computation
principles.

                  SECTION 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions. Upon any
application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under
any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided
for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with
and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such
conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case
of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents
is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such
particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be
furnished.

                  Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a
condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than pursuant to
Section 1005) shall include:

                  (1) a statement that each individual signing such certificate
         or opinion has read such condition or covenant and the definitions
         herein relating thereto;



<PAGE>


                                       12

                  (2) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
         examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions
         contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

                  (3) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual,
         he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable
         him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such condition
         or covenant has been complied with; and

                  (4) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such
         individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

                  SECTION 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. In any
case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an
opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be
certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they
be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify
or give an opinion as to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to
other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such
matters in one or several documents.

                  Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be
based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, or a
certificate or representations by counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the
exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion, certificate or
representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or
opinion is based are erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel or certificate or
representations may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a
certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the
Company stating that the information as to such factual matters is in the
possession of the Company, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of
reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations
as to such matters are erroneous.

                  Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or
more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or
other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated
and form one instrument.

                  SECTION 104. Acts of Holders. (a) Any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by
this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of the Outstanding Securities of
all series or one or more series, as the case may be, may be embodied in and
evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by
such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed in writing. If Securities of
a series are issuable as Bearer Securities, any request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to
be given or


<PAGE>


                                       13

taken by Holders of Securities of such series may, alternatively, be embodied in
and evidenced by the record of Holders of Securities of such series voting in
favor thereof, either in person or by proxies duly appointed in writing, at any
meeting of Holders of Securities of such series duly called and held in
accordance with the provisions of Article Fifteen, or a combination of such
instruments and any such record. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided,
such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record
or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required,
to the Company. Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the
action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to
as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting
at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing
appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall
be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the
Trustee and the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in
the manner provided in this Section. The record of any meeting of Holders of
Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1506.

                  (b) The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument
or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may be proved in
any manner that the Trustee deems reasonably sufficient.

                  (c) The ownership of Registered Securities shall be proved by
the Security Register.

                  (d) The ownership of Bearer Securities may be proved by the
production of such Bearer Securities or by a certificate executed, as
depositary, by any trust company, bank, banker or other depositary, wherever
situated, if such certificate shall be deemed by the Trustee to be satisfactory,
showing that at the date therein mentioned such Person had on deposit with such
depositary, or exhibited to it, the Bearer Securities therein described; or such
facts may be proved by the certificate or affidavit of the Person holding such
Bearer Securities, if such certificate or affidavit is deemed by the Trustee to
be satisfactory. The Trustee and the Company may assume that such ownership of
any Bearer Security continues until (1) another certificate or affidavit bearing
a later date issued in respect of the same Bearer Security is produced, or (2)
such Bearer Security is produced to the Trustee by some other Person, or (3)
such Bearer Security is surrendered in exchange for a Registered Security, or
(4) such Bearer Security is no longer Outstanding. The ownership of Bearer
Securities may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems
sufficient.

                  (e) If the Company shall solicit from the Holders of
Registered Securities any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, in or pursuant to
a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of
Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization,


<PAGE>


                                       14

direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no
obligation to do so. Notwithstanding TIA Section 316(c), such record date shall
be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which
shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first
solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and not later than the
date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act
may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at
the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the
purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of
Outstanding Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request,
demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for
that purpose the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of such record
date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders
on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective
pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than eleven months after
the record date.

                  (f) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice,
consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Security shall bind every
future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon
the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof
in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any
Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any Authenticating Agent or the Company in
reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such
Security.

                  SECTION 105. Notices, etc., to Trustee and Company. Any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of
Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made
upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

                  (1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be
         sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or
         filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office,
         Attention: USA Service Delivery, or

                  (2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be
         sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein
         expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage
         prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal
         office specified in the first paragraph of this Indenture or at any
         other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the
         Company.

                  SECTION 106. Notice to Holders; Waiver. Where this Indenture
provides for notice of any event to Holders of Registered Securities by the
Company or the Trustee, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless
otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class
postage prepaid, to each such Holder affected by such event, at his address as
it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not
earlier


<PAGE>


                                       15

than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice. In any case
where notice to Holders of Registered Securities is given by mail, neither the
failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any
particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to
other Holders of Registered Securities or the sufficiency of any notice to
Holders of Bearer Securities given as provided herein. Any notice mailed to a
Holder in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been
received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such
notice.

                  If by reason of the suspension of or irregularities in regular
mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give
such notice by mail, then such notification to Holders of Registered Securities
as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient
notification to such Holders for every purpose hereunder.

                  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or otherwise
specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, where this
Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Bearer Securities of any event, such
notice shall be sufficiently given if published in an Authorized Newspaper in
The City of New York and in such other city or cities as may be specified in
such Securities on a Business Day, such publication to be not later than the
latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving
of such notice. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date
of such publication or, if published more than once, on the date of the first
such publication.

                  If by reason of the suspension of publication of any
Authorized Newspaper or Authorized Newspapers or by reason of any other cause it
shall be impracticable to publish any notice to Holders of Bearer Securities as
provided above, then such notification to Holders of Bearer Securities as shall
be given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute sufficient notice to
such Holders for every purpose hereunder. Neither the failure to give notice by
publication to Holders of Bearer Securities as provided above, nor any defect in
any notice so published, shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with
respect to other Holders of Bearer Securities or the sufficiency of any notice
to Holders of Registered Securities given as provided herein.

                  Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent
or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English
language, except that any published notice may be in an official language of the
country of publication.

                  Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such
notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice,
either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of
such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but
such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action
taken in reliance upon such waiver.


<PAGE>


                                       16

                  SECTION 107. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The
Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for
convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

                  SECTION 108. Successors and Assigns. All covenants and
agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and
assigns, whether so expressed or not.

                  SECTION 109. Separability Clause. In case any provision in
this Indenture or in any Security or coupon shall be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

                  SECTION 110. Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture
or in the Securities or coupons, express or implied, shall give to any Person,
other than the parties hereto, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent, any
Authenticating Agent and their successors hereunder and the Holders any benefit
or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

                  SECTION 111. Governing Law. This Indenture and the Securities
and coupons shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the
State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. This
Indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are
required to be part of this Indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be
governed by such provisions.

                  SECTION 112. Legal Holidays. In any case where any Interest
Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment date, Stated
Maturity or Maturity of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of
Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any
Security or coupon other than a provision in the Securities of any series which
specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section),
payment of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, need not be made
at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding
Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made
on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or sinking fund
payment date, or at the Stated Maturity or Maturity; provided that no interest
shall accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such
Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, sinking fund payment
date, Stated Maturity or Maturity, as the case may be.




<PAGE>


                                       17

                                   ARTICLE TWO

                                SECURITIES FORMS

                  SECTION 201. Forms of Securities. The Registered Securities,
if any, of each series and the Bearer Securities, if any, of each series and
related coupons shall be in substantially the forms as shall be established in
one or more indentures supplemental hereto or approved from time to time by or
pursuant to a Board Resolution in accordance with Section 301, shall have such
appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are
required or permitted by this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto,
and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification or
designation and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as the Company may
deem appropriate and as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Indenture, or as may be required to comply with any law or with any rule or
regulation made pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock
exchange on which the Securities may be listed, or to conform to usage.

                  Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301,
Bearer Securities shall have interest coupons attached.

                  The definitive Securities and coupons shall be printed,
lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on a
steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other
manner, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities or coupons,
as evidenced by their execution of such Securities or coupons.

                  SECTION 202. Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.
Subject to Section 611, the Trustee's certificate of authentication shall be in
substantially the following form:

                  This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein
referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                             THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                                      as Trustee


                                             By_________________________________
                                                      Authorized Officer


                  SECTION 203. Securities Issuable in Global Form. If Securities
of or within a series are issuable in global form, as specified as contemplated
by Section 301, then,


<PAGE>


                                       18

notwithstanding clause (8) of Section 301 and the provisions of Section 302, any
such Security shall represent such of the Outstanding Securities of such series
as shall be specified therein and may provide that it shall represent the
aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such series from time to time
endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities of such
series represented thereby may from time to time be increased or decreased to
reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of a Security in global form to reflect the
amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, of Outstanding Securities
represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee in such manner and upon
instructions given by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in
the Company Order to be delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 303 or 304.
Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the
Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the
manner and upon instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or
in the applicable Company Order. If a Company Order pursuant to Section 303 or
304 has been, or simultaneously is, delivered, any instructions by the Company
with respect to endorsement, delivery or redelivery of a Security in global form
shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 and need not be
accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel.

                  The provisions of the last sentence of Section 303 shall apply
to any Security represented by a Security in global form if such Security was
never issued and sold by the Company and the Company delivers to the Trustee the
Security in global form together with written instructions (which need not
comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel)
with regard to the reduction in the principal amount of Securities represented
thereby, together with the written statement contemplated by the last sentence
of Section 303.

                  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 307, unless
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, payment of principal of (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Security in permanent global form
shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein.

                  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 309 and except as
provided in the preceding paragraph, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of
the Company and the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of such principal amount
of Outstanding Securities represented by a permanent global Security (i) in the
case of a permanent global Security in registered form, the Holder of such
permanent global Security in registered form, or (ii) in the case of a permanent
global Security in bearer form, Euroclear or CEDEL.




<PAGE>


                                       19

                                  ARTICLE THREE

                                 THE SECURITIES

                  SECTION 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. The
aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and
delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

                  The Securities shall rank equally and pari passu and may be
issued in one or more series. There shall be established in one or more Board
Resolutions or pursuant to authority granted by one or more Board Resolutions
and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in
an Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental
hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series, any or all of the
following, as applicable (each of which (except for the matters set forth in
clauses (1), (2) and (15) below), if so provided, may be determined from time to
time by the Company with respect to unissued Securities of the series when
issued from time to time):

                  (1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall
         distinguish the Securities of such series from all other series of
         Securities);

                  (2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the
         Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under
         this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon
         registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other
         Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107
         or 1305);

                  (3) the date or dates, or the method by which such date or
         dates will be determined or extended, on which the principal of the
         Securities of the series shall be payable;

                  (4) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series
         shall bear interest, if any, or the method by which such rate or rates
         shall be determined, the date or dates from which such interest shall
         accrue or the method by which such date or dates shall be determined,
         the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest will be payable and
         the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on any
         Registered Security on any Interest Payment Date, or the method by
         which such date shall be determined, and the basis upon which such
         interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of
         twelve 30-day months;

                  (5) the place or places, if any, other than or in addition to
         the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, where the principal of
         (and premium, if any) and


<PAGE>


                                       20

         interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable, any
         Registered Securities of the series may be surrendered for registration
         of transfer, Securities of the series may be surrendered for exchange,
         where Securities of that series that are convertible or exchangeable
         may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where
         notices or demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities
         of the series and this Indenture may be served;

                  (6) the period or periods within which, the price or prices at
         which, the Currency or Currencies in which, and other terms and
         conditions upon which Securities, of the series may be redeemed, in
         whole or in part, at the option of the Company, if the Company is to
         have the option;

                  (7) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or
         purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or
         analogous provision or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the
         period or periods within which or the date or dates on which, the price
         or prices at which, the Currency or Currencies in which, and other
         terms and conditions upon which, Securities of the series shall be
         redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such
         obligation;

                  (8) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral
         multiple thereof, the denomination or denominations in which any
         Registered Securities of the series shall be issuable and, if other
         than denominations of $5,000, the denomination or denominations in
         which any Bearer Securities of the series shall be issuable;

                  (9) if other than the Trustee, the identity of each Security
         Registrar and/or Paying Agent;

                  (10) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion
         of the principal amount of Securities of the series that shall be
         payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof
         pursuant to Section 502 or the method by which such portion shall be
         determined;

                  (11) if other than Dollar, the Currency or Currencies in which
         payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any,
         on the Securities of the series shall be made or in which the
         Securities of the series shall be denominated and the particular
         provisions applicable thereto in accordance with, in addition to or in
         lieu of any of the provisions of Section 312;

                  (12) whether the amount of payments of principal of (or
         premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series
         may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method
         (which index, formula or method may be based,


<PAGE>


                                       21

         without limitation, on one or more Currencies, commodities, equity
         indices or other indices), and the manner in which such amounts shall
         be determined;

                  (13) whether the principal of (or premium, if any) or
         interest, if any, on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at
         the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in one or more
         Currencies, other than that in which such Securities are denominated or
         stated to be payable, the period or periods within which (including the
         Election Date), and the terms and conditions upon which, such election
         may be made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate
         between the Currency or Currencies in which such Securities are
         denominated or stated to be payable and the Currency or Currencies in
         which such Securities are to be paid, in each case in accordance with,
         in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Section 312;

                  (14) provisions, if any, granting special rights to the
         Holders of Securities of the series upon the occurrence of such events
         as may be specified;

                  (15) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the
         Events of Default or covenants (including any deletions from,
         modifications of or additions to any of the provisions of Section 1008)
         of the Company with respect to Securities of the series, whether or not
         such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of
         Default or covenants set forth herein;

                  (16) whether Securities of the series are to be issuable as
         Registered Securities, Bearer Securities (with or without coupons) or
         both, any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of
         Bearer Securities and the terms upon which Bearer Securities of the
         series may be exchanged for Registered Securities of the series and
         vice versa (if permitted by applicable laws and regulations), whether
         any Securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary
         global form and whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable
         in permanent global form with or without coupons and, if so, whether
         beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global Security
         may exchange such interests for Securities of such series in
         certificated form and of like tenor of any authorized form and
         denomination and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may
         occur, if other than in the manner provided in Section 305, and, if
         Registered Securities of the series are to be issuable as a global
         Security, the identity of the depository for such series;

                  (17) the date as of which any Bearer Securities of the series
         and any temporary global Security representing Outstanding Securities
         of the series shall be dated if other than the date of original
         issuance of the first Security of the series to be issued;



<PAGE>


                                       22

                  (18) the Person to whom any interest on any Registered
         Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in
         whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is
         registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
         interest, the manner in which, or the Person to whom, any interest on
         any Bearer Security of the series shall be payable, if otherwise than
         upon presentation and surrender of the coupons appertaining thereto as
         they severally mature, and the extent to which, or the manner in which,
         any interest payable on a temporary global Security on an Interest
         Payment Date will be paid if other than in the manner provided in
         Section 304;

                  (19) the applicability, if any, of Sections 1402 and/or 1403
         to the Securities of the series and any provisions in modification of,
         in addition to or in lieu of any of the provisions of Article Fourteen;

                  (20) if the Securities of such series are to be issuable in
         definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a
         temporary Security of such series) only upon receipt of certain
         certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions,
         then the form and/or terms of such certificates, documents or
         conditions;

                  (21) whether, under what circumstances and the Currency in
         which, the Company will pay Additional Amounts as contemplated by
         Section 1004 on the Securities of the series to any Holder who is not a
         United States person (including any modification to the definition of
         such term) in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge
         and, if so, whether the Company will have the option to redeem such
         Securities rather than pay such Additional Amounts (and the terms of
         any such option);

                  (22) the designation of the initial Exchange Rate Agent, if
         any;

                  (23) if the Securities of the series are to be convertible
         into or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the
         Company), the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be
         so convertible or exchangeable; and

                  (24) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be
         inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture or the requirements
         of the Trust Indenture Act);

                  All Securities of any one series and the coupons appertaining
to any Bearer Securities of such series shall be substantially identical except,
in the case of Registered Securities, as to denomination and except as may
otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such Board Resolution (subject to
Section 303) and set forth in such Officers' Certificate or in any such
indenture supplemental hereto. All Securities of any one series need not be
issued at the


<PAGE>


                                       23

same time and, unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened, without the
consent of the Holders, for issuances of additional Securities of such series.

                  If any of the terms of the Securities of any series are
established by action taken pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions, a copy of
an appropriate record of such action(s) shall be certified by the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee at or prior
to the delivery of the Officers' Certificate setting forth the terms of the
Securities of such series.

                  SECTION 302. Denominations. The Securities of each series
shall be issuable in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by
Section 301. With respect to Securities of any series denominated in Dollars, in
the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series,
the Registered Securities of such series, other than Registered Securities
issued in global form (which may be of any denomination) shall be issuable in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and the Bearer
Securities of such series, other than Bearer Securities issued in global form
(which may be of any denomination), shall be issuable in a denomination of
$5,000.

                  SECTION 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.
The Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall be executed on behalf
of the Company by its Chairman, its President or one of its Vice Presidents,
under its corporate seal reproduced thereon, and attested by its Secretary or
one of its Assistant Secretaries. The signature of any of these officers on the
Securities and coupons may be manual or facsimile signatures of the present or
any future such authorized officer and may be imprinted or otherwise reproduced
on the Securities.

                  Securities or coupons bearing the manual or facsimile
signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the
Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of
them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery
of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities
or coupons.

                  At any time and from time to time after the execution and
delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series,
together with any coupon appertaining thereto, executed by the Company, to the
Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication
and delivery of such Securities, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company
Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities; provided, however, that,
in connection with its original issuance, no Bearer Security shall be mailed or
otherwise delivered to any location in the United States; and provided further
that, unless otherwise specified with respect to any series of Securities
pursuant to Section 301, a Bearer Security may be delivered in connection with
its original issuance only if the Person


<PAGE>


                                       24

entitled to receive such Bearer Security shall have furnished a certificate in
the form set forth in Exhibit A-1 to this Indenture or such other certificate as
may be specified with respect to any series of Securities pursuant to Section
301, dated no earlier than 15 days prior to the earlier of the date on which
such Bearer Security is delivered and the date on which any temporary Security
first becomes exchangeable for such Bearer Security in accordance with the terms
of such temporary Security and this Indenture. If any Security shall be
represented by a permanent global Bearer Security, then, for purposes of this
Section and Section 304, the notation of a beneficial owner's interest therein
upon original issuance of such Security or upon exchange of a portion of a
temporary global Security shall be deemed to be delivery in connection with its
original issuance of such beneficial owner's interest in such permanent global
Security. Except as permitted by Section 306, the Trustee shall not authenticate
and deliver any Bearer Security unless all appurtenant coupons for interest then
matured have been detached and cancelled. If all the Securities of any series
are not to be issued at one time and if the Board Resolution or supplemental
indenture establishing such series shall so permit, such Company Order may set
forth procedures acceptable to the Trustee for the issuance of such Securities
and determining the terms of particular Securities of such series, such as
interest rate, maturity date, date of issuance and date from which interest
shall accrue. In authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional
responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the
Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to TIA Section 315(a) through
315(d)) shall be fully protected in relying upon,

                  (i)      an Opinion of Counsel stating,

                           (a) that the form or forms of such Securities and any
                  coupons have been established in conformity with the
                  provisions of this Indenture;

                           (b) that the terms of such Securities and any coupons
                  have been established in conformity with the provisions of
                  this Indenture; and

                           (c) that such Securities, together with any coupons
                  appertaining thereto, when completed by appropriate insertions
                  and executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee for
                  authentication in accordance with this Indenture,
                  authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with
                  this Indenture and issued by the Company in the manner and
                  subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of
                  Counsel, will constitute legal, valid and binding obligations
                  of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms,
                  subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
                  and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or
                  affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights, to general
                  equitable principles and to such other qualifications as such
                  counsel shall conclude do not materially affect the rights of
                  Holders of such Securities and any coupons; and


<PAGE>


                                       25

                  (ii) an Officers' Certificate stating, to the best of the
         knowledge of the signers of such certificate, that no Event of Default
         with respect to any of the Securities shall have occurred and be
         continuing.

                  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of this
Section 303, if all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one
time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Officers' Certificate otherwise
required pursuant to Section 301 or the Company Order, Opinion of Counsel or
Officers' Certificate otherwise required pursuant to the preceding paragraph at
the time of issuance of each Security of such series, but such order, opinion
and certificates, with appropriate modifications to cover such future issuances,
shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of
such series.

                  If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee
shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such
Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights,
duties, obligations or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or
otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee will not be
required to authenticate Securities denominated in a Foreign Currency if the
Trustee reasonably believes that it would be unable to perform its duties with
respect to such Securities.

                  Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its
authentication and each Bearer Security shall be dated as of the date specified
as contemplated by Section 301.

                  No Security or coupon shall be entitled to any benefit under
this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on
such Security or Security to which such coupon appertains a certificate of
authentication substantially in the form provided for herein duly executed by
the Trustee by manual signature of an authorized signatory, and such certificate
upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such
Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to
the benefits of this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security
shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold
by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for
cancellation as provided in Section 310 together with a written statement (which
need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of
Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the
Company, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never
to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled
to the benefits of this Indenture.

                  SECTION 304. Temporary Securities. (a) Pending the preparation
of definitive Securities of any series, the Company may execute, and upon
Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities
which are printed, lithographed,


<PAGE>


                                       26

typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination,
substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they
are issued, in registered form, or, if authorized, in bearer form with one or
more coupons or without coupons, and with such appropriate insertions,
omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such
Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by their execution of such
Securities. In the case of Securities of any series, such temporary Securities
may be in global form.

                  Except in the case of temporary Securities in global form
(which shall be exchanged in accordance with Section 304(b) or as otherwise
provided in or pursuant to a Board Resolution), if temporary Securities of any
series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series
to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive
Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be
exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the
temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a
Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender
for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series
(accompanied by any non-matured coupons appertaining thereto), the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a
like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized
denominations; provided, however, that no definitive Bearer Security shall be
delivered in exchange for a temporary Registered Security; and provided further
that a definitive Bearer Security shall be delivered in exchange for a temporary
Bearer Security only in compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 303.
Until so exchanged, the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects
be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities
of such series.

                  (b) Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to a Board
Resolution, this Section 304(b) shall govern the exchange of temporary
Securities issued in global form. If temporary Securities of any series are
issued in global form, any such temporary global Security shall, unless
otherwise provided therein, be delivered to the London office of a depositary or
common depositary (the "Common Depositary"), for the benefit of Euroclear and
CEDEL, for credit to the respective accounts of the beneficial owners of such
Securities (or to such other accounts as they may direct).

                  Without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the
date specified in, or determined pursuant to the terms of, any such temporary
global Security (the "Exchange Date"), the Company shall deliver to the Trustee
definitive Securities, in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal
amount of such temporary global Security, executed by the Company. On or after
the Exchange Date, such temporary global Security shall be surrendered by the
Common Depositary to the Trustee, as the Company's agent for such purpose, to be
exchanged, in whole or from time to time in part, for definitive Securities


<PAGE>


                                       27

without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for
each portion of such temporary global Security, an equal aggregate principal
amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations
and of like tenor as the portion of such temporary global Security to be
exchanged. The definitive Securities to be delivered in exchange for any such
temporary global Security shall be in bearer form, registered form, permanent
global bearer form or permanent global registered form, or any combination
thereof, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, and, if any combination
thereof is so specified, as requested by the beneficial owner thereof; provided,
however, that, unless otherwise specified in such temporary global Security,
upon such presentation by the Common Depositary, such temporary global Security
is accompanied by a certificate dated the Exchange Date or a subsequent date and
signed by Euroclear as to the portion of such temporary global Security held for
its account then to be exchanged and a certificate dated the Exchange Date or a
subsequent date and signed by CEDEL as to the portion of such temporary global
Security held for its account then to be exchanged, each in the form set forth
in Exhibit A-2 to this Indenture or in such other form as may be established
pursuant to Section 301; and provided further that definitive Bearer Securities
shall be delivered in exchange for a portion of a temporary global Security only
in compliance with the requirements of Section 303.

                  Unless otherwise specified in such temporary global Security,
the interest of a beneficial owner of Securities of a series in a temporary
global Security shall be exchanged for definitive Securities of the same series
and of like tenor following the Exchange Date when the account holder instructs
Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, to request such exchange on his behalf
and delivers to Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, a certificate in the
form set forth in Exhibit A-1 to this Indenture (or in such other form as may be
established pursuant to Section 301), dated no earlier than 15 days prior to the
Exchange Date, copies of which certificate shall be available from the offices
of Euroclear and CEDEL, the Trustee, any Authenticating Agent appointed for such
series of Securities and each Paying Agent. Unless otherwise specified in such
temporary global Security, any such exchange shall be made free of charge to the
beneficial owners of such temporary global Security, except that a Person
receiving definitive Securities must bear the cost of insurance, postage,
transportation and the like unless such Person takes delivery of such definitive
Securities in person at the offices of Euroclear or CEDEL. Definitive Securities
in bearer form to be delivered in exchange for any portion of a temporary global
Security shall be delivered only outside the United States.

                  Until exchanged in full as hereinabove provided, the temporary
Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits
under this Indenture as definitive Securities of the same series and of like
tenor authenticated and delivered hereunder, except that, unless otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301, interest payable on a temporary global
Security on an Interest Payment Date for Securities of such series occurring
prior to the applicable Exchange Date shall be payable to Euroclear and CEDEL on
such Interest Payment Date upon delivery by Euroclear and CEDEL to the Trustee
of a certificate


<PAGE>


                                       28

or certificates in the form set forth in Exhibit A-2 to this Indenture (or in
such other forms as may be established pursuant to Section 301), for credit
without further interest on or after such Interest Payment Date to the
respective accounts of Persons who are the beneficial owners of such temporary
global Security on such Interest Payment Date and who have each delivered to
Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, a certificate dated no earlier than 15
days prior to the Interest Payment Date occurring prior to such Exchange Date in
the form set forth as Exhibit A-1 to this Indenture (or in such other forms as
may be established pursuant to Section 301). Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary herein contained, the certifications made pursuant to this paragraph
shall satisfy the certification requirements of the preceding two paragraphs of
this Section 304(b) and of the third paragraph of Section 303 of this Indenture
and the interests of the Persons who are the beneficial owners of the temporary
global Security with respect to which such certification was made will be
exchanged for definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor on the
Exchange Date or the date of certification if such date occurs after the
Exchange Date, without further act or deed by such beneficial owners. Except as
otherwise provided in this paragraph, no payments of principal (or premium, if
any) or interest, if any, owing with respect to a beneficial interest in a
temporary global Security will be made unless and until such interest in such
temporary global Security shall have been exchanged for an interest in a
definitive Security. Any interest so received by Euroclear and CEDEL and not
paid as herein provided shall be returned to the Trustee prior to the expiration
of two years after such Interest Payment Date in order to be repaid to the
Company.

                  SECTION 305. Registration, Registration of Transfer and
Exchange. The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of
the Trustee or in any office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment a
register for each series of Securities (the registers maintained in such office
or in any such office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being
herein sometimes referred to collectively as the "Security Register") in which,
subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall
provide for the registration of Registered Securities and of transfers of
Registered Securities. The Security Register shall be in written form or any
other form capable of being converted into written form within a reasonable
time. The Trustee, at its Corporate Trust Office, is hereby initially appointed
"Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Registered Securities and
transfers of Registered Securities on such Security Register as herein provided.
In the event that the Trustee shall cease to be Security Registrar, it shall
have the right to examine the Security Register at all reasonable times.

                  Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered
Security of any series at any office or agency of the Company in a Place of
Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall
authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or
transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series, of any
authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount, bearing a
number not contemporaneously outstanding and containing identical terms and
provisions.


<PAGE>


                                       29

                  At the option of the Holder, Registered Securities of any
series may be exchanged for other Registered Securities of the same series, of
any authorized denomination or denominations and of a like aggregate principal
amount, containing identical terms and provisions, upon surrender of the
Registered Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency. Whenever any
Registered Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall
execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Registered
Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive. Unless
otherwise specified with respect to any series of Securities as contemplated by
Section 301, Bearer Securities may not be issued in exchange for Registered
Securities.

                  If (but only if) permitted by the applicable Board Resolution
and (subject to Section 303) set forth in the applicable Officers' Certificate,
or in any indenture supplemental hereto, delivered as contemplated by Section
301, at the option of the Holder, Bearer Securities of any series may be
exchanged for Registered Securities of the same series of any authorized
denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor, upon surrender
of the Bearer Securities to be exchanged at any such office or agency, with all
unmatured coupons and all matured coupons in default thereto appertaining. If
the Holder of a Bearer Security is unable to produce any such unmatured coupon
or coupons or matured coupon or coupons in default, any such permitted exchange
may be effected if the Bearer Securities are accompanied by payment in funds
acceptable to the Company in an amount equal to the face amount of such missing
coupon or coupons, or the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be
waived by the Company and the Trustee if there is furnished to them such
security or indemnity as they may require to save each of them and any Paying
Agent harmless. If thereafter the Holder of such Security shall surrender to any
Paying Agent any such missing coupon in respect of which such a payment shall
have been made, such Holder shall be entitled to receive the amount of such
payment; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 1002,
interest represented by coupons shall be payable only upon presentation and
surrender of those coupons at an office or agency located outside the United
States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in case a Bearer Security of any series
is surrendered at any such office or agency in a permitted exchange for a
Registered Security of the same series and like tenor after the close of
business at such office or agency on (i) any Regular Record Date and before the
opening of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment
Date, or (ii) any Special Record Date and before the opening of business at such
office or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted Interest,
such Bearer Security shall be surrendered without the coupon relating to such
Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, and
interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such
Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in
respect of the Registered Security issued in exchange for such Bearer Security,
but will be payable only to the Holder of such coupon when due in accordance
with the provisions of this Indenture.



<PAGE>


                                       30

                  Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the
Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the
Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise specified
as contemplated by Section 301, any permanent global Security shall be
exchangeable only as provided in this paragraph. If any beneficial owner of an
interest in a permanent global Security is entitled to exchange such interest
for Securities of such series and of like tenor and principal amount of another
authorized form and denomination, as specified as contemplated by Section 301
and provided that any applicable notice provided in the permanent global
Security shall have been given, then without unnecessary delay but in any event
not later than the earliest date on which such interest may be so exchanged, the
Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities in aggregate
principal amount equal to the principal amount of such beneficial owner's
interest in such permanent global Security, executed by the Company. On or after
the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such permanent
global Security shall be surrendered by the Common Depositary or such other
depositary as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to
the Trustee, as the Company's agent for such purpose, to be exchanged, in whole
or from time to time in part, for definitive Securities without charge and the
Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for each portion of such
permanent global Security, an equal aggregate principal amount of definitive
Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor as
the portion of such permanent global Security to be exchanged which, unless the
Securities of the series are not issuable both as Bearer Securities and as
Registered Securities, as specified as contemplated by Section 301, shall be in
the form of Bearer Securities or Registered Securities, or any combination
thereof, as shall be specified by the beneficial owner thereof; provided,
however, that no such exchanges may occur during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities to be redeemed
and ending on the relevant Redemption Date if the Security for which exchange is
requested may be among those selected for redemption; and provided further that
no Bearer Security delivered in exchange for a portion of a permanent global
Security shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to any location in the United
States. If a Registered Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a
permanent global Security after the close of business at the office or agency
where such exchange occurs on (i) any Regular Record Date and before the opening
of business at such office or agency on the relevant Interest Payment Date, or
(ii) any Special Record Date and before the opening of business at such office
or agency on the related proposed date for payment of Defaulted Interest,
interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, will not be payable on such
Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in
respect of such Registered Security, but will be payable on such Interest
Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the
Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such permanent global
Security is payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.



<PAGE>


                                       31

                  All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or
exchange of Securities shall be valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the
same debt and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the
Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

                  Every Registered Security presented or surrendered for
registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or
the Security Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security
Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized
in writing.

                  No service charge shall be made for any registration of
transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in
connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other
than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906, 1107 or 1305 not involving any
transfer.

                  The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the
transfer of or exchange any Security if such Security may be among those
selected for redemption during a period beginning at the opening of business 15
days before selection of the Securities to be redeemed under Section 1103 and
ending at the close of business on (A) if such Securities are issuable only as
Registered Securities, the day of the mailing of the relevant notice of
redemption and (B) if such Securities are issuable as Bearer Securities, the day
of the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if such
Securities are also issuable as Registered Securities and there is no
publication, the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, or (ii) to
register the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security so selected for
redemption in whole or in part, except, in the case of any Registered Security
to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed, or (iii) to
exchange any Bearer Security so selected for redemption except that such a
Bearer Security may be exchanged for a Registered Security of that series and
like tenor, provided that such Registered Security shall be simultaneously
surrendered for redemption, or (iv) to issue, register the transfer of or
exchange any Security which has been surrendered for repayment at the option of
the Holder, except the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.

                  SECTION 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.
If any mutilated Security or a Security with a mutilated coupon appertaining to
it is surrendered to the Trustee or the Company, together with, in proper cases,
such security or indemnity as may be required by the Company or the Trustee to
save each of them or any agent of either of them harmless, the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a
new Security of the same series and principal amount, containing identical terms
and


<PAGE>


                                       32

provisions and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons
corresponding to the coupons, if any, appertaining to the surrendered Security.

                  If there shall be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee
(i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any
Security or coupon, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by
them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the
absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security or coupon has
been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its
request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such
destroyed, lost or stolen Security or in exchange for the Security to which a
destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains (with all appurtenant coupons not
destroyed, lost or stolen), a new Security of the same series and principal
amount, containing identical terms and provisions and bearing a number not
contemporaneously outstanding, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if
any, appertaining to such destroyed, lost or stolen Security or to the Security
to which such destroyed, lost or stolen coupon appertains.

                  Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous two paragraphs,
in case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or coupon has
become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may,
instead of issuing a new Security, with coupons corresponding to the coupons, if
any, appertaining to such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or to
the Security to which such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen coupon
appertains, pay such Security or coupon; provided, however, that payment of
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Bearer Securities
shall, except as otherwise provided in Section 1002, be payable only at an
office or agency located outside the United States and, unless otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301, any interest on Bearer Securities
shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of the coupons
appertaining thereto.

                  Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the
Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other
expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

                  Every new Security of any series with its coupons, if any,
issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen
Security, or in exchange for a Security to which a destroyed, lost or stolen
coupon appertains, shall constitute an original additional contractual
obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security
and its coupons, if any, or the destroyed, lost or stolen coupon shall be at any
time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this
Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of that
series and their coupons, if any, duly issued hereunder.



<PAGE>


                                       33

                  The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall
preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to
the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or
coupons.

                  SECTION 307. Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved;
Optional Interest Reset. (a) Except as otherwise specified with respect to a
series of Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, interest,
if any, on any Registered Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in
whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered
at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest at the
office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section
1002; provided, however, that each installment of interest, if any, on any
Registered Security may at the Company's option be paid by (i) mailing a check
for such interest, payable to or upon the written order of the Person entitled
thereto pursuant to Section 309, to the address of such Person as it appears on
the Security Register or (ii) transfer to an account maintained by the payee
inside the United States.

                  Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301 with
respect to the Securities of any series, payment of interest, if any, may be
made, in the case of a Bearer Security, by transfer to an account maintained by
the payee with a bank located outside the United States.

                  Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301,
every permanent global Security will provide that interest, if any, payable on
any Interest Payment Date will be paid to each of Euroclear and CEDEL with
respect to that portion of such permanent global Security held for its account
by the Common Depositary, for the purpose of permitting each of Euroclear and
CEDEL to credit the interest, if any, received by it in respect of such
permanent global Security to the accounts of the beneficial owners thereof.

                  In case a Bearer Security of any series is surrendered in
exchange for a Registered Security of such series after the close of business
(at an office or agency in a Place of Payment for such series) on any Regular
Record Date and before the opening of business (at such office or agency) on the
next succeeding Interest Payment Date, such Bearer Security shall be surrendered
without the coupon relating to such Interest Payment Date and interest will not
be payable on such Interest Payment Date in respect of the Registered Security
issued in exchange for such Bearer Security, but will be payable only to the
Holder of such coupon when due in accordance with the provisions of this
Indenture.

                  Except as otherwise specified with respect to a series of
Securities in accordance with the provisions of Section 301, any interest on any
Registered Security of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or
duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein


<PAGE>


                                       34

called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the
registered Holder thereof on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of
having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company,
at its election in each case, as provided in clause (1) or (2) below:

                  (1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted
                  Interest to the Persons in whose names the Registered
                  Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor
                  Securities) are registered at the close of business on a
                  Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted
                  Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The
                  Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of
                  Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Registered
                  Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment
                  (which shall not be less than 20 days after such notice is
                  received by the Trustee), and at the same time the Company
                  shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money in the
                  Currency in which the Securities of such series are payable
                  (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the
                  Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as
                  provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) equal to the
                  aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such
                  Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to
                  the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the
                  proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in
                  trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such
                  Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the
                  Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of
                  such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days
                  and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed
                  payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the
                  Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee
                  shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date
                  and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall
                  cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted
                  Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed,
                  first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Registered
                  Securities of such series at his address as it appears in the
                  Security Register not less than 10 days prior to such Special
                  Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted
                  Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been
                  mailed as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to
                  the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such
                  series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are
                  registered at the close of business on such Special Record
                  Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following
                  clause (2). In case a Bearer Security of any series is
                  surrendered at the office or agency in a Place of Payment for
                  such series in exchange for a Registered Security of such
                  series after the close of business at such office or agency on
                  any Special Record Date and before the opening of business at
                  such office or agency on the related proposed date for payment
                  of Defaulted Interest, such Bearer Security shall be


<PAGE>


                                       35

                  surrendered without the coupon relating to such proposed date
                  of payment and Defaulted Interest will not be payable on such
                  proposed date of payment in respect of the Registered Security
                  issued in exchange for such Bearer Security, but will be
                  payable only to the Holder of such coupon when due in
                  accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

                  (2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on
                  the Registered Securities of any series in any other lawful
                  manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any
                  securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed,
                  and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if,
                  after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the
                  proposed payment pursuant to this clause, such manner of
                  payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

                  (b) The provisions of this Section 307(b) may be made
applicable to any series of Securities pursuant to Section 301 (with such
modifications, additions or substitutions as may be specified pursuant to such
Section 301). The interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to
calculate such interest rate, if applicable) on any Security of such series may
be reset by the Company on the date or dates specified on the face of such
Security (each an "Optional Reset Date"). The Company may exercise such option
with respect to such Security by notifying the Trustee of such exercise at least
45 but not more than 60 days prior to an Optional Reset Date for such Security.
Not later than 40 days prior to each Optional Reset Date, the Trustee shall
transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, to the Holder of any such
Security a notice (the "Reset Notice") indicating whether the Company has
elected to reset the interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to
calculate such interest rate, if applicable), and if so (i) such new interest
rate (or such new spread or spread multiplier, if applicable) and (ii) the
provisions, if any, for redemption during the period from such Optional Reset
Date to the next Optional Reset Date or if there is no such next Optional Reset
Date, to the Stated Maturity Date of such Security (each such period a
"Subsequent Interest Period"), including the date or dates on which or the
period or periods during which and the price or prices at which such redemption
may occur during the Subsequent Interest Period.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days prior to
the Optional Reset Date, the Company may, at its option, revoke the interest
rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate,
if applicable) provided for in the Reset Notice and establish an interest rate
(or a spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such interest rate, if
applicable) that is higher than the interest rate (or the spread or spread
multiplier, if applicable) provided for in the Reset Notice, for the Subsequent
Interest Period by causing the Trustee to transmit, in the manner provided for
in Section 106, notice of such higher interest rate (or such higher spread or
spread multiplier, if applicable) to the Holder of such Security.


<PAGE>


                                       36

Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Securities with respect to which the
interest rate (or the spread or spread multiplier used to calculate such
interest rate, if applicable) is reset on an Optional Reset Date, and with
respect to which the Holders of such Securities have not tendered such
Securities for repayment (or have validly revoked any such tender) pursuant to
the next succeeding paragraph, will bear such higher interest rate (or such
higher spread or spread multiplier, if applicable).

                  The Holder of any such Security will have the option to elect
repayment by the Company of the principal of such Security on each Optional
Reset Date at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus interest
accrued to such Optional Reset Date. In order to obtain repayment on an Optional
Reset Date, the Holder must follow the procedures set forth in Article Thirteen
for repayment at the option of Holders except that the period for delivery or
notification to the Trustee shall be at least 25 but not more than 35 days prior
to such Optional Reset Date and except that, if the Holder has tendered any
Security for repayment pursuant to the Reset Notice, the Holder may, by written
notice to the Trustee, revoke such tender or repayment until the close of
business on the tenth day before such Optional Reset Date.

                  Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and
Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of
transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the
rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such
other Security.

                  SECTION 308. Optional Extension of Maturity. The provisions of
this Section 308 may be made applicable to any series of Securities pursuant to
Section 301 (with such modifications, additions or substitutions as may be
specified pursuant to such Section 301). The Stated Maturity of any Security of
such series may be extended at the option of the Company for the period or
periods specified on the face of such Security (each an "Extension Period") up
to but not beyond the date (the "Final Maturity") set forth on the face of such
Security. The Company may exercise such option with respect to any Security by
notifying the Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 days
prior to the Stated Maturity of such Security in effect prior to the exercise of
such option (the "Original Stated Maturity"). If the Company exercises such
option, the Trustee shall transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106,
to the Holder of such Security not later than 40 days prior to the Original
Stated Maturity a notice (the "Extension Notice") indicating (i) the election of
the Company to extend the Stated Maturity, (ii) the new Stated Maturity, (iii)
the interest rate, if any, applicable to the Extension Period and (iv) the
provisions, if any, for redemption during such Extension Period. Upon the
Trustee's transmittal of the Extension Notice, the Stated Maturity of such
Security shall be extended automatically and, except as modified by the
Extension Notice and as described in the next paragraph, such Security will have
the same terms as prior to the transmittal of such Extension Notice.



<PAGE>


                                       37

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days before
the Original Stated Maturity of such Security, the Company may, at its option,
revoke the interest rate provided for in the Extension Notice and establish a
higher interest rate for the Extension Period by causing the Trustee to
transmit, in the manner provided for in Section 106, notice of such higher
interest rate to the Holder of such Security. Such notice shall be irrevocable.
All Securities with respect to which the Stated Maturity is extended will bear
such higher interest rate.

                  If the Company extends the Stated Maturity of any Security,
the Holder will have the option to elect repayment of such Security by the
Company on the Original Stated Maturity at a price equal to the principal amount
thereof, plus interest accrued to such date. In order to obtain repayment on the
Original Stated Maturity once the Company has extended the Stated Maturity
thereof, the Holder must follow the procedures set forth in Article Thirteen for
repayment at the option of Holders, except that the period for delivery or
notification to the Trustee shall be at least 25 but not more than 35 days prior
to the Original Stated Maturity and except that, if the Holder has tendered any
Security for repayment pursuant to an Extension Notice, the Holder may by
written notice to the Trustee revoke such tender for repayment until the close
of business on the tenth day before the Original Stated Maturity.

                  SECTION 309. Persons Deemed Owners. Prior to due presentment
of a Registered Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee
and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name
such Registered Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the
purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject
to Sections 305 and 307) interest, if any, on such Registered Security and for
all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Registered Security be
overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or
the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                  Title to any Bearer Security and any coupons appertaining
thereto shall pass by delivery. The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the
Company or the Trustee may treat the bearer of any Bearer Security and the
bearer of any coupon as the absolute owner of such Security or coupon for the
purpose of receiving payment thereof or on account thereof and for all other
purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security or coupon be overdue, and
neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee
shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

                  None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the
Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of
the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests of a Security in global form or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.


<PAGE>


                                       38

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any global
Security, nothing herein shall prevent the Company, the Trustee, or any agent of
the Company or the Trustee, from giving effect to any written certification,
proxy or other authorization furnished by any depositary, as a Holder, with
respect to such global Security or impair, as between such depositary and owners
of beneficial interests in such global Security, the operation of customary
practices governing the exercise of the rights of such depositary (or its
nominee) as Holder of such global Security.

                  SECTION 310. Cancellation. All Securities and coupons
surrendered for payment, redemption, repayment at the option of the Holder,
registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund
payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered
to the Trustee, and any such Securities and coupons and Securities and coupons
surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose shall be promptly
cancelled by it. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder
which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and may deliver to
the Trustee (or to any other Person for delivery to the Trustee) for
cancellation any Securities previously authenticated hereunder which the Company
has not issued and sold, and all Securities so delivered shall be promptly
cancelled by the Trustee. If the Company shall so acquire any of the Securities,
however, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of
the indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are
surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation. No Securities shall be
authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities cancelled as provided
in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. Cancelled
Securities and coupons held by the Trustee shall be destroyed by the Trustee and
the Trustee shall deliver a certificate of such destruction to the Company,
unless by a Company Order the Company directs their return to it.

                  SECTION 311. Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise
specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to Securities of any
series, interest, if any, on the Securities of each series shall be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

                  SECTION 312. Currency and Manner of Payments in Respect of
Securities. (a) Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities
pursuant to Section 301, with respect to Registered Securities of any series not
permitting the election provided for in paragraph (b) below or the Holders of
which have not made the election provided for in paragraph (b) below, and with
respect to Bearer Securities of any series, except as provided in paragraph (d)
below, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any,
on any Registered or Bearer Security of such series will be made in the Currency
in which such Registered Security or Bearer Security, as the case may be, is
payable. The provisions of


<PAGE>


                                       39

this Section 312 may be modified or superseded with respect to any Securities
pursuant to Section 301.

                  (b) It may be provided pursuant to Section 301 with respect to
Registered Securities of any series that Holders shall have the option, subject
to paragraphs (d) and (e) below, to receive payments of principal of (or
premium, if any) or interest, if any, on such Registered Securities in any of
the Currencies which may be designated for such election by delivering to the
Trustee for such series of Registered Securities a written election with
signature guarantees and in the applicable form established pursuant to Section
301, not later than the close of business on the Election Date immediately
preceding the applicable payment date. If a Holder so elects to receive such
payments in any such Currency, such election will remain in effect for such
Holder or any transferee of such Holder until changed by such Holder or such
transferee by written notice to the Trustee for such series of Registered
Securities (but any such change must be made not later than the close of
business on the Election Date immediately preceding the next payment date to be
effective for the payment to be made on such payment date and no such change of
election may be made with respect to payments to be made on any Registered
Security of such series with respect to which an Event of Default has occurred
or with respect to which the Company has deposited funds pursuant to Article
Four or Fourteen or with respect to which a notice of redemption has been given
by the Company or a notice of option to elect repayment has been sent by such
Holder or such transferee). Any Holder of any such Registered Security who shall
not have delivered any such election to the Trustee of such series of Registered
Securities not later than the close of business on the applicable Election Date
will be paid the amount due on the applicable payment date in the relevant
Currency as provided in Section 312(a). The Trustee for each such series of
Registered Securities shall notify the Exchange Rate Agent as soon as
practicable after the Election Date of the aggregate principal amount of
Registered Securities for which Holders have made such written election.

                  (c) Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if the
election referred to in paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to
Section 301, then, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, not later
than the fourth Business Day after the Election Date for each payment date for
Registered Securities of any series, the Exchange Rate Agent will deliver to the
Company a written notice specifying the Currency in which Registered Securities
of such series are payable, the respective aggregate amounts of principal of
(and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Registered Securities to be
paid on such payment date, specifying the amounts in such Currency so payable in
respect of the Registered Securities as to which the Holders of Registered
Securities denominated in any Currency shall have elected to be paid in another
Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above. If the election referred to in
paragraph (b) above has been provided for pursuant to Section 301 and if at
least one Holder has made such election, then, unless otherwise specified
pursuant to Section 301, on the second Business Day preceding such payment date
the Company will deliver to the


<PAGE>


                                       40

Trustee for such series of Registered Securities an Exchange Rate Officer's
Certificate in respect of the Dollar or Foreign Currency or Currencies payments
to be made on such payment date. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section
301, the Dollar or Foreign Currency or Currencies amount receivable by Holders
of Registered Securities who have elected payment in a Currency as provided in
paragraph (b) above shall be determined by the Company on the basis of the
applicable Market Exchange Rate in effect on the second Business Day (the
"Valuation Date") immediately preceding each payment date, and such
determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest
error.

                  (d) If a Conversion Event occurs with respect to a Foreign
Currency in which any of the Securities are denominated or payable other than
pursuant to an election provided for pursuant to paragraph (b) above, then with
respect to each date for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and
interest, if any on the applicable Securities denominated or payable in such
Foreign Currency occurring after the last date on which such Foreign Currency
was used (the "Conversion Date"), the Dollar shall be the currency of payment
for use on each such payment date. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to
Section 301, the Dollar amount to be paid by the Company to the Trustee of each
such series of Securities and by such Trustee or any Paying Agent to the Holders
of such Securities with respect to such payment date shall be, in the case of a
Foreign Currency other than a currency unit, the Dollar Equivalent of the
Foreign Currency or, in the case of a currency unit, the Dollar Equivalent of
the Currency Unit, in each case as determined by the Exchange Rate Agent in the
manner provided in paragraph (f) or (g) below.

                  (e) Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if the
Holder of a Registered Security denominated in any Currency shall have elected
to be paid in another Currency as provided in paragraph (b) above, and a
Conversion Event occurs with respect to such elected Currency, such Holder shall
receive payment in the Currency in which payment would have been made in the
absence of such election; and if a Conversion Event occurs with respect to the
Currency in which payment would have been made in the absence of such election,
such Holder shall receive payment in Dollars as provided in paragraph (d) of
this Section 312.

                  (f) The "Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency" shall be
determined by the Exchange Rate Agent and shall be obtained for each subsequent
payment date by converting the specified Foreign Currency into Dollars at the
Market Exchange Rate on the Conversion Date.

                  (g) The "Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit" shall be
determined by the Exchange Rate Agent and subject to the provisions of paragraph
(h) below shall be the sum of each amount obtained by converting the Specified
Amount of each Component Currency into


<PAGE>


                                       41

Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate for such Component Currency on the Valuation
Date with respect to each payment.

                  (h) For purposes of this Section 312, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:

                  A "Component Currency" shall mean any currency which, on the
                  Conversion Date, was a component currency of the relevant
                  currency unit, including, but not limited to, the ECU.

                  A "Specified Amount" of a Component Currency shall mean the
                  number of units of such Component Currency or fractions
                  thereof which were represented in the relevant currency unit,
                  including, but not limited to, the ECU, on the Conversion
                  Date. If after the Conversion Date the official unit of any
                  Component Currency is altered by way of combination or
                  subdivision, the Specified Amount of such Component Currency
                  shall be divided or multiplied in the same proportion. If
                  after the Conversion Date two or more Component Currencies are
                  consolidated into a single currency, the respective Specified
                  Amounts of such Component Currencies shall be replaced by an
                  amount in such single currency equal to the sum of the
                  respective Specified Amounts of such consolidated Component
                  Currencies expressed in such single currency, and such amount
                  shall thereafter be a Specified Amount and such single
                  currency shall thereafter be a Component Currency. If after
                  the Conversion Date any Component Currency shall be divided
                  into two or more currencies, the Specified Amount of such
                  Component Currency shall be replaced by amounts of such two or
                  more currencies, having an aggregate Dollar Equivalent value
                  at the Market Exchange Rate on the date of such replacement
                  equal to the Dollar Equivalent of the Specified Amount of such
                  former Component Currency at the Market Exchange Rate
                  immediately before such division, and such amounts shall
                  thereafter be Specified Amounts and such currencies shall
                  thereafter be Component Currencies. If, after the Conversion
                  Date of the relevant currency unit, including, but not limited
                  to, the ECU, a Conversion Event (other than any event referred
                  to above in this definition of "Specified Amount") occurs with
                  respect to any Component Currency of such currency unit and is
                  continuing on the applicable Valuation Date, the Specified
                  Amount of such Component Currency shall, for purposes of
                  calculating the Dollar Equivalent of the Currency Unit, be
                  converted into Dollars at the Market Exchange Rate in effect
                  on the Conversion Date of such Component Currency.

                  "Election Date" shall mean the Regular Record Date for the
                  applicable series of Registered Securities or at least 16 days
                  prior to Maturity, as the case may be,


<PAGE>


                                                        42

                  or such other prior date for any series of Registered
                  Securities as specified pursuant to clause 13 of Section 301
                  by which the written election referred to in Section 312(b)
                  may be made.

                  All decisions and determinations of the Exchange Rate Agent
regarding the Dollar Equivalent of the Foreign Currency, the Dollar Equivalent
of the Currency Unit, the Market Exchange Rate and changes in the Specified
Amounts as specified above shall be in its sole discretion and shall, in the
absence of manifest error, be conclusive for all purposes and irrevocably
binding upon the Company, the Trustee for the appropriate series of Securities
and all Holders of such Securities denominated or payable in the relevant
Currency. The Exchange Rate Agent shall promptly give written notice to the
Company and the Trustee for the appropriate series of Securities of any such
decision or determination.

                  In the event that the Company determines in good faith that a
Conversion Event has occurred with respect to a Foreign Currency, the Company
will immediately give written notice thereof to the Trustee of the appropriate
series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent (and such Trustee will
promptly thereafter give notice in the manner provided in Section 106 to the
affected Holders) specifying the Conversion Date. In the event the Company so
determines that a Conversion Event has occurred with respect to the ECU or any
other currency unit in which Securities are denominated or payable, the Company
will immediately give written notice thereof to the Trustee of the appropriate
series of Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent (and such Trustee will
promptly thereafter give notice in the manner provided in Section 106 to the
affected Holders) specifying the Conversion Date and the Specified Amount of
each Component Currency on the Conversion Date. In the event the Company
determines in good faith that any subsequent change in any Component Currency as
set forth in the definition of Specified Amount above has occurred, the Company
will similarly give written notice to the Trustee of the appropriate series of
Securities and to the Exchange Rate Agent.

                  The Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities shall be
fully justified and protected in relying and acting upon information received by
it from the Company and the Exchange Rate Agent and shall not otherwise have any
duty or obligation to determine the accuracy or validity of such information
independent of the Company or the Exchange Rate Agent.

                  SECTION 313. Appointment and Resignation of Successor Exchange
Rate Agent. (a) Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, if and so
long as the Securities of any series (i) are denominated in a Foreign Currency
or (ii) may be payable in a Foreign Currency, or so long as it is required under
any other provision of this Indenture, then the Company will maintain with
respect to each such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one
Exchange Rate Agent. The Company will cause the Exchange Rate Agent to make


<PAGE>


                                       43

the necessary foreign exchange determinations at the time and in the manner
specified pursuant to Section 301 for the purpose of determining the applicable
rate of exchange and, if applicable, for the purpose of converting the issued
Foreign Currency into the applicable payment Currency for the payment of
principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, pursuant to Section 312.

                  (b) No resignation of the Exchange Rate Agent and no
appointment of a successor Exchange Rate Agent pursuant to this Section shall
become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Exchange
Rate Agent as evidenced by a written instrument delivered to the Company and the
Trustee of the appropriate series of Securities accepting such appointment
executed by the successor Exchange Rate Agent.

                  (c) If the Exchange Rate Agent shall resign, be removed or
become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of the
Exchange Rate Agent for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more
series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly
appoint a successor Exchange Rate Agent or Exchange Rate Agents with respect to
the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such
successor Exchange Rate Agent may be appointed with respect to the Securities of
one or more or all of such series and that, unless otherwise specified pursuant
to Section 301, at any time there shall only be one Exchange Rate Agent with
respect to the Securities of any particular series that are originally issued by
the Company on the same date and that are initially denominated and/or payable
in the same Currency.

                  SECTION 314. CUSIP Numbers. The Company in issuing the
Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the
Trustee shall indicate the "CUSIP" numbers of the Securities in notices of
redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state
that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as
printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption and that
reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the
Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or
omission of such numbers.


                                  ARTICLE FOUR

                           SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

                  SECTION 401. Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture. This
Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect
to any series of Securities specified in such Company Request (except as to any
surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities of such
series expressly provided for herein or pursuant


<PAGE>


                                       44

hereto and any right to receive Additional Amounts, as provided in Section
1004), and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order, and at the expense of
the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture as to such series when

                  (1)      either

                           (A) all Securities of such series theretofore
                  authenticated and delivered and all coupons, if any,
                  appertaining thereto (other than (i) coupons appertaining to
                  Bearer Securities surrendered for exchange for Registered
                  Securities and maturing after such exchange, whose surrender
                  is not required or has been waived as provided in Section 305,
                  (ii) Securities and coupons of such series which have been
                  destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid
                  as provided in Section 306, (iii) coupons appertaining to
                  Securities called for redemption and maturing after the
                  relevant Redemption Date, whose surrender has been waived as
                  provided in Section 1106, and (iv) Securities and coupons of
                  such series for whose payment money has theretofore been
                  deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the
                  Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged
                  from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been
                  delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

                           (B) all Securities of such series and, in the case of
                  (i) or (ii) below, any coupons appertaining thereto not
                  theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

                                    (i) have become due and payable, or

                                    (ii) will become due and payable at their
                           Stated Maturity within one year, or

                                    (iii) if redeemable at the option of the
                           Company, are to be called for redemption within one
                           year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee
                           for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee
                           in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

                  and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has
                  irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the
                  Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose an amount in
                  the Currency in which the Securities of such series are
                  payable, sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
                  indebtedness on such Securities and such coupons not
                  theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for
                  principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, to the
                  date


<PAGE>


                                       45

                  of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become
                  due and payable) or to the Stated Maturity or Redemption Date,
                  as the case may be;

                  (2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums
         payable hereunder by the Company; and

                  (3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
         Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
         precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and
         discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company to the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee under
Section 606, the obligations of the Company to any Authenticating Agent under
Section 611 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to
subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee
under Section 402 and the last paragraph of Section 1003 shall survive.

                  SECTION 402. Application of Trust Funds. Subject to the
provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money deposited with the
Trustee pursuant to Section 401 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in
accordance with the provisions of the Securities, the coupons and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if
any) and interest, if any, for whose payment such money has been deposited with
or received by the Trustee, but such money need not be segregated from other
funds except to the extent required by law.


                                  ARTICLE FIVE

                                    REMEDIES

                  SECTION 501. Events of Default. "Event of Default", wherever
used herein with respect to any particular series of Securities, means any one
of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and
whether or not it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation
of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order,
rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

                  (1) default in the payment of any interest upon any Security
         of that series or of any coupon appertaining thereto, when such
         interest or coupon becomes due and payable, and continuance of such
         default for a period of 30 days; or


<PAGE>


                                       46

                  (2) default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if
         any, on) any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable at
         its Maturity; or

                  (3) default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when
         and as due by the terms of any Security of that series; or

                  (4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or
         agreement of the Company in this Indenture with respect to any Security
         of that series (other than a covenant or agreement a default in whose
         performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically
         dealt with), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of
         60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to
         the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the
         Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Outstanding
         Securities of that series a written notice specifying such default or
         breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is
         a "Notice of Default" hereunder; or

                  (5) the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any
         Bankruptcy Law:

                           (A) commences a voluntary case,

                           (B) consents to the entry of an order for relief
                  against it in an involuntary case,

                           (C) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it
                  or for all or substantially all of its property, or

                           (D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its
                  creditors; or

                  (6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or
         decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

                           (A) is for relief against the Company in an
                  involuntary case,

                           (B) appoints a Custodian of the Company or for all or
                  substantially all of its property, or

                           (C) orders the liquidation of the Company,

         and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or



<PAGE>


                                       47

                  (7) any other Event of Default provided with respect to
         Securities of that series.

The term "Bankruptcy Law" means title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal or
State law for the relief of debtors. The term "Custodian" means any receiver,
trustee, assignee, liquidator or other similar official under any Bankruptcy
Law.

                  SECTION 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and
Annulment. If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at
the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal (or, if any
Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such
portion of the principal as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the
Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in
writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon
any such declaration such principal or specified portion thereof shall become
immediately due and payable.

                  At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with
respect to Securities of any series has been made and before a judgment or
decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as
hereinafter provided in this Article, the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the
Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its
consequences if:

                  (1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum
         sufficient to pay in the Currency in which the Securities of such
         series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section
         301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as
         provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)):

                           (A) all overdue installments of interest, if any, on
                  all Outstanding Securities of that series and any related
                  coupons,

                           (B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) all
                  Outstanding Securities of that series which have become due
                  otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and
                  interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for
                  in such Securities,

                           (C) to the extent that payment of such interest is
                  lawful, interest upon overdue installments of interest at the
                  rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and



<PAGE>


                                       48

                           (D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee
                  hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses,
                  disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
                  counsel; and

                  (2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that
         series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or premium, if
         any) or interest on Securities of that series which have become due
         solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived
         as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right
consequent thereon.

                  SECTION 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for
Enforcement by Trustee. The Company covenants that if:

                  (1) default is made in the payment of any installment of
         interest on any Security of any series and any related coupon when such
         interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a
         period of 30 days, or

                  (2) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or
         premium, if any, on) any Security of any series at its Maturity,

then the Company will, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the
benefit of the Holders of Securities of such series and coupons, the whole
amount then due and payable on such Securities and coupons for principal (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, with interest upon any overdue principal
(and premium, if any) and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be
legally enforceable, upon any overdue installments of interest, if any, at the
rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and, in addition
thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and
expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses,
disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

                  If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such
demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may
institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and
unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may
enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon Securities of
such series and collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the
manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor
upon Securities of such series, wherever situated.

                  If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any
series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to
protect and enforce its rights and the


<PAGE>


                                       49

rights of the Holders of Securities of such series and any related coupons by
such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual
to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of
any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any
power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

                  SECTION 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the
pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial
proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or
the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the
Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities of any series
shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or
otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on
the Company for the payment of any overdue principal, premium or interest) shall
be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

                  (i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of
         principal (or in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities or
         Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal as may be provided in
         the terms thereof)(and premium, if any) and interest, if any, owing and
         unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or
         documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims
         of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation,
         expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and
         counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

                  (ii) to collect and receive any moneys or other property
         payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator (or
other similar official) in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by
each Holder of Securities of such series and coupons to make such payments to
the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of
such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to
it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the
Trustee and any predecessor Trustee, their agents and counsel, and any other
amounts due the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee under Section 606.

                  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the
Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of
a Security or coupon any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or
composition affecting the Securities or coupons or the rights of any Holder
thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any
Holder of a Security or coupon in any such proceeding.



<PAGE>


                                       50

                  SECTION 505. Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of
Securities or Coupons. All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or
any of the Securities or coupons may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee
without the possession of any of the Securities or coupons or the production
thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted
by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust,
and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the
reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee,
its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the
Securities and coupons in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

                  SECTION 506. Application of Money Collected. Any money
collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the
following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the
distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or
interest, if any, upon presentation of the Securities or coupons, or both, as
the case may be, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid
and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

                  FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and any
         predecessor Trustee under Section 606;

                  SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon
         the Securities and coupons for principal (and premium, if any) and
         interest, if any, in respect of which or for the benefit of which such
         money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of
         any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such
         Securities and coupons for principal (and premium, if any) and
         interest, if any, respectively; and

                  THIRD: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company
         or any other Person or Persons entitled thereto.

                  SECTION 507. Limitation on Suits. No Holder of any Security of
any series or any related coupon shall have any right to institute any
proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the
appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:

                  (1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the
         Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities
         of that series;

                  (2) the Holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of
         the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written
         request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such
         Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;


<PAGE>


                                       51

                  (3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee
         reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be
         incurred in compliance with such request;

                  (4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice,
         request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such
         proceeding; and

                  (5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has
         been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a
         majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
         series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have
any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision
of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of
such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any
other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in
the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such
Holders.

                  SECTION 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive
Principal, Premium and Interest. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
Indenture, the Holder of any Security or coupon shall have the right which is
absolute and unconditional to receive payment of the principal of (and premium,
if any) and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest, if any, on such Security
or payment of such coupon on the respective due dates expressed in such Security
or coupon (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date) and to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall
not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

                  SECTION 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the
Trustee or any Holder of a Security or coupon has instituted any proceeding to
enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been
discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to
the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the
Trustee and the Holders of Securities and coupons shall, subject to any
determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to
their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the
Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been
instituted.

                  SECTION 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as
otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or coupons in the last paragraph of Section
306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to
the Holders of Securities or coupons is intended to be exclusive of any other
right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent


<PAGE>


                                       52

permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy
given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.
The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise,
shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other
appropriate right or remedy.

                  SECTION 511. Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or
omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security or coupon to exercise
any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such
right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an
acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to
the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often
as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders of Securities or
coupons, as the case may be.

                  SECTION 512. Control by Holders of Securities. The Holders of
a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided
that

                  (1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of
         law or with this Indenture,

                  (2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the
         Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and

                  (3) the Trustee need not take any action which might involve
         it in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders of
         Securities of such series not consenting.

                  SECTION 513. Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of not less
than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series
may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series and any
related coupons waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and
its consequences, except a default

                  (1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
         interest, if any, on any Security of such series or any related
         coupons, or

                  (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under
         Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
         Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.



<PAGE>


                                       53

                  Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and
any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for
every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any
subsequent or other default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent
thereon.

                  SECTION 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Company
covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any
time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the
benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at
any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance
of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so)
hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants
that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein
granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such
power as though no such law had been enacted.

                                   ARTICLE SIX

                                   THE TRUSTEE

                  SECTION 601. Notice of Defaults. Within 90 days after the
occurrence of any Default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any
series, the Trustee shall transmit in the manner and to the extent provided in
TIA Section 313(c), notice of such Default hereunder known to the Trustee,
unless such Default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that,
except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of (or premium,
if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series, or in the payment
of any sinking or purchase fund installment with respect to the Securities of
such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so
long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of
directors and/or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determines
that the withholding of such notice is in the interests of the Holders of the
Securities and coupons of such series; and provided further that in the case of
any Default or breach of the character specified in Section 501(4) with respect
to the Securities and coupons of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be
given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof.

                  SECTION 602. Certain Rights of Trustee. Subject to the
provisions of TIA Section 315(a) through 315(d):

                  (1) The Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or
         refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement,
         instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent,
         order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or


<PAGE>


                                       54

         document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or
         presented by the proper party or parties.

                  (2) Any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein
         shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order
         (other than delivery of any Security, together with any coupons
         appertaining thereto, to the Trustee for authentication and delivery
         pursuant to Section 303 which shall be sufficiently evidenced as
         provided therein) and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be
         sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution.

                  (3) Whenever in the administration of this Indenture the
         Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established
         prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the
         Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may,
         in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon a Board Resolution,
         an Opinion of Counsel or an Officers' Certificate.

                  (4) The Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of
         such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete
         authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered
         or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

                  (5) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any
         of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request
         or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series or any
         related coupons pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall
         have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against
         the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in
         compliance with such request or direction.

                  (6) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation
         into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate,
         statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction,
         consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or
         document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further
         inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit,
         and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or
         investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and
         premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney.

                  (7) The Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers
         hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or
         through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible
         for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney
         appointed with due care by it hereunder.



<PAGE>


                                       55

                  (8) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken,
         suffered or omitted by it in good faith and believed by it to be
         authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon
         it by this Indenture.

                  The Trustee shall not be required to expend or risk its own
funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of
its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it
shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or
adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to
it.

                  SECTION 603. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of
Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the
Trustee's certificate of authentication, and in any coupons shall be taken as
the statements of the Company, and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating
Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no
representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the
Securities or coupons, except that the Trustee represents that it is duly
authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture, authenticate the Securities
and perform its obligations hereunder and that the statements made by it in a
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 supplied to the Company are true and
accurate, subject to the qualifications set forth therein. Neither the Trustee
nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by
the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

                  SECTION 604. May Hold Securities. The Trustee, any Paying
Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or any other agent of the
Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or
pledgee of Securities and coupons and, subject to TIA Sections 310(b) and 311,
may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it
were not Trustee, Paying Agent, Security Registrar, Authenticating Agent or such
other agent.

                  SECTION 605. Money Held in Trust. Money held by the Trustee in
trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent
required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any
money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.

                  SECTION 606. Compensation and Reimbursement. The Company
agrees:

                  (1) To pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation
         for all services rendered by it hereunder as has been agreed upon in
         writing (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of
         law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust).



<PAGE>


                                       56

                  (2) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to
         reimburse each of the Trustee and any predecessor Trustee upon its
         request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances
         incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of
         this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses
         and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense,
         disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad
         faith.

                  (3) To indemnify each of the Trustee and any predecessor
         Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or
         expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its own part,
         arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration
         of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of
         defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the
         exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

                  As security for the performance of the obligations of the
Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a claim prior to the
Securities upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such,
except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of (or premium, if any)
or interest, if any, on particular Securities or any coupons.

                  SECTION 607. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. There
shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible to act as
Trustee under TIA Section 310(a)(1) and shall have a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000. If such corporation publishes reports of
condition at least annually, pursuant to law or the requirements of Federal,
State, Territorial or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority,
then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth
in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee
shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it
shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified
in this Article.

                  SECTION 608. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of
Successor. (a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a
successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the
acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the
applicable requirements of Section 609.

                  (b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the
Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the
Company.

                  (c) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the
Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Trustee and to the
Company.


<PAGE>


                                       57

                  (d)      If at any time:

                           (1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the
                  provisions of TIA Section 310(b) after written request
                  therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has
                  been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months,
                  or

                           (2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under
                  Section 607(a) and shall fail to resign after written request
                  therefor by the Company or by any Holder of a Security who has
                  been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months,
                  or

                           (3) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or
                  shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the
                  Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public
                  officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its
                  property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation,
                  conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (i) the Company by or pursuant to a Board Resolution may
remove the Trustee and appoint a successor Trustee with respect to all
Securities, or (ii) subject to TIA Section 315(e), any Holder of a Security who
has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf
of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and
the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

                  (e) If an instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee
shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of
a notice of resignation or the delivery of an Act of removal, the Trustee
resigning or being removed may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for
the appointment of a successor Trustee.

                  (f) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become
incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for
any cause with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by
or pursuant to a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or
Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being
understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the
Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall
be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series).
If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the
occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the
Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall,
forthwith upon its


<PAGE>


                                       58

acceptance of such appointment, become the successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee
appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities
of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of
Securities and accepted appointment in the manner hereinafter provided, any
Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such
series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others
similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to Securities of such series.

                  (g) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each
removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each
appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series
in the manner provided for notices to the Holders of Securities in Section 106.
Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

                  SECTION 609. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. (a) In
case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all
Securities, every such successor Trustee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver
to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such
appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee
shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed
or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and
duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on request of the Company or the successor
Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and
deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights,
powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee, and shall duly assign, transfer and
deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring
Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its claim, if any, provided for in
Section 606.

                  (b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor
Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the
Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the
Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture
supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment
and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable
to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the
rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the
Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor
Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all
Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or
desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the
retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to
which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the
retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the


<PAGE>


                                       59

provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate
the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being
understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall
constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such
Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from
any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon
the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or
removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided
therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or
conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties
of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series
to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of
the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign,
transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by
such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those
series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

                  (c) Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company
shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in
and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts
referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

                  (d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless
at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and
eligible under this Article.

                  SECTION 610. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession
to Business. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted
or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any
merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or
any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust
business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder,
provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this
Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the
part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities or coupons shall have
been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any
successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee
may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities or coupons so
authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself
authenticated such Securities or coupons. In case any Securities or coupons
shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor Trustee, any such
successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities or coupons, in
either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and
effect which this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of
the Trustee.



<PAGE>


                                       60

                  SECTION 611. Appointment of Authenticating Agent. At any time
when any of the Securities remain Outstanding, the Trustee may appoint an
Authenticating Agent or Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities
which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate
Securities of such series issued upon exchange, registration of transfer or
partial redemption thereof, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to
the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all
purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Any such appointment
shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing signed by a Responsible Officer
of the Trustee, a copy of which instrument shall be promptly furnished to the
Company. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and
delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee's certificate of
authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and
delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate
of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent.
Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and, except as may
otherwise be provided pursuant to Section 301, shall at all times be a bank or
trust company or corporation organized and doing business and in good standing
under the laws of the United States of America or of any State or the District
of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a
combined capital and surplus of not less than $1,500,000 and subject to
supervision or examination by Federal or State authorities. If such
Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant
to law or the requirements of the aforesaid supervising or examining authority,
then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such
Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as
set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. In case at any
time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the
provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately
in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

                  Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be
merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation
resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such
Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the
corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall
continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be
otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any
paper or further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

                  An Authenticating Agent for any series of Securities may at
any time resign by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee for such
series and to the Company. The Trustee for any series of Securities may at any
time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of
termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such
a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such
Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the


<PAGE>


                                       61

provisions of this Section, the Trustee for such series may appoint a successor
Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall give
notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of the series with
respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve in the manner set forth in
Section 106. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its
appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties
of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an
Authenticating Agent herein. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be
appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

                  The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from
time to time reasonable compensation including reimbursement of its reasonable
expenses for its services under this Section.

                  If an appointment with respect to one or more series is made
pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed
thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee's certificate of
authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication substantially in the
following form:

                  This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein
referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                                    as Trustee


                                           By
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                    as Authenticating Agent


                                           By
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                    Authorized Officer



                                  ARTICLE SEVEN

                HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

                  SECTION 701. Disclosure of Names and Addresses of Holders.
Every Holder of Securities or coupons, by receiving and holding the same, agrees
with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor
any Authenticating Agent nor


<PAGE>


                                       62

any Paying Agent nor any Security Registrar shall be held accountable by reason
of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the
Holders of Securities in accordance with TIA Section 312, regardless of the
source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not
be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made
under TIA Section 312(b).

                  SECTION 702. Reports by Trustee. Within 60 days after May 15
of each year commencing with the first May 15 after the first issuance of
Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all
Holders of Securities as provided in TIA Section 313(c) a brief report dated as
of such May 15 if required by TIA Section 313(a).

                  A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such
transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each stock exchange, if
any, upon which the Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the
Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee of the listing of the
Securities on any stock exchange.

                  SECTION 703.  Reports by Company.  The Company will:

                  (1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is
         required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual
         reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies
         of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from
         time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may
         be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or
         Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or, if the
         Company is not required to file information, documents or reports
         pursuant to either of such Sections, then it will file with the Trustee
         and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed
         from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and
         periodic information, documents and reports which may be required
         pursuant to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in
         respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities
         exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and
         regulations;

                  (2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance
         with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the
         Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with
         respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants
         of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules
         and regulations; and

                  (3) transmit by mail to the Holders of Securities, within 30
         days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner and to
         the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), such summaries of any
         information, documents and reports required to be filed


<PAGE>


                                       63

         by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as
         may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time
         by the Commission.

                  SECTION 704. Calculation of Original Issue Discount. Upon
request of the Trustee, the Company shall file with the Trustee promptly at the
end of each calendar year a written notice specifying the amount of original
issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods), if any, accrued on
Outstanding Securities as of the end of such year.


                                  ARTICLE EIGHT

                  CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER

                  SECTION 801. Company May Consolidate, etc., Only on Certain
Terms. The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into any other
corporation or convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an
entirety to any Person, unless:

                  (1) either the Company shall be the continuing corporation, or
         the corporation (if other than the Company) formed by such
         consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which
         acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the
         Company substantially as an entirety shall expressly assume, by an
         indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee,
         in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of
         the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on all the
         Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on
         the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

                  (2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no
         Default or Event of Default shall have happened and be continuing;

                  (3) if as a result thereof any property or assets of the
         Company or a Restricted Subsidiary would become subject to any
         mortgage, lien, pledge, charge or other encumbrance not permitted by
         (i) through (xi) of paragraph (a) of Section 1006 or paragraph (b) of
         Section 1006, compliance shall be effected with the first clause of
         paragraph (a) of Section 1006; and

                  (4) the Company and the successor Person have delivered to the
         Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating
         that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer and such
         supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions
         precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been
         complied with.


<PAGE>


                                       64

                  SECTION 802. Successor Person Substituted. Upon any
consolidation or merger, or any conveyance or transfer of the properties and
assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section
801, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the
Company is merged or the successor Person to which such conveyance or transfer
is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right
and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such
successor had been named as the Company herein; and in the event of any such
conveyance or transfer, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations and
covenants under this Indenture and the Securities and coupons and may be
dissolved and liquidated.


                                  ARTICLE NINE

                             SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

                  SECTION 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of
Holders. Without the consent of any Holders of Securities or coupons, the
Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee,
at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures
supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the
following purposes:

                  (1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the
         Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of
         the Company herein and in the Securities contained; or

                  (2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of
         the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants
         are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities,
         stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the
         benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein
         conferred upon the Company; or

                  (3) to add any additional Events of Default for the benefit of
         the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such Events of
         Default are to be for the benefit of less than all series of
         Securities, stating that such Events of Default are expressly being
         included solely for the benefit of such series); provided, however,
         that in respect of any such additional Events of Default such
         supplemental indenture may provide for a particular period of grace
         after default (which period may be shorter or longer than that allowed
         in the case of other defaults) or may provide for an immediate
         enforcement upon such default or may limit the remedies available to
         the Trustee upon such default or may limit the right of the Holders of
         a majority in aggregate principal amount of that


<PAGE>


                                       65

         or those series of Securities to which such additional Events of
         Default apply to waive such default; or

                  (4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this
         Indenture to provide that Bearer Securities may be registrable as to
         principal, to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of
         principal of or any premium or interest on Bearer Securities, to permit
         Bearer Securities to be issued in exchange for Registered Securities,
         to permit Bearer Securities to be issued in exchange for Bearer
         Securities of other authorized denominations or to permit or facilitate
         the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form; provided that any
         such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of
         Securities of any series or any related coupons in any material
         respect; or

                  (5) to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this
         Indenture; provided that any such change or elimination shall become
         effective only when there is no Security Outstanding of any series
         created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is
         entitled to the benefit of such provision; or

                  (6) to secure the Securities pursuant to the requirements of
         Section 801 or 1006, or otherwise; or

                  (7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series
         and any related coupons as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, including
         the provisions and procedures relating to Securities convertible into
         or exchangeable for any securities of any Person (including the
         Company); or

                  (8) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment
         hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one
         or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this
         Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the
         administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee; or

                  (9) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any
         provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision
         herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
         questions arising under this Indenture; provided that any such action
         shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities
         of any series or any related coupons in any material respect; or

                  (10) to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to
         such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the
         defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to
         Sections 401, 1402 and 1403; provided that any such action shall


<PAGE>


                                       66

         not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such
         series and any related coupons or any other series of Securities in any
         material respect.

                  SECTION 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.
With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount
of all Outstanding Securities affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of
said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when
authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may enter into
an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any
provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of
this Indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of
Securities and any related coupons under this Indenture; provided, however, that
no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each
Outstanding Security affected thereby:

                  (1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of (or
         premium, if any, on) or any installment of principal of or interest on,
         any Security; or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of
         interest thereon, or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof,
         or change any obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts
         pursuant to Section 1004 (except as contemplated by Section 801(1) and
         permitted by Section 901(1)), or reduce the portion of the principal of
         an Original Issue Discount Security or Indexed Security that would be
         due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity
         thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the amount thereof provable in
         bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504, or adversely affect any right of
         repayment at the option of the Holder of any Security, or change any
         Place of Payment where, or the Currency in which, any Security or any
         premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to
         institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the
         Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at
         the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or the
         Repayment Date, as the case may be), or adversely affect any right to
         convert or exchange any Security as may be provided pursuant to Section
         301 herein, or

                  (2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the
         Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is
         required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose
         Holders is required for any waiver with respect to such series (of
         compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain
         defaults hereunder and their consequences) provided for in this
         Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1504 for quorum or
         voting, or

                  (3) modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 513
         or Section 1008, except to increase any such percentage or to provide
         that certain other provisions


<PAGE>


                                       67

         of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of
         the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby.

                  It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this
Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture,
but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

                  A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any
covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included
solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which
modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to
such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under
this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

                  The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record
date for the purpose of determining the Persons entitled to consent to any
indenture supplemental hereto. If a record date is fixed, the Holders on such
record date, or their duly designated proxies, and only such Persons, shall be
entitled to consent to such supplemental indenture, whether or not such Holders
remain Holders after such record date; provided that unless such consent shall
have become effective by virtue of the requisite percentage having been obtained
prior to the date which is 90 days after such record date, any such consent
previously given shall automatically and without further action by any Holder be
cancelled and of no further effect.

                  SECTION 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures. In
executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental
indenture permitted by this Article or the modification thereby of the trusts
created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall
be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the
execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this
Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such
supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties or
immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

                  SECTION 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the
execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall
be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form
a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities
theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder and of any
coupon appertaining thereto shall be bound thereby.

                  SECTION 905. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act. Every
supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the
requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.



<PAGE>


                                       68

                  SECTION 906. Reference in Securities to Supplemental
Indentures. Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the
execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall,
if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as
to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall
so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the
opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may
be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the
Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.


                                   ARTICLE TEN

                                    COVENANTS

                  SECTION 1001. Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The
Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of each series of
Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium,
if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series in accordance
with the terms of such series of Securities, any coupons appertaining thereto
and this Indenture. Any interest due on Bearer Securities on or before Maturity,
other than Additional Amounts, if any, payable as provided in Section 1004 in
respect of principal of (or premium, if any, on) such a Security, shall be
payable only upon presentation and surrender of the several coupons for such
interest installments as are evidenced thereby as they severally mature. Unless
otherwise specified with respect to Securities of any series pursuant to Section
301, at the option of the Company, all payments of principal may be paid by
check to the registered Holder of the Registered Security or other person
entitled thereto against surrender of such Security. Unless otherwise specified
as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, any
interest due on Bearer Securities on or before Maturity shall be payable only
upon presentation and surrender of the several coupons for such interest
installments as are evidenced thereby as they severally mature.

                  SECTION 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency. If Securities
of a series are issuable only as Registered Securities, the Company shall
maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or
agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for
payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of
transfer or exchange, where Securities of that series that are convertible or
exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and
where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of
that series and this Indenture may be served. If Securities of a series are
issuable as Bearer Securities, the Company will maintain (A) in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where any Registered
Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for


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                                       69

payment, where any Registered Securities of that series may be surrendered for
registration of transfer, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for
exchange, where Securities of that series that are convertible or exchangeable
may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, where notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and
this Indenture may be served and where Bearer Securities of that series and
related coupons may be presented or surrendered for payment in the circumstances
described in the following paragraph (and not otherwise), (B) subject to any
laws or regulations applicable thereto, in a Place of Payment for that series
which is located outside the United States, an office or agency where Securities
of that series and related coupons may be presented and surrendered for payment;
provided, however, that if the Securities of that series are listed on the
Luxembourg Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange located outside the United
States and such stock exchange shall so require, the Company will maintain a
Paying Agent for the Securities of that series in Luxembourg or any other
required city located outside the United States, as the case may be, so long as
the Securities of that series are listed on such exchange, and (C) subject to
any laws or regulations applicable thereto, in a Place of Payment for that
series located outside the United States an office or agency where any
Registered Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of
transfer, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for exchange, where
Securities of that series that are convertible or exchangeable may be
surrendered for conversion or exchange, as applicable, and where notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and
this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the
Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of each such office or
agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required
office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof,
such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the
Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, except that Bearer Securities of that
series and the related coupons may be presented and surrendered for payment at
the offices specified in the Security, in London, England, and the Company
hereby appoints the same as its agent to receive such respective presentations,
surrenders, notices and demands, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee its
agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

                  Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities
pursuant to Section 301, no payment of principal, premium or interest on Bearer
Securities shall be made at any office or agency of the Company in the United
States or by check mailed to any address in the United States or by transfer to
an account maintained with a bank located in the United States; provided,
however, that, if the Securities of a series are payable in Dollars, payment of
principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Bearer Security
shall be made at the office of the Company's Paying Agent in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, if (but only if) payment in Dollars of the full
amount of such principal, premium or interest, as the case may be, at all
offices or agencies outside the United States maintained for


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                                       70

such purpose by the Company in accordance with this Indenture, is illegal or
effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions.

                  The Company may from time to time designate one or more other
offices or agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented
or surrendered for any or all of such purposes, and may from time to time
rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or
rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain
an office or agency in accordance with the requirements set forth above for
Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company will give prompt written
notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in
the location of any such other office or agency. Unless otherwise specified with
respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301 with respect to a series of
Securities, the Company hereby designates as Places of Payment for each series
of Securities the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York, and initially appoints the Trustee at its Corporate Trust
Office as Paying Agent in such city and as its agent to receive all such
presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

                  Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities
pursuant to Section 301, if and so long as the Securities of any series (i) are
denominated in a currency other than Dollars or (ii) may be payable in a
currency other than Dollars, or so long as it is required under any other
provision of the Indenture, then the Company will maintain with respect to each
such series of Securities, or as so required, at least one Exchange Rate Agent.

                  SECTION 1003. Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in
Trust. If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect
to any series of any Securities and any related coupons, it will, on or before
each due date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on
any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the
benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the Currency in which the
Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to
Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as
provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay the principal
of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Securities of such series so
becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed
of as herein provided, and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or
failure so to act.

                  Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for
any series of Securities and any related coupons, it will, on or before each due
date of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any
Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum (in the Currency
described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the principal (or
premium, if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due, such sum to be held in
trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or
interest and (unless


<PAGE>


                                       71

such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee
of its action or failure so to act.

                  The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the
satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or
by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in
trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee
upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or
such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee,
such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to
such sums.

                  Except as otherwise provided in the Securities of any series,
any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the
Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest, if any, on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two
years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall
be paid to the Company upon Company Request or (if then held by the Company)
shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall
thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for
payment of such principal, premium or interest on any Security, without interest
thereon, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to
such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall
thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent,
before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the
Company cause to be published once, in an Authorized Newspaper, notice that such
money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall
not be less than 30 days from the date of such publication, any unclaimed
balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

                  SECTION 1004. Additional Amounts. If the Securities of a
series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company will pay to
the Holder of a Security of such series or any coupon appertaining thereto
Additional Amounts as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301. Whenever
in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the
principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of any
series or payment of any related coupon or the net proceeds received on the sale
or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to
include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided by the terms of
such series established pursuant to Section 301 to the extent that, in such
context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof
pursuant to such terms and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts
(if applicable) in any provisions hereof shall not be construed as excluding
Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not
made.



<PAGE>


                                       72

                  Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301,
if the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, at
least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to that
series of Securities (or if the Securities of that series will not bear interest
prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal and any premium
is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal,
premium or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set
forth in the below-mentioned Officers' Certificate, the Company will furnish the
Trustee and the Company's principal Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than
the Trustee, with an Officers' Certificate instructing the Trustee and such
Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal, premium or
interest on the Securities of that series shall be made to Holders of Securities
of that series or any related coupons who are not United States persons without
withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental
charge described in the Securities of the series. If any such withholding shall
be required, then such Officers' Certificate shall specify by country the
amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of
Securities of that series or related coupons and the Company will pay to the
Trustee or such Paying Agent the Additional Amounts required by the terms of
such Securities. In the event that the Trustee or any Paying Agent, as the case
may be, shall not so receive the above-mentioned certificate, then the Trustee
or such Paying Agent shall be entitled (i) to assume that no such withholding or
deduction is required with respect to any payment of principal or interest with
respect to any Securities of a series or related coupons until it shall have
received a certificate advising otherwise and (ii) to make all payments of
principal and interest with respect to the Securities of a series or related
coupons without withholding or deductions until otherwise advised. The Company
covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent for, and to hold them
harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without
negligence or bad faith on their part arising out of or in connection with
actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers' Certificate
furnished pursuant to this Section or in reliance on the Company's not
furnishing such an Officers' Certificate.

                  SECTION 1005. Statement as to Compliance. The Company will
deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a
brief certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial
officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her knowledge of the
Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture. For
purposes of this Section 1005, such compliance shall be determined without
regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.

                  SECTION 1006. Limitation on Liens. (a) The Company will not,
nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, issue, incur, assume or
guarantee any debt (hereinafter in this Article Ten referred to as "Debt")
secured by any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien or other encumbrance
(hereinafter called "mortgage" or "mortgages") upon any Important Property of
the Company or of a Restricted Subsidiary or upon any shares of stock or


<PAGE>


                                       73

indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary (whether such Important Property,
shares of stock or indebtedness is now owned or hereafter acquired) without in
any such case effectively providing, concurrently with the issuance, incurrence,
assumption or guaranty of any such Debt, that the Securities (together with, if
the Company shall so determine, any other indebtedness of or guaranteed by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary ranking equally with the Securities and
then existing or thereafter created) shall be secured equally and ratably with
or prior to such Debt; provided, however, that the foregoing restrictions shall
not apply to

                  (i) mortgages on any property acquired, constructed or
         improved by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after the date of
         this Indenture which are created or assumed contemporaneously with, or
         within 120 days after, such acquisition, construction or improvement to
         secure or provide for the payment of all or any part of the purchase
         price of such property or the cost of such construction or improvement
         incurred after the date of this Indenture, or (in addition to mortgages
         contemplated by clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) below) mortgages on any
         property existing at the time of acquisition thereof; provided that
         such mortgages shall not apply to any Important Property theretofore
         owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary other than, in the
         case of any such construction or improvement, any theretofore
         unimproved real property on which the property so constructed, or the
         improvement, is located;

                  (ii) mortgages on any property, shares of stock, or
         indebtedness existing at the time of acquisition thereof from a
         corporation which is consolidated with or merged into, or substantially
         all of the assets of which are acquired by, the Company or a Restricted
         Subsidiary;

                  (iii) mortgages on property of a corporation existing at the
         time such corporation becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;

                  (iv) mortgages to secure Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary to
         the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary;

                  (v) mortgages in favor of the United States of America or any
         State thereof, or any department, agency or instrumentality or
         political subdivision of the United States of America or any State
         thereof, to secure partial, progress, advance or other payments
         pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any indebtedness
         incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase
         price or the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to
         such mortgages and mortgages given to secure indebtedness incurred in
         connection with the financing of construction of pollution control
         facilities, the interest on which indebtedness is exempt from income
         taxes under the Internal Revenue Code of the United States of America;


<PAGE>


                                       74

                  (vi) any deposit or pledge of assets (1) with any surety
         company or clerk of any court, or in escrow, as collateral in
         connection with, or in lieu of, any bond on appeal from any judgment or
         decree against the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, or in connection
         with other proceedings or actions at law or in equity by or against the
         Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, or (2) as security for the
         performance of any contract or undertaking not directly or indirectly
         related to the borrowing of money or the securing of indebtedness, if
         made in the ordinary course of business, or (3) with any governmental
         agency, which deposit or pledge is required or permitted to qualify the
         Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to conduct business, to maintain
         self-insurance, or to obtain the benefits of any law pertaining to
         workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, old age pensions, social
         security, or similar matters, or (4) made in the ordinary course of
         business to obtain the release of mechanics', workmen's, repairmen's,
         warehousemen's or similar liens, or the release of property in the
         possession of a common carrier;

                  (vii) mortgages existing on property acquired by the Company
         or a Restricted Subsidiary through the exercise of rights arising out
         of defaults on receivables acquired in the ordinary course of business;

                  (viii) judgment liens, so long as the finality of such
         judgment is being contested in good faith and execution thereon is
         stayed;

                  (ix) mortgages for the sole purpose of extending, renewing or
         replacing in whole or in part Debt secured by any mortgage referred to
         in the foregoing clauses (i) to (viii), inclusive, or in this clause
         (ix); provided, however, that the principal amount of Debt secured
         thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Debt so secured at the
         time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such
         extension, renewal or replacement shall be limited to all or a part of
         the property which secured the mortgage so extended, renewed or
         replaced (plus improvements on such property);

                  (x) liens for taxes or assessments or governmental charges or
         levies not yet due or delinquent, or which can thereafter be paid
         without penalty, or which are being contested in good faith by
         appropriate proceedings; landlord's liens on property held under lease;
         and any other liens of a nature similar to those hereinabove described
         in this clause (x) which do not, in the opinion of the Company,
         materially impair the use of such property in the operation of the
         business of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or the value of such
         property for the purposes of such business;

                  (xi) any transaction characterized as a sale of receivables
         (retail or wholesale) but reflected as secured indebtedness on a
         balance sheet in conformity with generally accepted accounting
         principles then in effect;


<PAGE>


                                       75

                  (xii) mortgages on Margin Stock owned by the Company and its
         Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such Margin Stock so mortgaged
         exceeds 25% of the fair market value of the sum of the Important
         Property of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries plus the shares
         of stock (including Margin Stock) and indebtedness issued or incurred
         by the Restricted Subsidiaries; and

                  (xiii) mortgages on any Important Property of, or any shares
         of stock or indebtedness issued or incurred by, any Restricted
         Subsidiary organized under the laws of Canada.

                  (b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section 1006 shall
not apply to the issuance, incurrence, assumption or guarantee by the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary of Debt secured by a mortgage which would otherwise be
subject to the foregoing restrictions up to an aggregate amount which, together
with all other Debt of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that is
secured by mortgages (other than mortgages permitted by paragraph (a) of this
Section 1006) and would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions and
the Attributable Debt in respect of Sale and Lease-back Transactions (as defined
in Section 1007) in existence at such time (other than Sale and Lease-back
Transactions which, if the Attributable Debt in respect of such Sale and
Lease-back had been a mortgage, would have been permitted by subdivision (i) of
paragraph (a) of this Section 1006 and other Sale and Lease-back Transactions
the proceeds of which have been applied or committed to be applied in accordance
with paragraph (b) or (c) of Section 1007) does not at the time exceed 5% of
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, as shown on the audited consolidated balance
sheet contained in the latest annual report to stockholders of the Company.

                  The term "Restricted Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary (i)
engaged in, or whose principal assets consist of property used by the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary in, the manufacture of products within the United
States of America or Canada, or in the sale of products principally to customers
located in the United States of America or Canada except any corporation which
is a retail dealer in which the Company has, directly or indirectly, an
investment under an arrangement providing for the liquidation of such
investment, or (ii) which the Company shall designate as a Restricted Subsidiary
in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee.

                  The term "Important Property" shall mean (i) any manufacturing
plant, including land, all buildings and other improvements thereon, and all
manufacturing machinery and equipment located therein, used by the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary primarily for the manufacture of products to be sold by
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) the executive office and
administrative building of the Company in Moline, Illinois, and (iii) research
and development facilities, including land and buildings and other improvements
thereon and research and development machinery and equipment located


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                                       76

therein, except in any case property of which the aggregate fair value as
determined by the Board of Directors does not at the time exceed 1% of
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets, as shown on the audited consolidated balance
sheet contained in the latest annual report to stockholders of the Company.

                  The term "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" shall mean the
aggregate amount of assets (less applicable reserves and other items properly
deductible in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) of the
Company and of its consolidated Subsidiaries after deducting therefrom (a) all
current liabilities (excluding any constituting funded debt, as defined in
Section 1007, by reason of their being renewable or extendable) and (b) all
goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and
expense and other like intangibles.

                  The term "Attributable Debt" shall mean, as of any particular
time, the present value, discounted at a rate per annum equal to the weighted
average interest rate of all Securities Outstanding at the time under this
Indenture compounded semiannually, of the obligation of a lessee for rental
payments during the remaining term of any lease (including any period for which
such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended);
the net amount of rent required to be paid for any such period shall be the
total amount of the rent payable by the lessee with respect to such period, but
may exclude amounts required to be paid on account of maintenance and repairs,
insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates and similar charges; and, in the case
of any lease which is terminable by the lessee upon the payment of a penalty,
such net amount shall also include the amount of such penalty, but no rent shall
be considered as required to be paid under such lease subsequent to the first
date upon which it may be so terminated.

                  (c) If, upon any consolidation or merger of any Restricted
Subsidiary with or into any other corporation, or upon any consolidation or
merger of any other corporation with or into the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary or upon any sale or conveyance of the property of any Restricted
Subsidiary as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any other Person,
or upon any acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary by purchase
or otherwise of all or any part of the property of any other Person, any
Important Property theretofore owned by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary would thereupon become subject to any mortgage not permitted by the
terms of paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 1006, the Company, prior to such
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, or acquisition, will, or will cause
such Restricted Subsidiary to, secure payment of the principal of and interest
on the Securities (equally and ratably with or prior to any other indebtedness
of the Company or such Subsidiary then entitled thereto) by a direct lien on all
such property prior to all liens other than any liens theretofore existing
thereon by supplemental indenture hereto or otherwise.



<PAGE>


                                       77

                  (d) If at any time the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
shall issue, incur, assume or guarantee any Debt secured by any mortgage not
permitted by this Section 1006, to which the covenant in paragraph (a) of this
Section 1006 is applicable, the Company will promptly deliver to the Trustee

                  (i) an Officers' Certificate stating that the covenant of the
         Company contained in paragraph (a) or (c) of this Section 1006 has been
         complied with; and

                  (ii) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such covenant
         has been complied with, and that any instruments executed by the
         Company in the performance of such covenant comply with the
         requirements of such covenant.

                  In the event that the Company shall hereafter secure the
Securities equally and ratably with or prior to any other obligation or
indebtedness pursuant to the provisions of this Section 1006, the Trustee is
hereby authorized to enter into an indenture or agreement supplemental hereto
and to take such action, if any, as it may deem advisable to enable it to
enforce effectively the rights of the holders of the Securities so secured,
equally and ratably with or prior to such other obligations or indebtedness.

                  SECTION 1007. Limitation on Sale and Lease-back Transactions.
The Company will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter
into any arrangement with any Person providing for the leasing to the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary of any Important Property owned or hereafter acquired
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary (except for temporary leases for a
term, including any renewal thereof, of not more than three years and except for
leases between the Company and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted
Subsidiaries), which Important Property has been or is to be sold or transferred
by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such Person (herein referred to
as a "Sale and Lease-back Transaction") unless the net proceeds of such sale are
at least equal to the fair value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of
such property and either (a) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be
entitled, pursuant to the provisions of (1) clause (i) of paragraph (a) of
Section 1006 or (2) paragraph (b) of Section 1006 hereof, to incur Debt secured
by a mortgage on the Important Property to be leased without equally and ratably
securing the Securities, or (b) the Company shall, and in any such case the
Company covenants that it will, within 120 days of the effective date of any
such arrangement, apply an amount equal to the fair value (as so determined) of
such property to the redemption pursuant to Section 1101 hereof or the purchase
and retirement of Securities or to the payment or other retirement of funded
debt for money borrowed, incurred or assumed by the Company which ranks senior
to or pari passu with the Securities or of funded debt for money borrowed,
incurred or assumed by any Restricted Subsidiary (other than, in either case,
funded debt owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary), or (c) the
Company shall, at or prior to the time of entering into the Sale and Lease-back
Transaction, enter into a bona fide


<PAGE>


                                       78

commitment or commitments to expend for the acquisition or improvement of an
Important Property an amount at least equal to the fair value (as so determined)
of such property. For this purpose, funded debt means any Debt which by its
terms matures at or is extendable or renewable at the sole option of the obligor
without requiring the consent of the obligee to a date more than twelve months
after the date of the creation of such Debt.

                  SECTION 1008. Waiver of Certain Covenants. The Company may
omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition
set forth in Sections 1006, 1007 and, as specified pursuant to Section 301(15)
for Securities of any series, in any covenants of the Company added to Article
Ten pursuant to Section 301(14) or Section 301(15) in connection with Securities
of a series, if before or after the time for such compliance the Holders of at
least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding Securities, by Act of
such Holders, waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive
compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall
extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so
expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations
of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term,
provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.


                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN

                            REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

                  SECTION 1101. Applicability of Article. Securities of any
series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in
accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated
by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.

                  SECTION 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. The
election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or
pursuant to a Board Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the
Company of less than all of the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at
least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a
shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in
writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of
such series to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to
the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of
such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the
Trustee with an Officers' Certificate evidencing compliance with such
restriction.

                  SECTION 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be
Redeemed. If less than all the Securities of any series issued on the same day
with the same terms are to be


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                                       79

redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more
than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding
Securities of such series issued on such date with the same terms not previously
called for redemption, by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and
appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions
(equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or
any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such
series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for
Securities of that series.

                  The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security
Registrar (if other than itself) in writing of the Securities selected for
redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption,
the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

                  For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context
otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities
shall relate, in the case of any Security redeemed or to be redeemed only in
part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Security which has been or
is to be redeemed.

                  SECTION 1104. Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption shall
be given in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 30 days nor more
than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, unless a shorter period is specified
by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301, to each Holder
of Securities to be redeemed, but failure to give such notice in the manner
herein provided to the Holder of any Security designated for redemption as a
whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not
affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other such
Security or portion thereof.

                  Any notice that is mailed to the Holders of Registered
Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have
been duly given, whether or not the Holder receives the notice.

                  All notices of redemption shall state:

                  (1) the Redemption Date,

                  (2) the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to the
         Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 1106,

                  (3) if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are
         to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial
         redemption, the principal amount) of the particular Security or
         Securities to be redeemed,



<PAGE>


                                       80

                  (4) in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the
         notice which relates to such Security shall state that on and after the
         Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, the Holder will
         receive, without a charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized
         denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed,

                  (5) that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price and
         accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date payable as provided in
         Section 1106 will become due and payable upon each such Security, or
         the portion thereof, to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest
         thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date,

                  (6) the Place or Places of Payment where such Securities,
         together in the case of Bearer Securities with all coupons appertaining
         thereto, if any, maturing after the Redemption Date, are to be
         surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest,
         if any,

                  (7) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the
         case,

                  (8) that, unless otherwise specified in such notice, Bearer
         Securities of any series, if any, surrendered for redemption must be
         accompanied by all coupons maturing subsequent to the date fixed for
         redemption or the amount of any such missing coupon or coupons will be
         deducted from the Redemption Price, unless security or indemnity
         satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee for such series and any Paying
         Agent is furnished,

                  (9) if Bearer Securities of any series are to be redeemed and
         any Registered Securities of such series are not to be redeemed, and if
         such Bearer Securities may be exchanged for Registered Securities not
         subject to redemption on this Redemption Date pursuant to Section 305
         or otherwise, the last date, as determined by the Company, on which
         such exchanges may be made, and

                  (10) the CUSIP number of such Security, if any.

                  Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed shall be
given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name
and at the expense of the Company.

                  SECTION 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price. On or prior to any
Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying
Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, which it may not do
in the case of a sinking fund payment under Article Twelve, segregate and hold
in trust as provided in Section 1003)


<PAGE>


                                       81

an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are
payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the
Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections
312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay on the Redemption Date the
Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest
Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof which
are to be redeemed on that date.

                  SECTION 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of
redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed
shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price
therein specified in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are
payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the
Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections
312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) (together with accrued interest, if any, to the
Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default
in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such
Securities shall if the same were interest-bearing cease to bear interest and
the coupons for such interest appertaining to any Bearer Securities so to be
redeemed, except to the extent provided below, shall be void. Upon surrender of
any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, together with
all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after the Redemption Date,
such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together
with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that
installments of interest on Bearer Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or
prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable only at an office or agency
located outside the United States (except as otherwise provided in Section 1002)
and, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, only upon
presentation and surrender of coupons for such interest, and provided further
that installments of interest on Registered Securities whose Stated Maturity is
on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the
provisions of Section 307.

                  If any Bearer Security surrendered for redemption shall not be
accompanied by all appurtenant coupons maturing after the Redemption Date, such
Security may be paid after deducting from the Redemption Price an amount equal
to the face amount of all such missing coupons, or the surrender of such missing
coupon or coupons may be waived by the Company and the Trustee if there be
furnished to them such security or indemnity as they may require to save each of
them and any Paying Agent harmless. If thereafter the Holder of such Security
shall surrender to the Trustee or any Paying Agent any such missing coupon in
respect of which a deduction shall have been made from the Redemption Price,
such Holder shall be entitled to receive the amount so deducted; provided,
however, that interest represented by coupons shall be payable only at an office
or agency located outside the United States (except


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                                       82

as otherwise provided in Section 1002) and, unless otherwise specified as
contemplated by Section 301, only upon presentation and surrender of those
coupons.

                  If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid
upon surrender thereof for redemption, the Redemption Price shall, until paid,
bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate of interest set forth in such
Security or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, at the Yield to
Maturity of such Security.

                  SECTION 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part. Any Registered
Security which is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of
this Article or of Article Twelve) shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment
therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by,
or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the
Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in
writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and
deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge a new Security or
Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination as requested by
such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the
unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. However, if
less than all the Securities of any series with differing issue dates, interest
rates and stated maturities are to be redeemed, the Company in its sole
discretion shall select the particular Securities to be redeemed and shall
notify the Trustee in writing thereof at least 45 days prior to the relevant
redemption date.


                                 ARTICLE TWELVE

                                  SINKING FUNDS

                  SECTION 1201. Applicability of Article. The provisions of this
Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities
of a series except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for
Securities of such series.

                  The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by
the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a "mandatory
sinking fund payment", and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided
for by the terms of such Securities of any series is herein referred to as an
"optional sinking fund payment". If provided for by the terms of any Securities
of any series, the cash amount of any mandatory sinking fund payment may be
subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment
shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for
by the terms of Securities of such series.



<PAGE>


                                       83

                  SECTION 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with
Securities. The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any mandatory
sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of a series, (1) deliver
Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any previously called for
redemption) together in the case of any Bearer Securities of such series with
all unmatured coupons appertaining thereto and (2) apply as a credit Securities
of such series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company
pursuant to the terms of such Securities or through the application of permitted
optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, as
provided for by the terms of such Securities; provided that such Securities so
delivered or applied as a credit have not been previously so credited. Such
Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the
applicable Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through
operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such mandatory sinking fund
payment shall be reduced accordingly.

                  SECTION 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund. Not
less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for Securities of any
series, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for
that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any,
which is to be satisfied by payment of cash in the Currency in which the
Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to
Section 301 for the Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as
provided in Sections 312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) and the portion thereof, if any,
which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting Securities of that series
pursuant to Section 1202, and the optional amount, if any, to be added in cash
to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the
Trustee any Securities to be so delivered and credited. If such Officers'
Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the next
ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the Company shall thereupon be obligated
to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 30 days before each such
sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed
upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and
cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the
expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice
having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the
terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.


                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN

                       REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS

                  SECTION 1301. Applicability of Article. Repayment of
Securities of any series before their Stated Maturity at the option of Holders
thereof shall be made in


<PAGE>


                                       84

accordance with the terms of such Securities and (except as otherwise specified
by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301) in accordance
with this Article.

                  SECTION 1302. Repayment of Securities. Securities of any
series subject to repayment in whole or in part at the option of the Holders
thereof will, unless otherwise provided in the terms of such Securities, be
repaid at the Repayment Price thereof, together with interest, if any, thereon
accrued to the Repayment Date specified in or pursuant to the terms of such
Securities. The Company covenants that on or before the Repayment Date it will
deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as
its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003)
an amount of money in the Currency in which the Securities of such series are
payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the
Securities of such series and except, if applicable, as provided in Sections
312(b), 312(d) and 312(e)) sufficient to pay the Repayment Price of, and (except
if the Repayment Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on,
all the Securities or portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid on such
date.

                  SECTION 1303. Exercise of Option. Securities of any series
subject to repayment at the option of the Holders thereof will contain an
"Option to Elect Repayment" form on the reverse of such Securities. To be repaid
at the option of the Holder, any Security so providing for such repayment, with
the "Option to Elect Repayment" form on the reverse of such Security duly
completed by the Holder (or by the Holder's attorney duly authorized in
writing), must be received by the Company at the Place of Payment therefor
specified in the terms of such Security (or at such other place or places of
which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holders of such Securities)
not earlier than 45 days nor later than 30 days prior to the Repayment Date. If
less than the entire Repayment Price of such Security is to be repaid in
accordance with the terms of such Security, the portion of the Repayment Price
of such Security to be repaid, in increments of the minimum denomination for
Securities of such series, and the denomination or denominations of the Security
or Securities to be issued to the Holder for the portion of such Security
surrendered that is not to be repaid, must be specified. Any Security providing
for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof may not be repaid in part if,
following such repayment, the unpaid principal amount of such Security would be
less than the minimum authorized denomination of Securities of the series of
which such Security to be repaid is a part. Except as otherwise may be provided
by the terms of any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder
thereof, exercise of the repayment option by the Holder shall be irrevocable
unless waived by the Company.

                  SECTION 1304. When Securities Presented for Repayment Become
Due and Payable. If Securities of any series providing for repayment at the
option of the Holders thereof shall have been surrendered as provided in this
Article and as provided by or pursuant to the terms of such Securities, such
Securities or the portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid shall
become due and payable and shall be paid by the Company on the Repayment


<PAGE>


                                       85

Date therein specified, and on and after such Repayment Date (unless the Company
shall default in the payment of such Securities on such Repayment Date) such
Securities shall, if the same were interest-bearing, cease to bear interest and
the coupons for such interest appertaining to any Bearer Securities so to be
repaid, except to the extent provided below, shall be void. Upon surrender of
any such Security for repayment in accordance with such provisions, together
with all coupons, if any, appertaining thereto maturing after the Repayment
Date, the Repayment Price of such Security so to be repaid shall be paid by the
Company, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Repayment Date;
provided, however, that coupons whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the
Repayment Date shall be payable only at an office or agency located outside the
United States (except as otherwise provided in Section 1002) and, unless
otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301, only upon presentation and
surrender of such coupons; and provided further that, in the case of Registered
Securities, installments of interest, if any, whose Stated Maturity is on or
prior to the Repayment Date shall be payable (but without interest thereon,
unless the Company shall default in the payment thereof) to the Holders of such
Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the
close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the
provisions of Section 307.

                  If any Bearer Security surrendered for repayment shall not be
accompanied by all appurtenant coupons maturing after the Repayment Date, such
Security may be paid after deducting from the amount payable therefor as
provided in Section 1302 an amount equal to the face amount of all such missing
coupons, or the surrender of such missing coupon or coupons may be waived by the
Company and the Trustee if there be furnished to them such security or indemnity
as they may require to save each of them and any Paying Agent harmless. If
thereafter the Holder of such Security shall surrender to the Trustee or any
Paying Agent any such missing coupon in respect of which a deduction shall have
been made as provided in the preceding sentence, such Holder shall be entitled
to receive the amount so deducted; provided, however, that interest represented
by coupons shall be payable only at an office or agency located outside the
United States (except as otherwise provided in Section 1002) and, unless
otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301, only upon presentation and
surrender of those coupons.

                  If any Security surrendered for repayment shall not be so
repaid upon surrender thereof, the Repayment Price shall, until paid, bear
interest from the Repayment Date at the rate of interest set forth in such
Security or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, at the Yield to
Maturity of such Security.

                  SECTION 1305. Securities Repaid in Part. Upon surrender of any
Registered Security which is to be repaid in part only, the Company shall
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such
Security, without service charge and at the expense of the Company, a new
Registered Security or Securities of the same series,


<PAGE>


                                       86

of any authorized denomination specified by the Holder, in an aggregate
principal amount equal to and in exchange for the portion of the principal of
such Security so surrendered which is not to be repaid.


                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN

                       DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

                  SECTION 1401. Applicability of Article; Company's Option to
Effect Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. If pursuant to Section 301 provision
is made for either or both of (a) defeasance of the Securities of or within a
series under Section 1402 or (b) covenant defeasance of the Securities of or
within a series under Section 1403, then the provisions of such Section or
Sections, as the case may be, together with the other provisions of this Article
(with such modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to Section 301
with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to such Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto, and the Company may at its option by Board
Resolution, at any time, with respect to such Securities and any coupons
appertaining thereto, elect to have Section 1402 (if applicable) or Section 1403
(if applicable) be applied to such Outstanding Securities and any coupons
appertaining thereto upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this
Article.

                  SECTION 1402. Defeasance and Discharge. Upon the Company's
exercise of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any
Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be deemed to have been
discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities and
any coupons appertaining thereto on the date the conditions set forth in Section
1404 are satisfied (hereinafter, "defeasance"). For this purpose, such
defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged
the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto, which shall thereafter be deemed to be
"Outstanding" only for the purposes of Section 1405 and the other Sections of
this Indenture referred to in clauses (A) and (B) of this Section, and to have
satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and any coupons
appertaining thereto and this Indenture insofar as such Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of
the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except
for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged
hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto to receive, solely from the trust fund described in
Section 1404 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of
the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities
and any coupons appertaining thereto when such payments are due, (B) the
Company's obligations with respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306,
1002 and 1003 and with respect to the payment of


<PAGE>


                                       87

Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004,
(C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder
and (D) this Article. Subject to compliance with this Article Fourteen, the
Company may exercise its option under this Section notwithstanding the prior
exercise of its option under Section 1403 with respect to such Securities and
any coupons appertaining thereto.

                  SECTION 1403. Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Company's exercise
of the above option applicable to this Section with respect to any Securities of
or within a series, the Company shall be released from its obligations under
Sections 1006 and 1007, and, if specified pursuant to Section 301, its
obligations under any other covenant, with respect to such Outstanding
Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto on and after the date the
conditions set forth in Section 1404 are satisfied (hereinafter, "covenant
defeasance"), and such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall
thereafter be deemed to be not "Outstanding" for the purposes of any direction,
waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any
thereof) in connection with Sections 1006 and 1007, or such other covenant, but
shall continue to be deemed "Outstanding" for all other purposes hereunder. For
this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such
Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, the Company may
omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term,
condition or limitation set forth in any such Section or such other covenant,
whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to
any such Section or such other covenant or by reason of reference in any such
Section or such other covenant to any other provision herein or in any other
document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event
of Default under Section 501(4) or 501(7) or otherwise, as the case may be, but,
except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities
and any coupons appertaining thereto shall be unaffected thereby.

                  SECTION 1404. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 1402 or Section
1403 to any Outstanding Securities of or within a series and any coupons
appertaining thereto:

                  (a) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to
         be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the
         requirements of Section 607 who shall agree to comply with the
         provisions of this Article Fourteen applicable to it) as trust funds in
         trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically
         pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the
         Holders of such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, (1) an
         amount (in such Currency in which such Securities and any coupons
         appertaining thereto are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity),
         or (2) Government Obligations applicable to such Securities and coupons
         appertaining thereto (determined on the basis of the Currency in which
         such Securities and coupons appertaining thereto are then specified as
         payable at


<PAGE>


                                       88

         Stated Maturity) which through the scheduled payment of principal and
         interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will
         provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of
         principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such
         Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto, money in an amount, or
         (3) a combination thereof in an amount, sufficient, in the opinion of a
         nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed
         in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and
         discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other
         qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (i) the principal of (and
         premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Outstanding Securities
         and any coupons appertaining thereto on the Stated Maturity of such
         principal or installment of principal or interest and (ii) any
         mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments applicable to
         such Outstanding Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto on the
         day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the
         terms of this Indenture and of such Securities and any coupons
         appertaining thereto.

                  (b) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in
         a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture
         or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a
         party or by which it is bound.

                  (c) No Default or Event of Default with respect to such
         Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto shall have occurred and
         be continuing on the date of such deposit or, insofar as Sections
         501(5) and 501(6) are concerned, at any time during the period ending
         on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood
         that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration
         of such period).

                  (d) In the case of an election under Section 1402, the Company
         shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that
         (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the
         Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of execution
         of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal
         income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon
         such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding
         Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto will not recognize
         income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of
         such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same
         amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
         the case if such defeasance had not occurred.

                  (e) In the case of an election under Section 1403, the Company
         shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect
         that the Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any coupons
         appertaining thereto will not recognize income, gain or loss for
         Federal income tax purposes as a result of such covenant defeasance and
         will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same
         manner


<PAGE>


                                       89

         and at the same times as would have been the case if such covenant
         defeasance had not occurred.

                  (f) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
         Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
         conditions precedent to the defeasance under Section 1402 or the
         covenant defeasance under Section 1403 (as the case may be) have been
         complied with and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that either (i)
         as a result of a deposit pursuant to subsection (a) above and the
         related exercise of the Company's option under Section 1402 or Section
         1403 (as the case may be), registration is not required under the
         Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by the Company, with
         respect to the trust funds representing such deposit or by the trustee
         for such trust funds or (ii) all necessary registrations under said Act
         have been effected.

                  (g) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section, such
         defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with
         any additional or substitute terms, conditions or limitations which may
         be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section
         301.

                  SECTION 1405. Deposited Money and Government Obligations to Be
Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to the provisions of the
last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (or other
property as may be provided pursuant to Section 301) (including the proceeds
thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively
for purposes of this Section 1405, the "Trustee") pursuant to Section 1404 in
respect of any Outstanding Securities of any series and any coupons appertaining
thereto shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with
the provisions of such Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto and this
Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent
(including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may
determine, to the Holders of such Securities and any coupons appertaining
thereto of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and
premium, if any) and interest, if any, but such money need not be segregated
from other funds except to the extent required by law.

                  Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Security
pursuant to Section 301, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 1404(a) has
been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was
made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 312(b) or the terms of
such Security to receive payment in a Currency other than that in which the
deposit pursuant to Section 1404(a) has been made in respect of such Security,
or (b) a Conversion Event occurs as contemplated in Section 312(d) or 312(e) or
by the terms of any Security in respect of which the deposit pursuant to Section
1404(a) has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security and any
coupons appertaining thereto shall be


<PAGE>


                                       90

deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the
payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such
Security as the same becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from
time to time as specified below in the case of any such election) the amount or
other property deposited in respect of such Security into the Currency in which
such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event
based on the applicable Market Exchange Rate for such Currency in effect on the
second Business Day prior to each payment date, except, with respect to a
Conversion Event, for such Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the
time of the Conversion Event.

                  The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any
tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the Government
Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 1404 or the principal and interest
received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which
by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities and any
coupons appertaining thereto.

                  Anything in this Article to the contrary notwithstanding, the
Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company
Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds
therefrom) held by it as provided in Section 1404 which, in the opinion of a
nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a
written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the
amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a
defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this
Article.


                                 ARTICLE FIFTEEN

                        MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

                  SECTION 1501. Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called. If
Securities of a series are issuable as Bearer Securities, a meeting of Holders
of Securities of such series may be called at any time and from time to time
pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by
this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such
series.

                  SECTION 1502. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings. (a) The
Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series
for any purpose specified in Section 1501, to be held at such time and at such
place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or in London as the
Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities of any
series, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general


<PAGE>


                                       91

terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the
manner provided in Section 106, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to
the date fixed for the meeting.

                  (b) In case at any time the Company, pursuant to a Board
Resolution, or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a
meeting of the Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in
Section 1501, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action
proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have made the
first publication of the notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of
such request or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as
provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in
the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the
place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York or in London for such
meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as
provided in subsection (a) of this Section.

                  SECTION 1503. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings. To be
entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, a Person
shall be (1) a Holder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series, or
(2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or
Holders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Holder or
Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any
meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to
vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and
its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.

                  SECTION 1504. Quorum; Action. The Persons entitled to vote a
majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall
constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series;
provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with
respect to a consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be
given by the Holders of not less than a specified percentage in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote such
specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such
series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes
of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at
the request of Holders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other
case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as
determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such
meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such
adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days
as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such
adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be
given as provided in Section 1502(a), except that such notice need be given only
once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled
to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall state


<PAGE>


                                       92

expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum.

                  Except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any
resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which
a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
series; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section
902, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization,
direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which this Indenture
expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified
percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned
meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the
affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount
of the Outstanding Securities of that series.

                  Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of
Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section
shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series and the related
coupons, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 1504,
if any action is to be taken at a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series
with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action that this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given
or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all
Outstanding Securities affected thereby, or of the Holders of such series and
one or more additional series:

                  (i) there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such
         meeting; and

                  (ii) the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of
         such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization,
         direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into
         account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization,
         direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given
         or taken under this Indenture.

                  SECTION 1505. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and
Adjournment of Meetings. (a) Notwithstanding any provisions of this Indenture,
the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for
any meeting of Holders of Securities of a series in regard to proof of the
holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of proxies and in
regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and
examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote,
and


<PAGE>


                                       93

such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem
appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations,
the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104
and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in
Section 104 or by having the signature of the Person executing the proxy
witnessed or guaranteed by any trust company, bank or banker authorized by
Section 104 to certify to the holding of Bearer Securities. Such regulations may
provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may
be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or
other proof.

                  (b) The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing appoint a
temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by
the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1502(b), in which
case the Company or the Holders of Securities of the series calling the meeting,
as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A
permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by
vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.

                  (c) At any meeting each Holder of a Security of such series or
proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each $1,000 principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by him; provided,
however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any
Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting
to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote,
except as a Holder of a Security of such series or proxy.

                  (d) Any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly
called pursuant to Section 1502 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned
from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of
the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting, and the
meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.

                  SECTION 1506. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities
of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the
signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their
representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the
Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent
chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count
all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make
and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in
duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of
the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Securities of any Series shall be
prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said
record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot
taken thereat and affidavits by


<PAGE>


                                       94

one or more persons having knowledge of the fact, setting forth a copy of the
notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in
Section 1502 and, if applicable, Section 1504. Each copy shall be signed and
verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the
meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company and another to the
Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the
ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be
conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.

                                    * * * * *

                  This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Indenture.










<PAGE>


                                       95

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be
hereunto affixed and attested, all as of the day and year first above written.


                                             DEERE & COMPANY


                                             By/s/James R. Jabanoski
                                               ---------------------------------
[SEAL]                                       Treasurer

Attest:

/s/Michael A. Harring
- - ---------------------------------
Assistant Secretary



                                             THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                                      as Trustee


                                             By/s/William G. Keenan
                                               ---------------------------------
[SEAL]                                                Trust Officer


Attest:

/s/Illegible
- - ---------------------------------
Assistant Secretary


NYDOCS01/560500 2

<PAGE>



STATE OF ILLINOIS                   )
                                    ) ss:
COUNTY OF ROCK ISLAND               )


                  On the 5th day of October 1998, before me personally came
James R. Jabanoski, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say
that he resides at #8 Red Oak Drive, Coal Valley, Illinois 61240; that he is
Treasurer of Deere & Company, one of the corporations described in and which
executed the foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation;
that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so
affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he
signed his name thereto by like authority.


[Notarial Seal]
                                             /s/Sonja J. Sterling
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Notary Public
                                             COMMISSION EXPIRES





STATE OF NEW YORK                   )
                                    ) ss:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK                  )


                  On the 6th day of October 1998, before me personally came
William G. Keenan, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say
that he resides at ___________________ ; that he is a Trust Officer of The Chase
Manhattan Bank, one of the corporations described in and which executed the
foregoing instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal
affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by
authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he signed his
name thereto by like authority.


[Notarial Seal]
                                             /s/Emily Fayan
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Notary Public
                                             COMMISSION EXPIRES



<PAGE>


                                    EXHIBIT A

                             FORMS OF CERTIFICATION



                                   EXHIBIT A-1


               FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN BY PERSON ENTITLED
                TO RECEIVE BEARER SECURITY OR TO OBTAIN INTEREST
                       PAYABLE PRIOR TO THE EXCHANGE DATE


                                   CERTIFICATE


     [Insert title or sufficient description of Securities to be delivered]


                  This is to certify that, as of the date hereof, and except as
set forth below, the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account (i)
are owned by person(s) that are not citizens or residents of the United States,
domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income
of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its
source ("United States person(s)"), (ii) are owned by United States person(s)
that are (a) foreign branches of United States financial institutions (financial
institutions, as defined in United States Treasury Regulations Section
1.165-12(c)(1)(v) are herein referred to as "financial institutions") purchasing
for their own account or for resale, or (b) United States person(s) who acquired
the Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions
and who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on
the date hereof (and in either case (a) or (b), each such United States
financial institution hereby agrees, on its own behalf or through its agent,
that you may advise Deere & Company or its agent that such financial institution
will comply with the requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations
thereunder), or (iii) are owned by United States or foreign financial
institution(s) for purposes of resale during the restricted period (as defined
in United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and, in
addition, if the owner is a United States or foreign financial institution
described in clause (iii) above (whether or not also described in clause (i) or
(ii)), this is to further certify that such financial institution has not
acquired the Securities for purposes of resale directly or indirectly to a
United States person or to a person within the United States or its possessions.



<PAGE>


                                      A-1-2

                  As used herein, "United States" means the United States of
America (including the States and the District of Columbia); and its
"possessions" include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.

                  We undertake to advise you promptly by tested telex on or
prior to the date on which you intend to submit your certification relating to
the above-captioned Securities held by you for our account in accordance with
your Operating Procedures if any applicable statement herein is not correct on
such date, and in the absence of any such notification it may be assumed that
this certification applies as of such date.

                  This certificate excepts and does not relate to [U.S.$] of
such interest in the above-captioned Securities in respect of which we are not
able to certify and as to which we understand an exchange for an interest in a
Permanent Global Security or an exchange for and delivery of definitive
Securities (or, if relevant, collection of any interest) cannot be made until we
do so certify.

                  We understand that this certificate may be required in
connection with certain tax legislation in the United States. If administrative
or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this
certificate is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorize you to produce
this certificate or a copy thereof to any interested party in such proceedings.


Dated:_____________________, 19__

[To be dated no earlier than the 15th day
prior to (i) the Exchange Date or (ii) the
relevant Interest Payment Date occurring
prior to the Exchange Date, as applicable]

                                        [Name of Person Making Certification]



                                        ___________________________________
                                        (Authorized Signatory)
                                        Name:
                                        Title:





<PAGE>


                                   EXHIBIT A-2

                FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN BY EUROCLEAR AND
                  CEDEL S.A. IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OF
                    A PORTION OF A TEMPORARY GLOBAL SECURITY
                       OR TO OBTAIN INTEREST PAYABLE PRIOR
                              TO THE EXCHANGE DATE


                                   CERTIFICATE


     [Insert title or sufficient description of Securities to be delivered]


                  This is to certify that, based solely on written
certifications that we have received in writing, by tested telex or by
electronic transmission from each of the persons appearing in our records as
persons entitled to a portion of the principal amount set forth below (our
"Member Organizations") substantially in the form attached hereto, as of the
date hereof, [U.S.$] principal amount of the above-captioned Securities (i) is
owned by person(s) that are not citizens or residents of the United States,
domestic partnerships, domestic corporations or any estate or trust the income
of which is subject to United States Federal income taxation regardless of its
source ("United States person(s)"), (ii) is owned by United States person(s)
that are (a) foreign branches of United States financial institutions (financial
institutions, as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(v)
are herein referred to as "financial institutions") purchasing for their own
account or for resale, or (b) United States person(s) who acquired the
Securities through foreign branches of United States financial institutions and
who hold the Securities through such United States financial institutions on the
date hereof (and in either case (a) or (b), each such financial institution has
agreed, on its own behalf or through its agent, that we may advise Deere &
Company or its agent that such financial institution will comply with the
requirements of Section 165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder), or (iii) is owned by United
States or foreign financial institution(s) for purposes of resale during the
restricted period (as defined in United States Treasury Regulations Section
1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7)), and, to the further effect, that financial institutions
described in clause (iii) above (whether or not also described in clause (i) or
(ii)) have certified that they have not acquired the Securities for purposes of
resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person within
the United States or its possessions.

                  As used herein, "United States" means the United States of
America (including the States and the District of Columbia); and its
"possessions" include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands.



<PAGE>


                                      A-2-2

                  We further certify that (i) we are not making available
herewith for exchange (or, if relevant, collection of any interest) any portion
of the temporary global Security representing the above-captioned Securities
excepted in the above-referenced certificates of Member Organizations and (ii)
as of the date hereof we have not received any notification from any of our
Member Organizations to the effect that the statements made by such Member
Organizations with respect to any portion of the part submitted herewith for
exchange (or, if relevant, collection of any interest) are no longer true and
cannot be relied upon as of the date hereof.

                  We understand that this certification is required in
connection with certain tax legislation in the United States. If administrative
or legal proceedings are commenced or threatened in connection with which this
certificate is or would be relevant, we irrevocably authorize you to produce
this certificate or a copy thereof to any interested party in such proceedings.

Dated:_____________________, 19__

[To be dated no earlier than the Exchange
Date or the relevant Interest Payment Date
occurring prior to the Exchange Date, as
applicable]

                                        [Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
                                            New York, Brussels Office,] as
                                            Operator of the Euroclear System
                                        [Cedel S.A.]


                                        By______________________________________







<PAGE>

      NA
                            [PORTRAIT OF JOHN DEERE]                      XXX
   NUMBER                                                                SHARES

                                                           --------------------
COMMON STOCK                     DEERE & COMPANY             CUSIP 244199 10 5
$1 PAR VALUE             INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF    --------------------
                             THE STATE OF DELAWARE           SEE REVERSE FOR
                                                           CERTAIN DEFINITIONS


THIS CERTIFIES THAT




IS THE OWNER OF

FULLY PAID AND NONASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK OF DEERE & COMPANY 
TRANSFERABLE IN PERSON OR BY DULY AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY UPON SURRENDER OF THIS 
CERTIFICATE PROPERLY ENDORSED. THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT VALID UNLESS 
COUNTERSIGNED BY A TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTERED BY A REGISTRAR.
    WITNESS THE SIGNATURES OF THE DULY AUTHORIZED OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.

DATED    SPECIMEN                                            SPECIMEN

COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED:
                 THE BANK OF NEW YORK
                                        TRANSFER AGENT
                                         AND REGISTRAR
BY

   7-9-97                         AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE            7-9-97

                                    [LOGO]

/s/ Frank S. Cottrell                                       /s/ Hans W. Becherer
    SECRETARY                                                   CHAIRMAN

    ABN SECOL                                                      ABN SECOL 

<PAGE>

                                   DEERE & COMPANY

     The Company will furnish to any stockholder, upon written request to its
principal office and without charge, a statement of the powers, designations,
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of
each class of its stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

     This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to certain
Rights as set forth in the Rights Agreement, as amended, between Deere &
Company (the "Company") and the Rights Agent dated as of December 9, 1987 (the
"Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal offices of the
Company.  Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement,
such Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and will no longer be
evidenced by the certificate.  The Company will mail to the holder of this
certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement as in effect on the date of mailing,
without charge promptly after receipt of a written request therefor.  Under
certain circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement, Rights issued to, or
held by, any Person who is, was or becomes an Acquiring Person or any Affiliate
or Associates thereof (as such terms are defined in the Rights Agreement),
whether currently held by or on behalf of such Person or by any subsequent
holder, may become null and void.

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this
certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

TEN COM-             as tenants in common
TEN ENT-             as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN-              as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as 
                     tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -                       Custodian
                     ----------------------------------------------------------
                             (Cust)                            (Minor)

                     under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act 
                                                       ------------------------
                                                              (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE BELOW.


For value received,                       hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR
                                               OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF
                                                         ASSIGNEE
                                            -----------------------------------
Name 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Street
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

City, State and Zip Code
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Shares of the capital stock and associated Rights represented by the within
Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within named Company 
with full power of substitution in the premises. 


Dated
- - ------------------------------------------


Signature of stockholder
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Signature of stockholder
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as
written upon the face of the certificate in every particular, without alteration
or enlargement, or any change whatever.

SIGNATURE GUARANTEED

<PAGE>

               AGREEMENT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL RETAIL NOTES

Deere & Company, ("Sales Company"), its successors and assigns;
and
John Deere Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation") its successors and 
assigns;
agree as follows:

                        SECTION 1. RETAIL FINANCE

To stimulate retail sales of its agricultural equipment and to induce the 
Capital Corporation to provide a "Finance Plan" for retail purchases of its 
agricultural equipment, the Sales Company agrees to provide financing to 
retail purchasers. The Capital Corporation agrees to provide and 
administratively support a Finance Plan for the Sales Company. The Finance 
Plan shall be made up of finance agreements between dealers and the Sales 
Company (which the Sales Company hereby agrees to execute with dealers from 
time to time as the Capital Corporation deems necessary), retail terms and 
bulletins supplementary thereto, and retail finance manuals. The Capital 
Corporation shall advise and assist the Sales Company in complying with all 
applicable federal and state laws and regulations applicable to retail 
financing. The Capital Corporation further agrees that it will purchase from 
the Sales Company all retail installment sale and loan contracts 
(collectively "Retail Notes") entered into by the Sales Company pursuant to 
and in compliance with the Finance Plan. This Agreement shall apply to the 
terms and conditions of the sale of Retail Notes from the Sales Company to 
the Capital Corporation.

                SECTION 2. SALES AND PURCHASES OF RETAIL NOTES

     2.1 ACCEPTANCE. A sales of any Retail Note shall not be completed until 
     the Retail Note is received and accepted by the Capital Corporation at 
     its office in Reno, Nevada, as evidenced by a credit memorandum issued 
     by the Capital Corporation to the Sales Company. Sales of Retail Notes 
     to the Capital Corporation need not be evidenced by endorsements on the 
     Retail Notes. If the Capital Corporation shall so request, the Sales 
     Company will endorse Retail Notes and perform all other acts and execute 
     all other instruments which the Capital Corporation shall deem desirable 
     or proper to further evidence or perfect the sale. The sales of such 
     Retail Notes shall be without recourse against the Sales Company.

     2.2 CONVEYANCE OF RETAIL NOTES. Each sale of Retail Notes shall convey 
     to the Capital Corporation all right, title and interest in and to the 
     Retail Notes sold (including the security interests described therein) 
     as well as the

                                     Page 1
<PAGE>

     proceeds of collection thereof. Such conveyance shall be free and clear 
     of the claims of any and all third parties.

     2.3 PURCHASE PRICE. The purchase price of any Retail Note accepted by 
     the Capital Corporation shall consist of an "Immediately Due Portion" 
     and a portion payable in installments ("Installment Portion"). (On an 
     exception basis, the Sales Company and the Capital Corporation may agree 
     that the Installment Portion will not be paid on certain Retail Notes.) 
     The Immediately Due Portion shall be the face amount of the Retail Note 
     less both the finance charge and any separately stated insurance 
     premiums. The Installment Portion, which is intended to compensate the 
     Sales Company for origination of receivables, shall be a percentage of 
     finance income earned on Retail Notes owned by the Capital Corporation, 
     pursuant to the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     BASE RATE* IN EFFECT ON THE                      PERCENTAGE OF FINANCE
     FIRST DAY OF EACH CALENDAR MONTH                     INCOME EARNED
     --------------------------------                 ---------------------
     <S>                                              <C>
              7.5% or less                                    2.9%
              7.6% to 8%                                      2.8%
              8.1% to 8.5%                                    2.7%
              8.6% to 9%                                      2.6%
              9.1% to 9.5%                                    2.5%
              9.6% to 10%                                     2.4%
              10.1% to 10.5%                                  2.3%
              10.6% to 11%                                    2.2%
              11.1% to 11.5%                                  2.1%
              11.6% to 12%                                    2.0%
              12.1% to 12.5%                                  1.9%
              12.6% to 13%                                    1.8%
              13.1% to 13.5%                                  1.7%
              13.6% to 14%                                    1.6%
              14.1% to 14.5%                                  1.5%
              14.6% and over                                  1.4%

</TABLE>

              *The "Base Rate" is the "Citibank base rate" (the annual
              percentage rate of interest announced publicly from time
              to time by Citibank, N.A. in New York, New York as the
              base rate it uses in determining the rate of interest it
              charges on loans).

     2.4 PAYMENT TO DEERE & COMPANY, CORPORATE. For their convenience, the 
     Sales Company and the Capital Corporation request and direct that until 
     further notice all monies payable by one party to another pursuant to 
     this Agreement shall be paid to, and all non-cash adjustments and other

                                     Page 2

<PAGE>

     transactions pursuant to this Agreement shall be reported to Deere &
     Company, Corporate, to be recorded in the Deere & Company, Corporate, net
     account for the account of the other party, subject to monthly settlement
     pursuant to agreement between or among the parties, and such payments and
     reports shall constitute fulfillment of such party's obligation of payment
     or accounting.  For purposes of this Agreement, "Deere & Company,
     Corporate" shall mean Deere & Company's corporate, administrative office as
     opposed to Deere & Company's branch offices.

     2.5  TIME OF PAYMENT.    The Immediately Due Portion shall be payable to
     the Sales Company upon acceptance by the Capital Corporation under Section
     2.1., and the Installment Portion shall be payable to the Sales Company
     when it is earned by the Capital Corporation.  Both Portions shall be paid
     on a monthly basis.

               SECTION 3. STANDARDS FOR RETAIL NOTES

In consideration of the Capital Corporation's agreement to purchase all such
Retail Notes, the Sales Company agrees to finance retail purchases if each
Retail Note complies with the following requirements:

     3.1  FINANCE PLAN TERMS.  Each Retail Note will comply with all
     requirements prescribed by the Capital Corporation in the Finance Plan
     which are in effect on the date of execution of the Retail Note.

     3.2  CREDIT STANDARDS.   Each retail buyer/borrower will meet the credit
     standards prescribed by the Capital Corporation from time to time.

     3.3  FORMS.    Each Retail Note will be on either a Retail Installment Sale
     Contract or Loan Contract form approved by the Capital Corporation and
     appropriate to the type and location of the transaction.

     3.4  SECURITY. Each Retail Note and all other documents needed to perfect a
     lien or security interest in the equipment which is the subject of a Retail
     Note will comply with the requirements as to acknowledgment, affidavits,
     suitability for filing of record, and any other requirements prescribed by
     the applicable state law.  All necessary steps will have been or will be
     taken to perfect a valid purchase money security interest or, in certain
     circumstances, a non-purchase money, first position security interest in
     the equipment which is the subject of a Retail Note.

The Capital Corporation shall take all steps necessary to ensure that each
Retail Note complies with these requirements.

                                        Page 3

<PAGE>

If the Sales Company finances retail purchases on notes that do not comply with
the above requirements, the Capital Corporation shall not be obligated to
purchase those notes.

               SECTION 4.     COLLECTION

The Sales Company agrees to render assistance to the Capital Corporation when
needed in connection with litigation, repossession or other collection
activities.  Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, bringing suit
in the name of the Sales Company against any retail customer or dealer when
necessary.  The costs of any such litigation shall be borne by the Capital
Corporation.  The Capital Corporation may elect to assign a Retail Note to the
Sales Company if such an assignment becomes necessary to collect the balance of
the Retail Note.  If the Capital Corporation does elect to assign a Retail Note
for this purpose, the Sales Company agrees to accept the assignment.

               SECTION 5.     RESERVE AND LOSSES

     5.1  DEALERS' RESERVES AND CONTINGENT EARNINGS.  The Finance Plan may
     provide for withholding by the Sales Company of certain types of reserves
     for each dealer, such as the Dealer Reserve and the Contingent Earnings
     (collectively, "Reserves") as described in the Finance Plan.  The Capital
     Corporation shall maintain the Reserves and assume all the obligations to
     dealers on such Reserves and other obligations pertaining thereto.  The
     Sales Company hereby assigns to the Capital Corporation its security
     interests in the Reserves maintained pursuant to the Finance Plan. The
     Reserves shall be used, as described in the Finance Plan, to offset 
     losses on Retail Notes and expenses incurred in collecting or
     attempting to collect Retail Notes purchased by the Capital Corporation.

     5.2  CLAIMS FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY.     Independently of the other
     provisions in this Section 5, the Sales Company will reimburse the Capital
     Corporation for any losses which occur because Retail Notes are
     compromised, reduced or written off as a result of meritorious claims by
     debtors that the equipment for which the Retail Notes were given was
     defective or in violation of applicable warranties.

               SECTION 6.     INSURANCE

The Capital Corporation is entitled to the benefit of any insurance proceeds
payable to the Sales Company in its capacity as creditor on any Retail Note. 
The Sales Company agrees to assist the Capital Corporation in preparing proofs
of loss and settling claims with insurance carriers.


                                        Page 4

<PAGE>


                        SECTION 7.  WAIVER OF FINANCE CHARGES

The Finance Plan may provide for the waiver of finance charges ("Waiver") or a
reduction of the normal rate ("Low Rate") on Retail Notes under certain
circumstances.

In consideration of the purchase of any such Retail Notes by the Capital
Corporation, the Sales Company shall, upon the sale to the Capital Corporation
of a Retail Note as to which a Waiver or Low Rate is in effect, pay the Capital
Corporation an amount sufficient to reimburse the Capital Corporation for its
costs and provide the Capital Corporation a competitive and agreed to rate of
return on its investment in the Retail Note.

                                 SECTION 8.  DEFAULT

     8.1  EVENTS OF DEFAULT-SALES COMPANY.  The Sales Company shall be in
     default hereunder if any of the following occurs:  (a) the Sales Company
     fails to comply with (i) any of the following obligations for more than 10
     days after receipt of written demand for compliance:  the execution of
     finance agreements with dealers in Section 1; the assistance with the
     collection of Retail Notes in Section 4; or the obligations with respect to
     insurance proceeds in Section 6; (ii) any other obligation of the Sales
     Company under this Agreement for 30 days after receipt of written demand
     for compliance; (b) the Sales Company (or any affiliated company or
     companies with which the Sales Company's accounts are consolidated for
     purposes of an annual report to shareholders of such company or affiliate,
     excluding affiliated companies whose assets represent less than 5% of the
     total assets consolidated with those of Deere & Company for purposes of
     such annual report) becomes insolvent, makes an assignment for the benefit
     of creditors, institutes or has instituted against it proceedings under any
     bankruptcy or insolvency law, or has a significant portion of its stock in
     trade or of its other assets levied upon or attached; (c) the Sales Company
     sells or closes out its business or any significant part thereof; (d) the
     Capital Corporation deems itself insecure in doing business with the Sales
     Company; (e) the Sales Company breaches any material agreement between it
     and the Capital Corporation relating to this Agreement.

     8.2  CAPITAL CORPORATION REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.  If the Sales Company shall
     be in default hereunder at any time, the Capital Corporation may, in
     addition to exercising the rights to which it is entitled in the absence of
     default, charge the Sales Company with costs of collection on the Retail
     Notes affected by the breach.


                                        Page 5

<PAGE>

     8.3  EVENTS OF DEFAULT-CAPITAL CORPORATION.  The Capital Corporation shall
     be in default hereunder if any of the following occurs:  (a) the Capital
     Corporation fails to comply with (i) any of the following obligations for
     more than 10 days after receipt of written demand for compliance:  the
     provision or support of a Finance Plan in Section 1; the purchase from the
     Sales Company of all retail installment sale and loan contracts in Section
     1; the payment to the Sales Company in Section 2; the assurance that each
     Retail Note complies with the Standards for Retail Notes in Section 3; and
     (ii) any other obligation of the Capital Corporation under this Agreement
     for 30 days after receipt of written demand for compliance; (b) the Capital
     Corporation sells or closes out its business or any significant part
     thereof; (c) the Sales Company deems itself insecure in doing business with
     the Capital Corporation; (d) the Capital Corporation breaches any material
     agreement between it and the Sales Company relating to this Agreement.

     8.4  SALES COMPANY REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.  If the Capital Corporation shall
     be in default hereunder at any time, the Sales Company may, in addition to
     exercising the rights to which it is entitled in the absence of default,
     charge the Capital Corporation with any of their damages incurred and
     proximately caused by such breach.

                         SECTION 9.  EFFECTIVE DATE AND SCOPE

This Agreement shall take effect upon execution by all the parties and shall
supersede all previous agreements between or among the parties concerning sale
of Retail Notes.  The handling of Retail Notes purchased by the Capital
Corporation under such previous agreements shall be governed by the terms
hereof.

                               SECTION 10.  TERMINATION

This Agreement may be terminated upon 30 days' notice by any party to the
others, but such termination shall not affect the duties of the parties with
respect to Retail Notes sold to the Capital Corporation before the effective
date of such termination.

                           SECTION 11.  MAILING OF NOTICES

Without limitation or invalidation of any other method of giving notice, if any
notice hereunder be deposited in the United States Mail in an envelope certified
or registered with postage pre-paid and addressed to any party at its principal
place of business, such deposit shall be conclusively deemed to constitute the
giving of such notice.


                                        Page 6
<PAGE>

                            SECTION 12.  JOINDER

One or more other subsidiaries of Deere & Company may become parties to this 
Agreement and entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a 
Sales Company under this Agreement upon the execution and delivery by each 
such subsidiary and the Capital Corporation of a Joinder Agreement.

                          SECTION 13.  GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws 
of the State of Illinois.

                          SECTION 14.  CONSTRUCTION

The parties mean for this Agreement to be construed broadly to give effect to 
their intent.

Dated as of May 11, 1993.

                                       JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                       By:  /s/ M. P. Orr
                                          ------------------------------------

                                       Title:    President
                                             ---------------------------------

                                       DEERE & COMPANY


                                       By:  /s/ JW England
                                          ------------------------------------

                                       Title:  Sr. Vice President
                                             ---------------------------------



                                    Page 7

<PAGE>

                                 AMENDMENT TO
               AGREEMENT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL RETAIL NOTES


Deere & Company ("Sales Company"), its successors and assigns; and John Deere 
Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation") its successors and assigns;
agree as follows:

                                  SECTION 1.

Section 2.3 of the AGREEMENT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL RETAIL NOTES dated 11 
May 1993, is hereby deleted and replaced by the following.

2.3 PURCHASE PRICE AND ORIGINATION FEE.  The purchase price of any Retail 
Note accepted by the Capital Corporation shall be the face amount of the 
Retail Note less both the finance charge and any separately stated insurance 
premiums. An additional payment, which is intended to compensate the Sales 
Company for origination of receivables, shall be paid to the Sales Company on 
a monthly basis. The amount of this payment shall be based on a mutually 
agreeable percentage of the aggregate purchase prices of the Retail Notes 
accepted during the preceding month (initially .328%), but that amount shall 
be reduced by any amount paid by the Capital Corporation to the Sales Company 
for staff support furnished and joint lines of credit available during the 
preceding month.

                                  SECTION 2.

The parties mean for this Amendment to be construed broadly to give effect to 
their intent.

                                  SECTION 3.

This Amendment shall be effective as of 1 November 1994.

Dated as of _________________ __, 1994.

DEERE & COMPANY                           JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORPORATION

By:                                            By:
   -------------------------------                ----------------------------

Title:                                         Title:
      ----------------------------                   -------------------------


<PAGE>


           AGREEMENT CONCERNING LAWN & GROUNDS CARE RETAIL NOTES

Deere & Company, ("Sales Company"), its successors and assigns;
and
John Deere Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation") its successors and 
assigns;
agree as follows:

                           SECTION 1. RETAIL FINANCE

To stimulate retail sales of its Lawn & Grounds Care equipment and to induce 
the Capital Corporation to provide a "Finance Plan" for retail purchases of 
its Lawn & Grounds Care equipment, the Sales Company agrees to provide 
financing to retail purchasers. The Capital Corporation agrees to provide and 
administratively support a Finance Plan for the Sales Company. The Finance 
Plan shall be made up of finance agreements between dealers and the Sales 
Company (which the Sales Company hereby agrees to execute with dealers from 
time to time as the Capital Corporation deems necessary), retail terms and 
bulletins supplementary thereto, and retail finance manuals. The Capital 
Corporation shall advise and assist the Sales Company in complying with all 
applicable federal and state laws and regulations applicable to retail 
financing. The Capital Corporation further agrees that it will purchase from 
the Sales Company all retail installment sale and loan contracts 
(collectively "Retail Notes") entered into by the Sales Company pursuant to 
and in compliance with the Finance Plan. This Agreement shall apply to the 
terms and conditions of the sale of Retail Notes from the Sales Company to 
the Capital Corporation.

              SECTION 2.  SALES AND PURCHASES OF RETAIL NOTES

        2.1 ACCEPTANCE. A sale of any Retail Notice shall not be completed 
        until the Retail Note is received and accepted by the Capital 
        Corporation at its office in Reno, Nevada, as evidenced by a credit 
        memorandum issued by the Capital Corporation to the Sales Company. 
        Sales of Retail Notes to the Capital Corporation need not be 
        evidenced by endorsements on the Retail Notes. If the Capital 
        Corporation shall so request, the Sales Company will endorse Retail 
        Notes and perform all other acts and execute all other instruments 
        which the Capital Corporation shall deem desirable or proper to 
        further evidence or perfect the sale. The sales of such Retail 
        Notes shall be without recourse against the Sales Company.
        
        2.2 CONVEYANCE OF RETAIL NOTES. Each sales of Retail Notes shall 
        convey to the Capital Corporation all right, title and interest in 
        and to the Retail Notes sold (including the security interests 
        described therein) as well as the



                                    Page 1


<PAGE>


        proceeds of collection thereof. Such conveyance shall be free and 
        clear of the claims of any and all third parties.

        2.3  PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price of any Retail Note 
        accepted by the Capital Corporation shall consist of an 
        "Immediately Due Portion" and a portion payable in installments 
        ("Installment Portion"). (On an exception basis, the Sales Company 
        and the Capital Corporation may agree that the Installment Portion 
        will not be paid on certain Retail Notes.) The Immediately Due 
        Portion shall be the face amount of the Retail Note less both the 
        finance charge and any separately stated insurance premiums. The 
        Installment Portion, which is intended to compensate the Sales 
        Company for origination of receivables, shall be a percentage of 
        finance income earned on Retail Notes owned by the Capital 
        Corporation, pursuant to the following table:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


        BASE RATE* IN EFFECT ON THE                 PERCENTAGE OF FINANCE
        FIRST DAY OF EACH CALENDAR MONTH               INCOME EARNED
        ---------------------------------              -------------
<S>                                                 <C>

             7.5% or less                                       2.9%
             7.6% to 8%                                         2.8%
             8.1% to 8.5%                                       2.7%
             8.6% to 9%                                         2.6%
             9.1% to 9.5%                                       2.5%
             9.6% to 10%                                        2.4%
             10.1% to 10.5%                                     2.3%
             10.6% to 11%                                       2.2%
             11.1% to 11.5%                                     2.1%
             11.6% to 12%                                       2.0%
             12.1% to 12.5%                                     1.9%
             12.6% to 13%                                       1.8%
             13.1% to 13.5%                                     1.7%
             13.6% to 14%                                       1.6%
             14.1% to 14.5%                                     1.5%
             14.6% and over                                     1.4%

</TABLE>

            *The "Base Rate" is the "Citibank base rate"
            (the annual percentage rate of interest
            announced publicly from time to time by
            Citibank, N.A. in New York, New York as the
            base rate it uses in determining the rate of
            interest it charges on loans).

     2.4 PAYMENT TO DEERE & COMPANY, CORPORATE. For their convenience, 
     the Sales Company and the Capital Corporation request and direct 
     that until further notice all monies payable by one party to 
     another pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid to, and all 
     non-cash adjustments and other
     
                                         Page 2
<PAGE>


     transactions pursuant to this Agreement shall be reported to Deere 
     & Company, Corporate, to be recorded in the Deere & Company, 
     Corporate, net account for the account of the other party, subject 
     to monthly settlement pursuant to agreement between or among the 
     parties, and such payments and reports shall constitute fulfillment 
     of such party's obligation of payment or accounting. For purposes 
     of this Agreement, "Deere & Company, Corporate" shall mean Deere & 
     Company's corporate, administrative office as opposed to Deere &
     Company's branch offices.
     
     2.5  TIME OF PAYMENT. The Immediately Due Portion shall be payable 
     to the Sales Company upon acceptance by the Capital Corporation 
     under Section 2.1., and the Installment Portion shall be payable to 
     the Sales Company when it is earned by the Capital Corporation. 
     Both Portions shall be paid on a monthly basis.
     
             SECTION 3. STANDARDS FOR RETAIL NOTES

In consideration of the Capital Corporation's agreement to purchase 
all such Retail Notes, the Sales Company agrees to finance retail 
purchases if each Retail Note complies with the following 
requirements:

     3.1  FINANCE PLAN TERMS. Each retail Note will comply with all 
     requirements prescribed by the Capital Corporation in the Finance 
     Plan which are in effect on the date of execution of the Retail 
     Note.
     
     3.2  CREDIT STANDARDS. Each Retail buyer/borrower will meet the 
     credit standards prescribed by the Capital Corporation from time to 
     time.
     
     3.3  FORMS. Each Retail Note will be on either a Retail Installment 
     Sale Contract or Loan Contract form approved by the Capital 
     Corporation and appropriate to the type and location of the 
     transaction.
     
     3.4  SECURITY. Each Retail Note and all other documents needed to 
     perfect a lien or security interest in the equipment which is the 
     subject of a Retail Note will comply with the requirements as to 
     acknowledgement, affidavits, suitability for filing of record, and 
     any other requirements prescribed by the applicable state law. All 
     necessary steps will have been or will be taken to perfect a valid 
     purchase money security interest or, in certain circumstances, a 
     non-purchase money, first position security interest in the 
     equipment which is the subject of a Retail Note.
     

The Capital Corporation shall take all steps necessary to ensure that each 
Retail Note complies with these requirements.

                                     Page 3

<PAGE>


If the Sales Company finances retail purchases on notes that do not comply 
with the above requirements, the Capital Corporation shall not be obligated 
to purchase those notes.

                             SECTION 4.  COLLECTION

The Sales Company agrees to render assistance to the Capital Corporation when 
needed in connection with litigation, repossession or other collection 
activities. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, bringing 
suit in the name of the Sales Company against any retail customer or dealer 
when necessary. The costs of any such litigation shall be borne by the 
Capital Corporation. The Capital Corporation may elect to assign a Retail 
Note to the Sales Company if such assignment becomes necessary to collect the 
balance of the Retail Note. If the Capital Corporation does elect to assign a 
Retail Note for this purpose, the Sales Company agrees to accept the 
assignment.

                         SECTION 5. RESERVES AND LOSSES

     5.1  DEALERS' RESERVES AND CONTINGENT EARNINGS. The Finance Plan 
     may provide for the withholding by the Sales Company of certain 
     types of reserves for each dealer, such as the Dealer Reserve and 
     the Contingent Earnings (collectively, "Reserves") as described in 
     the Finance Plan. The Capital Corporation shall maintain the 
     Reserves and assume all the obligations to dealers on such Reserves 
     and other obligations pertaining thereto. The Sales Company hereby 
     assigns to the Capital Corporation its security interests in the 
     Reserves maintained pursuant to the Finance Plan. The Reserves 
     shall be used, as described in the Finance Plan, to offset losses 
     on Retail Notes and expenses incurred in collecting or attempting 
     to collect Retail Notes purchased by the Capital Corporation.
     
     5.2  CLAIMS FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY. Independently of the other 
     provisions in this Section 5, the Sales Company will reimburse the 
     Capital Corporation for any losses which occur because Retail Notes 
     are compromised, reduced or written off as a result of meritorious 
     claims by debtors that the equipment for which the Retail Notes 
     were given was defective or in violation of applicable warranties.
     
                           SECTION 6. INSURANCE

The Capital Corporation is entitled to the benefit of any insurance proceeds 
payable to the Sales Company in its capacity as creditor on any Retail Note. 
The Sales Company agrees to assist the Capital Corporation in preparing 
proofs of loss and settling claims with insurance carriers.

                                  Page 4



<PAGE>

                      SECTION 7. WAIVER OF FINANCE CHARGES

The Finance Plan may provide for the waiver of finance charges ("Waiver") or 
a reduction of the normal rate ("Low Rate") on Retail Notes under certain 
circumstances.

In consideration of the purchase of any Retail Notes by the Capital 
Corporation, the Sales Company shall, upon the sale to the Capital 
Corporation of a Retail Note as to which a Waiver or Low Rate is in effect, 
pay the Capital Corporation an amount sufficient to reimburse the Capital 
Corporation for its costs and provide the Capital Corporation a competitive 
and agreed to rate of return on its investment in the Retail Note.

                             SECTION 8. DEFAULT

      8.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT-SALES COMPANY. The Sales Company shall be in 
      default hereunder if any of the following occurs: (a) the Sales 
      Company fails to comply with (i) any of the following obligations 
      for more than 10 days after receipt of written demand for 
      compliance: the execution of finance agreements with dealers in 
      Section 1; the assistance with the collection of Retail Notes in 
      Section 4; or the obligations with respect to insurance proceeds in 
      Section 6; (ii) any other obligation of the Sales Company under 
      this Agreement for 30 days after receipt of written demand for 
      compliance; (b) the Sales Company (or any affiliated company or 
      companies with which the Sales Company's accounts are consolidated 
      for purposes of an annual report to shareholders of such company or 
      affiliate, excluding affiliated companies whose assets represent 
      less than 5% of the total assets consolidated with those of Deere & 
      Company for purposes of such annual report) becomes insolvent, 
      makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, institutes or has 
      instituted against it proceedings under any bankruptcy or 
      insolvency law, or has a significant portion of its stock in trade 
      or of its other assets levied upon or attached; (c) the Sales 
      Company sells or closes out its business or any significant part 
      thereof; (d) the Capital Corporation deems itself insecure in doing 
      business with the Sales Company; (e) the Sales Company breaches any 
      material agreement between it and the Capital Corporation relating 
      to this Agreement.

      8.2 CAPITAL CORPORATION REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT. If the Sales Company 
      shall be in default hereunder at any time, the Capital Corporation 
      may, in addition to exercising the rights to which it is entitled 
      in the absence of default, charge the Sales Company with costs of 
      collection on the Retail Notes affected by the breach.
      

                                 Page 5



<PAGE>

      8.3 EVENTS OF DEFAULT-CAPITAL CORPORATION.  The Capital Corporation 
      shall be in default hereunder if any of the following occurs: (a) 
      the Capital Corporation fails to comply with (i) any of the 
      following obligations for more than 10 days after receipt of 
      written demand for compliance; the provision or support of a 
      Finance Plan in Section 1; the purchase from the Sales Company of 
      all retail installment sale and loan contracts in Section 1; the 
      payment to the Sales Company in Section 2; the assurance that each 
      Retail Note complies with the Standards for Retail Notes in Section 
      3; and (ii) any other obligation of the Capital Corporation under 
      this Agreement for 30 days after receipt of written demand for 
      compliance; (b) the Capital Corporation sells or closes out its 
      business or any significant part thereof; (c) the Sales Company 
      deems itself insecure in doing business with the Capital 
      Corporation; (d) the Capital Corporation breaches any material 
      agreement between it and the Sales Company relating to this 
      Agreement.
      
      8.4 SALES COMPANY REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT. If the Capital Corporation 
      shall be in default hereunder at any time, the Sales Company may, 
      in addition to exercising the rights to which it is entitled in the 
      absence of default, charge the Capital Corporation with any of 
      their damages incurred and proximately caused by such breach.
      
                     SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE AND SCOPE

This Agreement shall take effect upon execution by all the parties and shall 
supersede all previous agreements between or among the parties concerning 
sale of Retail Notes. The handling of Retail Notes purchased by the Capital 
Corporation under such previous agreements shall be governed by the terms 
hereof.

                      SECTION 10. TERMINATION

This Agreement may be terminated upon 30 days' notice by any party to the 
others, but such termination shall not affect the duties of the parties with 
respect to Retail Notes sold to the Capital Corporation before the effective 
date of such termination.

                    SECTION 11. MAILING OF NOTICES

Without limitation of invalidation of any other method of giving notice, if 
any notice hereunder be deposited in the United States Mail in an envelope 
certified or registered with postage pre-paid and addressed to any party at 
its principal place of business, such deposit shall be conclusively deemed to 
constitute the giving of such notice.

                               Page 6


<PAGE>


                              SECTION 12. JOINDER

One or more other subsidiaries of Deere & Company may become parties to this 
Agreement and entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a Sales 
Company under this Agreement upon the execution and delivery by each such 
subsidiary and the Capital Corporation of a Joinder Agreement.

                           SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws 
of the State of Illinois.

                             SECTION 14. CONSTRUCTION

The parties mean for this Agreement to be construed broadly to give effect to 
their intent.


Dated as of May 11, 1993.


                                   JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                   By:    /s/ M.P. Orr
                                       --------------------------------


                                   Title:  President
                                         ------------------------------

                                   DEERE & COMPANY


                                   By:    /s/ J.W. England
                                       --------------------------------


                                   Title:  Sr. Vice President
                                         ------------------------------





                                     Page 7

<PAGE>


                                    AMENDMENT TO
                 AGREEMENT CONCERNING LAWN & GROUNDS CARE RETAIL NOTES


Deere & Company ("Sales Company"), its successors and assigns; and John Deere 
Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation") its successors and assigns;
agree as follows:


                                  SECTION 1.

Section 2.3 of the AGREEMENT CONCERNING LAWN & GROUNDS CARE RETAIL NOTES 
dated 11 May 1993, is hereby deleted and replaced by the following.

2.3 PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price of any Retail Note accepted by the 
Capital Corporation shall be the face amount of the Retail Note less both the 
finance charge and any separately stated insurance premiums.

                                 SECTION 2.

The parties mean for this Amendment to be construed broadly to give effect to 
their intent.

                                 SECTION 3.

This Amendment shall be effective as of 1 November 1994.

Dated as of __________________  ____, 1994.

DEERE & COMPANY                        JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORPORATION


By:                                   By: 
    -----------------------------         -----------------------------

Title:                                Title:
      ---------------------------            --------------------------




<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.3

                AGREEMENT CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL RETAIL NOTES

John Deere Industrial Equipment Company, ("Sales Company"), its successors 
and assigns; and
John Deere Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation") its successors and 
assigns;
agree as follows:

                          SECTION 1. RETAIL FINANCE

To stimulate retail sales of its industrial equipment and to induce the 
Capital Corporation to provide a "Finance Plan" for retail purchases of its 
industrial equipment, the Sales Company agrees to provide financing to retail 
purchasers. The Capital Corporation agrees to provide and administratively 
support a Finance Plan for the Sales Company. The Finance Plan shall be made 
up of finance agreements between dealers and the Sales Company (which the 
Sales Company hereby agrees to execute with dealers from time to time as the 
Capital Corporation deems necessary), retail terms and bulletins 
supplementary thereto, and retail finance manuals. The Capital Corporation 
shall advise and assist the Sales Company in complying with all applicable 
federal and state laws and regulations applicable to retail financing. The 
Capital Corporation further agrees that it will purchase from the Sales 
Company all retail installment sale and loan contracts (collectively "Retail 
Notes") entered into by the Sales Company pursuant to and in compliance with 
the Finance Plan. This Agreement shall apply to the terms and conditions of 
the sale of Retail Notes from the Sales Company to the Capital Corporation.

                SECTION 2. SALES AND PURCHASES OF RETAIL NOTES

        2.1  ACCEPTANCE.  A sale of any Retail Note shall not be completed 
        until the Retail Note is received and accepted by the Capital 
        Corporation at its office in Reno, Nevada, as evidenced by a credit 
        memorandum issued by the Capital Corporation to the Sales Company. 
        Sales of Retail Notes to the Capital Corporation need not be 
        evidenced by endorsements on the Retail Notes. If the Capital 
        Corporation shall so request, the Sales Company will endorse Retail 
        Notes and perform all other acts and execute all other instruments 
        which the Capital Corporation shall deem desirable or proper to 
        further evidence or perfect the sale. The sales of such Retail Notes 
        shall be without recourse against the Sales Company.

        2.2  CONVEYANCE OF RETAIL NOTES. Each sale of Retail Notes shall 
        convey to the Capital Corporation all right, title and interest in 
        and to the Retail Notes sold (including the security interests 
        described therein) as well as the 


                                   Page 1

<PAGE>

        proceeds of collection thereof. Such conveyance shall be free and 
        clear of the claims of any and all third parties.

        2.3  PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price of any Retail Note accepted 
        by the Capital Corporation shall consist of an "Immediately Due 
        Portion" and a portion payable in installments ("Installment 
        Portion"). (On an exception basis, the Sales Company and the Capital 
        Corporation may agree that the Installment Portion will not be paid 
        on certain Retail Notes.) The Immediately Due Portion shall be the 
        face amount of the Retail Note less both the finance charge and any 
        separately stated insurance premiums. The Installment Portion, which 
        is intended to compensate the Sales Company for origination of 
        receivables, shall be a percentage of finance income earned on Retail 
        Notes owned by the Capital Corporation, pursuant to the following 
        table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        BASE RATE* IN EFFECT ON THE                      PERCENTAGE OF FINANCE
        FIRST DAY OF EACH CALENDAR MONTH                      INCOME EARNED
        --------------------------------                 ----------------------
       <S>                                              <C>
                7.5% or less                                      2.9%
                7.6% to 8%                                        2.8%
                8.1% to 8.5%                                      2.7%
                8.6% to 9%                                        2.6%
                9.1% to 9.5%                                      2.5%
                9.6% to 10%                                       2.4%
                10.1% to 10.5%                                    2.3%
                10.6% to 11%                                      2.2%
                11.1% to 11.5%                                    2.1%
                11.6% to 12%                                      2.0%
                12.1% to 12.5%                                    1.9%
                12.6% to 13%                                      1.8%
                13.1% to 13.5%                                    1.7%
                13.6% to 14%                                      1.6%
                14.1% to 14.5%                                    1.5%
                14.6% and over                                    1.4%
</TABLE>

                *The "Base Rate" is the "Citibank base rate" (the annual 
                percentage rate of interest announced publicly from time to 
                time by Citibank, N.A. in New York, New York as the base rate 
                it uses in determining the rate of interest it charges on 
                loans).

        2.4  PAYMENT TO DEERE & COMPANY, CORPORATE.  For their convenience, 
        the Sales Company and the Capital Corporation request and direct that 
        until further notice all monies payable by one party to another 
        pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid to, and all non-cash 
        adjustments and other


                                   Page 2



<PAGE>

      transactions pursuant to this Agreement shall be reported to Deere & 
      Company, Corporate, to be recorded in the Deere & Company, Corporate, 
      net account for the account of the other party, subject to monthly 
      settlement pursuant to agreement between or among the parties, and such 
      payments and reports shall constitute fulfillment of such party's 
      obligation of payment or accounting. For purposes of this Agreement, 
      "Deere & Company, Corporate" shall mean Deere & Company's corporate, 
      administrative office as opposed to Deere & Company's branch offices.

      2.5  TIME OF PAYMENT.  The Immediately Due Portion shall be payable to 
      the Sales Company upon acceptance by the Capital Corporation under 
      Section 2.1., and the Installment Portion shall be payable to the Sales 
      Company when it is earned by the Capital Corporation. Both Portions 
      shall be paid on a monthly basis.

                     SECTION 3.  STANDARDS FOR RETAIL NOTES

In consideration of the Capital Corporation's agreement to purchase all such 
Retail Notes, the Sales Company agrees to finance retail purchases if each 
Retail Note complies with the following requirements:

      3.1  FINANCE PLAN TERMS.  Each Retail Note will comply with all 
      requirements prescribed by the Capital Corporation in the Finance Plan 
      which are in effect on the date of execution of the Retail Note.

      3.2  CREDIT STANDARDS.  Each retail buyer/borrower will meet the credit 
      standards prescribed by the Capital Corporation from time to time.

      3.3  FORMS.  Each Retail Note will be on either a Retail Installment 
      Sale Contract or Loan Contract form approved by the Capital Corporation 
      and appropriate to the type and location of the transaction.

      3.4  SECURITY.  Each Retail Note and all other documents needed to 
      perfect a lien or security interest in the equipment which is the 
      subject of a Retail Note will comply with the requirements as to 
      acknowledgement, affidavits, suitability for filing of record, and any 
      other requirements prescribed by the applicable state law. All 
      necessary steps will have been or will be taken to perfect a valid 
      purchase money security interest or, in certain circumstances, a 
      non-purchase money, first position security interest in the equipment 
      which is the subject of a Retail Note.

The Capital Corporation shall take all steps necessary to ensure that each 
Retail Note complies with these requirements.

                                     Page 3
<PAGE>

If the Sales Company finances retail purchases on notes that do not comply 
with the above requirements, the Capital Corporation shall not be obligated 
to purchase those notes.

                              SECTION 4.  COLLECTION

The Sales Company agrees to render assistance to the Capital Corporation when 
needed in connection with litigation, repossession or other collection 
activities. Such assistance shall include, but not be limited to, bringing 
suit in the name of the Sales Company against any retail customer or dealer 
when necessary. The costs of any such litigation shall be borne by the 
Capital Corporation. The Capital Corporation may elect to assign a Retail 
Note to the Sales Company if such an assignment becomes necessary to collect 
the balance of the Retail Note. If the Capital Corporation does elect to 
assign a Retail Note for this purpose, the Sales Company agrees to accept the 
assignment.

                           SECTION 5.  RESERVES AND LOSSES

      5.1  DEALERS' RESERVES AND CONTINGENT EARNINGS.  The Finance Plan may 
      provide for the withholding by the Sales Company of certain types of 
      reserves for each dealer, such as the Dealer Reserve and the Contingent 
      Earnings (collectively, "Reserves") as described in the Finance Plan. 
      The Capital Corporation shall maintain the Reserves and assume all the 
      obligations to dealers on such Reserves and other obligations 
      pertaining thereto. The Sales Company hereby assigns to the Capital 
      Corporation its security interests in the Reserves maintained pursuant 
      to the Finance Plan. The Reserves shall be used, as described in the 
      Finance Plan, to offset losses on Retail Notes and expenses incurred in 
      collecting or attempting to collect Retail Notes purchased by the 
      Capital Corporation.

      5.2  CLAIMS FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY.  Independently of the other 
      provisions in this Section 5, the Sales Company will reimburse the 
      Capital Corporation for any losses which occur because Retail Notes are 
      compromised, reduced or written off as a result of meritorious claims 
      by debtors that the equipment for which the Retail Notes were given was 
      defective or in violation of applicable warranties.

                             SECTION 6.  INSURANCE

The Capital Corporation is entitled to the benefit of any insurance proceeds 
payable to the Sales Company in its capacity as creditor on any Retail Note. 
The Sales Company agrees to assist the Capital Corporation in preparing 
proofs of loss and settling claims with insurance carriers.

                                     Page 4
<PAGE>


                        SECTION 7.  WAIVER OF FINANCE CHARGES

The Finance Plan may provide for the waiver of finance charges ("Waiver") or a
reduction of the normal rate ("Low Rate") on Retail Notes under certain
circumstances.

In consideration of the purchase of any such Retail Notes by the Capital
Corporation, the Sales Company shall, upon the sale to the Capital Corporation
of a Retail Note as to which a Waiver or Low Rate is in effect, pay the Capital
Corporation an amount sufficient to reimburse the Capital Corporation for its
costs and provide the Capital Corporation a competitive and agreed to rate of
return on its investment in the Retail Note.

                                 SECTION 8.  DEFAULT

     8.1  EVENTS OF DEFAULT-SALES COMPANY.  The Sales Company shall be in
     default hereunder if any of the following occurs:  (a) the Sales Company
     fails to comply with (i) any of the following obligations for more than 10
     days after receipt of written demand for compliance:  the execution of
     finance agreements with dealers in Section 1; the assistance with the
     collection of Retail Notes in Section 4; or the obligations with respect to
     insurance proceeds in Section 6; (ii) any other obligation of the Sales
     Company under this Agreement for 30 days after receipt of written demand
     for compliance; (b) the Sales Company (or any affiliated company or
     companies with which the Sales Company's accounts are consolidated for
     purposes of an annual report to shareholders of such company or affiliate,
     excluding affiliated companies whose assets represent less than 5% of the
     total assets consolidated with those of Deere & Company for purposes of
     such annual report) becomes insolvent, makes an assignment for the benefit
     of creditors, institutes or has instituted against it proceedings under any
     bankruptcy or insolvency law, or has a significant portion of its stock in
     trade or of its other assets levied upon or attached; (c) the Sales Company
     sells or closes out its business or any significant part thereof; (d) the
     Capital Corporation deems itself insecure in doing business with the Sales
     Company; (e) the Sales Company breaches any material agreement between it
     and the Capital Corporation relating to this Agreement.

     8.2  CAPITAL CORPORATION REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.  If the Sales Company shall
     be in default hereunder at any time, the Capital Corporation may, in
     addition to exercising the rights to which it is entitled in the absence of
     default, charge the Sales Company with costs of collection on the Retail
     Notes affected by the breach.


                                        Page 5

<PAGE>

     8.3  EVENTS OF DEFAULT-CAPITAL CORPORATION.  The Capital Corporation shall
     be in default hereunder if any of the following occurs:  (a) the Capital
     Corporation fails to comply with (i) any of the following obligations for
     more than 10 days after receipt of written demand for compliance:  the
     provision or support of a Finance Plan in Section 1; the purchase from the
     Sales Company of all retail installment sale and loan contracts in Section
     1; the payment to the Sales Company in Section 2; the assurance that each
     Retail Note complies with the Standards for Retail Notes in Section 3; and
     (ii) any other obligation of the Capital Corporation under this Agreement
     for 30 days after receipt of written demand for compliance; (b) the Capital
     Corporation sells or closes out its business or any significant part
     thereof; (c) the Sales Company deems itself insecure in doing business with
     the Capital Corporation; (d) the Capital Corporation breaches any material
     agreement between it and the Sales Company relating to this Agreement.

     8.4  SALES COMPANY REMEDIES FOR DEFAULT.  If the Capital Corporation shall
     be in default hereunder at any time, the Sales Company may, in addition to
     exercising the rights to which it is entitled in the absence of default,
     charge the Capital Corporation with any of their damages incurred and
     proximately caused by such breach.

                         SECTION 9.  EFFECTIVE DATE AND SCOPE

This Agreement shall take effect upon execution by all the parties and shall
supersede all previous agreements between or among the parties concerning sale
of Retail Notes.  The handling of Retail Notes purchased by the Capital
Corporation under such previous agreements shall be governed by the terms
hereof.

                               SECTION 10.  TERMINATION

This Agreement may be terminated upon 30 days' notice by any party to the
others, but such termination shall not affect the duties of the parties with
respect to Retail Notes sold to the Capital Corporation before the effective
date of such termination.

                           SECTION 11.  MAILING OF NOTICES

Without limitation or invalidation of any other method of giving notice, if any
notice hereunder be deposited in the United States Mail in an envelope certified
or registered with postage pre-paid and addressed to any party at its principal
place of business, such deposit shall be conclusively deemed to constitute the
giving of such notice.


                                        Page 6
<PAGE>

                                 SECTION 12.  JOINDER

One or more other subsidiaries of Deere & Company may become parties to this
Agreement and entitled to the rights and subject to the obligations of a Sales
Company under this Agreement upon the execution and delivery by each such
subsidiary and the Capital Corporation of a Joinder Agreement.

                              SECTION 13.  GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Illinois.

                              SECTION 14.  CONSTRUCTION

The parties mean for this Agreement to be construed broadly to give effect to
their intent.


Dated as of May 11, 1993.

                                        JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORPORATION


                                        By: /s/ M.P. Orr
                                           ---------------------------

                                        Title: President
                                              ------------------------


                                        JOHN DEERE INDUSTRIAL
                                        EQUIPMENT COMPANY


                                        By: /s/ Robert J. Murphy
                                           ---------------------------

                                        Title: Vice President
                                              ------------------------


                                        Page 7
<PAGE>

                                     AMENDMENT TO
                     AGREEMENT CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL RETAIL NOTES


John Deere Construction Equipment Company ("Sales Company"), its successors and
assigns; and John Deere Capital Corporation ("Capital Corporation") its
successors and assigns; agree as follows:

                                      SECTION 1.

Section 2.3 of the AGREEMENT CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL RETAIL NOTES dated 11 May
1993, is hereby deleted and replaced by the following.

2.3 PURCHASE PRICE.  The purchase price of any Retail Note accepted by the
Capital Corporation shall be the face amount of the Retail Note less both the
finance charge and any separately stated insurance premiums.

                                      SECTION 2.

Section 2.5 of the AGREEMENT CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL RETAIL NOTES dated 11 May
1993, is hereby deleted and replaced by the following.

2.5 TIME OF PAYMENT.  The purchase price shall be payable to the Sales Company
upon acceptance by the Capital Corporation under Section 2.1.

                                      SECTION 3.

The parties mean for this Amendment to be construed broadly to give effect to
their intent.

                                      SECTION 4.

This Amendment shall be effective as of 1 November 1994.


Dated as of 14 July 1997.

JOHN DEERE CONSTRUCTION                           JOHN DEERE CAPITAL
EQUIPMENT COMPANY                                 CORPORATION


By: /s/ Bob B. Brock                              By: /s/ Jon D. Volkert
   --------------------------------                  ---------------------------

Title: Director, Customer Support                 Title: Senior Vice President
        and Commercial Operations

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                           AGREEMENT CONCERNING RETAIL NOTES

     Deere & Company ("Deere") and John Deere Credit Company ("Credit Company")
agree as follows:

     1.   EFFECTIVE DATE.  The effective date of this Agreement shall be January
26, 1983, superseding all previous agreements between the parties covering the
same matter.

     2.   CONTRACTS BETWEEN CREDIT COMPANY AND SALES COMPANIES.  Deere and
Deere's United States agricultural equipment sales branch and industrial
equipment regional subsidiaries (hereinafter "Sales Companies") have entered
into contracts with the Credit Company governing the sale of retail installment
sale and loan contracts (collectively "retail notes") by the respective branches
of the Sales Companies (collectively "sales branches") to the Credit Company,
setting out the assignment price at which retail notes may be acquired by the
Credit Company, providing that all moneys payable between the Sales Companies
and the Credit Company shall be paid to Deere for the account of the party
entitled to payment.

     3.   MONTHLY SETTLEMENT STATEMENTS.  As soon as practicable after the close
of each month, Deere shall present to the Credit Company a definitive settlement
statement of all transactions, of all amounts becoming due and payable, and of
the closing balance of the Credit Company's account with Deere, through and as
of the close of such month.

     4.   PAYMENTS AND BORROWING IN SETTLEMENT.  The debit balance of each 
monthly settlement statement is payable immediately upon presentation by the 
Credit Company to Deere or by Deere to the Credit Company. Any unpaid balance 
shall constitute a demand borrowing bearing interest at the 30-59 day 
directly-placed commercial paper rate as of the 15th day of the month then 
ended plus a service fee mutually agreed upon by the Companies (of 1/2% per 
month until otherwise agreed upon).

                                        - 64 -

<PAGE>


                                         -2-

     5.   PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS COLLECTED.  Failure or delay by the Sales Companies
in remitting to Deere amounts due the Credit Company shall not relieve Deere of
its obligation to settle with the Credit Company for all collections by the
Sales Companies.

     6.   DEMAND FOR PROCEEDS.  The Credit Company may at any time take
immediate possession of all cash and other proceeds held for it by Deere, and
Deere agrees to surrender the same on demand.

     7.   SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED BY DEERE.  Deere agrees, upon request of the
Credit Company, to provide the Credit Company with such reports as have been
prepared upon such audits of the sales branches as have been performed by
Deere's internal audit staff and by its independent auditors, and, at the
convenience of Deere and the Credit Company, to perform periodic internal audit
programs, of a nature and scope agreed upon between the Credit Company and
Deere, including confirmation of retail notes by direct contact with
representative numbers of retail note debtors.

     8.   INSPECTIONS.  Deere agrees that Credit Company employees or other
persons designated by the Credit Company may make all such reasonable
inspections during business hours of the books and records of Deere relating to
this agreement as the Credit Company shall reasonably deem necessary. Deere
further agrees that the Credit Company may make periodic confirmation of retail
notes by direct contact with debtors, and that such periodic confirmation may be
made either by employees of the Credit Company or through such other persons as
it may direct.

     9.   TERMINATION.  this contract is terminable on 30 days' written notice
by either party.




Signed as of this 26th day of January, 1983.



JOHN DEERE CREDIT COMPANY                    DEERE & COMPANY

By /s/ K.B. Smith                            By /s/ J. W. England
   ------------------------                     ---------------------
     VICE PRESIDENT                               VICE PRESIDENT


                                        - 65 -

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7






                                   DEERE & COMPANY




                                   1986 JOHN DEERE
                                  STOCK OPTION PLAN


                                        [LOGO]


<PAGE>

                                          2


          1.  PURPOSE -  The purpose of the Plan (Plan) is to increase personal
participation in the continued growth and financial success of Deere & Company
(Company) and its subsidiaries (the Company and its subsidiaries being sometimes
collectively called Deere corporations) by certain key employees holding higher
executive, administrative or professional positions.

          2.  ADMINISTRATION -  The Plan shall be administered by and under the
direction of a Board Committee on Compensation (Committee), whose
interpretations of its terms and provisions shall be final and conclusive.  The
Committee shall consist of three or more directors of the Company, none of whom
shall be eligible, nor at any time beginning one year prior to appointment to
the Committee shall have been eligible, to receive an option, stock appreciation
right or stock of the Company under the Plan or any other employee plan of the
Company.

          3.  GRANT OF OPTIONS AND STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS -  The Committee
may from time to time on or prior to December 31, 1990 grant to key employees
(including employees who are directors or officers of the Company or both)
options to purchase common stock of the Company (sometimes called options)
exercisable at an option price fixed by the Committee but not less than the fair
market value of the shares on the date of grant.

          The options and stock appreciation rights granted hereunder may be
either one or both of two series of options:

          (i)   "A" OPTIONS -  "A" options are intended to be incentive stock
     options under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended
     (the Code).  In addition to the other provisions of the Plan, "A" options
     will also be subject to the following:

          An "A" option may not be exercised while the optionee holds an
          outstanding "incentive stock option" (as that term is defined in
          Section 422A of the Code) which was granted under this or any other
          plan of the Company prior to the option.

          (ii)  "B" OPTIONS -  All other options shall be deemed to be "B"
     options and are intended to be non-statutory options not subject to Section
     422A of the Code.

          The Committee may also grant stock appreciation rights in connection
with any option under this Plan but not separately, either concurrently with the
grant of option or


<PAGE>

                                          3

subsequently, subject to such terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as
may be attached to a particular stock appreciation right upon grant, exercisable
in lieu of exercise of all or part of the related option, without payment to the
Company, to receive (i) a number of shares equal in value (determined at the
date of exercise) to the amount by which the fair market value at the date of
exercise of the option shares for which the stock appreciation right is
exercised exceeds the option exercise price of such shares, or (ii) cash in the
amount of such value or (iii) a combination of both.  The fair market value of a
fractional interest in a share shall be satisfied by payment of cash.

          All references to stock options under the Plan shall be construed to
include such stock appreciation rights, if any, as may be granted in connection
with a particular option.

          The aggregate amount of fair market value (the fair market value of 
a share of the common stock of the Company on the date of grant times the 
number of shares optioned under the grant) of "A" options (incentive stock 
options, as that term is defined in Section 422A of the Internal Revenue 
Code) which any employee may be granted in any calendar year under this Plan 
(and any other incentive stock option plan which the Company or its 
subsidiaries may have) shall not exceed $100,000 plus any unused limit 
carryover calculated in accordance with Section 422(c)(4) of the Internal 
Revenue Code.

          4.  NUMBER OF SHARES - The aggregate number of shares for which
options and stock appreciation rights may be granted under the Plan shall not
exceed 3,900,000, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8.  To the extent
of an exercise of a stock appreciation right, the related option shall be
deemed, for purposes of the Plan, to have been exercised for the entire number
of option shares as to which the stock appreciation right is exercised.  Shares
for which options and stock appreciation rights are no longer exercisable as a
result of expiration, termination or cancellation shall be available for
subsequent grants.

          Shares delivered upon exercise of options or stock appreciation rights
may be either authorized but unissued shares, or treasury shares, or both, and
all shares issued under the Plan shall be fully paid and non-assessable.

          5.  DURATION AND EXERCISE -  The term of each option and stock 
appreciation right shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not extend 
later than ten years after

<PAGE>

                                          4


the date of grant of the option, and in the case of a stock appreciation right,
in no event later than the date of expiration of the related option.

          An option or stock appreciation right granted under this Plan shall
not be exercisable until one year from date of grant.  Subject to any
conditions, limitations or restrictions included therein at time of grant, an
option or stock appreciation right shall thereafter be exercisable for the full
amount or any part thereof from time to time during its term.  An option or
stock appreciation right may be exercised by delivering written notice to the
Company to the attention of the Committee at the principal executive office of
the Company, or at such other office as the Company may designate, accompanied
by payment in cash or in shares of the Company at their fair market value on the
date of exercise or both in full for any shares purchased by exercise of the
option, except that the Committee may provide in the terms of the option that if
an optionee who is not an officer subject to Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 states at the time of exercise that he desires to have the
Company arrange to promptly resell on his behalf the stock being purchased
through the exercise, a temporary, unsecured, interest-free loan will be
advanced for the exercise by the Company or such other party as the Company may
approve, to be reimbursed out of the proceeds of the sale.

          Whenever an amount is required to be withheld by the Company under 
applicable income tax laws or under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act 
in connection with the exercise of an option, the optionee may satisfy this 
obligation in whole or in part by electing (the Election) to have the Company 
withhold shares having a value equal to the amount required to be withheld.  
The value of each withheld share shall be the fair market value on the date 
that the amount of tax to be withheld shall be determined (Tax Date).  Each 
Election is irrevocable and must be made prior to the Tax Date. The Committee 
may disapprove of any election or may suspend or terminate the right to make 
Elections.

          If the optionee is, or at any time within a period of less than the
preceding six months was, a director or an officer of the Company then (1) no
Election shall be effective for a Tax Date which occurs within six months of the
grant of the option, and (2) the Election must be made either six months prior
to the Tax Date or must be made during a period beginning on the third business
day and ending on the twelfth business day following the date of the first
release for publication of each quarterly or annual summary statements of sales
and earnings of the Company.


<PAGE>

                                          5

          6.  NON-TRANSFERABILITY -  No option or stock appreciation right shall
be transferable by the holder otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and each option or stock appreciation right shall be exercisable
during the holder's lifetime only by him or her.  Except as permitted by the
preceding sentence, no option or stock appreciation right shall be transferred,
assigned, pledged or hypothecated in any way (whether by operation of law or
otherwise) or be subject to execution, attachment, or similar process.  Upon any
attempt to so transfer, assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, or
subject to execution, attachment or similar process, any option, stock
appreciation right, or any right thereunder, contrary to the provisions hereof,
the option or stock appreciation right shall immediately become null and void.

          7.  TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT -  If the employment of the holder of an
option or stock appreciation right by the Deere corporations should be
terminated for any reason other than for death, or for disability or retirement
pursuant to applicable disability or retirement plans of the Deere corporations,
such holder's options, stock appreciation rights or both shall expire, and all
rights to acquire shares or cash or both pursuant thereto shall terminate
immediately.

          In the event of termination of employment because of death, the option
or stock appreciation right may be exercised by the heirs, legatees or legal
representatives of the holder, as the case may be, within twelve months after
such death.  Such exercise shall be upon the same terms at the time of exercise
as would have been available to the original holder, had he or she remained in
the continuous employ of the Company, except that such heirs, legatees or legal
representatives may exercise any option or stock appreciation right held at the
date of such holder's death without regard to the one-year holding period set
forth in Section 5 above.

          In the event of termination of employment of the holder of an option
because of disability or full retirement pursuant to applicable disability or
retirement plans of the Deere corporations, an option or stock appreciation
right may be exercised by such holder, within five years after such termination,
to the same extent and upon the same terms (including, among other things, the
holding period requirement set forth in Section 5 above) at the time of exercise
as would have been available had such holder remained in the continuous employ
of the Company.  In the event of the death of a holder of an option who has
retired

<PAGE>

                                       6

prior to the expiration of the five year period specified in the preceding 
sentence, any option or stock appreciation right held at death by such holder 
may be exercised by the holder's heirs, legatees or legal representatives, 
as the case may be (without regard to the holding period requirement set 
forth in Section 5 above) within one year after death or within five years of 
retirement, whichever is later, but only if and to the extent the option 
would have been exercisable by the retired holder of the option at the date 
of death.

      Nothing contained in the Plan, or in any option or stock appreciation 
right granted pursuant to the Plan, shall confer upon any employee any right 
to continuance of employment, nor interfere in any way with the right of the 
employing Deere corporation to terminate the employment of such employee at 
any time.

      8.  ADJUSTMENT OF SHARES - In case of a dividend in, or a split-up or 
combination of, common stock of the Company, the number of shares issuable 
pursuant to the Plan and the number of shares covered by outstanding options 
and stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan shall be adjusted 
proportionately without change in the aggregate exercise price or the 
aggregate cash receivable. In case of a merger or consolidation of the 
Company with another corporation, a reorganization of the Company, a 
reclassification of the common stock of the Company, a spin-off of a 
significant asset, or other changes in the capitalization of the Company, 
appropriate provision shall be made for the protection and continuation of 
any outstanding options or stock appreciation rights by either (i) the 
substitution, on an equitable basis, of appropriate stock or other securities 
to which holders of common stock of the Company will be entitled pursuant to 
such transaction or succession of such transactions, or (ii) by appropriate 
adjustment in the number of shares issuable pursuant to the Plan and the 
number of shares and purchase price thereof covered by outstanding options or 
stock appreciation rights, as deemed appropriate by the Committee.

      9.  LISTING AND REGISTRATION OF SHARES - Each option and stock 
appreciation right shall be subject to the requirement that, if at any time 
that the Committee determines, in its discretion, that the listing, 
registration or qualification of the shares subject thereto upon any 
securities exchange or under any federal or state law, or the consent or 
approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a 
condition of, or in connection with, the delivery of shares thereunder, the 
option or stock appreciation right may not be exercised in whole or in part

<PAGE>

                                       7

unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall 
have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the 
Committee.

      10.  DEFINITIONS - For purposes of the Plan the following definitions 
shall apply:

      FAIR MARKET VALUE is the mean between the reported high and low prices 
of sales of the common stock of the Company as reported by the Consolidated 
Tape Association or a successor thereto on the relevant date, or, if there 
were no such reported sales, on the last preceding day on which there were 
sales.

      SUBSIDIARY has the same meaning as expressed in Section 425(f) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1954.

      An EMPLOYEE is a person who is in the employment of a Deere corporation 
and on a salary payroll.

      11.  AMENDMENT OF PLAN - The Committee or the Board of Directors may 
amend or discontinue the Plan at any time. However, no such amendment or 
discontinuance shall, (a) without the consent of the holder, change or impair 
any outstanding option or stock appreciation right previously granted, (b) 
except as provided in Section 8, increase the maximum number of shares for 
which options or stock appreciation rights may be granted under the Plan, (c) 
reduce the exercise price of the option or stock appreciation right below 
fair market value at date of grant, (d) extend the periods during which 
options or stock appreciation rights may be granted or exercised, or (e) 
shorten the minimum period before which options or stock appreciation rights 
may be exercised.

      12.  EFFECTIVE DATE - The Plan shall be effective when it has been 
approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares 
of common stock of the Company present, or represented, and entitled to vote 
at a meeting of stockholders.


<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9


                                   DEERE & COMPANY

                         VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN









                                ADOPTED 28 AUGUST 1985
                               AMENDED 11 DECEMBER 1986
                     AMENDED 26 MAY 1993 - EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 1993
                  AMENDED 7 DECEMBER 1994 - EFFECTIVE 1 JANUARY 1995
                  AMENDED 4 DECEMBER 1996 - EFFECTIVE 1 JANUARY 1997

<PAGE>

                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Section                                                               Page
- - ---------                                                             ----
<S>                                                                   <C>
I.     ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE

       1.1   Establishment                                            1
       1.2   Purpose                                                  1


II.    DEFINITIONS

       2.1   Definitions                                              1
       2.2   Gender and Number                                        2


III.   ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION

       3.1   Eligibility                                              2


IV.    ELECTION TO DEFER

       4.1   Deferral Amount                                          2
       4.2   Deferral Period and Payment Method                       3
       4.3   Irrevocable Elections                                    3


V.     DEFERRED ACCOUNTS

       5.1   Participant Accounts                                     3
       5.2   Growth Additions                                         4
       5.3   Effect on other Company Benefits                         4
       5.4   Charges Against Accounts                                 4
       5.5   Contractual Obligation                                   4
       5.6   Unsecured Interest                                       4


VI.    PAYMENT OF DEFERRED AMOUNTS

       6.1   Payment of Deferred Amounts                              4
       6.2   Financial Hardship                                       5

                                          i

<PAGE>

<CAPTION>
Section                                                            Page
- - ---------                                                          ----
<S>                                                                <C>


VII.   BENEFICIARY

       7.1   Beneficiary                                              5
                                                                       
VIII.  RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES, PARTICIPANTS

       8.1   Employment                                               6
       8.2   Nontransferability                                       6


IX.    ADMINISTRATION

       9.1   Administration                                           6


X.     AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

       10.1  Amendment, Modification and Termination of the Plan      7


XI.    MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION

       11.1  Merger or Consolidation                                  7


XII.   REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

       12.1  Requirements of Law                                      7
       12.2  Governing Law                                            7


XIII.  WITHHOLDING TAXES

       13.1  Withholding Taxes                                        8


XIV.   EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN

       14.1  Effective Date                                           8


</TABLE>

                                          ii

<PAGE>


                                   DEERE & COMPANY


                         VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN




                        SECTION 1.  ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE


1.1    ESTABLISHMENT.  Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation, hereby
       establishes, effective as of November 1, 1985, a deferred compensation
       plan for executives as described herein, which shall be known as the
       DEERE & COMPANY VOLUNTARY DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (hereinafter called
       the "Plan").

1.2    PURPOSE.  The purpose of this Plan is to provide a means whereby
       short-term incentive awards, including performance bonus, cash bonus and
       profit sharing awards, and base salary payable by the Company to key
       personnel may be deferred for a specified period.


                               SECTION 2.  DEFINITIONS


2.1    DEFINITIONS.  Whenever used hereinafter, the following terms shall have
       the meaning set forth below:

       (a)    "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

       (b)    "Committee" means the Board Committee on Compensation of the
       Board.

       (c)    "Company" means DEERE & COMPANY, a Delaware corporation.

       (d)    "Employee" means a regular salaried key employee (including
       officers and directors who are also employees) of the Company or its
       Subsidiaries, or any branch or division thereof.

       (e)    "Participant" means an Employee designated by the Committee to
       participate in this Plan.

       (f)    "Subsidiary" means any corporation, a majority of the total
       combined voting power of all classes of stock of which is directly or
       indirectly owned by the Company.

       (g)    "Fiscal Year" means the 12-month period beginning November 1 and
       ending October 31.

                                          1
<PAGE>

2.2    GENDER AND NUMBER.  Except when otherwise indicated by the context, any
       masculine terminology when used in the Plan shall also include the
       feminine gender, and the definition of any term herein in the singular
       shall also include the plural.


                      SECTION 3.  ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION


3.1    ELIGIBILITY.  Participation in the Plan shall be limited to those
       Employees of the Company or any Subsidiary who are key to the Company's
       growth and success and who are designated as Participants by the
       Committee.  In the event an Employee no longer meets the requirements for
       Participation in this Plan, he shall become an inactive Participant,
       retaining all the rights described under this Plan, except the right to
       make any further deferrals, until the time that he again becomes an
       active Participant.


                            SECTION 4.  ELECTION TO DEFER


4.1    DEFERRAL AMOUNT

       (a)    Any Participant may elect to defer any part (in 5% increments up
              to 95%) of an award to be paid under the provisions of the John
              Deere Performance Bonus Plan.  Such election must be made in
              writing prior to the beginning of the Fiscal Year upon which the
              award is based.  Notwithstanding the Participant's election,
              enough of the award must be paid in cash to cover all withholding
              taxes.  If not, the Company shall be authorized to reduce the
              Participant's elected deferral in 5% increments until the
              withholding taxes are covered.

       (b)    Any Participant may elect to defer any part (in 5% increments up
              to 95%) of base salary.  Such election must be made in writing
              prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter in which the
              deferrals are to commence and shall remain in effect for all
              remaining calendar quarters of the calendar year.  The deferral
              percent may be increased in subsequent calendar quarters, but may
              not be decreased.  Notwithstanding the Participant's election,
              enough salary must be paid in cash to cover all withholding taxes
              and Participant payroll elections, such as health care premiums,
              Deere PAC, United Way, Optional Life Insurance, etc.  If not, the
              Company shall be authorized to reduce the Participant's elected
              deferral in 5% increments until the withholding taxes and the
              Participant's payroll elections are covered, and the reduced
              deferral percent shall remain in effect until the beginning of the
              next calendar quarter, at which 

                                          2
<PAGE>

              time it shall revert to the Participant's stated deferral percent
              subject to the same reduction potential.

              Notwithstanding amounts elected by the Participant for deferral
              from the John Deere Performance Bonus Plan award, the total
              deferred portion shall not be less than $1,000 in any given
              calendar year.  In the event the total deferred amount is less
              than $1,000, it shall be paid pursuant to the normal payout
              schedule for the John Deere Performance Bonus Plan.  

              Amounts of less than $1,000 per calendar quarter shall not be
              deferred from salary.

4.2    DEFERRAL PERIOD AND PAYMENT METHOD.  If the Participant defers any amount
       pursuant to Section 4.1, the Participant shall also designate the period
       and payment method for the deferral in the election.  Payments of the
       deferral amounts, plus any growth additions thereon, shall be made on the
       date or dates specified by the Participant in the election.  However, if
       death, total and permanent disability, or termination (other than
       retirement) occurs before retirement, all remaining deferrals plus any
       growth additions, shall be distributed as a single lump sum payment in
       January of the calendar year following the date of such death, disability
       or termination.

       In all other cases, the distribution must begin on a date specified by
       the Participant in the election (whether the distribution is scheduled to
       begin before or after the date of retirement) but no later than ten years
       following the date of retirement.  The Participant may elect to have
       distribution made in up to ten annual installments from the date
       distribution is to begin, but such distribution must be completed within
       ten years following retirement.

       If the Participant wishes to designate a distribution after retirement,
       the Participant may designate in the election that distribution shall
       begin at retirement or begin at a specified point in time, or during a
       specified month, following the date of retirement, (Example #1: 
       Distribution to begin three months after retirement.  Example #2: 
       Distribution to begin the January of the year following retirement.)

4.3    IRREVOCABLE ELECTIONS.  The elections in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 are
       irrevocable and may not be modified or terminated by the Participant or
       his beneficiary.



                            SECTION 5.  DEFERRED ACCOUNTS


5.1    PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS.  The Company shall establish and maintain a
       bookkeeping account for each Participant, to be credited as of the date
       the John Deere 


                                          3
<PAGE>

       Performance Bonus Plan  award or salary is actually deferred.  While the
       John Deere Performance Bonus Plan deferral will be credited to the
       Participant's account when deferred as stated above, it will not begin
       earning growth additions, under Section 5.2, until the first day of the
       succeeding calendar quarter following the date of deferral.

5.2    GROWTH ADDITIONS.  Each Participant's account shall be credited on the
       first day of each calendar quarter with a growth addition computed on the
       balance in the account as of the last day of the immediately preceding
       quarter.  The growth addition shall be equal to said account balance
       multiplied by a growth increment. The method for determining the growth
       increment shall be determined from time to time by the Committee.  The
       method of determining the growth increment, as stated on the election
       form, that is in effect on the first date a growth addition is added to a
       Participant's account will remain in effect for that deferral until that
       entire deferral, and growth additions attributable to it, have been
       distributed for a given deferral.

5.3    EFFECT ON OTHER COMPANY BENEFITS. Salary or bonus is deferred pursuant to
       Section 4.1 of this Plan shall not decrease in any way benefits provided
       under any other Company sponsored benefit plan.  In the event deferrals
       under this Plan decrease benefits payable under any qualified retirement
       plan or limit deferrals under any qualified defined contribution plan,
       such decrease or limit shall be restored by immediate participation in
       the John Deere Supplementary Pension Plan or the Defined Contribution
       Restoration Plan.

5.4    CHARGES AGAINST ACCOUNTS.  There shall be charged against each
       Participant's account any payments made to the Participant or to his
       beneficiary in accordance with Section 6 hereof.

5.5    CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION.  It is intended that the Company is under a
       contractual obligation to make payments from a Participant's account when
       due.  Account balances shall not be financed through a trust fund or
       insurance contracts or otherwise unless owned by the Company.  Payment of
       account balances shall be made out of the general funds of the Company.

5.6    UNSECURED INTEREST.  No Participant or beneficiary shall have any
       interest whatsoever in any specific asset of the Company.  To the extent
       that any person acquires a right to receive payments under this Plan,
       such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general
       creditor of the Company.

                       SECTION 6.  PAYMENT OF DEFERRED AMOUNTS


6.1    PAYMENT OF DEFERRED AMOUNTS.  Payment of a Participant's deferred salary,
       or short-term incentive John Deere Performance Bonus Plan award plus 


                                          4
<PAGE>

       accumulated growth additions attributable thereto, shall be paid in a
       lump sum or in approximately equal annual installments, in the manner
       elected by the Participant under Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this Plan.  

6.2    FINANCIAL HARDSHIP.  The Committee, at its sole discretion, may alter the
       timing or manner of payment of deferred amounts in the event that the
       Participant establishes, to the satisfaction of the Board, severe
       financial hardship.  In such event, the Committee may:

       (a)    provide that all or a portion of the amount previously deferred by
              the Participant shall be paid immediately in a lump sum cash
              payment,

       (b)    provide that all or a portion of the installments payable over a
              period of time shall be paid immediately in a lump sum, or

       (c)    provide for such other installment payment schedules as it deems
              appropriate under the circumstances,

       as long as the amount distributed shall not be in excess of that amount
       which is necessary for the Participant to meet the financial hardship.

       Severe financial hardship will be deemed to have occurred in the event of
       the Participant's impending bankruptcy, a dependent's long and serious
       illness, other events of similar magnitude or the invalidation of a
       deferral election by the Internal Revenue Service.  The Committee's
       decision in passing on the severe financial hardship of the Participant
       and the manner in which, if at all, the payment of deferred amounts shall
       be altered or modified shall be final, conclusive and not subject to
       appeal.


                               SECTION 7.  BENEFICIARY


7.1    BENEFICIARY.  A Participant may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries
       who, upon his death, are to receive the distributions that otherwise
       would have been paid to him.  All designations shall be in writing and
       shall be effective only if and when delivered to the Secretary of the
       Company during the lifetime of the Participant.  If a Participant
       designates a beneficiary without providing in the designation that the
       beneficiary must be living at the time of such distribution, the
       designation shall vest in the beneficiary all of the distributions
       whether payable before or after the beneficiary's death, and any
       distributions remaining upon the beneficiary's death shall be made to the
       beneficiary's estate.

       A Participant may from time to time during his lifetime change his
       beneficiary or beneficiaries by a written instrument delivered to the
       Secretary of the Company.  In the event a Participant shall not designate
       a beneficiary or beneficiaries 


                                          5
<PAGE>

       pursuant to this Section, or if for any reason such designation shall be
       ineffective, in whole or in part, the distribution that otherwise would
       have been paid to such Participant shall be paid to his estate and in
       such event, the term "beneficiary" shall include his estate.


                    SECTION 8.  RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES, PARTICIPANTS


8.1    EMPLOYMENT.  Nothing in this Plan shall interfere with or limit in any
       way the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate any
       Employee's or Participant's employment at any time, nor confer upon any
       Employee or Participant any right to continue in the employ of the
       Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

8.2    NONTRANSFERABILITY.  No right or interest of any Participant in this Plan
       shall be assignable or transferable, or subject to any lien, directly, by
       operation of law, or otherwise, including execution, levy, garnishment,
       attachment, pledge and bankruptcy.  In the event of a Participant's
       death, payment of any amounts due under this Plan shall be made to the
       Participant's designated beneficiary, or in the absence of such
       designation, to the Participant's estate.


                              SECTION 9.  ADMINISTRATION


9.1    ADMINISTRATION.  The Committee shall be responsible for the
       administration of the Plan.  The Committee is authorized to interpret the
       Plan, to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to
       the Plan, provide for conditions and assurances deemed necessary or
       advisable to protect the interest of the Company, and to make all other
       determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan,
       but only to the extent not contrary to the express provisions of the
       Plan.  The Committee shall determine, within the limits of the express
       provisions of the Plan, the Employees to whom, and the time or times at
       which, participation shall be extended, and the amount which may be
       deferred.  In making such determinations, the Committee may take into
       account the nature of the services rendered by such Employees or classes
       of Employees, their present and potential contributions to the Company's
       or its Subsidiaries' success and such other factors as the Committee in
       its discretion shall deem relevant.  The determination of the Committee,
       interpretation or other action made or taken pursuant to the provisions
       of the Plan, shall be final and shall be binding and conclusive for all
       purposes and upon all persons.

                                          6
<PAGE>

           SECTION 10.  AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN


10.1   AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.  The Board, upon
       recommendation of the Committee, at any time may terminate, and at any
       time and from time to time and in any respect, may amend or modify the
       Plan, provided, however, that no such action of the Board, without
       approval of the Participant, may adversely affect in any way any amounts
       already deferred pursuant to Section 4.1 of this Plan.


                         SECTION 11.  MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION


11.1   MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION.  If the Company shall be involved in a
       dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation in which the Company
       and its Subsidiaries are not the surviving corporation, the Committee
       may:

       (a)    terminate the Plan, and all amounts deferred, plus interest
              additions shall become immediately payable in full, not
              withstanding any other provisions to the contrary, or

       (b)    permit the Plan to continue, making any necessary adjustments or
              modifications to reflect any impact of the dissolution,
              liquidation, merger, or consolidation, as determined by the
              Committee.

       Amounts calculated under either (a) or (b) above shall be paid in full as
       soon as practicable following any termination of the Plan.


                           SECTION 12.  REQUIREMENTS OF LAW


12.1   REQUIREMENTS OF LAW.  The payment of cash pursuant to this Plan shall be
       subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and shall not be
       made except upon approval of proper government agencies as may be
       required.

12.2   GOVERNING LAW.  The Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be
       construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of
       Illinois.

                                          7
<PAGE>

                            SECTION 13.  WITHHOLDING TAXES


13.1   WITHHOLDING TAXES.  The Company shall have the right to deduct from all
       payments under this Plan an amount necessary to satisfy any Federal,
       state, or local withholding tax requirements.


                       SECTION 14.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN


14.1   EFFECTIVE DATE.  The Plan shall become effective as of November 1, 1985.

                                          8


<PAGE>

                                                              EXHIBIT 10.11

                            DEERE & COMPANY

                       1993 NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR
                          STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

                                  [LOGO]

                                                          FEBRUARY 24, 1993
                                                       AMENDED MAY 25, 1994
                                                  RESTATED FEBRUARY 1, 1996

<PAGE>

ARTICLE 1. ESTABLISHMENT, PURPOSE, AND DURATION
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLAN

Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation, hereby establishes an incentive 
compensation plan to be known as the "1993 Deere & Company Nonemployee 
Director Stock Ownership Plan" (the "Plan"), as set forth in this document. 
The Plan provides for the grant of Restricted Stock to Nonemployee Directors, 
subject to the terms and provisions set forth herein.

Upon approval by the Board of Directors of the Company, subject to 
ratification within six (6) months by an affirmative vote of a majority of 
Shares, the Plan shall become effective as of February 24, 1993 (the 
"Effective Date"), and shall remain in effect as provided in Section 1.3 
herein. Each amendment to the Plan shall become effective as of the date set 
forth in such amendment.

1.2 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The purpose of the Plan is to further the growth, development, and financial 
success of the Company by strengthening the Company's ability to attract and 
retain the services of experienced and knowledgeable Nonemployee Directors by 
enabling them to participate in the Company's growth and by linking the 
personal interests of Nonemployee Directors to those of Company shareholders.

1.3 DURATION OF THE PLAN

The Plan shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect, 
subject to the right of the Board of Directors to terminate the Plan at any 
time pursuant to Article 8 herein, until all Shares subject to it have been 
acquired according to the Plan's provisions. However, in no event may an 
Award be granted under the Plan on or after February 28, 2002.

ARTICLE 2. DEFINITIONS
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1 DEFINITIONS

Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meaning set 
forth below:

     (a)  "Award" means a grant of Restricted Stock under the Plan.

     (b)  "Beneficial Owner" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in 
          Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange 
          Act.

     (c)  "Board" or "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the 
          Company, and includes a committee of the Board of Directors 
          designated by the Board to administer part or all of the Plan.

     (d)  "Change in Control" of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred 
          as of the first day that any one or more of the following conditions 
          shall have been satisfied:

          (1)  Any person as the term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the 
               Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, 
               including a "group" as defined in Section 13(d) (but not 
               including the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, a 
               trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an 
               employee benefit plan of the Company or of any subsidiary of 
               the Company, or any person or entity organized or established 
               by the Company in connection with or pursuant to any such 
               benefit plan), becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or 
               indirectly, of securities of the Company representing thirty 
               percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the 
               Company's then outstanding securities, PROVIDED, that there 
               shall not be included among the securities as to which any 
               person is a Beneficial Owner securities as to which the power 
               to vote arises by virtue of proxies solicited by the 
               management of the Company;

          (2)  During any period of two (2) consecutive years (not including 
               any period prior to the Effective Date), individuals who at the 
               beginning of such period constitute the Board (and any new 
               Director, whose election by

                                       1
<PAGE>

               the Company's shareholders was approved by a vote of at least
               two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors then still in office who either
               were Directors at the beginning of the period or whose election
               or nomination for election was so approved), cease for any reason
               to constitute a majority thereof;

          (3)  The shareholders of the Company approve: (A) a plan of complete
               liquidation of the Company; or (B) an agreement for the sale or
               disposition of all or substantially all the Company's assets; or
               (C) a merger, consolidation, or reorganization of the Company
               with or involving any other corporation, other than a merger,
               consolidation, or reorganization that would result in the voting
               securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto
               continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by
               being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity),
               at least eighty percent (80%) of the combined voting power of the
               voting securities of the Company (or such surviving entity)
               outstanding immediately after such merger, consolidation, or
               reorganization.

     (e)  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
          to time.

     (f)  "Company" means Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation, (including
          any and all subsidiaries), or any successor thereto as provided in
          Section 9.7 herein.

     (g)  "Director" means any individual who is a member of the Board of
          Directors of the Company.

     (h)  "Disability" means a permanent and total disability, within the
          meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3).

     (i)  "Employee" means any full-time, nonunion, salaried employee of the
          Company.

     (j)  "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
          from time to time, or any successor Act thereto.

     (k)  "Nonemployee Director" means any individual who is a member of the
          Board of Directors of the Company, but who is not otherwise an
          Employee of the Company.

     (l)  "Restricted Stock" or "Restricted Share" means Shares granted to a
          Nonemployee Director pursuant to Article 6.

     (m)  "Shares" means the shares of common stock of the Company, $1.00 par
          value.

ARTICLE 3.  ADMINISTRATION
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.1  THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company, subject
to the restrictions set forth in the Plan.

3.2  ADMINISTRATION BY THE BOARD

The Board shall have the full power, discretion, and authority to interpret and
administer the Plan in a manner which is consistent with the Plan's provisions. 
However, in no event shall the Board have the power to determine Plan
eligibility, or to determine the amount, the price, or the timing of Awards to
be made under the Plan (all such determinations are automatic pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan).  Any action taken by the Board with respect to the
administration of the Plan which would result in any Nonemployee Director
ceasing to be a "disinterested person" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under
the Exchange Act shall be null and void.

3.3  DECISIONS BINDING

All determinations and decisions made by the Board pursuant to the provisions of
the Plan and all related orders or resolutions of the Board of Directors shall
be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons, including the Company, its
shareholders, Employees, Nonemployee Directors, and their estates and
beneficiaries.


                                          2
<PAGE>

ARTICLE 4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.1  NUMBER OF SHARES

Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3 herein, the total number of
Shares available for grant under the Plan may not exceed 90,000.

4.2  LAPSED AWARDS

If any Shares granted under this Plan terminate, expire, or lapse for any
reason, such Shares again shall be available for grant under the Plan.  However,
in the event that prior to an Award's termination, expiration, or lapse, the
holder of the Award at any time received one or more "benefits of ownership"
pursuant to such Award (as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission,
pursuant to any rule or interpretation promulgated under Section 16 of the
Exchange Act), the Shares subject to such Award shall not be made available for
regrant under the Plan.

4.3  ADJUSTMENTS IN AUTHORIZED SHARES

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization,
liquidation, stock dividend, split-up, Share combination, or other change in the
corporate structure of the Company affecting the Shares, the Board may make such
adjustments to outstanding Awards to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights;
provided, however, that no such adjustment shall be made if the adjustment may
cause the Plan to cease to be a formula plan within the meaning of Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act.

ARTICLE 5.  PARTICIPATION
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5.1 PARTICIPATION

Persons participating in the Plan shall include, and be limited to, all
Nonemployee Directors of the Company.

ARTICLE 6.  RESTRICTED STOCK
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6.1  AWARDS AT ELECTION OR REELECTION

An Award of 1800 Restricted Shares will be made automatically as of the date of
the annual meeting when a Nonemployee Director is elected or reelected,
commencing with the Effective Date.

6.2  INITIAL AWARDS

Upon the date of the annual meeting at which the Company's shareholders approve
the Plan, each Nonemployee Director then serving on the Board who is not being
elected or reelected to the Board at such meeting will automatically be awarded
600 Restricted Shares for each remaining year in such Nonemployee Director's
term.

6.3  PARTIAL TERMS

A Nonemployee Director who is elected by the Board to fill a vacancy between
annual meetings or to serve a partial term, or elected at an annual meeting to
fill less than a full term, shall automatically be granted a pro rata portion of
the number of Restricted Shares awarded to Nonemployee Directors elected to
serve for a full term at the most recent annual meeting.  Such prorated number
of shares shall be determined by multiplying 1800 by a fraction, the numerator
of which is the number of whole months remaining in the term of the Nonemployee
Director so elected, and the denominator of which is 36.

6.4  CUSTODY AND TRANSFERABILITY

The Shares awarded to a Nonemployee Director may not be sold, pledged, assigned,
transferred, gifted, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until such time as
the restrictions with respect to such Shares have lapsed as provided herein.  At
the time Restricted Shares are awarded to a Nonemployee Director, shares
representing the appropriate number of Restricted Shares shall be registered in
the name of the Nonemployee Director but shall be held by the Company in custody
for the account of such person.  As Restrictions lapse on Shares upon death,
Disability or retirement as contemplated by Section 6.8, certificates therefor
will be delivered to the Participant.

6.5  OTHER RESTRICTIONS

The Company may impose such other restrictions on any Shares granted pursuant to
the Plan as it may deem advisable including, without


                                          3
<PAGE>

limitation, restrictions intended to achieve compliance with the Securities 
Act of 1933, as amended, with the requirements of any stock exchange upon 
which such Shares or Shares of the same class are then listed, and with any 
blue sky or securities laws applicable to such Shares. Shares delivered upon 
death, Disability or retirement as contemplated by Section 6.8 may bear such 
legends, if any, as the Board may specify.

6.6  VOTING RIGHTS

Participants granted Restricted Stock hereunder shall have full voting rights 
on such Shares.

6.7  DIVIDEND RIGHTS

Participants granted Restricted Stock hereunder shall have full dividend 
rights, with such dividends being paid to Participants. If all or part of a 
dividend is paid in Shares, the Shares shall be held by the Company subject 
to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock that is the basis for the 
dividend.

6.8  TERMINATION OF SERVICE FROM BOARD

The restrictions provided for in Sections 6.4 and 6.5 shall remain in effect 
until, and shall lapse only upon, the termination of a Nonemployee Director's 
service as a Director by reason of death, Disability, or retirement from the 
board, and the Shares shall thereafter be delivered to the Nonemployee 
Director or the decedent's beneficiary as designated pursuant to Section 9.3.

In the event the Nonemployee Director's service as a Director is terminated 
for any other reason, including, without limitation, any involuntary 
termination on account of (a) fraud or intentional misrepresentation, or (b) 
embezzlement, misappropriation, or conversion of assets or opportunities of 
the Company, all Restricted Shares awarded to such Nonemployee Director prior 
to the date of termination shall be immediately forfeited and returned to the 
Company.

6.9  TAX WITHHOLDING

The Company shall have the right under this plan to collect cash from 
Nonemployee Directors in an amount necessary to satisfy any Federal, state or 
local withholding tax requirements. Any Nonemployee Director may elect to 
satisfy withholding, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold 
shares of common stock having a value equal to the amount required to be 
withheld.

ARTICLE 7.  CHANGE IN CONTROL
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7.1  CHANGE IN CONTROL

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 6 herein, in the event of a Change 
in Control, any and all restrictions on Restricted Shares shall lapse as of 
the date of the Change in Control, and the Company shall deliver new 
certificates for such Restricted Shares which do not contain the legend of 
restrictions required by Section 6.5.


ARTICLE 8.  AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8.1  AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION

Subject to the terms set forth in this Section 8.1, the Board may terminate, 
amend, or modify the Plan at any time and from time to time; provided, 
however, that the provisions set forth in the Plan regarding the amount, the 
price or the timing of Awards to Nonemployee Directors may not be amended 
more than once every six (6) months, other than to comport with changes in 
the Internal Revenue Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or 
the rules thereunder.

Without such approval of the shareholders of the Company as may be required 
by the Code, by the rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, by any national 
securities exchange or system on which the Shares are then listed or 
reported, or by a regulatory body having jurisdiction with respect hereto, no 
such termination, amendment or modification may:

(a)   Materially increase the total number of Shares which may be available 
      for grants of Awards under the Plan, except as provided in Section 4.3 
      herein; or

(b)   Materially modify the requirements with respect to eligibility to 
      participate in the Plan; or

                                       4
<PAGE>

(c)   Materially increase the benefits accruing to Nonemployee Directors 
      under the Plan.

8.2   AWARDS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED

Unless required by law, no termination, amendment or modification of the Plan
shall materially affect, in an adverse manner, any Award previously granted
under the Plan, without the consent of the Nonemployee Director holding the
Award.

ARTICLE 9.  MISCELLANEOUS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9.1   GENDER AND NUMBER

Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein
also shall include the feminine; the plural shall include the singular, and the
singular shall include the plural.

9.2   SEVERABILITY

In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any
reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the
Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid
provision had not been included.

9.3   BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

Each Nonemployee Director under the Plan may from time to time name any
beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to
whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid in the event of his or her death.
Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Nonemployee
Director, and will be effective only when filed by the Nonemployee Director in
writing with the Board during his or her lifetime.  In the absence of any such
designation, benefits remaining unpaid at the Nonemployee Director's death shall
be paid to the Nonemployee Director's estate.

9.4   NO RIGHT OF NOMINATION

Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to create any obligation on the part of the
Board to nominate any Nonemployee Director for reelection by the Company's
shareholders.

9.5   SHARES AVAILABLE

The Shares made available pursuant to Awards under the Plan may be either
authorized but unissued Shares, or Shares which have been or may be reacquired
by the Company, as determined from time to time by the Board.

9.6   ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION

Shares granted under the Plan shall be in addition to any annual retainer, 
attendance fees, or other compensation payable to each Nonemployee Director 
as a result of his or her service on the Board.

9.7   SUCCESSORS

All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to Awards granted
hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the
existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase,
merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business
and/or assets of the Company.

9.8   REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

The granting of Awards under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws,
rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or
national securities exchanges as may be required.

9.9   GOVERNING LAW

To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the Plan, and all agreements
hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the
State of Delaware.

9.10  SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE

With respect to any Nonemployee Directors subject to Section 16 of the Exchange
Act, transactions under the Plan are intended to comply with all applicable
conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act.  To the
extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Board fails to so comply, it
shall be deemed null and void to the extent permitted by law and deemed
advisable by the Board.

                                          5

<PAGE>

 
                                                                 EXHIBIT 12



                 DEERE & COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

               COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                            (In thousands of dollars)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1998           1997           1996           1995           1994
                                           ----           ----           ----           ----           ----
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C> 
Earnings:

  Income of consolidated group
    before income taxes and
    changes in accounting........       $1,560,032     $1,507,070     $1,286,634     $1,092,751     $  920,920
  Dividends received from
    less than fifty percent
    owned affiliates.............            5,555          3,591          7,937          2,023          2,329
  Fixed charges excluding
    capitalized interest.........          531,817        433,673        410,764        399,056        310,047
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
    Total earnings...............       $2,097,404     $1,944,334     $1,705,335     $1,493,830     $1,233,296
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
Fixed charges:

  Interest expense of
    consolidated group including
    capitalized interest.........       $  521,418     $  422,588     $  402,168     $  392,408     $  303,080
  Portion of rental charges
    deemed to be interest........           12,451         11,497          8,596          6,661          7,008
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
    Total fixed charges..........       $  533,869     $  434,085     $  410,764     $  399,069     $  310,088
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
Ratio of earnings to
  fixed charges*.................             3.93           4.48           4.15           3.74           3.98
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
                                        ----------     -----------    ----------     ----------     ----------
</TABLE>
- - ----------

    The computation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges is based on
    applicable amounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries plus
    dividends received from less than fifty percent owned affiliates. 
    "Earnings" consist of income before income taxes, changes in accounting and
    fixed charges excluding capitalized interest.  "Fixed charges" consist of
    interest on indebtedness, amortization of debt discount and expense, an
    estimated amount of rental expense which is deemed to be representative of
    the interest factor, and capitalized interest.

*   The Company has not issued preferred stock.  Therefore, the ratios of
    earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are the
    same as the ratios presented above.

<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 21

                                   DEERE & COMPANY
                            AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES

                            SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

                                As of October 31, 1998

     Subsidiary companies of Deere & Company are listed below.  Except where
otherwise indicated, 100 percent of the voting securities of the companies named
is owned directly or indirectly by Deere & Company.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                           Organized
                                                                           under the
Name of subsidiary                                                          laws of
- - -------------------                                                        ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>
Subsidiaries included in consolidated
     financial statements *
          John Deere Construction Equipment Company. . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Agricultural Holdings, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Construction Holdings, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Lawn and Grounds Care Holdings, Inc.. . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Turf Care, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Commercial Worksite Products, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . Tennessee
          John Deere Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canada
          John Deere - Lanz Verwaltungs A.G. (99.9% owned) . . . . . . . . Germany
          John Deere S.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . France
          John Deere Iberica S.A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spain
          John Deere Intercontinental GmbH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germany
          John Deere International GmbH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Germany
          Chamberlain Holdings Limited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australia
          John Deere Limited Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australia
          John Deere Power Products, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tennessee
          Industrias John Deere Argentina S.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Argentina
          John Deere Foreign Sales Corporation Limited . . . . . . . . . . Jamaica
          John Deere Credit Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Capital Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Credit Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canada
          John Deere Receivables, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevada
          John Deere Funding Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevada
          Deere Receivables Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevada
          Deere Credit, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          Deere Credit Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          Arrendadora John Deere S.A. de C.V. (99.9% owned). . . . . . . . Mexico
          John Deere Credit Limited (Australia). . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australia
          John Deere Insurance Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          Rock River Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois
          John Deere Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois
          John Deere Casualty Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois
          John Deere Health Care, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          Heritage National Healthplan, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois
          John Deere Healthcare of Georgia, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia
          Funk Manufacturing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delaware
          John Deere Family Healthplan, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illinois
          Cameco Industries, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisiana
          Cameco Marine, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisiana
          Cameco International, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisiana
          Sprayfab, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisiana


</TABLE>
- - ----------

*    Forty-one consolidated subsidiaries and eighteen unconsolidated affiliates
     whose names are omitted, considered in the aggregate as a single
     subsidiary, would not constitute a significant subsidiary.

<PAGE>

                                                               EXHIBIT 23

                       [DELOITTE & TOUCHE LETTERHEAD]

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 
2-62630, 2-76637, 2-90384, 33-15949, 33-17990, 33-24397, 33-44294, 33-49740, 
33-49742, 33-49762, 33-55551, 33-55549, 33-57897, 333-01477, 333-62665, and 
333-62669 of Deere & Company on Form S-8 and in Registration Statement 
Nos. 33-54165, 33-39006, and 33-54149 of Deere & Company on Form S-3 of our 
report dated November 24, 1998, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
of Deere & Company for the year ended October 31, 1998, and to the reference 
to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectuses, which are part of such 
Registration Statements.


Deloitte & Touche LLP

January 25, 1999


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10K AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1998
<CASH>                                             310
<SECURITIES>                                       867
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,086
<ALLOWANCES>                                       121
<INVENTORY>                                      1,287
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                           4,688
<DEPRECIATION>                                   2,988
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  18,002
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                          2,792
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,790
<OTHER-SE>                                       2,290
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    18,002
<SALES>                                         11,926
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                13,822
<CGS>                                            9,234
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   10,433
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    57
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 519
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,560
<INCOME-TAX>                                       554
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,021
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,021
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     4.16
        

</TABLE>


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