Elders Reports FY2024 Revenue, Earnings Decline; Launches $246M Equity Raising for Delta Agribusiness Acquisition
Key Takeaway: Elders Ltd faces profit and revenue declines for FY2024 but aims to bolster its business through the acquisition of Delta Agribusiness.
Financial Highlights
- Earnings Per Share (EPS):
- Declined to AU$0.286, down from AU$0.644 in FY2023.
- Below analyst expectations of AU$0.391 (Visible Alpha).
- Net Profit:
- Dropped 55% to AU$45.1 million from AU$100.8 million.
- Revenue:
- Fell 6% YoY to AU$3.13 billion, but beat analyst estimates of AU$3.01 billion.
- Dividend:
- Declared AU$0.18 per share, down from AU$0.23 last year. Payable Jan. 24, 2025 to shareholders on record as of Dec. 18.
Delta Agribusiness Acquisition
- Deal Value: AU$475 million.
- Consideration:
- Includes AU$190 million in new Elders shares issued at AU$8.52 per share to Delta shareholders.
- Delta's Stake in Elders:
- Post-acquisition, Delta shareholders will own 10.5% of Elders.
Funding Plan
- Equity Raising:
- AU$246 million through a fully underwritten 1-for-5.1 entitlement offer.
- New shares priced at AU$7.85, a 9.2% discount to the Nov. 15 closing price.
- Loan Facility:
- AU$110 million new revolving loan facility.
Outlook
- Elders expressed optimism for the 2024 summer crop, citing:
- Favorable moisture profiles in dry land areas.
- Average seasonal conditions in irrigated regions.
The Delta Agribusiness acquisition aims to strengthen Elders’ market position and expand its agribusiness operations, despite the current financial challenges. Investors will closely monitor the integration of Delta and Elders’ ability to leverage the acquisition for future growth.
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