
Elders Limited has been a major player in the Australian agricultural industry for over 180 years. The company has a significant presence in the livestock and grain markets, with a strong network of agents and branches across the country.
Elders Limited's revenue has fluctuated over the years, with a high of $2.4 billion in 2011 and a low of $1.3 billion in 2016. The company has been working to diversify its operations and improve its financial performance.
Elders Limited's focus on innovation and technology has led to the development of new products and services, including its online livestock trading platform. This platform has been well-received by customers and has helped to increase the company's market share.
The Australian agricultural industry is heavily influenced by seasonal fluctuations, with Elders Limited's revenue often peaking during periods of high grain and livestock demand.
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Agribusiness
Elders Limited has made significant strides in the agribusiness sector, with a focus on consolidation and expansion. In 2024, the company announced a $475 million acquisition of Delta Agribusiness, a private equity-backed rival.
Elders' acquisition strategy has been key to its growth, with notable purchases including Australian Independent Rural Retailers (AIRR) in 2019 and Ace Ohlsson and Kerr & Co Livestock in 2017. These acquisitions have helped Elders expand its reach in the market.
The company's operations are organized into six segments: retail products, wholesale products, agency services, real estate services, financial services, and feed and processing services. This structure allows Elders to cater to a range of customers and provide a diverse range of services.
Elders' focus on agribusiness has paid off, with the company reporting a rebound in profit in 2023 due to strong cattle and sheep prices.
Return to Agribusiness
Elders has made significant strides in its return to agribusiness, with a major restructuring effort led by CEO Mark Allison. In 2017, the company divested its live export division and re-allocated capital to new acquisitions, including Ace Ohlsson and Kerr & Co Livestock.
This move marked a turning point for Elders, which paid its first dividend to shareholders in nine years and achieved a market capitalization of $850 million in 2017. The company's Eight Point Plan aimed to return Elders to sustainable earnings growth by FY17, a goal it successfully achieved.
Elders continued its expansion through acquisitions, including the purchase of Titan Ag in 2018 and Australian Independent Rural Retailers in 2019. The company's acquisition of Delta Agribusiness in 2024 for $475 million further solidified its position in the market.
Here are some key statistics about Elders' acquisition spree:
Elders' focus on agribusiness has led to a rebound in profit, with the company reporting strong cattle and sheep prices in recent years. However, this growth has not been without its challenges, with farmers facing drought-related struggles and concerns about the impact of the Elders-Delta Agribusiness merger on competition in rural supplies.
Feed & Processing
In the agribusiness industry, feed and processing services are crucial for the production and distribution of high-quality meat.
Elders operates a feedlot in Killara, located south of Tamworth in New South Wales.
The company imports premium Australian meat for distribution in China.
Elders takes care of the entire process, from importation to distribution, ensuring that the meat reaches its destination in top condition.
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Agribusiness Group Criticized for Failed CEO Succession
Elders, an agribusiness group, faced a significant protest vote from its shareholders, with 63% of them expressing dissatisfaction with the company's pay practices.
The issue arose from a botched CEO succession process, where Mark Allison stayed on as CEO despite initially signaling his exit, and even received higher pay seven months later.
This decision led to a huge protest vote from shareholders, who were clearly unhappy with the company's handling of the situation.
Elders' profit didn't suffer as a result of the controversy, as the company delivered its second-highest profit in 10 years, despite slowing fertiliser sales and interest rate rises.
The botched succession planning process has left a sour taste among shareholders, with many questioning the company's decision-making and leadership.
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News and Announcements
Elders Limited has recently announced a major restructure, with the company's CEO, Mark Allison, stepping down after nearly a decade at the helm.
The company's financial performance has been a topic of discussion, with Elders Limited reporting a net loss of $45.1 million in 2020.
Elders Limited has a long history in the agricultural and rural services sector, with a presence in Australia and New Zealand dating back to 1839.
Asx Announcements
Elders, an Australian company, has acquired Delta Agribusiness, a move that has received clearance from the regulator.
The acquisition was announced on October 9, 2025, and was a 2-page notification.
Elders will need to sell some of its stores to secure the $475m buyout of Delta Agribusiness.
Here are some key dates and details related to the acquisition:
The competition regulator has concerns about the tie-up of Elders and Delta Agribusiness, saying it could lead to higher prices and less choice for farmers.
Doug Rathbone Wins $475m Nufarm Buyout
Doug Rathbone, the 79-year-old entrepreneur, made his fortune in the crop chemicals business. He's known for his success with Nufarm.
Doug Rathbone will pocket a small windfall from the buyout of Delta Agribusiness by its larger rival. The buyout's price tag is a whopping $475m.
Financial Performance
Elders Limited's share price has seen some significant fluctuations in the past year, with a current price of AU$7.53.
The company's 52-week high was AU$9.00, while the 52-week low was AU$5.73. This indicates a range of AU$3.27.
The beta of Elders Limited is 0.15, which suggests that the company's stock price is relatively stable and less volatile compared to the overall market.
Elders Limited's share price has experienced a 1-month change of -2.96%, a 3-month change of 14.96%, and a 1-year change of -12.75%. Over the past 5 years, the company's share price has decreased by -36.78%, and over the past 3 years, it has decreased by -40.05%.
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Analysts' Consensus
Analysts' consensus is a key indicator of a company's financial health, with 75% of analysts recommending the company's stock.
The consensus earnings per share (EPS) forecast for the company is $2.50, indicating a strong growth potential.
Analysts have a median price target of $120, suggesting a significant upside from the current stock price.
A strong consensus among analysts can boost investor confidence, leading to increased trading activity and higher stock prices.
10-Year Low on BOM Forecast Disappointment

Elders, an agribusiness major, had its worst result in 10 years due to a wayward BOM forecast. Farmers sold livestock and cut orders for farm chemicals based on the weather bureau's prediction of an El Nino hot and dry period.
The forecast didn't eventuate, and Elders shares slumped 24 per cent after it announced it would miss forecasts. Farmers had culled their herds ahead of a heatwave that never came.
This highlights the importance of accurate weather forecasts for the agricultural industry.
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Leadership and Governance
Elders Limited has a complex leadership and governance structure, with a notable example being the re-hiring of CEO Mark Allison after the company signalled that he would be stepping down. This decision led to a huge 63% protest vote against the company's pay practices.
The company's executive committee is led by Mark Allison, who has been the CEO since 2014. Paul Rossiter serves as the Director of Finance/CFO, while Viv da Ros is the Chief Technology/Science/R&D Officer. Anna Bennett and Shannon Hope Doecke are Corporate Officers/Principals.
The Board of Directors is composed of several members, including Mark Allison as the Chairman, Ian Wilton, and Robyn Clubb, John Lloyd, Damien Frawley, Glenn Davis, and Bethwyn Todd.
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Delta Chair Says Deal to Boost Rural Competition
Delta's acquisition by Elders is expected to create a new player in the rural supplies market, with a chairman who believes it will boost competition.
Doug Rathbone, Delta Ag's chairman, thinks the deal will make Elders a serious competitor to Canada's Nutrien in rural supplies.
The deal is expected to be scrutinized by the competition regulator, which is a sign that the market is taking notice of the consolidation in the industry.
The acquisition is worth $475 million, a significant amount that will likely have an impact on the market.
Elders is buying its private equity-backed rival, Delta, in a move that could change the dynamics of the rural supplies market.
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Executive Committee
The Executive Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of Elders Limited. Mark Allison has been leading the company as CEO since 2014.
The committee has a diverse range of expertise, with Paul Rossiter serving as the Director of Finance/CFO since August 8, 2022.
Viv da Ros is the Chief Tech/Sci/R&D Officer, a role she's held since January 31, 2021.
Anna Bennett and Shannon Hope Doecke are both Corporate Officers/Principals, with Anna taking on her role on December 31, 2022, and Shannon starting hers on March 31, 2019.
Here's a brief overview of the Executive Committee members:
Board Composition
The composition of a board of directors is a critical aspect of leadership and governance. The Board of Directors at Elders Limited is comprised of experienced individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Mark Allison has been the Chairman since 2013, bringing over 9 years of leadership to the role. Ian Wilton, another Chairman, has been in the position since 2019, with a wealth of experience to draw upon.
The Board also includes several Directors/Board Members, each with their own unique strengths and qualifications. Robyn Clubb has been a Director/Board Member since 2015, while John Lloyd took on the role in 2023.
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Here is a list of the current Board of Directors at Elders Limited:
The Board of Directors at Elders Limited has a good balance of experienced leaders and newer additions, ensuring that the organization has the necessary skills and expertise to drive its success.
Succession Drama Sparks Another Protest Vote
A botched succession planning process can have serious consequences, as seen in the case of Elders, where a massive 63 per cent protest vote was triggered.
The company's CEO, Mark Allison, was re-hired after signaling his exit, with a higher salary, which clearly didn't sit well with shareholders.
This move enraged shareholders, resulting in a huge protest vote, which is a clear indication of the importance of effective succession planning.
Despite the controversy, Elders was still able to deliver its second-highest profit in 10 years, despite slowing fertiliser sales and interest rate rises.
The company's ability to perform well despite these challenges highlights the resilience of its business model.
However, the succession drama has undoubtedly damaged the company's reputation and relationships with its shareholders.
Market and Industry
Elders Limited is a major player in the Australian agricultural industry. They operate in a highly competitive market where they face strong competition from other major agricultural companies.
Their business model is built around providing a range of services to farmers, including marketing and selling their produce. This model has allowed them to establish a strong presence in the market.
The company's focus on innovation and technology has enabled them to stay ahead of the competition and improve their efficiency.
Risk Analysis
As we dive into the world of market and industry analysis, it's essential to consider the risks that come with investing in a company. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year, which can be a significant concern for investors.
Large one-off items have been impacting financial results, making it challenging to get a clear picture of a company's overall performance. This can be frustrating for investors who are trying to make informed decisions.
The past year has seen a significant dilution of shareholder value, which is a clear indication of risk in the market. This can be a sign that a company is struggling to stay afloat.
One-off items can be unpredictable and may not reflect a company's true financial health. This makes it crucial for investors to carefully review financial statements and look for underlying trends.
Investors need to be aware of these risks and take them into account when making investment decisions.
Sector
The sector is a crucial part of understanding the market and industry. It's a broad category that encompasses various sub-sectors.
Consumer Non-Cyclicals is a sector that includes companies that produce goods and services that are not directly related to the business cycle. This means their sales are less affected by economic downturns.
One of the sub-sectors within Consumer Non-Cyclicals is Food & Beverages. This sector includes companies that produce food and beverages for human consumption.
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Food & Tobacco is a sub-sector within Food & Beverages that includes companies that produce tobacco products.
Fishing & Farming is another sub-sector within Food & Beverages that includes companies that produce fish and other seafood, as well as agricultural products.
Here are some examples of sub-sectors within Fishing & Farming:
- Fishing & Farming
- Fishing & Farming Wholesale
These sub-sectors are important to understand because they help us see the different types of companies that exist within each sector.
Future Prospects
The future of Elders looks promising, with the potential stabilisation of livestock prices and interest rates helping the business.
Megan, a markets analyst, notes that there are a few greenshoots of higher demand for Elders' financial and property management, as well as feed processing services.
The weather remains a major factor in Elders' outcomes, and as Megan points out, it's anything but predictable.
Elders' stabilisation of livestock prices and interest rates could lead to a more stable business environment.
Megan's extensive knowledge of the UK markets, gained from her experience at ARCH Emerging Markets, will likely be valuable in navigating Elders' future prospects.
As a seasoned analyst with 7 years of experience, Megan is well-equipped to provide insights into Elders' potential future growth.
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Share Price and Trading
Elders Limited's share price has been quite volatile in the past. Shares in the company plunged almost 12 per cent in early trading after it released unaudited financial results.
The current share price is AU$7.53, which is a significant drop from the 52 Week High of AU$9.00.
Over the past year, the company's share price has decreased by 12.75%. This is a notable decline, especially considering the company's 3 Year Change of -40.05%.
The 1 Month Change is -2.96%, which is a relatively small decline compared to the 3 Month Change of 14.96%.
Here's a summary of the company's share price performance over the past year:
In terms of volatility, Elders Limited's price movement is relatively stable compared to the Australian market. The company's average weekly movement is 3.4%, which is lower than the market average of 9.2%.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Elders Limited located?
Elders Limited is headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia. Learn more about our company's history and operations.
Is Elders a good buy?
Elders Limited has a Strong Buy analyst rating consensus from 5 Wall Street analysts, indicating a positive outlook. Consider opening a brokerage account to explore investing in AU:ELD shares.
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