Elders Limited reported half-year profit after tax of $39.5 million for the period ended 31 March 2026, representing an increase of approximately 17 percent from $33.6 million in the comparable 2025 half-year period. The result reflects contributions from both continuing operations, which generated $34.9 million in profit, and discontinued operations adding $4.5 million. The company’s underlying performance demonstrates resilience within its core agribusiness activities, including formulation, blending, and importation operations that form the backbone of its operations across Australia. The revenue base for the half-year reached $1.77 billion, providing the foundation for the reported profit outcome.
Management declared an interim dividend of 18 cents per security, fully franked at 9 cents, demonstrating confidence in the half-year result and the company’s cash generation capability. This dividend represents a substantial distribution to shareholders while maintaining the fully franked status that has historically been valued by Elders’ investor base. The timing of this distribution follows a period of sustained earnings delivery and positions the company to continue rewarding shareholder returns through the agricultural cycle. For eligible investors, the franking credits enhance the after-tax returns from the investment.
One metric that warrants significant investor attention is the material decline in net tangible assets backing per share, which fell to 1.63 as of March 2026 from 2.81 at 30 September 2025. This 42 percent reduction represents a significant shift in the company’s balance sheet position over the half-year period. While such movements warrant closer examination of the underlying financial statements, the decline may reflect capital deployment for acquisitions, dividend distributions, or changes in working capital management. Investors should assess whether this reduction in NTA backing indicates concerns about capital efficiency or represents a strategic repositioning of the balance sheet in response to market conditions or business opportunities.
The half-year result also reflected changes in the company’s board composition, with Glenn Davis assuming the role of Chair from 1 November 2025, succeeding Ian Wilton who stepped down from that position. Mark Allison continues in his role as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, providing continuity in executive leadership during a period of corporate governance evolution. The company operates across a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries and joint ventures concentrated in the agricultural services sector.
For investors evaluating the investment case, the profit growth and dividend declaration present positive near-term signals, yet the material contraction in net tangible assets backing merits detailed scrutiny of the balance sheet movements and capital allocation decisions outlined in the full financial statements. The next reporting period will be important in determining whether this NTA decline represents a temporary movement or signals a sustained shift in the company’s capital structure. Shareholders should also monitor the broader performance of the agricultural sector and market conditions affecting Elders’ operations. This announcement has been flagged as price sensitive by the Australian Securities Exchange.
View the full ASX announcement (PDF)
About Elders Limited (ASX: ELD)
Elders Limited is an Australian agribusiness company providing rural services, real estate, and insurance solutions to farmers and rural communities. The company operates through a network of 242 company-owned rural service outlets and approximately 380 independent wholesale partner stores across Australia. Headquartered in Adelaide, Elders also operates feed and processing services, including cattle feedlots, and employs approximately 2,900 people across its operations.
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