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Rural Funds Group (AU:RFF)
ASX:RFF

Rural Funds Group (RFF) AI Stock Analysis

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AU:RFF

Rural Funds Group

(Sydney:RFF)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
AU$2.00
▲(3.63% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/20/26
The score is driven primarily by stable but mixed financial performance (good margins and balance sheet offset by weakening growth and cash conversion) and a balanced earnings-call outlook (guidance reaffirmed, but leverage/interest costs and reliance on asset sales constrain upside). Technicals are supportive and help the score, while valuation is a headwind due to the high P/E despite the strong yield.
Positive Factors
Long lease tenor & high occupancy
A WALE of 13.2 years and 83% leased exposure provides durable, contracted rental income with low rollover risk. This underpins predictable AFFO, stabilises cash flows across commodity cycles, and allows management to plan refinancing and hedging with greater certainty.
Development pipeline delivering income
Completed development work (Kaiuroo stage 1) and maturing macadamia and irrigated crops increase operational cash earnings as farming income rises. With development assets ~$342m (17% portfolio) and lower FY'27 CapEx, this supports medium‑term AFFO growth and reduces future capital intensity.
Proven value crystallisation via asset sales
Repeated transactions at/above book and a material water entitlement gain (c.2.5x purchase price) show the fund can crystallise uplifts and access liquidity. This enhances balance‑sheet flexibility to de‑gear, fund CapEx and manage distributions without relying solely on operating cash.
Negative Factors
Gearing above target range
Pro‑forma gearing at c.39.1% sits meaningfully above the stated 30–35% target, increasing financial leverage. Elevated leverage raises interest expense sensitivity, restrains strategic optionality, and makes outcomes contingent on timely asset disposals and favourable market conditions.
Weak cash conversion
OCF-to-net-income below 1 and low free‑cash‑flow conversion point to earnings not fully converting to cash. That structural cash quality constraint limits internal funding for distributions and capex, forcing reliance on asset sales or external financing to meet obligations.
High payout ratio limits flexibility
A near‑100% payout ratio leaves minimal retained earnings to rebuild buffers or fund growth, capping distribution upside. Sustained high payout forces dependence on asset sales and balance‑sheet moves to support distributions, increasing execution and timing risk.

Rural Funds Group (RFF) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Rural Funds Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRural Funds Group (RFF) is an Australian real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on acquiring, developing, and managing agricultural assets across Australia. RFF primarily invests in sectors such as vineyards, orchards, and livestock, providing investors with exposure to agricultural land and related infrastructure. The group aims to deliver sustainable returns through a diversified portfolio that includes both operational and rental income from its agricultural holdings.
How the Company Makes MoneyRural Funds Group generates revenue primarily through rental income derived from leasing its agricultural properties to tenants engaged in various farming activities. The company benefits from long-term lease agreements, which provide stable cash flow. Additionally, RFF may generate supplementary income through the operational activities on its properties, such as crop production and livestock management. Strategic partnerships with farmers and agribusinesses enhance its operational efficiency and income potential. Furthermore, RFF's focus on sustainable agricultural practices aligns with growing market demand for environmentally responsible farming, which can lead to increased asset value and revenue generation over time.

Rural Funds Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 19, 2026
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Aug 20, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mix of solid operational and capital-management progress — AFFO in line with guidance, net property income up 7%, completed developments, successful asset sales (some at premiums), and a modest NAV uptick. However, higher cash interest costs, pro forma gearing above the target range (39.1%), dependence on further asset sales and unitholder approvals, low yields on natural-resource assets, and the fact that much of the half’s earnings uplift was noncash mean material execution and macro risks remain. Overall the positives and negatives are balanced: the business is stable with clear remediation plans, but near-term constraints (leverage, interest costs, payout ratio) temper upside.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Net Property Income Growth
Net property income from leased assets increased by $3.0 million (up 7%) to $49.0 million, driven by additional rent from developed macadamia orchards and annual lease indexation.
AFFO and Distributions on Track
Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) of $21.5 million or $0.55 per unit; management states AFFO and distributions are on track to achieve full-year guidance. Two distributions totaling $0.0587 per unit were paid in the half, in line with forecast.
Strong Reported Earnings (Including Noncash Items)
Reported earnings after noncash items were $44 million (A$0.113 per unit) versus $13 million in the prior period — an increase of ~239% — driven by positive mark-to-market on interest rate swaps and a gain on sale of water entitlements.
Asset Sales at or Above Book Value
Management sold ~ $60 million of assets during the period; recent asset transactions (~$65 million transacted in past 6 months) occurred at or above book value (two sugarcane farms sold ~10% above book; water transacted at adjusted book value).
Material Gain on Water Entitlements
Certain water entitlements were sold at approximately 2.5x their purchase price, producing a substantial gain and supporting reported earnings and cash generation.
Capital Management — Refinance and Hedging
Core syndicated facility underwent a scheduled refinance that extended tenor and improved bank margins (cited ~5–10 basis point reduction on recent tranches). Debt facility is ~60–70% hedged with hedges locked through FY'29, providing interest-rate risk mitigation.
NAV and Portfolio Metrics
Adjusted NAV per unit increased modestly by $0.02 to $3.10; 83% of assets are leased with a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 13.2 years, and development assets represent $342 million (17% of the portfolio).
Reduced Near-Term CapEx
Management forecasts significantly lower FY'27 CapEx compared with prior intensive development years and notes the fund is past peak development capex requirements.
Operational Progress on Developments
Stage 1 of the Kaiuroo development completed (pumping, water storage, irrigated cropping) with further stages planned; macadamia orchards and irrigated cotton harvests expected to materially increase second-half farming income.
Planned Large Asset Divestment Program
Management increased the target asset sales program from ~$200 million to ~$260 million over the next ~12 months to reduce gearing toward target range and free up capital.
Negative Updates
Higher Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by approximately $4.0 million in the half, largely because less interest could be capitalized following the completion of several development projects (raising running interest cost).
Gearing Above Target Range
Pro forma gearing remained largely unchanged at 39.1%, above the stated target range of 30%–35%; management expects asset sales will move gearing toward the target but acknowledges it will likely remain at the upper end (~35%) on a pro-forma basis in the near term.
High Payout Ratio Limits Distribution Upside
Distributions are tied to FFO and payout ratio is around 100%; management indicated distributions cannot be sustainably increased until FFO grows and payout ratio falls below ~95% — likely more than 12 months away.
Low Yields on Natural-Resource Assets
Natural-resource assets (cattle properties, dryland cropping) yield relatively low lease rates (around ~5%), and management expects limited upside in cap rates or capital growth for these assets compared with prior years.
Reliance on Asset Sales and External Approvals
Planned de-gearing and funding of CapEx depend heavily on completing $200–$260 million of asset sales and unitholder approval for increases to the J&F guarantee; execution and timing risk remain.
Earnings Driven by Noncash Gains
Reported earnings surge (to $44m) was largely driven by noncash items (swap revaluations and water sale gains); underlying cash earnings (AFFO $21.5m) are materially lower, highlighting earnings volatility from noncash items.
Modest Margin Compression and Limited Immediate Refinancing Benefit
Refinancing improved margins by a modest ~5–10 basis points on recent tranches; material margin improvements depend on future market moves and refinancing timing (some expected but not guaranteed).
Concentration & Market Cycle Risks in Some Sectors
Certain cyclical sectors (e.g., viticulture/wine industry) face deep cycles and global overcapacity; while vineyards are a small segment (~5% of forecast revenue), these exposures carry sector-specific risk.
Hedging and Interest-Rate Risk Uncertainty
Hedging covers ~60–70% of debt with reasonable cover through FY'29, but the ultimate hedging level and timing are subject to market conditions and depend on asset sale outcomes; residual exposure remains.
Company Guidance
RFF reaffirmed full‑year AFFO and distribution guidance: H1 AFFO was $21.5m ($0.55/unit) and H1 distributions totaled $0.0587/unit, with AFFO skewed to H2 as farming income rises from $1.1m in H1 to just over $5m FY (≈$4m in H2). Adjusted NAV was $3.10/unit (+$0.02), pro‑forma gearing ~39.1% (target 30–35%) with $70m development CapEx deployed in H1 and FY27 CapEx materially lower; management plans to reduce gearing via asset sales (sold ~$60m in the period, targeting $200–260m of disposals over ~12 months, with ~$20–22m high‑security water remaining; two sugarcane farms sold ~10% above book and water sold at adjusted book value, ~2.5x purchase price). Core debt facility refinance extended tenor and cut margins ~5–10bp, interest expense rose ~$4m due to less capitalizable interest, debt is ~60–70% hedged (hedges locked through FY29), and a proposed J&F guarantee increase (docs due Mar‑26) could add up to ~$0.01/unit of AFFO if fully utilised.

Rural Funds Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Stable overall fundamentals with healthy operating margins and balanced leverage, but pressured by declining revenue growth, weaker net margin versus prior years, and below-1 cash conversion (operating cash flow to net income), which raises quality-of-earnings risk.
Income Statement
65
Positive
The income statement shows a mixed performance. The company has strong gross and EBIT margins, indicating efficient operations. However, there is a notable decline in revenue growth, with a negative growth rate in the most recent year, which could be a concern for future profitability. The net profit margin has also decreased significantly compared to previous years, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining profitability.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a moderate debt-to-equity ratio, indicating a balanced approach to leverage. The equity ratio is healthy, showing a strong asset base supported by equity. However, the return on equity has decreased over the years, which may indicate less efficient use of equity capital.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals some concerns. While there is positive free cash flow growth in the latest year, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is below 1, suggesting potential issues in converting income into cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also low, indicating challenges in generating free cash flow relative to net income.
BreakdownJun 2025Jun 2024Jun 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue113.82M95.06M98.11M85.29M70.97M
Gross Profit87.04M67.95M69.47M66.96M62.82M
EBITDA70.72M53.91M54.20M53.95M51.24M
Net Income31.46M83.25M94.50M209.14M119.63M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.91B1.90B1.67B1.41B1.05B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments8.91M7.24M5.75M4.96M11.65M
Total Debt811.05M787.74M640.61M457.82M346.60M
Total Liabilities862.84M829.90M680.34M489.75M397.21M
Stockholders Equity1.06B1.08B993.16M917.01M648.54M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow13.69M-23.27M-8.13M-58.89M15.77M
Operating Cash Flow55.73M31.58M29.25M37.66M35.47M
Investing Cash Flow-35.74M-138.25M-172.07M-215.41M-41.66M
Financing Cash Flow-19.32M108.15M143.61M171.07M12.75M

Rural Funds Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price1.93
Price Trends
50DMA
2.03
Positive
100DMA
1.97
Positive
200DMA
1.88
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.03
Negative
RSI
65.27
Neutral
STOCH
80.77
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AU:RFF, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 1.93 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2.05, below the 50-day MA of 2.03, and above the 200-day MA of 1.88, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.03 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 65.27 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 80.77 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AU:RFF.

Rural Funds Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
70
Outperform
AU$818.56M11.097.99%6.09%-8.67%
65
Neutral
$2.17B12.193.79%4.94%3.15%1.96%
65
Neutral
AU$834.01M13.602.40%5.71%18.40%-67.76%
54
Neutral
AU$1.17B10.93-9.33%6.12%-5.64%89.16%
53
Neutral
AU$600.32M9.54-1.91%8.63%-4.50%88.28%
49
Neutral
AU$59.18M-4.95-23.55%15.14%-68.24%42.03%
48
Neutral
AU$602.95M-2.98-26.73%-38.91%-453.73%
* Real Estate Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:RFF
Rural Funds Group
2.14
0.44
25.88%
AU:COF
Centuria Office REIT
1.01
-0.08
-7.03%
AU:AOF
Australian Unity Office Fund
0.36
-0.11
-23.40%
AU:CMW
Cromwell Property Group
0.45
0.07
18.35%
AU:DXI
Dexus Industria REIT
2.58
-0.04
-1.53%
AU:LIC
Lifestyle Communities Ltd
4.96
-2.83
-36.33%

Rural Funds Group Corporate Events

Rural Funds Group outlines key metrics ahead of half-year 2026 results
Feb 19, 2026

Rural Funds Group has released a financial results presentation for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, outlining performance metrics, capital structure definitions and valuation methodologies for its agricultural property portfolio. The document emphasises key REIT measures such as adjusted NAV, AFFO, gearing and interest cover, and clarifies how water entitlements and owner-occupied farming operations are treated in assessing asset values and earnings, providing investors with a framework to interpret upcoming detailed financial results and covenant compliance.

The presentation also standardises terminology around its stapled security structure, bank covenants and forecast revenue metrics for FY26, signalling continued focus on disciplined balance sheet management. By setting out these definitions and financial measures upfront, the manager aims to enhance transparency for stakeholders ahead of more granular disclosures, helping the market better understand RFF’s agricultural exposure, valuation approach and risk settings.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Hold with a A$2.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group lifts earnings and advances development while holding FY26 guidance
Feb 19, 2026

Rural Funds Group reported a 6.8% rise in net property income to $48.6m for the half-year to 31 December 2025, driven mainly by additional rental income from macadamia developments. Earnings jumped to $44.1m, largely due to interest rate swap revaluations and asset sale gains, while adjusted funds from operations and distributions were in line with full-year forecasts and adjusted net asset value edged up to $3.10 per unit.

The group continued to recycle capital, with $60.7m of asset divestments at or above book value helping to fund $70.7m of capex and slightly reduce pro forma gearing to 39.1%. Progress on major developments, including the first-stage completion of the Kaiuroo project and ongoing macadamia orchard expansion at Rookwood Farms, along with a largely leased, long-WALE portfolio, underpins its position in defensive food production property and supports reaffirmed FY26 distribution guidance.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Hold with a A$2.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group Releases Half‑Year 2025 Financial Statements
Feb 19, 2026

Rural Funds Group has released its financial statements for the half-year ended 31 December 2025, providing investors with consolidated income, financial position, cash flow and changes in net assets attributable to unitholders. The documents include the directors’ report, auditor’s independence declaration and review report, offering a formal update on the trust’s performance and governance for the period.

The release of these interim financials gives stakeholders visibility over Rural Funds Group’s mid-year results and the condition of its agricultural investment portfolio. It also reinforces transparency and regulatory compliance, supporting investor assessment of income stability, asset values and the overall health of the managed fund ahead of future strategic or capital decisions.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Hold with a A$2.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group posts sharp profit surge and higher asset values in first half
Feb 19, 2026

Rural Funds Group reported a strong first half to 31 December 2025, with revenue from continuing operations rising 13% to $70.24m and profit after tax from continuing operations jumping 292% to $47.37m. Total comprehensive income attributable to unitholders from continuing operations increased 238% to $44.09m, while net tangible assets per unit lifted to $2.23 and adjusted net asset value, including water entitlements, edged up to $3.10 per unit.

The group maintained quarterly distributions of 2.9325 cents per unit for June, September and December 2025, with only the June payment carrying a minor franking component, and confirmed that its dividend reinvestment plan remains suspended until further notice. The reviewed half-year accounts, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers without qualification, underscore improved earnings and asset values, but unitholders seeking to reinvest distributions must do so outside the DRP structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Hold with a A$2.11 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group Sets Date for 1H26 Results and Investor Webinar
Feb 8, 2026

Rural Funds Management, as responsible entity of Rural Funds Group, will release the agricultural REIT’s first-half 2026 financial results on 20 February 2026 and host an investor webinar the same day to brief the market. A recording will be made available on the company’s website, underscoring its ongoing engagement with investors and transparency around the performance of its diversified Australian agricultural asset portfolio and distribution-focused strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Buy with a A$2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group Confirms Payment of Quarterly Distribution
Jan 30, 2026

Rural Funds Group has confirmed payment of its previously announced quarterly distribution on its fully paid stapled securities (ASX: RFF) for the period ended 31 December 2025. The update, lodged with the ASX as an amendment to its December notification, formalises the distribution details including the record date of 31 December 2025 and ex-date of 30 December 2025, providing investors with certainty over the timing and status of the income payment.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Buy with a A$2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Management Showcases Diversified $2.1bn Agricultural Property Portfolio
Jan 29, 2026

Rural Funds Management, responsible entity and manager for the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group, is highlighting its scale and long-standing expertise in Australian agricultural real estate, with a $2.1 billion diversified portfolio spanning orchards, vineyards, water entitlements, cattle and cropping properties nationwide. The latest newsletter underscores RFM’s precision-based asset management culture and broad sector exposure, positioning RFF as a key player in institutional-grade farmland and agricultural infrastructure, while reminding investors that the material is general in nature and that future performance is subject to risk and uncertainty.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Buy with a A$2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group Sets Estimated Tax Components for December 2025 Quarterly Distribution
Jan 29, 2026

Rural Funds Management, as responsible entity for Rural Funds Group, has released estimated tax components for the trust’s distribution for the quarter ended 31 December 2025, confirming RFF’s status as a withholding managed investment trust and Attribution Managed Investment Trust for the 2026 financial year. The Rural Funds Trust cash distribution is set at 2.9325 cents per unit, unfranked, with total fund payments of 3.2555 cents per unit largely comprising non-concessional MIT income from agricultural land acquired after March 2018 and other taxable components, information that is particularly relevant to foreign unitholders facing withholding tax and to all investors for understanding potential tax cost base adjustments under the AMIT regime.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Buy with a A$2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group Director Reports Internal Transfer of Stapled Securities
Jan 19, 2026

Rural Funds Group has announced that director Michael Carroll has reported a change in the nature of his indirect interests in the stapled securities of the trust, although the total number of units he controls remains unchanged at 350,604. The update reflects an off-market transfer of units held via two related entities, Productivity Investments Pty Ltd and Mudgegonga Pty Ltd as trustee for the Carroll Family Super Fund, with no units acquired or disposed and no trading during a closed period, indicating an internal restructuring of holdings rather than a change in his overall economic exposure, thereby having limited immediate implications for other securityholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Buy with a A$2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Rural Funds Group Declares Quarterly Distribution
Dec 1, 2025

Rural Funds Group has announced a new distribution of AUD 0.029325 per fully paid unit stapled security, with the ex-date set for December 30, 2025, and the payment date on January 30, 2026. This quarterly distribution reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing returns to its investors, potentially enhancing its attractiveness to stakeholders and maintaining its market position in the agricultural investment sector.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:RFF) stock is a Buy with a A$2.43 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rural Funds Group stock, see the AU:RFF Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 20, 2026