Tuesday, Gladstone Land (NASDAQ:LAND) Corporation (NASDAQ:LAND) shares had its price target lowered to $14.00 from $16.00 by a B.Riley analyst, who also maintained a Neutral rating on the stock.
The adjustment follows the company's first-quarter results, which, despite achieving some success, were marked by ongoing difficulties faced by some of its tenants.
The real estate investment trust (REIT) reported a notable transaction during the quarter, selling a parcel of Florida farmland for $65.7 million.
This sale was $12 million above the original purchase price and $2 million more than the last appraised value, highlighting the potential for price appreciation in parts of the REIT’s portfolio.
The transaction also provided Gladstone Land with significant liquidity, which could be used to repay debt without refinancing at potentially higher market rates or drawing on its revolving credit facility.
Despite these positive developments, Gladstone Land is dealing with challenges, including 11 farms in Michigan that are likely to be managed under an agreement rather than leased, four vacant farms, and four California farms on cash accounting due to collectability concerns.
The company also experienced a reduction in base rent by $800,000 after a lease renewal at one of its California farms. This decrease could potentially be balanced by increased variable rent, but it raises concerns about the impact of future lease renewals on revenues.
The California farms, which are significant contributors to the REIT's participation rent, have been particularly affected due to the challenging environment for tree nut and grape farms in the state.
In light of these issues, the analyst has revised downward the estimated adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share for 2024 and 2025. The revised valuation reflects the belief that the current stock price is close to fair, leading to the reaffirmation of the Neutral rating and the reduced price target.
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