12 Best Land and Timber Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

7. Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN)

Average Price Target Upside Potential According to Analysts: 21.86%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) is a prominent timberland real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in managing forests and land resources. The company manages approximately 2.7 million acres of timberland across the US South, US Pacific Northwest, and New Zealand. The company has positioned itself in some of the most productive softwood timber markets. Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) ranks among the best land stocks to invest in.

In the third quarter of 2024, the company reported a net income of $28.8 million and revenues of $195 million. This reflects an increase in net income from $19.2 million in the same quarter last year, although revenues decreased from $201.6 million. Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $71.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA was down 9% compared to Q3 2023, mainly due to a lower contribution from the company’s New Zealand Timber segment. Despite macroeconomic challenges that continue to adversely impact the company’s timber businesses, Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) delivered solid operational results.

Additionally, Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) is actively pursuing a $1 billion disposition initiative aimed at enhancing shareholder value and reducing leverage in a challenging economic environment. In November 2024, the company announced completed and pending timberland dispositions totaling approximately 200,000 acres for about $495 million. These sales include properties in Southeast Oklahoma and Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, demonstrating Rayonier Inc.’s (NYSE:RYN) strategy to divest less strategic assets while focusing on markets with stronger cash flow potential.

The company has successfully completed or announced pending timberland dispositions totaling $737 million since launching its initiative to enhance shareholder value in November 2023. This proactive approach allows Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) to improve its competitive positioning and long-term growth profile.