Synlait CEO Resignation Highlights Deeper Challenges Facing Dairy Processor
A revolving door of chief executives at milk processor Synlait is a warning sign, says Lincon University senior lecturer in agribusiness Nic Lees.
The company now expects net profit after tax (NPAT) of between $70 million and $85 million, compared with $82.2 million for 2019.
A statement released to the New Zealand Stock Exchange in mid-February said the previously announced earnings guidance was for profits to continue to grow in FY20, with the rate of profitability increasing at least at a similar rate to FY19 over FY18.
“Current information now indicates this rate of growth will not be achieved.”
Synlait’s ordinary shares, which stood at $8.29 on February 12, dropped sharply on the announcement and have traded since then in the mid-$6 range.
They had been trending downwards over the past year, from a high of $11.29 in March.
Synlait said the downward revision was a result of:
• significantly lower than anticipated infant base powder sales due to China infant nutrition market consolidation causing a reduction in demand from brand owners who are yet to receive brand registration;
• lactoferrin prices being more volatile than previously anticipated;
• while Synlait still anticipates growth in consumer-packaged infant formula sales volumes over the full year, this growth is not as strong as initially envisaged. The a2 Milk Company’s contribution to this growth has not changed.
Synlait chairman Graeme Milne says naturally, the Synlait team expected a stronger FY20 financial performance.
“We remain confident that the decision to focus on our medium to long-term strategic opportunities will over time improve shareholder value and the sustainability of our business.”
Synlait chief executive Leon Clement said new investments had resulted in a higher cost profile, which has not yet been absorbed by an offsetting increase in revenue.
“The pace and quality at which our teams have delivered on recent growth projects has been impressive, and now we are focused on ensuring we optimise these new facilities. In the meantime, we are moderating our costs while we bring our new investments to life in terms of capacity and capability. We remain confident, and on-track, to deliver on our medium to long term objectives.”
