Thursday, 12 September 2019 09:58

Synlait lifts profit, pays $6.58/kgMS to farmers

Written by  Staff Reporters

Canterbury milk processor Synlait has delivered an impressive full-year result.

For year ending July 31, the company’s net profit jumped 10% to $82 million. It paid out an average milk price of $6.58/kgMS.

For the first time, Synlait’s annual revenue exceeded $1 billion.

Synlait Chair Graeme Milne says it’s a very pleasing result to be able to announce.

Synlait chief executive Leon Clement says three things stood out for him.

“Firstly, we delivered a strong financial result, supported our customers to grow and create value, while improving our operational efficiency.

“Secondly, we invested in our future by bringing on new facilities and people capability that position us well for continued growth.

”Finally, we clarified and focussed our direction with a new purpose, ambition and strategy, that aligns our people and stakeholders to a common goal.

“In summary, our team delivered a strong result, invested in our future, and clarified our direction.”

Synlait’s financial result was characterised by ongoing growth in infant nutrition volumes, strong efficiency gains (signalled at half year), and an expansion in lactoferrin capacity and resulting sales. These three factors help contribute to an increase in total gross profit of 12%.

Expenditure lifted in line with this growth, but importantly much of this increased investment was in areas that support future opportunities. Notably, operating cashflow increased 39% to $136.7 million, reflecting the strong underlying performance of the business and ability to fund our investment programme.

Synlait’s financial performance was supported by our sustainability agenda as we progressed commitments made last year.

Delivering results

• Revenue exceeded $1 billion for the first time, increasing 17% to $1,024.3 million;

• Net profit increased 10% to $82.2 million;

• Operating cashflow increased 39% to $136.7 million;

• Sales volumes increased 21,093 MT or 16% to 149,730 MT ;

• Consumer packaged infant formula volumes continued to grow, up 21% to 42,907 MT; and

• Average milk price of $6.58/kgMS for the 2018/2019 season, made up of a base milk price of $6.40 and an additional $0.18 in incentive payments.

More like this

Synlait snag

OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait's recovery seems to have hit another snag.

Synlait's back

OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.

Wyeth to head Synlait

Former Westland Milk boss Richard Wyeth is taking over as chief executive of Canterbury milk processor Synlait from May 19.

Featured

2026 fresh produce trends shaping Kiwi food culture

According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.

Editorial: Having a rural voice

OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Battle for milk

OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not…

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter