What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
However, the 2.2% rise in GDT price index won’t be enough to prevent another downward revision of the farm gate milk price.
Fonterra is expected to revise the farm gate milk price, currently sitting at a range of $6.25/kgMS to $6.50/kgMS.
Whole milk powder price rose 2.5% to US$2,667/MT but still below the US$3000/MT threshold. The US$3000/MT is generally regarded as the break-even point for farmers, although adverse currency movements can hinder beneficial price movements.
Key results
AMF index up 3.9%, average price US$4,755/MT
Butter index up 2.7%, average price US$3,745/MT
BMP index up 16.9%, average price US$2,973/MT
Ched index down 2.2%, average price US$3,184/MT
LAC index up 0.5%, average price US$918/MT
RenCas index up 2.0%, average price US$5,167/MT
SMP index up 0.3%, average price US$1,970/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index up 2.5%, average price US$2,667/MT
