New UHT plant construction starts
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
OPINION: What a difference a year can make.
Twelve months ago, Fonterra shares plummeted to $2 on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.
Compare that to seven years ago, when it was hovering around $6.50. Last week, shares were trading around $4.50. In the last financial year, Fonterra’s market capitalisation is up $4.3 billion to $7.7 billion.
The shift in share price reflects performance, and the returning confidence farmers have in Fonterra. And credit for this must go to Fonterra’s management team and staff.
It’s been a tough few years for the co-op’s farmer shareholders. Rising costs, interest rates and below par milk price have been taken a toll on dairy farming.
Thankfully, on-farm costs are easing and a potential $10 milk price on the cards this season means many farmers will be either breaking even or making a profit after a tough period. For these farmers, a rejuvenated co-op with a healthy share price puts the icing on the cake.
At Fonterra’s annual general meeting this month, the board and management expressed confidence in its revised strategy and the potential to create further value for shareholders.
The co-op has lifted its target average return on capital to 10-12%, up from 9-10%. There’s also a commitment to return more of the co-op’s earnings to shareholders, with an enhanced dividend policy of 60-80% of earnings, up from 40-60%. And the co-op is committed to maintaining the highest sustainable farmgate milk price.
With the co-op in a healthy state and the farmgate milk price heading towards $10, there’s renewed confidence among farmer shareholders. They can say Fonterra is in a strong position today and has a strong future.
The Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey found farmers' expectations for their own business operations had also improved, with the net reading on this measure lifting to +37% from +19% previously.
Confidence is flowing back into the farming sector on the back of higher dairy and meat prices, easing interest rates and a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment.
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.
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