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.
Fonterra says the price change better reflects the reality of the supply and demand imbalance that is affecting global dairy commodity prices, compounded by the recent strength of the Australian dollar.
Fonterra Australia is also offering its suppliers an interest-bearing support loan of up to A60c /kgMS that is linked to a supply commitment and is repayable from FY18.
Fonterra currently expects that the revised milk price will reduce the cost of goods sold for Fonterra Australia by around A$48 million but this will be subject to a number of factors including final milk volumes for the year. This will contribute to the reduction of operating losses in our Australian Ingredients business this financial year.
Fonterra's current earnings guidance range of NZ$0.45 – 0.55 per share reflects a range of possible impacts through to the end of the financial year including the completion of announced business sales in Australia. As a result, Fonterra is maintaining its current guidance range and will continue to take a responsible approach.
