Divestment means Fonterra can focus on its strengths
OPINION: Fonterra's board has certainly presented us, as shareholders, with a major issue to consider.
The co-operative today lifted its 2021-22 forecast farmgate milk price range to $8.90 - $9.50/kgMS, up from $8.40 - $9.00 per kgMS.
This increases the midpoint of the range, which farmers are paid off, by 50 cents to $9.20/kgMS.
The previous record milk price of $8.40/kgMS was set in 2013-14 season.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says the price lift is good news for both farmers and New Zealand communities.
The new midpoint of $9.20/kgMS would contribute $13.8 billion to the New Zealand economy this season.
Hurrell says the increase is the result of consistent demand for dairy at a time of constrained global milk supply.
“In general, demand globally remains strong – although, we are seeing this vary across our geographic spread. Overall, global milk supply growth is forecast to track below average levels, with European milk production growth down on last year and US milk growth slowing due to high feed costs.
“It’s a similar supply picture in New Zealand. Earlier this month we reduced our forecast milk collections for 2021/22 from 1,525 million kgMS to 1,500 million kgMS due to varied weather and challenging growing conditions.”
While the higher forecast Farmgate Milk Price does put pressure on margins in Fonterra’s consumer and foodservice businesses, prices in the ingredients business are favourable for milk price and earnings at this stage, notes Hurrell.
“As a result, we remain comfortable with our current 2021/22 earnings guidance of 25-35 cents per share.”
Hurrell says there are a number of factors the co-op is keeping a close eye on, including growing inflationary pressures impacting on operational costs, the increased potential for volatility as a result of high dairy prices and economic disruptions from COVID-19, particularly as governments respond to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
