Thursday, 25 November 2021 07:55

Why Fonterra needs to change

Written by  Charles Whiting
Waikato-based investor Charles Whiting says he supports Fonterra's proposed capital structure because the status quo isn't working in a declining milk volume environment. Waikato-based investor Charles Whiting says he supports Fonterra's proposed capital structure because the status quo isn't working in a declining milk volume environment.

OPINION: Making a change to any businesses is difficult. Augmenting a capital structure with the diversity of stakeholders and complexity as at Fonterra is a significant challenge.

That said, change is needed and the proposal on foot is sensible and coupled with a refreshed executable strategy.

Fonterra has been plagued in the last decade with what I call an 'ambition-to-ability' mismatch. In short, Fonterra didn't have the necessary skills to take on the world.

Execution was lacking. Poor choices were made around strategy: a lack of quality thinking and diligence characterised investments. Governors failed in not asking the right questions, or knowing what to ask, and effectively let management run roughshod over a national champion. Some farmers rightly left to pursue other opportunities.

It is often forgotten what would happen if Fonterra didn't exist in its co-operative format. It is very simple. Farmers would be squeezed down to accept lower milk prices just above their breakeven. Money wouldn't end up back in local communities and tax and GST takes would immediately impact government. This on-farm economic multiplier effect delivered by an efficient cooperative is critical to New Zealand. Regardless, New Zealand farmers are resilient and continue to deliver quality nutrition to the world.

The core of this need for quality nutrition underpins the new Fonterra strategy. It plays to Fonterra's strengths, taking account of likely New Zealand production declines (mostly from regulatory pressures), the benefits of New Zealand pasture-based milk (both environmental and nutritionally) and Fonterra's world leading research and development capabilities.

Regardless of the new strategy there is one thing that Fonterra needs to deliver - performance. You can have any capital structure, however, if a business doesn't perform it will fail. Behind performance are three clear requirements: a clear articulated strategy, capable people and measured execution against the plan. It is clear to me that elements of this are coming together. Execution must be held to account by the board and, failing that, by shareholders playing a more active role. We cannot afford more thought experiments using shareholders' capital.

Credit needs to be made for work done already. The level of communication and transparency from the board and management has increased ten-fold. The humility of the current management team and board to own up to mistakes of the business - many of which didn't happen on their watch - has been excellent. Coupled with a sensible and achievable strategy they will position Fonterra for a strong future.

Why will I be supporting the proposed capital structure? Put simply, the status quo doesn't work for a declining milk volume environment.

Personally, I would have gone further and brought back the units and also a number of the 'dry shares'. Either way the option remains. Farmers need to think about their shares as a 'right to supply' because if the strategy is delivered, you will be financially better off to supply Fonterra.

This new capital structure, with an executable strategy, give us confidence to invest on farm and let Fonterra do for future generations what it has for past - deliver prosperity and wealth to rural communities and in turn contribute significantly to New Zealand's global understanding. Dairy is enduring: it can deliver perpetual value, unlike extractive resources. Government and regulators cannot afford to forget this. As a smart man once said, "you can't put iron ore on your Weetbix".

Charles Whiting is a Waikato-based former finance executive investing in dairy and other NZ businesses.

More like this

Driving change within Fonterra fleet

Today is International Women’s Day, and this year Fonterra wants to shine a light on the women who defy stereotypes and prosper in traditionally male-dominated fields. Erin Wootten, a tanker operator out of the Fonterra Reparoa Site, is doing just that.

Co-op decarbonisation leader's Antarctic trip

At the beginning of November 2023, Linda Mulvihill, Fonterra’s general manager energy & climate, flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, where she boarded a ship and began a 19-day voyage to Antarctica.

Featured

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Alliance's Pure South cuts win gold

Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.

Dairy demand on the rise

There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.

Fert use tumbles as prices spike

Fertiliser use in New Zealand over the 18 months is about 25% down from what it consistently was for the previous decade or more, says Ravensdown chief operating officer Mike Whitty.

National

Waikato dryer sold

An independent milk spray dryer in Hamilton, destined for liquidation, has been bought by a South Auckland goat milk processor.

Machinery & Products

Samasz sets its sights high

Since its arrival in New Zealand, Polish mower manufacturer Samasz, currently celebrating 40 years in business, has carved a niche…

Trojan keeps on going

The DR200 Trojan farm two-wheeler motorcycle was introduced over 28 years ago, when the engineering team at Suzuki New Zealand…

Still going strong!

The saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke -don’t fix it’, so it’s no surprise to see an old favourite in…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

'A complete dog

OPINION: It's not just a rural banking inquiry that farmers want. Freshwater farm plans are another major headache for farmers.

Action, not words

OPINION: The new Government may be farmer friendly, but it's not love, rather action that farmers want.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter