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The Wools of NZ board considers its 2019 financial outcomes to be satisfactory given “the first year as a fully commercial company, operating in a very challenging wool market”.
Revenue for the year to June 30, 2019 was $22.8 million (versus $25.4m for the previous year) following the cessation of the Wool Market Development Commitment (WMDC), says the annual report.
Total expenses were significantly down at $2.8m (2018: $4.3m), including a one-off impairment cost of $200,000 relating to the UK sampling joint venture.
Wools of New Zealand saw a $1.7m turnaround in profit before tax, excluding WMDC. Profit after tax and attributable to shareholders of the company was $100,000 (2018: $300,000).
“The balance sheet remains strong with growing inventory levels due to growth in forward contracts,” the annual report says.
Wool transacted through Direct-2-Scour was 6.2 million kg, representing an 8% improvement on last year.
Following the resignation of chief executive Rosstan Mazey in September, there have been changes to the governance structure.
Mark Shadbolt has stepped down as chair and into an executive director role, while Rebecca Smith, a director since August 2017, has stepped in as chair. Shadbolt will take a greater lead in developing partnership opportunities and negotiations while Smith will bring a refreshed strategy to the next phase of growth.
In the market, the year saw weakening demand from China, which historically has accounted for at least 60% of total New Zealand wool exports. This year it decreased below 50%, the annual report says.
“Total New Zealand wool export volume for the year ended June 30 2019 was back to 90,799 clean tonnes compared with the prior year at 100,216 clean tonnes -- a reduction of 9.4%.
“The US/China trade situation has provided an uncertain backdrop for global commerce, impacting on China’s ability to competitively operate as a transitional processor and manufacturer of wool products for the US and other markets.
“Although Wools of New Zealand forward contracts are largely focused on the UK and European markets, the total impact of the reduced demand from China has weakened the overall supply and demand situation for New Zealand wool.”
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
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