Has creeped up a little in the last week. Fairly firm support at $ 1.30 now. Managed to get a handful at $ 1.15
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Nice one! Great LT buy, and see now popped back up.
Has been reported that Alliance has said at their supplier roadshows that they'll make a loss this year (FY ended 30/9/23). 2021 they made $23m after tax, last year $73m. So quite the turnaround and will be interesting to see how far down they are. Understand taking quite a few measures to arrest the slump, including some job losses, and rumours are might be quite a large red number.
Alliance more exposed to lamb than SFF, as AGL are NZ's largest sheepmeats processor. Lamb has been a huge struggle for processors of late, with markets awash with cheap Australian lamb. Australian schedules are around $5 AUD/Kg for heavy lambs, $3.75/Kg for light lambs, whereas NZ lamb schedules are around or just under $7 NZD/Kg - so something doesn't add up. For the last week in September, 2021 the Aussies slaughtered 97k lambs, 2022 was 87k lambs and in 2023 it was 125k lamb......
Australia has benefited from herd rebuilds and La Nina being kind to Aussies with good rain/grass growth. But El Nino could be a complete different story.
Understand beef has been pretty average margin-wise, but better than lamb but Alliance only about 7% of NZ's production vs SFF 30%.
Interesting times!!
Potential job losses at Alliance....
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/far...Pos=1#cxrecs_s
While different to SFF, operate in the same procurement and sales markets.....
Bids & offers keep creeping up !
Again, not SFF but Alliance.
https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/red...9-meat-company
Preparing shareholders for a sh1t result.....
I see Rob up for Chairperson of the Year and Simon up for CEO - well done!
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/...1+October+2023
Surprised if anyone was surprised no interim divvy! I'd take last year as an outlier at this stage, but very welcome if wrong!
Last year Alliance was 17th of November announcement. Might see that a little later this year given loss coming, but will be an interesting read on the industry and where SFF might pitch up.....
A Business Desk article this morning, saying Alliance will make the largest loss since 2012. I had to scour the internet to find their 2012 annual report - made $57m operating loss, $50m net loss, on $1.4B turnover. Last year they turned over $2.2B, although expect to be well back on this.
Talked to someone from another company recently, and even with issues with Gabrielle etc, they were still profitable, albeit not by much.
In the meantime, looking tough for farmers....
https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/06/2...+November+2023
All these new regulations being imposed on farmers re emissions and such things apparently aren’t being driven by Greenpeace, Green Party and such bodies …….rather it’s a strong lobby group from producers influencing government action. That pisses the farmers off …drive us of our farms and we all lose
Probably true when you consider Silver Farms and their Net Zero stuff
Interesting comments in from Service providers, but won't elaborate further ..
Attachment 14830
.............................
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/...M4F3TRJMBJVUI/
De-risk from China: Companies and investors warned
The meat guys in recent years have had little to no choice but to pile into China where able (in particular lamb).
China is where alot of the value has come from in recent years. Selling lamb flaps at huge prices, increasing volumes of forequarters and heavy legs, then items such as bones, fat caps etc where would have gone to petfood or MDM. Diversifying out of more traditional markets UK/EU/US/ME markets and tightening supply (and pricing).
To be competitive for procurement, are you going to take $13/Kg for lamb flaps in China, or $5/Kg somewhere else (if that)?
Live by the sword, die by the sword.......they all had a great year last year, but this year with economic factors, dynamics of protein markets, China slowdown and a plethora of Australian lamb it is much, much tougher.
Australia have built up huge numbers over the last few years and they just keep keeping and shipping regardless of price. Bit of El Nino required to dry them out and normalise their numbers. Until that happens, going to be a hard road on lamb at least.....
https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-even...est-on-record/
But if anyone is sensible, you don't bet the house on China and keep all irons in the fire......
Well said SB
Interesting article on Alliance in Stuff today:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/far...ent-to-farmers
Quote:
“Like all New Zealand meat processors, Alliance is facing significant volatility as a result of geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and weakening global markets. This has flowed through to weaker livestock pricing for our farmers.”
Quote:
Richard McIntyre, from Federated Farmers, says many farmers are struggling to make a profit as a result of higher on-farm costs and China’s economic slowdown. Climate change policy and other new regulations are also adding to their administrative burden.
Looks as though next year US market will be strong for SFF.
https://sendy.tarawera.co.nz/l/J6oLV...7XvbaruABbGDKQ
Yes hopefully prices will start rising again late next year if Aussie and Brazil reduce their dumping into USA. This from Simon Limmer's latest newsletter:
"The glut of product out of Australia continues, with huge volumes going into the US and China.
Though this has placed immense pressure on pricing for us, US domestic retailers are holding onto very strong prices. While reflected in US domestic cattle pricing, it’s not being passed through to imported prices due to the strong volumes of imported beef available. South American product going into bond, particularly from Brazil, is adding negatively to market sentiment with 60,000mt of ‘other countries’ quota for clearance from January 1st. "
More on the Australian Meat sector.
https://sharecafe.us14.list-manage.c...6&e=338561e893
SFF update pricing.....
SFF takes a hard look at forecast prices as lamb prices dwindle (farmersweekly.co.nz)
Alliance Group Ltd result released late yesterday not too flash - Alliance Group announces Annual Result | Alliance Group
Indeed quite a turn around.
Some old Sheds from the past I recognise among their collection of plants, not small ones either..
What is depicted at the top of P41 of the AR could really come home to roost if 2024 betters the 2023 race into Red
"Half-Assed Stops Here" Very Appropriate, but probably applies as warning to more in the game ;)
Signals of new market reality will be coming home fast to the Cockies firing their stock through these outfits as the 'hand that feeds' encounters market headwinds on many fronts .. God help any of the outfits needing a stakeholder prop up or bail out looking forward ..
From one record year to another......:mellow:
Not sure if a record bad result. Maybe worst since the 90's and Waitaki days? Certainly they were saying prior that worst since 2012 but that was 'only' about $50m loss.
Alliance are in a tricky position. Markets aren't improving, especially for lamb which is their major volume, and now their debt has cranked up by another $60m and so will their interest costs. Last year interest costs were up $11m, and no doubt banks will start to get a little jittery.
What will be the reaction of their farmer suppliers? No doubt their competitors will be circling (although who wants more lamb currently?)
It has been a tough year for all - but not all companies have lost money. But is a reminder of what relatively slim margins these guys operate on. SFF's record year last year was 5.78% net profit, which is a historic exception. 2021 was 3.77% and 2020 was 2.6%. So don't need the wind to change much to have a material change.
Rising markets have increased these guys revenues so much. This year Alliance's revenues were down $207m. SFF 2022 revenue was $777m more than 2020, and $524m more than 2021. I think this has potentially covered the rising costs these guys are incurring in their businesses, through Covid, inflation, growth in overhead etc.
The limited public info on various companies is frustrating, but is what it is. Now have to wait for SFF. Certainly a year-end of 30/9 is the low point in Alliance's seasonal activity, so their stock/debtors/cash looks as good as possible. End of December the season is starting to ramp up by some degree.
Going to be an interesting SFF report. Especially in the South, a decent result will put real additional pressure on Alliance.
David Surveyor obviously timed his exit stage left perfectly on the back of a record (good) year.
I see Select Harvests aren't going that well either. For the HY to 31/3 they lost $96m AUD - although he'd hardly got his feet under the desk by then.
Must be going to report again fairly soon for the full year......
Alliance back to profit.....(paywalled).
Foresee slimmer margins and no inventory write-downs like last year.
https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/f...344b-402467359
"absolutely believes ... will .. headwinds .." ;)
nice words, but there's a 50% increase in Interest bearing debt put on the Tab for 2023
adventures, which will probably be having to be repaid first & usary cost spat out with no
further calamities needed in the ensuing year of forecast head winds ..
Is he talking it up in time for a CR - perhaps to retain some of the Cockies hard-earned before times up ? :)
or would that cause wider bouts of indigestion to the already suffering ?
From Farmers Weekly interesting report
My mate Cameron Bagrie says …
There are risks this gets worse for numerous reasons. Firstly trade in security is now a key theme for food, energy and technology. Second, populism is driving a lot of policy. Third, globalization is facing a backlash. Fourth, inflation is wrecking havoc across countries..
Global ag subsidies off the charts
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/mark...ff-the-charts/
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/mark...rther-to-fall/
Interesting times.
$70m into plants. Is that going to produce a return or just to keep them going??
11/12ths of the way through the year and no guidance (no real difference to any other year, except last year with a surprise divvy).
They had inventory of $276m at the end of last FY, so based on the Alliance result would have to expect a chunk of that lamb value is written off, as well as probably paying too much through the year.
However I looked at the SFF market report from the end of September and the price graphs, and much of the drop in markets was between October & December last year, so hopefully are in a better place than Alliance if their inventory values were aligned to market values as at 31/12.
Attachment 14873
Have to pontificate and speculation in the meantime, but when the tide goes out, we see who is swimming naked.......:mellow:
I think others shouldn't need the life boats, and would have to think being more beef centric, then ANZCO & SFF are better placed to post a better result given this and timing on the lamb market downturn vs FY end.
Here is an interesting article:
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/opin...ave-questions/
Pretty upbeat from the chairman of a company that's just lost the thick end of $100m (although I suppose he has to be).
This was an interesting comment:
He also looked rather wistfully at the timing effect of the September year end compared to the competitors’ financial year coinciding with the calendar year, enabling them to report the downturn in the last quarter of an otherwise very profitable financial year
AGL's FY is timed for the lowest point of their seasonal activity, when operations is at a low ebb, stocks are usually pretty low, and maximum cash is back in the bank. So typically it has made it look as good as possible?? They've had the same market conditions as everyone else?? By that thought process, then they should have performed even better last year??
I think Allan Barbers questions are very pertinent......
While conditions are much tougher this year, and no doubt SFF result won't be anywhere near last year, I'm a little more positive than what I had been - as much of the downturn in market values should be accounted for.
The Aussie sheepmeat market glut is reported as being expected to continue into 2023/24 - probably a major
factor in the way our own sector is faring in global markets, keeping the lid on performance in foreign markets
where Auz is one of our competitors..
From Silver Fern Farms CEO's latest fortnight report.
Beef
Little has changed in any market, with volumes continuing to shift but at lower prices.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper is moving towards the East Coast of Australia, and while the category 4 system is expected to weaken when it hits land it will likely bring heavy rain, on top of significant rainfall already seen in parts of the country. Australian processing numbers remain high, but more water and greater feed availability could see a pullback in volumes, with procurement prices already lifting and forward bookings not as strong as they were.
For similar reasons the NZ beef kill has been slower to start, however these reduced volumes haven’t really made an impact in global markets that have high product availability.
The US kill continues at high numbers for longer than initially forecast. Consequently there’s no real pressure for domestic processors in the US to chase prices higher, with good availability of imported and domestic production.
In China a broader range of cuts are back in demand, albeit at weaker prices relative to the first half of 2023. Chilled demand remains firm, with increasing weekly chilled shipments as prime volumes have lifted.
In the Middle East, South East Asia and Japan, prices for chilled beef have remained stable. Reliable supply, consistent quality, and a close relationship with our in-market customers have all been important.
Sheepmeats
Markets remain temperamental.
We are experiencing price stability in China for primal cuts though secondary items continue to decline in price. This raises the question of whether the bottom of this market been found, or if is this a temporary reprieve.
Recent reports from South American producers supplying into China advise of a period of sustained pricing followed by further downside with volatility ensuing. Recent rain in Australia and an increase to livestock pricing may also be contributing to this recent price stability.
We are seeing some ‘green shoots’ in Europe now that pricing is at a level where retailers are prepared to once again promote lamb. Retailers have been slow to pass savings on to consumers choosing to bank good margins rather than push through additional volumes, however once one retailer breaks the mould generally the rest follow, and demand increases as a result.
Production toward Easter trade commences as plants start back in the New Year. Demand is down marginally on the previous year however with retailers keen to promote, and pricing at favorable levels, our customers are confident of a successful Easter sales period in 2024.
Mutton markets also appear to have settled for now, with pricing holding; no improvement but no further falls either. The exception is that heavier mutton continues to carry less appeal globally, and options for these carcases continue to reduce along with pricing.
Venison
The venison environment remains stable on price though demand is subdued as is traditionally the case at this time of the season.
EU customers continue to ‘sit out’ as they concentrate on servicing their Game Season trade.
The venison market in China continues to function at normal levels with prices holding for the most part and demand remaining stable across their full range of products. We have had some good recent success expanding on this range and continue to make inroads with regards to increased volumes.
We continue to work with North American processors around their manufacturing requirements for 2024. Interest has been positive and we are looking to continue to build on the good work done here over the previous 12-18 months.
Has anyone had a stab at calculating earnings and/or cashflow for the coming year or two?
I would like to think SFF Ltd will make a profit as the price of their major product Beef has not fallen as much as Lamb.
This year their capex will have remained high,a lot of it spent on IT.
A modest profit would be welcome.
Dividend.The CoOp ,that we are shareholders, could decide to pay a divie using some of their rainy reserves.
Note.It is raining heavily at present here in Christchurch..lol
Pity we have to wait until the end of March or beginning of April for the result.
Current share price indicates to me "the market" is expecting a poor result with no,or a very small divie.
I personally think too difficult to estimate.....with no guidance, no trading updates to the USX, no half year result, it makes any forecast reasonably meaningless. Could make some sort of judgement call given Alliance figures available, but don't think its worth it.
They are not at a stage where they are predictable, still the majority of revenue commodity driven and too much reliance on the macro environment/factors outside their control - ie weather, FX, other producing countries, alternate proteins, trade barriers etc.
There is also little publicly available profitability info from competitors - only Alliance and ANZCO, which have the same year end as SFF so comes out at a similar time. We've seen Alliance come out with a shocker, so sets the tone for the others.
Interesting the share price has slowly slid away - $1.15 essentially says the 'market' values the company at $230m, when it made $189.3m net last year.
Obviously not going to repeat this year, but the market holding low expectations....
If as Percy suggests they use a bit of their 'rainy day' funds as a dividend, just how much goes to 'shareholders' and how much to 'suppliers'.
SFF not my kind of investment BUT
Lush green fattening feed throughout the NI at the moment.
They may just have to bump the scheduals up if they want the stock
Hopefully matching capacity with supply.
Typically their main margin period is through summer when there is peak demand for processing, maximum efficiencies, lesser competition for stock and schedule prices can be paired back.
And the old thing.......you can only kill'em once!!
Dan Boulton confirmed as the new CEO.
I am very pleased with Dan's appointment.
Silver Fern Farms has today announced that Dan Boulton has been appointed to be the new Chief Executive of Silver Fern Farms. The appointment will take effect from February 2024.
Boulton is currently Silver Fern Farms’ Chief Supply Chain Officer, having been with the company for over six and a half years. Prior to this, he held roles in the seafood, horticulture and forestry industries.
Silver Fern Farms Co-Chair Rob Hewett says that the recruitment process was extensive and attracted a range of candidates.
“We are fortunate to have been able to consider many high-calibre candidates for the role, including some from overseas,” says Hewett.
“However, the Board felt that not only does Dan already have a breadth of understanding of the business, he is also the right person to lead the company through the current challenges in market and continue the company’s momentum,” he says.
Incoming Chief Executive Dan Boulton says he is excited about taking on the challenge of leading such a great New Zealand company, and despite the current market conditions, is optimistic about the opportunities ahead for Silver Fern Farms and its farmer partners.
“I know from my current role that all our partners across our supply chain are hurting at present. However, this is a moment in time, and I’m confident Silver Fern Farms’ focus on executing its strategy and managing cost will see the company and our partners recover strongly,” he says.
Simon Limmer will stay as Chief Executive through to early February when Boulton’s appointment begins.
Good to see a long serving internal appointment.
Post deleted.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/20...tart/103300910
Bit of a sharp rebound on prices in Oz, where alot of lamb is consumed within Australia. Supermarkets been caught out on their margins......(never happens here!!)
In the meantime, Aussie processing numbers are down with a bit of rain, but might make it challenging for exporters to compete with the domestic market. So from a kiwi perspective, might potentially be a little less Aussie lamb in export markets, as NZ production starts to head towards peak seasonal volumes.
End of an era with Rob standing down, but presumably carries on as co-chair of SFF Ltd. Interesting Anna Nelson only been on the SFF Coop board since May last year!
Media Release: Silver Fern Farms Co-operative – Board Nominations Open & Changes to Governance
×Close
Summary
Nominations are now open for two Farmer-Elected positions on the Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Board. Current Farmer-Elected Directors Rob Hewett and Gabrielle Thompson will retire by rotation at Co-operative’s Annual Meeting on 8 May;
The Co-operative Board has unanimously voted Farmer-Elected Director Anna Nelson to become the new Chair following the Annual Meeting;
The Board has also unanimously voted current Chair Rob Hewett to stay on as an Appointed Director for up to 12 months to support continuity of governance. Retiring Director Gabrielle Thompson has advised she will be standing for re-election as a Farmer-Elected Director;
Nominations for the two Farmer-Elected positions will be open until 20 February at 12 noon. Voting will commence from 4 April and will remain open until 3PM on 1 May. Results of the election will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
Media Release
Silver Fern Farms Co-operative has today announced that nominations are open for two vacancies on the Board and has also confirmed that Anna Nelson will become the new Chair following the Co-operative’s Annual Meeting on 8 May.
Current Farmer-Elected Directors Rob Hewett and Gabrielle Thompson will retire by rotation at the Annual Meeting.
With Rob Hewett’s term as a Farmer-Elected Director coming to an end, the Co-operative Board has unanimously voted to appoint current Director Anna Nelson to be the new Chair, with Rob Hewett unanimously voted to stay on as an Appointed Director for a term of up to 12 months.
Retiring Director Gabrielle Thompson has advised she will be standing for re-election as a Farmer Elected Director.
Current Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Chair Rob Hewett says the changes are designed to create continuity as there is both a change of leadership at a governance level and the Operating Company will have a new Chief Executive.
“With the end of my term on the Board in May coinciding with Silver Fern Farms Ltd recently appointing Dan Boulton as new Chief Executive, the Board has determined that I stay on as an Appointed Director for a short period to help through the transition,” says Mr Hewett.
“While the new Chair and Chief Executive will each bring fresh perspectives and focus, ultimately, the Board is united behind Silver Fern Farm’s strategy and direction of travel and it’s important we keep momentum until the new changes are embedded.
“From our experience working with her around the Board table, the Board and I have a great deal of confidence that Anna will be an exceptional Chair. Despite the prevailing market conditions we’re experiencing, we’re going into the next period in good health and with a clear focus,” he says.
Incoming Chair Anna Nelson says she is looking forward to leading a unified Board and working closely with shareholders and suppliers through the current challenges in market.
“As a farmer as well a Director, I’m acutely aware of how market conditions are being felt right across our supply chain. This gives our Board a clear focus and resolve to continue creating value for the farmers the world needs," she says.
Notes for Editors:
Directors of Silver Fern Farms Co-operative are responsible for setting the Co-operative’s governance and strategic direction. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative owns 50% of Silver Fern Farms Limited (the Operating Company), in partnership with Shanghai Maling.
Nominations are open to candidates who are a current shareholder of the Co-operative and have supplied a minimum of 400 stock units to Silver Fern Farms for each of the last two years. Nomination forms must also be signed by two shareholders who meet the same criteria.
Nominations will be open until 12 noon on 20 February, 2024. Voting papers will be distributed on 4 April with voting open until 3PM on 1 May, 2024. Results will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
Those Directors of the Co-operative who have also been appointed to the Board of the Operating Company will be confirmed following the Annual Meeting.
Somebody wanted out......about 25k through Friday/this morning at $1.06.
The joys of illiquid shares.....solid drop from $1.20.
Don't think there are any director/mgmt disclosures on the USX? In the Annual Reports but otherwise nothing.....
Nice buying opportunity. This (past) year is a completely different kettle of fish, but on last AR, PE of 1.1 and a gross dividend yield on 30.38%. :laugh::lol::laugh:
Thanks Sideshow Bob, I had already read the article in actual paper print when it got delivered to us on Tuesday morning. Thats the benefit of living in the country. We get rural news and Farmers Weekly delivered in the mailbox on Tusdays weekly. Some really interesting articles in there.
The joys of illiquid shares……
Last sale through at $0.95. Someone wanted out in a hurry? No buyers?
Or maybe someone was expecting an Alliance-esque result coming up.
This year a much different year, but a trailing PE of circa 1!! :mellow:
BIDS
Quantity Price MPID
13,000 0.9800
5,000 0.9600
10,000 0.9600
42,771 0.9500
1,776 0.9500
25,000 0.6500
OFFERS
Quantity Price MPID
26,630 1.0500
32,144 1.0500
32,229 1.0700
45,915 1.1000
12,357 1.1500
21,122 1.1500
37,117 1.1500
53,110 1.1500
7,177 1.2000
5,000 1.2400
TRADES
Quantity Executed Price Time
7,229 0.9500 13/03/2024, 12:11:12 PM
25,500 1.0200 13/03/2024, 10:49:02 AM
15,500 1.0500 12/03/2024, 10:33:09 AM
2,000 1.0500 12/03/2024, 10:29:45 AM
4,777 1.1000 07/03/2024, 14:17:51 PM
3,000 1.1000 07/03/2024, 14:17:51 PM
3,337 1.1200 05/03/2024, 15:25:07 PM
2,000 1.1200 05/03/2024, 12:12:05 PM
1,840 1.1000 05/03/2024, 12:12:05 PM
12,643 1.1500 01/03/2024, 09:51:21 AM
Obviously shaking out some edgy holders ahead of the FY report where we are not likely to see any dividends. But like SB says, we are seeing a better year for the industry this year and are already 1/4 of the way through it. Happy to continue to hold this one for the long term and be content with the wild swings in this industry. Very cheap at current price.
I'm not sure how much better, but it is a different year.
Looking back, results announcements have usually been the very end of March. With Easter this year, picking result could be out on 28th of March.
Not too long to wait for our annual guide to performance, before we go back to our usual 12 month financial performance/result slumber.
Good article here
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/opin...d-meat-sector/
Today the day for the Annual Result......???
Nothing today. Every other year looks like end of March.
Would be pretty cynical to come out with a result late Thursday before Easter!!
Something to look forward to next week (hopefully!)
Dan's comment from the Market Report:
Next week we’ll announce our result for the 2023 financial year,and you’ll be sent those details when they’re released. It should come as nosurprise that last year was a tough one, in the markets and back onfarm.
Expectations have been set......
Silver Fern Farms Limited result for the 12-months to 31 December 2023:
- Revenue $2,780.8m (FY2022: $3,277.8m)
- Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) including share of associate earnings $16.4m (FY2022: $301.3m)
- Net loss before tax $36.4m (FY2022: Net profit before tax $262.6m)
- Net loss after tax $24.4m (FY2022: Net profit after tax $189.3m)
- Capital expenditure $106.8m (FY2022: $96.0m)
- No dividend paid (FY2022 $76.9m)
Silver Fern Farms Co-operative result for the 12-months to 31 December 2023:
- Net loss after tax $10.7m (FY2022: Net profit after tax $94.1m)
- No dividend to be received based on FY2023 (FY2022: $38.45m)
- No debt. Cash and short-term deposits of $35.6m (FY2022: $34.6m)
- Total Shareholder Equity of $406.8m (FY2022 $438.4m)
- Co-operative declares no dividend and patronage reward for shareholders (FY2022 $33.5m)
- Closing share price at 28 March 2024 - $1.04
Silver Fern Farms Annual Results 2023: Results reflect challenging market conditions
Note: the following information covers the results for two separate companies; Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Limited, and its investment, Silver Fern Farms Limited (the Operating Company). Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Limited and Shanghai Maling Aquarius Limited are the joint owners of Silver Fern Farms Limited.
Silver Fern Farms Co-operative and its investment, Silver Fern Farms Limited, have today released their Annual Results for the 2023 year.
Silver Fern Farms Limited has posted a $24.4 million loss after tax, with revenue decreasing $497 million on the previous year to $2.78 billion. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative has posted a $10.7 million loss after tax.
Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Chair, Rob Hewett says the financial results reflect a year of challenging market conditions which have impacted the whole supply chain.
“Depressed consumer confidence across our key markets has put pressure on our customers, the Operating Company, and ultimately, returns for our farmer suppliers,” he says.
“We also felt the impact of one-off events throughout the year, such as Cyclone Gabrielle which caused damage and disrupted operations at the Dargaville and Pacific (Hawke's Bay) processing sites for a number of weeks.
“Like all our partners in the supply chain, and in particular our farmer suppliers, the Operating Company continues to carefully manage costs and reprioritise large elements of their proposed spend until there is greater confidence in the market’s recovery,” he says.
After several years of strong performance and record returns to shareholders, Hewett says it is disappointing to not be in a position to distribute any dividends but is confident in the Operating Company’s ability to recover when market conditions become more favourable.
“The Board regularly reviews the strategy and is confident that Silver Fern Farms’ strategy and direction of travel is the right one. However, it’s critical the business continues to adjust to the market conditions we are currently facing,” he says.
“We still have a few macro levers working against us and it’s prudent we adjust accordingly. However, this is also a moment in time that will pass, and we need to strike the right balance of managing costs but also retaining capability in the Operating Company so they can continue the momentum built over the last few years.
“The business has still been able to invest over the past year, and this investment will support the business through the challenging year we have ahead, and accelerate when more favourable conditions return.
“Ultimately, through the recapitisation of Silver Fern Farms in 2016 and recent years of favourable performance, the Operating Company is in a better position to manage through the cyclical downturns of the red meat industry than it has been in the past,” he says.
-----------------
Silver Fern Farms Limited Chief Executive, Dan Boulton, says challenging market conditions were experienced across the course of the year and are expected to persist well into the current financial year.
“The fundamentals of the market conditions we are facing are well understood. Weakened market sentiment has been compounded by increased supply dynamics out of the likes of Australia and South America. This has added more volume to already high in-market inventory levels, and put downward pressure on pricing,” he says.
“While we are expecting a recovery in beef pricing in the shorter term due to increased demand out of the US, we are expecting that sheepmeats will take longer to recover. Venison returns have been less impacted overall, thanks in part to increased investment in new market opportunities over the last few years,” he says.
Boulton says that the change in market conditions has meant Silver Fern Farms has adjusted the pace of its planned investment and focused on reducing operating costs.
“We’ve made some difficult but necessary calls to slow the speed of our planned investment, and in particular, our technology and transformation investment. Some technology programmes that were in progress will be finished, however the timing of some larger projects has been deferred until our spending envelope increases,” he says.
“There has also been an ongoing focus on cost management and optimising our day-to-day operations. Non-critical spend and investment have been deferred, and the business is focused on prioritising the core aspects of the business, from operations, through our supply chain, and into market.
“We see the current market conditions we are facing as a cyclical adjustment which will improve in the mid-term. The direction and our ambition for the business has not diminished, however we will continue to adjust the pace of our implementation to ensure that we are fit and appropriately resourced,” he says.
Despite the broader challenges being experienced in the market, Boulton says the business remains committed to its market-led strategy.
“We continue to see evidence of our recent focus and investment playing out, and we haven’t lost confidence in our longer-term direction of travel. While it’s still a growing proportion of our business, we’ve seen that where we have invested in our brand, we have been able to retain value relative to decreasing commodity pricing,” he says.
“At a time when markets are generally depressed, we are nevertheless seeing more higher value customers and consumers connect with the Silver Fern Farms brand and the product our farmers are producing.
“In particular, we continue to see strong interest and engagement from our key customers in our Nature Positive programme of work. Demonstrating progress towards sustainability metrics is becoming the reality of doing business, and we are increasingly seeing confirmation this is a key competitive opportunity for our company and suppliers,” he says.
Boulton says despite the reduction in overall farmgate pricing relative to the previous year, Silver Fern Farms continues to layer more value above the weekly operating price by rewarding suppliers who are aligned with market signals.
“We’ve increased our programme premiums to farmers on beef and lamb supply, and created a new venison supply programme. Furthermore, suppliers are also benefitting from new value streams created through our Net Carbon Zero and NZ Farm Assurance Plus programmes,” he says.
“Global demand for sustainable protein continues to grow, and we believe Silver Fern Farms is in the best position to capture this through our focus and investment. In the last year, we’ve achieved record farmer shareholding, and record staff and customer engagement. These metrics speak to the alignment right across the business,” he says.
Boulton says the company has improved processing capacity after a few years of disruption, primarily due to labour shortages.
“We’ve improved our processing capacity for the current season thanks to recruitment and retention plans and around $70 million of investment into our site network which has improved reliability. This was particularly important leading into what many were forecasting to be a drier season impacted by El Niño,” he says.
“However, the reality is that feed levels have been good across large parts of the country, and the industry is experiencing lower than expected livestock flows. This has presented challenges to our operating efficiency through the first quarter of this year, and we’ll need to continue adjusting to meet what looks like another challenging year ahead,” he says.
A few trades through this morning - down to $1.00
Interestingly, the result hasn't been posted on the USX - but has been traded in the meantime.....:confused:
This announcement is very slow to show up on the USX. I still can not see it there, nearly half an hour after receiving the email.
So we did not make the break even we were hoping for and no dividend as expected. A bit surprising on the negative side that supplying shareholders do not get any "patronage reward" either for the year.
As they indicate they will do, they need to now review all their investment decisions and HQ expenditure and focus on their core business, processing and selling meat.
The outlook is not as good as I was hoping for either, indicating a tough first quarter. Could well be 2025 before we see a material upside.
In to the bottom drawer they go.
Showed up at 10.48am! Were they still on Easter hols, or maybe in a coma from eating too many Easter eggs??
Disappointing result, but not surprised. The comment at the end is the worry in terms of being 'another challenging year'. They have spent large amounts in capital investment over recent years, and this needs to deliver a return - so think prudent to reign spending in for the time being.
No surprise that no patronage reward. After making a loss it would be difficult to then throw a bone to farmers, while 'dry' shareholders get nothing (that old chesnut). But a positive comment was "we've achieved record famer shareholding'.
The interest now will be with Anzco, as their result is normally reported in about May. Also must heap a bit of pressure on Alliance - so SFF did about $120m better than them last year, and then about $50m this year. Hmmmmm.......
Few points from the Business Desk article on their result:
- If wasn't for the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and the labour situation, may have been close to breakeven or even positive result.
- Focus on costs, operational efficiency and value optimization.
- Recruitment freeze since 2nd half of last year, with a few redundancies, but not alot.
- Current conditions see as a value challenge, not a demand challenge
The EU keeps topping themselves with idiocy https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/04/02/mo...f-with-the-eu/
Not particularly SFF related, but general market for meat alternatives.....
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/350...-shutting-down
It's great to see these plant based 'meats' fail. Nothing more damaging to the body than ultra processed rubbish.
These vegans and vegetarians do like their oxymorons.
Interesting too that they need to give their products meat names in order for them to be palatable and market them as such. There is no such thing in my book as a plant based or vegetarian sausage.
Another interesting FW article.
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/opin...or-pipe-dream/
Thanks for posting the link.
There appears to be a significant support at 95c, so hopefully this is our low this cycle :mellow:
Annual Report - https://prod-trade.usx.co.nz/api/fil...672eb5e3f2.pdf
Robotics at Finegand
https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/tech...obo-meatworks/
Alliance now raising more capital from their farmer shareholders - basically making more deductions from livestock payments to increase share capital, and increasing their share requirements. They were carrying over $170m of debt at the end of their last FY, which is at the low point of the season/activity and want to use Lender funding for seasonal working capital needs only.
The Board believes the proposed changes will:
- Restore balance sheet strength
- Meet lender requirements
- Continue our drive to be New Zealand’s most efficient red meat processor
- Enable the co-operative to pursue additional value capture opportunities
- Ensure Alliance remains 100 per cent farmer-owned
Tough for farmers to have to pony up for more investment when many will be making a cash loss for the year and prices/markets are poor.
Will be a problem as some farmers may choose to send their stock elsewhere - I understand Alliance's schedules are trailing behind others so if farmers go elsewhere, makes plants more inefficient, become more uncompetitive etc.
Will be an interesting watch......
Alliance capital raise
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/allian...+30+April+2024
First time in a few years ANZCO have (financially) outperformed SFF.
In the context of the other listed meat companies, this looks to be a very good performance and will rachet up the pressure on Alliance particularly, but also SFF. Different timing to Alliance but same as SFF. Turnover down marginally, while SFF was down $500m. However cashflow obviously hasn't been quite so good.
ANZCO Foods today announced a strong annual result for the financial year ending 31 December 2023 with a turnover of $1.83b (2022 $1.90b), and net profit before tax of $60.9m (2022 $147.7m).
ANZCO Foods Chief Executive Peter Conley paid tribute to the hard work of the company’s people and said a relentless focus on core business activities and growing returns from strategic investments were key to the company’s success.
Mr Conley noted the result was particularly pleasing given the challenging business environment the sector experienced during 2023.
“There were some positive signs for exporters during the year including the Covid recovery bringing an upswing in tourism and restaurant business, however, this was countered by the global impact of rising costs and interest rates, as well as consumers facing higher living costs.
“The recovery in China has been slower than anticipated and this coincided with difficult trading conditions for some key products in other markets. With a strong global reach, ANZCO Foods managed to effectively navigate market pricing challenges for beef and lamb at various stages of the season,” says Mr Conley.
“A significant project during the year was the depopulation and repopulation of our Five Star Beef operation, as part of New Zealand’s programme to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis. As an infected farm, Five Star Beef went through the same process as all other infected farms and this meant our high value niche products were out of the market for around six months.
“The depopulation, cleaning and repopulation had a considerable impact on our staff, customers, and suppliers working with the Five Star Beef business. We’re grateful to these affected parties for their ongoing faith in our highly valued products and continuing to work with us as we re-establish this business,” he says.
ANZCO Foods, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is continuing to deliver more value from its business.
Behind ANZCO Foods’ approach is a core focus on ensuring livestock is procured to meet customer expectations. “We support key customer relationships through our on- and off-shore offices. During the year ANZCO Foods’ China office became operational, and with our other offshore offices in Japan, Australia, North America, UK and Europe, contributed to our strategy of getting closer to our customers and delivering increased revenue from our red meat products,” says Mr Conley.
“Our value-add food and healthcare businesses performed well and continued to grow their contribution to the company’s result during 2023. Our relationships with some of the world’s leading healthcare companies give us confidence that this business will continue to grow and add value to our core red meat processing business.”
ANZCO Foods continues to invest in technology and tools that underpin decision-making based on good information and this was particularly important during the uncertainty experienced during the year.
Climate change and sustainability remain a key focus for ANZCO Foods and during the past year the company reviewed and updated its three-year strategy as well as continuing to invest in lower emissions technologies to improve environmental compliance and performance.
The company has a commitment to actively support people and communities across New Zealand, particularly in rural communities through donations, sponsorships and scholarships with focuses on supporting food banks, community support services and rural schools as well as improving health and wellbeing for farming communities.
“ANZCO Foods remains committed to doing all we can to continue to deliver strong returns, ensure the industry remains stable, and contribute to a strong and vibrant agribusiness sector,” Mr Conley says.
ENDS
2022
2023
Turnover
$1.90b
$1.83b
EBITDA
$185.3m
$110.4m
Pre-tax profit
$147.7m
$60.9m
After tax
$106.6m
$44.4m
Operating cash
$133.6m
($42.0m)
I wonder what Rod "Ill be chair anywhere" Hewitt will say today!
I watched SFF Ltd's,CEO Dan Boulton's presentation before the agm.
Most impressed.A very through presentation.
Challenges ahead but opportunities.
Getting the suppliers,staff and customers all on the one page.
Spending on capex will be well down,however previous high capex is proving its worth.
Even talking of being profitable this year.
Cickey Rob is still talking of being around a "bit" longer.lol.
Dan was organised with a thoroughly prepared speech. He didn't go off course at all and so it was a lot of corporate speak doubling down on their existing strategy,..... "Sustainability movement not going away", "We're opening high value wallets", "positioned for competitive advantage", "ready to leverage our position", "in the front row to capture this potential".
At the end of the day, I don't care whose overseas wallets they're opening, just open them = 'get sales revenues up'.
They've had some very good years with a lot of retained earnings ploughed back into the company, time for their strategy to reap the rewards. Otherwise, at some point, people are goping to say it is a failed strategy. If the NZ economy is anything like overseas economies aka cost of living and reduced living standards on aggregate, then unfortunately for SFF price points become the biggest motivating factor.
https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/rur...irman-reflects
"One very interesting ride" is how Rob Hewett describes his lengthy tenure on the board of Silver Fern Farms.