Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Packaged Foods / Fonterra

Fonterra

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Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaged Foods
Employees 10,000+
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FY2012 Annual Report · Fonterra
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ALL OF US
TOGETHER...

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012
FONTERRA CO-OPERATIVE GROUP LIMITED

MAKE
ONE
FONTERRA.

Fonterra shareholders, Martin O'Neill 
and Tania Connor with son Cody O'Neill. 
The couple farm at Opotiki.

MAKE

ONE

FONTERRA.

ONE 
PLACE 
ONE 
PEOPLE 
ONE 
AMBITION

Fonterra is one to the power 
of many – the thousands of 
shareholders and our people who 
work together as one seamless 
unit to bring the best of dairy 
nutrition to the world. That’s  
the co-operative way, all of us 
working to one purpose for the 
benefit of all.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

1

CONTENTS:2 Chairman’s Review 6 Chief Executive’s Review 26 Business Review and Sustainability 42 Corporate Governance  50 Financial Statements 106 Statutory Information 119 Five Year Summary 
CHAIRMAN’S
REVIEW

The past twelve 
months have 
been intense, 
but worth it. 
I can pass on 
the Chairman's 
baton knowing 
our Co-operative 
is in good hands 
and in good 
heart. 

Good hands because we have a leadership 
team led by a Chief Executive whose 
commitment to the Co-operative is as 
big as his ambition for us. We have a 
Chairman-elect whose belief in the  
co-operative model comes from his heart 
as a farmer and his head as an astute 
director. Behind them both are good, 
loyal shareholders and staff.

Good heart because, even though it’s been 
a year of intense and sometimes divisive 
debate, we are unanimous on the value of 
our co-operative model and farmer control 
and ownership of it. We’ve all worked hard 
in the co-operative’s best interests all year. 
We’ve also got on with the job, with record 
milk flows, production and export volumes 
showing our integrated co-operative 
model working at its best.

The effort has paid off. Twelve months 
ago we were still wrestling with the 
redemption risk which has been hanging 
over Fonterra since our formation in 2001.

Today, we have in Trading Among Farmers 
(TAF) a solution which takes care of 
redemption risk and retains 100 per cent 
farmer control and ownership.

2 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

The 66.45 per cent vote in June which gave 
TAF the go-ahead was a massive milestone 
on a six-year road. I am tremendously proud 
that shareholders turned out in record 
numbers, representing over 85 per cent 
of milksolids – the best turnout I have seen 
in 20 years of co-operative governance. 
I am also tremendously proud of their 
tenacity. It’s been a long and exhaustive 
effort by the entire Co-operative, but it has 
been worth it. There is more work to be 
done, but the back of the work is broken.

TAF will solve a challenge which has 
been with us since day one. Our capital 
structure was always a weakness because 
of redemption risk. We made the decision 
to live with it in return for the bigger prize 
of getting Fonterra under way. 

Now, TAF will ensure a stable, permanent 
capital base for the Co-operative, secures 
our future and will support progress with 
our strategy to grow volumes and value. 
We broke new ground with the formation 
of Fonterra. We are doing it again with a 
robust solution which is unique to us and 
we are close to implementation. 

We have always had vigorous debate 
before making the game-changing 
decisions. Debate is healthy and necessary.

It crystallises what’s important, and that’s 
a co-operative controlled and owned by 
farmers. We also recognised the value we 
have in our integrated business model and 
the competitive advantage this gives us.

We are now a single-minded, customer-led 
and focused business, with an unbroken 
supply chain right back to the farmgate. 
Our integrated business model, which 
puts us in control of quality, food safety 
and product mix, is a real competitive 
strength. We will be driving it for all it’s 
worth through our refreshed strategy 
which takes this strength and focuses  
our efforts where we know we can win.

Strength also comes from our game-
changing GlobalDairyTrade™ (GDT). 
Launching the world’s first online trading 
platform for dairy commodities in 2008 
enabled three transformations of the 
market. It made pricing transparent, 
it established a traceable global index 
for dairy commodities and it laid the 

RECORD MILK COLLECTION

PAYOUT

Volume (million litres/day)1

100

80

60

40

20

0

TOTAL
6.37

0.27

TOTAL
7.90

0.30

TOTAL
6.40

0.32

8

6

4

2

0

6.10

FY2010

0.23

7.60

FY2011

0.25

6.08

FY2012

0.10

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

DIVIDEND 1

FARMGATE MILK PRICE 2

RETENTIONS 3

2011 / 2012

2010 / 2011

2009 / 2010

Source: Fonterra
1  Volumes represent a six-day moving average of daily production

1  Cents per share
2 $ per kgMS
3   Retentions are calculated as net profit after tax 

attributable to Co-operative Shareholders divided by 
number of shares at 31 May, less dividend per share

because generations of farmers had built 
up a global reputation for the milk made 
here. That reputation continues to open 
customers’ doors and consumers’ fridges 
around the world.

I am proud of our progress, honoured to 
be part of it and full of enthusiasm for 
what’s next. I am grateful for the support 
I’ve had from shareholders, directors, 
my family and the wider Fonterra family 
during my time as Chairman. It has 
been a privilege and I look forward to 
contributing to the future success of our 
united Co-operative. Thanks.

HENRY VAN DER HEYDEN 
CHAIRMAN

groundwork for some of the most 
important performance goals we set and 
strive for in the Co-operative. Now we 
are firmly focused on outperforming the 
GDT™ commodity price and raising our 
returns to shareholders. 

We saw our integrated co-operative 
model come into its own this year. It will 
go on the record books as an extraordinary 
one for dairy with near-perfect conditions 
through much of the year in dairy-
producing countries and a record-breaking 
performance here at home. 

Shareholders will receive a final payout 
of $6.40 per share for a fully shared up 
farmer after retentions of 10 cents per 
share, comprising a Farmgate Milk Price 
of $6.08 kgMS and a dividend of 32 cents 
per share. 

Farmers will always measure our 
performance by the Fonterra Farmgate 
Milk Price. Today we have a structure, 
processes, strategy and performance 
measures all aligned to achieve the best 
Farmgate Milk Price and the best profit 
in each season and we are clear on how 
both are achieved. As well as delivering 

the best Farmgate Milk Price, our strategy 
is designed to increase returns above it, 
increasing shareholder wealth through 
dividends. 

We have come a long way in 11 years, 
and we’re going to go a lot further. 
Every step of progress has been made 
because our people in the business 
and our shareholders have shared the 
common goal of turning a national 
champion into a global one.

All of us together make Fonterra what 
it is today. It has meant making some 
big calls, but most have paid off and the 
Co-operative is stronger. 

We’ve gained a lot and lost little. Dairy 
is still an industry where families can 
start out small, as my parents did, make 
a good go of it and hand over to the next 
generation. It’s also an industry which can 
accommodate big visions and operations. 
Our co-operative model provides the 
framework for both to succeed.

We’ve made the most of our inheritance. 
Fonterra left the blocks with a head start 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

3

 
ONE 
PLACE.
THAT 
IS OUR 
INSPIRATION.

NEW ZEALAND.

4 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

“FONTERRA IS 
A CITIZEN OF THE 
WORLD, BUT THERE 
IS ONLY ONE PLACE 
WE CALL HOME,
NEW ZEALAND.” 

Great growing conditions during the season 
meant record volumes produced on farms 
like this one in Taranaki.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

5

 
IT
STARTS
HERE.

FROM THIS ONE PLACE, 
NEW ZEALAND, WE’VE 
CREATED A GLOBAL 
MARKET FOR OUR 
PRODUCTS AND 
WE’RE BRINGING THE 
RETURNS BACK HOME.

6 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

THEO 
SPIERINGS 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

One place underpins our scale with the high-volumes of 
quality milk produced in New Zealand flowing from our 
shareholders’ farms, through our factories and out into 
the world. We’re one tight team from grass to glass.

NEW ZEALAND  
IS OUR HOME 
GROUND

From one place, we’ve set our sights on satisfying
global dairy demand. We’re playing to our strengths – 
our seamless supply chain, years of dairy knowledge 
and great people working as one to take dairy to the 
world and bring home the returns.

Our know-how, can-do attitude, means our growth 
and ambition will never be defined by the geographic 
boundaries of home. Our strong roots here in 
New Zealand support our growth in the markets 
where we see opportunities, while our skills enable 
us to seize these chances quickly to grow volumes 
and value.

As the sign on our shareholders’ gates says,
“It starts here.”

We created a competitive advantage 
when we formed Fonterra. 

It’s all about scale, with around 
89 per cent of all the milk produced 
in New Zealand flowing from farms 
owned by our shareholders, through 
our factories and out into the world. 

Our Co-operative comprises 10,578 
Fonterra farmers and 17,300 Fonterra 
people, working as one tight team.

This team is the world’s largest dairy 
processor and the world’s largest 
operator in the globally traded
market for dairy. 

Collectively we processed 17 billion 
litres of milk in New Zealand this 
season. These record milk flows led
to record export volumes. 

10,578 Farmer shareholders
17,300

People

17BILLION

LITRES OF MILK PROCESSED IN  
NEW ZEALAND THIS YEAR

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

7

 
ONE PLACE  |  GLOBAL PRESENCE

ONE PLACE – 
STRONG ROOTS 
SUPPORT OUR 
GROWTH

As the year's results have shown, one 
place powers our performance, with our 
integrated business model collecting, 
processing and exporting record volumes 
to deliver the best Farmgate Milk Price 
and dividend to our shareholders.

But our know-how means 
opportunities for growth don’t stop 
at the New Zealand coastline. 

Global demand for quality dairy nutrition 
means demand for milk is expected to 
grow by at least 100 billion litres by 2020. 
On current forecasts, it’s expected we can 
grow milk volumes from New Zealand by 
another five billion litres by 2020.

Using our strong knowledge base here in 
New Zealand, we’re moving to selectively 
invest in milk pools which can satisfy the 
demand we cannot meet from here. That 
protects the integrity of our integrated 
business model, keeping control in our 
hands as we expand.

GRASS TO GLASS  
IS OUR UNIQUE 
ADVANTAGE

Our integrated business model gives 
us grass to glass control of quality.

S
S
A
R
G

R
E
K
N
A
T

8 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

G
N
I
S
S
E
C
O
R
P

G
N
I
S
U
O
H
E
R
A
W

S
E
L
A
S

S
S
A
L
G

G
N
I
P
P
I
H
S

MILK DEMAND 
IS EXPECTED 
TO GROW BY AT 
LEAST 100 BILLION 
LITRES BY 2020.

Canterbury is a growth area 
for milk, with our Darfield site 
developed to manage the volumes.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

9

 
ONE 
PEOPLE.
WORKING 
TO ONE 
PRINCIPLE.

ENRICHING LIVES.

10  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

“THE WORLD IS A 
“THE WORLD IS A 
BETTER PLACE WITH 
BETTER PLACE WITH 
DAIRY. WE ENRICH LIVES 
DAIRY. WE ENRICH LIVES 
THROUGH BETTER 
THROUGH BETTER 
NUTRITION AND WE 
NUTRITION AND WE 
ENRICH COMMUNITIES 
ENRICH COMMUNITIES 
BY HONOURING WHAT’S 
BY HONOURING WHAT’S 
IMPORTANT TO THEM.” 
IMPORTANT TO THEM.” 

In partnership with the Taranaki community, 
Fonterra has transformed Nowell's Lakes 
from retired dairy land into an award 
winning community asset. Doug Hutchinson 
(right) and Trevor Redmond, Supervisor 
Operator, Whareroa Environmental, 
admire the results.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

11

 
GUARDING 
GOODNESS.

ENRICHING LIVES IS ABOUT  
KNOWING THE ROLE WE  
PLAY IN THE AREAS WHERE  
WE OPERATE.

12 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

ONE PEOPLE  |  ENRICHING LIVES

Milk is pure and simple,  
so is our approach.
What do people want?
That’s simple, too. Healthy productive 
lives, supported by trusted nutrition at 
every age and stage in life. We’re listening, 
using our dairy knowledge to make  
products which enrich people’s lives 
around the world.
We’re also listening to our communities. 
After all, we’re part of them. Communities, 
like co-operatives, are enriched when we 
all come together and work on what’s 
important.

FONTERRA MILK 
FOR SCHOOLS: 
SHARING THE 
BENEFITS
We produce some of  
the best milk in the world.  
It’s only right we share.

More than 120 Northland primary 
schools have participated in the 
pilot of Fonterra Milk For Schools, 
providing a free serving of chilled 
Anchor™ Lite UHT milk every 
school day.

The pilot launched on 19 March 
2012 with the support of Northland 
schools, communities and health 
organisations. The pilot will see over 
a million packs of milk delivered to 
Northland children in 2012. Reports 
from participating schools are that 
a daily dose of dairy nutrition is 
already helping children’s ability to 
learn and concentrate.

FONTERRA RURAL MATERNITY 
AND INFANT HEALTH-CARE 
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

Fonterra and China’s Soon Ching Ling Foundation have been improving access 
to medical services for women and children in rural areas of China. 

The five-year programme, funded by a USD 5 million donation from Fonterra, 
has helped Guizhou, Hubei and Gansu provinces improve the overall health of 
women and children.

A review of the third year of the programme in Guizhou showed:

  11,633

Medical healthcare workers trained to 
improve their medical skills as they work to 
reduce the risks associated with pregnancy 
in rural areas and to improve the overall 
health of women and children.

  117

117 sets of donated medical equipment 
used to provide treatment for over 96,000 
individuals improving local medical 
facilities and their capabilities.

 2,250

15 donated ambulances have helped 
transport more than 2,250 women and 
patients in critical conditions, covering 
a total of 155,000 miles. Emergency 
transport is challenging in Guizhou 
province because of geographic conditions, 
so these ambulances play an important 
role in providing access to care.

  33 per cent

Over 33 per cent reduction in maternal 
mortality and over 9 per cent reduction in 
infant mortality.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

13

 
ONE PEOPLE  |  SUPPLY FONTERRA

L-R: Brent Spencer 
(Regional Food Safety 
Manager, Fonterra) 
Geoff Spark (Fonterra 
Supplier in Canterbury) 
Roger Kilpatrick (Regional 
Manager, Fonterra)

SUPPORTING BETTER 
ENVIRONMENTAL 
PERFORMANCE.

We’re working with our shareholders, 
regional councils, iwi and local communities 
to make a difference in water quality in 
dairying regions in New Zealand.

It’s a work in progress, but we have  
made a good start. We continue to 
make good progress with our Effluent 
Management Programme. Since inception 
on 1 August 2010 to 31 July 2012, we have 
closed almost 2,400 cases, enabling 
farmer shareholders to bring their 
effluent systems up to required standards. 
Regional councils are reporting improved 
compliance performance, acknowledging 
farmers’ and our work as a contributor.

But there’s more to be done. We have 
taken action by making stock exclusion 
from waterways a condition of supply. 
Shareholders are now required to exclude 
stock from all waterways that permanently 
contain water, are wider than one metre 
and deeper than 30cm at any point. The 
Supply Fonterra Waterway Management 
Programme is actively working to ensure 
that shareholders meet this requirement 
by December 2013.

These initiatives are part of our Supply 
Fonterra Programme. It covers all aspects 
of milk quality and environmental 
management to help shareholders meet 

the regulatory and market requirements 
that are now part of everyday dairying life.

Supply Fonterra includes the Nitrogen 
Management Programme which will 
collect and analyse nitrogen on each 
shareholder’s farm. It will be used to 
provide each Fonterra farmer with 
reliable annual information about their 
farm’s nitrogen conversion efficiency and 
modelled nitrogen loss, enabling them 
to take steps to limit the losses which 
influence water quality.

14 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

ONE PEOPLE  |  ALL ALIGNED

Good people come with strong values.  
We share in our belief in Fonterra's values: 
Co-operative Spirit; Do What's Right; 
Challenge Boundaries; and Make It Happen.

With 17,300 staff globally, Fonterra 
has one of the most diverse workforces 
of any New Zealand-based company in 
terms of skills, cultures and geographies. 
36 per cent of our team live and work 
overseas. With their New Zealand-based 
colleagues, our people bring experience, 
knowledge and passion to our Co-operative.

We want our people to succeed in their 
professional and personal lives. Our people 
strategy fosters high performance, personal 
development and makes Fonterra a great 
place to work. We aim for world-class health 
and safety, highly engaged teams, building 
meaningful careers for all our staff and 
growing our next generation of leaders.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

15

GOOD PEOPLE MAKING GOOD PRODUCTS. 
ONE 
AMBITION.
THE NATURAL 
SOURCE 
OF DAIRY 
NUTRITION.

FOR EVERYBODY,  
EVERYWHERE, EVERY DAY.

16 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

“OUR STRATEGY
PLAYS TO OUR 
STRENGTHS AND
TAKES ITS LEAD
FROM WHAT THE
WORLD WANTS.” 

In vibrant Shanghai we’re developing 
dairy products and premium 
ingredients, to meet the needs of 
Chinese customers and consumers.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

17

 
BETTER  
HEALTH  
GROWS  
WEALTH.

OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE, 
GROW RETURNS.

18 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

ONE AMBITION  |  GROW RETURNS

We’re focusing on our strengths, where we can  
win and the biggest opportunities for growth.  
We’ve got a lot to work with; quality milk, an 
integrated business, a strong product portfolio,  
great customers and passionate people. We take 
our lead from what the world wants; the growing 
demand for dairy nutrition in emerging markets  
and meeting the nutritional needs of the young,  
the ageing and foodservice customers.

So the goal is more volume and more value. 

Volume growth to stay relevant in the global market 
and maintain our leadership position; and producing 
more high value products the world wants. 

Ambition to action – we’re making it happen 
in these priority areas.

EVERYDAY

1 OPTIMISING  

NZ MILK PRODUCTS

OUT-OF-HOME

ADVANCED

ENABLERS

2 BUILDING AND GROWING 
BEYOND OUR CURRENT 
CONSUMER POSITIONS

3 DELIVERING ON  
OUR FOODSERVICE 
POTENTIAL

4 GROWING OUR POSITION 
IN AIDING MOBILITY AND 
BONE HEALTH

5 DEVELOPING SELECTED 
LEADING POSITIONS 
IN PAEDIATRICS AND 
MATERNAL

6 SELECTIVELY  INVESTING 
IN SECURE MILK POOLS

7 ALIGNING BUSINESS 
STRUCTURE WITH 
ORGANISATIONAL 
STRATEGY

STRATEGY

STRUCTURE

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

19

 
ONE AMBITION  |  PROGRESS

1 OPTIMISING 

NZ MILK 
PRODUCTS

2 BUILDING AND

GROWING 
BEYOND OUR 
CURRENT 
CONSUMER 
POSITIONS

20  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

In the past year, the VSO programme 
has delivered over $18 million in savings 
and is making good progress towards 
its goal – to create one integrated 
plan  from customer demand through  
manufacturing, logistics and back to 
the customer, ultimately delivering more 
value to shareholders.

The benefits have come through improved 
processes – creating less rework, increased 
production schedule attainment and more 
accurate master data. It also means we are 
getting better at matching what we plan to 
sell into actual sales.

In the coming year VSO will continue to 
improve decisions around what we make 
and sell to ensure we get the best value 
out of every litre of milk.

NZ Milk Products is the heart of our business 
that collects, processes, sells and ships milk 
from our New Zealand farmers around the 
world. It includes our exports to all markets 
including our biggest, China.

We already have projects underway 
to improve the way we use our 
manufacturing plants in New Zealand, 
drive efficiencies and achieve further 
gains in quality. We are adding value for 
customers by better tailoring our services 
and product offerings so we can beat 
base commodity prices.

Our processing capacity was boosted this 
year with construction of our first drier 
at Darfield. It is capable of processing 
2.2 million litres a day. Stage Two will 
be ready by spring 2013.

As we become more and more customer-
led, our Value Stream Optimisation (VSO) 
programme is putting in place the systems 
and processes to rapidly turn market 
signals into successful sales.

Our strategy identifies opportunities to 
grow both volume and value through 
everyday nutrition, especially in emerging 
markets, and through growing the market 
shares of our well-known, higher-value 
consumer brands.

Everyday nutrition grows volumes by 
enabling cost-conscious consumers in 
emerging markets to benefit from dairy 
delivered in affordable formats, including 
UHT and powdered milks. This builds 
on already established positions in this 
category in markets like Sri Lanka where 
pack sizes for Anchor™ full cream milk 
powder start at just 75 grams, rising to one 
kilogram, and where we are the undisputed 
market leader in family milk powders.

 At the same time, our established higher-
margin consumer brands, particularly 
Anlene™ in mobility and Anmum™ 
in maternal and paediatric nutrition, 
present opportunities for growth through 
new markets and through innovation.

During the year, good volume growth was 
achieved in Sri Lanka across all categories 
and especially in milk powder, while Hong 
Kong, Vietnam and China confirmed our 

view that our consumer product portfolio 
offers opportunities for growth. 

Shareholders will always earn more from  
a tonne of high-value Anlene™ than a 
tonne of standard whole milk powder, 
so growing volumes also grows value in 
line with our strategy.

With dairy demand forecast to increase 
substantially in Indonesia over the next 
eight years, our strategy demands that 
we’re ready to capitalise on this growth, 
building on our 40-year reputation in  
this market.

In April, we announced plans to invest in 
a blending and packing plant in Indonesia 
to help support the growing demand for 
high-quality dairy nutrition in this country. 
This investment will support the local 
expansion of Fonterra’s consumer brands 
Anlene™, Anmum™ and Anchor Boneeto™ 
throughout Indonesia and the plant is 
expected to be operational next year. 
Indonesia is one of the fastest growing 
markets. This investment in our local 
packing and blending capabilities will not 
only help meet local demand, but also the 
Association of Southeast Asian Nations 
(ASEAN) region’s growing appetite for 
dairy nutrition.

Anchor™ is delivering everyday 
nutrition through fresh, powdered 
and UHT milk formats, yoghurts, 
cheese and dairy spreads. It is sold 
in around 70 countries through our 
consumer and foodservice channels.

It is not only our leading brand by 
global reach, but also by heritage, 
having first appeared on Waikato-
made butter back in 1886. The 
Anchor™ branded butter went on 
to win first prize at the Melbourne 
Exhibition of 1888 – surely a sign of 
good things to come.

Anchor™ has a strong presence in 
New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Asia, the 
Middle East and the Pacific.

It is backed by the Anchor Institute 
which funds nutritional research by 
established scientific and medical 
experts, ensuring consumers get  
the best from the dairy in their diet.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012
FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 
FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012
FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

212121
21

BRAND ESTABLISHED

1886
70

COUNTRIES SELLING ANCHOR™

 
ONE AMBITION  |  PROGRESS

3 DELIVERING 

ON OUR 
FOODSERVICE 
POTENTIAL
Fonterra’s Foodservice business 
operates in around 50 countries 
with our portfolio of cheese, 
cream, butter, yoghurt, pastries 
and beverages designed to meet 
the needs of chefs and commercial 
kitchens.

4 GROWING

OUR POSITION
IN AIDING 
MOBILITY AND 
BONE HEALTH
Anlene™ is our clinically proven 
milk that provides all the important 
nutrients for bone health and 
calcium absorption. Bone health has 
a natural connection to mobility. 
a natural connection to mobility. 
We’re leveraging our 
We’re leveraging our
expertise to extend 
expertise to extend
Anlene™ in the 
Anlene™ in the
mobility category 
mobility category
for nutrition.
for nutrition.

22  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

We are the only dairy company in Asia 
Pacific with this sustained focus – turning 
chefs’ needs into profitable solutions. 

We have invested to accelerate our 
Foodservice potential, opening an 
upgraded innovation centre in Shanghai 
in May. It is allowing us to work more 
closely with major customers and the 
foodservice industry, especially in product 
development to meet consumer needs. 
It is a high potential area with demand 
for dairy products like cheese and cream 
from bakeries alone growing by over 
50 per cent every year in some second 
tier cities such as Harbin, Chongqing and 
Xiamen. Demand in tier one cities such 
as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou is 
growing by 20 to 30 per cent per year.

In addition, the new centre is developing 
innovative dairy nutrition products for 
Chinese customers and consumers. China 
is a significant priority in Fonterra’s global 
strategy and our ability to develop unique 
products and formats that suit the needs 
of the local population will be important 
to capturing growth there.

We are also exploring dairy’s benefits 
in managing gout which also influences 
mobility.

A study supported by Fonterra and 
published in the British Medical Journal's 
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases during 
the year showed that a daily dose of 
skimmed milk, enriched with two value-
add ingredients naturally found in dairy 
products, may reduce the frequency and 
intensity of gout flares.

This is the first clinical trial to study 
dietary intervention in gout, and was 
conducted by Dr Nicola Dalbeth from 
the University of Auckland's Bone and 
Joint Research Group in conjunction with 
scientists from the Fonterra Research 
Centre and the University's Department  
of Medicine. Fonterra has patented the 
use of the two ingredients in relation 
to gout and is currently investigating 
opportunities to bring this new solution  
to gout sufferers globally.

Our Group Strategy Refresh identified 
growth potential in emerging markets 
– China, ASEAN, the Middle East, North 
Africa and Latin America (Latam). We 
are generating growth in higher-margin 
products such as our Anchor™ specialty 
cooking creams. Alongside selling our 
established everyday dairy nutrition, such 
as butter and the cheese portfolio, we’ve 
created new, branded foodservice solutions 
which meet the specific needs of chefs. 

This responds to trends in these emerging 
markets, especially the growing propensity 
of consumers to dine out. 

By putting our own chefs in the kitchen, 
especially in ASEAN and China, we’re 
talking directly to the chefs interested in 
using our products and showing them 
how these can be used in profitable 
additions to their menus.

In Singapore for example, our work with 
the 35-store outlet Polar Puff and Cakes 
chain saw us develop a completely new 
bakery item for the customer called 
Hokkaido Cake. Concept to launch 
took less than three months delivering 
incremental revenue to the customer and 
growth in UHT cream sales to Fonterra.

Anlene™ has a loyal consumer following 
and now has market leadership in the Gulf 
Co-operation Council in the Middle East, 
Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, 
Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and the 
Philippines. We are supporting its market 
penetration in China with advertising and 
promotional spending and post re-launch 
in 2009 the brand became market leader 
in Shanghai and Guangzhou. 

The brand recorded constant currency 
growth of 10 per cent in Asia/AME 
during the year and is one of our big 
during the year and is one of our big 
three, contributing around 
three, contributing around 20 per cent of 
segment revenue.
segment revenue.

Our Fonterra Research Centre has a team 
Our Fonterra Research Centre has a team 
focused purely on bone health and developing 
focused purely on bone health and developing 
new products to extend the Anlene™ offer, 
new products to extend the Anlene™ offer, 
including Anlene Total™ to promote joint 
including Anlene Total™ to promote joint 
health using a form of glucosamine. 
health using a form of glucosamine. 

To support our total mobility offering, 
To support our total mobility offering, 
research will expand into muscle health 
research will expand into muscle health 
and the prevention of muscle wastage in 
and the prevention of muscle wastage in 
the elderly. Results will be used to expand 
the elderly. Results will be used to expand 
Fonterra's own consumer brands and 
Fonterra's own consumer brands and 
bring science-led solutions to our NZ Milk 
bring science-led solutions to our NZ Milk 
Products customers.
Products customers.

SHAPING 
OUR FUTURE 
WITH OUR 
PRODUCTS.

WE'RE TUNING INTO BAKERS' 
NEEDS , UNLOCKING DEMAND 
GROWTH FOR DAIRY IN 
FOODSERVICE.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

23

 
5 DEVELOPING 
SELECTED 
LEADING 
POSITIONS IN 
PAEDIATRICS
AND MATERNAL 

Our Anmum™ nutritional portfolio for 
mothers and children is an established 
leader in meeting their nutritional needs, 
achieving constant currency growth of  
16 per cent in Asia/AME this year.

We have continued to grow the brand 
and our market share, with Anmum™ 
the leading maternal milk brand in seven 
countries across the region.

In Malaysia, the brand has performed 
strongly in the infant formula follow-on 
milk category. This was achieved on the 
back of a significant effort to provide 
medical professionals with the results 
of third-party research into the benefits 
of key nutrients such as probiotics 
and gangliosides.

In Vietnam, Anmum Materna™ performed 
well, supported by a new marketing 
campaign.

ONE AMBITION  |  PAEDIATRICS

24  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

ONE AMBITION  |  PROGRESS

6 SELECTIVELY 

INVESTING IN 
SECURE MILK 
POOLS

New Zealand has earned a 
reputation for safe, high-quality 
milk. As demand in global markets 
far exceeds what we can produce 
here in New Zealand, we’re using all 
our years of experience to produce 
quality milk in selected markets, 
notably China and Latam.

These investments complement our 
New Zealand-origin product sales and 
enable us to participate in the new 
demand of at least 100 billion litres 
forecast for dairy by 2020. 

It’s a win-win for our shareholders who 
earn money on this milk, even if they 

don’t produce it, as the value of the milk 
brings back higher returns for them. 

Growing volumes enables us to stay 
relevant as a global supplier, especially 
with large customers who need us to 
have the scale to provide the volumes 
they need. It also protects some of our 
established positions. China is a good 
example. We are committed to farm 
developments there and to supporting its 
local industry. This helps maintain access 
for our New Zealand milk exports to 
China, currently our largest export market.

The year saw continued progress in 
building a sustainable, high-quality 
fresh milk supply in China which we are 

using to provide dairy nutrition for local 
consumers. In April we officially opened 
our second China farm, Yutian Farm One, 
and announced plans to develop three 
new large-scale dairy farms in the Hubei 
province. 

Their development means over time we 
will have a hub with five farms within the 
area. Combined, they will have a herd size 
of around 15,000 milking cows producing 
150 million litres a year and all in close 
proximity to the large market of Beijing.

The hub follows our first farm in Hangu 
which opened in 2007 and Yutian Farm 
One, opened in April 2012.

 7 ALIGNING BUSINESS 

STRUCTURE  TO
ORGANISATIONAL
STRATEGY
Fonterra has great people, with 
the energy and drive to make 
things happen. Having identified 
our strategic priorities, we moved 
quickly to align our structure to 
ensure we can deliver.

The new structure is aligned to our 
focus on markets with the best growth 
opportunities and categories where we 
can win. It puts more resources in key 
emerging markets while right-sizing 
resources in Europe and North America.

Having determined the consumer 
categories which offer most potential, 
based on what consumers are looking  
for, we have also strengthened our 
resources with a new nutrition division  
to drive growth.

Our new structure, effective from  
1 August 2012, is closely aligned to our 
volume and value priorities. It will see 
us focus our capital, our energy, our 
innovation and our brand portfolio on 
achieving the best results.

FONTERRA

PREVIOUS 
BUSINESS 
UNIT / 
REPORTABLE 
SEGMENT

NEW BUSINESS 
UNIT BY 
GEOGRAPHY2

NZ MILK 
PRODUCTS1

AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND 
(ANZ)

ASIA/AME

NZ Milk Products

ANZ

ASEAN/MENA

MILK SOURCING 
ARRANGEMENTS

• Farmer 

Shareholders

• In-market 
(Australia)

KEY OPERATIONS

• Collection and 
processing of 
milk, marketing 
and distribution 
of NZ Milk 
Products

• NZ Milk Products

• Branded 

consumer and 
Foodservice 
business in NZ

• Integrated 

consumer dairy 
and milk 
processing 
business in 
Australia

• International 

distribution from 
Australia and
New Zealand

• RD1

• Predominantly 
from NZ Milk 
Products

Greater China/
India

• NZ Milk Products
• In-market milk 
sourcing being 
developed

• Branded 

consumer and 
Foodservice 
business

• Branded 

consumer and 
Foodservice 
business

KEY BRANDS3

• NZMPTM

• AnchorTM, Bega®, 

MainlandTM, 
Fresh’n’FruityTM, 
Tip TopTM, 
Nestlé® Ski®, 
KapitiTM and 
Western StarTM

• AnleneTM, 
AnmumTM, 
AnchorTM and 
FernleafTM

• AnleneTM, 
AnmumTM 
and 
AnchorTM

LATAM

Latam

• In-market
• NZ Milk Products

• Soprole – 
integrated 
consumer dairy 
and milk 
processing 
business

• Dairy Partners 

Americas (DPA) – 
integrated 
consumer dairy 
and milk 
processing 
business

• SoproleTM, 
HuesitosTM, 
CaliforniaTM, 
Ninho SoleilTM, 
DosTM, AlamosTM, 
NextTM, ActivTM, 
ChamytoTM, and 
ChandelleTM 

GROUP-WIDE 
FUNCTIONS

Fonterra 
Nutrition

People, 
Culture and 
Services

Office of 
the CFO

Group 
Strategy

Mergers and 
Acquisitions

Group 
Optimisation 
and Supply 
Chain

Co-operative
Affairs

1  Formerly known as Standard & Premium Ingredients.
2 Business unit names are only a broad guide to regions in which Fonterra operates. For example, there are 

some countries that fall within the ASEAN/MENA business unit that are located outside the ASEAN/MENA 
region such as Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

3   Key brands are owned by the Fonterra Group or used under licence.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

25

 
CONTENTS:

FOREWORD   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 27 
highlights   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .28
2012 KEY DRiVERs   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .30
gROup OVERViEW .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 31
businEss sEgmEnts   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 32
sustAinAbilitY .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 40
gOVERnAncE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .42

ONE  
YEAR.
BUSINESS 
REVIEW AND 
FINANCIAL 
PERFORMANCE.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012.

26  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

BY THE  
NUMBERS

What an extraordinary year for dairy. 
Record milk flows in New Zealand 
were matched by exceptional 
growth globally, with markets 
hard-pressed to absorb the volume. 
We took the challenge head–on, 
growing exports by 11 per cent 
while managing price volatility.

We delivered strong growth in profit 
before tax, driven by good performances 
from our NZ Milk Products and Latam 
businesses, offset by a significantly higher 
tax expense for the year.

Returns to our farmer Shareholders 
were $6.40 per share for a 100 per cent 
share-backed supplier after retentions of 
10 cents per share, comprising a Farmgate 
Milk Price of $6.08 per kilogram of 
milksolids (kgMS) and a dividend of  
32 cents per share. 

Payout was down 19 per cent on the prior 
year, with the Farmgate Milk Price lower as 
a result of lower global dairy prices and the 
strength of the New Zealand dollar. However, 
overall Shareholder earnings were supported 
by the significantly higher volumes produced 
by farmers, which helped ease the impact of 
that lower Farmgate Milk Price.

Our Co-operative performed well, 
growing both volumes and value, even 
with declining prices. We handled the 
price volatility by managing our product 
mix effectively and adding value for 
customers to secure sales prices above 
GlobalDairyTrade™ (GDT™) benchmarks.

Our regional businesses achieved mixed 
performances, with Latam and Asia/AME  
showing strong constant currency 
performance, while ANZ earnings declined 
in the face of a very tough trading 
environment in Australia.

As this year has shown, vast volumes of 
milk alone don’t deliver the best returns 
to farmers. Volume has to go hand in hand 
with value. Our Group Strategy Refresh, 

developed and delivered in the first half 
of the calendar year and now underway, 
is designed to achieve this.

Speed matters in a volatile world. Having 
developed our strategy and secured 
the full support of the Board, we have 
moved quickly on execution. The planned 
implementation of Trading Among 
Farmers (TAF) will further support this.

Both our strategic priorities and TAF set 
the stage to drive us forward as a united 
Co-operative. All of our energies can be 
devoted to maximising the performance 
of our integrated business. An absolute 
priority is to deliver the best Farmgate 
Milk Price, as well as the profits which will 
further fund growth and back dividends.

Our Shareholders and our people are 
united in our belief in co-operative 
principles, in the collective strength of our 
Co-operative and in our confidence that 
we are making the right moves to grow 
our place in the global market. All of us 
together make one Fonterra.

THEO
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

27

 
ONE  
YEAR 
HIGHLIGHTS

REVENUE (NZD)

$19.77B

NET PROFIT AFTER TAX (NZD)

PAYOUT (NZD)

$624m

$6.40

FARMGATE MILK PRICE (NZD)

DIVIDEND PER SHARE (NZD)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (NZD)

$6.08

32C

42C

NORMALISED EBIT (NZD)1

19%
ASIA/AME

50%
NZMP

13%
LATAM

2(     2%(     % )
2%(     OTHER
(     OTHER

OTHER

20%
ANZ

VOLUMES

Volume (‘000 MT)

4,000

3,875

3,750

3,625

1. 
03

BILLION

1   Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.

3,500

3,772

3,866

3,941

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

28  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

SEGMENT  
EARNINGS1
IN NZD MILLIONS  FOR THE 2012 YEAR

ASIA/AME

$194

MILLION

AUSTRALIA &
NEW ZEALAND

$204
MILLION

LATAM

$129

MILLION

NZ MILK PRODUCTS

$515

MILLION

1   Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

29

 
 
KEY DRIVERS 
OF EARNINGS 
FOR 2012
Fonterra is the world’s largest 
milk processor handling 
around 22 billion litres of 
milk each year. 

The Co-operative’s integrated 
and geographically diverse 
portfolio of world-class 
assets produce high-quality 
dairy products that include 
base nutrition, foodservice, 
branded consumer products 
and advanced nutrition.

Fonterra has an extensive 
global sales network servicing 
customers in more than  
100 countries.

NORMALISED EBIT3

1.03 
BILLION

30  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

  KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

	Record	New	Zealand	milk	flows,	up	11	per	cent	to	 
1,493	million	kilograms	of	milksolids	(kgMS)	in	the	 
current	milk	season

	Total	Group	sales	volume	growth	of	2		per	cent	to	 
3.9	million	metric	tonnes	(MT)

	Farmer	Shareholders	with	100	per	cent	share-backed 
supply	received	a	payout	of	$6.40	after	retentions	for	the	
2012	year,	which	was	19	per	cent	lower	than	the	prior	year. 
Payout	includes	a	Farmgate	Milk	Price	of	$6.08	per	kgMS,	
and	a	dividend	of	32	cents	per	share.	Retentions	were 
10	cents	per	share1

	Normalised	earnings	before	interest	and	tax2	up 
2	per	cent	to	$1.03	billion	

	Higher	operating	cash	flow	of	$1.4	billion	up	$206	million

	Our	economic	gearing	ratio3	was	39.1	per	cent	as	at 
31	July	2012,	down	from	41.8	per	cent	in	2011

1  Retentions are calculated as net profit after tax attributable to Co-operative Shareholders divided by number of shares at  

31 May 2012, less dividend per share.

2  Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.
3  Based on economic net interest bearing debt to economic net interest bearing debt plus equity. This reflects the effect of debt 

hedging in place at reporting date. Equity excludes the cash flow hedge reserve.

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION1

NZD MILLION

Total sales volume (‘000 MT)

Revenue

Normalised EBITDA2

Normalised EBIT3

Normalised EBIT margin (%)

Net finance costs

Profit Before Tax

Tax (expense)/credit

Profit for the period

Earnings per share (cents)4

Dividends per share (cents)

Return on Capital Employed⁵

FY2012

3,941

 19,769

1,520

1,028

5.2%

(310)

677

(53)

624

42

32

9.3%

FY2011

3,866

19,871

1,494

1,005

5.1%

(406)

622

149

771

55

30

9.4%

% CHANGE

2%

(1%)

2%

2%

24%

9%

(136%)

(19%)

(24%)

7%

1  Historical financial information includes normalisation adjustments to enable a like-for-like comparison. 
2  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation, and non-recurring items of $41 million (FY2011: ($23) million).
3  Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.
4  Represents net profit attributable to equity holders of the Company divided by the weighted average number of shares on issue 

during the year.

5   Pre-tax Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is calculated as normalised EBIT divided by capital employed. Capital employed is 

calculated as monthly average net assets excluding net debt, derivatives, taxes and investments (other than equity investments). 

GROUP 
OVERVIEW

Fonterra delivered strong growth  
in its profit before tax for the 
financial year to 31 July 2012,  
despite the challenges in the  
global economy. This was offset 
by a significantly higher tax expense 
for the year due to the recognition 
of deferred tax credits in FY2011 
linked to one-off transactions. 

RECORD MILK FLOWS (kgMS)

1,493
MILLION

Record milk production and export 
volumes underpinned a solid operating 
performance by Fonterra for the year 
to 31 July 2012 with normalised earnings 
before interest and tax up 2 per cent  
to $1.03 billion.

Despite the challenging global 
environment with volatile dairy commodity 
prices, Fonterra performed well and the 
result for the 2012 year reflects success in 
growing both volumes and value.

The Co-operative delivered strong growth 
in profit before tax, up 9 per cent on the 
prior year to $677 million, largely as  
a result of strong performance from our 
NZ Milk Products business. A significantly 
higher tax expense, up $202 million, due 
to the recognition of deferred tax credits 
in the prior year linked to one-off  
transactions, resulted in a 19 per cent 
decline in net profit after tax to  
$624 million.

gOOD VOlumE AnD VAluE gROWth

The higher volume was mainly as a result 
of strong growth in our NZ Milk Products 
business, up 6.6 per cent1, following record 
milk collected last season. This was partly 
offset by lower sales volumes in our 
Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) business 
and the sale of the Western Australia dairy 
business which we sold in March 2011.

Whilst commodity prices fell during the 
year exacerbated by the strength of the 
NZD, sales revenue was only down by  
1 per cent due to volume gains.

Normalised EBIT increased by 2 per cent 
to $1.03 billion. Key drivers behind the 
improved normalised EBIT performance 
were higher price achievement in our 
sales book in NZ Milk Products and 
effective management of our product 
mix. This improvement was partly 
offset by a fall in the profitability of 
our ANZ business, which continued 
to be impacted by challenging trading 
conditions. The stronger NZD also had 
a negative influence on the earnings of 
some of our Asian and Latin American 
consumer operations.

The two key non-recurring items for the 
2012 year were impairment losses recorded 
in Latam of $8 million and restructuring 
costs of $30 million associated with the 
Group Strategy Refresh.

Net finance costs were $310 million, 
which was $96 million lower than last 
year. Finance costs decreased mainly due 
to favourable fair value movements in 
respect of basis spreads and lower average 
market interest rates.

Our operating cash flow improved by 
$206 million to $1.4 billion and our 
gearing ratio improved by 2.7 percentage 
points to 39.1 per cent at year-end. This is 
based on economic net interest bearing 
debt to economic net interest bearing 
debt plus equity2.

businEss REstRuctuRE

The Fonterra business has been 
reorganised to focus on efficiency and 
customer opportunities. The new structure 
took effect from 1 August 2012 for Financial 
Year 2013. The key geographies are NZ 
Milk Products, ANZ, Latam, ASEAN/
MENA and Greater China/India. These are 
supported by Fonterra Nutrition which 
targets product development across the 
regional businesses and includes specialist 
areas like Paediatrics and Foodservice. 
The new business structure aligns our 
organisation to deliver our Group  
Strategy Refresh. 

gROup cAsh FlOWs AnD cApitAl 
inVEstmEnt

Fonterra continued to invest in new 
capacity during the year to process 
growing New Zealand milk volumes. 
We also had a focused investment in 
farms in China as part of our strategy 
to establish offshore milk pools in key 
strategic regions.

Volatility in commodity prices and 
currency was a key factor driving the level 
of investment in working capital last year, 
mainly through the impact on valuation of 
inventory and accounts receivable.

1  Total sales volume, external and inter-segment.
2  Reflects the effect of debt hedging in place at reporting date. 

Equity excludes the cashflow hedge reserve.

SUMMARY OF GROUP CASH FLOWS 

NZD MILLION

Net cash flows from operating activities

Net cash flows from investing activities

Net cash flows from financing activities

FY2012

1,390

(826)

(349)

FY2011

1,184

CHANGE

17%

(488)                   (69%) 

(433)

19%

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

31

 
1

NZ MILK 
PRODUCTS

Volume: 
Value: 

Sales volume up 7 per cent1 to 2.8 million MT
Strong normalised EBIT2 growth to $515 million up 23 per cent
Higher Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) to 7.6 per cent 
up from 6.7 per cent

Good performance 
in out-of-home and 
paediatrics markets

Record milk collection 
led to record exports

Darfield 
construction – the 
first bags of whole 
milk powder rolled 
off the production 
line in August 2012

pRicE REAlisAtiOn, bEttER pRODuct 
mix AnD shORtER cOntRActs

At a normalised EBIT level, NZ Milk 
Products delivered a strong performance, 
up 23 per cent to $515 million, compared 
to last year. This was mainly as a result 
of achieving higher prices above GDT™ 
through our continued efforts to add 
value to our products, and from effective 
management of our product mix. We 
increased our average price premiums 
relative to GDT™ prices compared to those 
from the previous period. This reflected 
a better focus on benchmarking sales 
prices relative to GDT™ by our sales teams, 
achievement of premiums for security of 
supply to our key customers, and some 

benefit from falling dairy product prices as 
a result of a limited number of remaining 
longer-term contracts.

We have swapped most of our long-term 
customer contracts to shorter tenor 
pricing arrangements indexed to GDT™. 
As we move forward, this will progressively 
shift our sales book closer to the spot 
market and reduce earnings volatility.

Our improvement in gross profit included 
a positive product mix effect compared to 
that of last year. We managed to optimise 
our sales book effectively to match the 
most profitable streams and this had 
a positive influence on profitability for 
the period.

REcORD milK FlOWs

The 2012 dairy season (1 June 2011 to  
31 May 2012) provided unusually strong 
conditions for pasture growth in New 
Zealand resulting in a significant increase 
in our New Zealand milk collection to 
1,493 million kgMS, representing an 
11 per cent increase on last season.

Our total sales volume increased by  
7 per cent to 2.8 million MT, largely reflecting 
the significant increase in milk collected in 
the financial year and the continued demand 
for high quality dairy nutrition. This volume 
growth was offset by weaker dairy product 
prices and was exacerbated by a stronger 
NZD compared to the USD resulting in 
revenue growth of only 1 per cent.

1  Total sales volume, external plus inter-segment.
2  Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.

32  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

 
 
 
 
CONTRIBUTION MARGIN PER MT

SALES VOLUMES

After taking into account selling, marketing and distribution 
expenses, our contribution margin per MT was as follows:

NZD MILLION

Sales volume (‘000 MT)1

Gross profit

Selling, marketing and distribution expenses

Contribution margin

Contribution margin (per MT)

Growth

1  Total sales volume, external and inter-segment.

FY2012

2,847

1,406

(309)

1,097

385

7%

FY2011

2,670

1,212

(253)

959

359

25%

Metric Tonnes (‘000)

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

FY2011

FY2012

9
4
0
,
1

3
3
9

3
1
5

1
6
4

4
1
4

2
8
4

8
5

6
6

8
9
2

3
2
3

4
5
4

6
6
4

WHOLE MILK 
POWDER

SKIM MILK 
POWDER

CREAM

CASEIN

CHEESE

OTHER

KEY FINANCIALS1

NZD MILLION

Sales volume (‘000 MT)2

Revenue

Cost of New Zealand milk

New Zealand manufacturing costs

Other costs of goods sold

Gross profit

Normalised EBIT3

Normalised EBIT margin

Normalised EBITDA4

Return on Capital Employed5

FY2011

CHANGE

FY2012

2,847

15,717

2,670

15,593

(9,033)

(10,235)

(2,689)

(2,589)

1,406

515

3.3%

895

7.6%

(2,437)

(1,709)

1,212

420

2.7%

799

6.7%

ROCE5

8%

7%

6%

5%

4%

3%

2%

1%

0

6.7%

FY2011

7.6%

FY2012

7%

1%

12%

(10%)

(51%)

16%

23%

12%

1  FY2011 has been restated to reflect the movement of Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) into NZ Milk Products from ANZ and China 

Foodservice out of NZ Milk Products into Asia/AME. These both occurred in FY2012. 

2  Total sales volume, external and inter-segment.
3  Earnings before interest, tax, and non-recurring items.
4  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and non-recurring items.
5  Pre-tax Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is calculated as normalised EBIT divided by capital employed. Capital employed is 

calculated as monthly average net assets excluding net debt, derivatives, taxes and investments (other than equity investments).

gOOD pERFORmAncE in Out-OF-
hOmE AnD pAEDiAtRics mARKEts

During the year we focused on expanding 
our Foodservice business, which is aimed 
at the rapidly growing ‘out-of-home 
nutrition’ market. This resulted in higher 
sales volumes which supported strong 
growth in earnings. Leveraging the 
growing demand for infant nutritional 
products globally, NZ Milk Products also 
benefitted from strong volume growth 
in semi and fully-finished products, and 
specialised ingredients that are supplied 
to the infant formula manufacturers.

cOntinuED cOst impROVEmEnts

While New Zealand manufacturing costs 
increased by 10 per cent this year, on a per 
kgMS of production basis manufacturing 
costs were consistent year on year. Other 

costs of goods sold, which primarily 
relates to non-New Zealand sourced milk, 
increased by 51 per cent mainly due to the 
consolidation of RD1 (fully acquired in July 
2011), asset impairments, and the sell down 
of higher valued opening inventory.

Our operating expenses increased by 
22 per cent primarily as a result of 
higher volumes which gave rise to higher 
storage and distribution costs, and the 
acquisition of RD1.

A measure of the underlying operational 
performance of the business is contribution 
margin per MT of sales. This measure strips 
out the impact of both volume changes, 
and dairy product price, and exchange rate 
fluctuations, which are largely reflected 
in the cost of New Zealand milk through 
the Farmgate Milk Price and the cost of 
globally-sourced milk.

inVEsting in OuR FutuRE  
With DARFiElD 

Darfield, our new manufacturing site 
in Canterbury started processing milk 
shortly after the end of the 2012 financial 
year. This is a significant investment 
and is a new plant built on Fonterra’s 
first greenfield processing site in 
approximately 16 years. It will be one 
of our most efficient powder plants, 
located in the heart of one of the fastest 
growing dairying regions in New Zealand. 
The efficiency, capacity and flexibility 
of Darfield will help us drive further 
performance improvements for our  
New Zealand milk business.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

33

 
2

AUSTRALIA & 
NEW ZEALAND

Volume: 

Value: 

Sales volume down 4 per cent1 in Australia after adjusting 
for the sale of Western Australia
Normalised EBIT2 down 20 per cent to $204 million
Strong focus on maximising cash flow through working capital 
management and cutting discretionary spend

Market shares in 
Australia largely 
stablilised through 
increased trade and 
promotional spend

New Zealand market 
shares remain strong

Significant reshaping 
of Fonterra’s 
continuing operations 
in Australia and 
New Zealand

The trading environment in Australia  
has been challenging over the last 
two years. This was mainly driven by 
weakening consumer spending which 
resulted in increased pressure on pricing 
to drive volume and market share and 
greater competition in the cheese and 
yoghurt categories.  

1  Total sales volume, external plus inter-segment.
2  Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.

34  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

lOWER EARnings

Adjusting for last year’s sale of the Western 
Australia dairy business, our total sales 
volume in Australia and New Zealand 
(ANZ) of 959,000 MT was 4 per cent1 lower 
than that of the previous financial year. 
Volume was down 3 per cent in Fonterra 
Brands Australia as a result of tough 
trading conditions and loss of private 
label contract volume, and marginally 
down in both New Zealand businesses. In 
Australia, we managed to largely maintain 
market share across most categories in a 
very competitive market with higher trade 
and promotional spend. Our ingredients 
business in Australia remained broadly 
stable in 2012, and our Foodservice 

business continued to achieve solid 
growth with volume of 30,000 MT. 

Normalised EBIT was down 20 per cent 
to $204 million, with increased trade 
spend in Australia being one of the main 
reasons for this decline. Our New Zealand 
business had marginal growth in EBIT, on 
the back of our market leading competitive 
position and our continued focus on 
operating efficiencies.

Fonterra Ingredients Australia’s milk 
collection volumes were similar to those 
recorded for last year, although sales 
volumes declined 3 per cent to 330,000 MT. 
EBIT was lower due to the higher milk price 
paid to our suppliers in response to strong 
competition for milk supply.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUSTRALIA VOLUME 
MARKET SHARE BY CATEGORY

NEW ZEALAND VOLUME 
MARKET SHARE BY CATEGORY

%

40

30

20

10

0

FY2011

FY2012

14.4

14.1

26.7

27.4

24.7

25.2

29.7

29.0

%

80

60

40

20

0

FY2011

FY2012

62.2 63.8

21.3 22.2

49.7 46.2

42.2 43.5

69.0 65.5

56.1 54.2

15.0 15.1

SPREADS

YOGHURT

CHEESE

DAIRY DESSERTS

ICECREAM

SPREADS

YOGHURT

CHEESE

DAIRY FOOD

FLAVOURED
MILK

FRESH
WHITE MILK

Source: Fonterra analysis of published market data.

KEY FINANCIALS1

NZD MILLION

Sales volume (‘000 MT)2

Revenue – consumer and foodservice

Revenue – dairy nutrition

Eliminations (intra-segment)

Total revenue

Normalised EBIT3

Normalised EBIT margin

Normalised EBITDA4

Sales and marketing as a % of revenue5

Return on Capital Employed6

FY2012

959

2,414

1,812

(378)

3,848

204

5.3%

281

3.3%

7.1%

FY2011

CHANGE

(13%)

(7%)

(6%)

42%

(9%)

(20%)

(16%)

1,096

2,582

1,925

(267)

4,240

256

6%

336

3.6%

8.5%

1  FY2011 has been restated to reflect the movement of QSR into NZ Milk Products from ANZ. This occurred in FY2012. 
2  Total sales volume, external plus inter-segment.
3  Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.
4  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and non-recurring items.
5  Total revenue, external plus inter-segment.
6  Pre-tax Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is calculated as normalised EBIT divided by capital employed. Capital employed is calculated as monthly average net assets excluding net debt, derivatives, 

taxes and investments (other than equity investments).

REshAping AnZ

innOVAtiOn

ANZ benefited from a number of successful 
product launches as a result of ongoing 
product innovation. These included the 
launch of lactose free milk, Zero Lacto™, 
into New Zealand, the introduction of 
a new probiotic yoghurt, Symbio™, in 
New Zealand and diet yoghurt brand, 
Soleil™, in Australia, all of which appeal 
to a health conscious audience.
to a health conscious audience.

We expect the pricing and retailing pressure 
in the Australian market to be structural 
in nature, and this has been a catalyst for 
Fonterra to address the cost base of our 
ANZ business. In 2012 significant focus 
was placed on reducing our working capital 
and discretionary spend. At the end of 2012 
a further range of initiatives commenced, 
including a reduction in headcount and 
a rationalisation across the supply chain. 
In addition to this, our management team 
at ANZ also commenced the successful 
implementation of a new enterprise 
software package to help respond to the 
challenging environment.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

35

 
3

ASIA / AME

Volume: 
Value: 

Sales volume growth of 3 per cent1
Normalised EBIT growth of 8 per cent on a constant 
currency basis2

Maintained market 
leadership position 
in Anlene™ in target 
markets across Asia 
and the Middle East as 
well as Shanghai and 
Guangzhou  
in China

Asia, Africa and the Middle East (Asia/ 
AME) achieved good results given the 
various challenges encountered during 
the year. These included increases in 
commodity prices, devaluation of the 
Asia/AME basket of currencies against 
the NZD, supply constraints, tightening 
regulatory environment and the impact 
of floods.  

Continued 
roll-out of Anlene™ 
and Anmum™ into 
China – with strong 
volume growth

Supply chain 
issues in Indonesia 
and flooding in 
Thailand impacted 
earnings

VOlumE AnD REVEnuE gROWth

OpERAtiOnAl chAllEngEs

Despite these challenges, Asia/AME 
achieved volume growth of 3 per cent 
and constant currency revenue growth 
of 10 per cent. The increase in volumes 
and revenue was driven by a strong 
performance in Sri Lanka across all 
categories, and strong growth in Vietnam, 
Hong Kong, Philippines and Malaysia 
as a result of good performance in 
Anlene™ and Anmum™. China Brands 
had good volume growth with early 
launch momentum in Jiangsu coupled 
with market share gains in Shanghai and 
Guangzhou.  

This strong performance was partially 
offset by continued supply issues, 
combined with muted demand and 
constraints on advertising activities in 
Indonesia, flooding and UHT supply issues 
in Thailand and a price premium gap on 
our product offerings compared with 
competition in Taiwan (New Young). 
Middle East volumes were also impacted 
by sales disruption due to distributor 
transition and pricing competition.

1  Total sales volumes, external plus inter-segment.
2  Constant currency movement calculated by applying prior period foreign exchange rates to current period results.

36  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

 
 
ANLENE  
MARKET SHARE

#1 BAHRAIN
#1 QATAR

#1 KUWAIT

#1 GUANGZHOU
#1 VIETNAM

#1 SHANGHAI

#1 SAUDI ARABIA

#1 UAE

#1 SRI LANKA

#2 TAIWAN

#1 HONG KONG

#1 PHILIPPINES

#1 THAILAND
#1 SINGAPORE

#1 MALAYSIA

#1 INDONESIA

KEY FINANCIALS1

NZD MILLION

Sales volume (‘000 MT)2

Revenue

EBIT3

EBIT margin

EBITDA4

Sales & marketing as a % of revenue5

Return on Capital Employed6

FY2012

264

1,855

194

10.5%

204

15.4%

25.1%

FY2011

CHANGE

3%

3%

1%

1%

256

1,793

193

10.8%

202

14.9%

26.8%

1  FY2011 has been restated to reflect the movement of China Foodservice out of NZ Milk Products into Asia / AME. This occurred in FY2012.
2  Total sales volume, external plus inter-segment.
3  Earnings before interest and tax.
4  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.
5  Total revenue, external plus inter-segment.
6  Pre-tax Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is calculated as normalised EBIT divided by capital employed. Capital employed is calculated as monthly average net assets excluding net debt, derivatives, 

taxes and investments (other than equity investments).

cOntinuED succEss With AnlEnE™ 
AnD Anmum™

Our Anmum™ brand in Malaysia has a 
market leadership volume position in 
the Infant Formula/Follow-On premium 
segment. This achievement is reflected in 
the constant currency revenue growth in 
Malaysia of 6 per cent.

The roll-out of our consumer brands business 
in China has continued to be successful 
with Anlene™ maintaining its leadership 
position in bone health dairy products 
in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou. 
Our China Foodservice business is now 
supplying some of the largest food 
businesses operating in China. Significant 
growth in out-of-home dining in China 
continues, being driven by urbanisation, 
economic prosperity and income growth.

Ebit gROWth

Selling and marketing expenses were 
higher than last year mainly because of 
an increase in advertising and promotions 
spend of around 11 per cent in constant 
currency. The higher spend was focussed 
on our continued expansion in China 
and ongoing investment in Vietnam and 
Hong Kong to build brand awareness and 
fuel another level of growth as well as 
investments in Indonesia to support new 
product launches. 

Our EBIT of $194 million was 1 per cent 
higher than last year. On a constant 
currency basis our EBIT was up 8 per cent 
reflecting the higher revenue growth, 
which we achieved after taking into 
account the higher advertising and 
promotion spend in China.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

37

 
4

LATAM

Volume: 
Value: 

Sales volume growth of 2 per cent1
Soprole’s normalised EBIT grew 13 per cent on a constant 
currency basis2

Investing to upgrade 
Chilean yoghurt 
production to address 
capacity constraints

Continued focus 
on new product 
innovation and 
an improved 
product mix

Challenging 
conditions for Dairy 
Partners Americas 
(DPA)

Latin America (Latam) achieved a 
favourable performance with volume 
growth and improved margins in Soprole. 
Dairy Partners Americas (DPA) had  
growth in normalised EBIT, but this was 
primarily because of a review in our 
manufacturing cost arrangements and 
the business faced some challenging 
conditions in several of its markets.

stROng pERFORmAncE  
FROm sOpROlE

Soprole had total sales volume growth of 
2 per cent, as a result of a better product 
mix although this was constrained to 
some extent by our capacity constraints in 
yoghurts and dairy desserts. Our revenue 
was slightly lower at $805 million mainly 
because of the strong NZD, but in constant 
currency revenue was up 4 per cent. 

Our focus on improving margins resulted 
in a normalised EBIT for Soprole of  
$83 million, which was 6 per cent higher 
than last year. On a constant currency 
basis normalised EBIT growth was even 
higher, up 13 per cent compared to 

last year. Our continued success with 
new product innovation resulted in an 
improved product mix, with an increase 
in volumes in the higher margin dairy 
product categories like mature cheese and 
margarine, and reduced volumes in the 
lower margin white liquid milk category. 
This was partially offset by our increased 
investment in advertising and promotion 
to support the Soprole™ brand, and higher 
freight and third party warehousing costs.

A key feature of our Soprole business has 
been the focus on innovation, with over  
35 per cent of consumer sales represented 
by product innovations introduced in the 
last three years. 

1  Total sales volumes, external plus inter-segment.
2  Constant currency movement calculated by applying prior period foreign exchange rates to current period results.

38  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

 
 
FONTERRA’S INVESTMENT  
IN LATIN AMERICA 

DPA CONSUMER
DPA MANUFACTURING

SOPROLE

DPA CONSUMER
DPA MANUFACTURING
SOPROLE

SOPROLE’S 
CONSTANT CURRENCY 
PERFORMANCE1

NZD MILLION

FY2012

FY2011 CHANGE

Revenue

Normalised EBIT

863

88

830

78

4%

13%

1  Constant currency movement calculated by applying prior 
period foreign exchange rates to current period results.

FY2012

FY2011

CHANGE

319

805

129

10.3%

154

6.1%

19.2%

312

830

119

9.4%

140

10.2%

17.4%

2%

(3%)

8%

10%

KEY FINANCIALS

NZD MILLION

Sales volume (‘000 MT)1

Revenue

Normalised EBIT2

Normalised EBIT margin for Soprole

Normalised EBITDA3

Sales & marketing as a % of revenue4

Return on Capital Employed5

1  Total sales volume, external plus inter-segment.
2  Earnings before interest, tax and non-recurring items.
3  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and non-recurring items.
4  Total revenue, external plus inter-segment.
5  Pre-tax Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is calculated as normalised EBIT divided by capital employed. Capital employed is calculated as monthly average net assets excluding net debt, derivatives, 

taxes and investments (other than equity investments).

Soprole began execution of a project to 
increase its yoghurt production capacity, 
which will become available from January 
2013. Our team is also in the process of 
developing a new central distribution 
centre that is likely to be completed late 
next year. 

chAllEnging cOnDitiOns FOR 
DAiRY pARtnERs AmERicAs

Total DPA-related income of $46 million 
was 14 per cent up on last year after 
normalising for an impairment of  
$8 million in the value of the investment  
in Venezuela. 

DPA faced a number of challenges 
during the year. In Brazil, higher 
commodity costs could not be fully 
recovered through pricing, while our 
promotional costs increased in response 
to new competition. Venezuela remained 
a difficult market, including managing 
the effect of price controls across major 
categories and high rate of inflation. 
In Ecuador, flooding in large parts of the 
country disrupted distribution channels 
for a two month period. 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

39

 
FONTERRA AND 
SUSTAINABILITY

93

per ceNt Of 
waste re-used 
Or recycLed

8.2

custOMer vaLue 
MaNageMeNt 
scOre

63

per ceNt 
reductION 
IN trIfr Over 
fIve years

40  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

fonterra is committed to operating 
sustainably and contributing to the 
communities in which we operate.
we aim to use resources responsibly, 
tracking our performance with  
regard to water, carbon, energy 
use and waste.

WAtER

In the 2012 financial year, Fonterra’s 
New Zealand manufacturing sites 
used 35.8 million cubic metres of fresh 
water, recycling or reusing 7.8 per cent. 
This compares with the prior year’s 
consumption of 35.5 million cubic metres, 
with 7.3 per cent reused or recycled.  
The marginally higher consumption in 
2012 relates to higher processing volumes 
in a record season. Recycling reduces the 
volume of water required for processing 
and also lessens the wastewater volume. 

Our Australian sites withdrew 2.3 million 
cubic metres of water in the period from  
1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012, compared to 
2.6 million cubic metres in the prior year. 

WAstE

Fonterra’s eco-efficiency programme 
continues to reduce the environmental 
impact of manufacturing through 
redesigning operational systems, reusing 
non-recyclable materials and recycling. 

We aim to reuse or recycle at least 
90 per cent of the solid waste produced. 

In 2012, 92.59 per cent of waste was reused 
or recycled in our New Zealand operations 
compared to 92.26 per cent in 2011. 

Fonterra has partnered with Envirofert 
Ltd in New Zealand to divert food waste 
from landfill. Dairy products that are past 
their ‘best before date’, damaged or out of 
specification are now either converted into 
stock food or composted. The operation 
includes a de-packaging plant which 
recovers product packaging for recycling, 
with rebates donated to local not-for-profit 
organisations. Since operations began in 
January 2012, 1,228 tonnes of product was 
diverted from landfill.

Fonterra has also installed over 
430 recycling bins at schools and milk 
depots as part of our Milk for Schools pilot 
programme in Northland. The Tetra Pak 
milk cartons are collected and shipped to 
Thailand where they are recycled into fibre 
or into roofing sheets and composite boards 
used in the building industry. At year-end, 
44 tonnes of cartons had been collected 
with 24 tonnes exported for recycling.

EnERgY

The efficient use of energy is a key  
factor in our drive to create a sustainable 
dairy industry. 

Fonterra runs one of the largest energy-
efficiency programmes in New Zealand 
and since 2003 has achieved reductions 
in our manufacturing intensity per tonne 
of product. In 2012, energy intensity per 
tonne was 9.45 GJ/tonne (GJT), a 2.5 per 
cent reduction on the prior year’s 9.69 GJT. 
The reduction is due to ongoing benefits 
from our energy-efficiency programme, 
along with high milk flows during the year 
improving asset utilisation. 

For the period ended 30 June 2012, 
our Australian operations reduced their 
energy intensity per tonne by 2.5 per cent to 
8.89 GJT for the period, due to a 6 per cent 
increase in product tonnages and some 
changes in product mix. This data excludes 
the Western Australia dairy business sold in 
March 2011 from the comparative period.

cARbOn FOOtpRint

Fonterra was the first major dairy producer 
to provide a full life cycle of its greenhouse 
gas emissions of 2004/05 in NZ. The 
methodology measured and established 
a carbon emission baseline for Fonterra 
to use as a benchmark against future 
performance. A comprehensive update of 
this assessment is now underway and will 
become available in 2013. 

sustAinAbilitY stRAtEgY REViEW

We are committed to embedding 
sustainability into everything we do as 
a business. It is a work in progress, with 
the Co-operative reviewing our global 
sustainability strategy over the past year 
with the aim of developing targets and 
supporting action plans. These will focus 
on priority areas of water, biodiversity, 
climate change and carbon, animal 
welfare and human nutrition. 

QuAlitY

– support our people when they are hurt 
and develop an environment where people 
are healthy, well and safe

Process – develop core systems, processes 
and procedures and work to eliminate harm 
through proactive management of incidents 
and exposure risk

Plant and Equipment – ensure a healthy 
and safe work environment through 
procurement, design, management and 
maintenance practices.

Quality is the foundation for growing 
lasting customer partnerships and 
building trusted brands. 

This is everyone’s responsibility 
within Fonterra, from the time we 
collect milk to the time a customer 
or consumer uses our products.

Fonterra’s customers assessed our 
overall product performance as being 
world-class in our 2012 customer value 
management survey. For the last 
three years, Fonterra has consistently 
achieved a value of 8.2 for our overall 
product performance. Any score 
over eight is considered best in class. 
Our customers evaluated our overall 
product performance as being superior 
to that of our competitors.

Our drive to improve confidence in 
our global supply chain continued this 
year, with quality assessment of milk 
pools across 16 countries and in excess 
of 300 food safety audits of contracted 
manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and 
packing vendors.

hEAlth AnD sAFEtY

Fonterra has a goal of being world-class 
in its health and safety performance by 
FY2014. We have defined world-class as:

•	 	Zero	fatal	incidents	–	employees,	

contractors and public in operations 
within our control

•	 	Total	Injury	Frequency	Rate	(TRIFR)	of	 
less than 10 per million work hours

•	 	Audit	scores	of	80	per	cent	or	higher	on	
our group-wide health and safety audit

We have put in place a comprehensive 
health and safety programme to support 
achievement of these goals, called the 
“Safe Home System”. 

The key elements of this system are:

People – build an organisation and people 
that believe and demonstrate that zero 
harm is possible

thE sAFE hOmE sYstEm

PEOPLE

HEALTH & 
WELLNESS

INJURY
MANAGEMENT

LEADERSHIP 
CULTURE &
ENGAGEMENT

CORE
STANDARDS

LIFE
SAVING
RULES

PLANT &
EQUIPMENT

PROCUREMENT

DESIGN

CAPITAL 
DECISIONS

CRITICAL
RISK

SAFE HOME
AUDIT

PROCESS

Our people are healthy, 
live with balance and go home 
safely every day, everywhere.

During 2012 we have made good progress 
towards these goals. Significant work 
has been done on risk management with 
active tracking and management now 
occurring of near-miss events for our 
highest-rated risks.

We are developing global minimum 
standards for our key risks to further 
reduce the risk of fatalities. This includes a 
strong focus on vehicle and on-road safety 
as two Fonterra contractors were killed in 
vehicle-related incidents in Asia in FY2012.

An incident and risk management system, 
“First Priority”, has been rolled out 
globally, allowing for consistent reporting 
of incident and management of risk across 
all countries in which we operate.

Our Group TRIFR was 12.7 for the 2012 
year with our operations in China, Asia, 
the Middle East and South America all 
having TRIFR rates well below 10.

Significant improvements have been made 
in group-wide health and safety auditing 
scores with average scores improving 
from 52 per cent in 2008 to 83 per cent in 
the current year.

cOmmunitY

Fonterra recognises that a sustainable 
business must provide both financial and 
practical support to social initiatives. 

Highlights of the year include our Milk for 
Schools pilot in the Northland region of 
New Zealand to inform a potential national 
rollout in 2013. This is covered in more 
detail on page 13 of this report, which also 
details progress with our Soong Ching Ling 
Foundation partnership in rural China.

As firm believers in dairy nutrition, we share 
the benefits with communities when we can, 
with our KickStart Breakfast partnership with 
Sanitarium a good example. It provides over 
22,000 students at over 530 New Zealand 
decile one-to-four schools with a healthy 
breakfast twice a week. 

With sites across New Zealand, we’re 
very much part of the local community, 
especially in rural areas. Through our 
Grass Roots Fund, we provide grants of 
between $500 and $5,000 to support 
local initiatives. In the past year the 
Fund received 1,164 applications, with 
345 initiatives supported. Programmes 
included supporting school environmental 
initiatives, purchasing locator beacons 
for rescue services and providing funding 
for community events which bring rural 
communities together. In total, we 
provided $542,513 in funding.

In March 2012, final payments were 
made from our Fonterra Rebuilding 
Communities Programme established 
to support Canterbury’s recovery after 
the earthquakes. Over 2011 and 2012, 
the programme provided $2 million for 
initiatives restoring community facilities 
and getting businesses to function. 
This was in addition to the more than 
$3.9 million donated last year to the 
Red Cross by Fonterra and our staff 
immediately after the earthquakes.

Other community support includes 
donations to charities such as Auckland 
City Mission, Salvation Army and Australia’s 
Foodbank, and financial donations to victims 
of the Japanese earthquake/tsunami. 

Beyond New Zealand, Fonterra is 
partnering with ChildFund across 
Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka to 
improve access to early childhood care and 
development services for children up to age 
five. In Chile, a Soprole programme to get 
students at more than 1,780 educational 
institutions involved in sports marked its 
11th successful year. The programme is in 
line with the Chilean Government’s efforts 
to reduce child obesity.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

41

 
CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

the Board and Management of fonterra are committed to achieving the 
highest standard of corporate governance and leadership. 

to support our role as a Board, we have developed governance systems that 
reflect fonterra’s unique characteristics and requirements as a significant 
New Zealand based co-operative competing in the global dairy market.

iAn bROWn  
shAREhOlDER’s cOuncil chAiRmAn 

thEO spiERings  
chiEF ExEcutiVE OFFicER

siR hEnRY VAn DER hEYDEn 
chAiRmAn OF thE bOARD

WE FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE IN A 
WAY THAT PROMOTES:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

	The	interests	of	our	shareholders	

	Transparency,	giving	our	shareholders	and	other	
stakeholders	the	information	they	need	to	assess	our	
performance

	Effective	risk	management	to	ensure	that	Fonterra	meets	
its	business	objectives	and	all	legal	requirements	

	A	good	balance	between	the	roles	and	functions	of	the	
Board	and	management

	Communication	with	important	stakeholder	groups,	
including	employees,	customers,	farmers,	governments	
and	the	communities	within	which	Fonterra	works

During the financial year ended 
31 July 2012, Sir Henry van der 
Heyden announced his intention 
to retire as Chairman, effective 
from the 2012 Annual Meeting in 
December. John Wilson is Chairman-
Elect following a vote by the board. 
Sir Henry will remain a director until 
sometime in 2013.

During the same period, John 
Ballard retired from the board as an 
Appointed Director, having served 
since 2006.

Post balance date, Colin Armer 
resigned as a Elected Director. Mr 
Armer served on the board from 2006.

Appointed Director Ralph Waters 
has agreed to extend his tenure 
for up to six months beyond the 
2012 annual meeting, subject to 
ratification by shareholders at the 
annual meeting.

42  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

OUR 
BOARD

OuR bOARD

The Board has up to 13 members – nine 
elected from the shareholder base and four 
appointed by the Board and ratified at the 
Annual Meeting by Shareholders.

The Appointed Directors are selected 
to ensure that the Board has the full 
complement of skills and competencies 
needed to lead an enterprise of Fonterra’s 
size, sophistication and complexity. They 
bring to the Board perspectives and 
experience to augment the direct industry 
knowledge and other expertise provided by 
the Elected Directors. 

As the Elected Directors must be 
shareholders, they will have a supplier 
relationship with Fonterra and generally 
will not be classified as independent 
under best practice definitions. The 
Appointed Directors, however, do meet 
the NZX criteria for independence – and 
are expected by Fonterra to maintain 
independence for the length of their term. 

All Directors comply with the legislative 
requirements for disclosing interests and 
with Fonterra’s in-house Securities Code 
of Conduct which regulates both Directors 
and management in their personal dealings 
with Fonterra securities and those of 
related companies. Fonterra does not have 
executive Directors.

bOARD EFFEctiVEnEss

It is important that all members of the 
Board are appropriately informed of the 
Group’s activities and have access to 
operations and management. 

Directors are supplied with detailed 
monthly performance reports and analysis 
in advance of all Board meetings, together 
with papers on any significant commercial 
initiatives, and information on the Group’s 
competitive position and general economic 
indicators.

The Directors also make a point of meeting 
away from head-office on a semi-regular 
basis so that they can broaden their 
understanding of the business through 
direct contact with managers and 
customers. Directors also regularly visit key 
markets to gain a better understanding of 
the global dairy market. 

Following appointment to the Board, 
Directors undertake an induction 
programme to familiarise themselves with 
the Group. Areas covered include:

•	 business strategy and planning 

•	  an overview of key financial metrics to 

monitor business performance

•	  an overview of material areas of the 
Fonterra business, through meetings 
with key executives, and

•	 the Fonterra Constitution and other 

governance systems.

bOARD ROlE AnD chARtER

Our Board is responsible for leadership, 
direction and oversight of the Group 
and is accountable to shareholders for 
overall performance of the Co-operative. 
Specific functions in the discharge of this 
responsibility are: 

•	 	review	of	the	dividend	policy	and	

declaration of the interim and final 
dividend

•	 	declaration	of	the	Farmgate	Milk	Price	

and Dividends 

•	 	declaration	of	the	actual	Co-operative	

share price from the commencement of 
each season (the Fair Value Share price)

•	 	reviewing	and	approving	the	Group	

strategy and business plans

•	 	appointing	the	CEO	and	reviewing	the	

CEO’s performance

•	 	delegating	authority	to	management,	
and monitoring the exercise of that 
authority

Murray King, Scott Montgomerie, Philip 
Wilson and Gerard Wolvers. The Board 
reviews the DRC’s performance against 
its Terms of Reference but, given the 
independent nature of the committee, 
would refer any matters of concern to an 
Annual or Special Meeting of Shareholders. 

The Board sets the remuneration of 
Appointed Directors.

shAREhOlDERs’ cOuncil 

One of the Board’s most important 
relationships is with the Shareholders’ 
Council. The Council, which is established 
under the Fonterra Constitution, is 
independent of the Board and comprises 
35 shareholder-elected councillors, 
each representing a different ward. The 
functions of the Council are set out in 
the Constitution. The Council reviews 
the Board’s statement of intentions for 
the performance and operations of the 
Group and publishes an Annual Report, 
commenting on these matters. The Council 
and the Board meet regularly, as do the 
Chairs of the Board and the Council and 
the Chairs of their respective Committees.

•	 	engaging	in	the	development	of	the	

cOmmunicAtiOns 

strategic plan and setting the strategy 
for the Group and for the major business 
units within the Group

•	 	approving	significant	acquisitions	

and disposals outside management’s 
delegated authorities, and

•	 	overseeing	the	Board	Committees	and	
the areas covered by each of those 
Committees.

The Board Charter outlines the key values 
and practices of Fonterra and provides 
a reference point for the Board as a 
whole, and for individual Directors, in the 
execution of their duties. The Charter is 
reviewed regularly, as are the Committee 
Charters (see www.fonterra.com for the 
Charter documents).

board meetings

The Board meets formally at least seven 
times a year and calls additional meetings 
to deal with specific issues as they arise. 
Between full Board meetings, the Board 
uses Committees and Working Groups 
to advance its work programme and to 
enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of 
its decision-making.

DiREctORs’ REmunERAtiOn 
cOmmittEE (DRc)

In accordance with the Constitution, 
shareholders elect an independent 
committee of six shareholders to consider 
and make recommendations to the 
Annual Meeting on Elected Director 
remuneration. The members of the DRC are 
Rodney Wilson (Chair), Murray Holdaway, 

Fonterra is committed to maintaining 
and improving dialogue with our 
shareholder base to ensure that the 
objectives of both the Group and the 
shareholders are understood. We run 
an extensive shareholder and supplier 
relations programme, managed by the 
Managing Director Co-operative Affairs. 
We also provide channels for electronic 
communication through the 
www.fonterra.com and Fencepost websites. 

shareholder/supplier meetings

A schedule of regular meetings with 
shareholders and suppliers is held across 
the country each year. Often these are 
run in conjunction with the Shareholders’ 
Council, Area Managers and the Fonterra 
Farmer Network.

In addition, the Board consults with 
supplying shareholders on specific issues 
as they arise. 

Fonterra .com and Fencepost

Presentations on the development 
of the business are available on the www.
fonterra.com website. The Group also uses 
email alerts, including regular updates 
from the Chairman and regular Shareholder 
Updates. 

The Fencepost website enables Fonterra 
suppliers, their employees and business 
partners to transact online with Fonterra 
and access information and tools on milk 
production and quality, online statements 
and up to the minute news and weather. 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

43

 
BOARD COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE OR GROUP

MEMBERSHIP AS AT 1 AUGUST 2012

PURPOSE

Audit, Finance and Risk 
Committee (AFRC)

David Jackson (Chair)
David MacLeod
Ian Farrelly

John Waller
Malcolm Bailey

To assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance 
responsibilities in relation to Fonterra’s risk management and 
internal control frameworks, financial reporting, audit activities and 
treasury matters.

Appointments, 
Remuneration  
and Development 
Committee (AR&D)

Supplier Relations 
Committee (SRC)

Sir Henry van der Heyden 
(Chair)
David Jackson (observer)
Ian Farrelly
John Monaghan

John Wilson
Ralph Waters
Sir Ralph Norris

To assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance 
responsibilities in relation to the recruitment, retention, 
remuneration and development of Directors, executives and other 
employees, and to promote a safe and healthy working environment.

John Monaghan (Chair)
David MacLeod
Ian Farrelly

Jim van der Poel
Malcolm Bailey
Nicola Shadbolt

To assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance 
responsibilities in relation to the supply of milk from Fonterra 
suppliers, and to seek to resolve supplier complaints before 
reference to the Milk Commissioner.

Fair Value Share Review 
Committee (FVSRC)

John Waller (Chair)
David Jackson
David MacLeod

Jim van der Poel
John Monaghan
John Wilson

To assist the Board to fulfil its corporate governance responsibilities 
in relation to the Fair Value Share process, including the adequacy 
of the information provided to the Valuer and the determination of 
Restricted Market Value.

External Relations 
Committee (ERC)

John Monaghan (Chair)
David MacLeod

Jim van der Poel
Malcolm Bailey

Capital Structure 
Committee (CSC)

Due Diligence 
Committee 
(DDC)

John Wilson (Chair)
David Jackson
David MacLeod
Jim van der Poel

John Waller (Chair)
David Jackson
Jim van der Poel

John Monaghan
John Waller 
Nicola Shadbolt

John Wilson
Nicola Shadbolt

The Committee shall support Fonterra management build aspiration 
with stakeholders for New Zealand to be the centre of dairying 
excellence in the world, including regulatory frameworks and 
infrastructure, creating a shared agenda for Fonterra’s ongoing success.

To assist the Board to fulfil its corporate governance responsibilities 
in relation to the implementation of Trading Among Farmers.

To assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance 
responsibilities by ensuring that appropriate due diligence is 
undertaken in connection with the proposals, processes, 
shareholder, investor and external stakeholder communications, 
and offer documents relating to the implementation of Trading 
Among Farmers and to assist the Board to ensure that the Board’s 
objectives in proposing Trading Among Farmers and the pre-
conditions to commencement of Trading Among Farmers have 
been addressed in a manner satisfactory to the Board. 

Note:  Prior to his resignation from the Board on 1 August 2012, Colin Armer was the Chair of the SRC and a member of the AFRC and AR&D Committees.

BOARD AND COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE

BOARD

REGULAR

SPECIAL

AFRC

AR&D

Sir Henry van der Heyden1

Colin Armer2

David Jackson

David MacLeod3

Greg Gent4

Ian Farrelly

Jim van der Poel

John Ballard5

John Monaghan

John Waller

John Wilson6

Malcolm Bailey

Nicola Shadbolt

Ralph Waters

Sir Ralph Norris7

Total Meetings

7/7

7/7

7/7

5/5

2/2

7/7

7/7

4/5

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

7/7

2/2

7

7/8

8/8

6/8

6/6

2/2

8/8

7/8

5/5

8/8

7/8

7/8

7/8

8/8

8/8

3/3

8

-

6/6

6/6

4/4

2/2

6/6

-

-

-

6/6

-

4/6

-

-

-

6

8/8

8/8

-

-

-

7/8

-

6/6

8/8

-

8/8

-

-

5/8

1/1

8

SRC

-

4/4

-

2/2

-

4/4

2/4

-

-

-

-

4/4

4/4

-

-

4

FVSRC

ERC

DDC

-

-

5/7

4/4

1/1

-

7/7

-

5/7

7/7

7/7

-

-

-

-

7

-

-

-

2/2

2/2

-

3/4

-

4/4

-

-

3/4

-

-

-

4

-

-

9/10

-

-

-

10/10

-

-

10/10

10/10

-

10/10

-

-

10

CSC

12/17

-

15/17

8/11

3/6

-

16/17

-

14/17

15/17

17/17

-

15/17

-

-

17

1 Announced intention to retire as Chairman effective 2012 Annual Meeting in December. 2 Resigned 01 August 2012. 3 Appointed 17 November 2011. 4 Retired 17 November 2011
5 Retired 30 April 2012. 6 Voted Chairman-Elect by Board on 26 July 2012. 7 Appointed 1 May 2012.

44  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

This site is also used to provide information 
on the business to suppliers.

KEY pOliciEs 

Disclosure policy

Annual meeting

The Board views the Annual Meeting of 
shareholders, which is held at a different 
venue around New Zealand each year, as an 
opportunity to communicate directly with 
shareholders and ensures that adequate 
time is provided at these meetings 
for shareholders to raise issues or ask 
questions from the floor. 

Annual Report

The Group’s Annual Report including 
financial statements, and Annual Review, 
together with the half-year reports 
and other material announcements, 
are designed to present a balanced and 
clear view of Fonterra’s activities and 
prospects and are available on the website, 
www.fonterra.com. 

Other Disclosures

Information on the Group’s performance 
and the expected Payout, the Fair Value 
Share, annual and half-year financial results, 
Director changes, and other significant 
matters is advised to the market through 
NZX in accordance with the Disclosure 
policy. Shareholders and other stakeholders 
receive regular updates on these and other 
issues relevant to them. 

Fonterra also makes presentations to the 
Independent Valuer (appointed by the 
Shareholders’ Council to determine the 
Fair Value range for the Co-operative share 
price), analysts, rural professionals and 
financial commentators to coincide with 
the publication of the Group’s half-year and 
full-year results. 

milK pRicE pAnEl

The Board has created the Milk Price Panel 
for the purpose of providing assurances 
to it as to the governance of the Farmgate 
Milk Price and the proper application of the 
Farmgate Milk Price Manual and the Milk 
Price Principles. 

The Panel does not determine the 
Farmgate Milk Price as this is a decision for 
the Board.

The Panel’s composition is designed to 
ensure a large measure of independence. 
It consists of two Appointed Directors, 
one Elected Director and two appropriately 
qualified persons nominated by the 
Shareholders’ Council, at least one of whom 
must be independent. The Chair must be 
one of the Appointed Director members.

The Panel is currently chaired by John 
Waller. Other Board members are David 
Jackson and John Wilson. The Shareholders’ 
Council appointees are Richard Punter and 
Patrick Boyle.

The Board affirmed Fonterra’s commitment 
to promoting a well-informed and efficient 
market in its listed debt securities 
by signing off a new Fonterra Group 
Disclosure Policy in December 2010.

The Policy applies to all Directors and 
Officers of Fonterra and its subsidiaries, 
all Shareholders’ Councillors and all 
employees (including contractors, 
consultants, advisers or secondees). 

The objectives of the Policy are to ensure 
Fonterra continues to provide timely and 
accurate information and fully comply with 
the NZX continuous disclosure regime 
and with the Securities Markets Act and 
applicable market rules. 

Audit independence policy 

The auditor is appointed by the 
shareholders at the Annual Meeting. 
Fonterra encourages the rotation of 
the lead external audit partner in the 
relationship in accordance with best 
practice. AFRC approval is required, 
under the Group’s auditor independence 
policy, for certain activities the auditor 
may undertake for the Group. The AFRC 
will not approve the auditor performing 
any tasks which have the potential to 
create a conflict except in exceptional 
circumstances and then only if appropriate 
safeguards are in place. 

Ethics framework

The Board is committed to maintaining high 
ethical standards across the Group, in all 
aspects of the business in all parts of the 
world. Fonterra’s Code of Business Conduct 
– The Way We Work – provides practical 
guidelines on how to apply Fonterra’s values 
in everyday work situations and when 
working with customers, shareholders, 
suppliers and the wider community. This 
document is available in several languages, 
to facilitate its accessibility to Fonterra’s 
global employee base.

The Way We Work has been written in 
simple, straightforward language. An 
independently run telephone, e-mail and 
web-based Hotline provides individuals 
with a confidential channel to raise difficult 
ethical issues. In the 2012 financial year, 24 
calls were raised with the Hotline. All were 
fully investigated and appropriate action 
taken, including managing issues through 
other HR processes.

tRADing AmOng FARmERs

There may be significant and appropriate 
amendments to governance systems upon 
the adoption of Trading Among Farmers. 
These will reflect the various structures and 
controls relating to Trading  
Among Farmers.

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 
has also been amended, and provides for 
further oversight of governance processes.

cOmpliAncE With gOVERnAncE 
stAnDARDs

As Fonterra does not currently list equity 
securities, not all of the provisions in the 
NZX Corporate Governance Best Practice 
Code are directly applicable. However, the 
Board recognises the Code’s relevance 
to the Company and seeks to comply, 
but notes the following areas where its 
practices diverge from the Code.

•	 	Appointments	to	the	Board/Nomination	
Committee (paragraphs 2.2 and 3.10-
3.12 of the Code). Under Fonterra’s 
Constitution, the Shareholders’ Council 
conducts the election process for 
Directors. To the extent the Board is 
responsible for appointing Directors 
the AR&D Committee satisfies the role 
of a nomination committee. The AR&D 
Committee does not have a majority 
of independent Appointed Directors 
due to the proportion of farmer-elected 
directors on the Board. 

•	 	Director	Remuneration	(paragraph	2.7).	
Fonterra does not run a performance-
based equity security compensation 
plan. In particular, this is not possible 
as Appointed Directors are effectively 
debarred from share ownership as a 
usual condition of their appointment 
is that they do not have a supplier 
relationship with the Company. 

The Board has also reviewed compliance 
with the Principles for Corporate 
Governance issued by the Financial 
Markets Authority. While the Board 
believes it complies with the Principles, 
there are some points of divergence from 
specific Guidelines.

•	 	Audit	Committee	membership	

(Guideline 3.4). The majority of members 
are not independent, due to the 
proportion of farmer-elected Directors 
on the Board.

•	 	Management	representation	(Guideline	
4.4). The CEO and CFO do not certify in 
the published accounts their compliance 
with generally accepted accounting 
practice in New Zealand. The Board is 
directly and legally responsible for these 
documents, and obtains all relevant 
assurances from management or other 
parties.

Under Trading Among Farmers Fonterra 
will continue to observe best practices 
where appropriate to its circumstances and 
report divergence from relevant standards.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

45

 
BOARD 
OF DIRECTORS

1 .  siR hEnRY VAn DER hEYDEn DcnZm 
BE Ag (Hon), Honorary Doctor of Commerce,  
Honorary Fellowship from Wintech

Sir Henry van der Heyden has been Chairman of 
the Fonterra Board since 2002. He steps down as 
Chairman in December 2012 but he will remain on 
the Fonterra Board until sometime in 2013. He is 
also Chairman of the Appointments, Remuneration 
and Development Committee. Sir Henry is Chairman 
of Tainui Group Holdings Limited and a director 
of Auckland International Airport Limited, Pascaro 
Investments Limited, Manuka Ltda, Rabobank 
New Zealand Limited and Rabobank Australia 
Limited. He is a member of New Zealand Business 
Forums and a member of the Remuneration 
Committee of ZESPRI International Limited. 
Sir Henry was made a Distinguished Companion 
of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to 
agriculture in 2007.

2 .  mAlcOlm bAilEY
B. Agr. Econ 

Malcolm Bailey was elected to the Fonterra Board 
in 2004. He sits on the Audit, Finance and Risk 
Committee, the Supplier Relations Committee, the 
External Relations Committee and the Milk Payments 
Working Group. Malcolm also represents Fonterra on 
the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, 
and is a member of the International Food and 
Agricultural Trade Policy Council. He is a director 
of Embryo Technologies Limited, Hopkins Farming 
Group Limited, Pastoral Dairy Investments Limited, 
Gleneig Holdings Limited, and Agrico Holdings 
Limited. Malcolm’s dairy farming interests are as a 
shareholder in Hopkins Farming Group Limited.

3 .  siR RAlph nORRis KnZm
FNZIM, FNZCS

Sir Ralph Norris joined the Fonterra Board in 
2012 as an Appointed Director. He sits on the 
Appointments, Remuneration and Development 
Committee. Sir Ralph also serves on the board 

of Origin Energy Limited and on the Council of 
The University of Auckland. He was Chief Executive 
of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for six years 
until December 2011 and, prior to that, he served as 
Chief Executive and Managing Director of Air New 
Zealand Limited from February 2002 to August 2005. 
Sir Ralph had a 40-year career in banking and served 
as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 
of ASB Bank Limited from March 1991 to September 
2001, and the Head of International Financial 
Services for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia 
from August 1999 to September 2001. Sir Ralph was 
made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order 
of Merit in 2009 and a Distinguished Companion 
of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to 
business in 2006.

4 .  iAn FARREllY
B. Agr. 

Ian Farrelly was elected to the Fonterra Board in 
2007 following a 20-year career in the banking 
industry. He is a member of the Audit, Finance and 
Risk Committee, the Appointments, Remuneration 
and Development Committee, the Supplier Relations 
Committee and the Milk Payments Working Group. 
Ian is also a director of First Mortgage Managers 
Limited, Spectrum Dairies Limited, Fortuna 
Group Limited and F.D. Lands Limited. He runs a 
400-hectare calf rearing farm in Te Awamutu, owns 
a 50% share in three Waikato dairy farms and has 
ownership interests in dairy farms in Canterbury.

5 .  DAViD JAcKsOn
M.Com (Hons), FCA

David Jackson joined the Fonterra Board in 
September 2007 as an Appointed Director. 
David is Chairman of the Audit, Finance and Risk 
Committee and serves on the Fair Value Share 
Review Committee, the Capital Structure Committee 
and the Milk Price Panel. David also serves on the 
boards of several other companies including Pumpkin 
Patch Limited and Nuplex Industries Limited. He is 

4 .

5 .

1 .

2 .

3 .

1 .  siR hEnRY VAn DER hEYDEn
2 .  mAlcOlm bAilEY
3 .  siR RAlph nORRis
4 .  iAn FARREllY
5 .  DAViD JAcKsOn
6 .  JOhn mOnAghAn
7 .  Jim VAn DER pOEl
8 .  JOhn WAllER
9 .  RAlph WAtERs
10 . DAViD mAclEOD
11 .  JOhn WilsOn
12 .  nicOlA shADbOlt

46  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

 
 
Chairman of The New Zealand Refining Company 
Limited. David spent more than 30 years with 
accounting firm Ernst & Young in a variety of roles, 
and served as Chairman of the board of management 
for the firm in New Zealand from 1999 to 2002.

6 .  JOhn mOnAghAn

John Monaghan was elected to the Fonterra Board 
in 2008. John is Chairman of the External Relations 
Committee and is a member of the Appointments, 
Remuneration and Development Committee, the 
Fair Value Share Review Committee and the Capital 
Structure Committee. John was appointed Chairman 
of the Shareholder Relations Committee and Milk 
Payments Working Group in August 2012. He is also 
a director of CentrePort Limited and CentrePort 
Properties Limited. He has farming interests in the 
Wairarapa and Canterbury regions.

7 .  Jim VAn DER pOEl

Jim van der Poel was elected to the Fonterra Board 
in 2002. He serves on the Fair Value Share Review 
Committee, the External Relations Committee, the 
Supplier Relations Committee, the Milk Payments 
Working Group, the Capital Structure Committee 
and the Trading Among Farmers Due Diligence 
Committee, and is Chairman of the International 
Farming Ventures Group. Jim is also Chairman of the 
Spectrum Group of companies and a Trustee of the 
Asia New Zealand Foundation. Jim has won a number 
of industry awards including the AC Cameron 
Memorial Award, 2002 New Zealand Nuffield 
Farming Scholarship, Sharemilker / Equity Farmer of 
the Year and the Dairy Exporter Primary Performer 
Award. Jim and his wife Sue live at Ngahinapouri in 
the Waikato and have farming interests in Waikato, 
Canterbury and the United States.

8 .  JOhn WAllER
BCom, FCA

John Waller joined the Fonterra Board in February 
2009 as an Appointed Director. John is Chairman 

of the Fair Value Share Review Committee, the Milk 
Price Panel and the Trading Among Farmers Due 
Diligence Committee, and is also a member of the 
Audit, Finance and Risk Committee and the Capital 
Structure Committee. John is Chairman of the Bank of 
New Zealand and the Eden Park Trust. He is a director 
of National Australia Bank Limited, BNZ Investments 
Limited, Haydn & Rollett Limited, National Equities 
Limited, Alliance Group Limited, Sky Network 
Television Limited, Direct Property Fund Limited, 
Yealands Wine Group Limited and Donaghys Limited. 
John was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers for 
over 20 years. He was also a member of their board 
and led their advisory practice for many years.

9 .  RAlph WAtERs
C.P.Eng. F.I.E. Aust, M Bus

Ralph Waters joined the Fonterra Board in July 
2006 as an Appointed Director. He serves on the 
Appointments, Remuneration and Development 
Committee. Ralph is Chairman of Fletcher Building 
Limited and is also a director of Asciano Limited and 
of Woolworths Limited, where he will assume the 
role of Chairman later this year. He is also Deputy 
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for 
the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, to be hosted in 
New Zealand and Australia. He was Chief Executive 
of Fletcher Building Limited from May 2001 until his 
retirement in August 2006. Before joining Fletcher 
Building Limited, Ralph was Managing Director of 
the Australian publicly-listed company Email Limited, 
and has also held a number of engineering and 
managerial positions in London and the Middle East.

10 . DAViD mAclEOD

David MacLeod was elected to the Fonterra Board 
in 2011. He is a member of the Audit, Finance and 
Risk Committee, the Capital Structure Committee, 
the Milk Payments Working Group, the Fair Value 
Share Review Committee, the External Relations 
Committee and the International Farming Ventures 
Group. David also serves on the boards of Port 

Taranaki Limited and A.J. Greaves Electrical Limited. 
He is Chairman of the Taranaki Regional Council. 
David lives near Hawera in South Taranaki and is a 
director of P.K.W. Farms Limited, one of Fonterra’s 
largest Shareholders.

11 .  JOhn WilsOn
B Agr.Sc

John Wilson joined the Fonterra Board in 2003 and 
is up for re-election this year. In August, he was 
appointed by the Fonterra Board as Chairman Elect, 
subject to being re-elected by Farmer Shareholders. 
He is Chairman of the Capital Structure Committee 
and serves on the Appointments, Remuneration and 
Development Committee, the Milk Price Panel and 
the Fair Value Share Review Committee. John is also 
the Chairman of MilkTest NZ Limited, a director of 
Turners & Growers Limited and a member of the 
Institute of Directors in New Zealand. In 2000, he 
was awarded the New Zealand Nuffield Farming 
Scholarship. John lives on his dairy farm near 
Te Awamutu and manages a dairy farming business 
based in Geraldine, South Canterbury, which he 
owns jointly.

12 .  nicOlA shADbOlt
BSc(Hons), MAgrSc(Hons), FNZIPIM(Reg)

Nicola Shadbolt was elected to the Fonterra Board in 
2009. She serves on the Capital Structure Committee, 
the Supplier Relations Committee, the Milk Payments 
Working Group and the International Farming 
Ventures Group. Nicola is a Professor at Massey 
University, Director of the Centre of Excellence 
in Farm Business Management, a Director of the 
International Food and Agribusiness Management 
Association, Trustee of the Agri-Women’s 
Development Trust and represents New Zealand 
in the International Farm Comparison Network in 
Dairying. Nicola is a shareholder and a director of five 
farming and forestry equity partnerships that include 
two dairy farms in the Manawatu.

9 .

10 .

11 .

12 .

6 .

7 .

8 .

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

47

 
FONTERRA 
MANAGEMENT 
TEAM
The Fonterra management team 
roles were announced in May 
2012 as part of the reshaping of 
the organisation to deliver on its 
“Group Strategy Refresh”. 

1 .  thEO spiERings
CEO 

Theo joined Fonterra in 2011, bringing with him 
extensive experience from across the dairy industry, 
particularly in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East 
and Europe. Theo has 25 years experience in the 
global dairy industry in a variety of roles including 
general management, operations and supply 
chain, and sales and marketing positions. Theo was 
previously the acting Chief Executive Officer of 
Royal Friesland Foods, a Dutch dairy co-operative 
and, in 2008, led the Dutch dairy co-operative 
through a merger with Campina. Before taking up 
his leadership role at Fonterra, Theo ran his own 
company in the Netherlands focusing on corporate 
strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, in “fast 
moving consumer goods”. Theo has a Bachelor of 
Arts in Food Technology / Biotechnology and a 
Master of Business Administration. 

2 .  JOnAthAn mAsOn
CFO

Jonathan has been with Fonterra since 2009, before 
which he spent three years as Executive Vice-
President and Chief Financial Officer at US-based 
Cabot Corporation. Jonathan worked in a number 
of financial management positions at International 

Paper Company and Exxon Mobil Corporation over 
the period of 1985 to 2000. From 2000 to 2005, 
Jonathan was Chief Financial Officer of Carter Holt 
Harvey Limited and was also a director of that 
company for a time. Jonathan is on the Advisory 
Board of the University of Auckland Business 
School and is a trustee of the University of Auckland 
Foundation. He has a conjoint BA in International 
Relations and Economics from Beloit College 
in Wisconsin, as well as an MA in International 
Relations and an MBA both from Yale University.  

3 .  JOhn DOumAni
Managing Director ANZ

John is based in Australia and joined Fonterra in 
2007, after 25 years in international business and 
consumer brands. In addition to his current role, 
John is also on the boards of Soprole and Dairy 
Partners Americas. Before joining Fonterra, John 
was President International of the Campbell Soup 
Company. Prior to that, he was Managing Director 
of Meadow Lea Foods Limited, before which he 
had 13 years with Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty 
Limited. In 2008, John was appointed to the board 
of the Australian Food and Grocery Council, and 
was appointed Chairman in 2010. He was also 
appointed to the board of Foodbank Australia 
Limited in 2010. John has recently joined the board 
of Double Bay Partnership Incorporated, a not for 
profit organisation, a position which he held for 
five years until his resignation in February 2012. 
John has a Marketing Degree from the University 
of New South Wales, Australia. 

4 .  gARY ROmAnO 
Managing Director NZ Milk Products

Gary joined Fonterra in 2005, but has worked 
in the dairy industry since 1997, including with 
New Zealand Dairy Group Limited, a predecessor 
company to Fonterra. His previous roles include 
management positions at Alcoa of Australia 
Limited, The Boston Consulting Group and 
Dairy Partners Americas. In the dairy industry, 

he has had significant experience in both the 
manufacturing and supply chain areas, and has 
led teams charged with the responsibility of 
achieving world class standards of productivity, 
quality, safety, cost effectiveness, service and 
environmental performance. Gary has a Bachelor 
of Chemical Engineering (Honours) from the 
University of Queensland, as well as an MBA from 
the University of Western Australia. 

5 .  AlEx tuRnbull
Managing Director Latam 

Alex has more than 20 years experience in the 
dairy industry, including extensive experience 
in key senior sales and general management 
roles within Latin America, and leadership of 
Fonterra’s global paediatrics business since 2008. 
He is a fluent Portuguese speaker, having spent 
almost a decade in Brazil. His new role reflects 
the importance of developing markets as part 
of Fonterra’s strategy. Alex holds a Diploma of 
Dairy Science and Technology and a Chemical and 
Materials Engineering Degree.

6 .  KElVin WicKhAm
Managing Director Greater China/India 

Kelvin is a long-serving Fonterra executive with 
more than 23 years experience in the dairy 
industry. Prior to his current role, he was Group 
Director Supplier and External Relations, Managing 
Director of Fonterra Global Trade, and Director 
Group Sales and Operations Planning. Prior 
to these roles, he was based around the world 
at a number of Fonterra’s operations. Kelvin 
led the development of Fonterra’s innovative 
GlobalDairyTradeTM platform, and is a product 
of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Graduate 
Training Programme. Kelvin is also a director of 
RD1 Limited, International Nutritionals Limited 
and Fonterra Brands (Guangzhou) Limited. He 
holds a Diploma of Dairy Science and Technology, 
a Masters of Management, and a Chemical and 
Materials Engineering Degree.

4 .

5 .

6 .

1 .

2 .

3 .

1 .  thEO spiERings
2 .  JOnAthAn mAsOn
3 .  JOhn DOumAni
4 .  gARY ROmAnO
5 .  AlEx tuRnbull
6 .  KElVin WicKhAm
7 .  mARK WilsOn
8 .  chRis cAlDWEll
9 .  pAul cAmpbEll
10 . sARAh KEnnEDY
11 .  mAuRY lEYlAnD
12 .  tODD mullER
13 .  iAn pAllisER

48  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

7 .  mARK WilsOn
Managing Director ASEAN/MENA 

Mark joined Fonterra in 2008, bringing with him 
more than 35 years experience in the consumer 
goods sector in Asia, the Pacific, South America 
and Europe. Prior to joining Fonterra, Mark 
managed Danone’s nutrition business across Asia 
and the Pacific, and from 1995 to 1998 was the 
Chief Executive Officer of Dumex. From 1998 to 
2007, he was President and Chief Executive Officer 
of the Danish-listed East Asiatic Company. Mark is 
also director of Chr. Hansen A/S, a Danish-listed 
biotech company. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science 
Degree in Food and Management Science from 
London University and is a Fellow of the Chartered 
Institute of Marketing.

8 .  chRis cAlDWEll
Managing Director People, Culture and Services

Chris joined Fonterra in 2008 as Commercial 
Director for the former Global Ingredients and 
Foodservices business. Chris was General Manager 
Finance for Fonterra before taking on his current 
role, in addition to which, he holds a number of 
board appointments across Fonterra. In his current 
role, Chris drives initiatives and programmes that 
enhance the culture of Fonterra, and leads the 
development of Fonterra’s people. He also ensures 
that the Fonterra Group’s internal services are 
run efficiently and effectively to best serve the 
needs of its businesses and teams. Before joining 
Fonterra, Chris spent 10 years with Diageo in 
different commercial roles across the globe, and 
earlier in his career held a number of sales and 
marketing roles. Chris holds a Chemistry degree 
and is a member of the Chartered Institute of 
Management Accountants.

9 .  pAul cAmpbEll
Group General Manager Mergers and Acquisitions

Paul has been with Fonterra (and before that 
the New Zealand Dairy Board) since 1984. He is 

a chemical engineer, and has held a number of 
general management, marketing, technical and 
financial roles with Fonterra in New Zealand, 
Japan, North Africa and the United Kingdom. 
Since the formation of Fonterra in 2001, Paul has 
been closely involved in the design of Fonterra’s 
strategy and has managed Fonterra’s Mergers 
and Acquisitions team. He is also a director of a 
number of Fonterra’s international joint ventures. 

10 . sARAh KEnnEDY
Managing Director Fonterra Nutrition

Sarah joined Fonterra in 2011, bringing with 
her more than 20 years experience in agri-food 
businesses, including 10 years as Managing 
Director of Healtheries of New Zealand Limited. 
Prior to her current role, Sarah was Managing 
Director of RD1 Limited. Fonterra Nutrition is 
responsible for the co-ordination and prioritisation 
of innovation across the Fonterra Group through 
the exchange of global consumer insights 
and the centralisation of core research and 
development resources. Sarah holds a Veterinarian 
Degree (distinction), and recently completed 
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
Sloan Fellows Program in Global Leadership 
and Innovation. Sarah is also a member of the 
Innovation Board for the Ministry of Science and 
Innovation, and the Global Women Advisory Board. 

11 .  mAuRY lEYlAnD
Group General Manager Strategy

Maury has been with Fonterra since 2005 and 
has recently been driving the development 
and deployment of the “Strategy Refresh”. She 
has held a number of senior operational and 
strategic roles across Fonterra. Prior to joining 
Fonterra, she spent nine years with The Boston 
Consulting Group. Originally an engineer, Maury 
was a member of Team New Zealand during the 
successful 1995 America’s Cup campaign. Maury 
is also on the board of Telecom Corporation of 
New Zealand Limited. Maury holds a First Class 

Honours Degree in Engineering Science, is a Fellow 
of the Institution of Professional Engineers New 
Zealand and a member of the Institute of Directors 
in New Zealand.

12 .  tODD mullER
Managing Director Co-operative Affairs

Todd joined Fonterra’s External Relations team in 
2011 where he managed Local Government and 
Regional Relations before being promoted to his 
current role. The Co-operative Affairs role involves 
the management of Fonterra’s relationship with 
its Farmer Shareholders, Fonterra’s Group Identity 
and its communications and co-operative social 
responsibility programmes. It also involves policy 
development and advocacy with central and local 
government. Todd is also responsible for Fonterra’s 
sustainability strategy. He was previously Chief 
Executive Officer of Apata Limited, a kiwifruit 
and avocado post-harvest company, and has held 
general management roles with kiwifruit marketer 
ZESPRI International Limited. He has also served 
in the Office of the Prime Minister of New Zealand. 
Todd is on the board of The New Zealand Institute 
for Plant and Food Research Limited, Central 
Plains Water Limited and The University of 
Waikato Council. Todd holds a Masters of Social 
Science from The University of Waikato.

13 .  iAn pAllisER
Managing Director Group Optimisation and Supply Chain

Ian joined Fonterra in 2010 after more than 30 years 
experience with British Petroleum (BP), working 
in a variety of large and complex business units 
across Australasia, the United States, Europe and 
the United Kingdom. Immediately before joining 
Fonterra, he led the British Petroleum (BP) Group 
procurement function. Prior to taking on his current 
role in Fonterra, Ian headed Fonterra’s Optimisation, 
Trading and Sourcing team. Ian holds an Honours 
Degree in Commerce and Administration from 
Victoria University and is a member of the New 
Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.

10 .

11 .

12 .

13 .

7 .

8 .

9 .

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

49

 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012.

50  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

 
CONTENTS:

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 52 
INCOME STATEMENT  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 53
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 54
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 55
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 56
CASH FLOW STATEMENT .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 57
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES   .  .  . 58
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .64
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 105
STATUTORY INFORMATION .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 106
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 119

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

51

 
DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

The Directors of Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (Fonterra or the Company) are pleased to present to Shareholders the financial 
statements for Fonterra and its subsidiaries (together the Group) and the Group’s interest in its equity accounted investees for the year ended 
31 July 2012.

The Directors are responsible for presenting financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial position 
for the Company and Group and of the financial performance and cash flows for that period.

The Directors consider the financial statements of the Company and Group have been prepared using accounting policies which have been 
consistently applied and supported by reasonable judgements and estimates, and that all relevant financial reporting and accounting standards 
have been followed.  

The Directors believe that proper accounting records have been kept which enable, with reasonable accuracy, the determination of the financial 
position of the Company and Group and facilitate compliance of the financial statements with the Financial Reporting Act 1993.

The Directors consider that they have taken adequate steps to safeguard the assets of the Company and Group, and to prevent and detect fraud 
and other irregularities.  

The Directors hereby approve and authorise for issue the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2012 presented on pages 53 to 104. 
For and on behalf of the Board:

SIR HENRY VAN DER HEYDEN
Chairman
25 September 2012

DAVID JACKSON
Director
25 September 2012

52 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

Revenue from sale of goods
Dividends received
Total revenue
Cost of goods sold
Gross profit

Other operating income
Selling and marketing expenses
Distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Net foreign exchange losses
Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance (costs)/income
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Profit/(loss) before tax
Tax (expense)/credit
Profit for the year

Profit for the year is attributable to:
Shareholders of the Parent
Non-controlling interests
Profit for the year 

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

1

3
2
4
4

5

19,769
–
19,769
(16,721)
3,048

132
(568)
(501)
(784)
(385)
(7)
935
30
(340)
(310)
52
677
(53)
624

609
15
624

19,871
–
19,871
(16,861)
3,010

165
(596)
(487)
(700)
(336)
(91)
965
32
(438)
(406)
63
622
149
771

754
17
771

GROUP $

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

9,050
114
9,164
(9,050)
114

56
(10)
–
(241)
(73)
–
(154)
263
(287)
(24)
–
(178)
226
48

48
–
48

10,257
495
10,752
(10,257)
495

53
(12)
–
(218)
(66)
–
252
375
(372)
3
–
255
183
438

438
–
438

Earnings per share:
Basic and diluted earnings per share

25

0.42

0.55

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

53

 
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

Profit for the year
Cash flow hedges:

– Net fair value (losses)/gains
– Transferred and reported in revenue from sale of goods 
– Tax credit/(expense) on cash flow hedges

Net investment hedges:

– Net fair value (losses)/gains on hedging instruments
– Tax credit/(expense) on net investment hedges

Foreign currency translation gains/(losses) attributable to Shareholders
Foreign currency translation reserve transferred to income statement
Foreign currency translation attributable to non-controlling interests
Share of equity accounted investees’ movements in reserves
Other comprehensive (expense)/income recognised directly in equity
Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Shareholders of the Parent 
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

624

(229)
(400)
176

(33)
9
37
(7)
1
1
(445)
179

163
16
179

771

1,384
(863)
(146)

49
(14)
(164)
(15)
(4)
7
234
1,005

992
13
1,005

48

(3)
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(3)
45

45
–
45

438

(36)
–
10

–
–
–
–
–
–
(26)
412

412
–
412

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

54  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 JULY 2012

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories
Tax receivable 
Derivative financial instruments 
Other current assets
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment in subsidiaries
Equity accounted investments 
Intangible assets
Deferred tax asset
Derivative financial instruments 
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Bank overdraft
Borrowings
Trade and other payables 
Owing to suppliers
Tax payable
Derivative financial instruments
Provisions
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Derivative financial instruments 
Provisions
Deferred tax liability
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities
Net assets

EQUITY
Co-operative shares
Retained earnings
Foreign currency translation reserve
Cash flow hedge reserve
Total equity attributable to Shareholders of the Parent
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

8
9

19(g)

10

11
12
16
19(g)

15
13

19(g)
14

15
19(g)
14
16

1,033
2,302
2,981
18
275
83
6,692

4,569
–
439
2,882
99
198
238
8,425
15,117

42
1,204
1,386
1,083
28
255
83
44
4,125

3,745
413
81
85
13
4,337
8,462
6,655

5,690
1,078
(211)
63
6,620
35
6,655

785
2,279
3,277
29
1,100
90
7,560

4,326
–
429
2,748
116
154
197
7,970
15,530

23
444
1,350
1,679
19
58
67
6
3,646

4,206
718
106
295
18
5,343
8,989
6,541

5,261
943
(217)
516
6,503
38
6,541

793
9,125
–
–
270
–
10,188

210
6,895
–
77
385
198
9
7,774
17,962

–
999
7,053
1,134
–
247
20
–
9,453

3,015
413
42
–
–
3,470
12,923
5,039

5,690
(584)
–
(67)
5,039
–
5,039

570
9,423
–
–
1,088
–
11,081

222
6,895
–
66
403
154
10
7,750
18,831

–
53
7,343
1,729
–
41
29
–
9,195

3,799
718
79
–
–
4,596
13,791
5,040

5,261
(157)
–
(64)
5,040
–
5,040

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

55

 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

GROUP $ MILLION

ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF THE PARENT

CO-OPERATIVE 
SHARES

RETAINED 
EARNINGS

FOREIGN 
CURRENCY 
TRANSLATION 
RESERVE

CASH FLOW 
HEDGE 
RESERVE

5,016
As at 1 August 2010
–
Profit for the year
–
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
–
Transactions with Shareholders in their capacity as Shareholders:
–
Dividends paid to Shareholders of the Parent
404
Co-operative shares issued
(159)
Co-operative shares surrendered
–
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
5,261
As at 31 July 2011

5,261
As at 1 August 2011
–
Profit for the year
–
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
–
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Transactions with Shareholders in their capacity as Shareholders:
–
Dividends paid to Shareholders of the Parent
584
Co-operative shares issued
(155)
Co-operative shares surrendered
–
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
5,690
As at 31 July 2012

547
754
7
761

(365)
–
–
–
943

943
609
1
610

(475)
–
–
–
1,078

(73)
–
(144)
(144)

–
–
–
–
(217)

(217)
–
6
6

–
–
–
–
(211)

141
–
375
375

–
–
–
–
516

516
–
(453)
(453)

–
–
–
–
63

NON- 
CONTROLLING 
INTERESTS

36
17
(4)
13

–
–
–
(11)
38

38
15
1
16

–
–
–
(19)
35

TOTAL

5,631
754
238
992

(365)
404
(159)
–
6,503

6,503
609
(446)
163

(475)
584
(155)
–
6,620

CO-OPERATIVE 
SHARES

RETAINED 
EARNINGS

CASH FLOW 
HEDGE
RESERVE

5,016
–
–
–

–
404
(159)
5,261

5,261
–
–
–

–
584
(155)
5,690

(230)
438
–
438

(365)
–
–
(157)

(157)
48
–
48

(475)
–
–
(584)

(38)
–
(26)
(26)

–
–
–
(64)

(64)
–
(3)
(3)

–
–
–
(67)

PARENT $ MILLION

As at 1 August 2010
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense for the year
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Transactions with Shareholders in their capacity as Shareholders:
Dividends paid to Shareholders
Co-operative shares issued
Co-operative shares surrendered
As at 31 July 2011

As at 1 August 2011
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive expense for the year
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
Transactions with Shareholders in their capacity as Shareholders:
Dividends paid to Shareholders of the Parent
Co-operative shares issued
Co-operative shares surrendered
As at 31 July 2012

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

56  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

TOTAL 
EQUITY

5,667
771
234
1,005

(365)
404
(159)
(11)
6,541

6,541
624
(445)
179

(475)
584
(155)
(19)
6,655

TOTAL 
EQUITY

4,748
438
(26)
412

(365)
404
(159)
5,040

5,040
48
(3)
45

(475)
584
(155)
5,039

CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash was provided from:

− Receipts from customers
− Dividends received 
− Tax received

Cash was applied to:

− Payments to creditors and employees
− Payments for milk purchased
− Tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Cash was provided from:

17

− Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 
− Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges
− Proceeds from sale of Group entities and other business operations
− Net loans from Group entities

Cash was applied to:

− Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
− Acquisition of intangible assets
− Outflows on settlement of net investment hedges
− Acquisition of Group entities and other business operations
− Advances made to equity accounted investees

Net cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Cash was provided from:

− Proceeds from borrowings
− Proceeds from issue of Co-operative shares
− Proceeds for Co-operative shares not yet issued
− Proceeds from settlement of borrowing derivatives
− Interest received
Cash was applied to:

− Interest paid
− Repayment of borrowings
− Outflows on settlement of borrowing derivatives
− Surrender of Co-operative shares
− Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
− Dividends paid to Shareholders of the Parent

Net cash flows from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Reconciliation of closing cash balances to the statement of financial position:
Cash and cash equivalents
Bank overdraft
Closing cash balances

20,045
37
11

(7,905)
(10,721)
(77)
1,390

11
26
–
–

(673)
(184)
(2)
–
(4)
(826)

2,215
505
44
13
31

(406)
(2,097)
(5)
(155)
(19)
(475)
(349)
215
762
14
991

1,033
(42)
991

19,490
63
5

(7,528)
(10,780)
(66)
1,184

9
20
184
–

(488)
(135)
(23)
(55)
–
(488)

3,648
368
25
21
32

(397)
(3,548)
(46)
(160)
(11)
(365)
(433)
263
534
(35)
762

785
(23)
762

9,104
–
–

(299)
(9,593)
–
(788)

–
–
–
1,435

(19)
(25)
–
–
–
1,391

1,206
505
44
–
18

(309)
(1,214)
–
(155)
–
(475)
(380)
223
570
–
793

793
–
793

10,311
–
–

(280)
(9,632)
–
399

–
–
–
507

(25)
(27)
–
–
–
455

1,535
368
25
–
20

(353)
(1,699)
–
(160)
–
(365)
(629)
225
345
–
570

570
–
570

Parent undertakes financing activities for the Group. As a result receipts and payments from and to subsidiaries for operating and financing 
activities (including dividends) are settled on a net basis and presented in investing activities as net loans from Group entities.

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

57

 
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

a)  General information
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited (Fonterra, Parent, the Co-
operative or the Company) is a co-operative company incorporated 
and domiciled in New Zealand. Fonterra is registered under the 
Companies Act 1993 and the Co-operative Companies Act 1996, 
and is an issuer for the purposes of the Financial Reporting Act 
1993. Fonterra is also required to comply with the Dairy Industry 
Restructuring Act 2001.

The consolidated financial statements are for the Company, its 
subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group) and the Group’s 
interests in its equity accounted investees.

The Group is primarily involved in the collection, manufacture and 
sale of milk and milk derived products and is a profit-oriented entity.

On 30 June 2010, Shareholders approved changes to the Company’s 
constitution that will allow the Board to take steps to implement 
changes to Fonterra’s capital structure that would permit trading 
of shares among Shareholders. This was re-affirmed in the Special 
Meeting held on 25 June 2012. Refer to Note 7 for further information.

b)  Basis of preparation
These financial statements comply with New Zealand Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (NZ GAAP), and have been prepared in 
accordance with New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial 
Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS), as appropriate for profit-oriented 
entities. These financial statements also comply with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

These financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis 
except for derivative financial instruments and the hedged risks on 
certain debt instruments, which are recognised at their fair values.

These financial statements are presented in New Zealand dollars ($), 
which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency, and 
rounded to the nearest million.

The preparation of financial statements requires management 
to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of 
assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from 
these estimates. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated 
and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. Revisions of accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any 
future periods affected.

Information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty, 
requiring judgement in applying accounting policies, that have the 
most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial 
statements, are described in the following notes:

– Note 14  Provisions

– Note 19   Financial risk management – fair value of certain  

financial instruments

c)  Basis of consolidation

Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists 
when the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating 
policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The 
existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently 
exercisable or convertible are considered when assessing whether 
the Group controls another entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated 
from the date that control is transferred to the Group. They are de-
consolidated from the date control ceases.

The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets 
given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed 
at the date of exchange. Acquisition-related costs are expensed 
as incurred. On an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group 
recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair 
value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s net assets. The excess of the consideration transferred, 
the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the 
acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the 
acquiree, over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable 
net assets acquired, is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition 
is less than the fair value of the net assets acquired, the difference is 
recognised in the income statement. 

Non-controlling interests are allocated their share of profit for the 
year in the income statement and are presented within equity in the 
statement of financial position, separately from equity attributable 
to Shareholders. The effects of all transactions with non-controlling 
interests that change the Group’s ownership interest but do not 
result in a change in control are recorded in equity. Where control is 
lost, the remaining interest in the investment is re-measured to fair 
value and any surplus or deficit arising from that re-measurement is 
recognised in the income statement.

Equity accounted investees (associates and jointly controlled entities)
Associates are those entities in which the Group has significant 
influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. 
Jointly controlled entities are those entities over whose activities the 
Group has joint control, established by contractual agreement and 
requiring unanimous consent for strategic, financial and operating 
decisions. Equity accounted investees are initially recognised at cost 
(including any goodwill identified on acquisition). Subsequent to 
initial recognition they are accounted for using the equity method in 
the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements include the Group’s share 
of the profit or loss after tax of equity accounted investees, after 
adjustments to align to the accounting policies of the Group, from 
the date that significant influence or joint control commences until 
the date that significant influence or joint control ceases. When the 
Group’s share of losses exceeds its interest in an equity accounted 
investee, the carrying amount of that interest is reduced to nil and no 
further losses are recognised except to the extent the Group has an 
obligation or has made payments on behalf of the investee. Dividends 
receivable from equity accounted investees reduce the carrying 
amount of the investment.

58 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

The Group determines at each reporting date whether there is any 
objective evidence that its investments in equity accounted investees 
are impaired.  If this is the case, the Group calculates the amount of 
impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the 
investee and its carrying value, and recognises that amount in the 
income statement.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group transactions, balances, and any unrealised income and 
expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised gains 
arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are 
eliminated against the investment to the extent of the Group’s 
interest in the investee. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the 
same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no 
evidence of impairment.

d)  Foreign currency

Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective 
functional currencies of Group entities using the exchange rate at the 
dates of transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting 
from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation, 
using the exchange rates at the balance date, of monetary assets and 
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the 
income statement, except when deferred in other comprehensive 
income as qualifying cash flow or qualifying net investment hedges.

Translation of the financial statements into the presentation currency
Where the Company’s presentation currency differs from the 
functional currency of an entity, the assets and liabilities of the 
operation are translated from the functional currency into the 
presentation currency at the exchange rates at the balance date. 
The income and expenses of these entities are translated at rates 
approximating the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. 
Exchange differences arising on the translation of the financial 
statements of these entities and of borrowings and other currency 
instruments designated as hedges of such investments are recognised 
directly in the foreign currency translation reserve. When an entity 
is partially disposed of or sold, the exchange differences that were 
recorded in equity are recognised in the income statement as part of 
the gain or loss on sale.

e)  Financial assets and liabilities
A financial asset or liability is recognised if the Group becomes a 
party to the contractual provisions of the asset or liability. A financial 
asset or liability is recognised initially at its fair value plus, in the case 
of a financial asset or liability not at fair value through profit or loss, 
transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or 
issue of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair 
value through profit or loss are initially recognised at fair value and 
transaction costs are expensed in the income statement.

After initial recognition, financial assets are measured at their 
fair values except for loans and receivables and held-to-maturity 
investments, which are measured at amortised cost less any provision 
for impairment. After initial recognition, financial liabilities are 
measured at amortised cost method except for financial liabilities at 
fair value through profit or loss.

In the separate financial statements of the Parent, investments in 
subsidiaries are stated at cost, less any impairment.

Financial assets are derecognised if the Group’s contractual rights 
to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or if the Group 
transfers the financial asset to another party without retaining 
control or substantially all risks and rewards of the asset. Financial 
liabilities are derecognised if the Group’s obligations specified in the 
contract expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount 
is reported in the statement of financial position when there is a 
legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there 
is an intention to settle on a net basis.

Financial assets are classified on initial recognition into the following 
categories: at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity 
investments, loans and receivables, and available-for-sale. Financial 
liabilities are classified as either fair value through profit or loss, or 
financial liabilities measured at amortised cost. The classification 
depends on the purpose for which the financial assets and liabilities 
were acquired. Management determines the classification of its 
financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition. The Group has not 
had any held-to-maturity investments or available-for-sale financial 
assets in the periods covered by these financial statements.

Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets and liabilities in this category are either designated 
as fair value through profit or loss, or classified as held for trading. 
All derivatives are classified as held for trading except when they are 
in cash flow, fair value, or net investment hedge relationships (refer 
to accounting policy j) below). Other financial assets and financial 
liabilities may be designated at fair value through profit or loss where 
this eliminates an accounting mismatch, or where they are managed 
on a fair value basis.

Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed 
or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. 
Trade and other receivables are classified as loans and receivables.

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost are non-derivative 
financial liabilities with fixed or determinable payments that are 
not quoted in an active market. Trade and other payables, and 
debt instruments are classified as financial liabilities measured at 
amortised cost.

Financial guarantee contracts
Financial guarantee contracts are those contracts that require the 
issuer to make specific payments to reimburse the holder for a loss 
it incurs if a specified debtor fails to make payment when due in 
accordance with the original or modified terms of a debt instrument.  
Financial guarantee contracts are recognised initially as a liability at 
fair value, adjusted for transaction costs that are directly attributable 
to the issuance of the guarantee. Subsequently, the liability is 
measured at the higher of the best estimate of the expenditure 
required to settle the present obligation at the balance date, and the 
amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

59

 
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

f)  Cash balances
Cash balances include cash and cash equivalents comprising cash on 
hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short term highly liquid 
investments with original maturities of three months or less, and 
bank overdrafts.

Fair value hedges 
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and 
qualify as fair value hedges are recognised in the income statement, 
together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or 
liability attributable to the hedged risk.

g)  Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method, less provision for impairment.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the 
adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the 
effective interest method is used is amortised and recognised in the 
income statement over the period to maturity.

h)  Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method, with the hedged risks on 
certain debt instruments measured at fair value. Changes in fair value 
of those hedged risks are recognised in the income statement, except 
where they relate to borrowings classified as net investment hedges 
and are recorded directly in other comprehensive income.

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an 
unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 
months after balance date.

Trade and other payables

i) 
Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost.

j)  Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
The Group uses derivative financial instruments within 
predetermined policies and limits in order to reduce its exposure to 
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a 
derivative contract is entered into (the trade date) and transaction 
costs are expensed immediately. They are subsequently remeasured 
to their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or 
loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging 
instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group 
designates certain derivatives as either:

–   hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities, or a firm 

commitment (fair value hedges);

–   hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognised liability or a 

highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedges); or

–   hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net investment 

hedges).

The Group documents, at the inception of the transaction, the 
relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as 
well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking 
various hedging transactions. The Group also documents its 
assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of 
whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly 
effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged 
items.

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current 
asset or liability when maturity of the hedged item exceeds 12 
months. It is classified as a current asset or liability when the maturity 
of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

Cash flow hedges 
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recognised 
directly in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating 
to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income 
statement. Amounts accumulated in equity are transferred to the 
income statement when the hedged item affects profit or loss. 

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge 
no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative 
gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is 
recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised 
in the income statement. When a forecast transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in 
equity is recognised immediately in the income statement.

When the forecast transaction that is hedged results in the 
recognition of a non-financial asset (e.g. inventory or property, plant 
and equipment) the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are 
transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of 
the cost of the asset.

Net investment hedges
Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted 
for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is 
recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating 
to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income 
statement.

Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the income 
statement when all or part of a foreign operation is disposed of or 
sold.

Inventories

k) 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value on 
a first in first out basis.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less the costs of completion and selling expenses.

The cost of dairy product manufactured from milk supplied in New 
Zealand is established by using the monthly Farmgate Milk Price 
as the cost for raw milk supplied. In the case of manufactured 
inventories and work in progress, cost includes all direct costs plus 
that portion of the fixed and variable production overhead incurred in 
bringing inventories into their present location and condition.

60  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

l) 

Property, plant and equipment

Owned assets
Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost includes 
the purchase consideration and those costs directly attributable to 
bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its 
intended use. Costs cease to be capitalised when substantially all the 
activities necessary to bring an asset to the location and condition 
for its intended use are complete. Subsequent costs are included 
in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as 
appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits 
associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the 
item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of any replaced 
part is derecognised. All other repairs and maintenance are charged 
to the income statement during the financial period in which they are 
incurred.

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed and adjusted, 
if appropriate, at each financial year end.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the 
proceeds with the carrying amount, and are recognised in the income 
statement.

Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis to allocate the cost 
of the asset, less any residual value, over its estimated useful life. The 
range of estimated useful lives for each class of property, plant and 
equipment is as follows:

–  Land 

Indefinite

–  Buildings and leasehold improvements 

15 – 50 years

–  Plant, vehicles and equipment 

3 – 25 years

Leased assets
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group assumes 
substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as 
finance leases.

Assets under finance leases are recognised as property, plant and 
equipment in the statement of financial position. They are recognised 
initially at their fair value, or if lower, at the present value of the 
minimum lease payments. A corresponding liability is established 
and each lease payment allocated between the liability and interest 
expense using the effective interest method. The assets recognised 
are depreciated on the same basis as equivalent property, plant and 
equipment.

Leases that are not finance leases are classified as operating leases 
and the assets are not recognised on the Group’s statement of 
financial position. Operating lease payments are recognised as an 
expense on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

m)  Intangible assets

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over 
the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of 
the acquired subsidiary or equity accounted investee at the date 
of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included 

in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisitions of equity accounted 
investees is included in equity accounted investments and is tested 
for impairment as part of the overall balance.

Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. 
Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Goodwill is 
tested annually for impairment or whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the 
carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of 
impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating 
units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit 
from the business combination in which the goodwill arose.

Brands and other identifiable intangible assets
Brands and other intangible assets purchased by the Group are 
recognised if the asset is controlled through custody or legal rights 
and could be sold separately from the rest of the business. Brands 
and other intangible assets have a combination of both indefinite 
and finite useful lives. Items with indefinite useful lives are tested 
for impairment annually or whenever there is an indication that 
an asset may be impaired and carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses. Items with finite useful lives are carried at cost 
less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, 
and are amortised on a straight line basis to allocate the cost over 
their licence period (18 – 25 years). Assets that have been impaired 
are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment at each balance date.

Computer software 
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the basis of 
the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific software.

Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer software 
programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. Costs that are 
directly associated with the development of identifiable and unique 
software products controlled by the Group, and that will generate 
economic benefits exceeding costs beyond one year, are recognised 
as intangible assets. Costs include the employee costs incurred as a 
result of developing software and an appropriate portion of relevant 
overheads.

Computer software licences and development costs recognised as 
assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives, being three to 
ten years.

Research and development expenditure
All research expenditure is recognised in the income statement as 
incurred. Significant development expenditure is recognised as an 
asset when it can be demonstrated that the commercial production 
of the material or product, or use of the process, will commence.

Development expenditure recognised as an asset is stated at cost 
and amortised over the period of expected benefits on a straight line 
basis, not exceeding five years. Amortisation begins at the time that 
commercial production or use of the process commences. All other 
development expenditure is recognised in the income statement as 
incurred.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

61

 
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

n) 

Impairment of financial assets

Assets carried at amortised cost
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether 
there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial 
assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is 
impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective 
evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that 
occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and 
that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash 
flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be 
reliably estimated.

The criteria that the Group uses to determine that there is objective 
evidence of an impairment loss include:

–  significant financial difficulty of the customer;

–   a breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in payments;

–   for economic or legal reasons relating to the customer’s financial 
difficulty, granting to the customer a concession that the Group 
would not otherwise consider;

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures 
expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase 
in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance 
cost in the income statement.

q)  Co-operative shares
Co-operative shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly 
attributable to the issue of co-operative shares are recognised as a 
deduction from equity.

r)  Revenue recognition
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised at the fair value of the 
consideration received or receivable, net of returns, discounts and 
allowances. Revenue is recognised when the amount of revenue 
can be reliably measured, significant risks and rewards of ownership 
of the inventory items have passed to the buyer, recovery of the 
consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return 
of goods can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing 
management involvement with the goods.

–    it becomes probable that the customer will enter bankruptcy or 

other financial reorganisation.

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is 
established.

The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between 
the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated 
future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been 
incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effective interest 
rate and is recognised in the income statement.

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss 
decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an 
event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as 
an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the 
previously recognised impairment loss is recognised in the income 
statement.

Impairment of non-financial assets

o) 
Intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject 
to amortisation and are tested for impairment annually or whenever 
there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. Other assets are 
tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the 
estimated recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying 
amount, the asset is written down to its estimated recoverable 
amount and an impairment loss is recognised in the income 
statement. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair 
value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing 
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there are 
separately identifiable cash inflows (cash-generating units).

Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, that have been impaired 
are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each balance 
date.

p)  Provisions
Provisions are recognised only in those circumstances where the 
Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of 
a past event, when it is probable that an outflow of resources will 
be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the 
amount can be made.

s)  New Zealand sourced cost of milk
New Zealand sourced cost of milk includes milk supplied by 
Shareholders, Supplier Premiums paid, and milk purchased from 
contract suppliers during the financial year. New Zealand sourced 
cost of milk is recognised in cost of goods sold.

New Zealand sourced cost of milk supplied by Shareholders 
comprises the volume of milk solids supplied at the Farmgate Milk 
Price for the relevant season.  The Farmgate Milk Price for each 
season is calculated in accordance with the principles set out in the 
Milk Price Manual and is independently audited. The Farmgate Milk 
Price broadly represents the maximum sustainable amount a New 
Zealand based manufacturer of milk powders could afford to pay for 
milk and still make an adequate return on capital.

Supplier Premiums are paid for speciality milks such as winter milk 
and colostrum.

t)  Dividends
All shares are eligible to receive dividends if declared by the Board.  
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial 
statements in the period in which they are declared by the Board.

u)  Employee benefits
Employee benefits primarily include short term employee benefits, 
long term employee benefits and defined contribution pension plans.

Short term employee benefits include salaries, wages, annual leave 
and sick leave, and are expensed on an undiscounted basis as the 
relevant service is provided.

Long term employee benefits are measured at the present value of 
expected payments required using an appropriate pre-tax discount 
rate.

Contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised 
as an expense in the period they are due. The Group has no further 
payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.

62  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

v)  Finance income and costs
Finance income comprises interest income on funds on deposit. 
Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest 
method.

Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, unwinding 
of the discount on provisions, gains and losses on the revaluation of 
debt hedges and the hedged risks on certain debt instruments, and 
gains and losses relating to translation forward points on forward 
exchange contracts where revaluation gains and losses on those 
contracts are included within finance costs. Interest expense and 
the unwinding of the discount on provisions are recognised in the 
income statement using the effective interest method. Finance costs 
directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of 
a qualifying asset are capitalised as part of the cost of that asset.

w)  Tax
Tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Tax expense, 
including the tax consequences of distributions to Shareholders 
is recognised in the income statement. The tax consequences of 
distributions to Shareholders are recognised in the year to which 
the distribution relates. Other than distributions to Shareholders, 
tax consequences of items recognised directly in equity are also 
recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable 
income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance date, and any adjustment to tax payable or 
receivable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognised, using the balance sheet method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. 
Deferred tax is measured at the tax rate that is expected to apply to 
the temporary differences when they reverse, based on laws that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance date.

Deferred tax is not recognised on the following temporary 
differences:

–  the initial recognition of goodwill;

–   the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction that 
is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting 
nor taxable profit; and

–   differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and equity 

accounted investees to the extent that the timing of the reversal is 
controlled by the Group and it is probable that they will not reverse 
in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent it is probable that 
future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary 
differences can be utilised.

x)  Earnings per share
Earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to equity 
holders of the Company, divided by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares on issue during the year.

y)  Comparative figures
Where a change in the presentational format of the financial 
statements has been made during the period, comparative figures 
have been restated accordingly. Where material, additional disclosure 
has been provided in the notes to the financial statements.

z) 

 New and amended International Financial  
Reporting Standards

The accounting policies used are consistent with those used to 
prepare the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 
July 2011.

i) New and amended standards adopted by the Group
The Group adopted amendments to various NZ International 
Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRSs) and FRS-44: New Zealand 
Additional Disclosures during the period. These amendments were 
introduced by the Financial Reporting Standards Board as part of 
the joint project with the Australian Accounting Standards Board to 
harmonise each jurisdiction’s accounting standards with source IFRSs. 
The Group also adopted revised NZ IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures 
during the period.

These changes have not had a material impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

ii) New and amended standards issued but not yet effective
New and amended standards which could be expected to have a 
material impact on the Group’s financial statements, which were 
available for early adoption but have not been adopted, are stated 
below. At this time it is not possible to reasonably estimate the 
impact of adoption of these standards.

–   NZ IFRS 9: Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement 

is the first phase of the NZ IAS 39 replacement project and 
specifies how an entity should classify and measure financial assets 
and liabilities.

–   NZ IFRS 10: Consolidated Financial Statements replaces the 

guidance on control and consolidation in NZ IAS 27 Consolidated 
and Separate Financial Statements.

–   NZ IFRS 11: Joint Arrangements introduces criteria for determining 
the type of joint arrangement which focuses on the rights and 
obligations of the arrangement rather than the legal form.

–   NZ IFRS 12: Disclosure of Interest in Other Entities introduces 
amended and additional disclosures about interests in other 
entities.

–   NZ IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement explains how to measure fair 

value and enhances fair value disclosures.

–   Amendments to NZ IAS 19:  Employee Benefits incorporates 

amendments to the definition of short term employee benefits.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

63

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

PAGE

65

65

66

66

67

68

72

74

74

75

77

78

79

80

81

83

84

84

85

98

98

99

102

104

104

NOTES

1

Cost of goods sold

2 Operating profit

3 Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains

4 Net finance (costs)/income

5

6

7

8

9

Tax expense/(credit)

Segment reporting

Capital and reserves

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

10 Property, plant and equipment

11

Equity accounted investments

12 Intangible assets

13 Trade and other payables

14 Provisions

15 Borrowings

16 Deferred tax

17 Operating cash flows

18 Business combinations

19 Financial risk management 

20 Contingent liabilities

21 Commitments

22 Related party transactions

23 Group entities

24 Subsequent events

25 Earnings per share

64  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

1 

COST OF GOODS SOLD

Opening inventory
Cost of Milk:
  − New Zealand sourced
  − Non-New Zealand sourced
Other purchases
Closing inventory
Total cost of goods sold

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

3,277

2,870

9,033
1,148
6,244
(2,981)
16,721

10,235
1,272
5,761
(3,277)
16,861

–

9,050
–
–
–
9,050

–

10,257
–
–
–
10,257

Parent Cost of Milk – New Zealand sourced includes milk purchased from Fonterra Group companies of $17 million (2011: $22 million).

2  OPERATING PROFIT

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

The following items have been included in arriving at operating profit:

Auditors’ remuneration:
− Fees paid for the audit or review of financial statements
− Fees paid for other services1
Operating lease expense
Research and development costs
Gain on acquisition of business
Net gain on disposal of investments2
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net loss on derecognition of software
Donations
Research and development grants received from government
Total employee benefits expense
Included in employee benefits expense are 
 − Contributions to defined contribution plans

18

4
2
73
93
–
–
2
9
3
(9)
1,704

54

4
2
64
90
(23)
(26)
–
–
6
(6)
1,549

51

2
–
–
11
–
–
1
1
3
(4)
134

2

2
–
–
5
–
–
1
–
4
(3)
113

1

1 

2 

 Other services include financial reporting, advisory services, financial and information technology controls assurance and other attest services. 

 On 21 March 2011, Fonterra completed the sale of its Western Australia dairy business. The transaction resulted in a pre-tax gain on sale of $26 million, which was recog-
nised in other operating income, as part of the ANZ segment result.  It also resulted in a tax credit of $26 million due to the derecognition of the net deferred tax liability 
associated with the assets and liabilities that were disposed of, which was recognised as a reduction to the tax expense for the year.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

65

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

3  NET FOREIGN EXCHANGE (LOSSES)/GAINS

Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains on debt instruments 
designated in a fair value hedge relationship

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) on derivative instruments 
designated as a fair value hedge

Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains on financial instruments 
classified as held for trading

Net foreign exchange gains/(losses) on financial assets classified 
as loans and receivables

Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains on financial liabilities 
measured at amortised cost
Other net foreign exchange (losses)/gains
Net foreign exchange losses

4  NET FINANCE (COSTS)/INCOME

Finance income
Interest expense on financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 
Interest expense on derivatives classified as held for trading
Total interest expense calculated on an amortised cost basis 

Change in fair value of forward points on cash flow hedges and    
   net investment hedges

Change in fair value of hedged risks on debt instruments 
   designated in a fair value hedge relationship

Change in fair value of derivative instruments designated as  
   a fair value hedge1

Change in fair value of financial instruments classified as  
   held for trading
Finance costs 

Net finance (costs)/income

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

(75)

71

(56)

137

(77)
(7)
(7)

262

(266)

127

(403)

188
1
(91)

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

30
(333)
(31)
(364)

–

(62)

91

(5)
(340)

(310)

32
(358)
(39)
(397)

(1)

6

(33)

(13)
(438)

(406)

263
(280)
(31)
(311)

–

(62)

91

(5)
(287)

(24)

375
(292)
(39)
(331)

–

6

(33)

(14)
(372)

3

1 

  This includes the fair value impact of the basis risk adjustment inherent in the valuation of cross currency interest rate swaps that does not form part of the debt 
instrument hedging relationship.

66  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

5 

TAX EXPENSE/(CREDIT)

Current tax expense/(credit)
Prior period adjustments to current tax
Deferred tax movements:
− Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Tax expense/(credit)

Profit/(loss) before tax
Prima facie tax expense at 28% (2011: 30%)
Add/(deduct) tax effect of:
− Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions 
− Non-deductible expenses/additional assessable income
− Non-assessable income/additional deductible expenses
− Losses of overseas Group entities not recognised
− Prior year under/(over) provision
− Tax effect of distributions to Shareholders
− Origination and reversal of other temporary differences
Tax expense/(credit)

Imputation credits:
Imputation credits available for use in subsequent  
   reporting periods 

Tax losses
Gross tax losses available for which no deferred tax asset  
   has been recognised

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

16

53
1

(1)
53

677
190

(11)
21
(38)
4
1
(128)
14
53

20

63

38
(1)

(186)
(149)

622
187

(9)
35
(43)
3
(1)
(116)
(205)
(149)

19

61

(227)
(17)

18
(226)

(178)
(50)

–
3
(68)
–
17
(128)
–
(226)

9

–

(71)
(6)

(106)
(183)

255
77

–
8
(158)
–
6
(116)
–
(183)

9

–

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

67

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

6 

SEGMENT REPORTING

The Group operates predominantly in the international dairy industry.

The Group has four reportable segments that are defined by product type and geographic area to reflect how the Group’s operations are 
managed.

The reportable segments presented reflect the Group’s management and reporting structure as viewed by the Fonterra Management Team, 
which is the Group’s chief operating decision maker.

Transactions between segments are based on estimated market prices.

REPORTABLE SEGMENT

DESCRIPTION

New Zealand Milk Products (formerly described as 
Standard & Premium Ingredients)

ANZ

Asia/AME

Latam

Represents the collection, processing and distribution of New Zealand milk, 
global sales and marketing of New Zealand and non New Zealand milk products, 
international farming, sustainability, external relations, RD1 and group functions.

Represents Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) operations in New Zealand 
(including export to the Pacific Islands) and all FMCG and Ingredients operations 
in Australia (including Milk Supply and Manufacturing). It includes foodservice 
sales in Australia and New Zealand (except for foodservice sales to Quick Service 
Restaurants).

Represents FMCG operations in Asia (excluding North Asia), Africa and the Middle 
East, and foodservice sales in Asia/AME and China.

Represents FMCG operations in Chile and equity accounted investments in South 
America.

There have been two changes to the organisation of business units within reported segments during the year ended 31 July 2012:

–  Foodservice sales to Quick Service Restaurants has been moved from ANZ to New Zealand Milk Products;

–  China foodservice has been moved from New Zealand Milk Products to Asia/AME. 

Comparatives have been restated to reflect these changes.

68  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Segment income statement
Year ended 31 July 2012
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Revenue from sale of goods

Cost of goods sold
Segment gross profit

Selling and marketing expenses
Distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Segment operating expenses

Other operating income
Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Segment earnings before net finance costs and tax
Non-recurring items
Normalised segment earnings before net finance costs and tax
Non-recurring items
Finance income
Finance costs
Tax expense
Profit for the year

Profit for the year includes the following amounts:
Depreciation
Amortisation
Royalty income from equity accounted investees

Non-recurring items consist of the following amounts:
Impairment losses recorded in equity accounted investees
Restructuring costs associated with the Group Strategy Refresh
Other
Total non-recurring items

Segment asset information:
As at and for the year ended 31 July 2012
Equity accounted investments 
Capital expenditure

GROUP $ MILLION

NEW ZEALAND 
MILK  
PRODUCTS

ANZ

ASIA/AME

LATAM ELIMINATIONS TOTAL GROUP

14,020
1,697
15,717

(14,311)
1,406

(106)
(203)
(499)
(263)
(1,071)

102
9
45
491
24
515

(311)
(69)
1

–
23
1
24

225
645

3,089
759
3,848

(3,068)
780

(127)
(204)
(173)
(89)
(593)

7
(5)
6
195
9
204

(68)
(9)
–

–
7
2
9

6
181

1,855
–
1,855

(1,224)
631

(286)
(37)
(80)
(31)
(434)

8
(11)
–
194
–
194

(7)
(3)
–

–
–
–
–

–
19

805
–
805

(560)
245

(49)
(57)
(45)
(12)
(163)

38
–
1
121
8
129

(24)
(1)
16

8
–
–
8

208
43

–
(2,456)
(2,456)

2,442
(14)

–
–
13
10
23

(23)
–
–
(14)
–
(14)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

19,769
–
19,769

(16,721)
3,048

(568)
(501)
(784)
(385)
(2,238)

132
(7)
52
987
41
1,028
(41)
30
(340)
(53)
624

(410)
(82)
17

8
30
3
41

439
888

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

69

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

GROUP $ MILLION

NEW ZEALAND 
MILK  
PRODUCTS

NOTES

ANZ

ASIA/AME

LATAM ELIMINATIONS TOTAL GROUP

13,793
1,800
15,593

(14,381)
1,212

(92)
(161)
(419)
(204)
(876)

118
(75)
40
419
1
420

(316)
(63)
–

14
–
(23)
–
10
1

216
470

3,459
781
4,240

(3,342)
898

(151)
(238)
(159)
(98)
(646)

39
(13)
–
278
(22)
256

(72)
(8)
–

4
(26)
–
–
–
(22)

–
135

1,793
–
1,793

(1,182)
611

(268)
(35)
(89)
(25)
(417)

2
(3)
–
193
–
193

(6)
(3)
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
17

826
4
830

(558)
272

(85)
(53)
(46)
(17)
(201)

27
–
23
121
(2)
119

(20)
(1)
21

–
–
–
(5)
3
(2)

213
22

–
(2,585)
(2,585)

2,602
17

19,871
–
19,871

(16,861)
3,010

–
–
13
8
21

(21)
–
–
17
–
17

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

(596)
(487)
(700)
(336)
(2,119)

165
(91)
63
1,028
(23)
1,005
23
32
(438)
149
771

(414)
(75)
21

18
(26)
(23)
(5)
13
(23)

429
644

6 

SEGMENT REPORTING CONTINUED

Segment income statement
Year ended 31 July 2011
External revenue
Inter-segment revenue
Revenue from sale of goods

Cost of goods sold
Segment gross profit

Selling and marketing expenses
Distribution expenses
Administrative expenses
Other operating expenses
Segment operating expenses

Other operating income
Net foreign exchange losses
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Segment earnings before net  finance costs and tax
Non-recurring items
Normalised segment earnings before net finance costs and tax
Non-recurring items
Finance income
Finance costs
Tax credit
Profit for the year

Profit for the year includes the following amounts:
Depreciation
Amortisation
Royalty income from equity accounted investees

Non-recurring items consist of the following amounts:

Impact of Christchurch earthquakes and Japan earthquake  
   and tsunami
Gain on disposal of Western Australia dairy business
Gain on acquisition of RD1
Impact of 2010 Chilean earthquake
Other
Total non-recurring items

2
18

Segment asset information:
As at and for the year ended 31 July 2011
Equity accounted investments 
Capital expenditure

70  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Entity wide products and services:
Consumer goods
Ingredients and other revenue
Revenue from sale of goods

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

4,945
14,824
19,769

5,248
14,623
19,871

EUROPE

CHINA REST OF ASIA

AUSTRALIA

NEW  
ZEALAND

USA

REST OF 
WORLD

TOTAL

GROUP $ MILLION

Geographical segment external revenue:
Year ended 31 July 2012
Year ended 31 July 2011

1,169
1,269

2,031
1,877

5,676
5,735

2,300
2,664

1,928
1,560

1,445
1,566

5,220
5,200

19,769
19,871

Revenue is allocated to geographical segments on the basis of the destination of the goods sold.

EUROPE

CHINA REST OF ASIA

AUSTRALIA

NEW  
ZEALAND

GROUP $ MILLION

Geographical segment reportable non-current assets:
As at 31 July 2012
As at 31 July 2011   

128
122

123
63

771
723

1,107
1,011

5,166
4,901

Reconciliation of geographical segment non-current assets to total non-current assets:
Geographical segment non-current assets 
Deferred tax asset 
Derivative financial instruments 
Total non-current assets

USA

127
124

REST OF 
WORLD

TOTAL

706
756

8,128
7,700

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

8,128
99
198
8,425

7,700
116
154
7,970

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

71

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

7 

CAPITAL AND RESERVES

GROUP AND PARENT

Balance at 1 August 2010
Issued
Surrendered
Balance at 31 July 2011

Balance at 1 August 2011
Issued
Surrendered
Balance at 31 July 2012

CO-OPERATIVE 
SHARES  
(THOUSANDS)

1,352,843
89,458
(35,356)
1,406,945

1,406,945
129,157
(34,318)
1,501,784

Co-operative Shares
Each Shareholder supplying milk to the Company in a season is required to hold one Co-operative share (share) for each kilogram of milksolids 
obtainable from milk supplied to the Company by that Shareholder, excluding milk supplied by that Shareholder under contract supply or as 
unshared supply, in that season. This is known as the share standard.  A Shareholder supplying under contract must hold at least 1,000 shares.

In addition, each Shareholder is able to hold further shares up to 20% of the share standard, so that they can hold shares of up to 120% of the 
number they are required to hold under the share standard.

The rights attaching to shares include: 

–   voting rights on a poll or postal ballot of one vote per 1,000 kilograms of milksolids obtainable from milk supplied to the Company by a 

Shareholder during the season preceding that in which a poll or postal ballot is taken, less milksolids supplied under contract supply or as 
unshared supply;

–  rights to any dividends declared by the Board; and

–  rights to share in any surplus on liquidation of the Company.

Shares are valued on the basis of a Restricted Share Value.  The value of Fonterra shares is determined by the Board on an annual basis, for each 
season, after having regard to a value range determined by an independent valuer.

The use of a Restricted Share Value represents a constitutional change to the fair value method used before the 31 May 2009 valuation and 
was expected to result in a lower share valuation.  To recognise the impact on the share price from such a change in valuation approach, there 
is a transition period to the new Restricted Share Value approach, during which the share is valued separately under the Restricted Share Value 
approach and the Fair Value approach.  During the transition period the share price cannot fall below a base price. The current base price is 
$4.52 per share, but this could fall if the mid-point of the range determined by the Fair Value approach falls below $4.52. If the Restricted Share 
Value is less than the base price, then the base price at that time will be used as the share value.  Once the Restricted Share Value is greater 
than the base price, the transition period is deemed to have ended and the Restricted Share Value will be used from that point onwards.

The Restricted Share Value for the 2012/13 season has been set by the Board at $4.52 per share (2011: Restricted Share Value of $4.52 per share).

Shareholders may elect, within the application period (which must run, as a minimum, from 15 December to 28 February) to purchase and 
surrender shares. Shareholders may also elect to purchase additional shares over and above the share standard during a period set by the Board. 
Shareholders may elect to transact at the June price, which is the share price for the coming season, or under the default price mechanism. This 
mechanism sets a price range of +/-7.5% of an interim share price set by the Board in the prior December. If the June price falls within the  
+/- 7.5% price range, Shareholders will transact at the June price. If the June price is above or below the price range, Shareholders will transact at 
the upper or lower limit of the price range respectively.

If a Shareholder decreases supply during a season, the number of shares held will be re-apportioned between the number of minimum required 
shares (calculated using the share standard) and the number of any additional shares that may be held.

Shares held in excess of the number required to be held by the share standard can be surrendered at the election of the Shareholder. However 
shares representing greater than 120% of the number required by the share standard will automatically be surrendered, at the then prevailing 
share price.

72 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Payment for the surrender of shares may be made at the option of the Company by:

–  cash; or 

–  the issue of Capital Notes.

The Company also has the option to pay the surrender value in special circumstances by the issue of redeemable preference shares.

The expected cash outflow on redemption or repurchase of the shares is dependent on the share value at that time, the number of shares 
redeemed or repurchased and the instrument used to settle the obligation, and accordingly cannot be reliably estimated.

If a Shareholder increases supply during a season, any additional shares held will be used first to satisfy the increased minimum required shares 
under the share standard. If no, or insufficient, additional shares are held, the Shareholder must either:

–  acquire the extra shares required under the share standard at the current season share price; or

–  request unshared supply (if available).

If the Company decides to make unshared supply available, a Shareholder’s entitlement to it cannot exceed 20% of that Shareholder’s share 
standard for that season. If a Shareholder is granted unshared supply, they will not be required to purchase shares for the quantity elected. 
However, they will receive a lower milk payment for this unshared supply.

Shares acquired by Shareholders may be paid by:

–  cash; or

–  the redemption of any Capital Notes held (at the discretion of the Company).

On 30 June 2010 Shareholders approved constitutional changes that allow the Board to work towards implementation of capital structure 
changes. This was re-affirmed in the Special Meeting held on 25 June 2012. The key features are:

–  the establishment of a platform to enable share trading among Shareholders at a well-discovered market price.

–   the establishment of a Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund that could acquire from Shareholders the right to receive dividends and the gain/

loss from any change in the underlying value of a certain amount of shares, whilst Shareholders retain voting rights and the access to milk 
payments attached to the shares.

There is no current year impact to the Company’s capital structure arising out of the approvals to date.

Dividends paid
All shares are eligible to receive a dividend if declared by the Board. On 21 September 2011, the Board declared a dividend of 22.0 cents per 
share (totalling $303 million), paid on 20 October 2011 to the Shareholders on the share register at 31 May 2011.

On 27 March 2012, the Board declared an interim dividend of 12.0 cents per share (totalling $172 million), paid on 20 April 2012 to the 
Shareholders on the share register at 31 March 2012.

The dividend declared after balance date is explained in Note 24.

Foreign currency translation reserve
The foreign currency translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial statements 
of foreign operations as well as from the effective portion of translation or fair value changes of instruments that hedge the Group’s net 
investment in foreign operations.

Cash flow hedge reserve
The cash flow hedge reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments 
related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

73

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

8 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables
Trade receivables net of provision for impairment
Receivables from related parties1
Other receivables
Total receivables
Prepayments
Total trade and other receivables 

1 

 There were no material provisions for impairment of receivables from related parties.

Movement in the provision for impairment of trade receivables:
Opening balance
Additional provisions
Utilised during the year
Unused amounts reversed
Foreign currency translation
Closing balance

9 

INVENTORIES

Raw materials
Finished goods
Impairment of finished goods
Total inventories

Other disclosures:
Inventories stated at net realisable value
Amount of inventories pledged as security for liabilities
Amount of inventories recognised in cost of goods sold during the year

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

2,176
(29)
2,147
21
61
2,229
73
2,302

2,141
(21)
2,120
16
65
2,201
78
2,279

2
–
2
9,103
2
9,107
18
9,125

1
–
1
9,383
1
9,385
38
9,423

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

21
17
(2)
(8)
1
29

36
5
(6)
(13)
(1)
21

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

603
2,492
(114)
2,981

1,679
8
16,721

609
2,783
(115)
3,277

1,882
–
16,861

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

74 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

10  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

As at 31 July 2010
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net book value 

Net book value
As at 1 August 2010
Additions1
Acquired as a result of business combinations
Transfer from capital work in progress
Transfer to intangible assets
Depreciation charge 
Impairment losses
Disposals
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 July 2011

As at 31 July 2011
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net book value 

Net book value
As at 1 August 2011
Additions1
Transfer from capital work in progress
Transfer to intangible assets
Depreciation charge 
Impairment losses
Disposals
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 July 2012

As at 31 July 2012
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net book value 

NOTES

LAND

BUILDINGS AND  
LEASEHOLD   
IMPROVEMENTS

PLANT,  
VEHICLES AND 
EQUIPMENT

CAPITAL WORK IN 
PROGRESS

GROUP $ MILLION

12

12

286
–
286

286
–
6
29
–
–
–
(23)
1
299

299
–
299

299
7
13
–
–
–
–
1
320

320
–
320

1,545
(449)
1,096

1,096
–
8
77
–
(66)
–
(31)
(6)
1,078

1,570
(492)
1,078

1,078
10
75
–
(70)
(8)
(2)
5
1,088

1,652
(564)
1,088

4,902
(2,227)
2,675

2,675
–
6
326
–
(348)
–
(50)
(2)
2,607

5,028
(2,421)
2,607

2,607
19
357
–
(340)
(29)
(20)
10
2,604

5,322
(2,718)
2,604

299
–
299

299
488
1
(432)
(8)
–
(9)
–
3
342

342
–
342

342
668
(445)
(12)
–
–
–
4
557

557
–
557

TOTAL

7,032
(2,676)
4,356

4,356
488
21
–
(8)
(414)
(9)
(104)
(4)
4,326

7,239
(2,913)
4,326

4,326
704
–
(12)
(410)
(37)
(22)
20
4,569

7,851
(3,282)
4,569

1 

 Additions include borrowing costs of $10 million (2011: $2 million) capitalised using a rate of 6.94% (2011: 6.44%). 

Impairment losses of $37 million were recognised as a result of the Group Strategy Refresh, and of changes to the operating environments in 
which the affected assets operate. The impairment losses all relate to the New Zealand Milk Products segment. $29 million is recognised within 
cost of goods sold in the income statement, and $8 million is recognised within distribution expenses in the income statement.

Impairment losses of $9 million recognised in the prior year relate to the New Zealand Milk Products segment and were recorded in cost of 
goods sold in the income statement.

The net book value of property, plant and equipment subject to finance leases for the Group is $146 million (31 July 2011: $150 million). Of that 
balance $5 million relates to land (31 July 2011: $5 million), $115 million relates to building and leasehold improvements (31 July 2011: $119 million), 
and $26 million relates to plant and equipment (31 July 2011: $26 million).

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

75

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

10  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT CONTINUED

NOTES

LAND

BUILDINGS AND  
LEASEHOLD   
IMPROVEMENTS

PLANT,  
VEHICLES AND 
EQUIPMENT

CAPITAL WORK IN 
PROGRESS

PARENT $ MILLION

As at 31 July 2010
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net book value 

Net book value
As at 1 August 2010
Additions1
Additions from other Group entities
Transfer from capital work in progress
Transfer to intangible assets
Depreciation charge 
As at 31 July 2011

As at 31 July 2011
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net book value 

Net book value
As at 1 August 2011
Additions1
Transfer from capital work in progress
Transfer to intangible assets
Depreciation charge 
Impairment losses
Disposals
As at 31 July 2012

As at 31 July 2012
Cost 
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
Net book value

12

12

5
–
5

5
–
–
–
–
–
5

5 
–
5

5
–
–
–
–
–
–
5

5
–
5

116
(11)
105

105
–
4
31
–
(5)
135

151
(16)
135

135
1
1
–
(5)
–
–
132

153
(21)
132

96
(47)
49

49
–
12
18
–
(13)
66

124
(58)
66

66
–
20
–
(15)
(1)
(2)
68

141
(73)
68

48
–
48

48
25
–
(49)
(8)
–
16

16
–
16

16
18
(21)
(8)
–
–
–
5

5
–
5

TOTAL

265
(58)
207

207
25
16
–
(8)
(18)
222

296
(74)
222

222
19
–
(8)
(20)
(1)
(2)
210

304
(94)
210

1 

 Additions include borrowing costs of nil (2011: $1 million) capitalised using a rate of nil (2011: 6.44%).

The net book value of property, plant and equipment subject to finance leases for the Parent is $143 million (31 July 2011: $149 million). Of that 
balance $5 million relates to land (31 July 2011: $5 million), $115 million relates to building and leasehold improvements (31 July 2011: $119 million), 
and $23 million relates to plant and equipment (31 July 2011: $25 million).

76 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

11 

EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS

A list of significant equity accounted investees is included in Note 23.

In the year ended 31 July 2011, Fonterra completed the purchase of the remaining 50% of RD1 Limited, which resulted in RD1 Limited becoming a 
subsidiary of Fonterra. Further details are set out in Note 18.

The Group has provided financial guarantees to certain equity accounted investees as set out in Notes 19 and 22.

The Group’s equity accounted investees have entered into non-cancellable operating leases, and the Group’s share of the future aggregate 
minimum lease payments under these leases is $8 million (2011: $12 million).

The Group’s share of capital expenditure contracted for at balance date but not recognised by equity accounted investees is $14 million (2011: 
nil).

The following amounts represent the aggregate assets, liabilities, revenue and profit of equity accounted investees:

Assets:
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets

Liabilities:
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Revenue
Expenses (including interest and tax)
Profit after tax

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT AND FOR  
THE YEAR ENDED
31 JULY 2012

AS AT AND FOR  
THE YEAR ENDED
31 JULY 2011

566
859
1,425

(210)
(722)
(932)
493

2,632
(2,557)
75

908
896
1,804

(415)
(625)
(1,040)
764

3,446
(3,347)
99

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

77

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

12 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

As at 31 July 2010
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
Net book value

Net book value 
As at 1 August 2010
Additions1
Acquired as a result of business combinations
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Transfer from work in progress
Amortisation 
Transfer from other Group entities
Disposals 
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 July 2011

As at 31 July 2011
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
Net book value

Net book value 
As at 1 August 2011
Additions1
Transfer from property, plant and equipment
Transfer from work in progress
Amortisation 
Disposals 
Foreign currency translation
As at 31 July 2012

As at 31 July 2012
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
Net book value

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT 
$ MILLION

NOTES

GOODWILL

BRANDS

SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE 
WIP

OTHER

TOTAL 
INTANGIBLES

SOFTWARE

10

10

989 
(2)
987 

987
–
30
–
–
–
–
(17)
(1)
999

1,001
(2)
999

999
–
–
–
–
–
9
1,008

1,010
(2)
1,008

 1,643 
 (94)
 1,549 

599 
 (416)
 183

1,549
–
–
–
–
(6)
–
(99)
(11)
1,433

1,532
(99)
1,433

1,433
–
–
–
(6)
–
22
1,449

1,555
(106)
1,449

183
–
3
8
55
(65)
–
–
–
184

664
(480)
184

184
–
12
50
(70)
(6)
1
171

672
(501)
171

29
–
29

29
129
–
–
(55)
–
–
–
(2)
101

101
–
101

101
166
–
(50)
–
–
1
218

218
–
218

 97 
 (89)
 8 

8
27
14
–
–
(4)
–
(14)
–
31

122
(91)
31

31
18
–
–
(6)
(7)
–
36

133
(97)
36

 3,357
 (601)
 2,756

 2,756
156
47
8
–
(75)
–
(130)
(14)
2,748

3,420
(672)
2,748

2,748
184
12
–
(82)
(13)
33
2,882

3,588
(706)
2,882

135
(89)
46

46
27
–
8
–
(20)
5
–
–
66

181
(115)
66

66
25
8
–
(21)
(1)
–
77

211
(134)
77

1 

  The Group has capitalised borrowing costs of $9 million (2011: $3 million) using a rate of 6.94% (2011: 6.44%). There have been no borrowing costs capitalised by the  
Parent (2011: nil).

Amortisation is recognised in other operating expenses in the income statement.

78 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangibles
Goodwill
Goodwill for each cash generating unit (CGU) has been tested for impairment on a fair value less costs to sell basis. Testing was undertaken in 
May 2012 using external sources of information where appropriate. Cash flow forecasts used as inputs to determine fair value are based on the 
Group’s three year plan, extrapolated for a further seven years, and then using a terminal year with a long term growth rate of between 2.0% 
and 3.0% (31 July 2011: between 2.0% and 3.0%). Management considers a ten year forecast period to be appropriate given the long term nature 
of the dairy industry. The discount rate applied to future cash flows was 9.0% (31 July 2011: 9.5%).

There was headroom between the recoverable amount and the carrying value of goodwill by CGU and no impairment was recognised. No 
reasonably possible change in any of these assumptions would cause the carrying value of goodwill allocated to a CGU to exceed its recoverable 
amount.

Of those CGUs tested, the goodwill of the Fonterra Brands New Zealand CGU is considered significant in the context of the carrying value 
of goodwill for the Group. For the Fonterra Brands New Zealand CGU the carrying value of goodwill is $618 million (31 July 2011: $618 million) 
and the carrying value of indefinite life brands attributable to the CGU is $307 million (31 July 2011: $307 million). These brands are tested for 
impairment on an individual asset basis (see below). 

Indefinite life brands
Of the total brands held, 91% ($1,320 million) have indefinite useful lives (31 July 2011: 91%, $1,299 million). In concluding that a brand has an 
indefinite life, management considers its intention to acquire, hold and support brands through advertising and promotional spending for an 
indefinite period. 

Individual indefinite life brands are tested annually for impairment through a value-in-use test using a discounted cash flow methodology.

13  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables
Amounts due to related parties
Other payables
Total trade and other payables (excluding employee entitlements)
Employee entitlements
Total trade and other payables 

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

1,064
9
66
1,139
247
1,386

1,031
8
97
1,136
214
1,350

62
6,929
40
7,031
22
7,053

41
7,242
41
7,324
19
7,343

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

79

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

14  PROVISIONS

Restructuring and rationalisation provisions
Opening balance
Additional provisions
Unused amounts reversed
Charged to income statement 
Foreign currency translation
Utilised during the year
Closing balance

Legal claims provisions
Opening balance
Additional provisions
Unused amounts reversed
Charged to income statement 
Foreign currency translation
Utilised during the year
Closing balance

Other provisions
Opening balance
Additional provisions 
Unused amounts reversed
Charged to income statement 
Foreign currency translation
Utilised during the year
Closing balance

Total provisions

Included within the statement of financial position as follows:
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total provisions

The nature of the provisions are as follows:

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

7
19
(1)
18
–
(4)
21

83
–
(16)
(16)
–
(21)
46

83
57
(13)
44
7
(37)
97

164

83
81
164

13
8
(3)
5
(1)
(10)
7

86
6
(5)
1
(4)
–
83

103
39
(28)
11
(7)
(24)
83

173

67
106
173

1
10
–
10
–
–
11

83
–
(16)
(16)
–
(21)
46

24
3
(6)
(3)
–
(16)
5

62

20
42
62

3
1
(2)
(1)
–
(1)
1

85
6
(5)
1
(3)
–
83

16
15
(2)
13
(1)
(4)
24

108

29
79
108

–   the provision for restructuring and rationalisation includes obligations relating to planned changes throughout the business to improve 

efficiencies and reduce costs. None of the provisions are individually significant. The value of the obligation is based on project plans, and the 
provisions are expected to be utilised in the next year.  

–   the legal claims provisions include obligations relating to tax, customs and duties and legal matters arising in the normal course of business. 
None of the provisions are individually significant. The timing and amount of the future obligations are uncertain, as they are contingent on 
the outcome of a number of judicial proceedings. The amount recognised has been based on management’s best estimate of the amount that 
will be required to settle the obligation. The outcome of most of the obligations is not expected to be determined within the next year, and 
therefore most of the provision is classified as non-current. 

–   other provisions arise in the normal course of business and relate to provisions for areas such as employee benefits. None of the provisions 
are individually significant. The value of the obligation is based on management’s best estimate of the amount that will be required to settle 
the obligation, and the majority of the provisions are expected to be utilised in the next year.

80  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

15  BORROWINGS

Current
Commercial paper
Bank loans
Finance leases
Medium-term notes
Total current borrowings

Non-current
Bank loans
Finance leases
Capital notes
Retail bonds
Medium-term notes
Total non-current borrowings
Total borrowings

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

198
150
8
848
1,204

124
169
35
943
2,474
3,745
4,949

50
337
7
50
444

154
172
35
940
2,905
4,206
4,650

198
1
3
797
999

–
144
35
943
1,893
3,015
4,014

50
–
3
–
53

150
147
35
940
2,527
3,799
3,852

–  Finance leases are secured over the related item of property, plant and equipment (Note 10).

–  Included within bank loans is $8 million (31 July 2011: nil) of borrowings secured over inventories (Note 9).

–  Capital notes are unsecured subordinated borrowings. 

–  All other borrowings are unsecured and unsubordinated.

Opening balance
New issues
Bank loans
Finance leases
Commercial paper
Retail bonds
Medium-term notes

Repayments 
Bank loans
Finance leases
Commercial paper 
Medium-term notes

Other movements
Amortisation of discount
Changes in fair value 
Changes due to foreign currency translation

Closing balance 

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

4,650

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

4,924

1,394
2
626
–
193
2,215

(1,606)
(7)
(480)
(4)
(2,097)

7
62
112
181
4,949

2,298
–
817
–
533
3,648

(2,396)
(9)
(990)
(153)
(3,548)

7
(6)
(375)
(374)
4,650

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

3,852

580
–
626
–
–
1,206

(731)
(3)
(480)
–
(1,214)

7
62
101
170
4,014

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

4,356

569
–
817
–
149
1,535

(555)
(6)
(990)
(148)
(1,699)

7
(6)
(341)
(340)
3,852

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

81

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

15  BORROWINGS CONTINUED

Net interest bearing debt position
Total borrowings
Cash and cash equivalents
Interest bearing advances included in other non-current assets
Bank overdraft
Net interest bearing debt

Value of derivatives used to manage changes in hedged risks and  
   other foreign exchange movements on debt 
Economic net interest bearing debt1

1 

 Economic net interest bearing debt reflects the effect of debt hedging in place at balance date.

Net interest bearing debt is managed on a Group basis.

Net tangible assets per security1
$ per listed debt security on issue
$ per Co-operative share on issue
Listed debt securities on issue (million)
Co-operative shares on issue (million)

1 

 Net tangible assets represents total assets less total liabilities less intangible assets.

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

4,949
(1,033)
(125)
42
3,833

396
4,229

4,650
(785)
(122)
23
3,766

565
4,331

GROUP

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

3.58
2.51
1,053
1,502

3.60
2.70
1,053
1,407

Finance leases – minimum lease payments
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years

Future finance charges on finance leases
Present value of finance leases
The present value of finance leases is as follows:
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than five years
Later than five years
Total present value of finance leases

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

20
92
148
260
(83)
177

8
41
128
177

19
86
169
274
(95)
179

7
47
125
179

15
65
147
227
(80)
147

3
18
126
147

15
59
168
242
(92)
150

3
22
125
150

82  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

16  DEFERRED TAX

Deferred tax
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Derivative financial instruments
Employee entitlements
Inventories
Receivables, payables and provisions
New Zealand tax losses
Offshore tax losses
Other
Total deferred tax

Movements for the year
Opening balance
Recognised in the income statement
Recognised directly in other comprehensive income
Foreign currency translation
Closing balance

5

Included within the statement of financial position as follows:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Total deferred tax

Balance expected to be recovered or settled:
Within the next 12 months
After the next 12 months
Total deferred tax

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

(108)
(364)
(40)
59
37
42
357
76
(45)
14

(179)
1
187
5
14

99
(85)
14

104
(90)
14

(156)
(295)
(236)
52
16
34
387
39
(20)
(179)

(193)
186
(160)
(12)
(179)

116
(295)
(179)

(119)
(60)
(179)

9
(22)
26
6
–
9
357
–
–
385

403
(18)
–
–
385

385
–
385

41
344
385

5
(18)
25
7
–
11
373
–
–
403

287
106
10
–
403

403
–
403

43
360
403

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

83

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

17  OPERATING CASH FLOWS

Profit for the year
Non-cash items
Amortisation of intangible assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Movement in deferred tax
Gain on acquisition of business
Net gain on disposal of investments
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net loss on derecognition of software
Share of profit of equity accounted investees
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Other non-cash items
Total non-cash items
(Increase)/decrease in working capital

12
10

18
2
2
2

10

Inventories
Trade and other receivables 
Other current assets (including derivative financial instruments)
Tax balances
Amounts owing to suppliers
Trade and other payables 
Other current liabilities (including derivative financial instruments)
Provisions

 Increase in working capital

Items classified as investing and financing activities
Net cash flows from operating activities

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

NOTES

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

624

82
410
(193)
–
–
2
9
(52)
37
19
314

296
(23)
832
20
(596)
36
235
16
816

(364)
1,390

771

75
414
(14)
(23)
(26)
–
–
(63)
9
–
372

(407)
(191)
(638)
(25)
541
99
(53)
(25)
(699)

740
1,184

48     

 21          
 20
18
–
–
1
1
–
1 
(1)
61

–
18
818
–
(595)
23
206
(9)
461

(1,358)
(788)

438

20
18
(116)
–
–
1
–
–
–
1
(76)

–
(2)
(610)
–
591
(9)
(62)
10
(82)

119
399

18  BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

There were no material business combinations during the year ended 31 July 2012 or 31 July 2011. 

On 1 July 2011, the Group completed the purchase of the remaining 50% of RD1 Limited. The Group recorded a gain of $23 million relating 
to this business combination in the year ended 31 July 2011. This gain represents the difference between the carrying value of the Group’s 
equity accounted investment in RD1 at the time of acquisition of the remaining 50%, and the fair value of that pre-existing interest. This gain 
was recognised in other operating income, in the New Zealand Milk Products segment result. This transaction is not considered material and 
therefore no further disclosure has been made.   

84  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Overview
Global financial and commodity markets remain volatile. The nature of Fonterra’s business is such that managing risks in the foreign exchange, 
interest rate, commodity, credit and liquidity markets is critical to minimising the volatility in returns to Shareholders.

The Board has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Group’s financial risk management framework. The Board:

–   has established risk management policies and procedures to identify, analyse and, where appropriate, manage the risks faced by the Group;

–   has approved a Treasury Policy that covers appropriate risk limits and controls (including, but not limited to, delegated authority levels and 

authorised use of various financial instruments); and 

–  monitors risks and adherence to approved limits.

The Group’s overall financial risk management programme focuses primarily on maintaining a prudent risk profile that provides flexibility to 
implement the Group’s strategies, while ensuring the optimisation of the return on assets. Risk management is predominantly carried out by a 
central treasury department (Group Treasury), which ensures compliance with the risk management policies and procedures set by the Board.

During the year in order to manage financial risks, the key risk management activities undertaken by the Group included, but were not limited 
to, the following:

Capital structure
Fonterra continues to work towards establishing Trading Among Farmers. The necessary changes to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 
(DIRA) to give effect to this have been passed into law, meaning that the Company’s obligations under DIRA to redeem Co-operative shares can 
come to an end on the launch of Trading Among Farmers (provided certain legislative conditions continue to be met). These capital structure 
changes are significant steps for Fonterra, and further detail is given in Note 7 and the capital management section below.  

Bank facility renewal
Fonterra’s banking facilities are renewed at least annually with the exception of certain facilities where renewals are required at agreed periods 
of over one year. On 31 July 2012, Fonterra had $3,565 million (31 July 2011: $3,715 million) of undrawn committed facilities. For further details 
refer to liquidity risk below in Note 19(d).

Debt to debt plus equity ratio
As a result of the above activities and close management of the financial risks faced by Fonterra, the economic debt to debt plus equity ratio has 
reduced from 41.8% at 31 July 2011 to 39.1% at 31 July 2012. For more details refer to the capital management section below in Note 19(e).

a)  Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk on sales, purchases, investments and borrowings that are 
denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and net 
investments in foreign operations.  

The main impacts of foreign exchange movements on the Group arise from:

–  transaction risk: variations in the New Zealand dollar value of the Group’s sales receipts and other cash flows; and

–  translation risk: the value of the Group’s investment in foreign operations and the Group’s foreign currency debt.

Approximately 65% (31 July 2011: 67%) of the Group’s net foreign exchange exposure is against the United States dollar.

The Group’s objective is to ensure foreign exchange exposure is managed in a prudent manner in order to reduce volatility on the returns to 
Shareholders and Shareholder Suppliers. 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

85

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

In respect of transaction hedging the Group’s policy is to hedge 100% of the net recognised foreign currency trade receivables and foreign 
currency trade payables, and up to 100% of forecast cash receipts from sales for a period of up to 18 months. The level of hedging undertaken 
is influenced by current exchange rates and the time until the expected cash flows occur, within the limits approved by the Board.  The Group 
seeks to designate items in a hedge relationship where it is practical to do so; therefore some derivative instruments entered into as economic 
hedges may not be in a designated hedge relationship for accounting purposes.

In respect of translation hedging, during the year the Group amended its policy from hedging between 50% and 100% of material net 
translation exposures to hedge between nil and 100% of material net translation exposures. Group Treasury uses forward foreign exchange 
contracts, currency options and cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge its foreign exchange risk. The Group’s investments in foreign 
operations can be hedged by a combination of derivative instruments and borrowings in the relevant currencies.

Exposure to foreign currency risk
The significant notional unhedged exposures to foreign currencies are as follows:

USD
EUR
AUD
GBP
JPY
BRL
CLP
CNY
SGD

United States dollar
Euro 
Australian dollar
Great Britain pound
Japanese yen
Brazilian real
Chilean peso
Chinese yuan
Singapore dollar

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

115
291
2,005
2
117
158
427
55
788

34
80
1,002
3
79
199
303
39
473

(8,264)
(123)
(13)
(19)
(1)
–
–
(51)
(3)

(7,469)
(190)
(654)
(67)
–
–
(55)
–
(234)

Parent carries economic hedge derivative contracts for risks that sit elsewhere in the Group.

Included in the analysis above are derivative contracts with notional balances of $6,429 million (31 July 2011: $5,860 million) in respect of 
forecast and actual sale transactions.

Foreign exchange sensitivity
A 10% movement in the value of the New Zealand dollar against the key currencies to which the Group is exposed would result in the following 
post-tax (using appropriate tax rates) increase/(decrease) to equity and profit. A 10% movement in exchange rates is considered reasonably 
possible over the short term given historical fluctuations in the value of the New Zealand dollar.

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

Impact of a 10% strengthening of the NZD
Impact of a 10% weakening of the NZD 

13
35

(9)
(10)

(46)
132

3
(21)

(19)
23

–
–

(37)
46

–
–

EQUITY

PROFIT

EQUITY

PROFIT

EQUITY

PROFIT

EQUITY

PROFIT

The Parent has no sensitivity to foreign exchange movements in the income statement as gains and losses are passed to a subsidiary through a 
novation agreement.

86  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Interest rate risk

b) 
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from its borrowings and funds on deposit. Borrowings issued and funds on deposit held at variable rates 
expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk.

The Group borrows a mixture of fixed and variable rate debt in a range of currencies. The Group actively hedges its repricing profile using 
interest rate swaps in accordance with its Treasury Policy in order to manage the volatility of finance costs. The Group’s benchmark is to ensure 
between 20% and 55% of interest payments are fixed depending upon the maturity of the debt.

Exposure to interest rate risk
Sensitivities to interest rate risk have been assessed on the basis of a 100 basis point movement in interest rates. A 100 basis point movement is 
considered reasonably possible over the short term. Sensitivities are presented net of tax, using appropriate tax rates.  

Fair value sensitivity analysis 
A change in interest rates impacts the fair value of the Group’s interest rate derivatives and where changes in hedged risks on certain debt 
instruments are recognised at fair value.  The fair value sensitivity to a 100 basis point movement in interest rates (based on financial assets and 
liabilities held at the balance date) is as follows: 

Fair value gain/(loss) from 100 bp increase 
Fair value gain/(loss) from 100 bp decrease

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

64
(70)

74
(81)

64
(70)

74
(81)

Cash flow sensitivity analysis 
A change in the interest rates would also impact on interest payments and receipts on the Group’s floating rate debt instruments (including the 
floating leg of any interest rate derivatives). The cash flow sensitivity to a 100 basis point movement in interest rates (based on financial assets 
and liabilities held at the balance date) is as follows:

One year cash flow impact of 100 bp increase 
One year cash flow impact of 100 bp decrease

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

(13)
13

(15)
15

(13)
12

(15)
15

c)  Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual 
obligations, and arises principally from the Group’s receivables from customers and derivative financial instruments.

The Group operates a policy of only entering into contracts for sale with customers whose credit limits are in accordance with the Group’s 
delegated authorities approved by the Board. For export customers located outside of New Zealand credit risk mitigant tools such as letters of 
credit may be utilised in conjunction with credit limits. 

The ageing profile of Group trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments) is as follows:

$ MILLION

As at 31 July 2012
As at 31 July 2011

NEITHER  
PAST DUE  
NOR IMPAIRED

1,859
1,807

LESS THAN 
1 MONTH  
PAST DUE

238
230

PAST DUE BUT NOT IMPAIRED

MORE THAN
 1 MONTH 
BUT LESS THAN 
3 MONTHS 
PAST DUE

84
113

MORE THAN 
3 MONTHS PAST 
DUE

48
51

TOTAL

2,229
2,201

Parent has no trade and other receivables that are past due (31 July 2011: nil).

The Group does not hold collateral or security in relation to credit risk and has no undue concentrations of credit risk.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

87

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

The Group has a policy to limit its exposure to credit risk by entering into transactions only with financial counterparties that have a credit 
rating of at least ‘A-’ from Standard & Poor’s or equivalent. Given this high credit rating threshold, management does not expect these 
counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. Exceptions to this policy are authorised in accordance with the Board-approved Financial Risk 
Management Standard.

The Group has assessed trade and other receivables requiring specific impairment at balance date. As a result $29 million (31 July 2011: $21 
million) has been provided against these balances. This represents 0.15% (31 July 2011: 0.11%) of the total revenue from sale of goods.

The maximum credit risk on cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, derivative financial instruments and other investments is 
best represented by their carrying values.

d)  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group’s approach to managing 
liquidity is to ensure that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, 
without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group’s reputation.

The Group has a policy in place to ensure that it has sufficient cash or facilities on demand to meet expected operational expenses for a period 
of at least 80 days, including the servicing of financial obligations; this excludes the potential impact of extreme circumstances that cannot 
reasonably be predicted, such as natural disasters. In such situations back-up funding lines are maintained and as set out in the Company’s 
constitution, the Company can defer payments to Shareholder Suppliers if necessary.

Group Treasury manages the Group’s liquidity by retaining cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding from an adequate amount 
of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. At balance date the Group had undrawn lines of credit totalling 
$3,565 million (31 July 2011: $3,715 million), and the Parent had undrawn lines of credit of $2,080 million (31 July 2011: $2,003 million). The 
liquidity and refinancing risks are also managed by ensuring that Fonterra can maintain access to funding markets throughout the world.  
To that end, Fonterra maintains debt issuance programmes in a number of key markets and manages relationships with international investors. 
An illustration of this is the recent issue in Australia of AUD $150 million of medium-term notes with a maturity of ten years.

88  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Exposure to liquidity risk 

Non-derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Total non-derivative financial assets
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings 
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases 
   − Capital notes
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Bank overdraft
Owing to suppliers

Trade and other payables  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Financial guarantees issued1
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Gross settled derivatives
   − Inflow
   − Outflow 
Total gross settled derivative financial instruments
Net settled derivatives
Total financial instruments

1 

 Maximum cash flows under guarantees provided by the Group.

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2012

CARRYING 
AMOUNT 

CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS

3 MONTHS 
OR LESS

3–12  
MONTHS

1–5  
YEARS

MORE THAN 
5 YEARS

1,033
2,229
125
3,387

(198)
(274)
(177)
(35)
(943)
(3,322)
(42)
(1,083)

(1,139)
–
(7,213)

–
–
(228)
33
(4,021)

1,033
2,229
149
3,411

(199)
(305)
(259)
(42)
(1,162)
(4,165)
(42)
(1,083)

(1,093)
(100)
(8,450)

17,709
(18,274)
(565)
225
(5,379)

1,033
2,229
1
3,263

(199)
(69)
(5)
–
(21)
(72)
(42)
(1,083)

(1,093)
(100)
(2,684)

9,343
(9,290)
53
(7)
625

–
–
15
15

–
(94)
(15)
(1)
(52)
(938)
–
–

–
–
(1,100)

5,124
(5,167)
(43)
27
(1,101)

–
–
97
97

–
(142)
(85)
(6)
(1,089)
(1,653)
–
–

–
–
(2,975)

2,282
(2,458)
(176)
83
(2,971)

–
–
36
36

–
–
(154)
(35)
–
(1,502)
–
–

–
–
(1,691)

960
(1,359)
(399)
122
(1,932)

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

89

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Exposure to liquidity risk 

Non-derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Total non-derivative financial assets
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings 
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases 
   − Capital notes
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Bank overdraft
Owing to suppliers
Trade and other payables  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Financial guarantees issued1
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Gross settled derivatives
   − Inflow
   − Outflow 
Total gross settled derivative financial instruments
Net settled derivatives
Total financial instruments

1 

 Maximum cash flows under guarantees provided by the Group.

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2011

CARRYING 
AMOUNT 

CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS

3 MONTHS 
OR LESS

3–12  
MONTHS

1–5  
YEARS

MORE THAN 
5 YEARS

785
2,201
122
3,108

(50)
(491)
(179)
(35)
(940)
(2,955)
(23)
(1,679)

(1,136)
–
(7,488)

–
–
477
1
(3,902)

785
2,201
154
3,140

(50)
(507)
(274)
(43)
(1,234)
(3,888)
(23)
(1,679)

(1,081)
(104)
(8,883)

17,598
(17,467)
131
234
(5,378)

785
2,201
10
2,996

(50)
(52)
(5)
–
(21)
(70)
(23)
(1,679)

(1,081)
(104)
(3,085)

9,045
(8,687)
358
(7)
262

–
–
31
31

–
(301)
(14)
(1)
(52)
(142)
–
–

–
–
(510)

6,041
(5,333)
708
22
251

–
–
72
72

–
(154)
(86)
(7)
(1,161)
(2,415)
–
–

–
–
(3,823)

1,571
(2,011)
(440)
74
(4,117)

–
–
41
41

–
–
(169)
(35)
–
(1,261)
–
–

–
–
(1,465)

941
(1,436)
(495)
145
(1,774)

90  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Exposure to liquidity risk 

Non-derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Total non-derivative financial assets
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings 
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases 
   − Capital notes
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Owing to suppliers
Trade and other payables  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Financial guarantees issued1
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Gross settled derivatives
   − Inflow
   − Outflow 
Total gross settled derivative financial instruments
Net settled derivatives
Total financial instruments

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2012

CARRYING 
AMOUNT 

CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS

3 MONTHS 
OR LESS

3–12  
MONTHS

1–5  
YEARS

MORE THAN 
5 YEARS

793
4
3
800

(198)
(1)
(147)
(35)
(943)
(2,690)
(1,134)

(102)
–
(5,250)

–
–
(226)
34
(4,642)

793
4
4
801

(199)
(1)
(228)
(42)
(1,162)
(3,328)
(1,134)

(63)
(1,980)
(8,137)

16,774
(17,345)
(571)
226
(7,681)

793
4
–
797

(199)
(1)
(4)
–
(21)
(19)
(1,134)

(63)
(1,980)
(3,421)

8,893
(8,837)
56
(7)
(2,575)

–
–
–
–

–
–
(11)
(1)
(52)
(904)
–

–
–
(968)

5,029
(5,071)
(42)
28
(982)

–
–
1
1

–
–
(59)
(6)
(1,089)
(1,149)
–

–
–
(2,303)

1,892
(2,078)
(186)
83
(2,405)

–
–
3
3

–
–
(154)
(35)
–
(1,256)
–

–
–
(1,445)

960
(1,359)
(399)
122
(1,719)

1 

 Maximum cash flows under guarantees provided by the Parent.

Amounts due to and from consolidated Group entities that are repayable on demand (refer to Notes 8, 13 and 22) have been excluded from the 
above table.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

91

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Exposure to liquidity risk 

Non-derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Total non-derivative financial assets
Non-derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings 
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases 
   − Capital notes
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Owing to suppliers
Trade and other payables  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Financial guarantees issued1
Total non-derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Gross settled derivatives
   − Inflow
   − Outflow 
Total gross settled derivative financial instruments
Net settled derivatives
Total financial instruments

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2011

CARRYING 
AMOUNT 

CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS

3 MONTHS 
OR LESS

3–12  
MONTHS

1–5  
YEARS

MORE THAN 
5 YEARS

570
2
2
574

(50)
(150)
(150)
(35)
(940)
(2,527)
(1,729)

(82)
–
(5,663)

–
–
481
2
(4,606)

570
2
3
575

(50)
(155)
(242)
(43)
(1,234)
(3,338)
(1,729)

(41)
(2,135)
(8,967)

17,253
(17,118)
135
234
(8,023)

570
2
–
572

(50)
(2)
(4)
–
(21)
(19)
(1,729)

(41)
(2,135)
(4,001)

8,722
(8,359)
363
(7)
(3,073)

–
–
–
–

–
(3)
(11)
(1)
(52)
(119)
–

–
–
(186)

6,019
(5,312)
707
22
543

–
–
–
–

–
(150)
(59)
(7)
(1,161)
(1,941)
–

–
–
(3,318)

1,571
(2,011)
(440)
74
(3,684)

–
–
3
3

–
–
(168)
(35)
–
(1,259)
–

–
–
(1,462)

941
(1,436)
(495)
145
(1,809)

 Maximum cash flows under guarantees provided by the Parent.

1 
Amounts due to and from consolidated Group entities that are repayable on demand (refer to Notes 8, 13 and 22) have been excluded from the 
above table. 

e)  Capital management
The Board’s objective is to maximise Shareholder returns over time by maintaining an optimal capital structure. The Group provides returns to 
Shareholders through a milk price, dividends, and changes in the Company’s share price. In order to maintain an appropriate capital structure, 
the Board may decide to retain profits within the Group.

The Board undertook a review of the capital structure in 2009, which identified a series of changes as set out in Note 7. These changes are 
intended to strengthen the statement of financial position, primarily by removing redemption risk and providing a framework conducive to 
ongoing retentions.

The Board closely monitors the Group’s debt to debt plus equity ratio. This ratio is calculated as economic net interest bearing debt divided by 
total capital. Economic net interest bearing debt is calculated as disclosed in Note 15. Total capital is calculated as equity, as presented on the 
statement of financial position (excluding the cash flow hedge reserve), plus net interest bearing debt. The economic debt to debt plus equity 
ratio as at 31 July 2012 was 39.1% (31 July 2011: 41.8%), which is below the Board’s target of 45%-50%.

The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.

92  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

f)  Dairy commodity price risk
Dairy commodity price risk is the risk of volatility in profit or loss from a movement in dairy commodity prices to which the Group may be 
exposed.

Dairy commodity price risk arises from transactions for the sale and purchase of a variety of milk and milk derived products.

The Group manages its dairy commodity price risk by adopting a product mix that management considers best reflects the demand trends in 
dairy product markets globally. Sales contracts for future production of varying lengths are also used to enable the Group to sell its products at 
prices and times that management considers will maximise revenue.

The Group has also commenced on a limited scale direct trading in dairy commodity derivatives. Due to the limited market for the types of dairy 
commodity derivatives, such activity is only a small component of management’s strategy for managing commodity price risk. Fonterra aims to 
use its industry knowledge to obtain the best price for future sales, so as markets for such derivatives grows, the scope of such commodity risk 
management activities may increase. 

Commodity price risk sensitivity analysis 
The table below summarises the impact on dairy commodity derivatives for increases/decreases of dairy commodity prices on the Group’s post-
tax profit for the year. The analysis is based on the assumption that dairy based commodity derivative prices had increased/decreased by 10% 
with all other variables held constant:

Impact of 10% increase in quoted dairy commodity prices 
Impact of 10% decrease in quoted dairy commodity prices

GROUP $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012 
PROFIT

31 JULY 2011 
PROFIT

(1)
1

-
-

g)  Financial instrument fair values and classifications
Basis for determining fair values
The fair value of interest rate swaps and cross currency interest rate swaps is based on accepted valuation methodologies. The fair value of 
these instruments is calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each contract, at market interest 
rates.

The fair values of financial liabilities are calculated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at current market interest rates that are 
available for similar financial instruments.

Fair values at balance date have been assessed using a range of market interest rates between 0.01% and 5.62% (31 July 2011: 0.05% and 7.00%) 
across all currencies in which the Group holds financial instruments.

Fair values are allocated to a fair value hierarchy based on the following:

  –  Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

  –   Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly (i.e. as prices) or 

indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and

  –  Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

93

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2012

LOANS AND 
RECEIVABLES

OTHER  
AMORTISED 
COST

HELD FOR 
TRADING

DERIVATIVES  
IN HEDGE  
RELATIONSHIPS

CARRYING 
VALUE

FAIR VALUE

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Derivative assets – current
Derivative assets – non-current
Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Bank overdraft
Owing to suppliers

Total payables and accruals  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Borrowings
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Capital notes
Derivative liabilities – current
Derivative liabilities – non-current
Total financial liabilities
Total financial instruments

1,033
2,229
125
–
–
3,387

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,387

–
–
–
–
–
–

(42)
(1,083)

(1,139)

(198)
(274)
(177)
(943)
(3,322)
(35)
–
–
(7,213)
(7,213)

–
–
–
87
117
204

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(37)
(166)
(203)
1

–
–
–
188
81
269

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(218)
(247)
(465)
(196)

Included in the table above are the following instruments that have fair value changes recognised in the statement of financial position:
Level 1 fair value hierarchy
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Total level 1 fair value hierarchy

–
–
–

–
–
–

1
–
1

1
–
1

–
–
–

Level 2 fair value hierarchy
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Total level 2 fair value hierarchy

Total instruments recognised in the statement  
   of financial position at fair value

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

203
(203)
–

269
(465)
(196)

472
(668)
(196)

472
(668)
(196)

1

(196)

(195)

(195)

94  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

1,033
2,229
125
275
198
3,860

1,033
2,229
133
275
198
3,868

(42)
(1,083)

(42)
(1,083)

(1,139)

(1,139)

(198)
(274)
(177)
(943)
(3,322)
(35)
(255)
(413)
(7,881)
(4,021)

(198)
(274)
(208)
(1,053)
(3,659)
(28)
(255)
(413)
(8,352)
(4,484)

1
–
1

GROUP $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2011

LOANS AND 
RECEIVABLES

OTHER  
AMORTISED 
COST

HELD FOR 
TRADING

DERIVATIVES  
IN HEDGE  
RELATIONSHIPS

CARRYING 
VALUE

FAIR VALUE

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Derivative assets – current
Derivative assets – non-current
Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Bank overdraft
Owing to suppliers

Total payables and accruals  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Borrowings
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Capital notes
Derivative liabilities – current
Derivative liabilities – non-current
Total financial liabilities
Total financial instruments

785
2,201
122
–
–
3,108

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,108

–
–
–
–
–
–

(23)
(1,679)

(1,136)

(50)
(491)
(179)
(940)
(2,955)
(35)
–
–
(7,488)
(7,488)

–
–
–
302
32
334

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(41)
(110)
(151)
183

–
–
–
798
122
920

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(17)
(608)
(625)
295

Included in the table above are the following instruments that have fair value changes recognised in the statement of financial position:
Level 1 fair value hierarchy
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Total level 1 fair value hierarchy

–
(1)
(1)

–
(1)
(1)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

Level 2 fair value hierarchy
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Total level 2 fair value hierarchy

Total instruments recognised in the statement  
   of financial position at fair value

–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

785
2,201
122
1,100
154
4,362

785
2,201
128
1,100
154
4,368

(23)
(1,679)

(23)
(1,679)

(1,136)

(1,136)

(50)
(491)
(179)
(940)
(2,955)
(35)
(58)
(718)
(8,264)
(3,902)

(50)
(491)
(201)
(1,042)
(3,238)
(30)
(58)
(718)
(8,666)
(4,298)

–
(1)
(1)

1,254
(775)
479

334
(150)
184

920
(625)
295

1,254
(775)
479

183

295

478

478

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

95

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

19  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2012

LOANS AND 
RECEIVABLES

OTHER  
AMORTISED 
COST

HELD FOR 
TRADING

DERIVATIVES  
IN HEDGE  
RELATIONSHIPS

CARRYING 
VALUE

FAIR VALUE

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Derivative assets – current
Derivative assets – non-current
Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Owing to suppliers

Total payables and accruals  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Borrowings
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Capital notes
Derivative liabilities – current
Derivative liabilities – non-current
Total financial liabilities
Total financial instruments

793
8,866
3
–
–
9,662

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
9,662

–
–
–
–
–
–

(1,134)

(7,031)

(198)
(1)
(147)
(943)
(2,690)
(35)
–
–
(12,179)
(12,179)

–
–
–
263
137
400

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(37)
(171)
(208)
192

–
–
–
7
61
68

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(210)
(242)
(452)
(384)

Included in the table above are the following instruments that have fair value changes recognised in the statement of financial position:
Level 2 fair value hierarchy
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Total level 2 fair value hierarchy

468
(660)
(192)

400
(208)
192

68
(452)
(384)

–
–
–

–
–
–

Total instruments recognised in the statement  
   of financial position at fair value

–

–

192

(384)

(192)

(192)

96  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

793
8,866
3
270
198
10,130

793
8,866
3
270
198
10,130

(1,134)

(1,134)

(7,031)

(7,031)

(198)
(1)
(147)
(943)
(2,690)
(35)
(247)
(413)
(12,839)
(2,709)

(198)
(1)
(176)
(1,053)
(2,992)
(28)
(247)
(413)
(13,273)
(3,143)

468
(660)
(192)

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 31 JULY 2011

LOANS AND 
RECEIVABLES

OTHER  
AMORTISED 
COST

HELD FOR 
TRADING

DERIVATIVES  
IN HEDGE  
RELATIONSHIPS

CARRYING 
VALUE

FAIR VALUE

570
9,236
2
1,088
154
11,050

570
9,236
2
1,088
154
11,050

(1,729)

(1,729)

(7,324)

(7,324)

(50)
(150)
(150)
(940)
(2,527)
(35)
(41)
(718)
(13,664)
(2,614)

(50)
(150)
(169)
(1,042)
(2,799)
(30)
(41)
(718)
(14,052)
(3,002)

1,242
(759)
483

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments)
Long-term advances
Derivative assets – current
Derivative assets – non-current
Total financial assets

Financial liabilities
Owing to suppliers

Total payables and accruals  
   (excluding employee entitlements)
Borrowings
   − Commercial paper
   − Bank loans
   − Finance leases
   − Retail bonds
   − Medium-term notes
Capital notes
Derivative liabilities – current
Derivative liabilities – non-current
Total financial liabilities
Total financial instruments

570
9,236
2
–
–
9,808

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
9,808

–
–
–
–
–
–

(1,729)

(7,324)

(50)
(150)
(150)
(940)
(2,527)
(35)
–
–
(12,905)
(12,905)

–
–
–
1,088
110
1,198

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
(41)
(113)
(154)
1,044

–
–
–
–
44
44

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(605)
(605)
(561)

Included in the table above are the following instruments that have fair value changes recognised in the statement of financial position:
Level 2 fair value hierarchy
Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities
Total level 2 fair value hierarchy

1,198
(154)
1,044

1,242
(759)
483

44
(605)
(561)

–
–
–

–
–
–

Total instruments recognised in the statement  
   of financial position at fair value

–

–

1,044

(561)

483

483

The timing of the maturity of the release of the Parent and Group’s cash flow hedge reserve is:

Current 
Non-current
Total carrying value

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

143
(55)
88

740
(23)
717

(12)
(80)
(92)

(13)
(76)
(89)

The fair value of derivatives in hedge relationships by type of hedging relationship is:

Cash flow hedge
Fair value hedge
Net investment hedge
Total carrying value of derivatives in hedge relationships

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

96
(292)
–
(196)

732
(464)
27
295

(92)
(292)
–
(384)

(97)
(464)
–
(561)

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

97

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

20  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

The Group and Parent have no contingent liabilities as at 31 July 2012 (31 July 2011: nil).

In the normal course of its business, Fonterra, its subsidiaries and equity accounted investees are exposed to claims, legal proceedings and 
arbitrations that may in some cases result in costs to the Group. The Directors believe that these have been adequately provided for and 
disclosed by the Group and that there are no additional legal proceedings or arbitrations that are pending at the date of these financial 
statements that require provision or disclosure.

21  COMMITMENTS

Capital and intangible asset expenditure commitments
Capital and intangible asset expenditure contracted for at balance date but not recognised in the financial statements are as follows:

Buildings
Plant, vehicles and equipment
Intangible assets 
Total capital commitments

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

62
241
5
308

4
223
4
231

–
3
3
6

–
4
1
5

Operating lease commitments
The Group leases premises, plant and equipment. The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as 
follows:

Less than one year
One to five years
Greater than five years
Total operating lease commitments

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

76
162
31
269

74
161
41
276

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

98  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

22  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Equity accounted investees (refer to Note 23) and key management personnel are related parties of the Group. Key management personnel 
comprises the Board and the Fonterra Management Team.

Transactions were entered into and year end balances arose from transactions with related parties as follows: 

Key management personnel remuneration 

Short-term employee benefits 
Long-term employee benefits
Termination benefits
Directors’ remuneration
Total key management personnel remuneration

Revenue from the sale of goods

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

12
3
1
2
18

20
5
–
2
27

11
2
1
2
16

19
4
–
2
25

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

Sale of goods
Equity accounted investees 
Other Group entities 

81
–
81
Goods sold to related parties are primarily commodity products and are provided under normal trade terms.

76
–
76

–
9,050
9,050

–
10,257
10,257

Other operating income

Sale of services
Equity accounted investees 
Other Group entities

Royalty and other income
Equity accounted investees

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

5
–
5

20

5
–
5

21

–
54
54

–

–
52
52

–

Services provided to related parties include management fees and are provided under normal trade terms. Royalty and other income received 
from related parties are provided under normal trade terms.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

99

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

22  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS CONTINUED

Purchases of goods and services 

Purchases of goods
Equity accounted investees
Other Group entities
Key management personnel

Purchases of services
Equity accounted investees 
Other Group entities

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

101
–
225
326

5
–
5

75
–
247
322

2
–
2

–
16
225
241  

–
1
1

–
23
247
270

–
3
3

Goods purchased from related parties are primarily commodity products, which are acquired under normal trade terms.

Services purchased from related parties are primarily commissions paid and are under normal trade terms.

In addition, key management personnel may engage in transactions with other Group entities under normal trade terms.

Transfers of property, plant & equipment and intangible assets 

Additions of property, plant & equipment from other Group entities
Additions of intangible assets from other Group entities
Total

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

–
–
–

16
5
21

The Parent entered into transactions with other Group entities to acquire and dispose of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. 
These transactions were at the net book value of the assets transferred.

Dividends received

Equity accounted investees
Other Group entities

Balances arising from the sale or purchase of goods or services

Receivables1 
Equity accounted investees
Other Group entities

Payables 
Equity accounted investees
Other Group entities 
Key management personnel2

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

36
–
36

63
–
63

–
114
114

–
495
495

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

21
–
21

9
–
28
37

16
–
16

8
–
41
49

–
85
85

–
6
28 
34    

–
142
142

–
6
41
47

1 

2 

 There were no material provisions for impairment on the receivables from related parties.

 Payables to key management personnel relate to amounts owing for milk supplied to the Group by farmer Shareholder Directors. 

100  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Balances arising from financing arrangements 

Receivables 
Equity accounted investees
Receivables from other Group entities

Payables 
Equity accounted investees

Payables to other Group entities
Payables to key management personnel

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

59
–
59

1

–
1
2

90
–
90

–

–
1
1

–
9,018
9,018

–

6,923
–
6,923

–
9,241
9,241

–

7,236
–
7,236

Payables to key management personnel relate to unsecured bonds held by Directors or members of the Fonterra Management Team.

Interest income/(expense) from financing arrangements

Interest income 
Equity accounted investees
Other Group entities

Interest expense 
Other Group entities 

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

3
–
3

–
–

4
–
4

–
–

–
247
247

10
10

–
355
355

(11)
(11)

Loans to related parties other than equity accounted investees are unsecured and repayable in cash on demand.  Loans to equity accounted 
investees are unsecured and repayable over varying terms of between two years and 14 years.

Financial guarantees
The Group has provided financial guarantees for several equity accounted investees. The aggregate drawn down amount of equity accounted 
investees’ liabilities for which the Group is jointly and severally liable is $39 million (31 July 2011: $38 million). The Parent has provided financial 
guarantees for other Group entities. The amounts drawn down under those guaranteed facilities are $760 million (31 July 2011: $626 million).

Co-operative share transactions with Directors

Co-operative shares issued/(surrendered)
Issued 
Surrendered 
Net movement

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

13
(4)
9

16
(15)
1

13
(4)
9

16
(15)
1

3
Dividends paid to Directors
Co-operative shares issued to Directors during the year were 2,765,815 (31 July 2011: 3,587,230) and Co-operative share surrenders were 893,273 
(31 July 2011: 3,274,865).

4

4

3

Balances arising from transactions with Directors 
Receivable from Directors 
Payable to Directors

GROUP $ MILLION

PARENT $ MILLION

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

AS AT 
31 JULY 2012

AS AT 
31 JULY 2011

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

101

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

22  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS CONTINUED

Commitments 
In addition to the transactions disclosed above, the Group has prospective commitments with related parties including contracts with equity 
accounted investees for the supply of dairy products, energy and the provision of various management services.  These transactions are to be 
carried out at normal market prices and on an arm’s length basis.

23  GROUP ENTITIES

All subsidiaries and equity accounted investees are involved in the marketing, distribution, processing, technology or financing of dairy 
products. All Group entities have a balance date of 31 July unless otherwise indicated. Subsidiaries and equity accounted investees with different 
balance dates from that of the Group are due to legislative requirements in the country the entities are domiciled. Equity accounted investees 
may also have a different balance date due to alignment with their other investor’s balance date or to align with the milk season. The New 
Zealand Companies Office has given exemptions for a number of Fonterra’s subsidiaries to maintain balance dates different to that of the 
Group.

The Group holds investments in certain countries that have some limited restrictions on the repatriation of funds back to the Parent. This does 
not result in any significant restriction on the flow of funds for the Group.

The significant subsidiaries and equity accounted investees of the Group are listed below: 

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS (%)

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION

AS AT
31 JULY 2012

AS AT
31 JULY 2011

Australia
Australia
Brazil
Chile
China
China
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Mauritius
Mexico
Netherlands
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand
USA
Venezuela
Vietnam

100
100
100
99.9
100
85
100
100
100
51
100
100
100
100
100
51
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
99.9
100
85
100
100
100
51
100
100
100
100
100
51
100
100
100
100
100
100

OVERSEAS SUBSIDIARIES

Fonterra Australia Pty Limited
Fonterra Brands (Australia) Pty Limited
Fonterra (Brasil) Limitada1
Soprole S.A.1
Fonterra Commercial Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited1
Tangshan Fonterra Dairy Farm Limited
PT Fonterra Brands Indonesia
Fonterra Brands (Japan) Limited
Fonterra Brands (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Fonterra (Ing.) Limited 
Fonterra (Mexico) S.A. de C.V.1
Fonterra (Europe) Coöperatie U.A.
Fonterra Brands Phils. Inc.
Saudi New Zealand Milk Products Company Limited
Fonterra Brands (Singapore) Pte Limited
Fonterra Brands (New Young) Pte Limited
Fonterra (SEA) Pte Limited
Fonterra Brands Lanka (Private) Limited
Fonterra Brands (Thailand) Limited
Fonterra (USA) Inc
Fonterra Venezuela S.A.
Fonterra Brands (Viet Nam) Company Limited2

1 

2 

 Balance date 31 December.

 Balance date 30 June.

102  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

NEW ZEALAND SUBSIDIARIES

Anchor Ethanol Limited
Canpac International Limited
Fonterra Brands (New Zealand) Limited
Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) Limited
Fonterra Limited
Fonterra (New Zealand) Limited
New Zealand Dairy Board
NZAgbiz Limited
RD1 Limited
ViaLactia Biosciences (NZ) Limited

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS (%)

AS AT
31 JULY 2012

AS AT
31 JULY 2011

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100

The ownership interest of the following entities is 50% or less. However, they have been consolidated on the basis that the Group controls them 
based on its capacity to govern the financing and operating policies of the entities so as to obtain benefits from their activities.

OVERSEAS SUBSIDIARIES 50% OR LESS OWNERSHIP

Fonterra (Japan) Limited
Fonterra Brands (Middle East) L.L.C.

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS (%)

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION

AS AT
31 JULY 2012

AS AT
31 JULY 2011

Japan
UAE

50
49

50
49

The ownership interest of the following entities is 50% or less and the Group is not considered to exercise a controlling interest. These entities 
are therefore accounted for as equity accounted investees.

OVERSEAS EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEES

DPA Manufacturing Holdings Limited1
Dairy Partners Americas Brasil Limitada1
Ecuajugos S.A.1
DMV Fonterra Excipients GmbH & Co KG1
Dairy Industries (Jamaica) Limited1
DairiConcepts, L.P.1
DairiConcepts Management, L.L.C.1
Lactaid Holdings Limited1

1 

 Balance date 31 December.

NEW ZEALAND EQUITY ACCOUNTED INVESTEES

International Nutritionals Limited1

1 

 Balance date 31 May.

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS (%)

COUNTRY OF 
INCORPORATION

AS AT
31 JULY 2012

AS AT
31 JULY 2011

Bermuda
Brazil
Ecuador
Germany
Jamaica
USA
USA
Barbados

50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50

50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50

OWNERSHIP INTERESTS (%)

AS AT
31 JULY 2012

AS AT
31 JULY 2011

50

50

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

103

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

24  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 25 September 2012, the Board of Directors declared a final dividend of 20 cents per share payable on 20 October 2012 to the Shareholders 
on the share register at 31 May 2012.

On 14 September 2012, Fonterra completed the purchase of certain assets and liabilities relating to the dairy processing business formerly 
known as New Zealand Dairies Limited. The accounting for this transaction has yet to be finalised, and the transaction is not expected to be 
material, therefore no further disclosure has been made.

There were no other material events subsequent to 31 July 2012 that would impact these financial statements.

25  EARNINGS PER SHARE 

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the Company ($)
Earnings attributable to equity holders of the Company ($ million)
Weighted average number of shares (thousands of shares)

GROUP

31 JULY 2012

31 JULY 2011

0.42
609
1,435,793

0.55
754
1,375,904

104  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF FONTERRA CO-OPERATIVE GROUP LIMITED

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have audited the financial statements of Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited and its subsidiaries on pages 53 to 104, which comprise the 
statement of financial position as at 31 July 2012, the income statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity 
and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and the notes to the financial statements that include a summary of significant accounting 
policies and other explanatory information for both the Company and the Group. The Group comprises the Company and the entities it 
controlled at 31 July 2012 or from time to time during the financial year.

Directors’ Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The Directors are responsible for the preparation of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in 
New Zealand and that give a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate and for such internal controls as the Directors determine are 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors’ Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with 
International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) and International Standards on Auditing. These standards require that we comply with 
relevant ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The 
procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditors consider the internal controls relevant to the 
Company and the Group’s preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate, in order to 
design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of 
the Company and the Group’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the 
reasonableness of accounting estimates, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

We carry out other assignments on behalf of the Company and the Group in the areas of other audit related services and transaction and other 
advisory services. Partners and employees of our firm may deal with the Company and the Group on normal terms within the ordinary course 
of trading activities of the Company and the Group. These matters have not impaired our independence as auditors of the Company and the 
Group. 

Opinion

In our opinion, the financial statements on pages 53 to 104:

(i) 

comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand; and

(ii)  comply with International Financial Reporting Standards; and

(iii)  give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and the Group as at 31 July 2012, and their financial performance and cash 

flows for the year then ended.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We also report in accordance with Sections 16(1)(d) and 16(1)(e) of the Financial Reporting Act 1993. In relation to our audit of the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 July 2012:

(i)  we have obtained all the information and explanations that we have required; and

(ii) 

in our opinion, proper accounting records have been kept by the Company as far as appears from an examination of those records.

Restriction on Distribution or Use

This report is made solely to the Company’s shareholders, as a body, in accordance with Section 205(1) of the Companies Act 1993. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s shareholders those matters which we are required to state to them in an 
auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the Company and the Company’s shareholders, as a body, for our audit work, for this report or for the opinions we have formed.

Chartered Accountants, Auckland
25 September 2012 

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

105

 
STATUTORY INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

EQUITY SECURITIES HELD AT BALANCE DATE

In accordance with NZX Limited Listing Rule 10.5.5(c), the following table identifies the Equity Securities in which each Director and their 
Associated Persons have a relevant interest as at 31 July 2012. The figure alongside each Director includes beneficially held securities, holdings 
by Associated Persons and joint holdings with Associated Persons.

Colin Armer (resigned 1 August 2012)
Malcolm Bailey
Ian Farrelly
David MacLeod
John Monaghan
Nicola Shadbolt
Sir Henry van der Heyden
Jim van der Poel
John Wilson

CO-OPERATIVE STATUS

CO-OPERATIVE SHARES

17,879,495
3,666,167
2,243,418
2,701,962
1,027,895
353,162
502,000
7,592,952
4,198,056

In accordance with Section 10 of the Co-operative Companies Act 1996, the Directors of Fonterra unanimously resolved on 28 August 2012 that 
the Company was, for the year ended 31 July 2012, a co-operative company. The opinion was based upon the fact that:

•	 Throughout	that	period	the	principal	activities	of	the	Company	have	been	the	activities	stated	in	Clause	1.2 of the Company’s constitution:

  –   the manufacture and sale of butter, cheese, dried milk, casein, or any other product derived from milk or milksolids supplied to the  

Company by its Shareholders

  –  the sale to any person of milk or milksolids supplied to the Company by its Shareholders 

  –  the collection, treatment, and distribution for human consumption of milk or cream supplied to the Company by its Shareholders

•	 Each	of	the	Company’s	principal	activities	are	co-operative	activities	(as	defined	in	Section	3 of the Co-operative Companies Act 1996)

•	 	Throughout	that	period	not	less	than	60% of the voting rights attaching to shares in the Company have been held by transacting 

shareholders (as defined in Section 4 of the Co-operative Companies Act 1996).

REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

The fees paid to each Director in the 12 month period from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012 are scheduled below:

Colin Armer (resigned 1 August 2012)
Malcolm Bailey 
John Ballard (to 30 April 2012)
Ian Farrelly
Greg Gent (to 17 November 2011)
David Jackson
David MacLeod (from 17 November 2011)
John Monaghan
Sir Ralph Norris (from 1 May 2012)
Nicola Shadbolt
Sir Henry van der Heyden 
Jim van der Poel 
John Waller
Ralph Waters
John Wilson

106  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

FEES ($)

182,624
154,100
114,100
154,100
41,821
182,624
112,820
182,624
40,000
154,100
374,923
154,100
182,624
154,100
182,624

SUBSIDIARY COMPANY DIRECTORS

The following companies were subsidiaries of Fonterra as at 31 July 
2012.  Directors as at that date are listed; those who resigned during 
the year are denoted with an R. Alternate Directors are denoted with 
an A.

616059 Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Anchor Ethanol Limited: 
C P Caldwell, P D Washer

Canpac International Limited: 
C P Caldwell, B D Mealings, S J Gajzago (R)

Civil Whey Distributors Limited: 
C P Caldwell, B D Mealings, B P D Taylor

Dairy Industry Superannuation Scheme Trustee Limited: 
M A Apiata-Wade, B J Kerr, D M Marshall, T P McGuinness, D W C 
Scott, A K Williams, P D Wynen

Dairy Transport Logistics Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Coote, G A Hoddinott, G J Cochrane (R), K Harris (R), 
J P Minkhorst (R)

Fantastic Food Limited: 
J A Luskie, P J W McClure

Fonterra (Asia) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, M W Smith

Fonterra (International) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, C E Rowe, P D Washer (R)

Fonterra (Kotahi) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Coote

Fonterra (Middle East) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, P D Washer

Fonterra (New Zealand) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, C E Rowe, P D Washer (R)

Fonterra (Number One) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Fonterra Brands (China Holdings) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, P P Coppes, T L Tan (R)

Fonterra Brands (New Zealand) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Brands (The Pastryhouse) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Brands (Tip Top Investments) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Brands Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Mason

Fonterra Commodities Limited: 
J H Allan, C P Caldwell, I Palliser, P D Washer (R)

Fonterra Dairy Solutions Limited: 
C P Caldwell, R McNickle

Fonterra Enterprises Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

Fonterra Equities Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Fonterra Farming Ventures Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

Fonterra Finance Corporation Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Fonterra Holdings (Americas) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Fonterra Holdings (Argentina) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Fonterra Holdings (Brazil) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Fonterra Holdings (Ecuador) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Fonterra Holdings (Venezuela) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Fonterra Insurance Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Mason

Fonterra Investments (China) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, P P Coppes, T L Tan (R)

Fonterra IP Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Fonterra Limited: 
C P Caldwell, B Connolly, P D Washer (R)

Fonterra Manufacturing (Americas) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Fonterra PGGRC Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

Fonterra Research Centre Limited: 
C P Caldwell, M W Smith

Fonterra TM Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Food Solutions Group 2000 Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Glencoal Energy Limited: 
C P Caldwell, B D Mealings

Global Dairy Trade Holdings Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Mason

Kapiti Fine Foods Limited: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Kotahi GP Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Coote, K G Winders

MIH Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

New Zealand Dairy Board: 
C P Caldwell, C E Rowe, P D Washer (R)

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

107

 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

New Zealand Milk (Australasian Holdings) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Mason

New Zealand Milk (International) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Mason

New Zealand Milk Brands Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

NZAgbiz Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

NZM (Dairy Holdings) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, K K Gupta

RD1 Limited: 
J P Minkhorst, K A Wickham

SAITL Technologies Limited: 
P G Brown, P J Spooner, P J van Boheemen, J S Wilson

Comercial Dos Alamos S.A. [Chile]: 
M Berdichevsky Bizama, H Covarrubias Lalanne, P C Muzzio 
Castelletto, J M Porraz-Lando, S Tagle Perez, E Aldunate Montes (A), 
S Benavides Méndez (A), R Cubillos Yañez (A), V Flen Silva (A), G 
Rencoret Mujica (A), J F Silva Barroilhet (R)

Comercial Santa Elena S.A. [Chile]: 
M Berdichevsky Bizama, H Covarrubias Lalanne, P C Muzzio 
Castelletto, J M Porraz-Lando, S Tagle Perez, E Aldunate Montes (A), 
S Benavides Méndez (A), R Cubillos Yañez (A), V Flen Silva (A), G 
Rencoret Mujica (A), J F Silva Barroilhet (R)

Dairy Enterprises (Chile) Limitada [Chile]: 
M P Campbell, A J Duncan, K J Murray, R Sepúlveda Seminario, M W 
Smith, C Bussi (A), J C Gumucio Schönthaler (A), L O Herrera Larraín 
(A), A Montaner Lewin (A), S Obach González (A) , E A Teisaire (R)

Dairy Enterprises International (Chile) Limited [Cayman Islands]: 
M P Campbell, E A Teisaire

South Auckland Independent Testing Society Limited: 
P G Brown, P J Spooner, P J van Boheemen, J S Wilson, R D Andela (A)

Dairy Fresh Pty. Ltd. [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Sovenz Limited: 
C P Caldwell, S D T Till, S C R Deschamps (R)

Tangshan Dairy Farm (NZ) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, P P Coppes, T L Tan (R)

ViaLactia Biosciences (NZ) Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

ViaLactia Bovine Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

ViaLactia Clover Limited: 
C P Caldwell, J P Minkhorst

Whareroa Co-Generation Limited: 
C P Caldwell, B D Mealings

A.C.N. 008 668 602 Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

A.C.N. 009 163 268 Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

A.C.N. 009 235 492 Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

A.C.N. 111 834 489 Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

A.C.N. 113 345 430 Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson, B S Donnison (R), P L Thorn (R)

Anmum (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. [Malaysia]: 
M F Bin Wahab, D A Ross, M W Smith, K K Gupta (A)

Australasian Food Holdings Pty Limited [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Bonlac Finance Pty Limited [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Bonlac Staff Retirement Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Bonland Cheese Trading Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

108  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Dairymas (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd [Malaysia]: 
M F Bin Wahab, D A Ross, M W Smith, K K Gupta (A)

Fast Forward FFW Limited [United Kingdom]: 
K Allum, M P Campbell, S P Faulkner, K Liekelema, M J McQuade (R)

Fazenda MIH Ltda [Brazil]: 
A Z Fortuna, F Jorge

Fonterra (Brasil) Ltda [Brazil]: 
M M Pérez Ortiz

Fonterra (Canada), Inc. [Canada]: 
C P Caldwell, B Kipping, G Vita

Fonterra (Centro America) S.A. [Guatemala]: 
M d R García de Pullin, M M Pérez Ortiz, P D Washer, B T Willis (R)

Fonterra (China) Limited [Hong Kong]: 
C P Caldwell, P P Coppes, T L Tan, P A Turner

Fonterra (CIS) Limited Liability Company [Russian Federation]: 
A Rozanov

Fonterra (Europe) Coöperatie U.A. [Netherlands]: 
C P Caldwell, K Liekelema, M W Smith (R)

Fonterra (Europe) GmbH [Germany]: 
K Liekelema

Fonterra (France) SAS [France]: 
K Liekelema

Fonterra (Ing.) Limited [Mauritius]: 
Lee G, P D Washer

Fonterra (Italy) S.P.A. [Italy]: 
C P Caldwell, T H D Kühn, K Liekelema, B B Anderson (R), A Lichter 
(R), P Pennati (R), M W Smith (R)

Fonterra (Japan) Limited [Japan]: 
P G Brown, C P Caldwell, R M Kennerley, K Kumagai, H Ono, K Ueta

Fonterra (Logistics) Ltd [United Kingdom]: 
T H D Kühn, G R Sharma

Fonterra (Mexico) S.A. de C.V. [Mexico]: 
C P Caldwell, M M Pérez Ortiz, P D Washer, L Barona Mariscal (A), F R 
Camacho (A), G A Castro Palafox (A), M I Arana Soriano (R) (A)

Fonterra Brands Phils. Inc [Philippines]: 
M Magtoto, R A Mendoza, C M Mendoza, E Ogsimer, H Ong, M W 
Smith, M A Wilson, C Guillermo (R), K K Gupta (R)

Fonterra (Pacific) Inc. [United States]: 
C P Caldwell, M W Smith, G Vita

Fonterra (SEA) Pte. Ltd. [Singapore]: 
G N Kane, M W Smith

Fonterra (Switzerland) SA [Switzerland]: 
G Roper, M W Smith

Fonterra (Thailand) Limited [Thailand]: 
G N Kane, K Vunthanadit

Fonterra (USA) Inc [United States]: 
C P Caldwell, M W Smith, G Vita

Fonterra Commercial Trading (Shanghai) Company Limited [China]: 
W F Chu, P P Coppes, T L Tan, P A Turner

Fonterra Egypt Limited [Egypt]: 
A Anwar, M W Smith

Fonterra Foods Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Foodservices (USA), Inc. [United States]: 
M W Smith, G Vita

Fonterra Holdings (Thailand) Limited [Thailand]: 
G N Kane, K Vunthanadit

Fonterra (Yutian) Dairy Farm Company Limited [China]: 
J P Minkhorst, P J Moore, P A Turner

Fonterra Ingredients Australia Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Australia Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Investments Netherlands Coöperatie U.A. [Netherlands]: 
K Liekelema, A D Turnbull, J van der Windt, A A Mikhalevsky (R)

Fonterra Brands (Asia Holdings) Pte. Ltd [Singapore]: 
M W Smith, M A Wilson, K K Gupta (R)

Fonterra Investments Pty Limited [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Brands (Australia) Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Brands (Centram), S.A. [Panama]: 
M P J Bates, M W Smith

Fonterra Brands (Far East) Limited [Hong Kong]: 
M W Smith, M A Wilson, K K Gupta (R)

Fonterra Brands (Guangzhou) Ltd [China]: 
P P Coppes, P A Turner, K A Wickham, T L Tan (R)

Fonterra Brands (Guatemala), S.A. [Guatemala]: 
M P J Bates, M W Smith

Fonterra Brands (Hong Kong) Limited [Hong Kong]: 
A M Fitzsimmons, C Sin, M W Smith, K K Gupta (R), D A Ross (R)

Fonterra Brands (Japan) Limited [Japan]: 
C P Caldwell, R M Kennerley

Fonterra Brands (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd [Malaysia]: 
M F Bin Wahab, D A Ross, M W Smith, K K Gupta (A)

Fonterra Brands (New Young) Pte. Ltd. [Singapore]: 
A J Bruce, Y Lin, Lin C, Ling J, M W Smith, M A Wilson, A M 
Fitzsimmons (A)

Fonterra Brands (Singapore) Pte. Ltd [Singapore]: 
M W Smith, M A Wilson, K K Gupta (R)

Fonterra Brands (Thailand) Ltd [Thailand]: 
S Aramthip, A M Fitzsimmons, C Phaonimmongkol, M W Smith, M A 
Wilson

Fonterra Brands (Viet Nam) Company Limited [Viet Nam]: 
M W Smith, K K Gupta (R)

Fonterra Brands Indonesia, PT [Indonesia]: 
M Handoyo, M W Smith

Fonterra Brands Lanka (Private) Limited [Sri Lanka]: 
J H P Gallage, A R R Kasireddy, M W Smith

Fonterra MIH Holdings Brasil Ltda [Brazil]: 
A Z Fortuna, F Jorge

Fonterra Milk Australia Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Fonterra Tangshan Dairy Farm (HK) Limited [Hong Kong]: 
C P Caldwell, P P Coppes, P A Turner

Fonterra Venezuela, S.A. [Venezuela]: 
C P Caldwell, F C Ortega Becea, P D Washer, O N de Massiani (A), S 
Guevara Camacho (A), L A Tinoco (A)

Inversiones Dairy Enterprises S.A. [Chile]: 
M P Campbell, A J Duncan, J C Gumucio Schönthaler, A Montaner 
Lewin, K J Murray, M W Smith, L O Herrera Larraín (A), R Sepúlveda 
Seminario (A), J P Egaña Bertoglia (A)(R), S Obach González (A)(R)

Key Ingredients, Inc. [United States]: 
C P Caldwell, M W Smith, G Vita

Mainland Dairies Pty. Ltd. [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Mainland Foodservice Pty Limited [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Milk Products Holdings (Middle East) EC [Bahrain]: 
M W Smith, M A Wilson

Milk Products Holdings (North America) Inc. [United States]: 
C P Caldwell, M W Smith, G Vita

Murrumbidgee Dairy Products Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

New Tai Milk Products Co Ltd [Taiwan]: 
T H Deane, G N Kane, J Lee, C Lee, Lee G, M Lee, P D Washer, T L Tan 
(R)

New Zealand Milk (Australasia) Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

109

 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

New Zealand Milk (Barbados) Ltd [Barbados]: 
M P J Bates, M W Smith

New Zealand Milk (LATAM) Ltd [Bermuda]: 
C P Caldwell, K J Murray

Newdale Dairies (Private) Limited [Sri Lanka]: 
J H P Gallage, A R R Kasireddy, M W Smith

NZAgbiz Australia Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

NZMP (AEM) Ltd [United Kingdom]: 
T H D Kühn, G R Sharma

Recombined Dairy Systems A/S [Denmark]: 
T H D Kühn, K Liekelema, G R Sharma

Roaming Cow Dairies Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

Saudi New Zealand Milk Products Company Limited [Saudi Arabia]: 
J C Fryer

 Sociedad Agrícola y Lechera Praderas Australes S.A. (“Pradesur”) 
[Chile]: 
M Berdichevsky Bizama, H Covarrubias Lalanne, J M Porraz-Lando, J F 
Silva Barroilhet (R)

Sociedad Procesadora de Leche Del Sur S.A. [Chile]: 
E Alcalde Undurraga, A Cussen Mackenna, J Milic Barros, K J Murray, 
S Obach González, G Varela Alfonso, J M Alcalde Undurraga (A), J P 
Matus Pickering (A), A Montaner Lewin (A), S Oddo Gómez (A), J P 
Orellana Pavón (A), C Perez-Cotapos Subercaseaux (A)

Solid Fresh Food & Beverage (M) Sdn. Bhd. [Malaysia]: 
M F Bin Wahab, D A Ross, M W Smith, K K Gupta (A)

Soprole Inversiones SA [Chile]: 
G Bitran Dicowsky, M P Campbell, J R Valente Vias, G Varela Alfonso, 
A Walker Prieto, S Diez Arriagada (A), R Fernández Robinson (A), C 
Herrera Barriga (A), R Sepúlveda Seminario (A), R Tisi Lanchares (A)

Soprole S.A. [Chile]: 
G Bitran Dicowsky, M P Campbell, J R Valente Vias, G Varela Alfonso, 
A Walker Prieto, S Diez Arriagada (A), R Fernández Robinson (A), C 
Herrera Barriga (A), R Sepúlveda Seminario (A), R Tisi Lanchares (A)

Tangshan Fonterra Dairy Farm Ltd [China]: 
P J Moore, P A Turner, Zhang J L, T L Tan (R)

Unilac Australia Pty Ltd [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

United Milk Tasmania Pty Limited [Australia]: 
C P Caldwell, D K Mallinson

110  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK

Fonterra operates a Pay for Performance approach to remuneration for salaried employees. We provide competitive salaries in the markets in 
which we operate with incentives and increases to remuneration being based on the performance of individuals and the organisation.

Our remuneration framework for salaried staff is based on a “total remuneration” approach meaning packages include fixed remuneration (e.g. 
salary and benefits) and variable remuneration (e.g. Short Term Incentive plan (STI)).

To ensure Fonterra remains competitive in the relevant market, our pay bands are based on information obtained from independent 
remuneration consultants. The framework is designed to reward exceptional performance taking into account factors such as internal equity 
and budget constraints.

All elements of the framework contribute to building an overall atmosphere of recognition, innovation and challenge. 

Remuneration is important for attracting talent into the organisations, but it is not the only consideration. Attracting and retaining talent also 
depends on people leadership practices which build an emotional connection to the organisation including: opportunities to get involved in 
work that offers learning and growth; believing that they are working for an organisation that is making a meaningful contribution; feeling 
like their work matters and is appreciated and receiving praise and recognition from colleagues and peers. Fonterra’s annual employee survey 
measures how successful we are at providing these non-financial rewards to employees and action plans address the gaps.

SHORT TERM INCENTIVE (STI) PLANS

Every permanent salaried employee in Fonterra worldwide is invited to participate in the annual STI plans.

STI plans are an important communication device signalling to employees what is important to Fonterra and how success in Fonterra is 
measured and rewarded. At the commencement of each year a series of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are identified and agreed. These KPIs 
include important financial measures from our three year strategic plan and also include our goals around Health & Safety and other important 
operational and qualitative measures.

Incentive programmes drive Fonterra’s performance by:

•	 Aligning	the	objectives	of	the	Company	to	ensure	collaboration	and	a	one	team	approach	to	achieve	Fonterra’s	goals

•	 Establishing	targets	which	are	challenging	yet	achievable

•	 Linking	specific	levels	of	reward	to	individual,	team	and	Company	performance

•	 Providing	great	opportunities	when	Fonterra’s	business	and	people	are	successful.

At the end of each operating year, performance against the KPIs is determined and independently reviewed and approved by the Appointments, 
Remuneration and Development Committee (AR&DC).

LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN (STRATOS) PLAN

For certain key executives, Fonterra operates the Stratos plan. This plan is by invitation only and is designed to motivate, reward and retain key 
executives.  This plan is based on achievement key profitability goals for the Co-operative.

BENEFITS

As Fonterra operates a total remuneration approach benefits are only provided when required by legislation or typical in a particular market. 
However, Fonterra works hard with suppliers to offer employees discounted products and services. In the year ended 31 July 2012, New Zealand 
based salaried employees were offered discounted trauma insurance to help take care of them and their families if serious illness occurred. 

fixed remuneration

sti plans

stratos plan

•	 Provides	“stable”	base	level	of	reward

•	 All	salaried	employees	eligible

•	 Restricted	to	key	executives

•	 	External	and	internal	relativities	and	budget	

constraints taken into account

•	 	Comprehensive	range	of	financial	and	 
non-financial measures including H&S

•	 	Focus	on	overall	profitability	of	the	 

Co-operative

•	 	Typically	set	at	market	median	(for	local	
market) using independent external 
benchmark data

•	 	Varies	based	on	employee	skills	and	

performance

•		 	When	targets	are	exceeded	total	

remuneration will be above market median

•	 	Highest	performance	receives	an	additional	
multiplier, lowest performance receives no 
STI payment

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

111

 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

The Group operates in a number of countries where remuneration market levels differ widely. During the year ended 31 July 2012, the number of 
employees, not being Directors of Fonterra, who received remuneration and the value of other benefits exceeding $100,000 was as follows:

REMUNERATION RANGE ($)

NEW ZEALAND1

OFFSHORE2

CESSATIONS3

TOTAL

100,000
110,001
120,001
130,001
140,001
150,001
160,001
170,001
180,001
190,001
200,001
210,001
220,001
230,001
240,001
250,001
260,001
270,001
280,001
290,001
300,001
310,001
320,001
330,001
340,001
350,001
360,001
370,001
380,001
390,001
400,001
410,001
420,001
430,001
440,001
450,001
460,001
470,001
480,001
490,001
500,001
510,001
520,001
530,001
540,001
550,001
560,001
570,001
580,001
590,001

110,000
120,000
130,000
140,000
150,000
160,000
170,000
180,000
190,000
200,000
210,000
220,000
230,000
240,000
250,000
260,000
270,000
280,000
290,000
300,000
310,000
320,000
330,000
340,000
350,000
360,000
370,000
380,000
390,000
400,000
410,000
420,000
430,000
440,000
450,000
460,000
470,000
480,000
490,000
500,000
510,000
520,000
530,000
540,000
550,000
560,000
570,000
580,000
590,000
600,000

112  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

778
401
188
134
134
79
72
59
53
34
26
27
21
17
16
19
7
8
6
4
8
8
13
5
4
6
3
8
4
4
4
1
1
2
2
2
2
5
1
1
1
1
–
4
1
–
–
2
1
–

210
245
229
192
110
80
86
62
50
46
30
30
19
20
17
15
15
10
13
11
7
6
9
6
7
3
6
7
6
3
4
6
2
6
6
2
2
3
2
4
2
2
2
1
2
1
3
1
1
1

29
18
9
7
9
8
6
5
2
1
3
3
2
2
2
–
1
2
–
1
1
–
–
1
1
–
2
–
–
–
1
–
–
–
2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
–
–
1
–
–
–
–

1,017
664
426
333
253
167
164
126
105
81
59
60
42
39
35
34
23
20
19
16
16
14
22
12
12
9
11
15
10
7
9
7
3
8
10
4
4
8
3
5
3
3
3
5
3
2
3
3
2
1

REMUNERATION RANGE ($)

NEW ZEALAND1

OFFSHORE2

CESSATIONS3

TOTAL

600,001
610,001
630,001
640,001
650,001
690,001
700,001
720,001
730,001
740,001
760,001
810,001
840,001
860,001
870,001
900,001
910,001
920,001
940,001
980,001
1,000,001
1,010,001
1,050,001
1,060,001
1,140,001
1,150,001
1,170,001
1,190,001
1,200,001
1,210,001
1,230,001
1,470,001
1,500,001
1,520,001
1,580,001
1,770,001
1,790,001
1,920,001
2,470,001
2,510,001
2,810,001
3,000,001
8,220,001
Total 

610,000
620,000
640,000
650,000
660,000
700,000
710,000
730,000
740,000
750,000
770,000
820,000
850,000
870,000
880,000
910,000
920,000
930,000
950,000
990,000
1,010,000
1,020,000
1,060,000
1,070,000
1,150,000
1,160,000
1,180,000
1,200,000
1,210,000
1,220,000
1,240,000
1,480,000
1,510,000
1,530,000
1,590,000
1,780,000
1,800,000
1,930,000
2,480,000
2,520,000
2,820,000
3,010,000
8,230,000

2
–
1
–
–
1
–
–
–
–
–
1
–
1
2
1
–
–
–
1
1
1
1
–
–
1
–
–
–
–
1
1
1
–
–
–
–
1
1
–
–
1
–
2,198

3
1
2
2
2
–
1
1
1
2
1
–
1
–
–
–
1
1
1
–
1
–
–
1
2
–
1
1
1
1
–
–
–
–
1
1
1
–
1
1
–
–
–
1,636

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
–
1
122

5
1
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
3,956

1 

2 

3 

Includes employees employed in New Zealand during the reporting period.

 Includes employees employed in an offshore operation during the reporting period. Amounts paid in foreign currency have been translated at the average conversion 
rate for the period.

 Cessations include employees that have been terminated or retired during the period. The amounts paid to former employees include salary and bonuses for the current 
period, prior period bonuses that have been paid in the current period (which were accrued at 31 July 2011) and termination entitlements including those arising from 
employment arrangements entered into by legacy companies prior to the formation of Fonterra.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

113

 
 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

CURRENT CREDIT RATING STATUS

Standard & Poor’s has rated the Company A+ with a rating outlook of stable. Fitch has rated the Company AA- with a rating outlook of stable. 
Retail Bonds have been rated the same as the Company by both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. Capital Notes which are subordinate to other 
Fonterra debt issued are rated A by Standard & Poor’s and A+ by Fitch. 

EXCHANGE RULINGS AND WAIVERS

NZX Limited (NZX) has ruled that Capital Notes do not constitute “equity securities” under its Listing Rules (Rules). This means that where 
Capital Notes are quoted on NZX’s debt market (NZDX), the Company is not required to comply with certain Rules which apply to an issuer of 
quoted equity securities. 

NZX has granted waivers from NZDX Rule 11.1.1 to enable Fonterra to decline to accept or register transfers of Capital Notes or Retail Bonds 
(NZDX listed debt securities FCGHA, FCG010 and FCG020) if such transfer would result in the transferor holding or continuing to hold Capital 
Notes or Retail Bonds with a face value or principal amount of less than $5,000 or if such transfer is for an amount of less than $1,000 or 
multiple thereof. The effect of these waivers is that the minimum holding amount in respect of the Capital Notes and Retail Bonds will at all 
times be $5,000 in aggregate and that Retail Bonds can only be transferred in multiples of $1,000.

NZX has also granted a waiver from NZDX Rule 5.2.3 in respect of Retail Bond FCG020 to enable that Bond to be quoted on the NZDX market 
even though it did not meet the requirement that at least 500 members of the public held at least 25% of the Bonds being issued.

ANALYSIS OF CAPITAL NOTE AND RETAIL BOND HOLDING

Analysis of Fonterra’s Capital Note Holding as at 29 August 2012: 

FCGHA Capital Notes

FROM – TO

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

HOLDER 
COUNT

11
28
337
441
43

100,001 and over includes Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited’s holding of 67,435,575.

Analysis of Fonterra’s Retail Bond Holding as at 29 August 2012:

FCG010 $800 million Retail Bond issue

HOLDER 
COUNT

–
–
943
6,406
907

HOLDER 
COUNT

–
–
44
318
64

FROM – TO

1 – 999
1,000 – 4,999
5,000 – 9,999
10,000 – 99,999
100,000 and over

FCG020 $150 million Retail Bond issue

FROM – TO

1 – 999
1,000 – 4,999
5,000 – 9,999
10,000 – 99,999
100,000 and over

114  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

%

1.3
3.3
39.2
51.2
5.0

%

–
–
11.4
77.6
11.0

%

–
–
10.3
74.7
15.0

HOLDING 
QUANTITY

4,958
79,367
2,345,524
12,241,662
87,847,743

HOLDING 
QUANTITY

–
–
5,393,000
175,645,000
618,962,000

HOLDING 
QUANTITY

–
–
252,000
8,693,000
141,055,000

%

0.0
0.1
2.3
11.9
85.7

%

–
–
0.7
22.0
77.3

%

–
–
0.2
5.8
94.0

ENTRIES IN THE INTERESTS REGISTER

Directors’ interests in transactions
General disclosures of interest
The following general disclosures of interest were made in the period from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012:

Malcolm Bailey

David MacLeod

John Monaghan

Sir Henry van der Heyden

John Wilson

Director of Pastoral Dairy Investments Limited, and of companies in 
the Pastoral Dairy Investments group.

Director and shareholder of IGN Limited, A.J. Greaves Electrical 
Limited, Property Portfolio Investments Limited, NGI Limited, and 
P.K.W. Farms Limited; Director of Port Taranaki Limited; Councillor 
(Chairman) on the Taranaki Regional Council.

Director of Waitohi Dairy Limited; Trustee of the Wairarapa Regional 
Irrigation Trust. Cessation of interest as a director of Waimana Dairy 
Limited.

Director of Rabobank in New Zealand and Australia, and Tainui 
Group Holdings.

Director of Turners and Growers Limited, and Rangitata South 
Irrigation Limited

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

115

 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

ENTRIES IN THE INTERESTS REGISTER CONTINUED

Securities dealings of Directors
The following entries were made in the Interests Register during the year.

New disclosures
Directors disclosed the following holdings of Co-operative shares during the year:

David MacLeod (on appointment, 17 November 2011)
John Wilson (interest recorded 17 July 2012)

End of season changes
Directors disclosed the following transactions associated with 2012 end of season adjustments:

Colin Armer (resigned 1 August 2012)
− Purchased for cash
Malcolm Bailey
− Surrendered for cash
Ian Farrelly
− Purchased for cash
David MacLeod
− Purchased for cash
John Monaghan
− Purchased for cash
Jim van der Poel
− Purchased for cash
John Wilson
− Purchased for cash
− Surrendered for cash

CO-OPERATIVE SHARES

HELD BY  
ASSOCIATED 
PERSONS

JOINTLY HELD
 WITH ASSOCIATED 
PERSONS

2,393,694
469,299

–
–

CO-OPERATIVE SHARES

HELD BY  
ASSOCIATED 
PERSONS

JOINTLY HELD
 WITH ASSOCIATED 
PERSONS

1,230,374

124,833

165,985

184,178

41,135

–

–

–

–

–

338,628

30,615

189,570
150,721

–
–

In all cases the allocations or surrenders relate to the 2011/12 end of season adjustments. Adjustments related to production in the 2011/12 
season were made on 22 June 2012 with deemed dates in accordance with the Constitution. The value upon allocation or surrender of these 
securities was $4.52 per Co-operative share.

116  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Directors disclosed the following transactions which occurred as a result of elections made at the end of the 2011/12 season: 

Colin Armer (resigned 1 August 2012)
− Purchased for cash
− Surrendered for cash
Malcolm Bailey
− Purchased for cash
David MacLeod
− Surrendered for cash
Sir Henry van der Heyden
− Purchased for cash
− Surrendered for cash
John Wilson
− Surrendered for cash 

CO-OPERATIVE SHARES

HELD BY  
ASSOCIATED 
PERSONS

JOINTLY HELD
 WITH ASSOCIATED 
PERSONS

15,000
249,258

100,415

4,166

32,000
–

–
–

–

–

10,000
2,000

208

–

Adjustments were made on 4 July 2012 with deemed dates in accordance with the Constitution. In all cases the value upon allocation or 
surrender of these securities was $4.52 per Co-operative share.

Retail Bond transactions
David Jackson advised the registered holder of 100,000 Retail Bonds (FCG010) in which he had an interest had changed from “David Alexander 
Jackson, Dianne Catherine Jackson, Peter Russell Jackson” to “Tetley Brook Trustees Limited”. David Jackson retains a relevant interest in these 
securities as a director of Tetley Brook Trustees Limited.

There were no other transactions in Retail Bonds reported during the period from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012. Current interests held by 
Directors are as follows:

David Jackson 
John Waller 

 Details of Interest
Director of trustee company in respect of 100,000 Bonds (FCG010) 
Joint trustee in respect of 210,000 Bonds (FCG010)

Other Trading Activities
On 22 June 2012, 325,334 Co-operative shares which were jointly held by Colin Armer and Associated Persons were surrendered  
upon ceasing supply.

On 24 July 2012, Associated Persons of Colin Armer acquired interests in 240,000 Co-operative shares at $4.52 per share  
upon commencing supply.

On 4 July 2012, 128,256 Co-operative shares were transferred from an unrelated party to Associated Persons of David MacLeod.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

117

 
 
 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2012

INTERESTS IN THE ISSUES REGISTER CONTINUED

LOANS TO DIRECTORS

Loans were made to Associated Persons of Directors as scheduled below on 20 July 2012 by way of financial assistance, as generally available to 
Shareholders for the acquisition of shares issued in June 2012, relating to 2011/12 end of season adjustments and 2012/13 new season elections. 
The total amounts of loans are scheduled below and interest is calculated on a daily basis and compounded monthly and charged at the 
prevailing Fringe Benefit Tax interest rate plus a margin of 1% (initially 5.90% + 1% = 6.90%). If not repaid earlier, the amounts outstanding will 
be processed as a deduction from the September, paid October, milk payment and subsequent milk payments until the share debt and accrued 
interest charges are paid. (In accordance with an offer made by the Company on 19 September 2012 to all Shareholders who received such a 
loan, the repayment date may be extended to November, paid December, milk payment.) The Board approved the initial loans to Directors on  
21 June 2012 and extended the repayment date on 14 September 2012.

RECIPIENT

Associated Persons of Colin Armer
Associated Persons of Ian Farrelly
Associated Persons of Sir Henry van der Heyden
Associated Persons of Jim van der Poel

1 

The amount outstanding as at 31 July 2012 includes compounded interest.

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

AMOUNT  
LOANED  
($)

AMOUNT  
OUTSTANDING AS 
AT 31 JULY 20121 ($)

3,894,846
558,807
144,640
621,656

–
228,268
144,941
–

The Directors’ Remuneration Committee, comprising six shareholders elected in accordance with the Constitution, makes recommendations for 
shareholder approval as to the level of Directors’ fees.

At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on 17 November 2011, shareholders approved, on the recommendation of the Directors’ 
Remuneration Committee, the following amounts of remuneration to apply to Elected Directors from the date of that Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders.

Chairman
Directors

Discretionary additional payments to the Chairmen of permanent Board Committees  
   (except if the Chairman is the Fonterra Chairman)

$400,000 p.a.
$160,000 p.a.

$30,000 p.a.

The Board has approved payment of the discretionary additional payment, at the prevailing approved rate, to the Chairmen of permanent Board 
Committees.

The Board has discretion to set the fees for Directors appointed under clause 12.4 of the Constitution. In the period to 31 July 2012 the Board 
applied the same remuneration levels as above to the Appointed Directors.

In general, fees paid by subsidiary or associate companies in respect of Fonterra Directors or employees appointed by Fonterra as Directors of 
those companies are payable directly to Fonterra.

DIRECTORS’ INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE

Fonterra has given indemnities to, and has effected insurance for, Directors and executives of the Company and its related companies, in 
accordance with Section 162 of the Companies Act 1993, and Fonterra’s Constitution, which, except for specific matters that are expressly 
excluded, indemnify and insure Directors and executives against monetary losses as a result of actions undertaken by them in the course of 
their duties. Among the matters specifically excluded are penalties and fines that may be imposed for breaches of law.

118  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

FIVE YEAR SUMMARY

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS
Payout
Farmgate Milk Price (per kgMS)2
Dividend (per share)3
Cash payout4
Retentions (per share)5
Fair Value Share price ($) set for the next season
Total shareholder return6

OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Average commodity prices (US$ per MT FOB)
Whole Milk Powder
Skim Milk Powder
Butter
Cheese

Source: Oceania Export Series, Agricultural Marketing Service, US Department of Agriculture

Average NZD/USD spot exchange rate applying throughout the year7
Fonterra’s average NZD/USD conversion rate8

Revenue ($ million)
Ingredients and other revenue
Consumer revenue
Total revenue

Dairy ingredients manufactured in New Zealand (‘000s MT)
Total ingredients sales volume (‘000s MT) 

Segment earnings ($ million)9
New Zealand Milk Products
ANZ
Asia/AME
Latam 
Eliminations
Segment earnings
Non-recurring items
Normalised segment earnings

Profit for the year attributable to Shareholders ($ million)10

Earnings per share

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

JULY 2010

JULY 2009

JULY 20081

6.08
0.32
6.40
0.10
4.52
7.1%

3,365
3,230
3,684
3,498

0.80
0.77

14,824
4,945
19,769

2,353
2,660

491
195
194
121
(14)
987
41
1,028

609

0.42

7.60
0.30
7.90
0.25
4.52
6.6%

3,841
3,521
4,583
4,285

0.77
0.72

14,623
5,248
19,871

2,143
2,486

419
278
193
121
17
1,028
(23)
1,005

754

0.55

6.10
0.27
6.37
0.23
4.52
6.0% 

3,313
3,020
3,573
3,819

0.71
0.67

11,818
4,908
16,726

2,058
2,392

496
299
176
107
–
1,078
(174)
904

669

0.51

4.72
0.48
5.20
0.01
4.52
(10.2%)

2,379
2,205
2,343
3,114

0.60
0.67

10,987
5,048
16,035

2,021
2,310

584
240
63
106
(3)
990
29
1,019

599

0.49

7.59
0.07
7.66
0.15
5.57
(16.9%)

4,605
4,325
3,755
4,894

0.77
0.74

14,267
5,245
19,512

2,021
2,633 

340
220
(39)
129
(36)
614
287
901

272

0.22

1  On 24 January 2008, Fonterra’s Board resolved to change the Company’s balance date to 31 July from 31 May, consequently the financial period for 2008 was a 14 month 

period to 31 July 2008.

2  From the beginning of the 2009 season, the Farmgate Milk Price has been determined in accordance with the Farmgate Milk Price Manual and is independently audited.
3  On 18 November 2009, Shareholders approved stages one and two of the capital structure changes. As a result of the changes to the capital structure all shares are 

eligible to receive a dividend if declared by the Board. Previously in addition to the Farmgate Milk Price, returns to Shareholder Suppliers were by way of the Value Return 
payment. The Value Return payment was calculated per kgMS. The dividend payment is calculated on a per share basis using number of shares at 31 May.  

4  Average Payout for a 100% share-backed supplier.
5  Retentions are calculated as net profit after tax attributable to Co-operative Shareholders at 31 July divided by number of shares at 31 May, less dividend per share.  Profit 
after tax attributable to Shareholders for 2009 and 2008 has been restated to recognise the tax effects of distributions to Shareholders within tax expense in the income 
statement. This was previously recorded directly in equity.

6  Total Shareholder Return reflects movements in the Fonterra Fair Value Share (FVS) price plus a return on investment, represented by dividends paid or Value Return payments per share.  
In 2009 as part of the capital structure changes, the FVS price has been valued on a restricted market basis.  The FVS has been held at a base price of $4.52 until the price based on a 
restricted market value catches up.  In 2010, 2011 and 2012 this has meant that Total Shareholder Returns only reflect dividends paid and do not include any movements in the FVS.

7  Average spot exchange rate is the average of the daily spot rates for the financial period.
8  Fonterra’s average conversion rate is the rate that Fonterra has converted net US dollar receipts into NZ dollars based on the hedge cover in place.
9  Represents segment earnings before unallocated finance income, finance costs and tax.  The years ended 31 July 2011 and 31 July 2010 have been restated to reflect 

changes to the organisation of business units within reported segments which occurred in the year ended 31 July 2012.  For 2009 and 2008, non-recurring items consist 
of non-recurring items as reported in the segment note plus impairment of equity accounted investees.        

10 Profit after tax attributable to Shareholders for 2009 and 2008 has been restated to recognise the tax effects of distributions to Shareholders within tax expense in the 

income statement. This was previously recorded directly in equity.

FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 

119

 
 
 
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY CONTINUED

CAPITAL EMPLOYED ($ million)
Total assets employed
Average net assets11
Total equity
Equity excluding cash flow hedge reserve
Net interest bearing debt
Economic net interest bearing debt12
Return on net assets11

Headline debt to debt plus equity ratio13
Economic debt to debt plus equity ratio13

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

JULY 2010

JULY 2009

JULY 20081

15,117
10,900
6,655
6,592
3,833
4,229
9.4%

36.8%
39.1%

15,530
10,772
6,541
6,025
3,766
4,331
9.3%

38.5%
41.8%

14,169
10,433
5,667
5,526
4,268
4,494
8.7%

43.6%
44.9%

14,117
10,975
4,805
4,635
5,166
5,221
9.2%

52.7%
53.0%

14,439
10,702
4,269
4,357
5,860
5,931
7.4%

57.4%
57.6%

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

JULY 2010

JULY 2009

JULY 20081

STAFF EMPLOYED
Total staff employed (000s, permanent full time equivalents)
New Zealand
Overseas 

17.3
11.0
6.3

16.8
10.8
6.0

15.8
9.8
6.0

15.6
9.5
6.1

15.9
9.5
6.4

SEASON STATISTICS14
Total NZ milk collected (million litres)
Highest daily volume collected (million litres)

NZ Shareholder supply milksolids collected (million kgMS) 
NZ contract supply milksolids collected (million kgMS) 
NZ milksolids collected (million kgMS)

Total number of Shareholders at 31 May
Total number of sharemilkers at 31 May
Total number of shares at 31 May (million)

JULY 2012

JULY 2011

JULY 2010

JULY 2009

JULY 20081

16,951
81.2

1,463
30
1,493

10,578
3,595
1,433

15,427
76.8

1,320
26
1,346

10,485
3,928
1,377

14,746
72.3

1,256
30
1,286

10,463
3,733
1,343

14,764
73.7

1,227
54
1,281

10,537
3,990
1,216

13,862
71.6

1,183
9
1,192

10,724
3,946
1,261

11  Return on net assets (RONA) is derived by dividing profit before non-recurring items, finance costs and tax (as reported in financial statements, with exception of the 

14 month period ended 31 July 2008) by 13 month average net assets (excluding net debt and deferred tax).  2008 RONA is based on unaudited management results for 
the 
12 months to 31 July 2008.

12  Economic net interest bearing debt reflects the effect of debt hedging in place at balance date.
13  Headline debt to debt plus equity ratio is before taking account of the effect of debt hedging. Economic debt to debt plus equity includes the effect of debt hedging.
14  All Season statistics are based on the 12 month milk Season of 1 June – 31 May.

120  FONTERRA ANNUAL REPORT 2012

 
FONTERRA CO-OPERATIVE GROUP LIMITED 
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AUCKLAND 1142 
NEW ZEALAND
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64 9 374 9001 (FAX)
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