Quarterlytics / Synlait Milk Limited

Synlait Milk Limited

sml · ASX
Claim this profile
Ticker sml
Exchange ASX
Sector
Industry
Employees 501-1000
← All annual reports
FY2014 Annual Report · Synlait Milk Limited
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
BUILDING

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

BLENDING & CONSUMER PACKAGING

MO. ..

Our state-of-the-art blending and consumer packaging facility has world 
class operating efficiency and quality standards. Our customers now have 
a complete product supply solution with total integrity, from raw milk 
sourcing through to retail packaging. 

COMPLETED JULY 2014.

LACTOFERRIN EXTRACTION & PURIFICATION FACILITY

MOMEN. ..

We’re one of only two manufacturers world-wide with the capability to 
produce lactoferrin as a spray-dried powder. Our process is designed to 
protect its bio-activity and increase its solubility, something our infant 
formula, health food and pharmaceutical customers demand. 

COMPLETED APRIL 2014.

MOMENTUM

22,500M2 DRYSTORE

Our new 22,500m2 drystore enables all inwards goods and finished 
product to be stored at our Dunsandel site. Now with product manufacture, 
packaging, and containerisation for export all on one site our customers can 
have complete confidence in the integrity of their product. 

COMPLETED APRIL 2014.

CONTENTS

Trend Statement 

Pg 2 

Our Partnerships 

Pg 14

Our Place 

Pg 18

Chairman’s Report 

Pg 4

Managing Director’s Report  Pg 8

Sponsoring A Splashing  
Goodtime

akaraTM Inspired By Akaroa

Advancing Nutrition With  
Mead Johnson

The Platinum Standard  
In Infant Formula

Supplier Conference 2014: 
Destination

Shanghai Presence

Leading With Pride™

Recognition For Environmentally 
Minded Supplier

Sustainable Dairying Accord

Responsible Dairy Processing

22,500m2 Of Additional Storage

Dedication To A Single Site

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Our Process 

Pg 22

Our People  

Pg 26

Our Future 

The Formula Of Our Blending And 
Consumer Packaging Facility

Creating A Leadership Culture

Synlait 101

Our Remuneration 

Our Governance 

Pg 29

Pg 32

Pg 34 

Pg 38 

Lactoferrin Extraction And 
Purification Facility

Quality Under The Microscope

Everyone Home Safe Every Day

Our Board Of Directors 

Great People

Our Senior Leadership Team   Pg 40

Our Financial Review 

Pg 42

Our Financial Statements 

Pg 46

Auditors Report  

Statutory Disclosures  

Directory 

Pg 94

Pg 96 

Pg 106 

I  PAGE 1

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

TREND STATEMENT

Gross Profit per Metric Tonne (MT)
(NZD)

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation 
and Amortisation (In millions NZD)

824

751

FY2014

FY2013

Return on Capital Employed

11.5%

13.1%

50

40

30

20

10

0

15

12

9

6

3

0

43.8

38.5

FY2014

FY2013

Earnings per Share
(Cents)

13.40

10.21

FY2014

FY2013

FY2014

FY2013

10

8

6

4

2

0

15

12

9

6

3

0

PAGE 2  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Trend Statement

Currency as stated (in millions)

FY2014

FY2014

FY2013

FY2012

FY2011

FY2010

Actual

PFI*

Actual

Actual

Actual

Actual

Financial performance

Revenue

Gross profit

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation  
and amortisation (EBITDA)

Earnings before net finance costs and  
income tax (EBIT)

Net profit after tax (NPAT)

Revenue (USD per MT)

Earnings per share (EPS)

Gross profit per MT (NZD)

EBIT per MT sold (NZD)

Net cash from / (used in) operating activities1

Balance sheet

Total assets

Capital employed 

600.5

524.4

420.0

376.8

298.9

233.4

77.1

43.8

76.4

44.0

65.1

38.5

46.0

22.1

21.1

4.8

23.7

10.2

32.4

32.1

28.3

13.4

-

5.3

19.6

5,214

13.40

824

349

58.7

476.9

335.2

19.7

4,438

13.44

832

349

98.3

380.4

272.4

11.5

3,894

10.21

751

326

(47.1)

346.1

231.0

4.4

3,644

5.62

594

174

29.7

277.3

195.3

7.3%

0.78

6.14

(3.1)

3,848

(3.21)

385

(10)

9.2

245.3

170.8

0.0%

0.73

7.66

(11.7)

2,882

(21.21)

462

124

13.8

151.0

102.4

5.0%

0.64

6.21

Net return on capital employed (pre-tax)

11.5%

12.6%

13.1%

Foreign exchange rate (NZD:USD)

Synlait contracted milk price (kgMS)2

0.81

8.27

0.81

5.80

0.80

5.81

Key Operational Metrics

FY2014

FY2014

FY2013

FY2012

FY2011

FY2010

Sales

Ingredients

87,248

80,435

81,085

73,003

54,648

51,271

Infant formula and nutritionals

6,396

11,465

5,661

4,412

238

-

Total sales (MT)

Production

Ingredients

Infant formula and nutritionals

Total production (MT)

Milk purchases

93,644

91,900

86,746

77,415

54,886

51,271

89,276

79,262

7,216

11,684

96,492

90,946

81,148

10,081

91,229

76,661

53,807

49,729

4,737

608

294

81,398

54,415

50,023

Milk purchased from contracted supply

47,903

46,400

42,076

37,572

24,934

21,865

Milk purchased from Fonterra and other suppliers

2,033

-

4,692

6,453

4,524

4,525

Total milk purchases (kgMS in thousands)

49,936

46,400

46,768

44,025

29,458

26,390

* Prospective financial information.

1  Net movements in the trade finance facility is now classified as a financing cashflow as opposed to operating cashflow. All comparative and forecast information 

has been regrouped accordingly. 

2  Base milk price for Synlait Milk suppliers on standard milk supply contract, excludes premiums paid.

I  PAGE 3

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Graeme Milne

CHAIRMAN

PAGE 4  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Continued growth underscores our sixth year of operation. 

Our drystore expansion was completed on time in April 2014 

Exporting over 90,000 metric tonnes (MT) of added value dairy 

at a cost of $17.0 million, our new lactoferrin extraction and 

ingredients and nutritional powders has lifted our revenue to 

purification facility was completed in April 2014 at a cost of 

more than $600 million.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

$21.9 million (the first product sales having already occurred) 

and our blending and consumer packaging facility was 

completed on time in July 2014 at a cost of $29.2 million. 

Our focus during FY2014 has been to deliver on the promises 

As we enter FY2015, work is well underway with other growth 

we made to shareholders in our investment statement and 

initiatives. Construction has begun on our new administration 

prospectus on 24 June 2013. Financially, we have delivered. 

building and quality testing laboratory, estimated to cost $21.0 

Revenue, at $601 million, is well above the prospective 

million. Our next large scale infant formula capable spray 

financial information (PFI) target of $524 million. Buoyant 

dryer, dryer three (D3), is also underway with an estimated 

world market prices through the majority of the reporting 

total capital cost of $135.0 million and a completion date of 

period were a large contributor to our revenue. Profitability 

September 2015. Our butter manufacturing plant is currently 

was on target with our PFI, with gross profit being $77 million 

being designed with a view to build in FY2016. These projects 

and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) at $32 million. 

will equip us well for significant future growth in both scale 

Net profit after tax (NPAT) was slightly under the PFI target 

and profitability.

of $19.7 million at $19.6 million, however this is well up on 

FY2013’s $11.5 million profit.

INTERNATIONAL MARKET CONDITIONS

Our result was achieved with a number of positives and 

Our vision is focused on becoming a trusted supplier of 

negatives to the original plan. Positively, world market prices 

choice to the world’s leading milk-based health and nutrition 

for our major products stayed firm for the first seven months 

companies. Our business is strongly influenced by the global 

of FY2014 and firmer than other dairy based products, 

dairy commodity market, both in terms of market prices and 

such as cheese and casein, which we do not manufacture. 

consequently farm gate milk prices. 

This advantage, however, was largely eliminated by two 

countervailing factors. 

In our FY2013 Annual Report we predicted high milk powder 

prices, in excess of USD $5,000 per MT, could not last due to 

The first was the very same high-priced market. In these 

consumer resistance and production increases in the United 

circumstances, it becomes very difficult to achieve targeted 

States of America and the European Union. All this has come 

premiums and gross margin for specialised ingredients. 

to pass with a major reduction in commodity prices, starting 

Market uncertainties in China meant our key infant formula 

in March 2014 and continuing through to the close of FY2014. 

market was the second major factor. While regulations 

changed and requirements were clarified, key customers were 

forced to delay and in some cases cancel orders, which also 

lead to significant stock write downs, reducing production 

volumes below target for the year. Despite this, the sales of 

infant and nutritional products were 13% up on the previous 

year from 5,661 MT in FY2013 to 6,396 MT in FY2014. 

GROWTH INITIATIVES

The second major target in our investment statement and 

prospectus was to establish the next phase of the company’s 

development, both in market and physically at our site in 

Dunsandel. The growth initiatives are proceeding well with 

three projects now completed. 

Milk powder prices have fallen from USD$5,000 per MT to  

less than USD$3,000 per MT in this short period. While the 

value of the New Zealand Dollar has decreased, these prices 

translate to a farm gate return of approximately $4.50 per kg 

of milk solids (MS) (August 2014), down from a peak of $9.50 

per kgMS (February 2014). Milk suppliers will actually receive 

an annual average of these prices. For our milk suppliers, the 

average total milk price in FY2014 was $8.31 per kgMS, which 

was well up on FY2013’s $5.89 per kgMS. 

With such volatility, it is extremely difficult to predict 

international prices with any certainty. However, it is clear that 

demand from developing economies will continue to increase.  

I  PAGE 5

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014CHAIRMAN’S REPORT CONTINUED

What is less clear is whether raw milk supply will be under 

GOVERNANCE

or over demand, in a market that is currently oversupplied. 

The soft period is forecast to last at least until end of the 

2014 calendar year and could well be longer. While volatility 

produces uncertainty, low or high prices are manageable 

within our business plan and do not fundamentally undermine 

profitability. We have strong risk mitigation policies and 

procedures around sales and foreign exchange hedging, which 

are both key to manage the volatility risk. Our value added 

ingredients and nutritional products strategies provide further 

resilience by not only adding margin, but also by reducing  

the proportion of ingredients in final products being based 

purely on milk.

MILK SUPPLY  

Our total number of milk suppliers increased from 148 in 

FY2013 to 161 in FY2014. Along with the increased number 

of contracted farms we have reduced the average distance 

from supplier farms to our Dunsandel manufacturing site to 

45km, bringing cost and production efficiencies. Our Lead 

With PrideTM farm quality assurance programme, launched 

in FY2013, has received strong support from our milk supply 

base with over a quarter of our suppliers actively working 

through the programme. Our second annual milk supplier 

conference was well received by our milk supply base and 

customers who attended.

PEOPLE

Many talented individuals have joined the company during 

the year. Staff numbers have increased from 171 in FY2013 to 

238 in FY2014. Our focus on leadership development remains 

central to the business. During FY2014 our first leadership 

conference was held for all staff in leadership positions. 

External speakers, including myself, shared skills and insights 

with our team, with that knowledge now being applied 

throughout our business. 

Dr. John Penno, our Managing Director, continues to 

skillfully lead the company during this period of considerable 

growth. John has travelled extensively this year, leading the 

development of key customers and markets and gaining 

personal insight into the Chinese regulatory requirements.  

My thanks go to John, the Senior Leadership Team and the 

Our Board of Directors have been involved in market 

development during FY2014, visiting key customers in 

Singapore and Shanghai to gain in-depth insights into 

customer and market dynamics.

I would like to thank all of our Directors. In particular, Bill 

Roest as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and Ruth 

Richardson as Chair of Remuneration and Governance 

Committee, who have served the company admirably. 

During FY2014 a comprehensive review of our Director’s 

effectiveness was conducted by an external advisory group. 

Our Board is diverse in culture, ethnicity, language, gender, 

skills, experience and location. Several insights were gained 

from this review on which we will be able to leverage to the 

advantage of the company.

SHAREHOLDERS RETURN

Shareholders return this year was a pleasing increase of  

33% from a closing share price on July 31 FY2013 of $2.61,  

to a closing share price of $3.46 on July 31 FY2014. The 

Directors, in line with indications in our investment statement 

and prospectus, have not declared any dividends this year. 

Given the continued profitable growth prospects planned, 

we do not expect to declare any dividends at least for the 

immediate future. 

OUTLOOK

During FY2015 we will continue to invest in our growth 

initiatives, particularly D3. Improvements in returns through 

increased sales in the infant formula and nutritional markets 

will, however, be largely balanced by increased operating and 

funding costs. We are confident in our future outlook and look 

forward to continuing to work for shareholders during 2015.

Graeme Milne 

whole staff for their efforts during the course of FY2014.

CHAIRMAN

PAGE 6  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

I  PAGE 7

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S 

REPORT

John Penno

MANAGING DIRECTOR

PAGE 8  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Our vision of becoming the trusted supplier of choice to the 

world’s leading milk-based health and nutrition companies is 

building momentum.

In the coming year we expect that approximately half of our 

milk powder business will be sold into the infant formula and 

nutritional markets. 

This will be in the form of finished retail-ready infant formula 

marketed and distributed by our customers, infant formula 

base powder that is finished and retail packed by our 

customers, or as milk powder used as an ingredient in infant 

formula made at our customers’ manufacturing sites.

We now produce product for four of the world’s five leading 

multinational infant formula companies, together representing 

52% of the global infant formula market by volume. 

We are in ongoing discussions with each of them about 

developing our relationship to include increased volumes, the 

manufacture of higher value products as well as co-operating 

on research and development opportunities.

The development of these relationships supports our 

sales strategy to have 70% of our business with leading 

multinational customers. This strategy will ultimately drive 

increased volume, reduce the number of customers we work 

with and bring production efficiencies to our business.

The strategy allows for 25% of our business to be with regional 

market leaders, companies that hold leading positions in 

country specific regional markets and are typically innovative 

and nimble. Bright Dairy with their Pure CanterburyTM infant 

formula brand and New Hope Dairy with their akaraTM infant 

formula brand are examples of regional leaders in China.

The remaining 5% of our business is targeted at companies 

that have a unique position in the market with growth 

potential and high value, such as The a2 Milk Company with 

their a2 Platinum® infant formula.

Our core business strategy remains firmly business to business. 

This enables us to scale quickly and isolates us from the risk 

of investing in brand development. Importantly, it assures our 

customers that we are not going to compete with them.

During FY2014 our new lactoferrin extraction and purification 

facility became commercially operational. We are now one 

of only two manufacturers world-wide with the capability to 

produce lactoferrin as a spray-dried powder, through a process 

designed to protect its bio-activity and increase solubility.

We have learnt our lactoferrin is well suited to pharmaceutical 

applications and as a result some of our largest customers 

have become pharmaceutical companies. This opens up some 

interesting new relationships for this business.

$

Breakdown of Sales Strategy

70%
25%
5%

Multinationals

Regional Market Leaders

Unique Positioned Companies

I  PAGE 9

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

CHINA REGULATIONS

While the ongoing development of the business was pleasing 

during FY2014, it occurred in the face of significant volatility, 

not only in international dairy prices but also in the regulatory 

regime changes for the importation of dairy products, 

particularly infant formula in China.

China remains the focus for most global infant formula 

Peoples Republic of China (CNCA) to be registered as a dairy 

and infant formula manufacturer in February 2014. In March 

we were invited, along with a small number of New Zealand 

companies, to present to the CNCA in Beijing. In April we 

were inspected by a CNCA-led audit team from China, to 

become an exporter of general dairy products and infant 

formula base powders. We passed the audit and on 1 May 

2014 our factory was registered to export these products  

companies due to the nation’s growth, increased urbanisation, 

to China. 

higher disposable incomes and relaxation of the ‘one child’ 

policy.

In our FY2013 financial report and FY2014 half year report, we 

focused on the significant regulatory changes for the infant 

formula industry that were occurring in China. We continue 

to support these changes that seek to increase the quality 

and safety of infant formula products available to Chinese 

consumers. This will ensure that only companies capable of 

attaining and assuring world leading quality standards are 

able to sell their brands in the Chinese market.

Part of the new regulatory regime is to register all factories 

manufacturing infant formula products for the Chinese market, 

and to register any brands imported into China against a 

registered factory. There is also a stated policy intent to ensure 

that there is a close association between the brands and 

factories such that it is clear that the manufacturing company 

is prepared to stand behind the quality of the branded product 

in the market.

Under these regulations we made an 

application to the Certification and 

Accreditation Administration of the 

The only exception is for exports of finished infant formula 

to China. Documentation required to support our application 

for registration as an exporter of retail-ready infant formula to 

China was sent to the Chinese regulatory body on 28 August 

2014 by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This 

followed the approval of our Risk Management Programme 

by MPI for our blending and consumer packaging plant. 

The brands we applied for registration against our factory 

included Pure CanterburyTM, akaraTM and a2 Platinum®.

These regulation changes were well signalled in our initial 

public offering (IPO) prospectus and investment statement 

released 24 June 2013. The development of our Dunsandel 

site to include long term contracts for raw milk supply, batch 

liquid blending and spray drying, powder blending and 

consumer packaging all on one site with a full label claim 

laboratory was designed to meet the prescribed model for 

Chinese infant formula manufacturers. It is not a coincidence 

that it is also the preferred configuration for 

multinational infant formula companies, as 

this provides end-to-end manufacturing 

integrity. 

PAGE 10  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

In fact, we are pleased to announce we have entered into a 

Our blending and consumer packaging line was completed 

conditional agreement, subject to certain approvals, for a 25% 

on time and commissioned in July. Customer feedback has 

shareholding in Sichuan New Hope Nutritional Foods Co., 

confirmed that this is a world class line in terms of operating 

Ltd., the company responsible for the ownership, sale and 

efficiency and product quality standards. With a processing 

distribution of the akaraTM branded infant formula range in 

capability of 30,000 MT per annum it is a large capacity 

China. Through a small investment, the partnership will create 

line, making it a cost competitive solution for large volume 

an integrated supply chain for the manufacture, packaging, 

customers. 

supply, distribution and sale of akaraTM to consumers in China, 

ensuring transparency back from can to paddock.

With our target multinational customer development 

advancing faster than we had anticipated, we announced 

It is pleasing to report that the disruption caused to the 

mid-year that we were increasing the capacity of our second 

Chinese market seems to be easing. A large number of locally 

manufactured and imported brands have withdrawn from 

the Chinese market during FY2014, giving rise to increased 

demand for remaining brands. We are also seeing Chinese 

base powder customers returning to the international market. 

As a New Zealand based infant formula manufacturer, with 

milk supply, spray drying and blending and packaging on 

a single site, we believe we are well positioned to continue 

engaging with these customers and will continue to 

participate in this part of the market.

To support our growth in China we are in the process of 

establishing a sales office in Shanghai. This office is a shared 

facility with a small group of leading New Zealand primary 

producers, and is further supported by New Zealand Trade  

and Enterprise. 

This recognises the importance of this market to our future, 

the increasing depth of relationship required with our chosen 

customers and the sophisticated product portfolio we have 

chosen to specialise in.

GROWTH INITIATIVES

large scale infant formula spray drying plant (D3) from 8 

MT per hour to 10 MT per hour (whole milk powder (WMP) 

equivalent). Tetra Pak, who built our existing large scale 

infant formula spray dryer, were awarded the build contract 

to deliver operational efficiencies from the application of a 

similar design to the existing plant. This plant is now under 

construction with commissioning expected in September 

2015, ready for the FY2016 season.

By the end of the coming year, this will give the total site 

processing capacity of about 150,000 MT, including 50,000 MT 

of infant formula products, 30,000 MT of finished consumer 

packed infant formula, 23 MT of lactoferrin and 25,000 MT 

of anhydrous milk fat (AMF). With our technical centre of 

excellence in place it will make our Dunsandel site one of the 

largest and most technically advanced infant formula and 

nutritional manufacturing sites in the world.

MILK SUPPLY

We continue to enjoy strong support from contract milk 

suppliers. In FY2014 the number of supplying farms has 

grown from 148 to 161. This includes replacing 20 farms 

that had been supplying milk from South Canterbury under 

Under Mike Stein, General Manager of Quality and Technical 

Oceania contracts. These new farms are located closer to our 

Services, we are developing our quality systems to meet the 

production facility making our milk collection more efficient. 

standards expected by our infant formula and nutritional 

All of our supplying farms are now on a standard three year 

customers. Under Mike’s leadership, we made the decision 

contract, with all contracts automatically extending for a 

to establish an on-site ‘centre of excellence’ and increase the 

further 12 months on their anniversary unless one party 

scope of our proposed quality testing laboratory from chemical 

indicates their intention to end the agreement on expiry (after 

and physical property testing to include full microbiological 

a further two seasons). This means at the start of each season 

testing, as well as integrated facilities to support new product 

we have milk supply security for the next three years.

development. This will be incorporated into the ground floor 

of a new building that will also provide a productive and 

collaborative working environment for our office-based staff.

In FY2015 we expect to contract a further 40 supplying farms. 

This will provide the additional milk volume required for the 

commissioning of D3 in FY2016. The strong support we have 

received in FY2014 gives us confidence that we will be able to 

meet this target.

I  PAGE 11

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT CONTINUED

The Lead With PrideTM on farm quality assurance programme 

THANKS

is becoming a key foundation to our customer development 

programme. Suppliers have responded favourably to this 

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our team.

very demanding programme recognising its value, not only 

While our Company is an exciting place to be, it is 

to our strategy, but also to their businesses. We now have 

seldom easy to work in such a fast paced and demanding 

approximately a quarter of our suppliers actively working 

environment. I acknowledge all my staff for the ongoing 

their way through the programme. It was pleasing to receive 

effort they make, not only in doing their jobs efficiently and 

approval from Environment Canterbury for Lead With PrideTM 

effectively, but also continually striving to improve the way we 

as a farm environment plan template, the first of its kind under 

are doing things and the outcomes we are achieving.

the proposed Land & Water Regional Plan in Canterbury.

Each and every day the Senior Leadership Team continues to 

The coming season is likely to be challenging for dairy 

rise to the challenge of working with me to lead the business 

farmers with the recent period of high prices resulting in 

as it continues to grow and develop – they are great people 

slowing demand from consumers, and significant increases 

and I love working alongside them.

in milk production around the world. These conditions have 

resulted in an oversupply of dairy and a rapid decline in dairy 

commodity prices, which will directly translate into lower farm 

gate milk prices.

PEOPLE

The anticipated growth in demand for our products and our 
developing engagement with our customers has driven the 
development of our team, our processes and our plant and 
equipment.

To recruit the right people and have them develop in their 
roles quickly, we have invested heavily in our human 
resources team. We now have a comprehensive induction 
process all new employees must complete, as well as 
extensive leadership training for all people managers.

To reflect the growing scale of the business and the way our 
customer relationships have developed, our Senior Leadership 
Team was reorganised. The most significant change was 
to move from two product category based sales teams, to a 

single customer-focused sales team now led by Mike Lee, 

General Manager Sales.

I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support that I receive 

from our Board of Directors. I believe that shareholders, staff, 

customers and suppliers are well served by a Board focused 

on building a great business.

I would like to thank our suppliers for their continued support 

and dedication to producing quality milk. Without their 

attention and commitment to high-quality and sustainable 

dairy farming practices, we would not have such a premium 

core ingredient for all of our products. 

I would also like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing 

support and commitment. We continue to enjoy a strong 

relationship with our corporate shareholders Bright Dairy and 

Food Co. of Shanghai, Mitsui of Japan and FrieslandCampina 

of the Netherlands, who have grown their shareholding during 

the year from 7.50% to 9.99%. I acknowledge the support of 

our institutional and private shareholders. We will continue to 

commit to effective communication with you in order to keep 

you well informed and allow you to feel connected to building 

a great company as we continue to make more from milk.

John Penno 
MANAGING DIRECTOR

PAGE 12  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014BUILDING  

MOMENTUM  

ON THE  

WORLD STAGE

I  PAGE 13

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PARTNERSHIPS

PAGE 14  I

Antonio Rivera, Vice President, Supply Chain Asia and Europe presents at our supplier conference.

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PARTNERSHIPS

SPONSORING A  
SPLASHING GOODTIME

The opening of the Selwyn Aquatic Centre in June 2013 was 

highly anticipated amongst the local Rolleston community, 

who had previously been without a public pool. Developed 

with their community needs in mind, the $14.7 million facility 

In early 2014 New Hope Dairy launched a range of infant 

formula products that have been manufactured by us.

Called akaraTM,, the infant formula is named after the French 

settlement of Akaroa in Canterbury. The brand mascot is a 

Hectors dolphin, which symbolises their brand’s purity and 

affinity with the region. 

includes an eight lane 25 metre pool, a hydrotherapy pool with 

The akaraTM brand has a three tier product range in the high 

spa area, a learn-to-swim pool and a leisure pool. 

to mid-range price points. The product has wide distribution 

A fundraising campaign was launched to fill a funding gap 

throughout China.

of $1.5 million, and $10,000 was committed to the campaign 

The marketing of akaraTM has utilised traditional advertising 

in support of the community value the centre delivers. Many 

such as television commercials, and has also engaged a highly 

of our team and their families live in Rolleston and the wider 

sophisticated social media campaign. 

Selwyn District, and with a large number of our milk suppliers 

also in the area, we’re well aware of how beneficial this facility 

is to people of all ages. 

Targeted at new fathers, the social media campaign has 

encouraged consumers to follow the akaraTM brand via Weibo 

and WeChat (China’s version of Facebook and Twitter). The 

Whether it be swimming lessons, a school holiday programme 

campaign has also offered a competition where by consumers 

for children or an aquafitness class, the fun, safe and vibrant 

share photos of themselves and their new born child in order 

atmosphere at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre is something we’re 

to win a trip to New Zealand to discover the home of the 

proud to support in our community.

akaraTM product.

akaraTM INSPIRED  
BY AKAROA

Based in Chengdu, with annual sales of around USD$8.8 

billion, New Hope Group is one of the largest agribusinesses 

in China with more than 400 subsidiaries and over 80,000 

employees. 

We have hosted over 40 consumers and media as part of this 

promotion. During their time in New Zealand the competition 

winners visited our headquarters where they were able to 

talk with members of our Senior Leadership Team, have a tour 

of our manufacturing facility and visit a supplying farm and 

witness milking. In return, the competition winners shared 

their experiences via social media.

New Hope Dairy is a leading subsidiary of 

the New Hope Group. The division has 

proven manufacturing and marketing 

experience in yogurt, high-end chilled 

milks, innovative milk products and 

flavoured milks.

To further support the social media campaign, we 

work alongside one of our milk suppliers to write 

a weekly blog that is shared with their Chinese 

consumers educating them on what happens 

on farm to create the milk for infant formula.

Sales of akaraTM have been successful and over 

the coming financial year the product will be 

one of our leading infant formula customers.

I  PAGE 15

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED

ADVANCING NUTRITION  
WITH MEAD JOHNSON

Headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, Mead Johnson is a global 

leader in paediatric nutrition. 

For more than a century, Mead Johnson has led the way in 

developing safe, high-quality and innovative products to help 

meet the nutritional needs of infants and children. 

With more than 70 products in over 50 countries and more than 

7,000 staff, Mead Johnson products are trusted by millions of 

parents and healthcare professionals around the world.

Mead Johnson is committed to advancing the science 

of paediatric nutrition around the world. To further its 

efforts, the company has established the Mead Johnson 

Paediatric Nutrition Institute (MJPNI). The MJPNI connects 

innovative scientific technology and research with cutting-

edge manufacturing, as well as educational initiatives for 

academics, healthcare professionals and consumers. 

THE PLATINUM STANDARD  
IN INFANT FORMULA
New Zealand-listed company The a2 Milk Company™ has a 
distinct point of difference in the global dairy market.

While most cow’s milk contains both A2 and A1 beta-casein 
protein, The a2 Milk Company™ markets and distributes milk 
products that exclusively contain the A2 protein. It is believed 
a2 Milk™ is easier on digestion. Evidence suggests this is 
due to the milk being free of A1 beta casein. Interestingly this 
makes milk free from A1 beta casein more like human breast 
milk, which is also ‘A2’ like in terms of protein structure and 
the way it digests. The company has had success in Australia 
with fresh milk products. a2 Milk™ is Australia’s fastest 
growing milk brand in supermarkets achieving approximately 
9% value share.

In early 2012 we entered into a supply agreement with The a2 
Milk Company™. This involved working with a number of our 
milk suppliers who had expressed an interest in converting 

We were pleased in FY2014 to start 

supplying Mead Johnson with added-

value milk powder products. Securing this 

contract was a major milestone for us and 

marks the start of what we believe will be 

a long-term partnership with the company. 

A testament to the nature of our 

relationship, representatives of Mead 

Johnson attended and presented at our 

FY2014 milk supplier conference. Our milk 

suppliers greatly appreciated hearing from 

Mr. Antonio Rivera, Vice President, Supply 

Chain Asia and Europe at the event. 

PAGE 16  I

their herds to cows that don’t produce the A1 
beta casein protein. This involves a simple and 
non-invasive proprietary DNA test to select 
and segregate the cows to exclusively produce 
milk that is naturally free of A1 beta casein. 

Today 17 of our supplier farms take part in 
supplying a2 MilkTM. In addition to on-farm 
genetics, a2 milkTM must be collected and 
processed separately from our standard milk 
supply.

The milk produced by our supplier farmers and 
processed by us is used to create a2Platinum®, 
the only infant formula range using exclusively 
the all-natural A2 protein and free from A1 beta casein protein.

Launched in 2013, the product is distributed in China, 
Australia and New Zealand. 

To date sales of a2 Platinum® have exceeded expectation, 
particularly in the Australian market. It is forecast over the 
coming financial year that a2Platinum® will be one of our 
leading infant formula customers.

We continue to work collaboratively with The a2 Milk 
Company™ to provide sales and marketing information for 
promotional purposes and hosting media and distributor 

delegations at our facility.

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED

SUPPLIER CONFERENCE 2014: 
DESTINATION

Fostering understanding between our raw milk suppliers  

and our customers is of particular importance to us. 

Creating this link allows our milk suppliers to gain a better 

appreciation for the high standards our customers expect and 

our customers are able to witness the level of passion  

our supplier base has for producing high quality milk. 

SHANGHAI PRESENCE 

As our nutritional business grows in China, we’ve 

partnered with other primary industry businesses in New 

Zealand to establish a shared services company in China. 

Once established, this company will be a wholly foreign 

owned enterprise (WFOE). It will provide office facilities 

and administrative support staff in central Shanghai for 

representatives of members working in the dynamic  

Chinese market.

The key event we have for encouraging this relationship is 

our annual milk supplier conference. The conference connects 

For us, this partnership is another step in building our 

relationship with customers and decision makers in the 

suppliers with where their milk goes. This year over 300 of 

Chinese market. 

our milk suppliers and rural professionals attended the day 

conference and gala dinner, themed ‘Destination’, to build the 

connection between our suppliers and customers. 

Guests enjoyed market commentary from ANZ Chief 

Economist Cameron Bagrie and DairyNZ Principal 

Scientist Dr.John Roach, in addition to hearing 

We think our on-ground presence will enhance our reputation 

in China, ultimately building and communicating awareness 

of our mission to supply the world’s best milk products and 

nutritional ingredients to the world. 

from representatives from some of our 

customers, including Mead Johnson, 

New Hope Group and Hoogwegt 

Australia.

Following the day event guests 

enjoyed a gala dinner that featured 

cultural elements and a menu 

inspired by our largest export 

market, China. During the course of 

the evening, guests were entertained 

by All Black legend Eric Rush’s travel 

stories.

Feedback from delegates and international 

guests was largely positive, with many looking 

forward to next year’s event.

I  PAGE 17

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PLACE

PAGE 18  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PLACE

Looking after our place is important to us. We’ve implemented 

several initiatives to manage our impact on the environment, 

and this year our focus was to build on these and realise their 

environmental benefits.

RECOGNITION FOR 
ENVIRONMENTALLY  
MINDED SUPPLIER

Our inaugural Supplier Environmental Award was 

announced at the 2014 Supplier Conference in July 2014. 

Recognising environmental leadership, the award celebrates 

how agricultural production can go hand in hand with 

environmental preservation. 

A South Canterbury supplying farm, owned by New Zealand 

Super Fund and operated by Aaron and Frances Coles, won 

the award for their hand in preserving the quality of Ohapi 

Creek, a freshwater stream that runs through the farm. 

Fencing stock off from waterways, carrying out riparian 

planting and maintaining water quality on farm led to the site 

being chosen to release 7,000 young salmon for the second 

year in a row. 

We’re proud that this farm was chosen to 

be a part of the joint conservation effort 

between Fish and Game and the 

McKinnons Riparian Support Trust. 

LEADING WITH PRIDE

Our Lead With Pride™ programme has been well received in 

its second year. More than a quarter of our milk suppliers are 

currently working through the programme in a commitment 

to dairy farming excellence. 

The four pillars of environment, animal health and welfare, 

milk quality and social responsibility set out criteria 

benchmarked against best practice. 

Canterbury’s regional council, Environment Canterbury, 

approved Lead With Pride™ as their first farm environment 

plan template in July 2014. 

Dairy farmers have obligations under the 

Canterbury Water Management Strategy  

to manage environmental risks 

effectively, and Lead With Pride™ 

exceeds the minimum requiremen 

ts to achieve this.

“We hope the farm environment 

plans that come from this 

template are valuable both for 

farmers and for Synlait,” said 

Bill Bayfield, Chief Executive of 

Environment Canterbury. 

To see how Lead With PrideTM 

demonstrates industry leadership and best 

practice, visit synlait.com.

I  PAGE 19

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PLACE CONTINUED

SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING 
ACCORD 

RESPONSIBLE DAIRY 
PROCESSING 

We are committed to the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord 

Our Dunsandel site is evolving each year as a result of growth 

(SDWA), a New Zealand memorandum of understanding 

initiatives. Making sure we take care of our environment is a 

(MoU) amongst dairy industry regulators, associations and 

focus for us, and we share the passion of our customers and 

businesses to enhance the overall performance of dairy 

suppliers for being a responsible dairy processor. 

farming as it affects freshwater. 

A review of our site stormwater system identified the 

SDWA requires dairy farms to exclude dairy cattle from 

opportunity to enhance infrastructure around heavily 

significant waterways and wetlands, undertake riparian 

trafficked areas by reconstructing our infiltration basin. 

planting where benefits to water quality exist and ensure 

Replacing the original basin allowed us to meet current best 

crossing of dairy cattle will not result in the degradation of 

practice standards, with a design that simplifies functionality 

waterways. 

and maintenance. 

Many of our suppliers have already fulfilled SDWA 

We undertook measures to refine and expand our loss 

requirements through their involvement in Lead With Pride™, 

monitoring system. Integrating turbidity sensors and 

with 97% of waterways already mapped and systems in place 

continual samplers into the plant enables us to collect more 

to monitor and manage nutrients, effluent waste and 

robust data and better quantify our waste streams. 

water use. We will work with existing and new 

suppliers to ensure they fulfil their role as 

responsible dairy farmers, and we deliver 

on our commitment to SDWA.

The addition of a rapid infiltration basin 

awards further gains in managing our 

clean wastewater stream, effectively 

conveying large volumes of clean 

wastewater quickly and safely to 

the ground. As a net positive water 

user, we return more water to 

the environment than we use to 

operate. 

We will continue to deliver on our 

environmental commitment and 

look forward to other initiatives in the 

next financial year. 

PAGE 20  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PLACE CONTINUED

22,500M2 OF  
ADDITIONAL STORAGE

DEDICATION TO  
A SINGLE SITE 

The second of our six growth initiatives identified during our 

The rapid growth of our business has resulted in there being 

initial public offering was completed in April 2014.

a shortage of office space. Currently this has been resolved 

The 22,500m2 drystore now gives us the capability to 

warehouse all finished product and inbound goods at our 

Dunsandel headquarters. 

The additional space also provides our customers with 

increased confidence with packaging and containerisation  

for export, now occurring at a single site.

through the purchase or lease of portable buildings. However, 

this has long been recognised as a short-term solution. 

Our long held vision has been to position our Dunsandel site 

as the ‘flagship’ site for the Company. To support this vision a 

master planning exercise was undertaken with architecture 

firm Jasmax, leading to the existing concept and design that 

we have today incorporating a modern administration office 

Increased drystore capacity was required to meet our growing 

and a state-of-the-art quality testing laboratory.

processing ability with the addition of D3 in 2015. 

Following this, Calder Stewart were awarded the construction 

However, there was also a need to consolidate our previous 

project and have now completed building designs and are 

preparing the site for building. Unispace is leading the interior 

design and internal fit out of the administration office. 

The existing permanent office space will be 

refurbished to a high standard to provide 

meeting spaces, a café and additional 

staff facilities.

Due for completion in June 2015 the 

new building will accommodate 

all administration staff, physically 

connect the administration office and 

the manufacturing facilities, support a 

number of working styles and promote 

our vision of being one team.

We look forward to sharing more about 

this project with you in the future.

warehousing options that had become increasingly 

fragmented in post-earthquake Christchurch, as the 

availability of food grade warehousing had 

decreased.

The new drystore has a capacity of 

30,000 pallet spaces and increases 

total site capacity to 35,000 pallet 

spaces. 

Storing and exporting 

our product from one site 

has increased operational 

efficiencies. Prior to our increased 

capacity, finished produced was 

handled a minimum of nine times 

before export, today that has reduced to 

a minimum of four times. 

Less handling of finished product dramatically 

reduces our risk of product damage and also reduces our 

staffing costs.

In addition to the drystore expansion, the site also features 

a new fleet of forklifts. These are equipped with the latest 

emissions technology, anti-collision software and speed 

limiters that help to keep our people safe. 

We are now looking forward to developing further efficiencies 

and flexibility with the confirmation of Lyttelton Port and Port 

of Tauranga developing in-land ports at Rolleston, a short 

distance from our Dunsandel site.

I  PAGE 21

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PROCESS

PAGE 22  I Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PROCESS

THE FORMULA OF OUR 
BLENDING AND CONSUMER 
PACKAGING FACILITY

Our blending and consumer packaging facility was completed 

in July 2014.

It was our intention to build the best facility of its type in the 

Southern Hemisphere, and feedback from customers who refer 

to the plant as ‘next generation’ affirms our goal.

The $29.2 million facility can process 30,000 MT per annum, or 

up to 110 cans per minute. The facility is capable of processing 

both 400 gram and 900 gram can formats and is designed for 

expansion toward other packaging variants.

The plant features leading European equipment and a three-

zone hygiene system. Automation has been effectively used 

throughout the line to reduce the amount of physical 

handling of product and a purpose built in-

process lab inspects every can that is 

processed through the plant.

The commissioning of our 

blending and consumer 

packaging facility now offers our 

customers a complete supply 

chain solution from raw milk 

sourcing and collection through 

to retail packaging with minimal 

handling all at our Dunsandel site. 

LACTOFERRIN EXTRACTION 
AND PURIFICATION FACILITY 

Construction of our lactoferrin extraction and purification 

facility began in September 2013, with commercial production 

starting in April 2014. The project involved a significant 

upgrade to our specialty milks dryer (SMD), and the initial 

scope was expanded to deliver a pharmaceutical-grade 

facility in direct response to customer demand and market 

forecasts. The final capital cost was $21.9 million, up from 

the original budget of $15.1 million and the FY2014 interim 

revised budget of $19.2 million.

Lactoferrin is a key ingredient in infant formula, nutritional 

and over the counter (OTC) products. Found naturally in 

human breast milk, it offers several health properties through 

a range of functions from iron binding ability to having 

antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. 

Our facility is one of two world-wide capable of 

producing spray-dried lactoferrin. We now 

have a process that enables command over 

the powder particle shape, density and 

morphology that results in improved 

dissolvability, coatability and protects 

its bio-activity. Coatability is a 

crucial component in the production 

of tablets, which form the backbone 

of the OTC market. Spray-dried 

lactoferrin contrasts with the more 

commonly freeze-dried and milled 

lactoferrin, which often contains particles 

that can be more difficult to dissolve, 

compress and coat.

Currently, global demand for lactoferrin exceeds supply. 

We are targeting sales of 15 MT in FY2015. The global market 

for lactoferrin in 2012 was 185 MT, and this is projected to 

grow to 262 MT in 2017. We’re looking forward to working 

with our customers to apply further innovation in this high 

value nutraceutical ingredient. 

I  PAGE 23

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PROCESS CONTINUED

QUALITY UNDER THE 
MICROSCOPE

Located on the ground floor of our new administration building, 

construction of our new quality testing laboratory begun in 

August 2014 and is due to be completed in June 2015. 

A dedicated team has spent the past year designing a 

technical centre of excellence to support our vision of 

becoming a trusted supplier of choice to the world’s leading 

milk-based health and nutrition companies. The centre will 

encompass a world class quality testing laboratory, product 

development laboratory, pilot scale plant, sensory analysis 

facility and finished product / raw material sampling facilities. 

Eurofins, a global leader in contracted laboratory services, 

have been engaged to incorporate leading edge technologies 

and best-in-class operating systems into our design. 

Over the past year, we’ve recruited several chemists, 

microbiologists and lab specialists to serve on the project 

team, and ultimately manage the laboratory on completion. 

We will work closely with International Accreditation New 

Zealand for independent, best-practice accreditation. This 

ensures the laboratory not only fulfils regulatory requirements, 

but meets the exacting standards our customers have 

come to know and expect from our products and processes. 

Additionally, the laboratory will also be certified to ISO 17025 

standards, the globally recognised standard developed 

This investment will provide several benefits:

specifically for testing laboratories.

−  Strengthened internal technical capabilities for food safety, 

quality, regulatory compliance and product / process 

development.

−  Appeal to leading scientists and food technologists.

−  Continue our high quality standards consistently and 

efficiently.

−  Greater control of the quality testing process.

−  Improved testing timeframes.

−  Faster product release to our customers. 

PAGE 24  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014I  PAGE 25

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PEOPLE

PAGE 26  I Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PEOPLE

CREATING A  
LEADERSHIP CULTURE

delivered in-house by Blue Mercury Leadership. Each person 

has completed a continuous improvement project within 

the business, and will present their results to the Senior 

We continue to invest in developing and growing our people, 

Leadership Team in October as part of the course. 

giving us great leaders at every level of our business.

With the introduction of Blanchard’s Situational Leadership II 

SYNLAIT 101

(SLII) programme in 2013, we now have more than 50 people 

Introduced in 2013, our orientation programme for new staff 

leaders and emerging leaders fully trained in this cornerstone 

has been refined and formalised into a three day overview 

leadership model. 

Delivered internally by our own certified trainers, SLII 

provides a foundation for delivering on our four key leadership 

competencies: managerial, customers, personal leadership and 

leading others.

All of our people leaders attended our first Leadership 

Conference in July 2014. Joined by three Board members, 

each person committed to undertaking one positive leadership 

action at work.

These commitments range from working closer with 

colleagues and improved sharing of knowledge to improving 

the communication of our strategic plan and making changes 

to the way we hold meetings.

taking place in the first week of starting at the Company.  

The programme is designed to help new staff be excited  

about their role and understand how different teams work  

as one to make more from milk. 

The programme gives a complete overview of the journey of 

milk from pasture to customer, it also introduces our safety 

culture, performance development system and leadership 

model helping to build a strong understanding of how the 

Company operates from day one. 

Presentations from various staff introduce different teams 

within the Company, from milk supply to marketing and 

energy management to plant operations. A clear focus is on 

staff being comfortable in their new environment. A site tour, 

warehouse tour and factory tour are given and a tanker trip to 

Guest speakers included Graeme Milne (Chairman, Synlait 

collect milk from several farms completes the programme.

Milk Board of Directors), Sam Knowles (Director, Synlait 

Milk Board of Directors), Richard Smith (High Performance 

Leader, Crusaders Rugby Team) and Richard Searle (Mt Eliza 

Executive Education).

We also support our current and emerging leaders with a 

range of professional development opportunities throughout 

the year, including scholarships for Outward Bound and 

higher education. 

Three staff are currently completing the Waikato Institute 

of Technology (WINTEC) Diploma in Dairy Processing. The 

qualification focuses on the science behind dairy processes, 

giving students a deeper understanding of the manufacturing 

process. A year into the qualification, they’re already applying 

newly acquired knowledge in their current roles.

EVERYONE HOME SAFE  
EVERY DAY

Our focus is on proactive engagement with our people to 

continually achieve high participation with our safety systems 

and processes. This begins with our new employee programme 

and continues with regular updates and monitoring. 

Safety the Synlait Way is our unique programme that will 

deliver on our health and safety strategy. 

It focuses on developing initiatives around the leadership, 

capability and engagement of our people, as well as 

implementing positive performance indicators through 

compliance with a business-wide safety management system. 

Nine staff will complete NZQA Certificate of Business (First 

You can read more about health and safety in Our Governance 

Line Leadership) course, which has been tailored to us and 

on page 34.

I  PAGE 27

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR PEOPLE CONTINUED

Jamie has recently taken on the role of shift 

leader, building on his four years’ of experience 

in our production plant. With responsibility for 

a shift of 12 staff and five process plants, he’s 

excited by the opportunities the Diploma will 

create for him. Once he has competed his course, 

he will be further qualified to oversee technical 

and quality aspects throughout the wider 

manufacturing process.

Silvia Dominciano studied animal science in 

Brazil and brings several years of New Zealand 

dairy farming experience to her role as research 

officer in the Quality and Technical Services team. 

Silvia’s knowledge of dairy breeding and nutritional 

management from farming is useful on a daily 

basis. With the addition of dairy manufacturing 

knowledge from the Diploma, she contributes 

to the high-value products we produce via our 

specialty milks dryer (SMD).

Vivian Chen6 brought three years of experience 

with the Chinese dairy industry to her role as sales 

support officer in May 2013. Joining us directly 

from Shanghai, Vivian is now a regional customer 

services manager for our customers in China and 

meticulously tracks their products throughout 

the manufacturing process. From assisting with 

canning production forecasting to monitoring 

quality grading and managing final logistics, she 

contributes significantly to the customer experience 

we’re proud of and known for. 

Vivian connects customers with our Dunsandel 

site on a daily basis, drawing on her personal 

knowledge of the China market to help 

customers like New Hope and Bright Dairy 

understand exactly what’s going on at every step 

of the way. Outside of work, Vivian has embraced the 

Kiwi culture and is known to give her colleagues a 

run for their money in our social touch rugby team.

1

2

3

4

GREAT PEOPLE

We have a strong workplace culture and a 

big part of that is the diversity of expertise 

and experience amongst our people, which we 

encourage to maintain a dynamic and engaging 

environment. 

We employ approximately 238 people and we’d 

like to introduce you to a few.

Liz Ireland1 and Stuart Nicholls2 joined 

us as University of Canterbury graduates in 

February 2014. Both hold a Masters of Engineering 

in Management, and undertook a specialist six-

month project with us in 2013 to complete their 

study.

Liz produced a feasibility report for our Quality 

and Technical Services team, looking at how 

buttermilk - a by-product of anhydrous milk fat 

(AMF) manufacture – might be used to produce a 

new value-added product. 

Stuart supported the Operations team to develop a 

production scheduling tool. The tool was designed 

to support staff focusing more on processing and 

less on scheduling, which is crucial during peak 

production periods. 

Stuart now works with our Business Planning and 

Optimisation team as a manufacturing and quality 

analyst. Liz is now a lactoferrin operator in our 

5

Manufacturing team, having been a validation 

engineer since February 2014. 

Aaron Shaw3, Jamie Routhan4 and Silvia 

Dominciano5 were awarded scholarships to 

study for the New Zealand Diploma in Dairy 

Processing in 2013. 

Aaron has been with us for five years and is 

6

a process leader. His leadership is already 

benefiting from his study with a better grasp of 

technical problem solving, helping his operating 

teams to maintain a high quality product 

throughout manufacturing. 

PAGE 28  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR FUTURE

In the initial public offering prospectus we outlined a series of  

growth initiatives that we had planned to undertake to expand  

our capacity and product offerings.

We are now one year into the three year build programme and  

have made significant progress on these builds. This report  

outlines our current status on each of our significant projects.

1.  Blending and Consuming Packaging

2.  22,500m² Drystore

Construction of this plant is complete and it was 

The construction of the drystore was completed on time. 

commissioned in early July 2014. We have now received 

All inventories, previously held on site and across four other 

Ministry for Primary Industries approval of our Risk 

external locations were consolidated into our full on site 

Management Plan, and are therefore able to manufacture 

drystore facilities totalling approximately 35,000 m². As 

and export products from this plant. Due to enhancements 

noted in our Interim Report, the company decided to bring 

made to the original specification of the packaging line and 

forward the build of the drystore associated with our D3 

associated plant, the annual capacity has been increased. 

project due to the considerable cost savings available by 

building all the additional drystore space at the same time. 

Status: 

Capacity: 

Completed

30,000 MT per annum  

Status: 

(original capacity 17,500 MT)

Capacity: 

Total Cost: 

$29.2 million  

Completed

22,500 m2  

(original capacity 12,500m2)

(original budget $27.5 million)

Total Cost: 

$17.0 million (original combined 

Commissioned: 

July 2014

budget $19.5 million)

Commissioned: 

April 2014

I  PAGE 29

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR FUTURE CONTINUED

3.  Lactoferrin Extraction and Purification Facility

5.  Dryer 3

This facility was completed and commissioned on time 

The construction of our third large scale spray dryer is 

but ahead of previously advised budgets. The additional 

underway. This infant formula capable dryer is due to be 

capital cost reflected the increased scope of the design of 

commissioned in September 2015 in time for the start of 

the facility combined with the significant improvements 

the FY2016 milk season. The dryer contract was awarded  

made to the existing special milks dryer used to spray dry 

to Tetra Pak and the new 30 MT boiler was awarded to  

the lactoferrin product. In the period to year end 4 MT of 

RCR Energy. 

lactoferrin powder was manufactured, with 2 MT sold and 

delivered. We expect to sell 15 MT of lactoferrin in FY2015.

Status: 

Capacity: 

Completed

23 MT per annum 

Total Cost: 

$21.9 million (revised FY2014 

Status: 

Capacity: 

Construction started

10.5 MT per hour on whole milk 

powder equivalent (original 

capacity 8 MT per hour on whole 

milk powder equivalent)

interim report budget  

$19.2 million, original budget 

$15.1 million)

Commissioned: 

April 2014

Expected Total Cost: 

$135.0 million  

(original budget $103.5 million)

Expected 

September 2015  

Commissioning Date: 

(original date August 2015)

4.  Quality Testing Laboratory and Administration 

6.  Ammix Butter Plant

Building

Construction of our quality testing laboratory and 

While planning for the build of a butter plant continues, it is 

now likely that the build of this facility will be deferred until 

administration building is underway as a combined facility. 

The quality testing laboratory includes new product 

development facilities and will lead to significantly reduced 

FY2016.

Status: 

external quality testing costs over time. The administration 

Capacity: 

offices are being scoped to ensure capacity for future 

growth of the business and will allow the Company to 

continue to maintain our head office at our Dunsandel site.

Status:

Construction started

Planning

7 MT per hour (25,000 MT per 

annum or 40,000 MT per annum 

with external cream source).

Expected Total Cost:

 $15.0 million

Expected 

TBC (original date May 2015)

Expected Total Cost:

$21.0 million  

Commissioning Date: 

(original budget $8.4 million)

Expected 

June 2015 (revised interim  

7.  Tanker Fleet Yard

Commissioning Date: 

report date February 2014, 

original date August 2014)

Whilst not part of our major capital works, we have also 

undertaken the build of a tanker fleet yard and associated 

maintenance workshop for the fleet of milk tankers that are 

provided under contract with Hilton Haulage. This facility is 

expected to be completed in September 2014 at a cost of  

$1.8 million.

PAGE 30  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Environmental  
Loadout area

Drystore 3

Proposed
Cold store

Proposed Forklift
Corridor

Proposed Walkway

Packaging

Proposed Packing 3

Office Extension and 
Laboratory

Blending

Dryer 3

Proposed Butter

Lactoferrin

Proposed  
Maintenance  
Store & Workshop

Proposed Reception 2

Proposed Boiler 3

Proposed Security
Control

ON THE MAP THE 
AREAS IN DARKER 
BLUE ARE COMMENCED 
PROJECTS WITH THOSE 
IN LIGHTER BLUE STILL 
IN THE PLANNING.

I  PAGE 31

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR REMUNERATION

PAGE 32  I Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR REMUNERATION CONTINUED

We have an established Remuneration Policy. 

second is that certain annual compound growth targets in total 

Our aim is to attract, reward and retain staff with skills and 

shareholder returns (TSR) reaches the following set targets:

capabilities to ensure the successful business outcomes by  

TSR

providing a remuneration environment focused on 

productivity, performance and accountability. 

The Remuneration and Governance Committee oversees 

the operation of our Remuneration Policy, and monitors 

20% or more

15%

12%

the overall budgets for all employees. The Committee also 

Less than 12%

Annual entitlement  
as a % of base salary 

25%

18.75%

6.25%

0%

recommends to the Board, for approval, the remuneration and 

bonus arrangements for our Senior Leadership Team and the 

Managing Director. 

Our Senior Leadership Team and our employees’ remuneration 

details (including the Managing Director’s) are set out in the 

‘Statutory Information’ section. We also assess our Senior 

Leadership Team’s performance annually and director’s fees 

biennially (the last assessment was in 2013).

We have the following share incentive plans in place for our staff:

If all targets (including FY2014) were met, the total cost of the 

scheme would approximate $1.9m.

The FY2014 targets were not met.

−  Staff Short Term Incentive Share Scheme: 

The targets were not met and the Scheme is therefore now 

expired. For further information about the scheme please refer 

to note 21 of the annual finanical statements. 

−  Senior Employee IPO Incentive Scheme: 

This scheme provides an incentive to retain senior executive’s 

SHORT TERM  
INCENTIVE SCHEME 

post IPO for a period of 3 years, vesting a set number of 

We have a short term performance bonus scheme operating at 

Synlait shares in each of them depending on the number of 

various levels across our organisation.

performance hurdles which have been met in each year. The 

maximum value opportunity per senior executive participating 

in the scheme is 75% of their base remuneration as at 1 

August 2013. They can receive up to a maximum value of 

25% of their base salary, by way of rights to shares valued at 

the IPO price, which will only vest at the end of the three year 

period, post IPO, on the condition that they are still employed 

at Synlait Milk and that the share price at that point is above 

the IPO price.

For employees below Senior Leadership Team level the short 

term incentive opportunity ranges from 5% to 15% of the base 

remuneration and is based on a mixture of Company profit, 

team and individual objectives. At Senior Leader manager 

level the short term incentive opportunity ranges from 20% 

of based remuneration for direct reports to the Managing 

Director and 40% of base remuneration for the Managing 

Director. The staff, including Senior Leadership Team, short 

term incentive is awarded based on exceeding budgeted 

The performance hurdles are split into two separate Company 

NPAT (40%), and personal performance hurdles (60%).

goals. The first is ensuring the Company over-performs on our 

budgeted net profit after tax (NPAT) by 10% or more, and the

SUPERANNUATION

We participate in Kiwi Saver, and pay the employer 

contribution of 3% to all employees participating in Kiwi Saver.

I  PAGE 33

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR GOVERNANCE

Our momentum continues to build due to our strong 

make ‘More from Milk,’ but also make more from ourselves, 

governance framework and continual focus on implementing 

efficiently and effectively managing Synlait Milk to deliver on 

effective policies that create excellence within the workplace.

the results we all expect.

You will already know that Synlait Milk Limited is a limited 

We are a non-standard Company in terms of NZX listing 

liability company under the Companies Act 1993, and that we 

requirements, with certain waivers from the NZX to this 

are listed on the Main Board of the NZX since 23 July 2013 

effect. More details on the NZX waivers are detailed in our 

(see the code “SML” on www.nzx.com ).

Statutory Information section (page 98), but generally the 

While we are a young public company, we are very fortunate 

waivers concern the appointment of our Directors.

to have a track record of a very strong governance framework 

Our Board has up to eight Directors, and while our major 

before we were listed. 

In 2014 we have continued from this excellent foundation, and 

have made further improvements designed to ensure we are a 

professionally run organisation you can trust. 

shareholder Bright Dairy holds at least 37% of our shares, 

Bright Dairy may appoint up to four of those Directors - 

one of whom must be a New Zealand resident who is an 

experienced director. We are fortunate to have one of our long-

serving Board members, the Honourable Ruth Richardson, to 

Some of our governance highlights for 2014 are:

fulfil this role.

−  Extensive review and fine tuning of our Delegated 

We also must have a Managing Director who cannot be a 

Authorities Policy to better align the relevant levels and 

Bright Dairy Director (John Penno), and three independent 

ensuring any perceived risk areas are well covered.

Directors (Sam Knowles, Graeme Milne and Bill Roest). Our 

−  Development and adoption of an integrated Risk 

Management Framework.

−  Full external review of the performance of our Board, 

individual Directors and suggestions for improvements.

−  Full review and confirmation of our Strategic Plan - 

including a refresh of our 5 Year Plan and development  

independent Directors not only satisfy these requirements,  

but also bring considerable expertise and experience to the 

Board table.

All our Directors are profiled on page 39 of this Annual Report. 

A third of our independent Directors will retire each year, and 

Bright Dairy may appoint their Directors as they wish (but 

one must always be a New Zealand resident, experienced 

of our 10 Year Strategic Plan.

Director).

We continue to be proud of what we have achieved to date, 

and the way our Company is managed.

OUR BOARD

Our Board is responsible for the overall corporate governance 

of Synlait Milk, including strategic direction, determination 

of policy, approval of significant contracts/projects, capital 

and operating budgets and overall stewardship of our 

In 2013 at our last Annual General Meeting (AGM), John 

Penno, Sam Knowles and Graeme Milne all retired and were 

re-elected unopposed to their Director position. At the Annual 

General Meeting, scheduled for December 2014, Bill Roest 

will be retiring in accordance with our Constitution but is 

standing for re-election.

More details can be found in our Constitution, at the following 

link: www.synlait.com/site/uploads/2013/07/Synlait-Milk-

organisation. Our Board is committed to ensuring we not only 

Limited-Constitution.pdf 

PAGE 34  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

In 2014 we conducted a full review of the performance of our 

managed and governed at all times. Both committees meet at 

Board and all Directors. This was facilitated by an external 

least four times a year, but are also available at any stage to 

consultancy firm, who separately talked to each Director.

consider any issue within their responsibility.

The major findings from this review:

We also have a standing committee appointed:

−  The Board is functioning to a high level in terms of  

−  Disclosure Committee – chaired by the Managing 

“…efficiency, strong ethics, trust and thoroughness in 

Director (other members being the Chair of the Board and 

carrying out the process of Board meetings and conducting 

the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with an alternate member 

business of the Board.”

−  The Board “…has developed clear protocols in its 

frequency of meetings, distribution of papers and 

managing the minutes and outcomes of Board meetings in 

order to govern the organisation and drive its performance.”

Areas agreed for focus next year for the Board, are:

being the Chair of Audit and Risk Committee). It monitors 

compliance by the Company and staff in relation to our 

Share Trading Policy and Guidelines, and ensures that all 

“material information” that is required to be disclosed to 

the market under the NZX Listing Rules is immediately 

disclosed.

−  An increased focus on in-depth workshop sessions for the 

POLICIES AND CHARTERS

Board on more complex issues.

−  Continuing in-market visits and development of industry 

and customer engagement.

−  Assess the development opportunities for individual 

Directors. 

In 2013, a major new initiative was the completion of the 

integrated Risk Management Framework for the Company. 

This is a series of policies and plans which tie together the 

various risk management structures we already have in place 

in the Company, and then report those up through the Senior 

Leadership Team and ultimately to the Board.  

OUR BOARD COMMITTEES

We have the following permanent Board committees:

−  Audit and Risk Committee – chaired by independent 

Director Bill Roest (other members – Dong Zongbo, 

Graeme Milne). It is charged with monitoring our internal 

control and risk management systems, financial reporting 

obligations, independent audit process and ensuring we 

comply at all times with all applicable laws, regulations, 

listing rules and our own company policies and procedures.

−  Remuneration and Governance Committee – chaired 

by Hon. Ruth Richardson (other members – Graeme 

Milne, Li Ke, Sam Knowles). It is charged with ensuring 

our commitment to health and safety, best practice 

employment and fair and proper remuneration is 

maintained at all times. The Committee is also responsible 

for ensuring all training and development, and proper 

governance structures are in place and being properly used 

at all levels of the Company.

Both committees have Charters governing their operation, 

membership and remit to ensure that Synlait Milk is optimally 

The Framework consists of the:

−  Risk Management Policy:  This sets out the high-level 

appetite of the Company for risk and identifies the major 

risk categories. It established the Board’s commitment 

to risk management. The Policy links all the underlying 

documents together (so provides the overall Risk 

Management Framework).

−  Risk Management Procedures & Guidelines: This is 

a more detailed document, that sets out how we identify 

and define what is a “risk” (as opposed to an “incident” or 

a “hazard”), sets the levels for the severity and likelihood 

of a risk occurring (producing a “risk assessment”), and 

introduces the capturing of risks in functional areas 

through the Risk Matrix.

−  Crisis Management Plan: Defines what is a “crisis”,  

and puts the practical operational procedures in place  

to manage that crisis event should it ever occur.

−  Incident Management Plan: Defines what is an 

“incident” and puts the operational procedures in place  

to manage an incident.

I  PAGE 35

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

We have also successfully conducted three dry-run trials of 

−  Treasury Management Policy: Is our internal policy for 

our Crisis Management Plan, involving various levels of the 

managing our foreign exchange, debt, interest rates and 

Company in hypothetical scenarios.

related financial activities. This is actively managed, and 

Our development of a sustainability and environmental policy 

forms part of our essential internal controls.

is still a work in progress, but we have made significant 

−  Sales Policy: This sets out our internal commercial 

progress. The environment plan template within our “Lead 

position with respect to our sales of products to customers, 

With PrideTM programme was approved by Environment 

in terms of pricing, volumes, reporting and forecasting.

Canterbury as the first farm environment plan template under 

the proposed Land & Water Regional Plan. We are also are 

currently going through a revised District Plan process. 

−  Continuous Disclosure Policy: This ensures we 

immediately inform the market of any material information, 

and have in place proper management processes to ensure 

Also in 2014 we continued with the implementation of the 

this is a discipline throughout the whole organisation.  

Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord. This is dealt with in more 

The Disclosure Committee is responsible for monitoring 

detail in the Our Place section of this Annual Report (page 20).  

compliance with this policy.

In addition, in accordance with recognised best practice 

−  Securities Trading Policy and Guidelines: This is to 

governance, we have in place the following essential corporate 

ensure all our staff and Directors appreciate the special role 

governance documents (amongst others):

they hold, and ensure they operate ethically and properly 

−  Board Charter: This guides our Board in terms of 

objectives and rules to make sure we always follow 

our Constitution, statutory duties and other corporate 

obligations.

−  Board Code of Ethics: This sets the moral compass 

for our Directors in all Synlait Milk matters – ensuring 

professionalism, ethical conduct and best practice is 

maintained at the Board table and beyond by all our 

in relation to any personal activity. This includes express 

“black-out” periods for special classes of our staff with 

in-depth financial and Company knowledge. It also has a 

detailed reporting regime to ensure compliance.

−  Directors’ Conflict of Interest Policy: This ensures all 

our Directors appreciate and know how to manage and 

mitigate any impact on our Synlait Milk operations relative 

to their own personal affairs.

Directors. An important part of the Code is the use of 

−  Related Transaction Policy: This ensures any major 

Company information by Directors, which safeguards 

shareholders are treated purely on an arms-length basis, 

Company confidential information. 

and in the best interests of Synlait at all times.

−  Audit and Risk Committee Charter and Remuneration 

−  Delegated Authorities Policy: This is the operational 

and Governance Committee Charter:  For each 

guide for our Board and all staff in the day-to-day 

Committee, its Charter sets out the objectives, authorities, 

operations of Synlait Milk, ensuring a proper degree of 

roles and responsibilities and operational rules for the 

accountability and control is maintained at all times, and 

respective members to ensure they deliver on their 

allowing risk to be properly apportioned and managed.

governance requirements.

PAGE 36  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

−  Employee Handbook:  Apart from the operational 

HEALTH AND SAFETY    

aspects of working at Synlait Milk, this Handbook has 

the professional obligations and ethics expected of all 

staff, and also a protected disclosures regime (whistle-

blowers provisions) – ensuring any major problems can 

be immediately brought to Senior Leadership Team or the 

Board’s attention without fear of any negative reaction.

We appreciate that the success of our business depends on 

our excellent staff, and so their wellbeing is of vital importance 

to us. Accordingly, we have a continuing commitment to 

health, safety and wellness at Synlait Milk.

Our vision is: Everyone home safe every day.  

All the above Policies, Charters and Codes are to be reviewed 

Our objectives are:

at least annually by the Board or applicable Board Committee 

to ensure they continue to deliver the optimal structure for 

-  Zero exposure to uncontrolled risks.

governing our Company going forward. 

-  Fatal (critical) risk focus.

We have many other internal policies and procedures to 

-  Zero injury accidents.

ensure we are an efficiently and effectively run organisation.

-  Healthy and well, living life in balance.

For more information on our publicly available Policies 

and Charters, please visit our investor relations section 

on our website at www.synlait.com/investors/corporate-

governance/.

The Directors’ disclosures of interest are set out in Statutory 

Information section (page 96).

OUR OPERATIONS

We are developing a fully integrated approach to health and 

safety matters – maintaining our present focus of strong 

operational systems and procedures, and continuing our 

emphasis on rehabilitation in the event of injury or incident.

Over the next three years we have committed, as an 

organisation, to migrate our present workplace safety 

management practices approach into a wider Synlait Milk 

safety management system. This will be achieved through a 

All of our Board members have access to all relevant Synlait 

comprehensive review of all health, safety and wellness risks 

Milk information, and are fully briefed before each Board 

using the “Bow Tie” risks and control measures assessment 

meeting. They are provided with minutes of past meetings, 

approach, and by us implementing a new system to capture 

and have available the Synlait Milk Company Secretary and 

risks, hazards and incidents.  

Synlait Milk management to answer any questions or to 

respond to any issues at any time.

Included in our safety initiatives is a review of our safety 

on-boarding processes and information, rollout training in 

Our Board has determined we are in compliance with all NZX 

ICAM root cause investigation methodology (Incident, Cause, 

Listing Rules and applicable legal requirements. 

Analysis, Method), review of our employee participation 

systems and a move to a focus on measuring total recordable 

injury frequency rate (TRIFR). We will report on our TRIFR 

achievement in our next Annual Report.

I  PAGE 37

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LEFT TO RIGHT; 
BILL ROEST, 
SIHANG YANG, 
RUTH RICHARDSON, 
GRAEME MILNE, 
KE LI, 
JOHN PENNO, 
ZONGBO DONG
SAM KNOWLES

PAGE 38  I

The Board of Directors in the recently completed drystore. For Health and Safety Purposes containerisation was not operational during this photo-shoot.

Willem (Bill) Jan Roest

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  

(INDEPENDENT), CHAIR OF THE 

 AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

Bill was appointed to the Synlait 
Milk Board in May 2013. He is a 
director of Synlait Milk Limited and 
Synlait Milk Finance Limited. 

Bill’s long and varied career 
included 12 years as Chief Financial 
Officer of Fletcher Building 
Limited until April 2013. He has 
held several leadership roles in 
New Zealand’s corporate sector, 
including Managing Director of 
Fletcher Residential and Fletcher 
Aluminium.

Bill is also a director of Housing 
Foundation Limited, Metro 
Performance Glass and Fisher 
and Paykel Appliances Holdings 
Limited, where he chairs the Audit 
Committee. Bill is a member of the 
Institute of Directors, Chartered 
Accountants Australia and New 
Zealand and an Association of 
Chartered Certified Accountants 
(UK) fellow.

Sihang Yang

BRIGHT DAIRY APPOINTED DIRECTOR

Yang was appointed a director of 
Synlait Milk in August 2010. With 15 
years of industry experience, he is 
Bright Dairy & Food Co.’s director of 
strategy and research and director 
of several Bright Dairy subsidiaries.

Yang previously worked for 
Heilongjiang Dairy Group as 
the director of technology and 
subsequently as the director of 
quality assurance. He was later 
appointed the secretary-general 
of Heilongjiang Dairy Industry 
Association and a director of China 
Dairy Industry Association. 

Yang is currently a director of 
Synlait Milk Limited, Synlait Milk 
Finance Limited and Zhejiang Hai 
Hua Dairy Co., Ltd. He holds a 
master’s degree in food science and 
engineering.

Hon. Ruth Margaret  
Richardson

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHAIR OF 

REMUNERATION AND GOVERNANCE 

COMMITTEE

A professional company director, 
Ruth specialises in agribusiness, 
commercialising innovation, 
information technology and finance. 
Ruth joined the Synlait Group as the 
first independent director in 2004. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ruth was the Member of Parliament 
for Selwyn (Synlait Milk’s base) 
from 1981 – 1984 and later New 
Zealand’s Minister of Finance from 
1990 to 1993. 

Following her political career, Ruth 
established herself as a public 
policy consultant and accepted 
a range of corporate governance 
roles. Ruth is currently Chairman of 
Jade Software Corporation Limited, 
SYFT Technologies Limited, Kiwi 
Innovation Network Limited 
(Kiwinet), The New Zealand Merino 
Company and the Kula Fund 
Advisory. 

She is a director of Synlait Milk 
Limited, Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited. Previous governance 
roles include Dairy Brands, the 
Reserve Bank of New Zealand and 
Wrightson Limited. Ruth holds a 
Bachelor of Laws (with honours) 
from the University of Canterbury.

Graeme Roderick Milne

CHAIRMAN (INDEPENDENT)

Graeme joined the Synlait Group as 
a director in 2006. With extensive 
experience, his career in the dairy 
industry has seen him working in 
New Zealand, Australia and Europe. 
He is the Chairman of Synlait Milk 
Limited and Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited.

Graeme was appointed CEO of 
Bay Milk Products in 1992, and has 
held several leadership roles since 
then. This included CEO of the New 
Zealand Dairy Group prior to the 
formation of Fonterra and interim 
CEO of Richmond Limited and 
Bonlac Limited in Australia. 

Now a farmer, Graeme maintains 
several governance roles with 
a range of organisations. He is 
the chairman of the Terracare 
Fertilisers Limited, New Zealand 
Pharmaceuticals Limited and 
Johnes Disease Research Limited. 
Graeme is also a director of Genesis 
Energy Limited, FMG and Alliance 

Group Limited. 

Ke Li

BRIGHT DAIRY APPOINTED DIRECTOR

Li was appointed a director of 
Synlait Milk in August 2010. Li is 
currently a director of Synlait Milk 
Limited and Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited. 

Li has worked for Bright Dairy for 
over 12 years. During her years 
at Bright Dairy, Li’s sales and 

marketing expertise has helped 
the significant growth of many 
different Bright Dairy brands, 
including the Bright brand. Li leads 
the team tasked with promoting 
Pure CanterburyTM infant formula 
products in China, which has 
achieved remarkable growth in the 
last few years.

A vice president of Bright Dairy 
& Food Co., Ltd and head of 
marketing, Li also heads Bright 
Dairy’s public relations department. 

She is a director of a number of 
Bright Dairy subsidiaries. Li holds a 
Master of Business Administration 
from La Trobe University, Melbourne.

John William Penno

MANAGING DIRECTOR  

(NON-INDEPENDENT)

John co-founded the Synlait Group 
in 2000 and has been a full-time 
executive for the Synlait Group 
for the last 11 years. With the 
appointment of Graeme Milne as 
an independent chairman of Synlait 
Limited in 2006, John stood down 
from his initial role as executive 
chair to focus on the Managing 
Director role. 

After completing an Agricultural 
Science degree, John commenced 
his career in the dairy industry as 
a consulting officer for the New 
Zealand Dairy Board before joining 
Dexcel as a research scientist 
where he completed a PhD in 
animal science. As a scientist and 
research program leader he worked 
to enable New Zealand dairy 
farmers to increase productivity 
and profit. 

In 2000, John was appointed 
General Manager of the NZ National 
Dairy Industry Extension Program, 
which serviced farm owners, 
workers and rural professionals. 
John was appointed as Managing 
Director of Synlait Milk on 21 
June 2013. John is also currently 
a director of Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited, Synlait Farms Limited 
(which is a supplier of raw milk 
to Synlait Milk) and Synlait Farms 
Finance Limited. In the past five 
years John has also been a director 
of Dairy Insight, Axe Brasil Limited, 
Synlait Limited and a number of 
companies associated with the 
Synlait Group and / or dairy farms. 
John was the inaugural Chairman 
of the Dairying and Environment 
Leadership Group. John is a 
member of the New Zealand 

China Council Advisory Board. In 
2009, John received an emerging 
leader’s award from the Sir Peter 
Blake Trust and was also awarded 
the Federated Farmers inaugural 
agribusiness person of the year.

Zongbo Dong

BRIGHT DAIRY APPOINTED DIRECTOR

Dong was appointed a director 
of Synlait Milk in August 2010. 
Currently he is a director of Synlait 
Milk Limited and Synlait Milk 
Finance Limited.

Since 1985, Dong has worked in 
accounting and finance roles for the 
dairy industry. Dong was appointed 
vice general manager and CFO 
of Shanghai Danone Yogurt and 
Cheese Co., Ltd. in the 1990s. 

He oversaw 16 Bright Group 
subsidiaries merge into the Bright 
Dairy & Food Co., Ltd. structure.

He became CFO for Bright Dairy 
& Food Co., Ltd in 2007. Dong is 
currently a director and supervisor 
for a number of Bright Dairy 
subsidiaries, is a member of the 
Institute of Public Accountants 
(Australia) and has certification 
granted by China Association of 
Chief Financial Officers.

Sam Knowles

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR  

(INDEPENDENT)

Sam has held senior executive 
positions in major banks in both 
Australia and New Zealand, and is 
currently a director of Synlait Milk 
Limited and Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited. 

He has extensive experience 
in private and public sector 
governance, with more than 12 
years on several boards of NZX 
listed companies, including as 
Chairman of Xero. He had a key role 
in establishing Kiwibank, leading 
the company from being a start-up 
to a large successful business.

Sam’s governance roles focus on 
growth businesses. He is Chairman 
of Partners Life, OnBrand Partners 
and Umajin Limited. Sam is also a 
director of TrustPower, SLI Systems, 
Magritek and Rangatira.

I  PAGE 39

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT;
MICHAEL STEIN
NEIL BETTERIDGE
NATALIE LOMBE
JOHN PENNO
MIKE LEE
NIGEL GREENWOOD
MATTHEW FOSTER

PAGE 40  I

The Senior Leadership Team in the recently completed containerisation yard. For Health and Safety Purposes containerisation was not operational during this photo-shoot.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Michael Stein

GENERAL MANAGER QUALITY  

AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

Michael Stein joined Synlait Milk 
in June 2013 and is responsible 
for providing strategic leadership 
for quality across the Synlait Milk 
business. Michael leads a team 
of quality assurance, technical 
and other professionals with the 
objective of ensuring that Synlait 
Milk continuously improves its 
quality systems to deliver safe, 
high quality dairy ingredients and 
nutritional products that meet 
our customer’s expectations and 
regulatory requirements in the 
markets we serve.

Michael brings to Synlait Milk 
over 20 years of global quality 
management experience in the 
infant formula, nutritional products 
and medical foods business. His 
most recent role was Director of 
Quality for Mead Johnson Nutrition, 
Asia-Pacific where he led quality 
and technical teams at business 
units and manufacturing sites 
across China, South East Asia, 
Oceania and the Middle East.

During his career, Michael also held 
quality, food safety and laboratory 
leadership roles with Nestle 
Nutrition, Nestle USA and Nutricia, 
Inc. Michael earned his Bachelor 
of Science degree in Microbiology 
from the Ohio State University.

Neil Betteridge

GENERAL MANAGER MANUFACTURING

Neil joined Synlait Milk in 2007 
after 10 years with Fonterra. Neil 
currently leads a manufacturing 
team of more than 120 people and 
is responsible for the execution of 
sound manufacturing processes 
across the entire Synlait Milk plant. 
He also leads the development of 
our Infant Formula and Nutritional 
product manufacturing capabilities. 
Neil has been involved with the 
design and construction of the 
various phases of the Synlait Milk 
site.

Since completing a Bachelor of 
Chemical & Process Engineering 
with honours from the University 
of Canterbury and a Post 
Graduate Diploma in Dairy 
Science & Technology, Neil’s 
career has included working with 
manufacturing processes for a 
variety of dairy products.

Neil is a member of the New 
Zealand Institute of Food Science 
and Technology and a Chartered 
Professional Engineer.

Natalie Lombe

GENERAL MANAGER CULTURE,  

CAPABILITY AND STRATEGY

Natalie joined Synlait Milk in 
January 2011 and is responsible for 
leading initiatives to develop fully 
enabled and engaged staff as well 
as facilitation of strategic planning 
process. Natalie also oversees the 
human resource, payroll and health 
and safety functions.

Prior to joining Synlait Milk, Natalie 
held senior human resource 
positions with Christchurch 
International Airport, Goodman 
Fielder, Mainland Products and 
Allied Telesys, together with 
extensive human resource and 
change management experience 
working in a number of fast moving 
consumer goods industries in 
Australia.

Natalie holds a Post Graduate 
Diploma in Dispute Resolution and 
a Bachelor of Business majoring 
in human resources and industrial 
relations, and is a member of the 
Human Resources Institute of New 
Zealand.

John Penno

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND  

MANAGING DIRECTOR

John co-founded the Synlait Group 
in 2000 and has been a full-time 
executive for the Synlait Group 
for the last 11 years. With the 
appointment of Graeme Milne as 
an independent chairman of Synlait 
Limited in 2006, John stood down 
from his initial role as executive 
chair to focus on the Managing 
Director role. 

After completing an Agricultural 
Science degree, John commenced 
his career in the dairy industry as 
a consulting officer for the New 
Zealand Dairy Board before joining 
Dexcel as a research scientist 
where he completed a PhD in 
animal science. As a scientist and 
research program leader he worked 
to enable New Zealand dairy 
farmers to increase productivity 
and profit. 

In 2000, John was appointed 
General Manager of the NZ National 
Dairy Industry Extension Program, 

which serviced farm owners, 
workers and rural professionals. 
John was appointed as Managing 
Director of Synlait Milk on 21 
June 2013. John is also currently 
a director of Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited, Synlait Farms Limited 
(which is a supplier of raw milk 
to Synlait Milk) and Synlait Farms 
Finance Limited. In the past five 
years John has also been a director 
of Dairy Insight, Axe Brasil Limited, 
Synlait Limited and a number of 
companies associated with the 
Synlait Group and / or dairy farms. 
John was the inaugural Chairman 
of the Dairying and Environment 
Leadership Group. John is a 
member of the New Zealand 
China Council Advisory Board. In 
2009, John received an emerging 
leader’s award from the Sir Peter 
Blake Trust and was also awarded 
the Federated Farmers inaugural 
agribusiness person of the year.

Mike Lee

GENERAL MANAGER SALES

Mike joined Synlait Milk in 
September 2011 and leads sales, 
business development and overall 
category profitability. Mike worked 
for Fonterra and the NZ Dairy Board 
for 14 years in sales, marketing 
and business development roles 
in the international ingredient 
business, including working for 10 
years in Europe, Asia and Australia. 
Mike has worked extensively with 
both commodity and added value 
ingredients.

Mike worked for seven years 
in two research and innovation 
organisations involved in 
environmental research and 
biomaterials, leading the business 
and technology commercialisation 
functions including various start-
up and growth businesses. Mike 
has a degree in Food Technology 
and a Diploma in Business and is 
really enjoying his return to the 
international dairy industry.

Nigel Greenwood

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Nigel has had extensive experience 
in finance, having held senior 
executive finance roles with 
various New Zealand companies. 
As CFO, Nigel is responsible for 
finance, funding, legal, information 
technology and strategy.

Prior to joining Synlait Milk in April 
2010, Nigel held CFO roles with 
Crane Distribution NZ Limited, 
Gough Group Limited and Lyttelton 
Port Company Limited. 

Nigel is a member of the Chartered 
Accountants Australia and New 
Zealand and the Institute of 
Directors. Nigel has a Bachelor of 
Commerce (majoring in accounting) 
and has completed the General 
Manager Program at the University 
of Michigan.

Matthew Foster

GENERAL MANAGER SUPPLY CHAIN

Matthew joined Synlait Milk in 
February 2012 and is responsible for 
managing and developing Synlait 
Milk’s supply chain activities 
from farmer to customer. He 
brings a wealth of supply chain 
management and dairy industry 
experience to Synlait Milk after a 20 
year career with the New Zealand 
Dairy Board and Fonterra where he 
held senior management positions 
in the United Kingdom, Australia, 
Japan, the Americas and New 
Zealand.

Before joining Synlait Milk, 
Matthew was CEO at NZL Group 
and prior to that General Manager 
Commercial for Tasman Orient 
Line. Matthew is a member of the 
Chartered Accountants Australia 
and New Zealand and holds a 
Bachelor of Management Studies 
from the University of Waikato. 

I  PAGE 41

OUR FINANCIAL REVIEW

Nigel Greenwood

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PAGE 42  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Our revenue for FY2014 of $601 million increased 43.0% on 

We have estimated our product sales phasing financial cost 

our FY2013 result of $420 million, primarily driven by higher 

at $6.5 million caused by the rapid decline in international 

international commodity prices that prevailed for most the 

commodity prices during the last five months of FY2014. In 

year. The average US dollar commodity price in FY2014 was 

addition, we have estimated that our annual average NZ  

USD $4,650 compared with USD $3,460 in FY2013. Total 

dollar to US dollar exchange rate for FY2014, at 0.813 cents,  

volume shipped for FY2014 was 93,644 MT, an increase of 

is expected to be higher than that applied in the calculation  

8.0% on our FY2013 result of 86,746 MT shipped.

of the farm gate milk price resulting in an estimated cost of 

Ingredient sales volumes in FY2014 at 87,248 MT was 

7.6% ahead of our FY2013 result of 81,085 MT. Infant and 

nutritional sales volumes in FY2014 at 6,396 MT were only 

slightly ahead of 5,661 MT in FY2013 and well below our 

prospective financial information (PFI) volumes of 11,684 MT. 

As noted in the Managing Directors capital report our sales 

of infant formula products were significantly impacted by the 

regulatory changes in China that were implemented during 

the course of FY2014.

Our gross profit for FY2014 at $77.1 million increased 18.4% on 

our FY2013 result of $65.1 million and was in line with our PFI 

of $76.4 million. However, this result was primarily achieved 

via a one off product mix benefit estimated to be $24.5 million. 

There were a number of significant costs incurred during 

FY2014 that impacted on our gross margin performance in 

$4.1 million.

The cost of milk purchased remains our most significant 

cost when determining gross profit. Our final base milk price 

for FY2014 is $8.27 per kgMS, significantly higher than our 

FY2013 base milk price of $5.81 per kgMS. In addition, we 

paid $0.04 per kgMS in seasonal and value added premiums 

to increase the average total milk price to $8.31 per kgMS 

compared with $5.89 per kgMS in FY2013.

EBITDA at $43.8 million increased 13.8% on FY2013 result 

of $38.5 million and was in line with our PFI of $44.0 million. 

Overheads, including depreciation, at $44.7 million had 

increased $6.3 million on our FY2013 result of $38.4 million, 

mainly due to the increased investment in staff during FY2014. 

However, these costs were in line with our PFI at $44.4 million.

comparison to our PFI gross margin. The main impacts were 

Net finance costs at $5.3 million in FY2014 are well down on 

as follows:

−  The anticipated margin on infant formula sales not 

achieved. $8.3 million.

−  Stock provisions and write offs on infant formula 

inventories. $7.5 million.

−  Product sales phasing estimated costs. $6.5 million.

−  Foreign exchange impact. $4.1 million.

our FY2013 costs of $12.3 million, primarily due to the benefit 

of the net initial public offering (IPO) proceeds of $68.9 million 

received late July 2013 being applied against our term debt. 

The net finance costs are ahead of our PFI of $4.8 million due 

to higher working capital interest costs driven by the higher 

inventory and receivables values as a result of the very high 

commodity prices prevailing during FY2014.

Our FY2014 NPAT at $19.6 million increased 70% on our 

FY2013 result of $11.5 million and slightly behind of our  

The lower infant formula margin together with the associated 

PFI of $19.7 million.

infant formula provisions and write-offs totalling $15.8 million 

primarily relate to manufactured infant formula inventories 

that were unable to be sold into the China market as a result 

of the Regulatory changes. Some of these inventories have 

expired and have since been sold as stock food, while the 

remainder have been provided to estimated net realisable 

values in order to sell this product.

This resulted in basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of 

13.40 cents in FY2014 against 10.21 cents in FY2013. It also 

generated a pre-tax return on average capital employed of 

11.5% in FY2014 compared with 13.1% in FY2013.

I  PAGE 43

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

FINANCIAL POSITION

Due to the growth in retained earnings our total shareholders 

funds increased to $183 million in FY2014, an increase of 

11.6% over FY2013 balance at $164 million. However, our 

shareholders funds to total tangible assets dropped from 

47.4% in FY2013 to 38.4% in FY2014 driven by the growth in 

both current and fixed assets. Total shareholders funds were 

in line with our PFI at $185 million.

Total tangible assets in FY2014 were at $472 million an 

increase of 38% over $342 million in FY2013 and were also 

above our PFI of $380 million. Current assets in FY2014 

were up $43 million when compared to FY2013 and $75 

Further information on our growth initiative projects are set 

out earlier in the report on pages 29 to 31.

CASH FLOW

Cash flow from FY2014 operating activities of $59 million 

reflects a forecast reversal from FY2013 cash outflows of 

$47 million. However, our result was $23 million below the 

PFI primarily due to higher working capital balances for 

receivables and inventory at year end.

The cash investment in our capital projects at $96 million 

primarily reflected the build of our growth initiative projects 

during FY2014 and was above our PFI of $69 million for the 

million higher than PFI. The primary cause of this was both 

reasons already noted earlier in this report.

Net cash inflows from financing activities in FY2014 at $39 

million had decreased by $17 million on our FY2013 result 

of $56 million this was primarily due to the net impact of 

increased borrowings of $80 million, associated with our 

investment in capital growth initiative projects during FY2014, 

offset by the net proceeds from the IPO of $69 million in 

FY2013.

Our net debt position at the end of FY2014 was $152 million, 

$46 million higher than the $106 million in FY2013 and $65 

million higher than our PFI of $87 million. The causes of these 

increases over both FY2013 and our PFI have been addressed 

earlier in this report.

Nigel Greenwood  

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

receivables and inventory values had increased due to higher 

commodity prices than in FY2013 and from our PFI. This 

drove high receivables and inventory values for FY2014. Our 

investment in fixed assets have increased to the build of our 

new drystore, lactoferrin extraction and purification facility 

and blending and consumer packaging plant as well as the 

initial costs associated with the build of dryer three.

Total liabilities for FY2014 grew to $294 million an increase 

of 61% over $182 million in FY2013 and well above our PFI of 

$195 million. A significant cause of this increase was the level 

of trade and other payables which at $117 million were well 

above our FY2013 balance at $58 million and the PFI at $87 

million. This was due to the higher than anticipated milk price 

in FY2014 increasing the milk supplier liability at year end. 

Loans and borrowings at $91 million had also increased on 

our FY2013 position at $28 million and the PFI at $47 million. 

While term debt in FY2014 was expected to increase due to 

our investment in our growth initiative projects, the amount  

is $44 million more than PFI due to a number of reasons:

−  A decision to bring forward the build of drystore  

three. $5.2 million.

−  Increased spend on the lactoferrin extraction and 

purification facility. $6.8 million.

−  Earlier than anticipated costs associated with the build of 

dryer three. $17.7 million.

−  Deferment of voluntary repayment on the revolver facility 

until FY2015. $18.8 million.

PAGE 44  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014I  PAGE 45

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OUR 

MOMENTUM

IN DOLLARS

AND CENTS

PAGE 46  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014SYNLAIT MILK LIMITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

CONTENTS

Directors’ Responsibility Statement

Financial Statements

Statement of Comprehensive Income

Statement of Changes in Equity

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Financial Statements

1 Reporting entity

2 Basis of preparation

3 Summary of significant accounting policies

4 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

5 Segment information

6 Revenue

7 Expenses

8 Finance income and expenses

9 Income tax

10 Current assets - Cash and cash equivalents

11 Current assets - Trade and other receivables

12 Current assets - Inventories

13 Non-current assets - Other financial assets

14 Non-current assets - Property, plant and equipment

15 Non-current assets - Intangible assets

16 Trade and other payables

17 Advances from subsidiary

18 Loans and borrowings

19 Deferred tax assets and liabilities

20 Share capital

21 Share-based payments

22 Reserves and retained earnings

23 Reconciliation of profit after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities

24 Financial risk management

25 Financial instruments

26 Contingencies

27 Commitments

28 Related party transactions

29 Investments in subsidiaries

30 Comparison of prospective financial information

31 Events occurring after the reporting period

Auditor’s Report

PAGE

48

49

50

52

53

54

54

54

55

62

63

62

63

64

64

66

66

67

67

68

70

70

71

71

72

73

74

76

77

78

83

86

86

87

89

89

93

94

I  PAGE 47

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION 
AS AT 31 JULY 2014 

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors are pleased to present the financial statements for Synlait Milk Limited and its subsidiary set out on pages 49 to 93 
for the year ended 31 July 2014.

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Synlait 
Milk Limited and its subsidiary (together ‘the Group’) as at 31 July 2014 and the financial performance and cash flows for the year 
ended on that date.

The Directors consider that the financial statements of the Group have been prepared using appropriate accounting policies, 
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 Group and facilitate compliance of the financial statements with the Financial Reporting Act 1993.

For and on behalf of the Board.

Graeme Milne

CHAIRMAN

19 September 2014

John Penno

MANAGING DIRECTOR

19 September 2014

PAGE 48  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

Group

Year ended

2014

$’000

Notes

Parent

Year ended

2013

$’000

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

6

7

6

7

7

8

8

8

9

9

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Sales and distribution expenses

Administrative and operating expenses

Earnings before net finance expense and income tax 

Finance expenses

Finance income

Net finance costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Net profit after tax for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently  
to profit and loss

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to 
profit and loss

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit 
and loss

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Earnings per Share

600,518

420,010

600,518

420,010

(523,430)

(354,862)

(523,430)

(354,862)

77,088

65

(27,760)

(16,954)

32,439

(6,516)

1,172

(5,344)

27,095

(7,492)

19,603

65,148

1,587

(26,541)

(11,915)

28,279

(13,525)

1,272

(12,253)

16,026

(4,498)

11,528

77,088

65

(27,760)

(16,954)

32,439

(6,516)

1,172

(5,344)

27,095

(7,492)

19,603

65,148

1,587

(26,541)

(11,915)

28,279

(13,525)

1,272

(12,253)

16,026

(4,498)

11,528

1,875

(3,387)

994

(1,633)

(2,249)

104

(270)

(270)

19,333

(337)

1,043

(2,681)

(2,681)

8,847

(1,208)

60

(154)

(154)

19,449

(1,386)

845

(2,174)

(2,174)

9,354

Basic and diluted earnings per share (cents)

20

13.40

10.21

13.40

10.21

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

I  PAGE 49

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

Share  
Capital

Employee 
Benefits  
Reserve

Hedging 
reserves

Revaluation 
reserve

Retained 
earnings

Notes

$’000

$’000

$’000

Group

Equity as at 1 August 2012

Profit or loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Effective portion of changes in fair value of 
cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 
transferred to profit and loss

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive income 

Issue of new shares

Share issue costs

Total contributions by and distributions 
to owners

Equity as at 31 July 2013

Profit or loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Effective portion of changes in fair value of 
cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 
transferred to profit and loss

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive income 

Issue of new shares

Share issue costs

Employee benefits reserve

20

20

21

Total contributions by and distributions 
to owners

Equity as at 31 July 2014

103,648

-

-

-

-

-

20

20

75,000

(6,100)

68,900

172,548

-

-

-

-

-

-

(301)

-

(301)

172,247

848

-

(3,387)

(337)

1,043

(2,681)

-

-

-

$’000

8,008

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$’000

(26,213)

11,528

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total  

equity

$’000

86,291

11,528

(3,387)

(337)

1,043

(2,681)

75,000

(6,100)

68,900

(1,833)

8,008

(14,685)

164,038

-

1,875

(2,249)

104

(270)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

19,603

19,603

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,875

(2,249)

104

(270)

-

(301)

60

(241)

(2,103)

8,008

4,918

183,130

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

60

60

60

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

PAGE 50  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

Parent

Equity as at 1 August 2012

Profit or loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Effective portion of changes in fair value of 
cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 
transferred to profit and loss

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive income 

Issue of new shares

Share issue costs

Total contributions by and distributions 
to owners

Equity as at 31 July 2013

Profit or loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Effective portion of changes in fair value of 
cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges 
transferred to profit and loss

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Total other comprehensive income 

Share issue costs

Employee benefits reserve

Total contributions by and distributions 
to owners

Equity as at 31 July 2014

Share  
Capital

Employee 
Benefits  
Reserve

Hedging 
reserves

Revaluation 
reserve

Retained 
earnings

Total  

equity

Notes

$’000

$’000

$’000

103,648

-

-

-

-

-

20

20

75,000

(6,100)

68,900

172,548

-

-

-

-

-

20

21

(301)

-

(301)

172,247

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

60

60

60

848

-

(1,633)

(1,386)

845

(2,174)

-

-

-

$’000

8,008

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

$’000

$’000

(26,213)

11,528

86,291

11,528

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,633)

(1,386)

845

(2,174)

75,000

(6,100)

68,900

(1,326)

8,008

(14,685)

164,545

-

994

(1,208)

60

(154)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

19,603

19,603

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

994

(1,208)

60

(154)

(301)

60

(241)

(1,480)

8,008

4,918

183,753

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

I  PAGE 51

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
AS AT 31 JULY 2014

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Goods and services tax refundable

Income accruals and prepayments

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investments in subsidiary

Other investments

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Working capital facility

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Trade finance facility

Advances from subsidiary

Derivative financial instruments

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Advances from subsidiary

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings/(deficit)

Total equity attributable to equity holders  
of the Company

Total equity and liabilities

Notes

10

11

12

25

14

15

29

13

25

18

16

18

17

25

18

19

25

17

20

22

Group

2014

$’000

2,393

89,046

8,880

786

71,262

1,632

2013

$’000

2,365

59,134

2,917

570

65,025

1,138

Parent

2014

$’000

2,393

89,046

8,880

786

71,262

1,595

2013

$’000

31,487

59,134

2,917

570

65,025

1,138

173,999

131,149

173,962

160,271

298,186

210,780

298,186

4,589

4,052

4,589

210,780

4,052

-

70

42

302,887

476,886

12,500

116,730

2,618

50,613

-

2,916

-

-

86

1

70

-

1

-

-

214,918

346,067

302,846

476,808

214,833

375,104

33,079

57,535

-

46,924

-

4,379

-

-

116,007

57,421

2,618

50,613

13,660

2,443

-

46,924

63,926

2,980

185,377

141,917

185,341

171,251

-

-

16,767

11,953

91,376

16,525

478

-

108,379

293,756

27,917

11,755

440

-

40,112

182,029

-

90,947

107,714

293,055

172,247

172,548

172,247

5,965

4,918

183,130

476,886

6,175

(14,685)

164,038

346,067

6,588

4,918

183,753

476,808

-

27,355

39,308

210,559

172,548

6,682

(14,685)

164,545

375,104

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

PAGE 52  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2014

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash receipts from customers

Cash paid for milk purchased

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

Notes

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

568,266

382,600

569,307

381,552

(362,551)

(289,268)

(362,551)

(289,268)

Cash paid to other creditors and employees

(141,077)

(141,231)

(141,686)

(141,345)

Goods and services tax refunds / (payments)

Income tax refunds

(5,963)

-

575

229

(5,963)

-

575

229

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from operating activities

23

58,675

(47,095)

59,107

(48,257)

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest received

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of intangible assets 

Purchases of available-for-sale financial assets

130

(95,876)

133

1,272

(6,437)

-

130

(95,876)

133

(1,508)

(1,607)

(1,508)

(70)

-

(70)

1,272

(7,989)

-

(55)

-

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities

(97,191)

(6,772)

(97,191)

(6,772)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of shares (net)

Repayments of borrowings

Receipt of borrowings

Net movement in working capital and trade finance facilities

Interest paid

Movement in advances from subsidiary

Net cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning  
of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

10

(301)

68,900

(301)

(17,699)

(64,521)

(89,213)

80,638

(16,890)

(7,204)

-

38,544

28

2,365

2,393

670

64,042

(13,525)

-

55,566

1,699

28,596

63,786

(7,204)

13,326

8,990

(29,094)

666

2,365

31,487

2,393

68,900

(94,782)

670

33,307

(13,525)

91,280

85,850

30,821

666

31,487

The accompanying notes form part of and are to be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

I  PAGE 53

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

1 REPORTING ENTITY

Synlait Milk Limited (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiary 
(together ‘the Group’) is domiciled in New Zealand, registered 
under the Companies Act 1993 and listed on the New Zealand 
Stock Exchange, The Company is an issuer for the purposes of 
the Financial Reporting Act 1993 and its financial statements 
comply with that Act.

Synlait Milk Limited is primarily involved in the manufacture 
and sale of dairy products.

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated and 
domiciled in New Zealand. The address of its registered office 
is 1028 Heslerton Road, Rakaia, RD 13, New Zealand.

2 BASIS OF PREPARATION

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been 
prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice in New Zealand (‘NZ GAAP’). They comply with 
New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting 
Standards (‘NZ IFRS’) and other applicable Financial 
Reporting Standards, as applicable for profit-oriented entities. 
The consolidated financial statements also comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’). 

The financial statements were authorised for issue by the 
directors on 19 September 2014.

Basis of Measurement
These financial statements have been prepared on the 

historical cost basis except for the following: 

- Revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets

- Financial assets and liabilities (including derivative 

instruments) at fair value

- Land, buildings, plant and equipment

Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with NZ 
IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. 
It also requires management to exercise its judgement in 
the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The 
areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or 
areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
financial statements, are disclosed in note 4.

(a)  Principles of consolidation
The Group’s financial statements consolidate the financial 
statements of the Company and its subsidiary. A subsidiary 
is a controlled entity over which the Group has power, is 
exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement 
with the entity, and has the ability to use its power to affect 
its returns. In June 2013 a subsidiary, Synlait Milk Finance 
Limited, was set up primarily for holding all banking facilities 
for the Group and related interest rate swaps. Funds are 
loaned to Synlait Milk Limited and interest is charged at 
market rates.

(b)  Segment reporting
The Group operates in one industry, being the manufacture 
and sale of dairy products. The Board makes resource 
allocation decisions based on expected cash flows and results 
of the Group’s operations as a whole and the Group therefore 
has one segment.

Although the Group sells to many different countries, for 
management reporting purposes the Group operates in one 
principal geographical area being New Zealand.

(c)  New Accounting Policy ‑ Share based payments
Employees (including Senior Management) of the Group 
may receive remuneration in the form of share-based 
payment transactions, whereby employees render services as 
consideration for equity instruments (equity settled). The cost 
of equity settled transactions with employees are measured by 
reference to the grant date fair value of the equity instruments 
granted. The fair value of equity settled options are recognised 
as an expense, together with a corresponding increase to 
the employee benefits reserve within equity, over the vesting 
period in which the performance and/or service conditions 
are fulfilled. The total amount to be expensed is based on the 
fair value of each option along with the best estimate of the 
number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest which 
includes an assessment of performance and service conditions.

The expense or credit for a period represents the movement in 
cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end of 
that period.

(d)  Reclassified balances
Where appropriate, prior year comparatives have been 
regrouped to conform with the current year classification. 
Reclassifications are summarised below.

PAGE 54  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

The Group has changed the classification of cashflows from 
the trade finance and working capital facilities within the 
Statement of Cash Flows resulting in a movement of amounts 
between operating and financing activities. As a result, the 
comparative amounts have changed in the Statement of Cash 
Flows:

-  31 July 2013 receipts from customers decreased by 

$33,307,000; 

-  31 July 2013 repayments of borrowings increased by 

$30,735,000; and 

-  31 July 2013 net movement in working capital and trade 

finance facilities increased by $64,042,000.

Mitsui & Co NZ is Synlait Milk Limited’s export sales agent. 
Under this agreement Mitsui pays Synlait Milk the amounts 
invoiced to export customers within an agreed period after 
shipment of products. The amounts received from Mitsui (the 
trade finance facility) were previously included in receipts from 
customers but have been reclassified to be a financing activity. 
The Group has reclassified these amounts as it considers the 
Mitsui & Co NZ trade finance facility to be a financing activity 
in nature. 

The working capital facility is drawn and repaid on a weekly 
basis and can be considered analogous to an overdraft facility, 
the cashflows for which are considered financing in nature. 
Given the short term nature of the transactions, it is more 
appropriate to disclose the movements on a net basis as 
opposed to the total draw downs and total repayments.

These changes have no impact on the statements of 
comprehensive income or financial position.

The Group has also changed the classification of some 
employee costs, depreciation and repairs and maintenance 
expenditure within the profit and loss component of the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income to better reflect actual 
performance resulting in a movement between sales and 
distribution expenses and administrative and operating 
expenses. As a result, the comparative amounts have changed 
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income:

-  31 July 2013 sales and distribution expenses increased by 

$3,063,000; and 

-  31 July 2013 administrative and operating expenses 

decreased by $3,063,000.

These changes have no impact on the statements of financial 
position or cash flows.

3 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING 
POLICIES

(a)  Foreign currency translation

(i)  Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of the Group 
are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional 
currency’). The financial statements are presented in New 
Zealand Dollars ($), which is the Group’s functional currency 
and are rounded to the nearest thousand ($000).

(ii)  Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the 
functional currency at the exchange rates at the dates of the 
transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies at the reporting date are retranslated to the 
functional currency at the exchange rate at that date.

(b)  Revenue recognition

(i)  Sales of goods
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value 
of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, 
discounts and allowances. Revenue is recognised when 
the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been 
transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is 
probable, and the associated costs and possible return of 
goods can be estimated reliably.

Transfers of risks and rewards vary depending on the 
individual terms of the contract of sale. 

(ii)  Interest income
Interest income is recognised using the effective interest 
method. When a loan or receivable is impaired, the Group 
reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being 
the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original 
effective interest rate of the instrument, and continues 
unwinding the discount as interest income. Interest income on 
impaired loans and receivables is recognised using the original 
effective interest rate.

(c)  Government grants
Grants from the government are recognised at their fair 
value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant 
will be received and the Group will comply with all attached 
conditions.

Government grants relating to costs are deferred and 
recognised in the statement of comprehensive income over the 
period necessary to match them with the costs that they are 
intended to compensate.

I  PAGE 55

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(d)  Research and development
Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the 
prospect of obtaining new scientific or technical knowledge 
and understanding, is recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income as an expense when it is incurred.

(e)  Income tax
The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred 
tax. Tax is recognised in the profit and loss component of the 
statement of comprehensive income, except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income 
or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognised in 
other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

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

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, 
providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. 
Deferred tax is not recognised for the revaluation of land to the 
extent that any revaluation is unlikely to affect the tax base 
of the asset. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are 
expected to be applied to the temporary differences when 
they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or 
substantively enacted by the reporting date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is 
probable that future taxable profits will be available against 
which the temporary difference can be utilised. Deferred tax 
assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced 
to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax 
benefit will be realised.

Tax consolidation group
Synlait Milk Limited and its wholly-owned New Zealand 
controlled entities form a tax consolidation group. 

(f)  Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The profit and loss component of the statements of 
comprehensive income have been prepared so that all 
components are stated exclusive of GST. All items in the 
financial position are stated net of GST, with the exception of 
receivables and payables, which include GST invoiced.

(g)  Leases
Leases on terms where the Group assumes substantially all 
the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance 
leases. Upon initial recognition, the leased asset is measured at 
an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present 
value of the minimum lease payments with a corresponding 
liability to the lessor included in the statement of financial 
position as a finance lease obligation. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the 
accounting policy applicable to that asset. Lease payments 
are apportioned between finance charges and reduction in the 
lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on 
the remaining balance of the liability.

Other leases are operating leases and the leased 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 lease term, except where 
another systematic basis is more representative of the time 
pattern over which economic benefits from leased assets are 
consumed.

(h)  Impairment of non‑financial assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets are 
reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is 
any indication of impairment. 

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of 
an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable 
amount. A cash generating unit is the smallest identifiable 
asset group that generates cash flows that are largely 
independent from other assets and groups. Impairment losses 
are first recognized as a deduction against revaluation reserves 
and then recognised in the profit or loss component of the 
statement of comprehensive income once those reserves have 
been exhausted.

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating 
units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any 
goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying 
amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro 
rata basis.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit 
is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to 
sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows 
are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount 
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value 
of money and the risks specific to the asset.

PAGE 56  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed 
at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has 
decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed 
if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine 
the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only 
to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed 
the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of 
depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been 
recognised.

(i)  Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call 
deposits, and working capital facilities that are repayable 
on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash 
management.

(j)  Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for 
merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course 
of business. If collection is expected in one year or less (or 
in the normal operating cycle of the business if longer), they 
are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as 
non-current assets.

The recoverable amount of the Group’s receivables which are 
carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value 
of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original 
effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed 
at initial recognition of these financial assets). Receivables 
with a short duration are not discounted.

Impairment losses on an individual basis are determined by an 
evaluation of the exposures on an instrument by instrument 
basis. All individual instruments that are considered significant 
are subject to this approach.

For trade receivables which are not significant on an individual 
basis, impairment is assessed on a portfolio basis based 
on numbers of days overdue, and taking into account the 
historical loss experienced in portfolios with a similar amount 
of days overdue.

(k)  Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value. Cost is comprised of direct materials and where 
applicable, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of 
variable and fixed overhead expenditure, the latter being 
allocated on the basis of normal operating capacity. Cost is 
determined on a weighted average basis and in the case of 
manufactured goods, includes direct materials, labour and 
production overheads. Net realisable value is the estimated 
selling price in the ordinary course of business less the 
estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs 
necessary to make the sale.

Investments in subsidiaries

(l) 
Investments in subsidiaries in the Parent financial statements 
are stated at cost less impairment.

(m) Investments and other financial assets 

Classification
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following 
categories: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and 
receivables, and available for sale. The classification depends 
on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. 
Management determines the classification of its financial 
assets at initial recognition.

(i)  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial 
assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this 
category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the 
short term. Derivatives are also categorised as held for trading 
unless they are designated as hedges. Assets in this category 
are classified as current assets if expected to be settled within 
12 months, otherwise they are classified as non-current.

(ii)  Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets 
with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in 
an active market. They are included in current assets, except 
for maturities greater than 12 months after the end of the 
reporting period. These are classified as non-current assets. 
The Group’s loans and receivables comprise ‘trade and other 
receivables’ and ‘cash and cash equivalents’ in the statement 
of financial position (notes (i) and (j)).

(iii)  Available for sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are 
either designated in this category or not classified in any of the 
other categories. They are included in non-current assets unless 
the investment matures or management intends to dispose of it 
within 12 months of the end of the reporting period.

Recognition and measurement
Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised 
on the trade-date – the date on which the Group commits 
to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially 
recognised at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial 
assets not classified at fair value through profit or loss. 
Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are 
initially recognised at fair value, and transaction costs are 
expensed in the profit and loss component of the statement 
of comprehensive income. Financial assets are derecognised 
when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments 
have expired or have been transferred and the Group has 
transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. 

I  PAGE 57

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair 
value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair 
value. Loans and receivables are subsequently carried at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Changes in the fair value of monetary and non-monetary 
securities classified as available for sale are recognised in other 
comprehensive income.

When securities classified as available for sale are sold or 
impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments recognised 
in equity are included in the profit and loss component of the 
statement of comprehensive income as ‘gains and losses from 
investment securities’.

Interest on available-for-sale securities calculated using the 
effective interest method is recognised in the profit and loss 
component of the statement of comprehensive income as 
part of finance income. Dividends on available-for-sale equity 
instruments are recognised in the profit and loss component 
of the statement of comprehensive income as part of other 
income when the Group’s right to receive payments is 
established.

Offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount 
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 or realise the asset 
and settle the liability simultaneously.

Impairment of financial assets

(i)  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.

Evidence of impairment may include indications that the 
debtors or a group of debtors is experiencing significant 
financial difficulty, default or delinquency in interest or 
principal payments, the probability that they will enter 
bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation, and where 

observable data indicate that there is a measurable decrease in 
the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or 
economic conditions that correlate with defaults.

For the loans and receivables category, 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. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced and 
the amount of the loss is recognised in the profit and loss 
component of the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income. If a loan or held-to-maturity investment has a variable 
interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment 
loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the 
contract. As a practical expedient, the Group may measure 
impairment on the basis of an instrument’s fair value using an 
observable market price.

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 
profit and loss component of the statement of comprehensive 
income.

(ii)  Assets classified as available for sale
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period 
whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or a 
group of financial assets is impaired. For debt securities, the 
Group uses the criteria referred to in (i) above. In the case of 
equity investments classified as available for sale, a significant 
or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below 
its cost is also evidence that the assets are impaired. If any 
such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, 
the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between 
the acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any 
impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised 
in profit or loss – is removed from equity and recognised in 
profit and loss component of the statement of comprehensive 
income. If, in a subsequent period, the fair value of a debt 
instrument classified as available for sale increases and the 
increase can be objectively related to an event occurring 
after the impairment loss was recognised in profit or loss, 
the impairment loss is reversed through the consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income.

PAGE 58  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(n)  Derivatives
The Group enters into a variety of derivative financial 
instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign 
exchange rate risk, including forward exchange contracts and 
interest rate swaps.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date 
a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair value at each balance date. The 
resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately 
unless the derivative is designated as effective as a hedging 
instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in 
profit or loss depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. 
Hedges of highly probable forecast transactions or hedges of 
foreign currency risk of firm commitments are designated as 
cash flow hedges by the Group. 

The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a 
non-current asset or liability when the remaining hedged 
item is more than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability 
when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 
12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as a current asset 
or liability.

(i)  Hedge accounting
The Group designates certain hedging instruments in respect 
of foreign currency risk as cash flow hedges. Hedges of foreign 
currency exchange risk on firm commitments are accounted 
for as cash flow hedges.

At the inception of the hedge relationship, the Group 
documents the relationship between the hedging instrument 
and the hedged item, along with its risk management 
objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedge 
transactions. Furthermore, at the inception of the hedge and 
on an ongoing basis, the Group documents whether the 
hedging instrument that is used in a hedging relationship is 
highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash 
flows of the hedged item.

(ii)  Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are 
recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated 
as a separate component of equity in the hedging reserve. The 
gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss, and is included in Finance costs.

Amounts recognised in the hedging reserve are classified from 
equity to profit or loss (as a reclassification adjustment) in the 
periods when the hedged item is recognised in profit or loss, in 
the same line as the recognised hedged item.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes 
the hedging relationships, the hedging instrument expires 
or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies as 
hedge accounting. Any cumulative gain or loss recognised 
in the hedging reserve at that time remains in equity and 
is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no 
longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was 
recognised in the hedging reserve is immediately recorded in 
profit or loss.

(iii)  Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting
Certain derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge 
accounting. Changes in the fair value of any derivative 
instrument that does not qualify for hedge accounting are 
recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive 
income.

(o)  Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities 
must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for 
disclosure purposes.

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active 
markets (such as publicly traded derivatives, and trading 
and available-for-sale securities) is based on quoted market 
prices at the balance date. The quoted market price used for 
financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price; the 
appropriate quoted market price for financial liabilities is the 
current ask price.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in 
an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) 
is determined using valuation techniques. The Group use a 
variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based 
on market conditions existing at each balance date. Other 
techniques, such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used 
to determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments. 

I  PAGE 59

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(p)  Property, plant and equipment

Recognition and measurement
Property, plant and equipment are initially measured at cost 
less accumulated depreciation.

Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the 
acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets 
includes the cost of materials and direct labour, any other costs 
directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition 
for its intended use, and the costs of dismantling and removing 
the items and restoring the site on which they are located.

When a self-constructed asset meets the definition of a 
qualifying asset under NZ IAS 23 ‘Borrowing Costs”, borrowing 
costs directly attributable to the construction of the asset are 
capitalised until such a time as the asset is substantially ready 
for its intended use or sale.

When major components of an item of property, plant and 
equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for 
as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

Revaluations
Land, buildings and plant and equipment are carried at fair 
value. Any increase in the value of land, buildings, plant and 
equipment is recognised in other comprehensive income and 
presented in the revaluation reserve in equity unless it offsets 
a previous decrease in value recognised in the profit or loss, in 
which case it is recognised in the profit or loss. A decrease in 
value is recognised in the profit or loss where it exceeds the 
increase previously recognised in equity.

Fair value estimation
The fair valuation of land is undertaken on a cyclical basis, not 
exceeding three years, by an independent registered valuer. 
The valuation considered the highest and best use of the 
land, which is the current use, and was based on comparable 
sales for rural blocks within the locality on a per hectare 
basis. The fair valuation of buildings, plant and equipment 
is undertaken on a cyclical basis, not exceeding three years, 
by an independent registered valuer. As the assets are 
specialized in nature, there is no comparable market data from 
which to derive a market based valuation. The valuation has 
consequently been prepared on a depreciated replacement 
cost basis and assumes that the current use of these assets is 
the best and highest use. The replacement cost was based on 
a volume basis for the dryers and an area basis for all  
other facilities.

Subsequent costs 
The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and 
equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item 
if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied 
within the part will flow to the Group and its cost can be 
measured reliably. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of 
property, plant and equipment are recognised in profit or loss 
as incurred.

Depreciation
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recognised in 
profit or loss on a straight line basis over the estimated useful 
lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment.

Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease 
term and their useful lives. Land is not depreciated.

Capital work in progress is not depreciated. The total cost of 
this work is transferred to the relevant asset category on the 
completion of the project and then depreciated.

The estimated useful lives for the current and comparative 

periods are as follows:

-   Buildings  

-   Plant and equipment  

-   Fixtures and fittings  

10 - 50 years

3 - 33 years

2 - 14 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are 
reassessed at the reporting date.

(q)  Intangible assets

(i)    Patents, trademarks and other rights
Separately acquired patents and trademarks are shown at 
historical cost. Patents and trademarks acquired in a business 
combination are recognised at fair value at the acquisition 
date. Patents and trademarks have a finite useful life and are 
carried at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is 
calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost 
of patents and trademarks over their estimated useful lives of 
10 years.

(ii)  Computer software
Acquired computer software licences are capitalised on the 
basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the 
specific software. These costs are amortised on a straight line 
basis over their estimated useful lives of three to ten years.

Costs associated with maintaining computer software 
programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. 
Development costs that are directly attributable to the design 

PAGE 60  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

and testing of identifiable and unique software products 
controlled by the Group are recognised as intangible assets.

(r)  Trade and other payables
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services 
that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business 
from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current 
liabilities if payment is due within one year or less (or in the 
normal operating cycle of the business if longer). If not, they 
are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair 
value plus any directly attributable transaction costs and are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method.

(s)  Interest bearing liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities are recognised initially at fair 
value, net of transaction costs incurred. Interest bearing 
liabilities are subsequently carried at amortised cost; any 
difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) 
and the redemption value is recognised in the profit and 
loss component of the statement of comprehensive income 
over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest 
method.

(t)  Share Capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new 
ordinary shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction 
from the proceeds.

Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity 
share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including 
any directly attributable incremental costs is deducted from 
equity attributable to the Company’s equity holders until the 
shares are cancelled or reissued. Where such ordinary shares 
are subsequently reissued, any consideration received, net of 
any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the 
related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to 
the Company’s equity holders.

(u)  Earnings per share
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share 
(EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by 
dividing the profit or loss attributable to shareholders by the 
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the 
period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or 
loss attributable to shareholders and the number of shares 
outstanding to include the effects of all potential dilutive shares.

(v)  Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, 
construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets 
that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for 
their intended use, are added to the cost of those assets, until 
such time as the assets are substantially ready for use.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the 
period in which they are incurred.

(w)  Standards, amendments and interpretations to 
existing standards that are not yet effective

Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to 
existing standards have been published that are mandatory for 
the Group’s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 August 
2014 or later periods but which the Group has not  
early adopted: 

-  NZ IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and 
measurement’  (effective 1 January 2018). NZ IFRS 9 
amends the requirements related to the classification and 
measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. 
The Group is considering adopting this standard in the 
2015 financial year and is currently assessing the impact of 
adoption.

-  NZ IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ 

(effective 1 January 2017). NZ IFRS 15 will be effective from 
the Group’s 2018 financial year. The impact of this standard 
has not yet been determined.

  There are no other standards that are not yet effective and 
that are expected to have a material impact on the entity in 
the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable 
future transactions.

I  PAGE 61

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(x)   Standards, amendments, and interpretations 

effective in 2014

inventory, the industry milk price and the fair value of land, 
building and plant and equipment.

-  NZ IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated financial statements’ (effective 1 
January 2013). NZ IFRS 10 develops a single consolidation 
model applicable to all investees. The standard provides 
that an investor consolidates an investee when it has 
power, exposure to variability in returns, and a linkage 
between the two. There is no impact of the standard on the 
financial statements.

-  NZ IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’ 

(effective 1 January 2013). This standard replaces existing 
requirements for disclosure of subsidiaries and joint 
ventures (now joint arrangements), and makes limited 
amendments in relation to associates. There is no impact on 
the recognition or measurement of the financial statements 
from the change in standard.

-  NZ IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ (effective 1 January 
2013). The Group has applied NZ IFRS 13 for the first time 
in the current year. NZ IFRS 13 establishes a single source 
of guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures 
about fair value measurements. NZ IFRS 13 defines fair 
value as the price that would be received to sell an asset 
or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction 
in the principal (or most advantageous) market at the 
measurement date under current market conditions. 
Fair value under NZ IFRS 13 is an exit price regardless of 
whether that price is directly observable or estimated using 
another valuation technique.

-  Other than additional disclosures, the application of NZ 

IFRS 13 has not had any material impact on the amounts 
recognised in these financial statements.

4 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND 
JUDGEMENTS

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements 
in conformity with NZ IFRS 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 and assumptions.

Estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an on-going 
basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in 
the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future 
periods affected.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty relate to assessment of 
impairment of inventory, standard costs used for measuring 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value. Estimates are required in relation to net realisable value 
which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of 
business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling 
expenses. Reviewing the net realisable values is carried out by 
management on a periodic basis and any reduction to cost is 
provided by way of stock provision.

The use of a standard cost methodology for inventory requires 
management estimation in determining the Monthly Milk 
Price to be applied which form a key component of the product 
standard cost.

The estimate of the industry milk price is a key assumption 
applied by management in the financial statements. This 
industry price is used for milk purchased or received from 
other processors during the year.

Land, buildings and plant and equipment are recognised at fair 
value as described in note 14 (a).

5 SEGMENT INFORMATION

(a)   Description of segments
The Company and Group operate in one industry, being the 
manufacture and sale of milk powder and milk powder related 
products. The Board makes resource allocation decisions 
based on expected cash flows and results of the Company’s 
operations as a whole and the Group therefore has one 
segment.

Although the Group sell to many different countries, for 
management reporting purposes the Company and Group 
operate in one principal geographical area being New Zealand.

Revenues of approximately 52% (2013: 56%) are derived from 
the top three external customers. 

The proportion of sales volumes by geographical area is 
summarised below:

China

Rest of Asia

Africa

Rest of world

2014

26%

32%

23%

19%

100%

2013

19%

34%

23%

24%

100%

PAGE 62  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

6 REVENUE

Dairy products

Insurance proceeds

Other sundry income

Management fees

7 EXPENSES

The following items of expenditure are included  
in cost of sales

Depreciation and amortisation

Employee benefit expense

Repairs and maintenance

The following items of expenditure are included  
in sales and distribution expenses

Depreciation and amortisation

Donations

Research and development

Rent expense

Repairs and maintenance

Employee benefit expense

The following items of expenditure are included  
in administrative and operating expenses

Depreciation

Repairs and maintenance

Employee benefit expense

Defined benefit contributions - Kiwisaver

Directors fees

Share based payments expense (note 21)

Group

Year ended

2014

$’000

Parent

Year ended

2013

$’000

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

600,518

420,010

600,518

420,010

-

32

33

1,304

245

38

-

32

33

1,304

245

38

600,583

421,597

600,583

421,597

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

9,406

9,245

2,774

879

14

326

1,676

332

3,953

1,092

41

7,561

279

440

60

2013

$’000

8,966

6,589

3,109

397

54

312

1,355

332

2,666

819

31

4,344

138

346

-

2014

$’000

9,405

9,245

2,774

879

14

326

1,676

332

3,953

1,092

41

7,561

279

440

60

2013

$’000

8,966

6,589

3,109

397

54

312

1,355

332

2,666

819

31

4,344

138

346

-

I  PAGE 63

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Deloitte services included in administrative  
and operating expenses and share capital

Audit

IPO

Taxation advice

Financial modelling

Accounting advice and other consulting

Total

8 FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES

Interest income on bank deposits

Settlement of ineffective portion of cash flow hedges

Total finance income

Interest and facility fees

Capitalised borrowing costs

Settlement of ineffective portion of cash flow hedges 

Total finance costs

Total finance costs

9 INCOME TAX

(a) Income tax expense

Current tax:

Current tax on profits for the year

Total current tax

Deferred tax:

Temporary differences

Tax losses utilised

Adjustment to prior year tax losses brought forward

Other prior year adjustments

Total deferred tax (note 19)

Income tax (expense) / benefit

PAGE 64  I

127

-

69

205

95

496

105

473

121

215

40

954

127

-

69

205

95

496

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

130

1,042

1,172

(8,768)

2,252

-

(6,516)

(5,344)

2013

$’000

103

1,169

1,272

(12,811)

-

(714)

(13,525)

(12,253)

2014

$’000

130

1,042

1,172

(8,768)

2,252

-

(6,516)

(5,344)

105

473

121

215

40

954

2013

$’000

103

1,169

1,272

(12,811)

-

(714)

(13,525)

(12,253)

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

(2,618)

(2,618)

(693)

(4,298)

(84)

201

(4,874)

(7,492)

-

-

(4,498)

-

-

-

(4,498)

(4,498)

(2,618)

(2,618)

(693)

(4,298)

(84)

201

(4,874)

(7,492)

-

-

(4,498)

-

-

-

(4,498)

(4,498)

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(b) Reconciliation of effective tax rate

Profit before income tax

Income tax using the Company’s domestic tax rate - 28%

Other non deductible costs

Adjustment to prior year tax losses brought forward

Other prior year adjustments

Total prior period adjustments

Income tax expense

(c) Imputation credits

Imputation credits available directly and indirectly  
to the shareholders of the parent company

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

27,095

(7,587)

(22)

(7,609)

(84)

201

117

2013

$’000

16,026

(4,487)

(11)

(4,498)

-

-

-

2014

$’000

27,095

(7,587)

(22)

(7,609)

(84)

201

117

2013

$’000

16,026

(4,487)

(11)

(4,498)

-

-

-

(7,492)

(4,498)

(7,492)

(4,498)

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

2,618

-

2,618

-

(d)  Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income
The tax (charge)/credit relating to components of other comprehensive income is as follows:

Group

31 July 2014

Cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive income

31 July 2013

Cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive income

Parent

31 July 2014

Cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive income

31 July 2013

Cash flow hedges

Other comprehensive income

Tax 
(expense)/
benefit

Before tax

After tax

$’000

$’000

$’000

(373)

(373)

(3,724)

(3,724)

(215)

(215)

(3,019)

(3,019)

104

104

1,043

1,043

60

60

845

845

(269)

(269)

(2,681)

(2,681)

(155)

(155)

(2,174)

(2,174)

I  PAGE 65

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

10 CURRENT ASSETS ‑ CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents

Group

Parent

2014

$’000

2,393

2013

$’000

2,365

2014

$’000

2,393

2013

$’000

31,487

(a)  Risk exposure
The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk is discussed in note 24(a,ii). The maximum exposure to credit risk at the end of the 
reporting period is the carrying amount.

(b)  Fair value
The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents equals their fair value.

11 CURRENT ASSETS ‑ TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Net trade receivables

Trade receivables

Provision for doubtful receivables

Other receivables

Total receivables

Group

2014

$’000

88,585

(100)

88,485

561

2013

$’000

59,090

-

59,090

44

Parent

2014

$’000

88,585

(100)

88,485

561

2013

$’000

59,090

-

59,090

44

89,046

59,134

89,046

59,134

The increase in trade receivables is predominantly due to the increased sales volumes in July 2014 compared to July 2013.

(a)  Impaired receivables
As of 31 July 2014, trade receivables of $9.7 m were overdue but not impaired (2013: $3.5 m). These relate to a number of 
independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default. The majority has since been collected but $0.9 m remains 
unpaid which is expected to be collected in the 2015 financial year.

The ageing analysis of these overdue trade receivables is as follows: 

Group

Parent

2014

$’000

7,079

1,508

1,142

9,729

2013

$’000

391

3,093

-

3,484

2014

$’000

7,079

1,508

1,142

9,729

2013

$’000

391

3,093

-

3,484

0 to 30 days

30 to 60 days

Over 60 days

Total trade receivables

PAGE 66  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(b)  Bad and doubtful trade receivables
The Company and Group have recognised a loss of $100,000 (2013: $nil) in respect of bad and doubtful trade receivables during the 
year ended 31 July 2014.

(c)  Trade and other receivables
Accounts receivable are amounts incurred in the normal course of business.

Receivables denominated in other currencies other than the functional currency comprise NZ$81.2 m (2013: $47.3 m) of USD and 
Euro denominated trade receivables. 

12 CURRENT ASSETS ‑ INVENTORIES

Raw materials at cost

Finished goods at cost

Finished goods at net realisable value

Total inventories

Group

Parent

2014

$’000

15,348

29,422

26,492

71,262

2013

$’000

16,047

44,160

4,818

65,025

2014

$’000

15,348

29,422

26,492

71,262

2013

$’000

16,047

44,160

4,818

65,025

Inventories recognised at net realisable value has increased significantly from 2013 as a result of some manufactured infant formula 
not being able to be sold into the China market as a result of the change in Chinese government regulations. The total provision as 
at reporting date was $9.9m (2013 $3.1m) with $7.5m relating to infant formula.

13 NON‑CURRENT ASSETS ‑ OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS

Unlisted securities

Equity securities

Group

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

Parent

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

70

-

70

-

In July 2014, Primary Collaboration New Zealand Limited was incorporated with 6,000 shares issued at a par value of $10 each. 
Synlait Milk Limited has subscribed to 1,000 shares and has fully paid this share capital. An additional capital contribution was 
made by all shareholders in proportion to their shareholding in July 2014 with Synlait Milk Limited contributing $60,000.

I  PAGE 67

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

14 NON‑CURRENT ASSETS ‑ PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Group and Parent

Cost or valuation

Cost

Revaluation

Balance at 1 August 2012

Additions

Reclassification / transfer

Disposals

Land

Buildings

Plant and 
equipment

Fixtures  
and fittings

Capital  
work in 
progress

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Total

$’000

3,042

170

3,212

-

5

-

31,459

1,761

183,486

10,272

2,396

-

33,220

193,758

2,396

-

-

-

-

3,365

(195)

-

13

-

4,317

224,700

-

12,203

4,317

6,592

(3,383)

236,903

6,592

-

-

(195)

Balance at 31 July 2013

3,217

33,220

196,928

2,409

7,526

243,300

-

-

-

-

27,894

-

-

44,893

(287)

3,217

61,114

241,534

3,224

180

3,404

1,020

90

-

4,514

1,208

90

-

17,266

967

18,233

7,851

509

(40)

26,553

8,266

509

(70)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

98,126

98,126

1,099

(74)

3,434

1,167

-

1,167

286

-

-

1,453

430

-

(74)

(73,886)

-

-

(361)

31,766

341,065

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

21,657

1,147

22,804

9,157

599

(40)

32,520

9,904

599

(144)

42,879

5,812

35,258

1,809

3,217

3,217

28,706

55,302

170,375

206,276

956

1,625

7,526

210,780

31,766

298,186

Additions

Reclassification / transfer

Disposals

Balance at 31 July 2014

Accumulated depreciation

Cost

Revaluation

Balance at 1 August 2012

Depreciation

Revaluation depreciation

Disposals

Balance at 31 July 2013

Depreciation

Revaluation depreciation

Disposals

Balance at 31 July 2014

Carrying amounts

At 31 July 2013

At 31 July 2014

PAGE 68  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(a)  Valuations of land and buildings
Land, buildings, and plant and equipment were independently valued as at 31 July 2012 by Jones Lang LaSalle using either the 
depreciated replacement cost method (for buildings and plant and equipment) or market based valuation (for land). The policy in 
respect of revaluations is described in note 3(p). 

For buildings, plant and equipment the depreciated replacement cost method represents a tier 3 valuation under the fair value 
hierarchy. The depreciated replacement cost is defined as the gross current replacement cost reduced by factors providing for age, 
physical depreciation and technical and functional obsolescence taking in to account the assets’ total estimated useful life and 
anticipated residual value (if any). The depreciated replacement cost includes all the costs to purchase, deliver and install the asset. 
The key sensitivity of the depreciated replacement cost valuation relates to the estimated useful lives of the assets being valued. As 
there are a large number of assets all with varying estimated useful lives, it is not practical to determine a number sensitivity to this 
input factor. 

The valuation for land, which is a tier 2 valuation under the fair value hierarchy, has been completed by reference to transactions 
which have been observed in the market. The fair value determined in the valuation assumes that there is a willing, but not 
anxious buyer and seller; a reasonable period within which to negotiate the sale, having regard to the nature and situation of 
the land and the state of the market for land of the same kind; no account is taken of the value of other advantages or benefit 
additional to market value to the buyer incidental to ownership of the property being valued; and the Group has sufficient 
resources to negotiate an agreement for the sale of the land. The key sensitivity to the market based valuation is the observable 
market transactions on which the valuation is based. It is impractical to provide numerical sensitivities for such valuations.

Land, buildings, and plant and equipment was valued at $208.6m as at 31 July 2012. If the cost model had been used, the carrying 
value of land, buildings and plant and equipment would have been $3.1m, $53.9m and $198.0m respectively, at reporting date. 
Management has estimated that the valuation has not materially changed since 2012 and that depreciated replacement cost is a fair 
estimate of current value. In accordance with policy, an independent valuation will be undertaken during the 2015 financial year.

(b)  Impairment
During the period, property, plant and equipment have been examined for impairment. No indicators of impairment have been 
identified and no material items of property, plant and equipment are considered to be impaired. 

(c)  Capital work in progress
Assets under construction includes capital expenditure projects, until they are commissioned and transferred to fixed assets. 
Capital work in progress of $31.8 m at balance date is predominantly constituted of the project to date spend ($21.5 m) on the 
construction of the third dryer.

(d)  Capitalised borrowing costs
During the year, the Group has capitalised borrowing costs amounting to $2.3 m (2013: $nil) on qualifying assets. Interest has been 
capitalised at the rate in which borrowing has been specifically drawn to fund the qualifying asset as disclosed in note 18.

I  PAGE 69

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

15 NON‑CURRENT ASSETS ‑ INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Group and Parent

Year ended 31 July 2013

Opening net book value

Additions

Development costs recognised as an asset

Amortisation charge

Closing net book value

Year ended 31 July 2014

Opening net book value

Additions

Development costs recognised as an asset

Disposals

Amortisation charge

Closing net book value

Patents,  
trademarks 
and other 
rights

Computer  
software

$’000

$’000

Brand

$’000

Supplier 
contracts

Intangibles 
in progress

$’000

$’000

65

8

-

-

73

73

-

-

-

(39)

34

2,533

-

273

(336)

2,470

2,470

-

683

-

(754)

2,399

102

55

-

-

157

157

4

-

(97)

-

64

171

-

-

(90)

81

81

-

-

-

(81)

-

-

1,544

(273)

-

1,271

1,271

1,504

(683)

-

-

2,092

Intangibles in progress of $2.1 m at balance date is predominantly constituted of the project to date spend ($1.5 m) on the 
development and implementation of sales and operational planning software.

16 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables

Accrued expenses

Employee entitlements

Total trade and other payables

Group

Parent

2014

$’000

69,526

45,625

1,579

116,730

2013

$’000

31,671

24,199

1,665

57,535

2014

$’000

69,526

44,902

1,579

116,007

Total

$’000

2,871

1,607

-

(426)

4,052

4,052

1,508

-

(97)

(874)

4,589

2013

$’000

31,671

24,085

1,665

57,421

Payables denominated in other currencies other than the functional currency comprise NZ$0.5 m (2013: $2.8 m) of USD and AUD 
denominated trade payables and accruals. 

The large increase in payables and accruals from July 2013 has been driven by the increased milk price, of which final payments to 
suppliers remain outstanding.

PAGE 70  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

17 ADVANCES FROM SUBSIDIARY

Current liabilities

Advances from Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Non current liabilities

Advances from Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Group

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

Parent

2014

$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

13,660

13,660

90,947

90,947

2013

$’000

63,926

63,926

27,355

27,355

The term of the advances from subsidiary have been loaned on the same terms as the banking facilities. The interest rates used are 
the market rates and therefore the carrying value of the advances represent fair value. 

18 LOANS AND BORROWINGS

Current liabilities

Working capital facility

Trade finance facility

Non-current liabilities

Bank loans

Loan facility fees

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

12,500

50,613

63,113

91,535

(159)

91,376

2013

$’000

33,079

46,924

80,003

28,596

(679)

27,917

2014

$’000

-

50,613

50,613

-

-

-

2013

$’000

-

46,924

46,924

-

-

-

(a)  Terms of loans and borrowings
The bank loans and working capital facility within Synlait Milk Limited are secured under the terms of the General Security Deed 
dated 26 June 2013, by which all present and future property is secured to the ANZ Bank and Bank of New Zealand. 

The Company facilities include:

-  A secured revolving credit facility of $75m that matures on 31 July 2016

-   A secured term facility of $135m that matures on 31 July 2017 to fund the construction of Dryer 3

-   A secured working capital facility of $85m that matures on 31 October 2014 (Management are currently finalising the level of 

this facility required during the 2015 financial year at which point this facility will be extended to October 2015)

-   An unlimited and unsecured trade finance facility from Mitsui & Co. Limited that matures on 31 July 2015

I  PAGE 71

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

The Group is subject to capital requirements imposed by its bank through covenants agreed as part of the lending facility 
arrangements. The Group has met all externally imposed capital requirements for the twelve months ended 31 July 2014 and 31 

July 2013.

Secured term loan facility (D3) - ANZ / BNZ

Secured revolving credit facility - ANZ / BNZ

Secured working capital facility - ANZ / BNZ

Trade finance facility - Mitsui & Co. Limited

Nominal 

Year of

Carrying

Carrying

Interest rate %

maturity

amount 2014

amount 2013

5.04

4.82

4.83

1.41

2017 

2016 

 2015 

 2015 

16,678

74,857

12,500

50,613

-

27,917

33,079

46,924

The nominal interest rate is calculated by adding the BKBM rate (or Libor rate for Mitsui trade finance facility) and the marginal 
rate. It excludes line fees and swap costs.

Group

2014

$’000

817

3,128

-

3,945

2013

$’000

713

278

4,382

5,373

Parent

2014

$’000

575

3,128

-

3,703

2013

$’000

515

278

4,382

5,175

(20,460)

(17,108)

(20,460)

(17,108)

(10)

(20,470)

(16,525)

(20)

(17,128)

(11,755)

(10)

(20,470)

(16,767)

(20)

(17,128)

(11,953)

Balance  
1 Aug 2012

Recognised in 
profit or loss

$’000

(13,760)

(330)

147

5,641

(8,302)

$’000

(3,348)

-

111

(1,259)

(4,496)

Recognised  
in other  
comprehen-
sive income

Balance  
31 July 2013

$’000

$’000

-

(17,108)

1,043

-

-

713

258

4,382

1,043

(11,755)

19 DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:

Assets

Derivatives

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Total deferred tax assets

Liabilities

Property, plant and equipment

Other items

Total deferred tax liabilities

Total deferred tax

Movements - Group

Property, plant and equipment

Derivatives

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Total

PAGE 72  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Balance  
1 Aug 2013

Recognised in 
profit or loss

$’000

(17,108)

713

258

4,382

$’000

(3,352)

-

2,860

(4,382)

Recognised  
in other  
comprehen-
sive income

Balance  

31 July 2014

$’000

$’000

-

104

-

-

(20,460)

817

3,118

-

(11,755)

(4,874)

104

(16,525)

Balance  
1 Aug 2012

Recognised in 
profit or loss

$’000

(13,760)

(330)

147

5,641

(8,302)

$’000

(3,348)

-

111

(1,259)

(4,496)

Balance  
1 Aug 2013

Recognised in 
profit or loss

$’000

(17,108)

515

258

4,382

(11,953)

$’000

(3,352)

-

2,860

(4,382)

(4,874)

Recognised  
in other  
comprehen-
sive income

$’000

-

845

-

-

Balance  
31 July 2013

$’000

(17,108)

515

258

4,382

845

(11,953)

Recognised  
in other  
comprehen-
sive income

$’000

-

60

-

-

60

Balance  

31 July 2014

$’000

(20,460)

575

3,118

-

(16,767)

2014

Shares

2013

Shares

2014

$’000

2013

$’000

Property, plant and equipment

Derivatives

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Total

Movements - Parent

Property, plant and equipment

Derivatives

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Total

Property, plant and equipment

Derivatives

Other items

Tax losses carried forward

Total

20 SHARE CAPITAL

(a) Share capital

Ordinary shares

On issue at beginning of period

146,341,197

51,022,858

172,548

103,648

Share split

Issue of shares

Share issue costs

-

-

-

61,227,429

34,090,910

-

-

-

(301)

-

75,000

(6,100)

146,341,197

146,341,197

172,247

172,548

The share split in 2013 was to ensure there was the required number of shares in Synlait Milk Limited prior to the IPO on 23 July 2013.

The issue of new shares formed part of the IPO of the Company on 23 July 2013.

I  PAGE 73

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

The weighted average number of shares during the year 
of 146,341,197 (2013: 112,904,085) is used to calculate the 
Earnings per Share.

(b)  Ordinary shares
All issued shares are fully paid and have no par value.

The holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive 
dividends as declared from time to time. 

Ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share at meetings 
of the Company.

All Ordinary Shares rank equally with regard to the Company’s 
residual assets.

(c)  Capital risk management
The Company and Group’s capital includes share capital, 
retained earnings and reserves.

The Company and Group’s policy is to maintain a sound 
capital base so as to maintain investor and creditor confidence 
and to sustain future development of the business. The impact 
of the level of capital on shareholders’ return is also recognised 
and the Company recognised the need to maintain a balance 
between the higher returns that might be possible with greater 
gearing and the advantages and security afforded by a sound 
capital position. 

The Company and Group are subject to various security ratios 
within the bank facilities agreement.

The Company and Group’s policies in respect of capital 
management and allocation are reviewed by the Board of 
Directors.

21 SHARE‑BASED PAYMENTS

The Group operates two share based incentive plans. The 
first is an equity settled plan for senior management and 
the second is an equity settled plan for all other employees. 
The plans are designed to enhance the alignment between 
Shareholders and the employees of the company.

(a)  IPO Incentive Scheme
The Group has entered into an agreement with each 
participant which will provide them with a conditional 
contractual right to be issued or transferred a predetermined 
number of shares on the third anniversary of completion of the 
listing of the Group on the NZX Main Board (the Performance 
Date). The issue or transfer of shares pursuant to this scheme 
will be at an issue price equal to the IPO listing price of $2.20. 
Each participant has been provided with an entitlement which 
has a value (calculated as the number of new shares they 
could receive multiplied by the IPO listing price) equal to a 
maximum of 75% of their base salary as at 1 August 2013. That 

entitlement is split into three equal tranches of 25%.

The issue or transfer of new shares is conditional on the 
pre-determined performance and service conditions being 
satisfied. The performance conditions will be assessed at the 
end of each of the three years following the listing of the Group 
on the NZX Main Board.

There are two separate performance conditions each of which 
must be satisfied. The first requires the Group’s net profit after 
tax (NPAT) for the relevant financial year to be at least 10% 
above the budgeted NPAT for those periods. If this condition is 
not met in any period, then the award for this period will never 
vest, even if the condition outlined below is met.

The second requires certain annual compound growth targets 
in total shareholder return (TSR) to be satisfied as follows:

20% or more 
15% 
12% 
Less than 12% 

25.00
18.75
6.25
-

TSR means the total return, as determined by the Board of 
Directors (the Board) in consultation with an independent 
expert, to ordinary shareholders comprising any movement in 
the market price of the Shares plus gross dividends, expressed 
as a percentage of the market price at the start of the relevant 
year. For these purposes the market price is the volume 
weighted average market price of the Shares on the NZX Main 
Board over the twenty business days prior to the relevant 
assessment date. The market price at the start of the first year 
is the IPO listing price of $2.20.

If the performance conditions are not satisfied in full for the 
first and / or second tranche, the relevant tranche(s) will be 
retested at the end of each following year up to and including 
on the Performance Date. Retesting of the TSR performance 
condition will be based on the compound growth in TSR over 
the relevant years since the IPO. The highest TSR performance 
result over the applicable testing dates will be adopted.

Notwithstanding that the performance conditions may be 
satisfied in part or full for any or all of the three tranches, 
participants must also satisfy the service conditions. One of 
the service conditions is that the participant must continue 
to be in full time employment with Synlait Milk Limited at the 
Performance Date. In addition a participant will only be issued 
or transferred shares under this scheme if the closing price of 
the shares on the NZX Main Board on the Performance Date is 
above the IPO listing price of $2.20.

There will be no restriction on the sale of the shares once 
they have been issued or transferred to participants, however 
participants remain subject to the Group’s share trading policy 
applicable to all employees, and those shares will have full 
voting and dividend rights.

PAGE 74  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Should any of the performance or service conditions not be 
met, other than for a qualifying reason, or the executive does 
not execute the option, the right to shares will be forfeited and 
the participant will receive no benefits under the plan (subject 
to the Board exercising a discretion to allow some or all of the 
shares or notional shares to vest).

The IPO incentive scheme represents the grant of in substance 
nil price options. The fair value of the options granted under 
the IPO incentive scheme are estimated as at the date of 
grant using an option pricing model that takes into account 
the terms and conditions upon which the options were 
granted. In accordance with the rules of the plan, the model 
simulates the Group’s total shareholder return relative to the 

sliding performance scale over the vesting period. The model 
takes into account the paths of outcomes that would result 
in vesting in relation to the TSR performance condition, the 
cost of equity, share price volatilities, an assessment of the 
probability of vesting to produce a predicted fair value for each 
option. The fair value of each option is then applied to the 
number of options expected to vest to determine a total plan 
fair value. The NPAT performance condition and the service 
condition are taken into account in determining the number of 
options expected to vest.

As some of the prerequisite conditions for this scheme were 
not satisfied during 2014, some of the options granted have 
been forfeited as summarised below.

The following table sets out the number of, and movement in, share options during the year:

Outstanding 1 August

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the year

Outstanding 31 July

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

2013

2014

2013

-

1,564,709

(521,570)

1,043,139

-

-

-

-

-

1,564,709

(521,570)

1,043,139

-

-

-

-

Given the extensive number of permutations of potential outcomes, the options have been valued using a probabilistic 
option-pricing model. Management have assessed the likelihood of each of the outcomes in satisfying the varying TSR conditions 
and the other key inputs into this model are listed below:

Risk free rate

Market risk premium

Market debt / equity

Volatility

Share price at grant date

Total value of options granted at grant date ($000’s)

Volatility has been estimated by reference to trading entities similar to the Group.

First  
Tranche

Second 
Tranche

Third  
Tranche

3.0%

5.5%

30.0%

20.0%

$2.20

862

3.6%

5.5%

30.0%

20.0%

$3.65

897

3.6%

5.5%

30.0%

20.0%

$3.70

155

I  PAGE 75

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(b)  Short Term Incentive Scheme
Under the wider employee plan, every employee, other than those included in the IPO incentive scheme, will automatically receive 
shares in SML equivalent to a fixed amount divided by the market price of Synlait shares on vesting date. The eligibility to receive 
shares is dependent on continued employment through the vesting period and the Company’s net profit before tax performance. 
The participant receives a tax paid bonus equivalent to the fixed amount agreed under the plan if vesting occurs. The vesting 
period for the plan is from November 2013 through to the date upon which the financial results for the financial year ended 31 July 
2014 are announced. The fair value of the rights under the wider employee incentive plan is considered to equal the tax paid fixed 
amount payable. 

175 letters of offer were extended under the employee share plan totalling a maximum $522,000 (including PAYE) in November 2013.

As the prerequisite performance conditions for this scheme were not satisfied during 2014, all options granted have been 
subsequently forfeited.

(c)  Expenses arising from share‑based payment transactions
Total expenses arising from share-based payment transactions recognised during the period as part of employee benefit expense 
were as follows:

Group $’000

 Year ended

2014

$’000

60

2013

$’000

-

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

60

2013

$’000

-

Expenses for equity settled share based payment transactions

22 RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS

(a)  Nature and purpose of reserves

(i)  Property, plant and equipment revaluation reserve
The revaluation reserve arises on the revaluation of land, buildings, plant and equipment. Where a revalued asset is sold, that 
portion of the reserve which relates to that asset, and is effectively realised, is recognised in retained earnings.

(ii)  Hedging reserve ‑ cash flow hedges
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging 
instruments relating to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred. 

(iii)  Employee benefits reserve
The employee benefits reserve is comprised of the cumulative share based payment expense for share options note yet vested.

(b)  Dividends
No dividends were declared by the Company or the Group during the year.

PAGE 76  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

23 RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT AFTER INCOME TAX TO NET CASH INFLOW  
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Profit for the year

Non-cash and non operating items:

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

19,603

2013

$’000

11,528

2014

$’000

19,603

2013

$’000

11,528

Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets

11,377

10,182

11,377

10,182

Loss on sale of fixed assets

Write off intangibles

Non-cash share based payments expense

Interest costs classified as financing cash flow

Interest received classified as investing cash flow

Deferred tax

Gain on derivative / financial instruments

Movements in working capital:

(Increase) / decrease in trade receivables

(Increase) / decrease in other receivables

(Increase) / decrease in prepayments

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

(Increase) / decrease in other current assets

(Decrease) / increase in trade and other payables

(Decrease) / increase in current tax liabilities

Net cash inflow from operating activities

84

97

60

5,474

(130)

4,874

(2,249)

-

-

-

13,525

(1,272)

4,496

84

97

60

5,474

(130)

4,874

-

(1,208)

-

-

-

13,525

(1,272)

4,496

-

(29,395)

(38,846)

(29,395)

(72,941)

(517)

(216)

(6,237)

(5,963)

59,195

2,618

58,675

260

(411)

(34,279)

806

(13,084)

-

(47,095)

(517)

(216)

(6,237)

(5,963)

58,586

2,618

59,107

33,307

(411)

(34,279)

806

(13,198)

-

(48,257)

I  PAGE 77

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

24 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk 
and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks 
to minimise potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to 
hedge certain risk exposures.

(a)  Market risk

(i)  Foreign exchange risk
The Group enters into derivative arrangements in the ordinary course of business to manage foreign currency risk. The Board 
coordinates risk policies on a regular basis.

The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on it’s sales, which are predominantly denominated in US dollars. The Group is also 
exposed to foreign currency risk on the purchase of capital equipment from overseas. The Group has a Board approved treasury 
policy that sets the parameters under which foreign exchange cover is to be taken.

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk at the reporting date was as follows:

Trade receivables, being Statement of Financial Position exposure 
before hedging activities

31 July 2014

31 July 2013

USD

$’000

67,147

Euro

$’000

1,393

USD

$’000

37,803

Euro

$’000

3

The Group holds derivative contracts with notional balances of US$135.0 m (31 July 2013: US$97.0 m) in respect of future sale 
transactions. The Group’s exposure to foreign currency in the period ended 31 July 2014 is limited to it’s sales of dairy products, 
purchases of raw materials for production and capital equipment purchases. 
(ii)  Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of the Group’s assets and liabilities will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. 
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk primarily through its bank overdrafts and borrowings. 

The Group manages it’s interest rate risk by using interest rate swaps to hedge it’s floating rate debt.

The Group has a Board approved treasury policy that sets the parameters to the extent of the cover taken.

As at the reporting date, the Group had the following interest rate swap contracts outstanding:

Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

3 to 4 years

4 to 5 years

5 to 6 years

6 to 7 years

7 to 8 years

8 to 9 years

9 to 10 years

31 July 2014

31 July 2013

Weighted  

Balance

average  

interest rate

Weighted 
average  
interest rate 

%

4.85%

4.60%

4.71%

4.73%

4.76%

4.79%

4.82%

4.85%

4.85%

4.86%

$’000

68,583

129,000

116,500

94,000

71,750

50,000

35,000

25,000

19,167

15,000

%

4.32%

5.23%

4.89%

4.04%

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balance

$’000

105,129

57,527

39,000

20,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

The above balances include forward start swap contracts for various periods and do not necessarily reflect the current active 
contracts held at any one point in time.

PAGE 78  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

In managing interest rate risks, the Group aims to reduce the impact of short-term fluctuations on the Group’s earnings. Over the 
longer-term, however, changes in interest rates will have an impact on profit.

(iii)  Sensitivity analysis 
The following table summarises the sensitivity of the Group’s profit and equity to interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk.

The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the mark to market impact on financial instruments of changing 
interest and foreign exchange rates at balance date. The analysis is prepared assuming the amount of the financial instrument 
outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year.

Consolidated

Group

Parent

31 July 2014

1% increase in interest rate

1% decrease in interest rate

2014

Profit

$’000

-

-

Equity

$’000

3,692

(3,902)

5% increase in exchange rate

(1,630)

(5,404)

5% decrease in exchange rate

1,475

4,675

2013

Profit

$’000

-

-

(19)

18

Equity

$’000

473

(473)

2014

2013

Profit

$’000

Equity

$’000

Profit

$’000

Equity

$’000

-

-

-

-

(4,627)

(1,630)

(5,404)

4,187

1,475

4,675

-

-

(19)

18

-

-

(4,627)

4,187

(b)  Credit risk
The Group’s exposure to credit risk is mainly influenced by its customer base and banking counterparties. Management has a 
credit policy in place under which each new customer is rigorously analysed for credit worthiness. Investments and derivatives are 
only made with reputable financial banks. 

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the Group’s maximum credit exposure. Synlait Milk Limited guarantees all 
facilities held by Synlait Milk Finance Limited.

I  PAGE 79

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(c)  Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk represents the Group’s ability to meet its contractual obligations. The Group evaluates its liquidity requirements on 
an ongoing basis. The Group has negotiated banking facilities sufficient to meet it’s medium term facility requirements. 

The Group has internal limits in place in order to reduce exposure to liquidity risk, as well as having committed lines of credit. It 
is the Group’s policy to provide credit and liquidity enhancements only to wholly owned subsidiaries. The total repayments and 
associated maturity of financial liabilities as at balance date is reported below. 

Group

At 31 July 2014

Working capital facility

Trade and other payables

Trade finance facility

Loans and borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Total

At 31 July 2013

Working capital facility

Trade and other payables

Trade finance facility

Loans and borrowings

Derivative financial instruments

Total

Less than  
12 months

Between  
1 and 2 years

Between  
2 and 5 years

Over 5  
years

Total

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

12,513

116,730

50,666

4,449

2,916

-

-

-

79,306

88

187,274

79,394

33,605

57,536

47,697

2,054

4,379

145,271

357

-

-

2,836

440

3,633

-

-

-

17,519

263

17,782

-

-

-

29,686

-

29,686

-

-

-

-

127

127

-

-

-

-

-

-

12,513

116,730

50,666

101,274

3,394

284,577

33,962

57,536

47,697

34,576

4,819

178,590

PAGE 80  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Parent

At 31 July 2014

Trade and other payables

Trade finance facility

Advances from subsidiary

Derivative financial instruments

Total

At 31 July 2013

Trade and other payables

Trade finance facility

Advances from subsidiary

Derivative financial instruments

Total

(d) Financial instruments by category

Financial assets

Group

At 31 July 2014

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other receivables

Available for sale financial assets

At 31 July 2013

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other receivables

Less than 12 
months

Between 1 
and 2 years

Between 2 
and 5 years

Over 5  
years

Total

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

116,007

50,666

18,159

2,443

-

-

-

-

79,394

17,782

-

-

187,275

79,394

17,782

57,421

47,697

66,506

2,980

174,604

-

-

3,193

-

3,193

-

-

29,124

-

29,124

-

-

127

-

127

-

-

-

-

-

116,007

50,666

115,462

2,443

284,578

57,421

47,697

98,823

2,980

206,921

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging

Loans and 
receivables

Available  
for sale

Total

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’00

-

1,674

-

-

2,393

-

89,046

-

1,674

91,439

-

1,224

-

1,224

2,365

-

59,134

61,499

-

-

-

70

70

-

-

-

-

2,393

1,674

89,046

70

93,183

2,365

1,224

59,134

62,723

I  PAGE 81

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging

Loans and 
receivables

Available  
for sale

$’000

$’000

$’000

-

1,595

-

-

2,393

-

89,046

-

1,595

91,439

-

1,138

-

1,138

31,487

-

59,134

90,621

-

-

-

70

70

-

-

-

-

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging

At  
amortised 
cost

$’000

$’000

Total

$’000

2,393

1,595

89,046

70

93,104

31,487

1,138

59,134

91,759

Total

$’000

3,394

12,500

50,613

-

12.500

50,613

3,394

-

-

-

-

116,730

116,730

91,376

91,376

3,394

271,219

274,613

4,819

-

-

-

-

-

33,079

46,924

57,535

27,917

4,819

33,079

46,924

57,535

27,917

4,819

165,455

170,274

Parent

At 31 July 2014

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other receivables

Available for sale financial assets

At 31 July 2013

Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative financial instruments

Trade and other receivables

Financial liabilities

Group

At 31 July 2014

Derivative financial instruments

Working capital facility

Trade finance facility

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

At 31 July 2013

Derivative financial instruments

Working capital facility

Trade finance facility

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

PAGE 82  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Parent

At 31 July 2014

Derivative financial instruments

Trade finance facility

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

At 31 July 2013

Derivative financial instruments

Trade finance facility

Trade and other payables

Borrowings

25 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(a) Financial instruments

Derivative balances comprise of:

Foreign currency forward contracts

Interest rate swaps

Balance at end of period

Classified as:

Non current asset

Current asset

Non current liabilities

Current liabilities

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging 
$’000

At  
amortised 
cost 
$’000

2,443

-

-

-

2,443

2,980

-

-

-

-

50,613

116,007

104,607

271,227

-

46,924

57,421

91,281

Total 

$’000

2,443

50,613

116,007

104,607

273,670

2,980

46,924

57,421

91,281

2,980

195,626

198,606

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

(848)

(872)

(1,720)

42

1,632

(478)

(2,916)

(1,720)

2013

$’000

(1,841)

(1,754)

(3,595)

86

1,138

(440)

(4,379)

(3,595)

2014

$’000

(848)

-

(848)

-

1,595

-

(2,443)

(848)

2013

$’000

(1,842)

-

(1,842)

-

1,138

-

(2,980)

(1,842)

I  PAGE 83

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(b)  Fair value estimation
The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. The different levels have been defined as 
follows: 

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1).

Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) 
or indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (Level 2).

Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).
The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 31 July 2014.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Total balance

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

77

1,518

79

1,674

3

2,440

951

3,394

189

949

86

1,224

1,187

1,792

1,840

4,819

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

77

1,518

79

1,744

3

2,440

951

3,394

189

949

86

1,224

1,187

1,792

1,840

4,819

Group

At 31 July 2014

Assets

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Interest rate swaps

Total assets

Liabilities

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Interest rate swaps

Total liabilities

At 31 July 2013

Assets

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Interest rate swaps

Total assets

Liabilities

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Interest rate swaps

Total liabilities

PAGE 84  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Parent

At 31 July 2014

Assets

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Total assets

Liabilities

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Total liabilities

At 31 July 2013

Assets

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Total assets

Liabilities

Foreign exchange contracts

Options - foreign exchange

Total liabilities

Level 1

$’000

Level 2

$’000

Level 3 Total balance

$’000

$’000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

77

1,518

1,595

3

2,440

2,443

189

949

1,138

1,187

1,792

2,979

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

77

1,518

1,665

3

2,440

2,443

189

949

1,138

1,187

1,792

2,979

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the balance date. A market 
is regarded as active if quoted prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing 
service, or regulatory agency, and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring market transactions on an arm’s length 
basis. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price. These instruments are included 
in Level 1.

The Group is subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master agreements with its counterparties, thus 
where relevant, settlement of financial instruments are netted.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is 
determined by using valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market data where it is 
available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an instrument are 
observable, the instrument is included in Level 2.

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable market data, the instrument is included in Level 3.

Specific valuation techniques used to value financial instruments include:

-  Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments;

-  The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows based on observable 

yield curves;

-  The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange rates at the balance date, with the 

resulting value discounted back to present value;

-  The fair value of the forward foreign exchange options are valued by projecting the cash flows that will occur and then 

discounting the cash flows to the valuation date using a zero-coupon yield curve. The future cash flows have been determined 
using an implied forward rate calculated with reference to exchange rate volatilities;

-  Other techniques, such as discounted cash flow analysis, are used to determine fair value for the remaining financial 

instruments.

Note that all of the resulting fair value estimates are included in Level 2.

I  PAGE 85

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

26 CONTINGENCIES

As at 31 July 2014 the Parent entity and Group had no contingent liabilities or assets (2013:$Nil).

27 COMMITMENTS

(a)  Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for at the end of the reporting period but not yet incurred is as follows:

Lactoferrin

Blending and canning

Drystore 3

Dryer 3

Administration and laboratory building

Transport yard

Other

Total

Group

2014

$’000

-

-

-

78,322

11,946

775

266

2013

$’000

9,790

15,375

13,557

-

-

-

-

Parent

2014

$’000

-

-

-

78,322

11,946

775

266

2013

$’000

9,790

15,375

13,557

-

-

-

-

91,309

38,722

91,309

38,722

The above balances have been committed in relation to future expenditure on capital projects. Amounts already spent have been 
included as work in progress.

(b) Operating lease commitments – group/company as lessee

Less than one year

Between one and five years

Total

Group

2014

$’000

69

120

189

2013

$’000

578

144

722

Parent

2014

$’000

69

120

189

2013

$’000

578

144

722

The operating leases relate to the leasing of warehouse space, vehicles and printers. All terms are reviewed on a regular basis. All 
leases are subject to potential renewal.

PAGE 86  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

28 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

(a)  Parent entity
The parent entity is Bright Dairy Holding Limited and the ultimate parent is Bright Dairy and Food Limited which is domiciled in 
the Peoples Republic of China. Bright Dairy Holding Limited hold 39.12% of the shares issued by the Company (2013: 39.12%).

(b)  Other related entities
In June 2013 a subsidiary of Synlait Milk Limited, Synlait Milk Finance Limited, was set up primarily for holding all banking 
facilities for the Group and related interest rate swaps. Funds are loaned to Synlait Milk Limited and interest is charged at market 
rates.

(c)  Key management and personnel compensation
Other than their salaries and bonus incentives, there are no other cash benefits paid or due to directors and executive officers as at 
31 July 2014. The total short-term benefits paid to the key management and personnel is set out below.

Short-term benefits

Share based payment expense (note 21)

2014

$’000

3,538

34

2013

$’000

3,211

-

During the year, the executive team was realigned into a Senior Leadership Team of seven including the CEO (2013: nine). The 
short term benefits paid to these key management personnel was $3.1m for the year ended 31 July 2014.

(d)  Other transactions with key management personnel or entities related to them
Information on transactions with key management personnel or entities related to them, other than compensation, are set out 
below.

(i)  Loans to directors
There were no loans to directors issued during the period ended 31 July 2014 (2013: $nil).

(ii)  Other transactions and balances
Directors of the Company control 3.8% of the voting shares of the company at balance date (2013: 3.8%).

(e)  Subsidiaries
Investments in subsidiaries are set out in note 29.

I  PAGE 87

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

(f)  Transactions with related parties

Purchase of goods and services

Bright Dairy and Food Co Ltd - Directors fees

Synlait Farms Limited - Purchase of raw milk

Sale of goods and services

Bright Dairy and Food Co Ltd - Sale of milk powder products

Bright Dairy and Food Co Ltd - Reimbursement of costs

Synlait Farms Limited - Management fees received

Interest expense

Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

161

-

22,210

(64)

-

-

2013

$’000

183

42,420

2014

$’000

161

-

2013

$’000

183

42,420

8,470

22,210

8,470

87

33

-

-

-

87

33

6,835

114

All transactions with related parties are at arm’s length on normal trading terms.

(g)  Outstanding balances
The following balances are outstanding at the reporting date in relation to transactions with related parties: Note that as at 28 
February 2013 Synlait Farms Limited ceased to be a related party due to divestment from Synlait Limited.

Current receivables (sales of goods and services)

Bright Dairy and Food Co Ltd - Sale of milk powder products

Bright Dairy and Food Co Ltd - Reimbursement of costs

Current payables (purchases of goods)

Synlait Farms Limited - purchase of raw milk

Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Group

Year ended

Parent

Year ended

2014

$’000

1,336

(64)

2013

$’000

325

58

2014

$’000

1,336

(64)

-

-

4,439

-

-

104,607

2013

$’000

325

58

4,439

91,281

PAGE 88  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

29 INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with 
the accounting policy described in note 2(a)(i).

Name of entity

Country of 
incorporation

Class of 
shares

Synlait Milk Finance Limited

New Zealand

Ordinary

Equity holding

2014

%

100

2013

%

100

In June 2013 a subsidiary, Synlait Milk Finance Limited, was set up primarily for holding all banking facilities for the Group and 
related interest rate swaps. Funds are loaned to Synlait Milk Limited and interest is charged at market rates.

30 COMPARISON OF PROSPECTIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Prospective Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ending 31 July 2014

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross Profit

Other income

Sales and distribution expenses1 

Administrative and operating expenses1 

Earnings before net financing costs and income tax2

Add back depreciation and amortisation expense2

Earnings before net finance costs, income tax,  
depreciation and amortisation2

Net financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit and loss

Income tax on other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Group

Group

Year ended

Year ended

2014

2014

Notes

Actual

Prospectus

Variance

a

b

c

d

e

$’000

600,518

$’000

524,447

$’000

76,071

(523,430)

(448,017)

(75,413)

77,088

76,430

65

(23,305)

(21,409)

32,439

11,377

43,816

(5,344)

27,095

(7,492)

19,603

1,875

(2,249)

104

19,333

30

(24,727)

(19,648)

32,085

11,893

43,978

(4,766)

27,319

(7,649)

19,670

1,400

(1,104)

(84)

19,882

658

35

1,422

(1,761)

354

(516)

(162)

(578)

(224)

157

(67)

475

(1,145)

188

(549)

1 When necessary, current year actuals have been regrouped to conform with the classification of the prospective financial information to enable a fair comparison.

2 The above Non GAAP financial information was included in the prospectus and therefore has been included in these financial statements for comparative 

purposes. EBITDA is a metric which management monitors to operate the business.

I  PAGE 89

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Explanation of variances
(a) Revenue for the year was higher than PFI by $76.1 m, primarily due to an increase in dairy commodity prices and the ultimate 

sales price achieved by Synlait.

(b) Gross Profit, while in line with PFI incorporates the upside associated with our product mix benefits as well as a number of 

costs associated with lower infant formula sales than forecast, provisioning against infant formula inventories, product sales 
phasing impacts and a high foreign exchange effective rate.

(c) Lower export freight costs than forecast have kept sales and distribution costs below forecast.

(d) Higher than forecast indirect employee costs have resulted in administrative and operating expenses exceeding forecast.

(e) Lower operating cash flow during the year has resulted in higher than forecast working capital facility balances and a higher 

financing cost as a result. 

Prospective Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ending 31 July 2014

Equity at the start of the period

Group

Group

Year ended

Year ended

2014

2014

Notes

Actual

Prospectus

Variance

$’000

164,038

$’000

164,991

$’000

(953)

Profit for the year

19,603

19,670

(67)

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit and loss 

Income tax on income and expenses recognised directly in equity

Total other comprehensive loss

Share issue costs

Employee benefits reserve

Total contributions by and distributions to owners

Equity at the end of the period

f

f

g

1,875

(2,249)

104

(270)

(301)

60

(241)

1,400

(1,104)

(84)

212

-

330

330

475

(1,145)

188

(482)

(301)

(270)

(571)

183,130

185,203

(2,073)

Explanation of variances
(f) Movement in reserves is due to the mark to market value of derivatives being higher than PFI due to the fall of the NZD/USD 

exchange rate in the second half of July.

(g) Employee benefits reserve is lower than PFI due to a revision of the non-market conditions relevant to the valuation of the share 

options following the forfeiture of some options in FY14.

PAGE 90  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Prospective Financial Position - For the year ending 31 July 2014

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Goods and services tax refundable

Income accruals and prepayments

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment1

Other investments

Intangible assets1

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Working capital facility

Trade and other payables

Current tax liabilities

Trade finance facility

Derivative financial instruments

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Loans and borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Share Capital

Reserves

Retained (deficit) / earnings

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Total equity and liabilities

Group

Group

Year ended

Year ended

2014

2014

Actual

Prospectus

Variance

Notes

$’000

$’000

$’000

h

i

j

k

l

m

n

2,393

89,046

8,880

786

71,262

1,632

-

45,064

3,763

402

49,841

-

173,999

99,070

2,393

43,982

5,117

384

21,421

1,632

74,929

302,594

281,117

21,477

70

181

42

-

230

-

302,887

476,886

281,347

380,417

12,500

116,730

2,618

50,613

2,916

4,923

87,311

-

35,748

146

185,377

128,128

91,376

16,525

478

108,379

293,756

46,570

19,504

1,012

67,086

195,214

172,247

172,473

5,965

4,918

183,130

476,886

8,434

4,296

185,203

380,417

70

(49)

42

21,540

96,469

7,577

29,419

2,618

14,865

2,770

57,249

44,806

(2,979)

(534)

41,293

98,542

(226)

(2,469)

622

(2,073)

96,469

1 When necessary, current year actuals have been regrouped to conform with the classification of the prospective financial information to enable a fair comparison.

I  PAGE 91

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Explanation of variances
(h) Accounts receivable was $44.0 m higher than PFI due to a larger than forecast amount of sales being achieved in July 2014.

(i)  Inventories were $21.5 m higher than PFI due to higher than forecast inventory levels in addition to a higher cost of inventory  

as a consequence of a higher milk price.

(j)  Property, plant and equipment was $21.5 m higher than the PFI predominantly due to deposits paid for the third dryer forecast  

for FY15.

(k) Net working capital facility is higher than PFI, primarily due to lower than forecast operating cash flows as a consequence  

of later sales phasing.

(l)  Trade and other payables are $29.4 m higher than the PFI due to the higher milk price.

(m) Trade finance facility was $14.9 m higher than the PFI due to sales phasing being later in the year than forecast.

(n) Loans and borrowings are $44.8 m higher than PFI due to higher than forecast capital spend and lower than forecast  

discretionary repayments.

Prospective Cash Flow Statement - For the year ending 31 July 2014

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash receipts from customers

Cash paid for milk purchased

Cash paid to other creditors and employees

Goods and services tax refunds

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest received

Group

Group

Year ended

Year ended

2014

2014

Notes

Actual

Prospectus

Variance

$’000

$’000

$’000

o

p

571,955

(362,551)

(141,077)

(5,963)

62,364

533,927

(301,319)

(146,086)

(992)

85,530

38,028

(61,232)

5,009

(4,971)

(23,166)

130

193

(63)

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment1

q

(97,380)

(68,713)

(28,667)

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of intangibles1

Purchases of available-for-sale financial assets

133

(4)

(70)

-

-

-

133

(4)

(70)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities

(97,191)

(68,520)

(28,671)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds and costs from issue of shares

Repayment of borrowings

Receipt of borrowings

Interest paid

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Net working capital facility at the beginning of the period

Net working capital facility at the end of the period 2

r

r

(301)

(743)

(17,699)

(36,500)

80,638

(7,204)

55,434

20,607

(30,714)

(10,107)

62,121

(7,056)

(17,822)

34,832

(39,755)

(4,923)

442

18,801

18,517

(148)

37,612

(14,225)

9,041

(5,184)

1 When necessary, current year actuals have been regrouped to conform with the classification of the prospective financial information to enable a fair comparison.

2 Net working capital facility is used in the comparison to PFI Statement of Cash Flows for comparability purposes as this is how it was treated in the Prospectus. In 

the financial statements cash and cash equivalent is used and this will be the treatment going forward.

PAGE 92  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 JULY 2014

Explanation of variances
(o) Sales receipts are $38.0 m higher than PFI due to higher dairy commodity prices, partially offset by later sales phasing.

(p) Cash paid for milk purchases were $61.2 m higher than PFI due to an increased milk price.

(q) Cash purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment are $28.7 m higher than PFI as there has been an acceleration of capital projects.

(r)  Net borrowings is $37.3 m more than the PFI, due to lower than forecast operating cash flows, increased capital spend and lower 

discretionary loan repayments.

31 EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There were no events occurring subsequent to balance date which require adjustment to or disclosure in the financial statements.

I  PAGE 93

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014AUDITOR’S REPORT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SYNLAIT MILK LIMITED

REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have audited the financial statements of Synlait Milk Limited and group on pages 47 to 93, which comprise the consolidated 
and separate statements of financial position of Synlait Milk Limited, as at 31 July 2014, the consolidated and separate statements 
of comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary 
of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. 

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 has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s shareholders those matters we are required to 
state to them in an auditor’s 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’s shareholders as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions  
we have formed. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Board of Directors are responsible for the preparation of 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 
control as the Board of Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES

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 and International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand). Those standards 
require that we comply with 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 auditor’s 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 auditor considers internal control 
relevant to the entity’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 entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies 
used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, as well as 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.

Other than in our capacity as auditor and the provision of financial model assurance services, taxation consulting services and 
other advisory services, we have no relationship with or interests in Synlait Milk Limited or its subsidiary. These services have  
not impaired our independence as auditor of the Company and Group.

PAGE 94  I

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014AUDITOR’S REPORT CONT...

OPINION

In our opinion, the financial statements on pages 47 to 93:

-  comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand;

-  comply with International Financial Reporting Standards; and 

-  give a true and fair view of the financial position of Synlait Milk Limited and group as at 31 July 2014, 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 section 16 of the Financial Reporting Act 1993. In relation to our audit of the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 July 2014:

-  we have obtained all the information and explanations we have required; and

- 

in our opinion proper accounting records have been kept by Synlait Milk Limited as far as appears from our examination  
of those records.

Chartered Accountants

19 September 2014

Auckland, New Zealand

I  PAGE 95

Synlait Milk Limited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2014STATUTORY DISCLOSURES

WE’RE COMMITTED 

TO A HIGH PERFORMANCE  

WORKING 

ENVIRONMENT

PAGE 96  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014 I  PAGE 97

STATUTORY INFORMATION

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING

Our shares are listed on the Main Board of the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX).

SHARES ON ISSUE

As at 31 July 2014:  

Register

Sub-register

Current Holders

Zero Holders

New Zealand

FASTER

Class Total

2,884

2,884

1,207

1,207

Units

146,341,197

146,341,197

Last year as at 31 July 2013, we had the same amount of shares of 146,341,197 but these were held by 2,412 holders.

TOP 20 SHAREHOLDERS

Our top 20 shareholders as at 31 July 2014 are as follows:

Rank Name

Units at  

% of Units

Bright Dairy Holding Limited

FNZ Custodians Limited 

Mitsui & Co.limited

John Penno

Mitsui & Co.(Australia) Limited

Ben Dingle

Citibank Nominees (New Zealand) Limited - NZCSD 

FNZ Custodians Limited

Tea Custodians Limited - NZCSD 

31 July 2014

 57,247,647

 14,898,539

 7,373,331

 5,423,817

 4,915,556

 4,543,666

 4,240,100

 3,946,137

 2,150,490

Jpmorgan Chase Bank NA NZ Branch-Segregated Clients ACCT - NZCSD 

1,933,774

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited - NZCSD 

Juliet Maclean

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited A/C State Street -NZCSD 

Custodial Services Limited 

New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nominees Limited -NZCSD 

Falcon Rural Investments Limited

Paul Leslie Lancaster + Bronwyn Anne Lancaster

BNP Paribas Nominees (NZ) Limited - NZCSD 

Horo Holdings Limited

Therese Roche

 1,402,796

 1,298,212

1,288,559

 1,257,678

1,223,914

 1,101,434

 1,098,723

 941,186

 902,292

900,000

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

39.12

10.18

5.04

3.71

3.36

3.10

2.90

2.70

1.47

1.32

0.96

0.89

0.88

0.86

0.84

0.75

0.75

0.64

0.62

0.62

Totals: Top 20 holders of Ordinary Shares

Total Remaining Holders Balance 

118,087,851

28,253,346

80.69

19.31

PAGE 98  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014 
STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

A “substantial shareholder” is defined in the Securities Markets Act 1988. Shareholders are required to disclose their holdings to 
us and to our share registrar by giving a “Substantial Shareholder Notice” when:

-  They begin to have a substantial shareholding (5% or more of our shares).

-  There is a subsequent movement of 1% or more in a substantial holding, or if they cease to be have a substantial holding.

-  There is any change in the nature or interest in a substantial holding.

The following Substantial Shareholder Notices were received as at the date of this Annual Report:

Fully Paid Shares

Percentage of Paid Capital 

Bright Dairy Holding Limited

FrieslandCampina

Mitsui & Co. Limited

57,247,647

14,634,119

12,288,887

39.1%

9.999%

8.397%

This represented an increase in the shareholding of FrieslandCampina from the previous balance as at 31 July 2013 of 10,975,590 

shares or 7.50% of paid capital.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHAREHOLDERS

As at 31 July 2014.

Range

1 - 99

100 - 199

200 - 499

500 - 999

1,000 - 1,999

2,000 - 4,999

5,000 - 9,999

10,000 - 49,999

50,000 - 99,999

100,000 - 499,999

500,000 - 999,999

1,000,000 and over

Total

Total holders

4

30

106

212

439

1,171

479

373

24

24

10

12

2,884

Units

261

3,939

34,358

139,579

556,255

3,236,223

3,042,805

6,753,802

1,577,957

5,821,651

6,629,486

118,544,881

146,341,197

% of Issued Capital

0.00

0.00

0.02

0.10

0.38

2.21

2.08

4.62

1.08

3.98

4.53

81.00

100.00

VOTING RIGHTS

Section 16 of our Constitution states that a shareholder may vote at any meeting of shareholders in person or through a 
representative. Where voting is by a show of hands or voice, every shareholder present (or through their representative) has one 
vote. In a poll, every shareholder present (or through their representative) has one vote per fully-paid up share they hold. Unless 
the Board determines otherwise, shareholders may not exercise the right to vote at a meeting by casting postal votes.

More detail on voting can be found in our Constitution at the following link - www.synlait.com/site/uploads/2013/07/Synlait-
Milk-Limited-Constitution.pdf 

I  PAGE 99

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

TRADING STATISTICS

Synlait Milk Limited listed on NZX on the 23 July 2013 at an initial share price of $2.20. 

The trading range for the period 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2014 are as follows (with comparative figures for 2013 included):

Minimum:

Maximum:

Range:

Total Shares Traded:

DIVIDEND POLICY

2014

$2.60 (5-Aug-13)

$4.20 (12-Dec-13)

$2.60 - $4.20

34,131,443

2013

$2.61

$2.80

$2.61 - $2.80

11,550,218

The Board has a Dividend Policy to determine whether it is appropriate to declare a dividend for shareholders in any financial 
year. The policy provides that any decision to pay a dividend will depend on, amongst other things:

−  Current and forecasted earnings.

−  Internal capital requirements.

−  Availability of tax imputation credits, and

−  Synlait’s debt/equity position.

Any dividend can only be declared by the Board if the requirements of the Companies Act 1993 are also satisfied.

The Board has determined no dividend will be payable in the period ending 31 July 2014.

NZX WAIVERS

We have received various waivers from NZX to allow our Constitution and the composition of our Board to reflect our  
non-standard governance arrangements. 

Full details of the waivers granted by the NZX can be found at the following link: 

www.nzx.com/files/attachments/178616.pdf 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

The total remuneration and other benefits to Directors (and past Directors) for services for the year ended 31 July 2014 were as 
follows (including comparative figures for 2013):  

Director

Class

Position

Retired / Appointed 

Graeme Milne

Independent

Chairman

Bill Roest

Independent

Audit and Risk Committee Chair

Sam Knowles

Independent

Director

John Penno

Board Appointed Managing Director

Retired &  
Reappointed 3/12/13

Retired &  
Reappointed 3/12/13

Retired &  
Reappointed 3/12/13

Ruth Richardson

Bright Appointed

Remuneration and Governance Chair

Li Ke

Bright Appointed Director

Yang Suhang

Bright Appointed Director

Dong Zongbo

Bright Appointed Director

2014 - Total  
Remuneration

2013 - Total  
Remuneration

96,500

83,000

60,000 

55,000 

13,696

4,035

661,000

645,765

60,000 

55,000 

55,000 

55,000 

50,333

45,333

45,333

45,333

1.Note: As Managing Director, John Penno does not receive director’s fees. His remuneration received in the year to 31 July 2014 listed above constitutes 

payment for his position as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

PAGE 100  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS

Directors’ interests recorded in the Interests Register of the Company as at 31 July 2014 are set out as follows:

Nature of Interest

Graeme Roderick Milne

Director Genesis Energy Limited

Chairman New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Director New Zealand Institute for Rare Disease Research Ltd 

Chairman Synlait Milk Limited

Chairman Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Chairman Terracare Fertilisers Ltd  

Trustee Rockhaven Trust  

Partner G R & J A Milne

Chairman Johnes Disease Research Ltd

Chairman Rural Broadband Initiative National Advisory Committee

Director Farmers Mutual Group

Director Alliance Group Ltd

Receipt of Directors’ Fees from Synlait Milk Limited at approved rate

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Member Massey University School of Advanced Engineering and Technology (SEAT) Advisory Board

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from SML

Sole Shareholder and Chairman of SML New Zealand Limited

Shareholder in Synlait Milk Limited

Chairman of Pacific T and R Ltd

Chairman Rimanui Farms Ltd

Ruth Margaret Richardson

Chairman, Jade Software Corporation

Director Synlait Milk Limited

Chairman, Kula Fund Advisory Committee

Director Ruth Richardson [NZ] Ltd 

Receipt of Directors’ Fees from the Company at approved rate

SYFT Technologies Limited Chair

Chairman Kiwinet

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Chairman New Zealand Merino Company

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from SML

Director of SML New Zealand Limited

Director of Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Shareholder in Synlait Milk Limited

I  PAGE 101

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

Willem Jan Roest

Director Fisher & Paykel Appliances Ltd

Director Housing Foundation Ltd

Trustee New Zealand Housing Foundation

Trustee WJ & IJ Family Trust

Director Metro Performance Glass Ltd

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from Synlait Milk Limited

Receipt of Directors’ Fees from Synlait Milk Limited at approved rate

Director Synlait Milk Limited 

Director of SML New Zealand Limited

Director of Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Shareholder in Synlait Milk Limited

Ms Li Ke

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Employee of Bright Dairy Ltd – substantial Shareholder in SML

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from Synlait Milk Limited

Director Synlait Milk Limited 

Director of SML New Zealand Limited

Director of Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Mr Dong Zongbo

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Employee of Bright Dairy Ltd – substantial Shareholder in SML

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from Synlait Milk Limited

Director Synlait Milk Limited 

Director of SML New Zealand Limited

Director of Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Mr Yang Sihang

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Employee of Bright Dairy Ltd – substantial Shareholder in SML

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from Synlait Milk Limited

Director Synlait Milk Limited 

Director of SML New Zealand Limited

Director of Synlait Milk Finance Limited

John William Penno 

Trustee John Penno Trust 

Director Synlait Farms Limited 

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from Synlait Milk Limited

Managing Director Synlait Milk Limited 

PAGE 102  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

Director of SML New Zealand Limited

Director of Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Shareholder in Synlait Milk Limited

Director of Primary Collaboration New Zealand Limited

Ian Samuel Knowles 

Director Trustpower Ltd

Director Rangatira Ltd

Chairman Umajin Ltd 

Chairman Partners Life Ltd

Chairman OnBrand Ltd

Director Magritek Ltd

Director SLI Systems Ltd

Trustee Te Omanga Hospice

Trustee United World College NZ

Director Angel HQ Inc 

Director Com Investments Ltd

Director Growthcom Ltd

Director Habourside Rentals Ltd

Trustee Com Trust and Ian Samuel Knowles Children’s Trust 

Director Synlait Milk Limited 

Director Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Insurance cover arranged by Synlait Milk Limited

Deed of Indemnity and Access – from Synlait Milk Limited

Receipt of Directors’ Fees from Synlait Milk Limited at approved rate

Shareholder in Synlait Milk Limited

DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDING IN SYNLAIT

The Directors’ respective shareholding in Synlait as at 31 July 2014 is as follows:

John Penno 

Graeme Milne 

Ruth Richardson 

Sam Knowles 

Willem Roest 

2014

Directly Held

5,423,817

59,526

46,000

45,000

22,750

2013

Directly Held

5,423,817

59,526

46,000

45,000

22,750

SUBSIDIARY COMPANY DIRECTORS

The following Companies were subsidiaries of Synlait Milk Limited as at 31 July 2014.

Synlait Milk Finance Limited

Directors: John Penno, Graeme Milne, Bill Roest, Sam Knowles, Ruth Richardson, Li Ke, Dong Zongbo, Yang Sihang

I  PAGE 103

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

DIVERSITY

We are committed to hiring and retaining the best people for the job – regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, race, sexual 
orientation, family circumstances, politics and ethnicity. We pride ourselves on having an inclusive working environment that 
promotes employment equity and workforce diversity at all levels – from factory floor to Board table.

In accordance with NZX requirements, our reported gender breakdown at Senior Leadership and Board level as at 31 July 2014 is:

Board

Senior Leadership Team

Female

2

1

Male

6

6

Total

% Female

8

7

25%

14%

The gender breakdown for the Senior Leadership Team has changed from 31 July 2013 due to a smaller Senior Leadership Team 

now being in place (dropping from 9 under the former Senior Management Team).

EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

During the year ended 31 July 2014 the following employees and former employees received individual remuneration over $100,000:

Remuneration range

2014

2013

Number of employees

Number of employees

$100,000 - $110,000

$110,000 - $120,000

$120,000 - $130,000

$130,000 - $140,000

$140,000 - $150,000

$150,000 - $160,000

$160,000 - $170,000

$170,000 - $180,000

$180,000 - $190,000

$210,000 - $220,000

$220,000 - $230,000

$230,000 - $240,000

$240,000 - $250,000

$250,000 - $260,000

$260,000 - $270,000

$270,000 - $280,000

$280,000 - $290,000

$290,000 - $300,000

$300,000 - $310,000

$310,000 - $320,000

$320,000 - $330,000

$330,000 - $340,000

$340,000 - $350,000

$350,000 - $360,000

$360,000 - $370,000

$370,000 - $380,000

PAGE 104  I

7

6

3

9

3

2

4

2

2

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

8

5

4

2

1

3

2

3

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014STATUTORY INFORMATION CONT...

$380,000 - $390,000

$390,000 - $400,000

$400,000 - $410,000

$410,000 - $420,000

$420,000 - $430,000

$430,000 - $440,000

$440,000 - $450,000

DONATIONS

0

0

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

For the year ended 31 July 2014 we donated $14,000 to charitable organisations. 

DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE

In accordance with section 162 of the Companies Act 1993 and our constitution, we indemnify and insure Directors and Officers 
against liability to other parties that may arise from their position. This is through the Company and the Directors entering into 
Deeds of Access, Insurance and Indemnity. Details are maintained in the Company’s Interests Register. This cover does not 
apply to any liabilities arising from criminal or reckless acts by our Directors or Officers.

CURRENCY

Within this Annual Report, all amounts are in New Zealand dollars unless otherwise specified.

CREDIT RATING

We do not have a credit rating.

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING

Our annual shareholder meeting will be held on 2 December 2014 in Christchurch. 

We will confirm the time and place by notice to all our shareholders nearer to that date. 

ANNUAL REPORT

Our Annual Report and past Annual Reports and Interim Reports are all available on our website at www.synlait.com/investors/
corporate-governance/.

We will email our Annual Report to those shareholders who have opted for e-communication with us and our share registry. We 
prefer to communicate with our shareholders by email without using up valuable printing resources and postage costs, but any 
shareholder who does request a hard copy of our Annual Report will be sent one in the regular post. 

FURTHER INFORMATION ONLINE

This Annual Report, all our core governance documents (our Constitution, some of our key Policies and Charters), our Investor 
relations policies and all our announcements can be viewed on our website: www.synlait.com/investors/corporate-governance/.

I  PAGE 105

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014DIRECTORY

REGISTERED OFFICE

1028 Heslerton Road, 
Rakaia, Rd 13, 
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 3 373 3000
Email: info@synlait.com 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Graeme Roderick Milne (Chair of the Board) – Independent 
Director

LAWYERS

Minter Ellison Rudd Watts
Lumley Centre
88 Shortland St
Auckland 1010

Duncan Cotterill
1 Sir William Pickering Drive
Burnside
Christchurch 8053

Willem (Bill) Jan Roest (Chair of the Audit and Risk 
Committee) – Independent Director

Ian Samuel Knowles – Independent Director

BANKERS

ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited
The Bank of New Zealand

INVESTMENT BANKERS

First NZ Capital Securities Limited
Goldman Sachs New Zealand Limited

SHARE REGISTRAR

Computershare Investor Services Limited
Private Bag 92119
Auckland 1142
Level 2
159 Hurstmere Rd
Takapuna
Auckland 06022
Freephone (within NZ): 0800 467 335
Telephone: +64 9 488 8777
Facsimile: +64 9 488 8787

MANAGING YOUR SHAREHOLDING ONLINE

To change your address, update your payment instructions 
and to view your registered details including transactions, 
please visit www.investorcentre.com/nz

General enquiries can be directed to enquiry@computershare.
co.nz 

Please assist our registry by quoting your CSN or shareholder 
number when making enquiries.

OTHER INFORMATION

Please visit us at our website www.synlait.com

John William Penno (Managing Director) – Board Appointed 
Director

Ke Li – Bright Dairy Director

Zongbo Dong – Bright Dairy Director

Sihang Yang – Bright Dairy Director

Ruth Margaret Richardson (Chair of the Remuneration and 
Governance Committee) – Bright Dairy Director

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

John Penno – Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director

Nigel Greenwood – Chief Financial Officer

Matthew Foster – General Manager Supply Chain

Natalie Lombe – General Manager Culture, Capability & 
Strategy

Mike Lee – General Manager Sales

Neil Betteridge – General Manager Manufacturing

Michael Stein – General Manager Quality & Technical 
Services

AUDITOR

Deloitte
50 Hazeldean Rd
Christchurch 8024
New Zealand

PAGE 106  I

Synlait Milk Limited Annual Report 2014Synlait Milk Ltd 
1028 Heslerton Road
RD13, Rakaia 7783 
New Zealand
P+ 64 3 373 3000
www.synlait.com