Sept 29 (Reuters) - ** Shares of New Zealand-based Synlait Milk SML.NZ rise as much as 20.7% to NZ$0.845, the highest level since March 25
** Stock on track to record its biggest intraday pct gain since February 17
** Dairy producer posts total annual net loss after tax of NZ$39.8 million ($22.98 million), compared to a loss of NZ$182.1 million a year ago
** Company also announces divestment of North Island assets to global healthcare firm Abbott ABT.N for NZ$307 million
** However, company announces it will not provide further financial guidance for FY26
** 547,627 shares change hands, 4.6x the 30-day average volume
** Stock has risen 90.8% this year, including session gains
($1 = 1.7322 New Zealand dollars)
(Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru)
((Roshan.Thomas@thomsonreuters.com;))