A2 Milk reported a strong improvement in underlying earnings. On a continuing business basis, revenue rose 19% and EBITDA was up 18%. The Pokeno acquisition was a loss-making contribution in the half pointing to even stronger performance in 1H26. The sales result was helped by acquisitions and currency, which will fade into 2H26e. While China infant formula growth was good, more meaningful market share gains would be more encouraging. The company lifted its guidance metrics for FY26e and should meet its $2 billion revenue target this year. We would prefer a little more margin for safety in the valuation given its reliance on China infant formula growth.

We have reviewed the US price and volume backdrop for Breville. Price rises put through in August 2025 look like they have stuck, albeit December was very promotional. Price rises of 3% will be partly offset by lower volume growth in our view. Breville’s 1H26e EBIT could rise by 4% with the tariff impacts only affecting three months of the period. We expect flat EBIT in FY26e.

Breville reported 10.2% EBIT growth for FY25, with slightly weaker growth in 2H25. The key debate on this company is the magnitude and timing of the impact of US tariffs on its earnings. We expect the combination of tariffs with some offsetting cost savings to result in a slight lift in FY26e EBIT to $206 million. The tariff headwinds will continue into FY27e because of its inventory cycle and temper EBIT growth in that year as well. We forecast FY27e EBIT of $220 million. Beyond FY27e, the company should return to 7%-10% EBIT growth.

We initiate coverage of a2 Milk with an Underweight rating and $8.00 target price. a2 Milk has shown a strong recovery in sales and profit margins following COVID-19 disruptions. The prospect for growth remains good over the next three years but it will increasingly be focused on China label infant formula, despite a soft industry backdrop. a2 Milk’s acquisition of the Pokeno facility and divestment of Mataura Valley Milk (MVM) will boost EBITDA margins with a 220bp uptick from the divestment of MVM and a further 130bp through the internalisation of production at Pokeno. We see EBITDA margins reaching 20% by FY30e. a2 Milk has good growth prospects, but the growth is narrowly focused on China infant formula sales, which has some risk.

With 45% of sales in the US, Breville is in the cross-hairs of the disruption from US tariffs. In this report, we assess Breville’s relative competitive position in the US for imported products, estimate the impact tariffs could have on earnings and discuss alternatives the company may pursue. Breville is in a decent position given most imports in small appliances come from China (and other Asia). Breville could see an earnings impact of -19%, or -$38 million on our estimates from the tariffs, with lower volumes, some margin compression partially offset by lower cost of goods, marketing and staff incentives.

The much-anticipated announcement by the US Government of reciprocal tariffs creates an environment of uncertainty. For Australian consumer companies, there could be a silver lining through lower cost of goods on products sourced from China or other low-cost countries. Breville and Lovisa face some challenges given their US operations, but also stand to benefit from lower sourcing costs. Treasury Wines will face tariffs on a small part of its business importing wines from NZ and Australia, but its US business could benefit from higher prices on French & Italian wines competing with its domestic US premium portfolio.

Australian wine export data for the December 2024 quarter showed continued demand from China for Australian red wine. China bottled wine volumes were 1.4 million cases with a value of $280 million. The past nine month export value to China is within 11% of the record 2019 levels. Volumes in other regions declined in the quarter.

Breville reported 1H25 sales growth of 10% and EBIT growth of 11%. The result was characterised by strong sales across all geographies and particularly in coffee machines. We expect the company to sustain good sales growth, helped by a step-up in product development, marketing and the addition of new markets including China. 

Australian wine export data for the September 2024 quarter shows another quarter of rebuild in China. China bottled wine volumes were 1.2 million cases.  The rest of world saw volumes down slightly, reflecting this reallocation.  Consistent with broader demand trends and Treasury’s strategy, the export data highlights that wines over $20 per bottle are performing well, while other price segments are softer. We expect Treasury to have a solid FY25e year given higher prices for its luxury wine.

Australian wine exports have rebounded in the June 2024 quarter, largely given the sell-in of wines to Chinese retailers and distributors. Total exports were up 81% year-on-year. While it is good news, we will need more time to judge the rebound in Chinese consumer demand for Australian wine. Nevertheless, it does suggest concerns about excess supply already in China may be overdone.