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 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.