A2 Milk profits double on back of formula sales

Damian Foster.
Damian Foster.
Boosted infant formula sales in China and Australia have underpinned a more than doubling of a2 Milk's full-year profit to $195.7million.

Shares in a2, already 126% up on a year ago at $11.13, closed at $11.81, up 68c on Tuesday's close.

A2 said there had been ''substantial'' physical distribution growth to about 10,000 stores in China and 6000 US stores during the year.

Revenue for its year to June grew 68% to $922.7million, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) rose 101% to $283million, while after-tax profit rose 116% from $90.6million a year ago to $195.7million.

Infant formula counted for $724.2million of revenue, liquid milk $142.4million and other products $29.6million.

Infant formula market share in Australia was 32%, in China 5.1%, and liquid milk products in New Zealand and Australia rose 0.5% from a year ago to hit 9.8% market share.

Forsyth Barr broker Damian Foster said gains in both a2's profit and ebitda were ''slightly ahead of expectations''.

He highlighted cash conversion was ''strong''. Net cash was up 181% at $340.5million, ahead of expectations, but the post balance date Synlait investment meant the cash position was about $178million.

A2 said in a statement ''the company's supply base was enhanced by the extension of the comprehensive manufacturing and supply agreement for infant formula with Synlait Milk and establishment of a new comprehensive strategic relationship with Fonterra.''

A2 Milk's chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka described the past financial year as ''transformative'' and said ''real momentum'' was building in China and the US.

Three new products had been launched, in milk powder, pregnancy formula and powder blended with manuka honey, which went into new South East Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea.

A2 Milk predicted further revenue growth from nutritional products in Australia, New Zealand and China this financial year, and from liquid milk in the US.

The focus this year would be on growth initiatives in targeted emerging markets and also new product development, the company said.

simon.hartley@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment