On Friday, a2 Milk Company (A2M:AU) (OTC: ACOPF) experienced an upgrade in stock rating by CLSA from Hold to Outperform, while the price target was maintained at NZD5.60. The upgrade follows a2 Milk's recent trading update announced at its Annual General Meeting, where the company revised its full-year revenue expectations.
The dairy company now anticipates mid to high single-digit revenue growth on a prior corresponding period (pcp), an increase from the previously forecasted mid single-digit growth. This forecast surpasses the current consensus of 5.6% growth. Despite the higher revenue projections, the forecast for FY24 Ebitda margin remains unchanged, expected to align with the previous year's figure of 14.0%, which is consistent with the consensus.
According to the analyst's calculations, if the consensus moves revenue growth to 8.0% and maintains the Ebitda margin at 14.0%, this would imply a 2.1% upgrade to Ebitda. Additionally, a2 Milk has announced the initiation of a dividend policy and plans to issue its first dividend during its first-half 2025 results. The proposed payout policy of 60-80% suggests a yield of approximately 2%.
The decision by CLSA to raise the stock rating to Outperform from Hold comes amid recent share price weakness. Despite the unchanged price target of NZD5.60, the upgraded forecasts to align with the company's guidance have contributed to a more positive outlook on a2 Milk's shares.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.