A2 Milk shares: Buy, hold, or fold?

Here's why one top broker thinks the milk and baby formula producer's stock could surge 21%.

| More on:
Key points
  • The A2 Milk share price has suffered over the past five years, underperforming the market by 19% and tumbling more than 70% from its record high
  • What might the future hold for the embattled former market darling? Well that depends on who you ask
  • One top broker thinks it's a buy, tipping a 21% upside for the stock

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price is having a good month, gaining 13.5% over the past 30 days. But looking further back, the company has had a shocking few years.

A2 Milk shares have fallen 1% over five years despite hitting a record high of $20.05 in 2020. That's compared to an 18% gain posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the last half-decade.

The A2 Milk share price last traded at $5.46.

But one top broker has tipped it to lift to as high as $6.60 – representing a potential 21% upside.

So, what's got some experts bullish, and others not so much, about the milk and baby formula favourite? Keep reading to find out.

A young girl and boy drinking milk in a garden setting

Image source: Getty Images

Is now the time to snap up A2 Milk shares?

Experts' opinions are mixed regarding the future of the A2 Milk share price.

Some, like Goldman Sachs, are bearish. The broker has slapped the stock with a sell rating. Though, its $5.65 price target alludes to a potential 3.5% upside.

Others, including Wilsons investment advisor Peter Moran, aren't so sceptical, tipping the company as a hold.

Moran labelled the company's latest earnings "strong" but warned of "challenging" market conditions brought about by rising competition and China's falling birth rate, The Bull reports.

A2 Milk's revenue lifted close to 20% year-over-year in financial year 2022, reaching NZ$1.4 billion. Its after-tax profits also rose 42% to around NZ$115 million. The company also announced a NZ$150 million on-market share buyback.

Capital Wealth portfolio manager Tim Haselum has also branded A2 Milk a hold, according to the publication. He says the company's share price already has notable upside factored in.

However, plenty of experts are bullish on the A2 Milk share price.

Perpetual Equity Investment Company believes A2 Milk has a strong brand and likes its balance sheet, which comprises more than NZ$800 million in cash and no debt, as The Motley Fool Australia's Bruce Jackson reports.

And finally, top broker Bell Potter has slapped A2 Milk shares with a buy rating and a $6.60 price target, representing a potential 21% upside, as my Fool colleague James reports.

The company's growing exports to China were behind much of the broker's positive outlook.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goldman Sachs. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Broker Notes

Happy man working on his laptop.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Broker Notes

3 buy-rated ASX shares in today's falling market

The market is now 4% down in 2026, but amid the volatility, experts say there are good buys available.

Read more »

a group of three cybersecurity experts stand with satisfied looks on their faces with one holding a laptop computer while he group stands in front of a large bank of computers and electronic equipment.
Broker Notes

Why Bell Potter is bullish on this ASX cybersecurity stock with 44% upside

This growing company could be worth considering according to the broker.

Read more »

an older couple look happy as they sit at a laptop computer in their home.
Broker Notes

This ASX 300 stock could deliver a 25% return

Bell Potter rates this stock highly. Let's see what it is recommending.

Read more »

Buy now written on a red key with a shopping trolley on an Apple keyboard.
Broker Notes

6 ASX All Ords shares at 52-week lows: Experts say buy

Here are the experts' 12-month share price targets on each of these buy-rated stocks.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: What this leading broker is saying about Lynas shares

Is it bullish or bearish? Let's find out.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
Broker Notes

Bell Potter's top ASX 200 holdings revealed

These are the top holdings in the broker's core portfolio.

Read more »

An athlete runs fast with a trail of yellow smoke billowing out behind him.
Broker Notes

Up 139% in a year, why this buy rated ASX All Ords rare earths stock could keep racing higher

A leading broker forecasts more outperformance to come from this surging ASX rare earths stock.

Read more »