-- a2 Milk Co. (NZE:ATM, ASX:A2M) said its infant milk formula business in China is experiencing "temporary in-market product availability issues" that will likely impact the company's performance in fiscal 2026, resulting in a cut to guidance, according to a Monday filing with the New Zealand and Australian bourses.
The issues primarily relate to shortfalls of China-label infant milk formula product at distributors and retailers for several reasons, including high demand for the company's imported products amid product recalls by international competitors, per the filing.
At the same time, the Middle East conflict has had a direct impact on the availability and cost of air freight for product shipments to China, and inventory levels have been low through the fiscal year to date as a result of previous manufacturing challenges at Synlait's (NZE:SML, ASX:SM1) plant, where there remains "a significant backlog" of unfilled purchase orders, the company said.
Additionally, new standards for related to enhanced cereulide testing are extending quality assurance release times, while higher inspection and sampling rates for the industry are extending clearance release times, per the filing.
a2 Milk said these factors will have a material impact on China-label infant milk formula availability in the fiscal fourth quarter, mainly in April and May. The company now expects fiscal 2026 revenue growth in the low to mid double-digit range, compared with mid double-digits previously. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization percent margin is expected to be about 14% to roughly 15%, compared with 16% previously.
The company also expects lower interest income for fiscal 2026 due to lower market rates and net transaction cash outflows.
Its Kiwi shares were down 13% in recent Monday trading.