Fonterra provides Farmgate Milk Price and earnings update
20 February 2026
Fonterra provides Farmgate Milk Price and earnings update
• Fonterra expecting to distribute Mainland Group earnings as special Mainland dividend
• Fonterra confirms FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations
• Fonterra lifts 2025/26 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint from $9.00 per kgMS to
$9.50 per kgMS
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today lifted its forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26
season and narrowed its forecast range.
The midpoint has increased from $9.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS, with the forecast range lifting
and narrowing from $8.50-$9.50 per kgMS to $9.20-$9.80 per kgMS.
CEO Miles Hurrell says the Co-op has been able to make these changes based on recent
improvements in global commodity prices combined with Fonterra’s well contracted sales book.
“As we have seen, global dairy prices have been volatile across the season. Following the declines
at the end of 2025, prices have lifted in the last four Global Dairy Trade events.
“Global milk production remains above seasonal norms, meaning the risk of further volatility in
pricing remains. As such, we continue to take a balanced approach with our Farmgate Milk Price
forecast.
“Our team is focused on enhancing returns for farmer shareholders through the Farmgate Milk
Price and earnings, by delivering on our strategy,” says Mr Hurrell.
Update on Mainland Group earnings
Fonterra is today advising that it intends to pay out 100% of underlying earnings generated by
Mainland Group during FY26 while still under Fonterra ownership.
The earnings will be distributed through a special Mainland dividend payment to shareholders and
unit holders following the completion of the sale to Lactalis.
“We are currently finalising our interim accounts and can indicate that we expect the special
Mainland dividend to be in the range of 14-18 cents per share, which reflects the operating
performance of the Mainland business during the first half of this year driven by ongoing cost
management and favourable input commodity prices.
“This remains subject to the settlement date of the transaction and the finalisation of our financial
statements and audit process.
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Page 2
“Fonterra’s FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations remains unchanged at 45-
65 cents per share. It is intended that Fonterra’s dividend policy will be applied to these continuing
earnings.
“Our interim dividend from continuing operations will be confirmed when we release our FY26
interim results and an update on the special Mainland dividend will be given at this time,” says Mr
Hurrell.
As previously indicated, Fonterra expects the transaction to be complete in the first quarter of the
2026 calendar year, subject to separation of the businesses from Fonterra and remaining
regulatory approvals being received.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Philippa Norman
Fonterra Communications
Phone: +64 21 507 072
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- FCG — Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited: Fonterra provides Farmgate Milk Price and earnings update2026-02-19
“20 February 2026 Fonterra provides Farmgate Milk Price and earnings update • Fonterra expecting to distribute Mainland Group earnings as special Mainland dividend • Fonterra confirms FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations • Fonterra lifts 2025/26 seas…”
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“4 December 2025 Fonterra provides FY26 Q1 business update • Total Group profit after tax: $278 million, up $15 million • Continuing operations profit after tax: $158 million, down $10 million • FY26 forecast earnings for continuing operations: 45-65 cents per share • 20…”
- FCG — Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited: Fonterra updates 2025/26 season Farmgate Milk Price2025-12-17
“18 December 2025 Fonterra updates 2025/26 season Farmgate Milk Price Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today provided an update on its forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26 season. The Co-op has adjusted the forecast range from $9.00-$10.00 per kgMS to $8.50…”