# Fonterra financial performance and milk price outlook

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fonterra-financial-performance-and-milk-price-outlook
> Updated: 2026-09-23T22:29:09.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Fonterra has reported strong annual results for the 2026 fiscal year, characterized by a $2.6 billion after-tax profit on $27 billion in revenue. This represents a 142% increase in profit, with operating profit rising 97.6% to $3.4 billion. This growth was significantly bolstered by a $1.2 billion benefit from the sale of the Mainland Group. Excluding this divestment, the underlying operating profit rose 23.6% to $1.8 billion, allowing the co-operative to restore earnings to FY25 levels two years ahead of its original three-year schedule.

In terms of shareholder returns, the company distributed $19.6 billion to farmer owners and unit holders. Total dividends reached 73 cents per share, which included a 16-cent special dividend linked to the Mainland Group sale. The final Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26 season was established at NZ $9.69 per kgMS.

Looking forward, Fonterra has set a forecast for the 2026/27 milk price at a midpoint of NZ $9.50 per kgMS, with a projected range between $8.50 and $10.50. To support future operations and expand protein production capacity, the company is proceeding with a $1 billion investment in its South Island manufacturing network to be deployed over the next three years.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Fonterra reports $2.6 billion FY26 profit and $1 billion South Island investment

Fonterra reported a $2.6 billion FY26 profit, driven by the Mainland Group sale and strong protein demand, hitting its earnings recovery targets two years ahead of schedule.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fonterra-reports-26-billion-profit-and-announces-1-billion-investment

### 2026-09-20: Fonterra raises milk price forecast amid stronger global demand

Fonterra has raised its forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint to $9.50 per kgMS, driven by improved global dairy commodity prices and strong demand for milk powders.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fonterra-raises-milk-price-forecast-amid-stronger-global-demand

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Cite as: Fonterra financial performance and milk price outlook. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fonterra-financial-performance-and-milk-price-outlook
