The a2 Milk Co (NZSE:ATM) Beneish M-Score: -2.21 (As of Jun. 24, 2026)


NZSE:ATM The a2 Milk Co Ltd NZSE:ATM
82 GF Score
Price NZ$8.47
GF Value NZ$8.49
Valuation Fairly Valued
! 3 Warning Signs
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What is The a2 Milk Co Beneish M-Score?

The a2 Milk Co NZSE:ATM +0.71% 82 Beneish M-Score is -2.21 as of Jun. 24, 2026. GuruFocus rates NZSE:ATM with a GF Score™ of 82/100 and a GF Value™ of NZ$8.49 (Fairly Valued). The stock has 3 warning signs investors should review. Among 1,849 Consumer Packaged Goods companies, The a2 Milk Co ranks worse than 71.17% on this metric.

The zones of discrimination for M-Score is as such:

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.
An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Good Sign:

Beneish M-Score -2.21 no higher than -1.78, which implies that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

The historical rank and industry rank for The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score or its related term are showing as below:

NZSE:ATM' s Beneish M-Score Range Over the Past 10 Years
Min: -2.84   Med: -2.45   Max: -1.11
Current: -2.21

During the past 13 years, the highest Beneish M-Score of The a2 Milk Co was -1.11. The lowest was -2.84. And the median was -2.45.


The a2 Milk Co Beneish M-Score Historical Data

* Premium members only.

The historical data trend for The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score can be seen below:

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

The a2 Milk Co Beneish M-Score Chart

The a2 Milk Co Annual Data
Trend Jun16 Jun17 Jun18 Jun19 Jun20 Jun21 Jun22 Jun23 Jun24 Jun25
Beneish M-Score
Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.44 -2.52 -2.48 -2.84 -2.21

The a2 Milk Co Semi-Annual Data
Jun16 Dec16 Jun17 Dec17 Jun18 Dec18 Jun19 Dec19 Jun20 Dec20 Jun21 Dec21 Jun22 Dec22 Jun23 Dec23 Jun24 Dec24 Jun25 Dec25
Beneish M-Score Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only 0.00 -2.84 0.00 -2.21 0.00

NZSE:ATM vs KHC, GIS: Beneish M-Score Comparison

For the Packaged Foods subindustry, The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score, along with its competitors' market caps and Beneish M-Score data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.


The a2 Milk Co Beneish M-Score vs Consumer Packaged Goods Industry

For the Consumer Packaged Goods industry and Consumer Defensive sector, The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score falls into.


NZSE:ATM
82GF Score
The a2 Milk Co Ltd NZSE:ATM
Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
View Full Analysis

The a2 Milk Co Beneish M-Score Calculation

The M-score was created by Professor Messod Beneish. Instead of measuring the bankruptcy risk (Altman Z-Score) or business trend (Piotroski F-Score), M-score can be used to detect the risk of earnings manipulation. This is the original research paper on M-score.

The M-Score Variables:

The M-score of The a2 Milk Co for today is based on a combination of the following eight different indices:

M=-4.84+0.92 * DSRI+0.528 * GMI+0.404 * AQI+0.892 * SGI+0.115 * DEPI
=-4.84+0.92 * 1.041+0.528 * 0.9943+0.404 * 1.197+0.892 * 1.135+0.115 * 1.1121
-0.172 * SGAI+4.679 * TATA-0.327 * LVGI
-0.172 * 0.9794+4.679 * -0.000668-0.327 * 0.9477
=-2.21

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

This Year (Jun25) TTM:Last Year (Jun24) TTM:
Total Receivables was NZ$92 Mil.
Revenue was NZ$1,899 Mil.
Gross Profit was NZ$875 Mil.
Total Current Assets was NZ$1,451 Mil.
Total Assets was NZ$1,942 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was NZ$237 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was NZ$26 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was NZ$630 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was NZ$450 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was NZ$56 Mil.
Net Income was NZ$203 Mil.
Gross Profit was NZ$3 Mil.
Cash Flow from Operations was NZ$201 Mil.
Total Receivables was NZ$78 Mil.
Revenue was NZ$1,673 Mil.
Gross Profit was NZ$767 Mil.
Total Current Assets was NZ$1,288 Mil.
Total Assets was NZ$1,735 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was NZ$257 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was NZ$32 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was NZ$567 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was NZ$417 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was NZ$61 Mil.




1. DSRI = Days Sales in Receivables Index

Measured as the ratio of Revenue in Total Receivables in year t to year t-1.

A large increase in DSR could be indicative of revenue inflation.

DSRI=(Receivables_t / Revenue_t) / (Receivables_t-1 / Revenue_t-1)
=(92.246 / 1899.273) / (78.07 / 1673.323)
=0.048569 / 0.046656
=1.041

2. GMI = Gross Margin Index

Measured as the ratio of gross margin in year t-1 to gross margin in year t.

Gross margin has deteriorated when this index is above 1. A firm with poorer prospects is more likely to manipulate earnings.

GMI=GrossMargin_t-1 / GrossMargin_t
=(GrossProfit_t-1 / Revenue_t-1) / (GrossProfit_t / Revenue_t)
=(766.629 / 1673.323) / (875.155 / 1899.273)
=0.458148 / 0.460784
=0.9943

3. AQI = Asset Quality Index

AQI is the ratio of asset quality in year t to year t-1.

Asset quality is measured as the ratio of non-current assets other than Property, Plant and Equipment to Total Assets.

AQI=(1 - (CurrentAssets_t + PPE_t) / TotalAssets_t) / (1 - (CurrentAssets_t-1 + PPE_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=(1 - (1451.001 + 237.07) / 1942.111) / (1 - (1287.945 + 257.354) / 1734.875)
=0.130806 / 0.109274
=1.197

4. SGI = Sales Growth Index

Ratio of Revenue in year t to sales in year t-1.

Sales growth is not itself a measure of manipulation. However, growth companies are likely to find themselves under pressure to manipulate in order to keep up appearances.

SGI=Sales_t / Sales_t-1
=Revenue_t / Revenue_t-1
=1899.273 / 1673.323
=1.135

5. DEPI = Depreciation Index

Measured as the ratio of the rate of Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in year t-1 to the corresponding rate in year t.

DEPI greater than 1 indicates that assets are being depreciated at a slower rate. This suggests that the firm might be revising useful asset life assumptions upwards, or adopting a new method that is income friendly.

DEPI=(Depreciation_t-1 / (Depreciaton_t-1 + PPE_t-1)) / (Depreciation_t / (Depreciaton_t + PPE_t))
=(32.199 / (32.199 + 257.354)) / (26.338 / (26.338 + 237.07))
=0.111202 / 0.099989
=1.1121

Note: If the Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization data is not available, we assume that the depreciation rate is constant and set the Depreciation Index to 1.

6. SGAI = Sales, General and Administrative expenses Index

The ratio of Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) to Sales in year t relative to year t-1.

SGA expenses index > 1 means that the company is becoming less efficient in generate sales.

SGAI=(SGA_t / Sales_t) / (SGA_t-1 /Sales_t-1)
=(629.774 / 1899.273) / (566.516 / 1673.323)
=0.331587 / 0.338557
=0.9794

7. LVGI = Leverage Index

The ratio of total debt to Total Assets in year t relative to yeat t-1.

An LVGI > 1 indicates an increase in leverage

LVGI=((LTD_t + CurrentLiabilities_t) / TotalAssets_t) / ((LTD_t-1 + CurrentLiabilities_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=((56.367 + 450.08) / 1942.111) / ((60.622 + 416.774) / 1734.875)
=0.260771 / 0.275176
=0.9477

8. TATA = Total Accruals to Total Assets

Total accruals calculated as the change in working capital accounts other than cash less depreciation.

TATA=(IncomefromContinuingOperations_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(NetIncome_t - NonOperatingIncome_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(202.889 - 2.71 - 201.477) / 1942.111
=-0.000668

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator. An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

The a2 Milk Co has a M-score of -2.21 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about Beneish M-Score →
What does a Beneish M-Score of -2.21 mean?
The a2 Milk Co (NZSE:ATM) has a Beneish M-Score of -2.21 as of Jun. 24, 2026. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on The a2 Milk Co and its competitors. According to the industry distribution chart, The a2 Milk Co ranks #1316 out of 1849 companies in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, placing it in the top 71.2%.
Is The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score too high?
The a2 Milk Co's current Beneish M-Score is -2.21. Based on the distribution chart, The a2 Milk Co ranks #1316 out of 1849 companies in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, which is below the industry midpoint. Overall, The a2 Milk Co has a GF Score™ of 82/100 and is considered Fairly Valued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does The a2 Milk Co's Beneish M-Score compare to KHC and GIS?
According to the Consumer Packaged Goods industry distribution chart, The a2 Milk Co ranks #1316 out of 1849 companies for Beneish M-Score. This places The a2 Milk Co in the lower half of its industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Beneish M-Score for a Consumer Packaged Goods company?
A good Beneish M-Score depends on the Consumer Packaged Goods industry context. However, Beneish M-Score should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Beneish M-Score mean?
A high Beneish M-Score can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on The a2 Milk Co and its competitors. The a2 Milk Co's current Beneish M-Score is -2.21. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is The a2 Milk Co stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, The a2 Milk Co (NZSE:ATM) is currently considered Fairly Valued. The stock's GF Value™ is NZ$8.49, compared to a current price of NZ$8.47 — trading 0.2% below its estimated fair value. The current Beneish M-Score is -2.21. The a2 Milk Co's overall GF Score™ is 82/100 with 3 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Beneish M-Score calculated?
Beneish M-Score is calculated from a company's financial statements. For The a2 Milk Co (NZSE:ATM), the current Beneish M-Score is -2.21 as of Jun. 24, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is The a2 Milk Co (NZSE:ATM) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, The a2 Milk Co stock appears to be undervalued. The current stock price of NZ$8.47 is trading 0.2% below its estimated GF Value™ of NZ$8.49. GuruFocus considers The a2 Milk Co to be Fairly Valued.

Key valuation signals for NZSE:ATM:

  • Beneish M-Score: -2.21
  • GF Value™: NZ$8.49 vs. price of NZ$8.47 (0.2% below fair value)
  • GF Score™: 82/100 with 3 warning signs

No single metric tells the full story. See the NZSE:ATM stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.


The a2 Milk Co Business Description

Address 51 Shortland Street, Level 10, Auckland, NTL, NZL, 1010
A2 Milk is a New Zealand licensor and marketer of fresh milk, infant formula, and other dairy products that lack the A1 beta-casein protein. The firm was founded in 2000 by Corran McLachlan, who developed a genetic test to determine which proteins a cow produces in its milk, and business partner Howard Paterson. The company has been through a tumultuous history of receivership, legal battles, and strategic shifts, but emerged in its current structure in 2006 and listed publicly in March 2013.
82GF Score

Get the complete analysis for NZSE:ATM

Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

NZ$8.47
Price
NZ$8.49
GF Value