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While Bega Cheese is expanding its focus on brands, the business has been under pressure from reduced milk intake and lower infant formula volumes.

A2 Milk delivered a first half result that generated some conflicting views as brokers try to assess the outlook.

Marcus Reubenstein of APAC News looks behind the acquisition of Bellamy’s and Lion Dairy by Chinese giant China Mengniu and asks whether criticism of those deals on foreign ownership grounds is justified?

A2 Milk envisages strong growth in the year ahead despite the challenges in the Chinese infant formula market. The main issue for brokers is whether the necessary investment will deliver the expected returns.

Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund is dealing with a raft of problems and brokers take a cautious stance until there is evidence of traction in the proposed solutions.

Common themes exist for a2 Milk, Bubs Australia and Blackmores in their exposure to Chinese demand, and Wilsons sounds out the market while initiating coverage of the three.

Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities believes Bega Cheese may be in the early stages of a share price recovery.

Investors remain cautious about Synlait Milk, which has many irons in the fire as it works on diversifying its food service strategy. Major customer a2 Milk is also critical to the outlook.

FNArena’s Treasure Chest reports on money making ideas from stockbrokers and other experts. Changes to China’s e-commerce laws have meant A2 Milk has revamped its strategy and margins are likely to suffer as a result.

After an underwhelming twelve months brokers believe Bellamy’s Australia still has large challenges to overcome for its infant milk formula expansion in China.