Highlights
- A2M share price gains over 35% in 2025
- WOW trades below its 52-week high
- Financial trends show contrasting growth and return profiles
As part of the ASX200 stocks, both The a2 Milk Company Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd have seen varied market movements in 2025, drawing attention for their contrasting fundamentals and sectoral strengths.
A2M (ASX:A2M): Riding the Dairy Demand Wave
The a2 Milk Company has seen its share price climb 35.2% since the beginning of 2025. A2M, known for its premium dairy products featuring only the A2 protein type, partners with over 25 certified dairy farms in Australia while its infant formula is produced by Synlait Milk in New Zealand.
This dairy innovator has built its brand around easier digestibility for consumers, positioning itself distinctively in the health-focused segment of the market. From a performance standpoint, the company reported consistent revenue and profit growth. Since FY21, A2M’s revenue has grown at an annualised rate of 11.6%, reaching $1.67 billion in FY24. During the same time, net profit more than doubled from $81 million to $168 million. The return on equity (ROE) for FY24 stood at 12.8%, signalling efficient utilisation of shareholder funds.
WOW (ASX:WOW): Strength in Consumer Staples, But Returns Lag
Woolworths Group, a stalwart in the ASX200, has not matched A2M's stock rally and currently trades 14.4% below its 52-week high. As Australia’s leading supermarket operator with a network of over 3,000 stores, Woolworths holds a commanding presence in groceries with over 35% market share.
Apart from its supermarket dominance, WOW operates Big W and B2B food distribution through PFD. The company’s earnings stream is considered defensive due to its stronghold in consumer staples—making it a potentially resilient player during economic downturns.
Financially, Woolworths has maintained an average dividend yield of 2.9% since 2020. However, its FY24 ROE was reported at just 1.9%, well below typical expectations for mature blue-chip companies. The company is also significantly leveraged, with a debt/equity ratio of 300.2%, indicating a higher exposure to borrowing-related risk.
While A2M reflects the characteristics of a growth-oriented consumer brand with rising profitability, WOW showcases stability in consumer demand but faces challenges in delivering higher returns on equity. For those tracking ASX200 stocks, both names offer unique narratives shaped by their operational models and market positioning.