Nestlé 2004 Results: Organic Growth and Net Profit Up

On consolidated sales of CHF 86769 million, the Nestlé Group, Vevey, achieved an EBITA of CHF 10 970 million, resulting in all-time high margin of 12.6 percent of sales. Net profit amounted to CHF 6 717 million, a margin of 7.7 percent up from 7.1 percent in 2003.
Chocolate, confectionery and biscuits had an organic growth rate of 3.2 percent. Chocolate, with organic growth of 3.4 percent, had a better year in 2004. The UK market was turned around acquiring an increased market share and showing an improving real internal growth trend throughout the year. Russia was weaker due to the reorganization of the Company’s local distribution network, while Brazil, Japan and mexico had particularly good chocolate sales.