Nestlé: broad-based growth across categories and geographies

Acquisitions, net of divestitures, contributed 1% to sales. Net profit was CHF 4.5 bn and reported earnings per share were CHF 1.43. Underlying earnings per share rose 7.3% in constant currencies. The trading operating profit margin rose by 20 basis points in constant currencies. Trading operating profit was CHF 6.4 bn with a margin of 15.0%.

Growth was broad-based across categories and geographies. Organic growth in the developed markets accelerated to 2.2% while in the emerging markets the company achieved strong organic growth of 7.3%. Organic growth was 6.6% in the Americas (AMS), 3.4% in Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EMENA) and 2.2% in Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa (AOA). Real internal growth was 1.7% in AMS, 2.4% in EMENA and 0.6% in AOA. Sales in the product group confectionery were 3.9 bn (+ 8.5%). The trading operating margin was 11.1% (+ 50 basis points).