In the second quarter of 2021, Nestlé’s organic growth reached 8.1 per cent, with real internal growth of 6.8 per cent and pricing of 1.3 per cent. This was supported by the upward momentum shown in retail sales.
Total reported sales increased by 1.5 per cent to US$46.1 billion (CHF 41.8 billion) while foreign exchange reduced sales by 3.5 per cent, linked to the appreciation of the Swiss Franc against most currencies. Net divestitures had a negative impact of 3.1 per cent.
The underlying trading operating profit margin was 17.4 per cent, unchanged since 2020. The trading operating profit margin decreased by 20 basis points to 16.7 per cent.
Underlying earnings per share increased by 10.5 per cent in constant currency and increased by 8.3 per cent on a reported basis to US$ 2.40 (CHF 2.17). Earnings per share increased by 3.2 per cent to US$ 2.34 (CHF 2.12) on a reported basis.
In April 2021, Nestlé entered into an agreement to acquire The Bountiful Company and it estimated to close in August 2021. On 26 July 2021, Nestlé also strengthened its collaboration with Starbucks, bringing a selection of RTD coffee beverages to markets across South-East Asia, Oceania and Latin America.
Free cash flow reached US$3.09 billion (CHF 2.8 billion).
“I would like to thank the Nestlé team for their continued commitment to meeting consumer needs and their relentless focus on execution,” says Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé.
“Organic growth was strong across most geographies and categories, with robust momentum in retail sales and a return to growth in out-of-home channels. Through fast-paced innovation, strong brand support, increased digitalization and stringent portfolio management we have built the foundation for delivering consistent mid single-digit organic growth for years to come.”
For full-year 2021 outlook, Nestlé expects a full-year of organic sales growth between five to six per cent.
“The underlying trading operating profit margin is now expected around 17.5 per cent, reflecting initial time delays between input cost inflation and pricing as well as the one-off integration costs related to the acquisition of The Bountiful Company’s core brands,” Nestlé says.
“Beyond 2021, our mid-term outlook for continued moderate margin improvement remains unchanged. Underlying earnings per share in constant currency and capital efficiency are expected to increase this year.”
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