- Organic growth of 2.8%, with 2.3% real internal growth (RIG) and pricing of 0.5%, in line with our expectations.
- Total reported sales increased by 2.0% to CHF 66.4 billion (9M-2017: CHF 65.1 billion). Net acquisitions had a positive impact of 0.1% and foreign exchange reduced sales by 0.9%.
- Further progress was made in positioning the portfolio towards attractive high-growth categories. Nestlé acquired the global perpetual license of Starbucks consumer packaged goods and foodservice products. The company also reached an agreement for the sale of Gerber Life Insurance Co. and has started to explore strategic options for Nestlé Skin Health.
- Full-year guidance for 2018 confirmed, with organic sales growth expected to be around 3%; underlying trading operating profit margin improvement in line with our 2020 target. Restructuring costs 1 are expected to be around CHF 700 million. Underlying earnings per share in constant currency and capital efficiency are expected to increase.
Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO: "We are encouraged by the progress on our path of accelerated value creation. The nine-month sales show solid growth across most geographies and product categories. We are starting to see improved momentum in North America and in our infant nutrition category globally. Our business in China continued to grow at a mid single-digit pace. Our growth was supported by disciplined execution and faster innovation. We have reached significant milestones in portfolio management and are particularly pleased with the early closing of the Starbucks transaction. We have also made good progress on our various cost reduction programs. Our growth and efficiency initiatives put us on track to meet our full-year 2018 guidance and 2020 targets."
