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Swiss food giant Nestle SA (NESN.VX) said Thursday it had '08 net profit of CHF18 billion, up 69%, citing strong organic growth and the windfall of the Alcon Inc (ACL) divestment to Novartis AG (NVS), but said growth would likely decelerate in '09.

Nestle Group: above target 8.3% organic growth, 2.8% real internal growth EBIT of CHF15.7 billion, EBIT margin 14.3%, up 30 bps, up 50 bps in constant currencies

Food and Beverages: 8.2% organic growth, 2.3% real internal growth Resilient performance creates momentum for 2009

Net profit: CHF18.0 billion (+69.4%), margin +650 bps to 16.4% Includes profit on disposal of 24.8% of Alcon to Novartis

Proposed dividend increase of 14.8% to CHF1.40 per share Reflects strong performance in 2008 and confidence for 2009

CHF25 billion share buyback programme on track: CHF8.7 billion repurchased in 2008

Paul Bulcke, CEO of Nestle: "Nestle's 2008 performance reflects its ability to achieve a high level of organic growth together with an improvement in the EBIT margin, even in difficult times. The Group's results in 2008 are broad-based, demonstrate its intrinsic strength and provide momentum into 2009. Nestle's ability to capitalize on a wide variety of market conditions across the world remains one of its decisive competitive advantages. This will enable the Group to seize growth opportunities worldwide in 2009 by leveraging the company's growth platforms, particularly nutrition, health and wellness and popularly positioned products, whilst also accelerating its cost efficiency initiatives. We believe that the Group will once again be one of the industry's fastest growing companies in 2009, in line with the long-standing Nestle model, and we are committed to achieving organic growth at least approaching 5%, as well as a further improvement of the EBIT margin in constant currencies."

Group sales, profitability and financial positionVevey, 19 February 2009 - In 2008 Nestle demonstrated its ability to deliver a solid operating performance in a tough environment, with above-target organic growth and a 50 basis points EBIT margin improvement in constant currencies. 2008 was also a year in which the value of Nestle's strong balance sheet was proven, enabling the Group to continue to access the debt markets at advantaged rates whilst also pursuing its three-year CHF25 billion share buyback programme.

In 2008, consolidated sales of the Nestle Group amounted to CHF109.9 billion, an increase of 2.2% compared to the prior year, driven by organic growth of 8.3%, including real internal growth of 2.8%. Acquisitions, net of divestitures, added 1.7% to Group sales. The currency effect reduced Group sales by 7.8% due to the strength of the Swiss franc compared to most other currencies. The Group's Food and Beverages business, with sales of CHF102.4 billion, was the main contributor to growth, achieving organic growth of 8.2%, including real internal growth of 2.3%.

The Group's EBIT grew to CHF15.7 billion, resulting in an EBIT margin of 14.3%, up 30 basis points reported, and up 50 basis points in constant currencies. The EBIT margin for Food and Beverages was up 20 basis points reported, and up 40 basis points in constant currencies.

Net profit increased by 69.4% to CHF18.0 billion, resulting in a net profit margin of 16.4%, up 650 basis points. This includes the CHF9.2 billion profit on disposal from the sale of 24.8% of Alcon to Novartis. Total Earnings Per Share grew by 75.2% to CHF4.87. The underlying earnings per share increased by 0.7% reported, and by 10.9% in constant currencies.

The Group's cost of goods sold increased by 120 basis points to 43.1% of sales. This reflects the impact of higher packaging and raw material costs, partially compensated by operational efficiencies which contributed over CHF1 billion of savings. Operational efficiencies, enabled by GLOBE, incorporate areas such as supply chain, factories, administrative costs, product line rationalisation and improved returns on marketing and trade spends.

The main engine of Nestle's growth is the continuous innovation and renovation of its products and brands. In 2008, an additional 15% of Nestle products were successfully tested for superior nutritional benefits and taste characteristics over competitors' products. Innovation was driven by a 15% increase of Nestle's Research and Development investment in Food and Beverages. Furthermore, the Company's commitment to growing its brands is demonstrated by a 7.5% increase in consumer-facing marketing expenses in constant currencies. Nestle brands with annual sales of more than CHF1 billion ("billionaire brands") accounted for over 70% of Nestle's Food and Beverages sales in 2008 and were the main drivers of organic growth.

The Group's operating cash flow was CHF10.8 billion, while free cash flow was CHF5.0 billion. Cash flow was impacted by the decline in value of most currencies relative to the Swiss franc, and also a higher level of inventories as a hedge against the higher cost of certain raw materials. The Group's net debt decreased to CHF14.6 billion thanks also to the proceeds from the sale of 24.8% of Alcon, as well as from cash flow generation. The return on invested capital (ROIC), including goodwill, was 12.3%; excluding goodwill, it was 22.2%.

Share buyback programme and proposed dividend

The share buyback programme launched in September 2007 is on track and will be completed, subject to market conditions and strategic opportunities, within the 36-month period originally planned. In 2008, the Group spent CHF8.7 billion on buying back its own shares which brings the total amount spent on repurchased shares to CHF13.1 billion. In 2009, the Group is giving preference to a dividend increase, as evidenced by a 14.8% rise in the proposed dividend to CHF1.40, and intends to invest around CHF4 billion in repurchasing its own shares.

Sales and EBIT margins by management responsibility and geographic areasIn 2008, the organic growth of Nestle's total Food and Beverages business, including globally-managed businesses such as Nestle Waters, Nestle Nutrition, Nespresso, the Food and Beverages joint ventures, as well as the Zones, amounted to 5.3% in Europe, 8.8% in the Americas and 13.1% in Asia, Oceania and Africa.

In all three Zones, EBIT margin improvements were achieved despite significant packaging and raw material cost pressures in many categories and despite the strength of the Swiss franc. The key drivers of this improved performance were faster growth of more profitable categories and markets in line with Nestle's nutrition, health and wellness strategy, operational efficiencies and the benefits of rationalising underperforming product lines.

Zone Europe: sales of CHF28.2 billion, 5.6% organic growth and 1.4% real internal growth. The Zone's EBIT margin increased by 20 basis points. The Zone experienced double-digit organic growth in Eastern Europe, and positive organic growth in key Western European markets, such as France and Great Britain, as well as in the pan-European PetCare business.

Zone Americas: sales of CHF33.1 billion, 10.3% organic growth and 2.7% real internal growth. The Zone's EBIT margin increased by 20 basis points. There was high single-digit organic growth in North America and double-digit growth in Latin America.

Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa: sales of CHF17.1 billion, 12.2% organic growth and 3.7% real internal growth. The Zone's EBIT margin improved by 20 basis points. All the Zone's major emerging markets continued to achieve double-digit organic growth, with South Asia doing particularly well. Popularly Positioned Products continued to achieve an outstanding performance in the Zone with 27.4% organic growth.

Nestle Waters: sales of CHF9.6 billion, -1.6% organic growth and -3.9% real internal growth. The decline in sales reflects the continued slowdown of the bottled water category, particularly in Western Europe and North America. The emerging market businesses achieved organic growth close to 20%. Despite significant cost savings, the EBIT margin fell by 220 basis points as the impact of lower sales was compounded by a significant increase in the business' two main cost drivers, PET and distribution.

Nestle Nutrition: sales of CHF10.4 billion, 7.7% organic growth and 1.8% real internal growth. The EBIT margin improved by 10 basis points to 17.3%. The successful integration of Gerber and Novartis Medical Nutrition reinforced Nestle Nutrition's position as the global leader in nutrition. Infant Nutrition performed well, supported by a highly productive innovation and renovation pipeline. Jenny Craig achieved double-digit organic growth.

Other Food and Beverages: sales of CHF4.0 billion, 23.5% organic growth and 20.1% real internal growth. The EBIT margin was up 170 basis points to 17.5%. The three constituents, Nespresso, Cereal Partners Worldwide and Beverage Partners Worldwide, all performed well. Nespresso's annual sales exceeded CHF2 billion for the first time.

Sales and EBIT margins by product group 2008 Sales in CHFmillions 2008 Organic Growth (%) EBIT Margins 2008 Change vs.

Powdered and liquid beverages: sales of CHF18.9 billion, 12.8% organic growth and 7.4% real internal growth. The EBIT margin declined by 30 basis points. This excellent sales performance confirmed the dynamism of Nestle's billionaire brands Nescafé, Milo, Nespresso, Nesquik and Nestea. These brands benefited from a strong pipeline of nutritionally enhanced products, including new PPP offerings for lower-income consumers. In Asia and Australia, soluble coffee benefited from its continuous focus on products with improved nutritional profiles such as Nescafé Body Partner, Nescafé Protect and Nescafé Greenblend. The successful roll-out of Nescafé Dolce Gusto continued and allowed Nestle to increase its market share in Europe in the fast-growing portioned coffee segment. Following a successful launch in Mexico, Nescafé Dolce Gusto was extended to Japan and the US. Nespresso continued to achieve an outstanding performance with more than 30% organic growth. The decline in the product group's EBIT margin reflected increased support for the accelerating Nescafé Dolce Gusto launch and raw material cost pressures.

Milk products and Ice cream: sales of CHF20.6 billion, 9.2% organic growth and 1.2% real internal growth. The EBIT margin increased by 40 basis points with both milk products and ice cream contributing. The dairy category benefited from a multi-tier strategy with products adapted to different affordability levels and nutritional needs, reflected in the Nestle Nido Nutrition System. Ice Cream's organic growth was impacted by the decision to discontinue less profitable products and distribution routes. The super-premium portfolio with brands such as Moevenpick of Switzerland and Haagen Dazs performed well, as did health-focused offerings such as Skinny Cow in the US.

Prepared dishes and cooking aids: sales of CHF18.1 billion, 6.1% organic growth and 1.1% real internal growth. The EBIT margin declined only slightly, by 20 basis points, due to a strong recovery of the category over the second half of the year, particularly in frozen food, in spite of cost pressures. Culinary products in Asia and Eastern Europe achieved double digit organic growth, especially the Maggi brand. In the US, the three billionaire brands Hot Pockets, Stouffer's and Lean Cuisine accelerated during the course of the year. In Europe, the Wagner and Buitoni pizza business continued to perform well, as did Herta in France due to launches of products with nutritional advantages.

Confectionery: sales of CHF12.4 billion, 8.0% organic growth and 1.4% real internal growth. The EBIT margin improved by 150 basis points reflecting in part the successful reorientation of the European business. The relaunch of the "Best Ever" KitKat and the launch of KitKat Senses continued successfully in Western Europe. These initiatives, as well as a continued strong performance in emerging markets, resulted in this product category's strong performance. The category continued to focus on both the lower income and the premium and super-premium segments. The upmarket move resulted in the roll out of dark chocolate products and a new range of chocolates designed by Pierre Marcolini sold exclusively in Nespresso boutiques in Switzerland and France.

PetCare: sales of CHF12.5 billion, 12.1% organic growth and 5.2% real internal growth. The EBIT margin increased by 20 basis points with a strong second half performance. Strong organic growth was driven by resilient demand for key premium and super-premium brands across all Zones which benefited from new product launches such as Fancy Feast Elegant Medley's, Cat Chow Healthful Life and ONE Natural Balance.

Pharmaceutical products: sales of CHF7.5 billion, 8.8% organic growth and 8.4% real internal growth. This was the result of high single-digit growth by Alcon and double-digit growth by Galderma and Laboratoires innéov. The EBIT margin increased by 80 basis points to 34.1%.

Popularly Positioned ProductsNestle's Popularly Positioned Product (PPP) strategy, one of Nestle's four growth platforms and a specific business model which focuses on lower income consumers by offering them relevant and high-quality nutritious products at daily-affordable prices, is proving particularly beneficial in these turbulent economic times. Nestle's Food and Beverages business in emerging markets achieved organic growth of 15% on sales of CHF35 billion. With an increasing number of consumers trading down in the current economic environment, PPPs and other initiatives providing lower-priced products are proving particularly popular, also in developed countries. PPPs achieved organic growth of 27% overall, with hundreds of separate initiatives worldwide.

Nestle Professional

Nestle Professional, the company's division dedicated to the out-of-home food and beverage market, was organised as a globally managed business unit in 2008 with full profit and loss responsibility as of 1 January 2009. In 2008, Nestle Professional achieved organic growth of 6.1% with sales of CHF6.2 billion.

Outlook

The global business environment in 2008 was affected by a number of unforeseen events, especially in the latter part of the year. Economies around the world have significantly weakened over the last few months and it is likely that developments could further impact consumer demand. However, Nestle believes that it will once again be one of the industry's fastest growing companies of this year, in line with the long-standing Nestle model. For 2009, Nestle is committed to achieving organic growth at least approaching 5%, as well as a further improvement of the EBIT margin in constant currencies.

L'Oréal

The conditions of Nestle's agreement with L'Oréal are public. The main point of the agreement states that the Bettencourt family and Nestle will keep all of their L'Oréal shares until at least 29 April 2009 and not increase their respective stakes in L'Oréal during the lifetime of Mrs. Liliane Bettencourt and six months after that. This is a commitment which Nestle will honour whatever the circumstances. Consequently, Nestle does not need to take any action or decision regarding its stake in L'Oréal next April.

The future of Nestle's participation in L'Oréal is an important topic for the Group which the Nestle Board of Directors is addressing with great attention in the framework of the Group's global nutrition, health and wellness strategy. Nestle's participation in L'Oréal has been beneficial to both companies for many years and Nestle will continue to take a long-term strategic view in shareholders' best interest.

Appointment to the Executive BoardThe Nestle Board of Directors has appointed Petraea Heynike as Executive Vice President in charge of Strategic Business Units, Marketing and Sales, and Nespresso, effective on 1 March 2009. Mrs. Heynike, currently Head of the Chocolate, Confectionery and Biscuits Strategic Business Unit and a former Nestle Canada CEO, has more than 36 years of experience with Nestle in 6 countries and, over the past three years, was responsible for the successful reorientation of Nestle's confectionery business, giving the category new strategic direction and delivering strong business results. Her international experience combined with her deep product, market and communications expertise make her ideally suited to help define the strategic direction of Nestle's different product categories.

Board proposals to the Annual General MeetingThe strong performance in 2008 will enable the Board to propose to shareholders a dividend increase of 14.8% to CHF1.40 per share.

The mandate of Professor Guenter Blobel, who first joined the Board in 2005, expires in April 2009. The Board wishes to express its gratitude to Professor Blobel for his highly-appreciated services over the years. Finally, the Board will propose the individual re-elections of Ms. Carolina Mueller-Moehl as well as Messrs. Kaspar Villiger and Daniel Borel.

Company Web Site: http://www.nestle.com

-Zurich Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; +41 43 443 8040; zurichdjnews@dowjones.com