Nestlé reported better-than-expected organic sales growth for the third quarter on Thursday despite a rocky North American market.
Nestlé’s Financial highlights:
9M-26 organic growth (OG) of 3.7%, with real internal growth (RIG) of 1.9% and pricing of 1.8%.
Q3-26 OG of 4.0%, with RIG improving to 2.8% and pricing of 1.1%, moderating as expected.
Q3-26 RIG positive across all zones and globally managed businesses.
OG rebounded in North America, as Petcare sell-in matched strong sell-out and Coffee RIG.
Nescafe coffee maintained its full-year 2026 organic sales outlook for 3-4% growth and recorded a 4% uptick in quarterly organic sales, above analyst expectations for a 3.4% rise.
Philipp Navratil, Nestlé CEO, told investors: “Our execution is driving stronger growth. RIG was positive across all zones and globally managed businesses and reached 2.8% in the third quarter, continuing the performance improvement of recent quarters. The agreement to divest our mainstream vitamins, minerals and supplements business marks another important step in focusing our portfolio where we have the strongest competitive advantage. Against a challenging external backdrop, our focus remains on delivering value, consistently executing with discipline and driving sustainable RIG-led growth across the business.”
The company also said it had removed its Russian unit from consolidated financial accounts after Moscow seized the business.
Nestlé CFO Anna Manz said the Russian business, which accounted for around 2% of group sales, has not been included in financial results since the end of September. However, Manz said the move would affect reported sales, underlying trading operating profit, and free cash flow from the fourth quarter onward.
Nestle’s shares jumped 1.3% in pre-market trading following the announcement.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
