The Covid-19 crisis is having an extraordinary and far-reaching impact on all our lives, the Nestle company has said in a recently-released press note. It has decided to maintain its original full-year 2020 guidance for the time being:
Since the earliest stages of the pandemic, we have been working closely with local authorities and business partners to respond to the challenge.
We have three key priorities: safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our people, ensuring business continuity to meet consumer needs and supporting communities all over the world with local relief efforts.
In these difficult times, many of our business partners are facing serious challenges, which create enormous uncertainty for their employees and families.
We will continue to be a dependable business partner and make every possible effort to adapt to the evolving situation.
For our out-of-home and food service customers, who have been severely affected, we are offering prompt and pragmatic assistance to weather the crisis and help them restart their businesses.
For example, under our ‘always open for you' initiative, we are extending payment terms, suspending rental fees for coffee machines and offering free products.
The total value of this initiative is expected to be around CHF 500 million.
Another example is our dairy supply chain. We are directly working with more than 200 000 dairy farmers globally.
Dairy is highly perishable, and many farmers are now facing significant demand disruptions. We are fully meeting our commitments to buy agreed volumes in order to help sustain their livelihoods.
Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have engaged in numerous projects around the world as a reliable employer and business partner as well as a trusted neighbour and citizen in the 187 countries where we operate.
Our commitment is certain and unwavering.
During the first quarter, our company remained resilient:
Organic growth reached 4.3 per cent, with real internal growth (RIG) of 4.7 per cent and pricing of -0.4 per cent.
Growth was supported by strong momentum in the Americas and Zone EMENA. Zone AOA saw a sharp sales decline.
Total reported sales decreased by 6.2 per cent to CHF20.8 billion (3M-2019: CHF22.2 billion). Acquisitions net of divestitures reduced sales by 4.7 per cent, foreign exchange reduced sales by 5.8 per cent.
Portfolio management is on track. The divestment of the US ice cream business for US$ 4 billion to Froneri was completed on January 31, 2020. The sale of a 60 per cent stake in the Herta charcuterie (cold cuts and meat-based products) business to Casa Tarradellas is expected to close in the first half of 2020.
The company has decided to explore strategic options, including a potential sale, for its Yinlu peanut milk and canned rice porridge businesses in China. It will retain and develop its existing Nescafé ready-to-drink coffee business.
As it is still too early to assess the full impact of Covid-19, we maintain our original full-year 2020 guidance for the time being. We expect continued improvement in organic sales growth and underlying trading operating profit margin.
Underlying earnings per share in constant currency and capital efficiency are expected to increase.
Mark Schneider, Nestlé, CEO, said, “The Covid-19 crisis continues to impact all our lives in powerful and sometimes tragic ways. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected and we extend our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones.
Nestlé has a special responsibility at this time. Our food and beverage products help keep people healthy, provide comfort and support recovery.”
“Our people, in particular our frontline workers, have shown extraordinary commitment in keeping our business running and meeting consumer needs. We will continue to work hard to provide food and beverages to people across the world, every day,” he added.
“Our company remained resilient in the first quarter, reflecting our diversified product portfolio and our strong local presence in 187 countries. However, this crisis is far from over and we will face many uncertainties in the coming quarters. We will continue to adapt quickly to changing consumer needs and to challenges in our global supply chains. As a reliable employer and business partner we are meeting our commitments. As a good citizen and trusted neighbour, we continue to offer our help, in particular to the most vulnerable in society. Over the last 154 years, the company has successfully overcome many challenges. We are confident that together with all those who are fighting against the pandemic and its consequences we will also overcome this one,” Schneider said.