Nestle Posts Upbeat 2011 Net Profit

Nestle SA

posted a decline in its net earnings. Nestle's net profit dropped to 9.49 billion Swiss francs ($10.25 billion), from CHF34.23 billion in 2010, versus analysts' estimates of CHF9.35 billion. Nestle's sales declined to CHF83.64 billion from CHF93.02 billion. It proposed a dividend of CHF1.95 per share, versus CHF1.85 per share for 2010. Nestle shares closed at $59.26 yesterday.