Topic: How To Invest

Hi, Pat: What is your opinion of Nestlé? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Nestlé (ADR), $78.07, symbol NSRGY on the U.S. over-the-counter market (ADRs outstanding: 3.2 billion; Market cap: $249.8 billion; www.nestle.com), is one of the world’s largest nutrition, health and wellness companies. It was founded by Henri Nestlé, a pharmacist who developed infant-nutrition products, in 1866. Nestlé has over 2,000 global and local brands, including Gerber (baby food), Poland Spring (bottled water), Nescafé (coffee), Purina (pet food), Dreyer’s (ice cream) and Stouffer’s (frozen prepared meals). It employs about 333,000 workers at 447 factories in 86 countries. The company’s main listing is on the SIX Swiss Exchange. Nestlé expects its sales to rise 5% this year, despite deflation in Europe and a slowdown in China. It also needs to turn around its struggling North American frozen food business and its food operations in China. The company operates in very competitive markets, but its huge size gives it a distinct advantage over its rivals. It’s also performing well in growing businesses, like pet care and child and infant…