Nestlé SA: A stock to keep forever
Company Overview
Nestlé S.A., established in 1866 and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, is the world’s largest food and beverage conglomerate. Known for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands like Nescafé, KitKat, Maggi, and Perrier, Nestlé has maintained a strong presence in North America and Europe, which together account for 59% of its revenue. In addition, it is a global leader in pet food products through brands like Purina, a sector which has shown resilience and growth. While Nestlé’s stock has faced challenges recently, it continues to be a staple in long-term portfolios.
Recent Stock Performance
Nestlé's share price has declined by over 35% since its peak in 2021-2022. This underperformance relative to the market has presented a potential entry point for long-term investors. This decline in share price is attributed to external factors such as increased competition from new weight-loss products, currency exchange fluctuations, and rising global interest rates. Despite these challenges, the company’s enduring market position, particularly in emerging markets, underscores its resilience and potential for long-term growth.
Business Segments and Revenue Breakdown
1. Beverages: Revenue of $25 billion, featuring globally recognized brands like Nescafé and Nespresso.
2. Pet Care: Nestlé leads the pet food industry with brands like Purina, generating approximately $17 billion annually. The pet sector is growing as consumers increasingly seek premium products.
3. Nutrition and Health: Generating $15.3 billion, this segment includes specialized nutrition products for infants and adults.
4. Prepared Meals and Cooking Aids: With approximately $12 billion in revenue, this segment includes Maggi and other ready-to-eat meal products.
5. Dairy Products and Ice Cream: A significant segment with $11 billion in revenue, including well-known dairy brands.
6. Confectionery: With brands like KitKat, this segment contributes over $9 billion.
Investment Thesis
Nestlé stands out as a “forever stock” for several reasons:
1. Dividend Aristocrat: Nestlé has increased its dividend for 29 consecutive years, offering a current yield of approximately 3.8%. Since 2009, the company has returned CHF 181 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, a healthy mix that demonstrates Nestlé’s commitment to rewarding shareholders.
2. Global Presence and Market Share: Approximately 41% of Nestlé's revenue originates from emerging markets (Asia, Africa, South America), where there is strong demand for premium products, a growing middle class, and solid organic growth. In these regions, Nestlé continues to gain market share and expand its brand presence.
3. Pet Sector Growth: Premiumization in the pet care market offers a robust growth driver, particularly as pet owners show a high willingness to spend on quality food. This sector remains resilient, with consumers even prioritizing their pets’ needs over their own during economic downturns.
4. Currency Challenges and Inflation Resistance: Nestlé reports in Swiss Francs, making it susceptible to currency fluctuations. In 2023, for instance, North American revenue grew by 5.3% in local currencies but showed a slight decline when converted to Swiss Francs. This effect, while impacting short-term results, does not detract from the company’s overall growth potential. Nestlé’s long-standing pricing power and ability to adjust prices to maintain margins further solidify its resilience against inflation and currency volatility.
5. Resilient Business Model: Nestlé’s predictable cash flows and low-risk business model make it an attractive investment, particularly as interest rates rise. While the recent preference for high-growth tech stocks has contributed to Nestlé's undervaluation, the company’s defensive nature remains appealing in a volatile market.
Valuation and Pricing
Nestlé currently trades at a P/E ratio of approximately 18-19, reflecting its steady but unspectacular growth profile. This valuation, while fair, does not fully capture Nestlé’s strong brand portfolio, market position, or growth potential in emerging markets. The company’s ROIC has been trending upward, indicating that management is effectively deploying capital to generate returns above the cost of capital.
Nestlé’s organic growth is targeted at 4% for 2024, with EPS growth projected at 6-10% in the medium term. Should the stock price fall to a P/E ratio of 15, it could present a compelling buying opportunity for building a substantial position.
Risks and Considerations
1. Competition from Weight-Loss Drugs: Nestlé’s food business faces an emerging threat from weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, which could reduce demand for certain products. In response, the company is developing new health products to mitigate muscle loss, which may offer a future growth opportunity.
2. Currency Exchange Effects: The appreciation of the Swiss Franc against other major currencies negatively impacts reported revenue and earnings. While a short-term challenge, this effect does not impact the company’s fundamental business model.
3. Rising Interest Rates: Defensive stocks like Nestlé become relatively less attractive as interest rates rise. However, given the company’s stable cash flows and dividends, Nestlé remains a reliable choice for income-focused investors. Additionaly interest rates have been going down over the past months, so that is good.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Nestlé is a high-quality, defensive stock with a stable growth outlook and an attractive dividend profile. Its diversified product line, strong presence in emerging markets, and growth in the pet food sector make it a reliable, long-term investment option. For investors seeking stable returns and consistent dividends, Nestlé remains a strong addition to any portfolio, particularly as a counterbalance to higher-risk, growth-oriented stocks.
In conclusion, Nestlé I think is fairly valued at its current P/E ratio. Long-term investors can consider building a position gradually, potentially increasing their stake if the P/E ratio declines. While competitors like Coca-Cola and Unilever also offer stable income, Nestlé’s broader global reach, particularly in emerging markets, provides a competitive edge that may lead to superior returns over the next decade.
This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research or consult a financial professional before making investment decisions.
Nestlé S.A., established in 1866 and headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland, is the world’s largest food and beverage conglomerate. Known for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands like Nescafé, KitKat, Maggi, and Perrier, Nestlé has maintained a strong presence in North America and Europe, which together account for 59% of its revenue. In addition, it is a global leader in pet food products through brands like Purina, a sector which has shown resilience and growth. While Nestlé’s stock has faced challenges recently, it continues to be a staple in long-term portfolios.
Recent Stock Performance
Nestlé's share price has declined by over 35% since its peak in 2021-2022. This underperformance relative to the market has presented a potential entry point for long-term investors. This decline in share price is attributed to external factors such as increased competition from new weight-loss products, currency exchange fluctuations, and rising global interest rates. Despite these challenges, the company’s enduring market position, particularly in emerging markets, underscores its resilience and potential for long-term growth.
Business Segments and Revenue Breakdown
1. Beverages: Revenue of $25 billion, featuring globally recognized brands like Nescafé and Nespresso.
2. Pet Care: Nestlé leads the pet food industry with brands like Purina, generating approximately $17 billion annually. The pet sector is growing as consumers increasingly seek premium products.
3. Nutrition and Health: Generating $15.3 billion, this segment includes specialized nutrition products for infants and adults.
4. Prepared Meals and Cooking Aids: With approximately $12 billion in revenue, this segment includes Maggi and other ready-to-eat meal products.
5. Dairy Products and Ice Cream: A significant segment with $11 billion in revenue, including well-known dairy brands.
6. Confectionery: With brands like KitKat, this segment contributes over $9 billion.
Investment Thesis
Nestlé stands out as a “forever stock” for several reasons:
1. Dividend Aristocrat: Nestlé has increased its dividend for 29 consecutive years, offering a current yield of approximately 3.8%. Since 2009, the company has returned CHF 181 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, a healthy mix that demonstrates Nestlé’s commitment to rewarding shareholders.
2. Global Presence and Market Share: Approximately 41% of Nestlé's revenue originates from emerging markets (Asia, Africa, South America), where there is strong demand for premium products, a growing middle class, and solid organic growth. In these regions, Nestlé continues to gain market share and expand its brand presence.
3. Pet Sector Growth: Premiumization in the pet care market offers a robust growth driver, particularly as pet owners show a high willingness to spend on quality food. This sector remains resilient, with consumers even prioritizing their pets’ needs over their own during economic downturns.
4. Currency Challenges and Inflation Resistance: Nestlé reports in Swiss Francs, making it susceptible to currency fluctuations. In 2023, for instance, North American revenue grew by 5.3% in local currencies but showed a slight decline when converted to Swiss Francs. This effect, while impacting short-term results, does not detract from the company’s overall growth potential. Nestlé’s long-standing pricing power and ability to adjust prices to maintain margins further solidify its resilience against inflation and currency volatility.
5. Resilient Business Model: Nestlé’s predictable cash flows and low-risk business model make it an attractive investment, particularly as interest rates rise. While the recent preference for high-growth tech stocks has contributed to Nestlé's undervaluation, the company’s defensive nature remains appealing in a volatile market.
Valuation and Pricing
Nestlé currently trades at a P/E ratio of approximately 18-19, reflecting its steady but unspectacular growth profile. This valuation, while fair, does not fully capture Nestlé’s strong brand portfolio, market position, or growth potential in emerging markets. The company’s ROIC has been trending upward, indicating that management is effectively deploying capital to generate returns above the cost of capital.
Nestlé’s organic growth is targeted at 4% for 2024, with EPS growth projected at 6-10% in the medium term. Should the stock price fall to a P/E ratio of 15, it could present a compelling buying opportunity for building a substantial position.
Risks and Considerations
1. Competition from Weight-Loss Drugs: Nestlé’s food business faces an emerging threat from weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, which could reduce demand for certain products. In response, the company is developing new health products to mitigate muscle loss, which may offer a future growth opportunity.
2. Currency Exchange Effects: The appreciation of the Swiss Franc against other major currencies negatively impacts reported revenue and earnings. While a short-term challenge, this effect does not impact the company’s fundamental business model.
3. Rising Interest Rates: Defensive stocks like Nestlé become relatively less attractive as interest rates rise. However, given the company’s stable cash flows and dividends, Nestlé remains a reliable choice for income-focused investors. Additionaly interest rates have been going down over the past months, so that is good.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Nestlé is a high-quality, defensive stock with a stable growth outlook and an attractive dividend profile. Its diversified product line, strong presence in emerging markets, and growth in the pet food sector make it a reliable, long-term investment option. For investors seeking stable returns and consistent dividends, Nestlé remains a strong addition to any portfolio, particularly as a counterbalance to higher-risk, growth-oriented stocks.
In conclusion, Nestlé I think is fairly valued at its current P/E ratio. Long-term investors can consider building a position gradually, potentially increasing their stake if the P/E ratio declines. While competitors like Coca-Cola and Unilever also offer stable income, Nestlé’s broader global reach, particularly in emerging markets, provides a competitive edge that may lead to superior returns over the next decade.
This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always do your own research or consult a financial professional before making investment decisions.
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