Shares in Swiss consumer goods company Nestle posted further gains on Friday morning after a rally a day earlier sparked by upbeat comments from CEO Mark Schneider. Shares in Nestle rose by as much as 2.1% after jumping by more than 3% on Thursday, when Schneider said during a fireside chat with JPMorgan that business was "noticeably picking up pace" after a slow start to the year. Schneider, who said the firm was sticking to its target of around 4% organic sales growth this year, noted that brand support and "significant innovation hitting the shelves" would help underpin strong real internal growth this quarter.
KRYAY vs. NSRGY: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
JPMorgan has turned positive on Unilever (LON:ULVR), after several years of caution, but has taken a more cautious view on Nestle (SIX:NESN) as its earnings growth moderates. Unilever has instituted several changes over the past 12 months, analysts at JPMorgan said in a note dated May 23, which have soothed the bank’s concerns, including cultural change and corporate governance; market share underperformance through increased investments and execution focus; and portfolio transformation with disposals. This feeds a stronger FY24, and should give credence to Unilever is on the path to turnaround and contribute to the stock re-rating along with positive earnings revision.