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Key Figures

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2008 consolidated
In millions of CHF  
Sales 109 908
EBIT Group (a) 15 676
as % of sales 14.3%
EBIT (Food and Beverages) (a) 13 103
as % of sales 12.8%
Net profit (b) 18 039
as % of sales 16.4%
as % of average equity attributable to shareholders of the parent 34.9%
Capital expenditure 4 869
as % of sales 4.4%
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent 50 774
Market capitalisation, end December 150 409
Operating cash flow 10 763
Free cash flow (c) 5 033
Net debt 14 596
Ratio of the debt to equity (gearing) 28.7%

(a) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Restructuring and Impairments
(b) Profit for the period attributable to shareholders of the parent
(c) Operating cash flow less capital expenditure, disposal of tangible assets, purchase and disposal of intangible assets, movement with associates as well as minority interests

Per share data (CHF)
Total earning per share 4.87
Underlying (a) 2.82
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent 13.71
Dividend as proposed by the Board of Directors of Nestlé 1.40
Stock exchange prices (high/low) 52.95 / 38.02

(a) Profit for the period attributable to shareholders of the parent from continuing operations before impairments, restructuring costs, results on disposals and significant one-off itmes. The tax impact from the adjusted items is also adjusted for.

Analysis of sales and EBIT by management responsibility and geographic area
In millions of CHF Sales EBIT
Zone Europe 28 153 3 446
Zone Americas 33 134 5 469
Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa 17 130 2 826
Nestlé Waters 9 589 573
Nestlé Nutrition 10 375 1 797
Other Food & Beverages (a) 3 983 696
Unallocated items (b)   (1 704)
Total Food and Beverages 102 364 13 103
Pharma 7 544 2 573
Total Group 109 908 15 676

(a) Mainly Nespresso and Food and Beverages Joint Ventures managed on a worldwide basis.
(b) Mainly corporate expenses as well as research and development costs

Analysis of sales and EBIT by product group
In millions of CHF Sales EBIT
Beverages 28 474 4 756
Milk products, Nutrition and Ice cream 30 936 4 158
Prepared dishes and cooking aids 18 117 2 311
Chocolate, confectionery and biscuits 12 370 1 620
PetCare 12 467 1 962
Pharmaceutical products 7 544 2 573
Total segment 109 908 17 380
Unallocated items (a)   (1 704)
Total   15 676

(a) Mainly corporate expenses as well as research and development costs