Question

3. Why do you think sales decreased from 2013 to 2014 and yet net profit increased?

Your answer should include these main points:

analyze your current system using the three dimensions of convenience, correctness, and costs of implementation; correlate your current company’s product cost design abilities by answering the four key product design questions; and employ strategies for how businesses can better present financial statements for other businesses or financial institutions.

Nestle SA
In millions
(except for data per share and employees)
2013 and 2014
	2013	2014
Results
Sales 92 158 91 612	CHF   92,158	CHF   91,612
Trading operating profit	14,047	14,019
as % of sales	15.24%	15.30%
Profit for the period attributable to shareholders of the parent (Net profit)	10015	14456
as % of sales	10.87%	15.78%
Balance sheet and Cash flow statement
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent	62,575	70,130
Net financial debt	14,690	12,325
Ratio of net financial debt to equity (gearing)	23.48%	17.57%
Operating cash flow	14,992	14,700
as % of net financial debt	102.06%	119.27%
Free cash flow	10,486	14,137
Capital expenditure	4,928	3,914
as % of sales	5.35%	4.27%
Data per share
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions of units)	3,191	3,188
Basic earnings per share	3.14	4.54
Dividend as proposed by the Board of Directors of Nestlé S.A.	2.15	2.20
Market capitalisation, end December 31st	208,279	231,136
Number of employees (in thousands)	333	339

Answer 1

Reason for increase in net profit in contrast to decrease in sales

Decrease in sale may be due to

1. Reduction in either quantity sold or reduction of sale price

2. Inventory at the end of the period might have increased with comparison to inventory at the beginning of the period

In other words, Purchases towards the end of the period are higher

Now, due to any or some of the above, Trading Operating Profit has also reduced in terms of figure and in terms of % also.

Next comes administrative, marketing, etc cost and then Net Profit is arrived at.

Increase in Net Profit can be attributed to following factors

1. Overall reduction in administrative expenses

2. Short provision of depreciation and or expenses

3. Increase in other income

Thus, it is possible due to all or any or some of the above reasons, sales of Nestle SA have decreased in 2014 whereas net profit has increased..