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VEVEY, Switzerland (AP) - Nestle SA, the world's biggest food and drink company, reported at 14 percent increase in 2006 profit Thursday after it increased prices and restructured some parts of the business as it seeks to focus on health and nutrition.
Nestle, which reports earnings only for the full year and half year, said net profit rose to 9.2 billion Swiss francs ($7.4 billion) from 8.1 billion francs in 2005. Analysts had predicted net profit of about 9.1 billion francs ($7.36 billion).
The company, which owns brands such as Nescafe, Perrier and Dreyer's, also said it plans to increase its dividend to 10.4 francs a share ($8.49).
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