LONDON (ShareCast) - French foods group Danone is looking for continued sales growth in 2012, albeit at a slower rate than in 2011, as the macro-economic environment stabilises.

Danone reported a 13.6% rise in 2011 sales to €19.32bn, although profits dropped 11% from €1.88bn to €1.67bn due to higher commodity costs.

Core sales rose 7.8%, beating the 7.2% analyst estimate. Annual underlying profit rose 4.5% to €1.75bn, roughly in line with the €1.74bn market forecast.

For this year, the yoghurt company expects comparable net sales growth of 5% to 7% and a stable operating margin. “For 2012, the group expects no significant improvement or decline in the macro-economic environment from the second half 2011,” according to Chief Financial Officer Pierre-Andre Terisse.

Danone currently trades up 1.36% to €49.66.

JM

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