Swiss multinational food and drink processing company Nestlé reported a net profit of 5.644 billion Swiss francs ($6.09 billion) or 2.16 francs per share for the first half of 2024 on Thursday. By comparison, the profit was 5.649 billion francs or 2.13 francs per share in the same period last year. Excluding one-time items, underlying earnings per share decreased 1% year-on-year to 2.40 francs. In constant currency, underlying earnings per share increased 3.3% to 2.51 francs. Profit before taxes, associates and joint ventures increased to 6.707 billion francs from 6.565 billion francs last yea…