Shares in Nestlé SA dropped more than 4% on Thursday after the Swiss food giant reported its slowest sales increase in six years and held back from buying more of its shareholders' stock.<br />Investors were also concerned by the company's downbeat guidance for the year ahead as it battles with the effects of decelerating emerging markets.<br />Nestlé Chief Executive Paul Bulcke didn't rule out a buyback later this year, but said the company would continue to prioritize investing in its brands and reward its shareholders through dividends.<br />"It is not because we have 150 years we have to do a buyback.<br />Actually it's a bad habit," said Mr. Bulcke, referring to the company's 150th anniversary.<br />Analysts said they were disappointed with the absence of a buyback, which is often used to reward shareholders.
