VEVEY, Switzerland: Nestlé beat sales forecasts in the third quarter, offering a boost to newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil as the world's largest packaged food company tries to recover from months of executive turmoil and a sharp share slump.

The maker of KitKat, Nespresso, and Maggi reported a 1.5 percent rise in real internal growth (RIG), its measure of sales volumes, well above analysts' expectations of a 0.3 percent increase. The Swiss food giant also reaffirmed its 2025 outlook.

The better-than-expected performance marks Navratil's first set of results since taking over in September after the abrupt dismissal of former CEO Laurent Freixe, who was fired over an undisclosed relationship with a direct report.

Navratil, previously head of Nespresso, now faces the challenge of reviving growth and investor confidence after a 40 percent slide in Nestlé's share price since 2022. The company has struggled with rising costs, mounting debt, and shareholder pressure to deliver stronger returns.

Nestlé has also undergone a rapid leadership reshuffle at the top. Just weeks after Freixe's ouster, Chairman Paul Bulcke stepped down early, handing the reins to former Inditex chief Pablo Isla as part of a broader effort to stabilize governance.

Navratil said Nestlé's focus will be on driving volume-led growth and making the company "faster and more agile." He confirmed that Nestlé plans to cut headcount over the next two years as part of a restructuring effort and raised the company's cost-savings target to three billion Swiss francs (US$3.77 billion) by 2027.

"We are fostering a culture that embraces a performance mindset, that does not accept losing market share, and where winning is rewarded," Navratil said in a statement. "The world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster."

Analysts said the sales beat gives Navratil some breathing room to define his strategy as he takes over during one of Nestlé's most volatile periods in decades.

The company's strong quarterly results could help rebuild investor confidence, though the incoming CEO still faces the challenge of improving margins while maintaining growth in a demanding consumer environment.

Nestlé is expected to announce further details of its cost-cutting plan and leadership structure later this year.