Dairy giant Danone sees strong profits

French dairy giant Danone raises earnings growth target after strong first half year Savings from takeover of Dutch baby food maker came in faster than expected PARIS, France (AP) -- Danone, the French bottled water and yogurt giant, raised its target for earnings growth this year despite worsening conditions in its home market in the first half, as savings from its takeover of a Dutch baby food maker came in faster than expected. The Paris-based maker of Activia yogurt and Evian bottled water lifted its target for operating margin improvement alongside its release of first half earnings, which showed net profit grew 15.8 percent to €701 million ($1.1 billion) on sales of €7.7 billion ($12.1 billion). Danone now expects to increase its operating margin by between 40 and 50 basis points, or hundredths of a percent, up from its... [read full story]