Zacks Premium Features - Zacks Premium provides daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks 1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens to help investors make informed decisions [1] - The service includes Zacks Style Scores, which are complementary indicators designed to help investors pick stocks with the best chances of outperforming the market over the next 30 days [1] - Each stock is rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum qualities, with higher scores indicating better potential for outperformance [1] Zacks Style Scores Breakdown - **Value Score**: Focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using metrics like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow ratios [2] - **Growth Score**: Evaluates a company's financial strength, health, and future outlook by analyzing projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow [2] - **Momentum Score**: Identifies stocks with upward or downward trends in price or earnings outlook using factors like one-week price change and monthly percentage change in earnings estimates [2] - **VGM Score**: Combines Value, Growth, and Momentum Scores to provide a weighted rating, helping investors find stocks with the most attractive value, growth forecast, and momentum [3] Zacks Rank and Style Scores Integration - The Zacks Rank uses earnings estimate revisions to help investors build successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks delivering an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988 [4] - Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank by narrowing down the selection of top-rated stocks, making it easier for investors to align their choices with their goals [4] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B offer the highest probability of success, while 3 (Hold) stocks should also have Scores of A or B to maximize upside potential [5] - Stocks with a 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell) rating, even with high Style Scores, are likely to have declining earnings forecasts and share prices [5] General Mills (GIS) Analysis - General Mills is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, including ready-to-eat cereals, snacks, and baking products, with a presence in retail, foodservice, and commercial baking industries [6] - GIS holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of B, with a Value Style Score of B due to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 14.37 [6] - For fiscal 2024, one analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate increased to $4.49 per share, with an average earnings surprise of 5.7% [6] - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Value and VGM Style Scores, GIS is a stock worth considering for investors [7]

General Mills (GIS) closed the most recent trading day at $64.37, moving +0.67% from the previous trading session. The stock exceeded the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.12% for the day. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.25%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.41%.Shares of the maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods witnessed a loss of 1.33% over the previous month, trailing the performance of the Consumer Staples sector with its loss of 1.3% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.83%.The inve ...

General Mills (GIS) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.Shares of this maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods have returned -0.9% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.9% change. The Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry, to which General Mills belongs, has gained 0.7% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the ...

General Mills (GIS) closed at $64.21 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.22% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.17%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.25%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, added 0.37%.Shares of the maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods have appreciated by 1.15% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 1.61% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.8%.The investment community will be clos ...

General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) 2024 CAGNY Virtual Conference Call Summary Company Overview - General Mills is a $20 billion company with nine iconic billion-dollar brands, recognized as the number one provider of natural and organic packaged foods in the U.S. [7][10] - The company has a strong commitment to brand building, innovation, and digital capabilities, supported by a robust supply chain and margin management program [2][5]. Core Messages from the Conference 1. **Accelerate Strategy**: The strategy has driven strong results and returns for shareholders, focusing on long-term sustainable growth despite short-term headwinds [5][6]. 2. **Investment in Brands**: Continued investment in leading brands and capabilities is essential for delivering long-term growth [5][12]. 3. **Positioning for Growth**: General Mills is well-positioned to translate growth into top-tier value creation for shareholders [5][6]. Financial Performance - Between fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2023, General Mills achieved: - 5% compound annual growth in organic net sales - 6% growth in constant currency adjusted operating profit - 7% growth in constant currency adjusted diluted EPS [11]. - For fiscal 2024, the company expects organic net sales to range between -1% and flat, with adjusted operating profit and diluted EPS growth of 4% to 5% in constant currency [12]. Market Dynamics - Current challenges include slow industry volume recovery and competitive headwinds from smaller competitors [11][12]. - Positive indicators include moderating inflation, improved supply chain conditions, and rising consumer confidence [13]. Strategic Focus Areas 1. **Product Platforms**: Focus on five global platforms (cereal, pet food, snack bars, Mexican food, and ice cream) that account for approximately 50% of worldwide net sales [9]. 2. **Geographic Priorities**: North America is the primary market, representing about 85% of fiscal 2023 net sales, with additional focus on China, Brazil, the UK, France, Australia, and India [9]. 3. **Portfolio Reshaping**: Nearly 20% of the net sales base has been reshaped since fiscal 2018, enhancing growth exposure [10]. Innovation and Brand Building - Increased media investment by 41% from fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2023, with a focus on relevant messaging [16]. - Successful product innovations include new offerings in the U.S. cereal category and snack products [21][22]. - The humanization trend in pet food is driving growth, with Blue Buffalo positioned to capitalize on this trend [24][25]. Digital and Technology Investments - Significant investments in digital infrastructure have led to a 40-fold increase in data science capabilities since 2018 [28]. - E-commerce sales have grown from 4% to mid-teens of U.S. retail sales, outpacing brick-and-mortar growth [29]. - Enhanced supply chain efficiencies through AI and data-driven approaches have improved customer service and reduced costs [33]. Commitment to Sustainability - General Mills is focused on improving food security, community strength, and regenerative agriculture, with over 500,000 acres engaged in regenerative practices [34]. Shareholder Return Model - The company aims for 2% to 3% organic net sales growth, mid-single-digit growth in adjusted operating profit, and a free cash flow conversion rate of approximately 95% [37]. - General Mills has returned over $10 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases from fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2023 [44]. Conclusion - General Mills is navigating a dynamic operating environment with a clear strategy focused on brand building, innovation, and digital capabilities, positioning itself for continued profitable growth and shareholder returns [46].

CAGNY 2024 February 20, 2024 Jeff Harmening Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ...

Core Viewpoint - General Mills is committed to its Accelerate strategy aimed at achieving long-term sustainable growth and delivering top-tier shareholder returns while reaffirming its financial outlook for fiscal 2024 [1][5]. Group 1: Accelerate Strategy and Financial Performance - The Accelerate strategy has successfully driven sustainable, profitable growth, with financial results meeting or exceeding long-term goals over the past five fiscal years [2]. - The company has focused on core markets, global platforms, and local brands, demonstrating agility in response to changing consumer environments [2]. - General Mills has generated a 12 percent compound annual total return to shareholders over the past five years, outperforming its food peer median [4]. Group 2: Sustainable Growth Initiatives - The company is investing in brand building, with nine brands generating over $1 billion in retail sales, and media investment increased by 41 percent from fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2023 [3]. - New product innovation is being prioritized, with launches across various categories, supported by a robust digital infrastructure enhancing E-commerce and data-driven marketing [3]. - General Mills is committed to social responsibility, aiming to advance regenerative agricultural practices on one million acres by 2030, with 500,000 acres already engaged [3]. Group 3: Fiscal 2024 Financial Outlook - For fiscal 2024, organic net sales are projected to be down 1 percent to flat, while adjusted operating profit and adjusted diluted EPS are expected to increase by 4 to 5 percent in constant currency [5]. - Free cash flow conversion is anticipated to be at least 95 percent of adjusted after-tax earnings [5].

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.What are the Zacks Style Sc ...

In the latest market close, General Mills (GIS) reached $62.37, with a -0.89% movement compared to the previous day. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.96%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 1.3%.Prior to today's trading, shares of the maker of Cheerios cereal, Yoplait yogurt and other packaged foods had gained 0.16% over the past month. This has lagged the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 0.45% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.69% in that time. ...

Core Insights - General Mills Inc. (GIS) is enhancing operational efficiency through its Holistic Margin Management (HMM) strategy, expecting to achieve cost savings of 5% of the cost of goods sold in fiscal 2024, up from the previous guidance of 4% [1] - The company is focusing on product innovation and brand marketing to strengthen its portfolio, introducing new flavors and expanding into the pet care market [3] - Despite overall growth strategies, the pet segment has faced challenges, with a 4% year-over-year revenue decline in Q2 fiscal 2024, primarily due to decreased pound volume and a shift towards more economical pet food options [5] Operational Efficiency - GIS has successfully implemented its HMM strategy to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, focusing on waste elimination and supply chain optimization [1] - The company has made significant improvements in supply-chain efficiency, which is essential for product availability and cost reduction [2] Product Innovation & Brand Expansion - GIS is refreshing its product portfolio with new flavors and engaging consumers through brand marketing, which supports premium pricing strategies [3] - The company is capitalizing on the growing pet care market with new product launches and acquisitions, such as Tastefuls Purees and Fera Pet Organics [3] Challenges in the Pet Segment - The pet segment's revenues fell to $569.3 million in Q2 fiscal 2024, a 4% decline year-over-year, attributed to unfavorable economic conditions and a shift in consumer preferences [5] - Sales through Pet Retail channels experienced a notable double-digit decline, indicating the need for strategic adjustments to restore growth in this category [5] Financial Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a 0.6% decline in current-year sales compared to the previous year, while earnings are expected to grow by 4.4% [6]