Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported improvement in organic sales and effective execution of Holistic Margin Management and transformation initiatives [4][5] - Pricing adjustments have been successful, with over 90% of pricing actions performing as well or better than expected [5] - The company anticipates profit growth in the fourth quarter, aided by favorable trade timing and the 53rd week [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Retail has shown growth in volume share in eight of the top ten categories, with a focus on the Remarkability Framework [6][8] - The North America Pet segment has gained share in its core business, particularly in the Life Protection Formula and treats [6][7] - The Love Made Fresh initiative has reached approximately 5% market share among early customers, with strong consumer ratings [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pet category overall was up about 1% in Q2, with dog feeding lagging behind due to shifts in consumer behavior and discretionary spending [32] - The cereal category remains under pressure, with a decline of about 3%, as consumers shift towards high-protein alternatives [69] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue driving category improvement and competitiveness in North America Retail while managing pricing effectively [14][18] - There is a focus on innovation and marketing improvements, with expectations for new product launches and advertising to support growth [18][39] - The company is committed to monitoring the competitive environment and adjusting strategies as necessary [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a volatile environment with potential impacts from government actions and consumer sentiment [28][66] - There is cautious optimism for continued organic sales improvement in the second half of the fiscal year, with a focus on price mix and volume recovery [29][66] - The company remains confident in its ability to deliver transformation savings and maintain profitability despite inflationary pressures [77][66] Other Important Information - The company has completed pricing adjustments on two-thirds of its portfolio, with positive responses in most categories [75] - The management is focused on improving the performance of underperforming segments, such as Wilderness, with new product launches and marketing strategies [79] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of volume growth in North America Retail - Management noted a slight shipment timing benefit in Q2 but expects to continue driving category improvement in the second half [14] Question: Competitive environment and pricing strategies - Management indicated that competitive discounting levels have remained stable, and they are confident in their pricing execution [18][19] Question: Expectations for fiscal 3Q and 4Q - Management expects improvement in the second half, with a focus on price mix and volume recovery, though some timing impacts may affect results [29] Question: Consumer behavior in pet feeding category - The pet category is seeing a shift towards e-commerce, with dog feeding lagging due to consumer pullback in discretionary spending [32][91] Question: Inflation and cost of goods sold outlook - Management reaffirmed a base inflation forecast of around 3%, with expectations for tariff impacts to continue [52][66] Question: Effectiveness of pricing investments - Management reported a high success rate for pricing adjustments, with ongoing monitoring of performance in specific categories [75][88]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported continued improvement in organic sales and effective execution of its transformation initiatives, particularly in North America Retail [3][4] - Pricing actions have been successful, with over 90% of the pricing strategies implemented performing as well or better than expected [4][17] - The company anticipates profit growth in the fourth quarter, aided by favorable trade timing and the addition of a 53rd week [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America Retail has shown growth in volume share across eight of the top ten categories, with a focus on strategic pricing adjustments [3][5] - The North America Pet segment has gained share in its core business, with mid-single-digit growth in the cat category and positive momentum in the treats business [5][6] - The Love Made Fresh initiative has reached approximately 5% market share among early customers, with plans to expand distribution [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pet category overall grew about 1% in Q2, with dog feeding lagging behind due to shifts in consumer behavior and preferences [25][27] - The cereal category remains under pressure, with a decline of about 3%, as consumers shift towards high-protein alternatives [61][62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain momentum in organic sales while focusing on profitability improvements in the second half of the fiscal year [8] - The Remarkability Framework is central to the company's strategy, emphasizing pricing, product innovation, and marketing effectiveness [4][16] - The company is confident in its competitive positioning and plans to continue leveraging its pricing strategies without resorting to deep discounting [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the sustainability of volume growth in North America Retail, despite some shipment timing benefits [13] - The competitive environment remains rational, with no significant increase in discounting levels observed [15][16] - The company is cautious about the volatile environment, including potential impacts from government actions and consumer sentiment [21][58] Other Important Information - The company has maintained its annual guidance despite ongoing volatility in the sector, indicating confidence in its ability to navigate challenges [58] - The transformation initiatives are expected to deliver savings above 4% in the coming year, contributing to overall profitability [68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of volume growth in North America Retail - Management acknowledged some shipment timing benefits but remains optimistic about continued category improvement and competitiveness in the second half [13] Question: Competitive environment and pricing strategies - Management noted that discounting levels have not increased significantly and emphasized the importance of executing pricing strategies effectively [15][16] Question: Expectations for fiscal 3Q and 4Q - Management indicated that while there may be a trade-off between Q3 and Q4 performance, they expect overall improvement in organic sales [22] Question: Consumer behavior in the pet category - Management highlighted a shift towards e-commerce for pet purchases and noted that the dog feeding segment continues to lag behind [80] Question: Impact of pricing investments on volume - Management reported that nearly 90% of pricing investments have met or exceeded expectations, with ongoing monitoring of performance [31][66] Question: Inflation and cost of goods sold outlook - Management reaffirmed guidance of approximately 3% base inflation, with additional tariff headwinds expected [41][42] Question: Performance of the Wilderness brand - Management acknowledged underperformance in the Wilderness brand and outlined plans for new product launches and improved marketing strategies [70]

Core Insights - General Mills reported quarterly earnings of $1.1 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02 per share, but down from $1.4 per share a year ago [1] - The company achieved an earnings surprise of +7.84% for the quarter, having also surpassed consensus EPS estimates in the previous four quarters [2] - Revenues for the quarter were $4.86 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.89%, but down from $5.24 billion year-over-year [3] Earnings Performance - The earnings surprise of +7.84% indicates strong performance relative to expectations, with a previous quarter surprise of +6.17% [2] - General Mills has consistently exceeded consensus EPS estimates over the last four quarters, indicating a positive trend in earnings performance [2] Revenue Analysis - The reported revenue of $4.86 billion reflects a decline from the previous year's revenue of $5.24 billion, although it still surpassed expectations [3] - The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times in the last four quarters, showcasing some resilience in revenue generation [3] Stock Performance and Outlook - General Mills shares have declined approximately 26.3% year-to-date, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 15.6%, indicating underperformance in the market [4] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the outlook for earnings revisions [4][5] Earnings Estimates and Industry Context - Current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.88 on revenues of $4.59 billion, with an annual estimate of $3.64 on revenues of $18.57 billion [8] - The Zacks Industry Rank places the Food - Miscellaneous sector in the bottom 21% of over 250 industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead for General Mills [9] Competitor Insights - Conagra Brands, a competitor in the same industry, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.44 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -37.1% [10] - Conagra's anticipated revenues are projected at $3 billion, down 6.2% from the previous year, indicating similar pressures within the industry [11]

Core Viewpoint - General Mills Inc. reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revenue, reaffirming its fiscal 2026 outlook, indicating strong consumer demand and effective brand investments despite ongoing cost pressures [1][10]. Financial Performance - The company achieved second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.10, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.03 [2]. - Quarterly sales reached $4.86 billion, a 7% decline year over year, but exceeded the expected $4.781 billion [3]. - Organic net sales decreased by 1%, attributed to unfavorable price realization and product mix [3]. Segment Performance - North America Retail segment net sales fell 13% to $2.9 billion [5]. - North America Pet segment sales increased by 11% to $660 million [5]. - North America Foodservice segment sales decreased by 8% to $582 million [5]. - International segment net sales rose by 6% to $729 million, with organic net sales up 4%, driven by growth in Brazil, China, India, and North Asia [5]. Operational Metrics - Constant-currency net sales at Cereal Partners Worldwide fell by 1%, while Häagen-Dazs Japan remained flat year over year [6]. - Joint ventures reported a $60 million after-tax loss, a shift from a $30 million profit last year, due to an $85 million non-cash goodwill impairment related to CPW Australia [6]. - Adjusted gross margin decreased by 150 basis points to 34.8% of net sales, primarily due to higher input costs [7]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates organic net sales to range from a 1% decline to 1% growth [10]. - Adjusted operating profit and adjusted diluted EPS are projected to decline by 10% to 15% in constant currency [10]. - General Mills plans to invest in brand initiatives to drive volume-led organic sales growth, expecting a 25% increase in sales from new products in fiscal 2026 [10]. - Management indicated that brand investments are expected to support long-term growth despite short-term profit and EPS pressures [11][12].

Core Insights - General Mills' latest earnings reveal significant strain on U.S. consumers and the broader economy, with organic net sales down 1%, adjusted operating profit down 20%, and margin compression in North America [1][4]. Consumer Behavior - Lower-income and middle-class consumers are increasingly opting for generic store brands to manage grocery expenses, negatively impacting General Mills, which produces brands like Cheerios and Nature Valley [2][6]. - Despite a trend of eating at home, consumers are not necessarily choosing General Mills' products, indicating a shift in purchasing behavior [3]. Economic Context - The post-pandemic inflation allowed brands to raise prices, but consumers remain cautious due to a sluggish job market, leading to lower volumes and increased promotional needs for General Mills [4][6]. - The economic environment is characterized by a bifurcated consumer base, with high-income shoppers continuing to spend while lower-income shoppers are cutting back [6][7]. Market Performance - General Mills' stock performance reflects broader consumer trends, with a modest 2% increase indicating relief rather than renewed growth confidence [5]. - The operating profit in North America has fallen over 20% year-over-year, aligning with trends reported by major grocery partners like Kroger [6]. Macro Economic Factors - The U.S. economy is facing a volatile backdrop with high effective tariff rates and persistent inflation pressures, contributing to a lack of renewed economic momentum [7]. - The Federal Reserve's cautious approach following interest rate cuts adds to the uncertainty in the economic landscape [7].

Financial Performance - Q2 Fiscal Year 2026 - Net sales decreased by 7% to $4.861 billion, while organic net sales decreased by 1%[80] - Adjusted operating profit decreased by 20% to $848 million[80] - Adjusted diluted EPS decreased by 21% to $1.10[80] - Adjusted gross margin decreased from 36.3% to 34.8%[103] Segment Performance - Q2 Fiscal Year 2026 - North America Retail organic net sales decreased by 3%[87] - North America Pet organic net sales increased by 1%[89] - North America Foodservice organic net sales was flat[92] - International organic net sales increased by 4%[94] Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook - The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2026 outlook, including organic net sales growth of -1% to +1%[10, 75] - Adjusted operating profit growth of -15% to -10%[75] - Adjusted diluted EPS growth of -15% to -10%[75]

格隆汇12月17日｜通用磨坊公布第二财季业绩，销售额为48.6亿美元，同比下降7%，仍超过分析师预 期的48.18亿美元；经营利润为7.28亿美元，同比下降32%；摊薄后每股收益为0.78美元。通用磨坊确认 2026财年调整后每股收益指引为3.58至3.79美元，分析师预期为3.65美元。 ...

Core Insights - General Mills reported a decline in second-quarter profit and sales as the company implements price cuts to attract consumers affected by inflation [1] Financial Performance - The company experienced lower profit and sales figures in the second quarter [1] - Price cuts are being utilized as a strategy to draw in inflation-weary consumers [1]

General Mills beat quarterly sales estimates on Wednesday, as more consumers ate at home than dined out, boosting demand for the Cheerios maker's pantry staples and breakfast cereals. ...

Financial Performance - Net sales for the second quarter were $4.9 billion, down 7%, with organic net sales down 1%[5] - Operating profit decreased by 32% to $728 million, while adjusted operating profit was down 20% in constant currency to $848 million[6] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell 45% to $0.78, with adjusted diluted EPS down 21% in constant currency to $1.10[5] - For the quarter ended November 23, 2025, net sales were $4,860.8 million, a decrease of 7% compared to $5,240.1 million in the same quarter of 2024[32] - Operating profit for the same quarter was $728.0 million, down 32% from $1,077.9 million year-over-year[32] - Net earnings attributable to General Mills for the quarter ended Nov. 23, 2025, were $413.0 million, or 8.5% of net sales, compared to $795.7 million and 15.2% in the same quarter of 2024[74] - Adjusted net earnings attributable to General Mills for the six-month period ended Nov. 23, 2025, were $1,059.6 million, or 11.3% of net sales, compared to $1,391.1 million and 13.8% in the prior year[76] - The total segment operating profit for the six-month period ended Nov. 23, 2025, decreased by 17% on a reported basis[80] Sales by Segment - North America Retail segment net sales decreased 13% to $2.9 billion, with organic net sales down 3%[12] - North America Pet segment net sales increased 11% to $660 million, benefiting from the North American Whitebridge Pet Brands acquisition[14] - International segment net sales rose 6% to $729 million, with organic net sales up 4%[19] - North America Retail segment net sales decreased by 13% to $2,883.3 million for the quarter ended November 23, 2025[35] - The International segment reported a 6% increase in net sales to $728.9 million for the same quarter[35] - The North America Pet segment saw an 11% increase in net sales, reaching $660.4 million for the quarter[35] Future Expectations - The company expects a 25% increase in sales from new products in fiscal 2026, driven by investments in brand remarkability[3] - General Mills expects organic net sales growth to range between down 1% and up 1% for fiscal 2026[30] - Adjusted operating profit and adjusted diluted EPS are projected to decline by 10% to 15% in constant currency[30] - The company anticipates a net impact of divestitures and acquisitions to reduce full-year net sales growth by approximately 4%[30] - The company expects to incur approximately $82 million of restructuring charges related to a multi-year organizational initiative to enhance supply chain competitiveness[45] - The company expects a net sales growth reduction of approximately 4% due to foreign currency exchange rates, acquisitions, and a 53rd week in fiscal 2026[55] - Restructuring and transformation charges for fiscal 2026 are expected to total approximately $160 million to $165 million[55] Cash Flow and Assets - Cash provided by operating activities totaled $1.2 billion through six months, down from $1.8 billion a year ago[25] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $683.4 million, down from $2,292.8 million at the end of the previous year[40] - The net cash provided by operating activities was $1,216.3 million for the six-month period ended November 23, 2025, compared to $1,774.7 million in the same period last year[41] - Total current assets decreased to $5,071.1 million as of November 23, 2025, from $7,381.4 million a year earlier[38] - Total liabilities decreased to $23,220.2 million as of November 23, 2025, compared to $23,946.9 million in the previous year[38] Restructuring and Charges - Restructuring and other exit costs totaled $122 million in the second quarter, significantly higher than $1 million a year ago[23] - Restructuring, transformation, and impairment charges totaled $125.1 million for the six-month period ended November 23, 2025[46] - The company recorded a $53 million non-cash impairment charge related to the Uncle Toby's brand intangible asset in the second quarter of fiscal 2026[46] - Restructuring and transformation charges for the quarter ended Nov. 23, 2025, amounted to $72.2 million, contributing 1.5% to operating profit[74] Tax and Earnings - The effective tax rate for the second quarter was 23.3%, compared to 20.1% last year[24] - The effective tax rate for the six-month period ended November 23, 2025, was 24.9%, an increase of 4.0 percentage points from 20.9% in the same period last year[50] - Diluted earnings per share for the six-month period ended November 23, 2025, were $3.00, a 22% increase from $2.45 in the same period last year[71] - Unallocated corporate expense totaled $214 million for the six-month period ended November 23, 2025, up from $189 million in the same period last year[49] Acquisitions and Divestitures - The company recorded a pre-tax gain of $1,046 million from the sale of its United States yogurt business to Groupe Lactalis S.A. in the first quarter of fiscal 2026[47] - The acquisition of NX Pet Holding, Inc. for $1 billion resulted in goodwill of $1,087 million and an indefinite-lived intangible asset for the Tiki Pets brand totaling $289 million[44] - The company recorded $14 million in transaction costs related to the sale of its United States yogurt business in the six-month period ended November 23, 2025[49] - The company experienced a divestiture gain of $1,054.4 million, which negatively impacted the operating profit margin by 11.2% for the six-month period ended Nov. 23, 2025[76]