Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

General Mills beats quarterly estimates, shares spark

(Sharecast News) - US food giant General Mills reported better-than-expected quarterly numbers on Wednesday, boosted by higher prices and market share gains. The maker of Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Betty Crocker and Haagen-Dazs, among others, said third-quarter net sales eased 1% to $5.1bn, after lower pound volume was offset by favourable net price realisation and mix.

Analysts has been expecting a fall of around 3.1%.

Operating profits rose 25% to $911m, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 22% to $1.17. Wall Street had pencilled in EPS closer to $1.05.

The company also reaffirmed its annual sales and profits targets.

Chief executive Jeff Harmening said: "General Mills' strategic focus on brand building, innovation and in-store execution contributed to improved volume and market share trends.

"We continue to navigate today's evolving operating environment while generating industry-leading levels of cost savings. And we remain committed to investing further in our brands and capabilities to drive profitable growth over the long term."

As at noon GMT, General Mills had put on 3% in pre-market trading.

General Mills sells its breakfast cereals through a joint venture with Switzerland's Nestle, Cereal Partners Worldwide.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

RBC Capital lifts Centrica to 'outperform', shares rally
(Sharecast News) - RBC Capital Markets upgraded Centrica on Friday to 'outperform' from 'sector perform' and lifted the price target to 170p from 145p.
Jefferies reiterates 'buy' on National Grid, trims price target
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies trimmed its price target on National Grid on Friday as it reiterated its 'buy' rating on the energy infrastructure firm.
JPMorgan reiterates 'overweight' on Whitbread
(Sharecast News) - JPMorgan Cazenove reiterated its 'overweight' rating on Whitbread on Friday as it said it continues to be one of its key convictions, and sees the recent pullback - the shares are down 20% year-to-date - as "an opportunity to revisit the story".
Short-lived sunny spell helps boost UK supermarkets
(Sharecast News) - UK supermarket sales pushed higher in May, industry data showed on Friday, boosted by a brief spell of warmer weather.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.