General Mills, Inc. (GIS)

General Mills' stock price has experienced fluctuations. The stock declined by 12.3% in the three months leading up to January 29, 2025. The company has been grappling with inflationary pressures and a dynamic consumer landscape. The refrigerated dough business underperformed, and the International segment faced difficulties. General Mills lowered its fiscal 2025 guidance due to increased promotional investments. Third-quarter net sales were down 5%, and organic net sales also decreased by 5%. There have been several analyst rating changes. Fourth-quarter net sales decreased by 3%. General Mills completed the sale of its U.S. Yogurt business to Lactalis in June 2025.

Demand for General Mills' products is generally balanced throughout the year, but there are seasonal variations. Demand for refrigerated dough, frozen baked goods, and baking products is stronger in the fourth calendar quarter. Progresso soup sees increased demand in the fall and winter. Häagen-Dazs ice cream demand peaks internationally in the summer. The refrigerated dough business underperformed in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, failing to capitalize on seasonal baking demand.

General Mills, Inc. is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, operating in the consumer staples sector. Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Golden Valley, Minnesota, the company offers a range of products, including cereals, snacks, yogurt, baking products, meals, pet food, and ice cream. Major brands include Cheerios, Nature Valley, Pillsbury, and Blue Buffalo. General Mills sells its products to various customers, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, e-commerce retailers, and foodservice distributors.

General Mills has a significant global presence, selling products in over 100 countries across six continents. The company relies heavily on the North American market, with 81% of its fiscal 2024 revenue from the United States. It also operates in Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Latin America, and produces products in 15 countries.

General Mills maintains a strong brand portfolio with recognizable names. The company focuses on product innovation, sustainability, and market expansion. They adapt to consumer preferences by reformulating products and offering options like gluten-free and non-GMO. Strategic initiatives, such as launching fresh pet food and investing in marketing, aim to enhance brand perception. Collaborations, like the Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Pit Viper partnership and the Marvel Studios makeover, positively impact brand engagement.

General Mills is primarily owned by institutional shareholders, who hold approximately 82.76% of the company's shares. Individual General Mills insiders own about 1.68%, and retail investors hold 15.56%. Vanguard Group Inc is the largest individual shareholder. Institutional ownership is significant, with 2,387 institutional owners holding a total of 527,229,908 shares. Insiders have been net selling recently.