General Mills, Inc.
General Mills, Inc. manufactures and markets branded consumer foods in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: North America Retail; International; North America Pet; and North America Foodservice. It offers grain, ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt,…
What to know about GIS
General Mills, Inc. is a large Consumer Defensive company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and valuation, but sentiment is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider GIS?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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General Mills, Inc. is a large-cap Consumer Defensive company with a mixed overall financial profile — it sits in the upper half of Consumer Defensive stocks (15 of 35).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation looks attractive — the stock is priced reasonably relative to its earnings and sales compared to most peers. You're not overpaying for the business.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.07%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
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There are several areas of concern. This may suit investors with a higher risk tolerance or a specific contrarian view on the Consumer Defensive sector.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how GIS compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 8.17 | Top 25% |
| Forward P/E | 10.63 | Top 25% |
| PEG Ratio | 11.74 | Below avg |
| Price to Sales | 0.97 | Top 25% |
| Price to Book | 3.23 | Above avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 6.37 | Top 25% |
| Earnings Yield | 12.24% | Top 25% |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 33.14% | Average |
| Operating Margin | 19.19% | Above avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 12.05% | Average |
| Return on Equity | 23.59% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 5.31% | Average |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 2.20% | Below avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 0.86% | Average |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -14.50% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -9.32% | Average |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.56 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 2.18 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 6.17 | Average |
| Altman Z-Score | 2.21 | Average |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 7.09% | Top 25% |
| Payout Ratio | 59.41% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -9.77% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 9.25% | Top 25% |
| OCF to Sales | 12.12% | Below avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | -0.04 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 24.33% | Above avg |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 11.78% | Below avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 3.10 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 10.71% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 17.84B | Below avg |
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