Before Wednesday’s opening bell, General Mills (GIS) released its third quarter financial results. Here’s what the results mean for mutual fund investors.
Inside GIS’s Results
Earnings
General Mills reported earnings of $343.2 million, or 56 cents per share, down from $410.6 million, or 64 cents per share, a year ago. Adjusted earnings were 70 cents per share, above analysts’ view of 67 cents per share.
Revenue
Sales dipped 1% to $4.35 billion from $4.38 billion last year. Analysts expected to see revenue of $4.35 billion.
Outlook
Looking ahead, General Mills expects to see FY2015 EPS to grow at a low single-digit rate, while analysts’ expect to see EPS of $2.82.
Quarterly Sales Continue to Fall
For General Mills, the most recent quarter marked the sixth straight quarter of lower sales. The food company has been faced with similar challenges as its peers, as consumers are shying away from packaged foods and instead opting for healthier options.
Mutual Funds to Watch
Investors seeking exposure to General Mills may consider the funds below. These funds currently hold the largest stakes in the company.
| Symbol | Mutual Fund | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| {% mutualfund VTSMX %} | Vanguard Total Stock Market Index | 1.72% |
| MEIAX | MFS Value | 1.61% |
| LCEAX | Invesco Diversified Dividend | 1.09% |
The Bottom Line
In addition to offering exposure to GIS, the funds above offer investors a diversified bundle of securities. Investors interested in GIS may also be interested in Kellogg Company (K) and Kraft (KRFT).
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