Executive Summary
General Millsβ QQ1 2026 results demonstrate a balance between a modest top-line decline and meaningful profitability expansion. Revenue in Q1 2026 was $4.5175 billion, down 4.17% year over year and 6.71% quarter over quarter, reflecting continued demand normalization and base effects in a mature packaged foods market. Despite the revenue headwinds, operating income rose to $1.7258 billion, up 121.5% YoY and 93.6% QoQ, yielding an operating margin of approximately 38.2%. Net income reached $1.2042 billion with an EPS of $2.22, up 116% YoY and 94.7% QoQ, underscoring strong margin discipline and cost control. The EBITDA shown was $1.7258 billion with a net income margin around 26.7%, highlighting the leverage embedded in the cost structure.
From a cash-flow perspective, cash generated from operations was $397 million, supporting $330.9 million in dividends and a $500 million share repurchase during the quarter. Free cash flow was reported at $397 million. On the balance sheet, total assets stood at $33.0 billion, with goodwill of $15.66 billion and intangible assets of $7.09 billion, and total liabilities of $23.50 billion against total equity of $9.51 billion. Net debt sits at approximately $13.45 billion, with cash and equivalents of about $0.953 billion. The current ratio was around 0.66, indicating some liquidity pressure on a pure working-capital basis, while quick liquidity metrics remained below a traditional comfort band.
Overall, the quarter showcases General Millsβ ability to translate a challenging revenue environment into meaningful profitability through efficiency, price/mix, and disciplined capital allocation. The key near-term questions for investors include the durability of margins amid input-cost volatility, the pace of top-line stabilization or growth, and the companyβs ability to deleverage given sizable debt levels.
Key Performance Indicators
QoQ: 93.61% | YoY:121.48%
QoQ: 92.49% | YoY:116.00%
QoQ: 94.74% | YoY:126.53%
Key Insights
Revenue (Q1 2026): 4,517.5 million; YoY: -4.17%; QoQ: -6.71%
Operating Income: 1,725.8 million; YoY: +121.5%; QoQ: +93.6%; Margin: ~38.20%
Net Income: 1,204.2 million; YoY: +116%; QoQ: +92.49%; Net Margin: ~26.66%
EPS (diluted): 2.22; YoY: +126.53%; QoQ: +94.74%
EBITDA: 1,725.8 million; EBITDARatio: 0.3820; Operating Income Margin: 0.3820
Cash Flow: Net cash from operating activities 397.0 million; Free cash flow 397.0 million
Capital allocation: Dividends paid 330.9 million; Share repurchases 5...
Financial Highlights
Revenue (Q1 2026): 4,517.5 million; YoY: -4.17%; QoQ: -6.71%
Operating Income: 1,725.8 million; YoY: +121.5%; QoQ: +93.6%; Margin: ~38.20%
Net Income: 1,204.2 million; YoY: +116%; QoQ: +92.49%; Net Margin: ~26.66%
EPS (diluted): 2.22; YoY: +126.53%; QoQ: +94.74%
EBITDA: 1,725.8 million; EBITDARatio: 0.3820; Operating Income Margin: 0.3820
Cash Flow: Net cash from operating activities 397.0 million; Free cash flow 397.0 million
Capital allocation: Dividends paid 330.9 million; Share repurchases 500.0 million (net cash outflow); Other investing activities 1,694.8 million
Liquidity & balance sheet: Cash & equivalents 952.9 million; Total debt 14.407 billion; Net debt 13.454 billion; Total assets 33.0156 billion; Total liabilities 23.4967 billion; Total equity 9.5066 billion; Current assets 5.2398 billion; Current liabilities 7.9596 billion; Goodwill 15.6602 billion; Intangibles 7.0873 billion; Working capital position indicates modest liquidity pressure (current ratio ~0.66; quick ratio approximately 0.40).
Income Statement
| Metric |
Value |
YoY Change |
QoQ Change |
| Revenue |
4.52B |
-4.17% |
-6.71% |
| Operating Income |
1.73B |
121.48% |
93.61% |
| Net Income |
1.20B |
116.00% |
92.49% |
| EPS |
2.22 |
126.53% |
94.74% |
Management Commentary
Note: The input did not include an earnings call transcript. As a result, no management quotes or transcript-driven theme highlights could be extracted. If a transcript is provided, I will generate a thematically organized extract with quotes on strategy, operations, and market conditions.
Forward Guidance
There is no formal forward guidance provided in the supplied data. Based on the QQ1 2026 results, the company exhibits solid profitability and free cash flow generation even as revenue trends are modestly negative. Going forward, investors should monitor: (1) magnitude and persistence of price realization and mix shift toward higher-margin products; (2) input-cost trajectory for grains, dairy, and packaging and any hedging actions; (3) ongoing capital allocation strategy, including leverage trajectory and the cadence of buybacks versus debt repayment; (4) working-capital dynamics and potential improvements in liquidity metrics as free cash flow compounds. Given a large goodwill/intangible base and elevated debt, deleveraging remains a key factor to watch, alongside any strategic moves to monetize non-core assets or optimize portfolio mix across geographies.