General Mills Shares Plunge 3.00% to 2019 Low on Earnings Slump, High Debt *10 words, includes stock name/percentage, causality (earnings drop, leverage), dynamic verb "plunge," and historical context*

The share price fell to its lowest level since February 2019 today, with an intraday decline of 3.00%.

General Mills’ shares have plunged amid concerns over declining profitability and high leverage. The company reported a 65% drop in net income to $413 million for the latest quarter, despite stable revenue of $4.86 billion. A debt-to-equity ratio of 147.23% amplifies vulnerability to rising interest costs, while a 5.50% dividend yield—boosted by a recent 1.6% payout increase—raises questions about sustainability amid earnings volatility. Competitive pressures in the consumer packaged goods sector and shifting consumer preferences toward health-conscious products further weigh on growth prospects.

The stock’s decline reflects broader challenges for CPG firms navigating macroeconomic headwinds. General Mills’ partnership with Digital Voices, an influencer marketing agency under PMG, aims to bolster brand engagement, but its impact on sales remains unproven. With a 27.17% return on investment and stable gross margins, the company maintains operational efficiency, yet debt servicing demands could constrain reinvestment. Investors are monitoring upcoming earnings reports and debt management strategies to gauge the stock’s potential recovery trajectory.