General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) is a leading global food company known for its wide range of products, including cereals, snacks, and pet foods. The company operates in a competitive market with rivals like Kellogg's and Nestlé. Recently, General Mills has experienced fluctuations in its consensus price target, reflecting changing analyst expectations.

Last month, the average price target for General Mills was $51, slightly higher than the previous quarter's $50.5. However, it was lower than last year's $53. This trend suggests that analysts have adjusted their expectations, possibly due to recent earnings reports and market conditions. As highlighted by Zacks, analysts predict a decline in earnings for the upcoming report, which may have influenced these adjustments.

General Mills is set to announce its second-quarter earnings results on December 17. Analyst Christopher Growe from Stifel Nicolaus has set a price target of $64 for the stock, indicating a more optimistic outlook compared to the consensus. Investors are closely watching this release for insights into the company's financial health and future prospects.

The company faces challenges with sales and margins, partly due to price resets and costs associated with launching new pet products. Despite these hurdles, there are positive signs as volumes and brand health show improvement. These factors, along with strategic initiatives, could impact analysts' views and the stock's future performance.