General Mills Lowers 2012 EPS Guidance to $2.53-2.55 vs $2.59-2.61 Prior Guidance

General Mills

said today that weak volume performance across U.S. retail food categories in December and January will affect the company's results for the quarter ending February 26, 2012. General Mills currently estimates that 2012 third-quarter adjusted diluted EPS will total $0.54 -$0.56 In last year's third quarter, adjusted diluted EPS was $0.56 The company will report fiscal 2012 third-quarter results on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. General Mills revised its fiscal 2012 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to $2.53 - $2.55 The company's guidance had been $2.59 - $2.61 Adjusted diluted EPS excludes the effects of mark-to-market valuation of certain commodity positions, and integration costs for the Yoplait international acquisition completed July 1, 2011.