Analysis of Solvency Ratios
Quarterly Data
Solvency ratios also known as long-term debt ratios measure a company ability to meet long-term obligations.
Solvency Ratios (Summary)
General Mills Inc., solvency ratios (quarterly data)
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-11-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-08-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-05-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-02-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-11-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-08-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-05-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-02-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-11-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-08-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-05-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-02-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-11-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-05-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-02-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-11-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-05-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-02-22), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-11-23), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-08-24).
The analysis of the financial leverage and debt ratios over the observed periods reveals several important trends.
- Debt to Equity Ratio
- This ratio exhibits noticeable fluctuations during the observed quarters. Initially, there is an upward trend moving from 1.5 to a peak around 2.58, indicating an increase in the proportion of debt relative to shareholder equity. Following this peak, the ratio declines gradually toward 1.79, signaling a reduction in leverage relative to equity in the more recent periods.
- Debt to Capital Ratio
- The debt to capital ratio remains relatively stable throughout the timeframe with minor oscillations. It consistently stays within the range of 0.6 to 0.72, suggesting that the company has maintained a relatively steady mix of debt and equity funding over time, without dramatic shifts in capital structure.
- Debt to Assets Ratio
- This ratio shows a general increase between 2014 and mid-2018, rising from 0.4 to a high of 0.52. This indicates a growth in the share of assets financed through debt. Subsequently, the ratio trends downward to around 0.45 by the last period, reflecting a modest deleveraging or asset base expansion relative to debt.
- Financial Leverage Ratio
- The financial leverage ratio increases steadily from 3.77 to a peak of 5.69, suggesting rising use of debt financing compared to equity. After peaking, it declines to 3.95, indicating a reduction in leverage and a potential strengthening of equity capitalization in the later periods.
Overall, the financial ratios depict a cycle of increasing leverage up to around late 2017 to early 2018, with the company taking on more debt relative to equity and assets. This phase is followed by a gradual reduction in leverage metrics, signaling efforts toward deleveraging or improved equity positions. The consistent debt to capital ratio reflects a balanced approach to managing the capital structure, while shifts in debt to equity and financial leverage ratios denote changes in the relative proportions of debt versus equity financing over time.
Debt Ratios
Debt to Equity
General Mills Inc., debt to equity calculation (quarterly data)
| Nov 24, 2019 | Aug 25, 2019 | May 26, 2019 | Feb 24, 2019 | Nov 25, 2018 | Aug 26, 2018 | May 27, 2018 | Feb 25, 2018 | Nov 26, 2017 | Aug 27, 2017 | May 28, 2017 | Feb 26, 2017 | Nov 27, 2016 | Aug 28, 2016 | May 29, 2016 | Feb 28, 2016 | Nov 29, 2015 | Aug 30, 2015 | May 31, 2015 | Feb 22, 2015 | Nov 23, 2014 | Aug 24, 2014 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 1,537,200) | 1,391,800) | 1,396,500) | 1,407,200) | 1,990,600) | 1,599,200) | 1,600,100) | 1,250,500) | 200,500) | 604,700) | 604,700) | 604,700) | 1,507,600) | 1,103,400) | 1,103,400) | 1,103,500) | 1,100,200) | 1,000,300) | 1,000,400) | 1,750,600) | 750,700) | 855,400) | |||||||
| Notes payable | 1,345,100) | 1,296,100) | 1,468,700) | 1,971,300) | 1,056,300) | 1,349,400) | 1,549,800) | 1,210,800) | 1,298,000) | 1,660,300) | 1,234,100) | 1,942,000) | 1,421,700) | 690,500) | 269,800) | 640,300) | 306,700) | 823,700) | 615,800) | 1,897,900) | 2,071,400) | 1,795,400) | |||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 10,953,100) | 11,619,800) | 11,624,800) | 11,642,600) | 12,208,600) | 12,665,100) | 12,668,700) | 7,163,600) | 8,228,300) | 7,822,700) | 7,642,900) | 7,176,400) | 6,542,000) | 7,078,000) | 7,057,700) | 7,024,400) | 7,416,600) | 7,609,700) | 7,607,700) | 6,642,600) | 7,713,100) | 6,669,100) | |||||||
| Total debt | 13,835,400) | 14,307,700) | 14,490,000) | 15,021,100) | 15,255,500) | 15,613,700) | 15,818,600) | 9,624,900) | 9,726,800) | 10,087,700) | 9,481,700) | 9,723,100) | 9,471,300) | 8,871,900) | 8,430,900) | 8,768,200) | 8,823,500) | 9,433,700) | 9,223,900) | 10,291,100) | 10,535,200) | 9,319,900) | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 7,712,300) | 7,382,800) | 7,054,500) | 6,930,400) | 6,651,800) | 6,225,100) | 6,141,100) | 4,965,600) | 4,230,700) | 3,903,800) | 4,327,900) | 4,063,400) | 4,180,600) | 4,908,300) | 4,930,200) | 4,888,800) | 4,797,000) | 4,949,100) | 4,996,700) | 5,441,200) | 5,672,300) | 6,202,300) | |||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to equity1 | 1.79 | 1.94 | 2.05 | 2.17 | 2.29 | 2.51 | 2.58 | 1.94 | 2.30 | 2.58 | 2.19 | 2.39 | 2.27 | 1.81 | 1.71 | 1.79 | 1.84 | 1.91 | 1.85 | 1.89 | 1.86 | 1.50 | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Equity, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coca-Cola Co. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Mondelēz International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| PepsiCo Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Philip Morris International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-11-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-08-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-05-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-02-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-11-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-08-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-05-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-02-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-11-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-08-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-05-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-02-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-11-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-05-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-02-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-11-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-05-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-02-22), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-11-23), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-08-24).
1 Q2 2020 Calculation
Debt to equity = Total debt ÷ Stockholders’ equity
= 13,835,400 ÷ 7,712,300 = 1.79
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The financial data reveals several notable trends over the analyzed quarterly periods regarding the company’s capital structure. Overall, both total debt and stockholders’ equity exhibit fluctuations, impacting the debt to equity ratio, which serves as an indicator of the company’s leverage and financial risk.
- Total Debt
- Total debt shows considerable variability, initially fluctuating between approximately 8.4 billion and 10.6 billion dollars through mid-2017. Starting from May 2018, there is a marked increase, with total debt peaking at over 15.8 billion dollars before gradually declining to about 13.8 billion dollars by the last recorded period. This rise and subsequent decrease suggest periods of increased borrowing followed by deleveraging activity.
- Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders’ equity generally trends downward from roughly 6.2 billion dollars in August 2014 to a low point of around 3.9 billion dollars in August 2017. After this trough, equity experiences a recovery phase, growing steadily to approximately 7.7 billion dollars by late 2019. This rebound indicates improved retained earnings or capital injections during the later periods.
- Debt to Equity Ratio
- The debt to equity ratio correspondingly reflects these shifts. Initially, the ratio ranges broadly around 1.5 to 1.9, indicating moderate leverage. A sharp increase occurs around November 2016 and subsequent quarters, with the ratio climbing over 2.5 at times, underscoring a period of heightened leverage. Toward the end of the data series, the ratio declines to approximately 1.79, coinciding with increased equity and reduced debt levels, which suggests a strategic deleveraging and strengthening of the equity base.
In summary, the company underwent several phases of capital restructuring over the periods analyzed. Early periods indicate moderate leverage with some volatility in debt and equity. Mid-2017 to mid-2018 shows elevated debt coupled with reduced equity, resulting in significantly increased leverage and potential financial risk. However, since mid-2018, evidence points to a deliberate effort to reduce leverage by decreasing debt and enhancing equity, leading to a more balanced financial position by late 2019.
Debt to Capital
General Mills Inc., debt to capital calculation (quarterly data)
| Nov 24, 2019 | Aug 25, 2019 | May 26, 2019 | Feb 24, 2019 | Nov 25, 2018 | Aug 26, 2018 | May 27, 2018 | Feb 25, 2018 | Nov 26, 2017 | Aug 27, 2017 | May 28, 2017 | Feb 26, 2017 | Nov 27, 2016 | Aug 28, 2016 | May 29, 2016 | Feb 28, 2016 | Nov 29, 2015 | Aug 30, 2015 | May 31, 2015 | Feb 22, 2015 | Nov 23, 2014 | Aug 24, 2014 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 1,537,200) | 1,391,800) | 1,396,500) | 1,407,200) | 1,990,600) | 1,599,200) | 1,600,100) | 1,250,500) | 200,500) | 604,700) | 604,700) | 604,700) | 1,507,600) | 1,103,400) | 1,103,400) | 1,103,500) | 1,100,200) | 1,000,300) | 1,000,400) | 1,750,600) | 750,700) | 855,400) | |||||||
| Notes payable | 1,345,100) | 1,296,100) | 1,468,700) | 1,971,300) | 1,056,300) | 1,349,400) | 1,549,800) | 1,210,800) | 1,298,000) | 1,660,300) | 1,234,100) | 1,942,000) | 1,421,700) | 690,500) | 269,800) | 640,300) | 306,700) | 823,700) | 615,800) | 1,897,900) | 2,071,400) | 1,795,400) | |||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 10,953,100) | 11,619,800) | 11,624,800) | 11,642,600) | 12,208,600) | 12,665,100) | 12,668,700) | 7,163,600) | 8,228,300) | 7,822,700) | 7,642,900) | 7,176,400) | 6,542,000) | 7,078,000) | 7,057,700) | 7,024,400) | 7,416,600) | 7,609,700) | 7,607,700) | 6,642,600) | 7,713,100) | 6,669,100) | |||||||
| Total debt | 13,835,400) | 14,307,700) | 14,490,000) | 15,021,100) | 15,255,500) | 15,613,700) | 15,818,600) | 9,624,900) | 9,726,800) | 10,087,700) | 9,481,700) | 9,723,100) | 9,471,300) | 8,871,900) | 8,430,900) | 8,768,200) | 8,823,500) | 9,433,700) | 9,223,900) | 10,291,100) | 10,535,200) | 9,319,900) | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 7,712,300) | 7,382,800) | 7,054,500) | 6,930,400) | 6,651,800) | 6,225,100) | 6,141,100) | 4,965,600) | 4,230,700) | 3,903,800) | 4,327,900) | 4,063,400) | 4,180,600) | 4,908,300) | 4,930,200) | 4,888,800) | 4,797,000) | 4,949,100) | 4,996,700) | 5,441,200) | 5,672,300) | 6,202,300) | |||||||
| Total capital | 21,547,700) | 21,690,500) | 21,544,500) | 21,951,500) | 21,907,300) | 21,838,800) | 21,959,700) | 14,590,500) | 13,957,500) | 13,991,500) | 13,809,600) | 13,786,500) | 13,651,900) | 13,780,200) | 13,361,100) | 13,657,000) | 13,620,500) | 14,382,800) | 14,220,600) | 15,732,300) | 16,207,500) | 15,522,200) | |||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to capital1 | 0.64 | 0.66 | 0.67 | 0.68 | 0.70 | 0.71 | 0.72 | 0.66 | 0.70 | 0.72 | 0.69 | 0.71 | 0.69 | 0.64 | 0.63 | 0.64 | 0.65 | 0.66 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.65 | 0.60 | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Capital, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coca-Cola Co. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Mondelēz International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| PepsiCo Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Philip Morris International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-11-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-08-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-05-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-02-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-11-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-08-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-05-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-02-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-11-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-08-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-05-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-02-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-11-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-05-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-02-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-11-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-05-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-02-22), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-11-23), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-08-24).
1 Q2 2020 Calculation
Debt to capital = Total debt ÷ Total capital
= 13,835,400 ÷ 21,547,700 = 0.64
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Total Debt
- The total debt experienced fluctuations over the evaluated period. Starting at approximately $9.32 billion in August 2014, total debt rose to a peak of about $15.82 billion by May 2018. After this peak, the debt gradually decreased, falling to nearly $13.83 billion by the last quarter in November 2019. This pattern indicates a period of increased borrowing or obligations followed by efforts at debt reduction or repayment in the latter quarters.
- Total Capital
- Total capital also displayed variability across the quarters. From $15.52 billion in August 2014, capital saw a slight decline and a relatively stable phase until mid-2017. Subsequently, a significant rise was apparent, with total capital peaking around $21.96 billion in May 2018. Post-peak, total capital remained largely stable, fluctuating slightly just above $21.5 billion towards the end of the observed timeline, suggesting an expansion in capital resources during the mid-period and a stable capital base thereafter.
- Debt to Capital Ratio
- The debt to capital ratio showed notable variations while maintaining overall elevated levels throughout the period. Initially at 0.60 in August 2014, the ratio climbed steadily, reaching levels above 0.70 in late 2016 and again during parts of 2017 and mid-2018. This indicates that debt constituted a significant proportion of capital during these times. After mid-2018, there was a gradual decrease in this ratio, falling to approximately 0.64 by the end of the dataset in November 2019. This trend suggests that while debt remained prevalent in the capital structure, the company may have been managing leverage levels downward in the more recent periods.
- Overall Trends and Insights
- The data reflect a trajectory of increasing leverage and capital accumulation up to mid-2018, followed by measures aimed at moderating debt levels and maintaining capital stability. The peak in total debt and capital around mid-2018 corresponds with the highest debt to capital ratios, highlighting a period of increased financial leverage. Subsequent decreases in debt and the debt to capital ratio imply an emphasis on deleveraging or improved capital management in recent quarters. The stability of total capital toward the end of the period points to consistent capital resources supporting the company's operations.
Debt to Assets
General Mills Inc., debt to assets calculation (quarterly data)
| Nov 24, 2019 | Aug 25, 2019 | May 26, 2019 | Feb 24, 2019 | Nov 25, 2018 | Aug 26, 2018 | May 27, 2018 | Feb 25, 2018 | Nov 26, 2017 | Aug 27, 2017 | May 28, 2017 | Feb 26, 2017 | Nov 27, 2016 | Aug 28, 2016 | May 29, 2016 | Feb 28, 2016 | Nov 29, 2015 | Aug 30, 2015 | May 31, 2015 | Feb 22, 2015 | Nov 23, 2014 | Aug 24, 2014 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 1,537,200) | 1,391,800) | 1,396,500) | 1,407,200) | 1,990,600) | 1,599,200) | 1,600,100) | 1,250,500) | 200,500) | 604,700) | 604,700) | 604,700) | 1,507,600) | 1,103,400) | 1,103,400) | 1,103,500) | 1,100,200) | 1,000,300) | 1,000,400) | 1,750,600) | 750,700) | 855,400) | |||||||
| Notes payable | 1,345,100) | 1,296,100) | 1,468,700) | 1,971,300) | 1,056,300) | 1,349,400) | 1,549,800) | 1,210,800) | 1,298,000) | 1,660,300) | 1,234,100) | 1,942,000) | 1,421,700) | 690,500) | 269,800) | 640,300) | 306,700) | 823,700) | 615,800) | 1,897,900) | 2,071,400) | 1,795,400) | |||||||
| Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 10,953,100) | 11,619,800) | 11,624,800) | 11,642,600) | 12,208,600) | 12,665,100) | 12,668,700) | 7,163,600) | 8,228,300) | 7,822,700) | 7,642,900) | 7,176,400) | 6,542,000) | 7,078,000) | 7,057,700) | 7,024,400) | 7,416,600) | 7,609,700) | 7,607,700) | 6,642,600) | 7,713,100) | 6,669,100) | |||||||
| Total debt | 13,835,400) | 14,307,700) | 14,490,000) | 15,021,100) | 15,255,500) | 15,613,700) | 15,818,600) | 9,624,900) | 9,726,800) | 10,087,700) | 9,481,700) | 9,723,100) | 9,471,300) | 8,871,900) | 8,430,900) | 8,768,200) | 8,823,500) | 9,433,700) | 9,223,900) | 10,291,100) | 10,535,200) | 9,319,900) | |||||||
| Total assets | 30,452,400) | 30,313,200) | 30,111,200) | 30,285,800) | 30,384,000) | 30,554,800) | 30,624,000) | 22,240,600) | 22,191,500) | 22,209,600) | 21,812,600) | 21,670,300) | 21,602,100) | 21,913,100) | 21,712,300) | 21,631,600) | 21,588,700) | 22,322,900) | 21,964,500) | 23,383,100) | 24,203,700) | 23,372,800) | |||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to assets1 | 0.45 | 0.47 | 0.48 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.51 | 0.52 | 0.43 | 0.44 | 0.45 | 0.43 | 0.45 | 0.44 | 0.40 | 0.39 | 0.41 | 0.41 | 0.42 | 0.42 | 0.44 | 0.44 | 0.40 | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt to Assets, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coca-Cola Co. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Mondelēz International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| PepsiCo Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Philip Morris International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-11-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-08-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-05-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-02-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-11-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-08-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-05-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-02-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-11-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-08-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-05-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-02-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-11-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-05-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-02-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-11-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-05-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-02-22), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-11-23), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-08-24).
1 Q2 2020 Calculation
Debt to assets = Total debt ÷ Total assets
= 13,835,400 ÷ 30,452,400 = 0.45
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Total Debt
- The total debt exhibits notable fluctuations over the observed periods. Beginning at approximately 9.3 billion US dollars, it increased to a peak of around 10.5 billion by late 2014. Subsequently, the debt levels generally declined, reaching a low near 8.4 billion by mid-2016. After this trough, debt gradually increased again, culminating in a significant rise to over 15.8 billion US dollars by mid-2018. Following this peak, there is a gradual decrease through to the end of 2019, ending near 13.8 billion. This pattern indicates periods of both deleveraging and increased borrowing activities, with a marked surge in debt notably around mid-2018.
- Total Assets
- Total assets display a relatively stable trend with moderate growth and occasional contractions. Starting close to 23.4 billion US dollars, the asset base experienced minor fluctuations until early 2018, maintaining a range mostly between 21.5 billion and 22.2 billion. A pronounced increase occurred in mid-2018, with assets jumping significantly to over 30.6 billion. This elevated level persisted with minor variations, ending slightly above 30.4 billion by late 2019. Such a sharp escalation in assets around mid-2018 suggests major asset acquisitions or revaluations during that period.
- Debt to Assets Ratio
- The debt to assets ratio follows the overall trends in debt and asset levels and reflects changes in the company's leverage. Initially, the ratio hovered around 0.40 to 0.44, signaling a moderate leverage position. There is a downward trend between early 2015 and mid-2016, with the ratio decreasing to 0.39, corresponding to reductions in debt. Subsequently, leverage increased again, rising to about 0.45 by early 2017. A sharp increase to 0.52 occurs in mid-2018, coinciding with the substantial rise in both assets and debt. Towards the end of the period, the ratio decreases steadily to approximately 0.45, suggesting some improvement in leverage despite elevated debt levels.
- Overall Analysis
- The data indicates a period of relative stability in financial structure until early 2018, followed by significant expansion activities marked by sharp increases in both assets and liabilities. The considerable rise in total debt and assets during this period implies strategic investment or acquisition moves financed largely through borrowing. Despite the increase in debt, the debt to assets ratio suggests that the company maintained a cautious approach to leverage, keeping it within moderate limits relative to assets. Towards the end of the period, there appears to be an effort to reduce leverage, as indicated by a gradual decline in the debt to assets ratio. This trend reflects a dynamic capital management strategy responding to changing financial conditions and strategic priorities.
Financial Leverage
General Mills Inc., financial leverage calculation (quarterly data)
| Nov 24, 2019 | Aug 25, 2019 | May 26, 2019 | Feb 24, 2019 | Nov 25, 2018 | Aug 26, 2018 | May 27, 2018 | Feb 25, 2018 | Nov 26, 2017 | Aug 27, 2017 | May 28, 2017 | Feb 26, 2017 | Nov 27, 2016 | Aug 28, 2016 | May 29, 2016 | Feb 28, 2016 | Nov 29, 2015 | Aug 30, 2015 | May 31, 2015 | Feb 22, 2015 | Nov 23, 2014 | Aug 24, 2014 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 30,452,400) | 30,313,200) | 30,111,200) | 30,285,800) | 30,384,000) | 30,554,800) | 30,624,000) | 22,240,600) | 22,191,500) | 22,209,600) | 21,812,600) | 21,670,300) | 21,602,100) | 21,913,100) | 21,712,300) | 21,631,600) | 21,588,700) | 22,322,900) | 21,964,500) | 23,383,100) | 24,203,700) | 23,372,800) | |||||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 7,712,300) | 7,382,800) | 7,054,500) | 6,930,400) | 6,651,800) | 6,225,100) | 6,141,100) | 4,965,600) | 4,230,700) | 3,903,800) | 4,327,900) | 4,063,400) | 4,180,600) | 4,908,300) | 4,930,200) | 4,888,800) | 4,797,000) | 4,949,100) | 4,996,700) | 5,441,200) | 5,672,300) | 6,202,300) | |||||||
| Solvency Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial leverage1 | 3.95 | 4.11 | 4.27 | 4.37 | 4.57 | 4.91 | 4.99 | 4.48 | 5.25 | 5.69 | 5.04 | 5.33 | 5.17 | 4.46 | 4.40 | 4.42 | 4.50 | 4.51 | 4.40 | 4.30 | 4.27 | 3.77 | |||||||
| Benchmarks | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial Leverage, Competitors2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coca-Cola Co. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Mondelēz International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| PepsiCo Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
| Philip Morris International Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||
Based on: 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-11-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-08-25), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-05-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2019-02-24), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-11-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-08-26), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-05-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2018-02-25), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-11-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-08-27), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-05-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2017-02-26), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-11-27), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-08-28), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-05-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2016-02-28), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-11-29), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-08-30), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-05-31), 10-Q (reporting date: 2015-02-22), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-11-23), 10-Q (reporting date: 2014-08-24).
1 Q2 2020 Calculation
Financial leverage = Total assets ÷ Stockholders’ equity
= 30,452,400 ÷ 7,712,300 = 3.95
2 Click competitor name to see calculations.
The analysis of the financial data over the reported quarters reveals several noteworthy trends regarding total assets, stockholders’ equity, and financial leverage ratio.
- Total assets
- The total assets remained relatively stable around the low-to-mid 22 million USD (in thousands) from August 2014 to February 2018, with minor fluctuations but no clear upward or downward pattern. A significant increase is observed starting from May 2018, where total assets rose sharply to above 30 million USD, maintaining this elevated level through November 2019. This suggests a substantial asset base expansion in the latter part of the observed period.
- Stockholders’ equity
- Stockholders’ equity shows a declining trend from August 2014 through November 2016, dropping from approximately 6.2 million USD to about 4.18 million USD. A gradual recovery phase is evident from early 2017, with some volatility, eventually leading to a strong upward trend starting May 2018. By November 2019, equity increased significantly to over 7.7 million USD, surpassing the opening period level. This growth may reflect improved profitability, retained earnings, or capital infusion.
- Financial leverage
- The financial leverage ratio increased steadily from 3.77 in August 2014 to a peak of 5.69 in August 2017, indicating rising reliance on debt or liabilities relative to equity. From the peak, this ratio has been on a consistent downward trajectory, falling to 3.95 by November 2019. This reduction suggests a deleveraging activity or growth in equity outpacing debt, which aligns with the observed increase in equity during the latter part of the period.
In summary, the company experienced a period of relatively stable asset size with declining equity and increased leverage in the first part of the timeframe. Subsequently, there was a marked asset base expansion alongside a significant equity growth and a noticeable reduction in financial leverage, indicating an improvement in the company's capitalization and potentially lower financial risk by the end of the analysis period.