Sept 21 (Reuters) – General Mills Inc (GIS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) reported a
a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday, as price
increases helped it contend with much higher ingredient and
fuel costs.

The maker of Cheerios and Progresso Soups also benefited
from its longtime focus on reining in costs.

By Brad Dorfman

(Reuters) – ConAgra Foods Inc (CAG.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) reported lower-than-expected quarterly earnings on Tuesday, hurt by higher costs for flour and other ingredients, and said it saw commodity costs for the year rising more than previously expected.

Like most food companies, ConAgra has been trying to raise prices to offset rising costs. But with a portfolio that includes second-tier brands like Hunt’s ketchup and Peter Pan peanut butter, it is harder for the company to put through some of those increases, especially in a weak economy.

CHICAGO, Sept 9 (Reuters) – McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz)
reported a lower-than-expected rise in global August sales at
established restaurants on Friday, with Asia turning lower on a
big drop in Japan and the United States and Europe also missing
expectations.

The world’s largest hamburger chain, whose shares fell
nearly 3 percent, said sales at restaurants open at least 13
months rose 3.5 percent worldwide. Analysts polled by Thomson
Reuters were looking for an increase of 4.3 percent.