General Mills' (GIS) return to growth "still seems unlikely" as consumption trends remain soft while input costs turn increasingly volatile, UBS Securities said in a Wednesday note.

The company's fiscal Q1 results are due for release on Sept. 23 and are likely to be in line with expectations, the investment firm said. The quarter saw improved consumption and management has noted underlying progress across the group, UBS added.

General Mills is expected to reiterate its fiscal 2027 outlook but investors are concerned whether current consumption trends will support the company's top-line estimates, analysts said. Management also flagged inflation nearing the high end of its estimates, the firm noted.

UBS continues to expect fiscal Q1 earnings per share of $0.72, but cut its fiscal 2027 EPS forecast to $3.01 from $3.03, reflecting cost pressures, according to the note.

UBS Securities has a sell rating on General Mills, with a $33 price target.

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