General Mills, Inc. (GIS), Kraft Foods Group Inc (KRFT), and Kellogg Company (K): 3 Packaged Foods Stocks for Your Income Portfolio

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The Consumer Defensive sector offers plenty of opportunities for dividend-seeking investors. Characterized by low volatility in its earnings and quite predictable growth paths, this is a choice for the risk-averse. The packaged foods industry, in particular, is one of the most predictable, while at the same time committed with sustainable growth and dividend payouts. Within this segment, I will look into three behemoths: General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS), Kraft Foods Group Inc (NASDAQ:KRFT), and Kellogg Company (NYSE:K), in order to elucidate if they stand strong as income investments.

Based on history

General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) has a market capitalization of $33 billion and holds some of the best-known brands in the food industry around the world. Its wide portfolio comprises 25 categories, including market-share-leading brands like Cheerios, Betty Crocker, and Pillsbury, among many others. This extensive offering, combined with a strong global footprint, provides the firm with a fair economic moat that will help keep competitors at bay and the company growing.

General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS)What makes this company interesting is its dividend yield. Over the last 10 years, payments have experienced sustained increases, supported by steady revenue growth. Going forward, management plans to continue to improve top-line growth (to support further dividend hikes) through strategic acquisitions and partnerships both in the U.S. and abroad. As acquisitions are incorporated and synergies increase, so will cash flow. So, don’t worry, there will be plenty of backup for you to get paid regularly.

Trading at 18.5 times its earnings, slightly below the industry average, while holding compelling growth prospects and paying out a 2.94% dividend yield, this is definitely a stock to add to your long-term income portfolio, especially if you are looking for low volatility and a steady flow of cash.

Krafting income

Kraft Foods Group Inc (NASDAQ:KRFT) is even larger than General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS), with a market cap of almost $35 billion. Its portfolio comprises several popular international brands. Some of them, like Kraft and Oscar Mayer, are worth over $1 billion, and another 25 of its brands generate over $100 million in annual sales.

The management’s constant focus on innovation, brand building, cost control, and productivity improvements should enhance long-term returns for the company. However, just like in the case of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS), the real appeal for Kraft Foods Group Inc (NASDAQ:KRFT) shareholders stems from its dividend policy. Returns and payout ratios are decent, making this a safe bet from an income investment point of view. Although its dividend policy has been somewhat inconsistent in the past, “the company aims to balance growth and reinvestments, going ahead. Kraft will focus on cash generation and deliver consistent shareholder returns through strong financial discipline” (Zacks). Actually, projections predict free cash flow will represent about 85% of the net income in the longer term, being mostly allocated toward rewarding stockholders, rather than widening the firm’s margins.

A company that satisfies Warren Buffet’s criteria for investing, which trades at 21.5 times its earnings (very close to the industry average), a PEG ratio of 2.9, and offers one of the highest dividend yields in the industry at 3.43%, is certainly one to buy and hold.

Good for your health, but not so much for your portfolio

Kellogg Company (NYSE:K) is primarily known for its ready-to-eat cereals, but also markets snacks and convenience foods. With a market cap of $24 billion, it is the smallest of all three firms analyzed here. However, it trades at the highest valuation, 26.5 times its earnings, which is a 32% premium to the industry average.


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