General Mills, Inc. (GIS) Stock Gives a “Cheerio” Welcome to Controversy

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Really?

In reality, it’s somewhat surprising in this day and age when we’ve elected a biracial president that the Cheerios ad was even considered controversial to begin with. A mixed-race couple just doesn’t seem all that contentious, though obviously racism is still alive and well.

Still, understanding the old maxim that “any publicity is good publicity,” General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) will probably benefit because, despite the hateful views of some, it will be seen by a larger audience as a forward-thinking company. It gained tens of millions of dollars in free advertising both for its product and its company’s values, and while some may not be able to stomach such corporate positions, its stock should be able to give a hearty “Cheerio!” as it gathers greater goodwill.

Retail rulers
The retail space is in the midst of the biggest paradigm shift since mail order took off at the turn of last century. Only those most forward-looking and capable companies will survive, and they’ll handsomely reward those investors who understand the landscape.

The article General Mills Stock Gives a “Cheerio” Welcome to Controversy originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey owns shares of Nike. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Hasbro, Nike, and PepsiCo.

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