General Mills boosts its earnings forecast

General Mills Inc. said its third-quarter profit rose more than analysts estimated as demand for Progresso soups and Yoplait yogurt helped boost U.S. sales.

The food company increased its full-year earnings forecast after third-quarter net income climbed 8.9% to $268 million, or 74 cents a share, from $246 million, or 68 cents, a year earlier.

Sales in the three months through Feb. 25 advanced 6.2% to $3.05 billion, the Minneapolis-based company said.

Shares of General Mills rose 44 cents to $58.32.