In the context of equity investments, industry classification is crucial for investors to assess risk, return potential, and performance comparison across similar companies. The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) provides a framework for categorizing companies into different sectors and industries based on their business activities.
Suppose you are analyzing three companies: Company A, which manufactures consumer electronics, Company B, which operates a chain of supermarkets, and Company C, which develops software for financial services. Based on the GICS framework, which classification would these companies most likely fall under?