Bonds remain attractive in 2025 with the yield on the 10-year treasury running in the low-to-mid 4% range. However, as slow as the pace may be, the FOMC is on track to begin reducing interest rates this year and bring them back to a “normalized” level over time.
PepsiCo's Q2 earnings beat expectations, but ongoing headwinds and weak cash flow mean the turnaround is still in the early stages. Recent acquisitions and AI-driven efficiencies offer medium- to long-term promise, yet cash flow remains insufficient to cover the dividend. Despite a 4% yield and 21% upside potential, risks persist due to declining profits and negative free cash flow.
PEP gains global market share with zero-sugar colas, Gatorade Zero, and a health-driven beverage push powering its second-quarter momentum.
PepsiCo, an American multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation, is now a $184 billion (by market cap) snack and beverage beast. PEP raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, with a 10-year dividend growth rate of 7.9%. The company grew its revenue from $63.1 billion in FY 2015 to $91.9 billion in FY 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%.
PepsiCo's stock jumped 7% on July 17 after a robust Q2 earnings announcement. The company not only surpassed expectations but also reiterated its full-year forecast and presented plans to rejuvenate its North American business, which has faced challenges due to various elements, such as changing consumer preferences and the Quaker Oats recall.
The broad market is running hot, but a handful of blue-chip dividend stocks were playing from behind going into the second half.
PepsiCo's NASDAQ: PEP stock price sold off for a reason, but the sell-off overextended, and a buying opportunity is at hand. Already struggling with sluggish growth, recall-related issues, and macroeconomic concerns, tariffs and consumer headwinds further pushed the stock price to historical lows.
Both giants face a secular decline in sugary drink/salty snack demand, as they embark on numerous portfolio renewals to offer expanded better-for-you offerings. Combined with the uncertainties from the developing tariff war and the impacted consumer discretionary spending trends, we believe that their reversal may be prolonged indeed. This is worsened by their higher reliance on debt at a time of expensive borrowing cost environments, albeit well balanced by their rich cash flow generations.
Now is an opportune time for income investors to buy undervalued, dividend-growing stocks as the market favors growth over value. I highlight two such names that have moat-worthy attributes and durable sources of cash flow. Both trade at below-average valuations and have long dividend growth track records, making them ideal for enterprising bargain hunters.
Investors love dividend stocks because they provide dependable passive income streams and an excellent opportunity for solid total return.
PepsiCo's Q2 earnings and a 7% post-earnings surge signal the potential beginning of a turnaround, validating my contrarian bullish stance on consumer staples. Strong pricing power, moderating volume declines, and easing FX headwinds support growth, though inorganic growth risks became visible through recent impairments. The lower end of PepsiCo's long-term growth algorithm is in sight and expected to be reached within the next few quarters.
PepsiCo is considered a cash-generating powerhouse, boasting a strong 4.2% forward dividend yield and consistent free cash flow, appealing to income-focused investors. Recent Q2 earnings beat expectations, with revenue up 2.1% YoY and EPS surpassing forecasts, sparking a 7% jump in share price. Despite mixed segment performance and a significant non-cash write-down, reaffirmed guidance signals management confidence after sluggish quarters.