PepsiCo stock has suffered a dramatic decline, returning to lows last seen in 2020, underperforming its peers remarkably. Yet, current pessimism seems well overdone, with PEP offering a 4.2% yield and trading near decade-low valuations. Challenges like tariffs, macro uncertainty, and GLP-1 headwinds are real but not insurmountable.
PEP stock slides to a 52-week low as weak North America sales and cautious 2025 guidance weigh on investor sentiment.
PepsiCo's stock (NASDAQ:PEP) has significantly lagged this year, recording a 10% decrease, while its competitor, Coca-Cola stock (NYSE:KO), has experienced a 16% rise. This contrast is mainly attributed to the sluggish North American operations for PepsiCo. The company has encountered a decline in consumer interest for its Frito-Lay snack sector and has dealt with a substantial recall in its Quaker Foods North America branch (oatmeal).
PepsiCo's dividend yield is at a decade high, but free cash flow hasn't covered dividends in 2 of the last 3 years—this is unsustainable. Recent acquisitions, like Poppi, add pressure to Pepsi's balance sheet, making future dividend growth and sustainability uncertain if they don't deliver immediate returns. Pepsi's lower valuation multiple is justified by slowing earnings growth and a weaker free cash flow profile compared to Coca-Cola, which has stronger fundamentals.
In the closing of the recent trading day, PepsiCo (PEP) stood at $135.26, denoting a +2.44% move from the preceding trading day.
PepsiCo's recent underperformance and North American weakness mask the fundamental strength and global diversification of this consumer staples giant. Despite North American weakness and peaking margins, the market's fears are overblown. The company's global diversification provides a strong fundamental base. Management's revitalization strategy, international growth, and portfolio transformation position PepsiCo for long-term secular tailwinds, especially in emerging markets.
PepsiCo's stable global business, strong brands, and diversified revenue streams make it a core holding for most portfolios. Attractive 4.3% dividend yield, consistent dividend growth, and solid payout ratios underscore PepsiCo's shareholder alignment and financial strength. Current valuation is historically low, offering an appealing risk-reward profile with potential for 13% IRR as growth and multiples normalize.
PEP faces pressure as soft snack demand hits Frito-Lay North America despite strength in global beverage segments.
PepsiCo (PEP) reached $131.05 at the closing of the latest trading day, reflecting a +1.52% change compared to its last close.
PEP leans into innovation, from zero-sugar drinks to protein snacks, to boost global share and stay ahead of shifting consumer trends.
I'm reallocating capital from Coca-Cola to PepsiCo, as PEP shares are reasonably priced and offer an attractive, sustainable dividend yield. PepsiCo's financials are strong: consistent revenue and net income growth, manageable debt, and a well-covered, steadily growing dividend. My analysis shows PepsiCo's dividend is sustainable, with free cash flow supporting obligations, though future dividend growth will likely match inflation.
PepsiCo marketing leader Jane Wakely talks sports partnerships as a growth opportunity.