PepsiCo Stock Rebounds, Optimistic Outlook Ahead
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3 days ago
0mins
Source: Fool
- Sales Growth Recovery: In Q1 2026, PepsiCo reported accelerated sales growth, improved operating margins, and double-digit EPS growth; despite weak performance in North America, success in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America underscores the strength of its global supply chain and marketing.
- Dividend Growth Continuation: PepsiCo unexpectedly raised its annual dividend to $5.92 in its latest earnings report, marking the 53rd consecutive annual increase, with an expected $7.9 billion in dividends for 2026, further solidifying its status as a Dividend King.
- Stock Buyback Initiative: The company announced a $10 billion stock buyback program, with $1 billion planned for fiscal 2026, reflecting management's confidence in future free cash flow growth and commitment to returning more capital to shareholders.
- Enhanced Market Competitiveness: Despite the recent stock price increase, PepsiCo's forward P/E ratio stands at 19.8, notably lower than Coca-Cola's 24.5, indicating that acquisitions in health-conscious and mini meal categories will bolster its market competitiveness and attract more dividend investors.
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Analyst Views on PEP
Wall Street analysts forecast PEP stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 167.200
Low
144.00
Averages
161.90
High
172.00
Current: 167.200
Low
144.00
Averages
161.90
High
172.00
About PEP
PepsiCo, Inc. is a global beverage and convenient food company. The Company’s segments include PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA), PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), International Beverages Franchise (IB Franchise), Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Latin America Foods (LatAm Foods), and Asia Pacific Foods. PFNA segment includes all of its convenient food businesses in the United States and Canada. PBNA segment includes all of its beverage businesses in the United States and Canada. IB Franchise segment includes its international franchise beverage businesses, as well as its SodaStream business. EMEA segment includes its convenient food businesses and beverage businesses with Company-owned bottlers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. LatAm Foods segment includes all of its convenient food businesses in Latin America. Asia Pacific Foods segment consists of its convenient food businesses in Asia Pacific, including China, Australia and New Zealand, as well as India.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
PepsiCo Extends Dividend Growth Streak to 54 Years
- Dividend Growth Continuation: PepsiCo (PEP) recently announced its dividend growth streak has reached 54 years, with the March dividend remaining the same as last quarter but up 5% from last year, while the June dividend will increase by 4%, demonstrating the company's strong cash flow and profitability.
- Strong Cash Flow: Last year, PepsiCo generated nearly $12.1 billion in operating cash flow, comfortably covering $4.4 billion in capital expenditures and $7.6 billion in dividend payments, reflecting its financial stability and supporting its A+ credit rating.
- Future Return Plans: PepsiCo anticipates paying $7.9 billion in dividends by 2026 and plans to repurchase $1 billion of its stock as part of a newly announced $10 billion repurchase program, further enhancing shareholder returns.
- Optimistic Growth Outlook: The company expects net revenue growth of 4% to 6% in 2026, with core earnings-per-share growth of 4% to 6%, and will continue investing in high-growth areas to ensure long-term revenue and earnings growth.
See More
PepsiCo Extends Dividend Growth Streak to 54 Years
- Dividend Increase: PepsiCo has announced a 4% increase in its dividend, marking its 54th consecutive year of dividend growth, which underscores the company's robust cash flow and profitability, solidifying its status as a Dividend King.
- Strong Cash Flow: Last year, PepsiCo generated nearly $12.1 billion in operating cash flow, comfortably covering $4.4 billion in capital expenditures and $7.6 billion in dividend payments, demonstrating its strong financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Future Commitments: By 2026, PepsiCo anticipates paying $7.9 billion in dividends and plans to repurchase $1 billion of its stock as part of a newly announced $10 billion buyback program, reflecting the company's confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholders.
- Growth Strategy: PepsiCo expects to achieve net revenue growth of 4% to 6% by 2026 and plans to invest nearly 5% of its net revenue in high-growth areas to support ongoing growth and profitability, ensuring its ability to maintain future dividend payments.
See More
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo: Attractive Dividend Stocks
- Coca-Cola's Brand Strength: Coca-Cola stands out as a top dividend stock with a 63-year dividend growth streak and strong brand power, reporting a 1% year-over-year increase in unit case volume while adjusted revenue rose by 6% in Q3, showcasing its pricing power and market share gains.
- Stable Dividend Yield: The current quarterly dividend of $0.51, annualized to $2.04, yields 2.60%, and is expected to grow in line with earnings, which analysts project will increase at a 6% annualized rate over the long term, making it a solid income investment.
- PepsiCo's Growth Potential: With 60 consecutive years of dividend payments, PepsiCo benefits from a strong brand portfolio and global distribution network, achieving over 5% revenue growth despite macroeconomic challenges, alongside an 11% increase in adjusted earnings per share.
- Proactive Investment Strategy: PepsiCo plans to pay $5.92 in dividends per share over the next year, with a forward dividend yield of 3.52%, representing 69% of analysts' 2026 earnings estimates, providing an attractive proposition for income investors.
See More
Stable Dividend Growth Investment Opportunities
- American States Water Overview: American States Water (AWR) has paid dividends since 1931 and has raised them annually for 70 years, making it a Dividend King with a current yield of 2.7%, reflecting its strong financial health.
- T. Rowe Price Growth Potential: T. Rowe Price (TROW) manages $1.78 trillion in assets, offering a dividend yield of 5.3%, and has reduced its payout ratio from 71.6% to 55%, enhancing its appeal as a steady growth stock.
- PepsiCo's Risk and Reward: PepsiCo (PEP) paid $7.92 billion in dividends in 2025, with a payout ratio of 105%, yet its revenue grew by 5.6% in Q4, indicating future growth potential despite cash flow pressures from acquisitions.
- Diversifying Dividend Portfolio: By combining the stability of American States Water, the high yield of T. Rowe Price, and the growth potential of PepsiCo, investors can create a diversified dividend portfolio to mitigate risk and enhance returns.
See More
Starbucks and PepsiCo Present Dividend Investment Opportunities
- Starbucks Performance Recovery: After several challenging years, Starbucks is witnessing an uptick in transactions and average ticket size, driving a 4% year-over-year increase in global comparable store sales, indicating early success of its 'Back to Starbucks' plan.
- Dividend Growth Potential: With a quarterly dividend of $0.62 and an annualized dividend of $2.48, Starbucks is nearing its sustainable payout limit; however, under CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround strategy, further increases are anticipated as the business improves.
- PepsiCo's Steady Growth: Over the past five years, PepsiCo has achieved a 31% revenue increase and a 19% rise in free cash flow, with the latest free cash flow reaching $7.6 billion, demonstrating resilience amid high inflation and pandemic challenges.
- Future Dividend Increase: PepsiCo plans to raise its full-year dividend by 4% to $5.92 in 2026, with the current quarterly dividend at $1.4225 and an annualized dividend of $5.69, indicating a strong outlook for continued dividend growth.
See More
Coca-Cola's 2025 Earnings Analysis
- Performance Growth: Coca-Cola reported a 5% organic sales increase for 2025, demonstrating relative strength amid industry-wide headwinds, indicating brand resilience and stable market demand despite shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options.
- Future Outlook: The company projects organic sales growth of 4% to 5% for 2026, which, while lower than 2025's growth rate, still reflects its potential to maintain growth in a competitive market; however, investor disappointment led to a stock price decline.
- Dividend Appeal: As a Dividend King with over six decades of annual dividend increases, Coca-Cola offers a 2.7% dividend yield, which, although lower than PepsiCo's 3.4%, still provides a relatively stable income source for conservative investors.
- Market Competition: While Coca-Cola performs well in the beverage sector, PepsiCo's diversified business model offers more long-term growth opportunities, with projected organic sales growth of 2% to 4% for 2026, showcasing its resilience amid industry challenges.
See More
PepsiCo Extends Dividend Growth Streak to 54 Years
- Dividend Growth Continuation: PepsiCo (PEP) recently announced its dividend growth streak has reached 54 years, with the March dividend remaining the same as last quarter but up 5% from last year, while the June dividend will increase by 4%, demonstrating the company's strong cash flow and profitability.
- Strong Cash Flow: Last year, PepsiCo generated nearly $12.1 billion in operating cash flow, comfortably covering $4.4 billion in capital expenditures and $7.6 billion in dividend payments, reflecting its financial stability and supporting its A+ credit rating.
- Future Return Plans: PepsiCo anticipates paying $7.9 billion in dividends by 2026 and plans to repurchase $1 billion of its stock as part of a newly announced $10 billion repurchase program, further enhancing shareholder returns.
- Optimistic Growth Outlook: The company expects net revenue growth of 4% to 6% in 2026, with core earnings-per-share growth of 4% to 6%, and will continue investing in high-growth areas to ensure long-term revenue and earnings growth.
See More
PepsiCo Extends Dividend Growth Streak to 54 Years
- Dividend Increase: PepsiCo has announced a 4% increase in its dividend, marking its 54th consecutive year of dividend growth, which underscores the company's robust cash flow and profitability, solidifying its status as a Dividend King.
- Strong Cash Flow: Last year, PepsiCo generated nearly $12.1 billion in operating cash flow, comfortably covering $4.4 billion in capital expenditures and $7.6 billion in dividend payments, demonstrating its strong financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Future Commitments: By 2026, PepsiCo anticipates paying $7.9 billion in dividends and plans to repurchase $1 billion of its stock as part of a newly announced $10 billion buyback program, reflecting the company's confidence in future growth and commitment to shareholders.
- Growth Strategy: PepsiCo expects to achieve net revenue growth of 4% to 6% by 2026 and plans to invest nearly 5% of its net revenue in high-growth areas to support ongoing growth and profitability, ensuring its ability to maintain future dividend payments.
See More
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo: Attractive Dividend Stocks
- Coca-Cola's Brand Strength: Coca-Cola stands out as a top dividend stock with a 63-year dividend growth streak and strong brand power, reporting a 1% year-over-year increase in unit case volume while adjusted revenue rose by 6% in Q3, showcasing its pricing power and market share gains.
- Stable Dividend Yield: The current quarterly dividend of $0.51, annualized to $2.04, yields 2.60%, and is expected to grow in line with earnings, which analysts project will increase at a 6% annualized rate over the long term, making it a solid income investment.
- PepsiCo's Growth Potential: With 60 consecutive years of dividend payments, PepsiCo benefits from a strong brand portfolio and global distribution network, achieving over 5% revenue growth despite macroeconomic challenges, alongside an 11% increase in adjusted earnings per share.
- Proactive Investment Strategy: PepsiCo plans to pay $5.92 in dividends per share over the next year, with a forward dividend yield of 3.52%, representing 69% of analysts' 2026 earnings estimates, providing an attractive proposition for income investors.
See More
Stable Dividend Growth Investment Opportunities
- American States Water Overview: American States Water (AWR) has paid dividends since 1931 and has raised them annually for 70 years, making it a Dividend King with a current yield of 2.7%, reflecting its strong financial health.
- T. Rowe Price Growth Potential: T. Rowe Price (TROW) manages $1.78 trillion in assets, offering a dividend yield of 5.3%, and has reduced its payout ratio from 71.6% to 55%, enhancing its appeal as a steady growth stock.
- PepsiCo's Risk and Reward: PepsiCo (PEP) paid $7.92 billion in dividends in 2025, with a payout ratio of 105%, yet its revenue grew by 5.6% in Q4, indicating future growth potential despite cash flow pressures from acquisitions.
- Diversifying Dividend Portfolio: By combining the stability of American States Water, the high yield of T. Rowe Price, and the growth potential of PepsiCo, investors can create a diversified dividend portfolio to mitigate risk and enhance returns.
See More
Starbucks and PepsiCo Present Dividend Investment Opportunities
- Starbucks Performance Recovery: After several challenging years, Starbucks is witnessing an uptick in transactions and average ticket size, driving a 4% year-over-year increase in global comparable store sales, indicating early success of its 'Back to Starbucks' plan.
- Dividend Growth Potential: With a quarterly dividend of $0.62 and an annualized dividend of $2.48, Starbucks is nearing its sustainable payout limit; however, under CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround strategy, further increases are anticipated as the business improves.
- PepsiCo's Steady Growth: Over the past five years, PepsiCo has achieved a 31% revenue increase and a 19% rise in free cash flow, with the latest free cash flow reaching $7.6 billion, demonstrating resilience amid high inflation and pandemic challenges.
- Future Dividend Increase: PepsiCo plans to raise its full-year dividend by 4% to $5.92 in 2026, with the current quarterly dividend at $1.4225 and an annualized dividend of $5.69, indicating a strong outlook for continued dividend growth.
See More
Coca-Cola's 2025 Earnings Analysis
- Performance Growth: Coca-Cola reported a 5% organic sales increase for 2025, demonstrating relative strength amid industry-wide headwinds, indicating brand resilience and stable market demand despite shifting consumer preferences towards healthier options.
- Future Outlook: The company projects organic sales growth of 4% to 5% for 2026, which, while lower than 2025's growth rate, still reflects its potential to maintain growth in a competitive market; however, investor disappointment led to a stock price decline.
- Dividend Appeal: As a Dividend King with over six decades of annual dividend increases, Coca-Cola offers a 2.7% dividend yield, which, although lower than PepsiCo's 3.4%, still provides a relatively stable income source for conservative investors.
- Market Competition: While Coca-Cola performs well in the beverage sector, PepsiCo's diversified business model offers more long-term growth opportunities, with projected organic sales growth of 2% to 4% for 2026, showcasing its resilience amid industry challenges.
See More
