Retail IPOs Expected to Rise in 2026 as Quality Companies Increase
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 16 2026
0mins
Should l Buy KDP?
Source: Newsfilter
- Market Recovery Signal: After a stagnant first half of 2025 due to tariffs, industry executives predict a significant uptick in mergers and IPOs in the retail and consumer goods sectors for 2026, indicating a restoration of market confidence.
- Quality Companies Queued for IPOs: Ben Frost from Goldman Sachs noted that the number of high-quality companies waiting to go public in 2026 is the highest since 2021, and if successful, this could provide private investors with regular exit opportunities, stimulating private equity activity.
- Return of Mega Deals: The second half of last year saw several mega deals, including Kimberly-Clark's nearly $50 billion acquisition of Kenvue, reflecting an increased focus on growth and synergies, which is likely to drive larger transactions than in previous years.
- Increased Investor Activity: With activist investors taking stakes in companies like Lululemon and Target, more deals and corporate breakups are anticipated, highlighting a market shift towards health-focused brands and corporate restructuring, potentially leading to more carve-outs and acquisitions.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy KDP?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on KDP
Wall Street analysts forecast KDP stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 29.130
Low
26.00
Averages
34.58
High
42.00
Current: 29.130
Low
26.00
Averages
34.58
High
42.00
About KDP
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. is a beverage company in North America that manufactures, markets, distributes and sells hot and cold beverages and single serve brewing systems. It has a portfolio of beverage brands, including Keurig, Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, Mott's, A&W, Penafiel, Snapple, 7UP, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, GHOST, Clamato, Core Hydration and The Original Donut Shop, as well as the Keurig brewing system. Its U.S. Refreshment Beverages segment is a manufacturer and distributor of liquid refreshment beverages (LRBs). This segment manufactures and distributes concentrates, syrup and finished beverages of its brands and third-party brands, to third-party bottlers, distributors, retailers, and end consumers. Its U.S. Coffee segment is a manufacturer and distributor of single serve brewers, specialty coffee (including hot and iced varieties), and ready to drink (RTD) coffee. Its International segment includes sales in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and other international markets.
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.
- Market Share Growth: Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) has increased its U.S. soft drink market share to 10%, up from 8% in 2020, although competitors Pepsi and Coca-Cola have also expanded, holding 30% and 40% market shares respectively.
- New Product Launch: KDP's latest beverage lineup, including Creamy Coconut, capitalizes on the “dirty soda” trend, aiming to attract more consumers through innovative flavors and enhance brand competitiveness.
- Consumer Preference Research: The company has developed new drinks like 7-UP Shirley Temple and A&W Root Beer Float based on consumer preference research, reflecting a growing demand for functional and flavor-rich beverages.
- Personalization Trend: As the demand for personalized beverages rises, KDP is leveraging its expanding portfolio of flavors to address market fragmentation, thereby strengthening its position in the highly competitive beverage market.
See More
- Diverse Beverage Innovations: Keurig Dr Pepper is launching over 35 new beverages in 2026 across carbonated soft drinks, teas, and energy drinks, aiming to meet consumer demand for bold flavors and zero-sugar options, which is expected to drive sales growth and enhance market competitiveness.
- Consumer Trend Insights: The 2025 State of Beverages report reveals that 44% of Americans try new beverages monthly, with 72% of Gen Z showing strong interest in new flavors, prompting Keurig Dr Pepper to reintroduce the popular Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, further solidifying brand loyalty.
- Increased Healthy Options: Zero-sugar beverages are experiencing six times the sales growth of regular varieties, leading Keurig Dr Pepper to offer zero-sugar options across all new carbonated drinks, catering to health-conscious consumers and likely attracting a broader audience.
- Strategic Brand Expansion: Through collaborative innovations with partners, Keurig Dr Pepper is introducing various new flavors, enriching its product portfolio and strengthening its influence in the beverage market, laying the groundwork for future market expansion.
See More
Market Performance: Consumer staples stocks have experienced a significant rally in 2026, indicating strong market performance in this sector.
Investment Opportunities: Despite the rally making it challenging to find undervalued stocks, there are still investment opportunities available for those willing to search.
See More
- Board Expansion: Keurig Dr Pepper announced an expansion of its board effective March 2, with independent directors Amie Thuener and William Newlands joining to support the company's transformation and value creation agenda.
- Financial Expertise: Amie Thuener brings 30 years of finance and accounting experience, having served as Vice President at Alphabet, where she oversaw global financial reporting and accounting policy, providing critical support to the Audit & Finance Committee.
- Industry Leadership: William Newlands, with over 40 years in the beverage and consumer goods sectors and a former CEO of Constellation Brands, is expected to offer valuable insights into business transformation for the Nominating & Governance Committee.
- Strategic Implications: This board expansion aligns with the upcoming JDE Peet's acquisition, anticipated to drive the company's separation into two independent entities in the coming quarters, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
See More
- New Board Members: Keurig Dr Pepper announced the appointment of independent directors Amie Thuener and William Newlands effective March 2, 2026, enhancing the board's independence and expertise to support the company's transformation and value creation as it approaches the closing of the JDE Peet's acquisition.
- Governance Structure Optimization: Concurrently, the existing Remuneration & Nominating Committee will split into Nominating & Governance and Compensation Committees, a structural adjustment aimed at increasing the board's focus on key decisions to better navigate the upcoming company separation.
- Rich Industry Experience: Amie Thuener brings 30 years of finance and accounting experience from her role as VP at Alphabet, overseeing global financial reporting, while Bill Newlands has over 40 years in the beverage industry, previously serving as CEO of Constellation Brands, providing valuable insights for KDP's strategic decisions.
- Future Growth Potential: This board change not only strengthens governance but also lays the groundwork for the upcoming establishment of
See More
- Market Transformation: The functional market is projected to grow from $164 billion to $240 billion, indicating strong consumer demand for practical products, positioning Doseology Sciences at the heart of this high-growth cycle.
- New Product Pilot: Doseology began pilot production of caffeine energy pouches in January 2026, utilizing a nicotine-free, portable format aimed at meeting consumer demand for alternative energy drinks, which is expected to enhance market competitiveness.
- Brand Acquisition: In December 2024, Doseology acquired the Feed That Brain brand for $400,000, strengthening its position in the rapidly growing energy drink and sugar-free alternatives market, facilitating future product innovation.
- Strategic Advisor Appointment: The company appointed Joseph Mimran as a strategic advisor under a three-year contract valued at $400,000, aiming to leverage his industry experience to drive product development and market compliance, further enhancing Doseology's market influence.
See More








