PepsiCo Posts In-Line Results As Guidance Reflects Tariff Costs, Analysts Say

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo Inc. experienced a decline in shares following a reported sales drop for the first quarter, reflecting broader challenges in the market [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - PepsiCo's first-quarter earnings were reported at $1.48 per share, slightly below consensus estimates of $1.49 per share, indicating results were in line with subdued investor expectations [4]. - The company is expected to see an 11% year-on-year decline in earnings for the second quarter, projecting earnings of $2.03 per share, primarily due to weaker Frito sales and operating deleverage [3]. - Management has lowered the full-year EPS growth guidance to around flat, down from a prior projection of mid-single-digit growth, citing higher supply chain costs and macroeconomic volatility [5]. Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - BofA Securities analyst Bryan Spillane maintained a Neutral rating on PepsiCo, reducing the price target from $155 to $150, while noting that the quarterly results were broadly in line with consensus estimates [2]. - Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $160, acknowledging that the results were disappointing but not unexpected [4]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Despite challenges anticipated in 2025, including tariff costs of around 40 cents per share, there is potential for PepsiCo's growth to reaccelerate due to earlier comparisons, initial returns on investments, continued international strength, and a focus on innovation [5].