Is PepsiCo's Frito-Lay Snacks Unit Still the Star Performer?

Core Insights - PepsiCo's Frito-Lay snacks unit is a key growth driver, focusing on stabilizing the snacking category and engaging consumers through value, affordability, and innovation [1][3] - The company is refreshing major snack brands like Lay's and Tostitos, emphasizing natural ingredients and eliminating artificial components to enhance consumer trust [2] - Frito-Lay is expanding into the away-from-home channel, which offers higher margins and additional consumption opportunities, positioning it for long-term growth [3] Competitive Landscape - PepsiCo faces strong competition from Mondelez International and Campbell's Company in the global snacking market [4] - Mondelez has a significant presence in biscuits, cookies, and confectionery, expanding into healthier snacks through acquisitions to meet consumer demand [5] - Campbell's, with its Snyder's-Lance portfolio, competes in salty snacks, focusing on flavor innovation and better-for-you options to adapt to changing consumer preferences [6] Financial Performance - PepsiCo's shares have decreased by approximately 1.1% year-to-date, while the industry has grown by 6.4% [7] - The company reported Q2 EPS of $2.12 on revenues of $22.73 billion, driven by pricing strategies despite weaker volume trends [8] - PepsiCo's forward price-to-earnings ratio is 18.18X, slightly above the industry average of 18.05X [9] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 earnings indicates a year-over-year decline of 1.8%, while the 2026 estimate suggests a growth of 5.2% [10]