Retirees Are Quietly Accumulating This 8% Dividend Grower With a Half-Century of Increases

Core Insights - PepsiCo has maintained a dividend increase for over 50 consecutive years, earning it the title of Dividend King, which is highly regarded among income investors seeking reliable returns in retirement portfolios [1] - The company recently paid a quarterly dividend of $1.4225 per share, with an annualized dividend yield of approximately 3.5%, which is competitive compared to the current 10-year Treasury yield of 4.04% [1] - PepsiCo's free cash flow payout ratio reached 99.6% in fiscal 2025, indicating a tighter cash flow coverage compared to historical norms, but the dividend remains fully covered by free cash flow [1] Dividend Growth - Over the past decade, PepsiCo's quarterly dividend has increased from $0.7025 in 2016 to $1.4225 in 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.3% [1] - The five-year CAGR stands at 6.8%, showcasing consistent mid-to-high single-digit growth through various economic cycles [1] - The most recent dividend increase was 5% year-over-year, indicating a commitment to sustainable growth rather than aggressive hikes [1] Cash Flow and Financial Health - In fiscal 2025, PepsiCo generated $7.67 billion in free cash flow while paying out $7.64 billion in dividends, resulting in a payout ratio of 99.6% [1] - Historical averages from 2015 to 2021 showed a free cash flow payout ratio of 60-85%, providing a cushion for reinvestment and unexpected challenges [1] - Operating cash flow of $12.09 billion offers substantial room for the company to manage its dividend obligations despite tighter free cash flow coverage [1] Management Commitment - CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized a balanced approach to capital allocation during the February 3, 2026 earnings call, indicating expectations for growth in volume, net revenue, and operating margin [1] - The company announced a $10 billion share repurchase program for 2026-2030, reflecting confidence in its ability to return capital while maintaining dividend growth [1] Insider Confidence - In December 2025, five board members purchased shares at $149.51, indicating strong insider confidence in the company's long-term prospects [1] Investment Proposition - PepsiCo presents a compelling option for income-focused investors, offering a current yield competitive with investment-grade corporate bonds and a long track record of annual increases [1] - The stock has delivered a total return of 17.4% over the past year and 43% over five years, demonstrating that reliable dividends can coexist with capital appreciation [1]