Investors interested in Consumer Staples stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Carlsberg AS (CABGY) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Carlsberg AS is one of 178 individual stocks in the Consumer Staples sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #13 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zac ...

Core Insights - PepsiCo Inc. has experienced a downtrend in recent months due to slowed sales performance and challenges in North America operations, including reduced consumer demand and product recalls [1][16] - The company's current forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 16.26X is below the industry average of 18.65X, indicating a potentially attractive valuation [1][8] - Recent tariff-related headwinds are expected to impact performance in upcoming quarters [1] Financial Performance - PepsiCo's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio stands at 1.92X, significantly lower than the industry's 4.44X, which may enhance investor expectations [2] - Over the past three months, PepsiCo's shares have declined by 15.1%, underperforming the broader industry decline of 0.3% and the Zacks Consumer Staples sector's growth of 2.8% [5][6] - The stock is currently trading 27.6% below its 52-week high of $180.91 and 2.5% above its 52-week low of $127.75, indicating bearish sentiment [11] Segment Performance - The company reported only 1.2% organic revenue growth in Q1 2025, with a notable decline in the PepsiCo Foods North America segment [16][19] - The PFNA segment experienced a 2% organic revenue decline and a 7% drop in core operating profit, while Beverages North America showed improved sales and margin performance [17][18] - Mixed segment results raise concerns about the company's ability to achieve consistent growth, particularly in North America [17] Margin and Cost Pressures - Core operating margins declined in Q1 despite modest gains in gross margins, as rising input costs and tariff exposure continue to challenge profitability [18] - Global supply-chain disruptions and tight consumer spending in developed markets further complicate cost control and pricing flexibility [18] Earnings Outlook - PepsiCo has revised its 2025 earnings outlook downward, now expecting flat core EPS growth instead of mid-single-digit gains [19] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales suggests a year-over-year growth of only 0.4%, with EPS expected to decline by 3.6% [20][21] - Analysts have shown decreasing confidence in the company's growth potential, as reflected in downward revisions of EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 [20] Valuation and Investment Sentiment - Despite a lower valuation compared to peers, the discount may reflect underlying issues rather than a straightforward investment opportunity [4][23] - Long-term initiatives around productivity and global diversification are seen as strategically beneficial, but their delayed impacts contribute to investor hesitation [24] - The current cautious outlook and lack of near-term catalysts suggest a defensive stance may be prudent for investors [25]

For those looking to find strong Consumer Staples stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Coca-Cola European (CCEP) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Staples sector should help us answer this question.Coca-Cola European is one of 178 companies in the Con ...

Company Overview - PepsiCo's stock closed at $131.92, reflecting a gain of +0.96% from the previous trading session, outperforming the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.4% [1] - Over the past month, PepsiCo's shares have declined by 3.62%, underperforming the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 1.13% and the S&P 500's gain of 6.69% [1] Upcoming Earnings - PepsiCo is projected to report earnings of $2.04 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 10.53% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $22.37 billion, reflecting a 0.6% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2] Full Year Projections - For the full year, earnings are estimated at $7.87 per share, representing a decline of 3.55%, while revenue is projected at $92.2 billion, showing a slight increase of 0.38% from the previous year [3] Analyst Estimates and Rankings - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for PepsiCo indicate evolving short-term business trends, with positive revisions suggesting a favorable outlook on the company's health and profitability [4] - The Zacks Rank system currently rates PepsiCo at 4 (Sell), with a recent 0.18% decline in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate [6] Valuation Metrics - PepsiCo's Forward P/E ratio stands at 16.6, which is below the industry average of 20.15 [7] - The PEG ratio for PepsiCo is 3.75, compared to the average PEG ratio of 2.54 for the Beverages - Soft drinks industry [7] Industry Context - The Beverages - Soft drinks industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector and holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 50, placing it in the top 21% of over 250 industries [8]

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Coca-Cola (KO) . Shares have lost about 1.9% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Coca-Cola due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns ...

Group 1: Company Performance - The Coca-Cola Company (KO) stock is up 14.5% in 2025, outperforming the sector average, while PepsiCo (PEP) stock is down 13.5% and near 52-week lows [1] - Coca-Cola's dividend yield is 2.87%, with an annual dividend of $2.04 and a 64-year track record of dividend increases [4] - PepsiCo's dividend yield is 4.33%, with an annual dividend of $5.69 and a 54-year track record of dividend increases [8] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Coca-Cola's stock is trading at approximately 28x earnings and 24x forward earnings, both above the average for soft drink stocks at 20.4x [5] - PepsiCo's financial performance shows it paid $5.42 per share in dividends in 2024 while generating only $5.28 per share in free cash flow, indicating reliance on cash reserves [9] - Analysts forecast a consensus price target of $75.08 for Coca-Cola stock as of May 28 [6] Group 3: Market Trends and Challenges - The consumer staples sector is facing challenges due to a weakening economy, with the iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF up about 8% in 2025 but encountering resistance near its 52-week high [3] - Both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are impacted by GLP-1 drugs that lower cravings, with inflation affecting consumer choices [10] - PepsiCo's stock is trading at a discount at 18x earnings, indicating it may be oversold [11]

Group 1: Market Overview - Trump's trade policies have caused volatility in broader equities, leading to investor concerns about future market conditions [1] - Despite short-term uncertainties, the stock market is expected to provide competitive returns over the long term [1] Group 2: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has outperformed the market this year, benefiting from its position in the consumer staples industry, which is perceived as a safe haven during economic downturns [4] - The company's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 24.2, which is reasonable compared to the industry average of 22.2 [4] - Coca-Cola's extensive global presence and local manufacturing reduce the impact of tariffs, making it resilient to trade policy changes [5] - The brand's strong recognition and adaptability to changing consumer demands provide a competitive advantage [6][7] - Coca-Cola has a remarkable dividend track record, having increased payouts for 63 consecutive years, indicating robust underlying operations [8] Group 3: Costco - Costco's stock appears expensive with a forward P/E of 56.7, which is significantly above the average for consumer staples [9] - The company's membership model fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat visits, enhancing its competitive position [10] - Costco has substantial growth opportunities, particularly in international markets, with 69% of its warehouses located in the U.S. [11] - The company holds a 1.5% share of the U.S. e-commerce market, with e-commerce sales growing faster, providing a long-term growth tailwind [12] - Although tariffs may impact margins, Costco's strong brand and global expansion strategy are expected to sustain its appeal and performance in the long run [13]

Industry Overview - The global beverage industry is transforming, with a focus on health-conscious and convenience-driven products, moving beyond traditional carbonated soft drinks [1][2] - The competition is primarily between Coca-Cola Company (KO) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP), each with distinct strengths and strategies [1][2] Coca-Cola Company (KO) - Coca-Cola has over 130 years of brand equity and operates in more than 200 countries, commanding a significant market share across various beverage categories [2][5] - Approximately 30% of Coca-Cola's volume comes from low- or no-calorie beverages, aligning with consumer health preferences [5] - The company's "all-weather" business strategy includes a diverse product range, from classic sodas to health-focused options, and adapts pricing and packaging to consumer affordability [6] - Coca-Cola invests in digital innovation and marketing personalization, utilizing platforms like Studio X for localized marketing and enhancing consumer experiences through connected packaging [7] Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) - KDP has established itself as a significant player in the beverage industry, with a diverse portfolio that includes carbonated soft drinks, premium coffee, and energy beverages [8][10] - The company's strategy balances short-term execution with long-term brand building, focusing on innovation and expanded distribution [10] - KDP is attuned to emerging demographics and trends, introducing brands that resonate with younger, health-conscious consumers and leveraging data-driven marketing for brand relevance [11] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Coca-Cola's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 2.4% and 2.9%, respectively [12] - In contrast, KDP's 2025 sales and EPS estimates suggest a higher growth of 5.6% and 6.1% [14] - Coca-Cola trades at a forward P/E ratio of 23.45X, above the industry average, while KDP trades at a lower multiple of 16.19X, indicating it as a more value-oriented option [15][17] Stock Performance - Over the past year, Coca-Cola stock has gained 13.7%, outperforming KDP and the broader industry's decline [17] - Despite KDP's lower valuation, Coca-Cola's stronger stock performance and growth trajectory provide it with an edge [17][19] Conclusion - Coca-Cola maintains a commanding edge in global scale, brand equity, and consumer loyalty, despite KDP's rising influence and innovation [18][19] - For investors seeking stability and long-term value creation, Coca-Cola is positioned as the stronger choice [19]

Core Insights - The wide moat strategy focuses on investing in companies with durable competitive advantages that ensure long-term profitability and market leadership [1][2] Group 1: Pfizer Inc. (PFE) - Pfizer is a leading drugmaker in oncology, bolstered by the acquisition of Seagen, which generated $3.4 billion in sales for 2024, reflecting a 38% increase on a pro forma basis [6] - The company has committed resources to develop treatments in oncology, internal medicine, immunology, inflammation, and vaccines, with new gene therapies for hemophilia gaining approval in 2024 [7] - Pfizer anticipates cost cuts and restructuring to save $7.7 billion by the end of 2027, alongside growth in non-COVID sales driving profit growth [8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Pfizer are 0.6% and 1% respectively for the current year, with a 3.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [9] - Pfizer's forward P/E is 7.41X, significantly lower than the industry average of 12.96X and the S&P 500's 19.20X [10] - The average price target for Pfizer indicates a potential increase of 23.7% from the last closing price of $23, with a maximum upside of 43.5% [11] Group 2: The Coca-Cola Co. (KO) - Coca-Cola has shown positive business trends, consistently beating expectations, supported by higher pricing strategies amid inflation [12] - The company's all-weather strategy aims for revenue growth in 2025, focusing on marketing, innovation, and revenue management [12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Coca-Cola are 2.4% and 2.8% respectively for the current year, with a stable Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings [13] - The average price target for Coca-Cola suggests an increase of 11.1% from the last closing price of $71.93, indicating a maximum upside of 19.6% [14] Group 3: The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) - Disney reported steady fiscal 2025 results with year-over-year growth in revenues and earnings, although international park locations faced declines [15] - The company expects double-digit percentage growth in segment operating income for fiscal 2025, with ESPN achieving significant viewership growth [16] - Disney has transformed its streaming business into a profitable growth engine, reporting its first-ever Direct-to-Consumer operating profit in FY2024 [17] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for Disney are 3.8% and 15.1% respectively for the current year, with a 4.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings [18] - The average price target for Disney indicates a potential increase of 10.9% from the last closing price of $112.66, with a maximum upside of 31.4% [19]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) has shown strong momentum, with shares rising 3.6% after the release of first-quarter 2025 results, reaching a 52-week high of $62.46 [1][6] - The company's growth is driven by increased household penetration and rising per capita consumption of energy drinks, particularly in the U.S. market [2][7] - Monster Beverage's stock performance has outpaced the broader Consumer Staples sector, which declined by 3.5% [3] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, adjusted EPS (excluding Alcohol Brands) increased by 10.2% year over year to 47 cents, exceeding expectations [6] - Gross margin improved by 240 basis points to 56.5%, attributed to effective pricing strategies and supply chain optimization [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MNST's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 5.9% and 14.8%, respectively [10] Market Dynamics - The U.S. energy drinks category grew by 10% year over year, with Monster's retail sales rising 8.7% for the 13 weeks ending April 26, 2025 [7] - The company is expanding its global footprint, with notable sales increases in China, Australia, and South Korea, as well as market share gains in several European countries [7] - The impact of tariffs on operating results was minimal, and the company is exploring mitigation actions [8] Analyst Sentiment - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MNST's 2025 EPS rose by a penny in the last week, indicating analyst optimism [9] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), reflecting strong market momentum and operational excellence [12]