Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo's stock has declined approximately 23% over the past year, prompting a need for investors to evaluate whether this drop reflects short-term concerns or indicates long-term issues [1][2]. Sales Performance - PepsiCo's first-quarter revenue growth was only about 1% year-over-year, with price increases contributing 3 percentage points and lower volume subtracting 2 percentage points [5]. - The company has faced weak volume for some time, and management projects a low-single-digit percentage increase in revenue for the year, with flat earnings per share compared to 2024 [6]. Economic Challenges - The company is not immune to broader economic forces, including persistently high inflation and tariffs, which have affected consumer purchasing behavior [4][6]. - Despite these challenges, there is optimism about PepsiCo's long-term prospects due to its strong brand portfolio [7]. Dividend Information - PepsiCo has a strong dividend track record, recently increasing its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.4225, resulting in an annual rate of $5.69 [9]. - The company has achieved 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King, with a current dividend yield of 4.3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.3% [10]. Valuation and Investment Opportunity - The decline in PepsiCo's stock has improved its valuation, with the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio dropping from 27 to 19 [11]. - While the company may not achieve rapid growth, it is expected to see improved revenue and earnings as economic conditions normalize [11]. - For investors focused on dividends, PepsiCo presents a good choice due to its attractive yield and commitment to regular increases, with potential for total return as economic conditions improve [12].

At Friedrich Global Research we are searching for what, we believe, will be the safest and best performing companies in which to buy stocks. We focus on free cash flow, efficient capital allocation, and consistently superior results to identify the highest quality management teams.Founder of Bern Factor LLC, an independent research and publishing firm located in Virginia. I have nearly 40 years of investing and analysis experience. I am a former CPA (1990 -2017) and became a CFA charter holder in 2000. I co ...

Since launching pep+ in September 2021, PepsiCo has made significant progress on regenerative agriculture and water stewardship and positive strides on sustainable packaging and climate change, while accounting for external realities and business growth. "As circumstances evolve, PepsiCo continually adapts how we source ingredients; make, move, and sell our products; and inspire people through our brands," said PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta. "This journey is underpinned by pep+ ...

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo is responding to the call from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ban artificial ingredients, with plans to reduce such ingredients in its products [1][6]. Company Actions - PepsiCo's CEO, Ramon Laguarta, announced that over 60% of the company's product portfolio currently does not contain artificial colors, and the company is actively transitioning away from these ingredients [2][3]. - Specific products like Lay's and Tostitos are set to be free of artificial colors by the end of this year [2][10]. Industry Changes - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is initiating a ban on petroleum-based synthetic dyes, with plans to revoke authorization for certain synthetic food colorings and eliminate six remaining synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of next year [3]. - The FDA's actions are part of a broader effort to establish national standards for transitioning to natural alternatives in the food industry [3]. Public Health Perspective - Certified nutritionist Liana Werner-Gray views the ban as a significant win for public health, emphasizing the importance of consuming natural foods [4][8]. - Werner-Gray advocates for a return to natural nutrition, highlighting personal health improvements after eliminating artificial dyes from her diet [5][7].

Shares of PepsiCo Inc. PEP tanked after the company reported a sales decline for the first quarter on Thursday.BofA Securities On PepsiCoAnalyst Bryan Spillane maintained a Neutral rating while reducing the price target from $155 to $150.PepsiCo reported its quarterly results broadly in line with consensus estimates, Spillane said in a note. Management’s 2025 earnings guidance reflects tariff costs of around 40 cents per share, he added.There is a lack of clarity around a recovery in US salty snacks, given ...