Nov 18, 2025 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time About Casey's General Stores Casey's is a Fortune 500 company (Nasdaq: CASY) operating approximately 2,900 convenience stores. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company has grown to become the third-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Casey's provides freshly prepared foods, quality fuel and friendly service at its locations. Guests can enjoy pizza, donuts, other assorted bakery items, and a wide selection of ...

Key Takeaways Keurig Dr Pepper's Refreshment Beverages segment posted double-digit sales growth in Q3 2025.The U.S. Coffee unit saw a 4% volume/mix decline amid lower brewer shipments and cautious retailers.Cost inflation and tariffs persist, but pricing actions and efficiency programs help cushion KDP's margins.Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) continues to demonstrate impressive strength in its Refreshment Beverages segment, which remains the primary engine of growth. In third-quarter 2025, sales rose double-di ...

Core Insights - Coca-Cola's Zero Sugar line has transformed into a key growth driver for the company, significantly enhancing consumer engagement and reshaping its sparkling beverage strategy [1][3][8] - The brand has shown strong growth in markets like Brazil, Mexico, and North America, allowing Coca-Cola to gain value share despite macroeconomic challenges [1][3] - The success of Zero Sugar reflects Coca-Cola's ability to adapt to consumer preferences for healthier options while maintaining its brand identity [1][3][8] Innovation and Marketing Strategy - Coca-Cola is launching new flavors and utilizing digital engagement to connect with younger consumers who prioritize taste and health [2] - The revitalization of Diet Coke through nostalgic flavors and creative campaigns complements the growth of Coke Zero Sugar, enhancing the "light and zero" portfolio [2] - The combined strength of Coke Zero Sugar and Diet Coke is expanding the sparkling category rather than creating internal competition [2] Financial Performance - Coca-Cola's shares have increased by 9.2% year to date, outperforming the industry growth of 4.4% [7] - The company is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.35X, which is higher than the industry's 17.77X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings growth of 3.5% for 2025 and 8% for 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [10] Earnings Estimates - Current earnings estimates for the fourth quarter of 2025 stand at $0.56 per share, with projections for the next quarter at $0.82 [11] - For the full year of 2025, earnings are expected to be $2.98, increasing to $3.22 in 2026 [11]

Core Insights - Dr Pepper has surpassed Pepsi to become the second-best-selling soda brand in the United States, while Coca-Cola remains the market leader [1][6][7] - The cola wars have officially concluded, with Dr Pepper emerging as a new challenger in the market [2] - Dr Pepper has adopted a more experimental approach by introducing various new flavors and limited-time offerings [3][8] Market Position - Coca-Cola holds 19.2% of the U.S. carbonated soft drink market, while Dr Pepper has captured 8.3%, recently overtaking Pepsi, which now stands at 8.0% [7] Product Innovation - Dr Pepper has launched several new flavors, including Dr Pepper Blackberry (2025), Dr Pepper Zero Sugar Creamy Coconut (2024), and Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream (2023), with some becoming permanent offerings due to strong sales [7] - The company has also utilized creative flavor promotions through its rewards program, introducing unique flavors like Fantastic Chocolate and Nashville Reserve [8] Discontinuation of Flavors - Dr Pepper has not hesitated to discontinue flavors that do not resonate with consumers, such as Dark Berry and Diet Cherry Chocolate [9]

Core Insights - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) has a market capitalization of $37.6 billion and operates in the beverage and brewing systems sector, producing brands like Dr Pepper and Snapple [1] Performance Overview - KDP shares have underperformed the broader market, declining 16.9% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 Index has increased by 17.4% [2] - Year-to-date, KDP shares are down 14.6%, contrasting with the S&P 500's nearly 16% gain [2] - KDP has also lagged behind the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund, which has seen a decline of over 5% in the past 52 weeks [3] Recent Financial Results - On October 27, KDP reported Q3 2025 results with net sales rising 10.7% to $4.31 billion and adjusted EPS increasing 5.9% to $0.54 [4] - The growth was primarily driven by a 14.4% surge in U.S. Refreshment Beverages, with the GHOST acquisition contributing 7.2 percentage points to volume growth [4] - KDP raised its full-year constant currency net sales growth outlook to a high-single-digit range, boosting investor confidence [4] Analyst Expectations - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, analysts project KDP's adjusted EPS to grow 6.8% year-over-year to $2.05 [5] - KDP has a strong earnings surprise history, having beaten or met consensus estimates in the last four quarters [5] - Among 16 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a "Strong Buy," with nine "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," five "Holds," and one "Strong Sell" [5] Price Target Adjustments - On October 29, Jefferies lowered its price target on KDP to $39 while maintaining a "Buy" rating [7] - The mean price target of $34.94 indicates a 26.2% premium to KDP's current price levels, while the highest price target of $42 suggests a potential upside of 51.7% [7]

Group 1 - Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) secured $7 billion from KKR, Apollo Global Management, and Goldman Sachs for a leveraged buyout, with $4 billion allocated for new K-Cup pods and $3 billion for preferred convertible stock [1] - KDP raised its annual sales forecast, resulting in an approximately 8% increase in its share price, with net sales climbing 11% in the most recent quarter, driven by a 14% increase in beverage sales [2] - Dr Pepper has become the second-most popular soda in America, surpassing Pepsi's market share [2] Group 2 - The recent investment from private equity firms may shield KDP from activist investors like Starboard, while PepsiCo faces similar pressures from Elliott Management, which acquired a $4 billion stake [3] - The beverage sector's sales increased by less than 2% last quarter, with KDP's coffee business facing challenges due to droughts and tariffs in Brazil and Vietnam [5] - KDP announced an $18 billion acquisition of JDE Peet's and plans to separate its coffee business from its soda operations, but the stock fell 20% following the news, attracting interest from activist investor Starboard [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 6% revenue CAGR and an 11% EPS CAGR since its formation, placing it in the top tier of consumer packaged goods (CPG) peers [7][25] - The company expects year one EPS accretion of approximately 10% from the JDE Peet's acquisition [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Refreshment Beverage segment has achieved a high single-digit net sales CAGR since 2018, driven by flagship brands like Dr Pepper [23] - The U.S. Coffee segment has maintained a steady low single-digit sales CAGR in recent years, with Keurig reinforcing its position as the number one North American single-serve system [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global coffee category has experienced a post-COVID slowdown but is beginning to show signs of recovery, with a historical volume growth of 2% CAGR over 40 years [11][29] - The company anticipates that the acquisition of JDE Peet's will more than triple its coffee net sales to $16 billion, making it the second-largest global coffee player [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create two focused pure-play entities: Beverage Co, a growth-oriented player, and Global Coffee Co, a steady grower with strong cash flow [34] - The acquisition of JDE Peet's is seen as a strategic move to maximize the value of the coffee business, leveraging economies of scale and enhancing global reach [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the need for a refreshed approach to the coffee category, emphasizing the importance of structural tailwinds supporting future growth [27][30] - The company is committed to executing the integration and separation plans effectively, with a focus on maintaining business momentum and achieving synergy capture [40][41] Other Important Information - The company has established a transformation management office to oversee the integration and ensure successful execution of the acquisition and separation [36] - Recent actions have been taken to address investor concerns regarding capital structure, including minority investments to shore up the balance sheet [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is JDE Peet's the right acquisition? - Management believes JDE Peet's represents the most attractive path for maximizing the value of the coffee business due to its scale and capabilities [19][30] Question: How will the separation into Beverage Co and Global Coffee Co uniquely enable growth? - The separation allows each entity to tailor its strategy and capital allocation priorities to align with distinct category and geographic exposures [34] Question: How will the company optimize its capital structure post-acquisition? - The company plans to target initial leverage ranges for Beverage Co and Global Coffee Co to ensure financial stability and attractive returns [37]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 6% revenue CAGR and an 11% EPS CAGR since its formation, placing it in the top tier of CPG peers [7] - The company expects year one EPS accretion of approximately 10% from the JDE Peet's acquisition [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Refreshment Beverage segment has achieved a high single-digit net sales CAGR since 2018, with Dr Pepper becoming the CSD category's innovation and marketing leader [23] - The U.S. Coffee segment has maintained a steady low single-digit sales CAGR in recent years, with Keurig reinforcing its position as the number one North American single-serve system [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global coffee category is experiencing a recovery post-COVID, with a historical volume growth of 2% CAGR over 40 years [11][29] - The company anticipates that the combined coffee net sales will exceed $16 billion, making it the second largest global coffee player [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on creating two pure-play entities: a North American beverage challenger and a global coffee powerhouse, emphasizing the strategic rationale behind the JDE Peet's acquisition [18][34] - The separation will allow each entity to tailor its strategy and capital allocation priorities to align with distinct category and geographic exposures [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the attractiveness of the global coffee category, citing structural tailwinds supporting future growth [27] - The company is committed to executing the integration and separation plans effectively, with a focus on maintaining business momentum [40][41] Other Important Information - The company has established a Transformation Management Office to oversee the integration and ensure successful outcomes [36] - Recent actions have been taken to address investor concerns regarding capital structure, including minority investments to shore up the balance sheet [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is JDE Peet's the right acquisition? - Management believes JDE Peet's represents the most attractive path for maximizing the value of the coffee business due to its scale and capabilities [30] Question: How will the separation into BevCo and Global Coffee Company uniquely enable growth? - The separation allows each company to focus on its respective market opportunities and operational efficiencies, enhancing strategic optionality [34] Question: What are the expected capital structures post-acquisition? - The company expects net leverage to be below five times at acquisition close, with targeted ranges for each standalone entity [38]

Core Insights - Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. reported strong third-quarter results for 2025, with net sales increasing by 10.7% to $4.31 billion, driven by growth in U.S. Refreshment Beverages and improving U.S. Coffee trends [1][3][5] - The company raised its full-year constant currency net sales growth outlook to a high-single-digit range, up from a mid-single-digit forecast, while reaffirming its adjusted EPS guidance for the year [1][14] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q3 2025 reached $4.31 billion, a 10.7% increase compared to the previous year, with constant currency growth of 10.6% [2][3] - Diluted EPS for Q3 was $0.49, reflecting an 8.9% increase year-over-year, while adjusted diluted EPS rose to $0.54, a 5.9% increase [2][5] - GAAP operating income increased by 10.3% to $995 million, while adjusted operating income grew by 3.8% to $1,091 million, representing 25.3% of net sales [4][5] Segment Performance - U.S. Refreshment Beverages segment saw net sales increase by 14.4% to $2.7 billion, driven by volume/mix growth of 11.2% and favorable net price realization of 3.2% [7][8] - U.S. Coffee segment reported a modest net sales increase of 1.5% to $991 million, with favorable pricing offset by a volume/mix decline of 4.0% [9][10] - International segment net sales rose by 10.5% to $580 million, with constant currency growth of 10.1% [11][12] Cash Flow and Guidance - Operating cash flow for Q3 was $639 million, with free cash flow totaling $528 million [5] - The company anticipates a foreign currency translation headwind of approximately 0.5% to full-year growth [14]

Core Insights - PepsiCo's North America beverage segment showed strong performance in Q3 2025 with 2% organic revenue growth, driven by successful brands like Pepsi Zero Sugar and Propel, indicating renewed consumer engagement [1][8] - The sustainability of this growth is contingent on balancing pricing discipline with volume expansion amid a challenging macroeconomic environment [2] Group 1: Performance and Growth Drivers - The growth in PepsiCo's beverage segment was fueled by innovative marketing campaigns and the success of new product launches, particularly in health-focused categories [1][3] - The company is adapting to evolving consumer preferences through portfolio reshaping and the introduction of modern beverages [1] Group 2: Challenges and Strategic Adjustments - PepsiCo faces challenges related to pricing pressures and the transition away from its case-pack water business, which necessitates strategic adjustments to retain consumer loyalty [2] - The company is optimizing its price-pack architecture and investing in accessible pack sizes to appeal to budget-conscious consumers [2] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Coca-Cola and Keurig Dr Pepper are also leveraging innovation and pricing discipline to sustain growth in the North American beverage market [4][5][6] - Coca-Cola's focus on zero-sugar offerings and functional beverages has helped maintain demand despite volume pressures, while Keurig Dr Pepper benefits from a diversified portfolio [5][6] Group 4: Valuation and Earnings Estimates - PepsiCo's shares have increased by 5.5% over the past three months, outperforming the industry [7] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for PepsiCo is 18.17X, slightly above the industry average of 18.14X, with earnings estimates for 2025 indicating a slight decline and a projected growth of 5.6% in 2026 [9][10]