Key Takeaways Coca-Cola is driving growth through its nearly 30 billion brands and broad global presence.The company boosts momentum with new products, premiumization and wide-ranging marketing campaigns.KO advances digital-led marketing and bottler re-franchising to strengthen system capabilities.The Coca-Cola Company’s (KO) extensive roster of billion-dollar brands continues to serve as a competitive advantage and a key engine for future growth. With almost 30 brands, the company leverages both its broad ...

I'm Susan Jabinsky, co-host of the Morning Filter podcast. The holidays are upon us. Why not spread some holiday cheer by gifting a stock to a close family member or friend.Or how about giving them some money they can invest themselves along with a good stock tip or two from Morning Star. Today, we're talking about three stocks we think would make good holiday gifts as long-term investments. All of these stocks are from companies with wide economic moes.We expect companies with wide moes to remain competiti ...

Core Insights - PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) shares have experienced a decline following the release of its third-quarter 2025 results, indicating a shift in investor sentiment from bullish to bearish [2][3] - The stock closed at $143.60 on November 3, 2025, falling below its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) of $145.5, which is a technical indicator of weakness [2][10] - Despite the recent downturn, PepsiCo's stock remains above its 200-day SMA, suggesting a more favorable long-term outlook [4] Performance Comparison - Over the past month, PepsiCo's stock has declined by 4.2%, contrasting with a 3% growth in the Zacks Beverages – Soft Drinks industry [6] - The stock has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector, which saw a decline of 0.5%, and the S&P 500, which increased by 1.6% [6] - Competitors such as The Coca-Cola Company (KO) and Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) have seen stock increases of 5.6% and 4.3%, respectively, during the same period [7] Financial Performance - PepsiCo reported a 3% revenue growth in Q3 2025, despite facing cost pressures that impacted profitability [10][12] - The company is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 16.79X, which is below the industry average of 17.8X and the S&P 500's average of 23.3X [22][23] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 sales suggests a year-over-year growth of 1.8%, while EPS is expected to decline by 0.6% [17] Strategic Initiatives - To address operational challenges, PepsiCo is implementing cost-cutting measures, streamlining product offerings, and optimizing its price-pack architecture [14][20] - The company has maintained strong international performance, achieving 18 consecutive quarters of mid-single-digit organic growth [15] - Recent acquisitions and partnerships are aimed at enhancing PepsiCo's presence in functional beverages and healthier snack segments [20][21] Market Outlook - Analysts have revised earnings estimates upward for 2025 and 2026, indicating growing confidence in PepsiCo's growth potential [16] - The company's fundamentals remain robust, with a focus on innovation and structural efficiency to drive long-term growth [21] - Despite short-term headwinds, PepsiCo is positioned for gradual improvement in margins and profitability, making it an attractive opportunity for investors [26][27]

Core Insights - The Coca-Cola Company (KO) demonstrated a resilient performance in Q3 2025, particularly in North America, despite mixed global results [1][10] - The company achieved 6% organic revenue growth and 6% comparable EPS growth, driven by disciplined pricing, marketing transformation, and innovation [4][10] North America Performance - North America was a bright spot for Coca-Cola, showing sequential volume improvement for the second consecutive quarter [1][10] - The region's performance was supported by the company's focus on affordability through smaller packs and premium segments, contributing to value share gains [2][4] Global Market Dynamics - Global performance was uneven, with Latin America and Asia Pacific facing macroeconomic and weather-related challenges, particularly in Mexico, India, and parts of ASEAN [3][10] - Despite these challenges, Coca-Cola continued to gain value share in most markets and maintained or expanded share across all geographic segments [3][4] Competitive Landscape - Coca-Cola's key rivals, PepsiCo and Monster Beverage, are experiencing distinct paths in North America, with both companies showing improvements in beverage volumes and innovation [6][7][8] - The competitive landscape is evolving as consumer spending and pricing strategies shift, raising questions about the sustainability of growth for these companies [6][7][8] Financial Metrics - Coca-Cola's shares have increased by 12.4% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 7.1% [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22.07X, which is higher than the industry's 18.36X [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings growth of 3.1% for 2025 and 8.2% for 2026, with recent estimates for 2025 remaining unchanged [13][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]

Core Insights - PepsiCo launched its first-ever Global Farmer Awards to honor outstanding farmers, farming families, and advisors from its global supply chain, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in its business model [1][3][4] - The Perry Family Farm from Alberta, Canada, was awarded Farmer of the Year, recognized for its leadership in regenerative agriculture and long-standing partnership with PepsiCo [2][5] - The awards align with PepsiCo's pep+ Positive Agriculture agenda, which aims to implement regenerative practices across 10 million acres by 2030, having already achieved over 3.5 million acres as of 2024 [6] Event Highlights - The awards ceremony took place at PepsiCo's headquarters in Purchase, NY, gathering nearly 60 farmers and advisors from 19 countries [1][3] - Finalists were recognized across six categories: Sustainability, Next-Gen Farming, Leadership & Advisory, Heritage & Growth, Quality, and Farmer of the Year, showcasing a diverse representation of farmers [4] - The event included a broader agenda with plenary sessions, a Taste & Tell Expo, and panels where farmers shared regenerative practices with PepsiCo executives [9][10] Strategic Initiatives - PepsiCo is investing in farmer training, technology, and collaborations to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and watershed improvements [6][7] - The Climate Resilience Platform was launched as a digital tool to provide farmers with insights on climate conditions and potential impacts on yields [7] - The STEP Up for Agriculture initiative, developed in collaboration with Unilever and other retailers, aims to strengthen farmer support organizations and promote regenerative practices [7]

Core Insights - PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) shares increased by 3.7% following a stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 earnings report, driven by solid pricing gains and resilient demand, raising questions about the sustainability of this rally [1][9] - The company's earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, indicating strong performance [1][9] Financial Performance - PepsiCo's Q3 performance was bolstered by steady momentum in its North America beverage business and growth in international markets, with net revenues rising by 3% [2][12] - The company has seen a 10.7% stock rally over the past three months, outperforming the broader industry, which declined by 1.7% [3][9] - PepsiCo's stock price is currently $150.08, which is 15.4% below its 52-week high of $177.50 and 17.6% above its 52-week low of $127.60 [8] Competitive Positioning - PepsiCo's performance has outpaced competitors like The Coca-Cola Company (KO) and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP), which have seen declines of 3.5% and 22.3%, respectively, over the past three months [4] - Despite this, PepsiCo's shares have underperformed compared to Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST), which rallied by 16.7% in the same period [4] Growth Drivers - The company's growth is attributed to balanced performance across beverages, snacks, and international markets, with significant contributions from Trademark Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar [12][13] - PepsiCo's international segment achieved its 18th consecutive quarter of mid-single-digit organic revenue growth, particularly strong in markets like Brazil, the U.K., Türkiye, and China [12] Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about sustaining growth momentum, expecting continued resilience in international business and improving profitability in North America [14] - For fiscal 2025, PepsiCo reaffirmed guidance for low-single-digit organic revenue growth and flat year-over-year core constant-currency EPS [15] Valuation Metrics - PepsiCo's forward 12-month P/E ratio is 17.79X, slightly above the industry average of 17.73X but below the S&P 500's average of 22.93X [18][19] - The stock's valuation is lower than competitors like Coca-Cola and Monster Beverage, which have higher P/E ratios of 21.21X and 33.29X, respectively [19] Analyst Sentiment - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 and 2026 EPS has been revised upward by 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively, indicating growing analyst confidence in the company's growth potential [16] - The current setup presents an appealing opportunity for investors, supported by steady fundamentals, favorable estimate trends, and reasonable valuation [20][23]

Core Insights - PepsiCo's shares increased as investors reacted positively to its product refreshes and wellness innovations, alongside plans for consistent growth in snacks and beverages [1] Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.29, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $2.26 [1] - Quarterly sales reached $23.937 billion, reflecting a 2.6% year-over-year increase, exceeding expectations of $23.827 billion [1] Analyst Commentary - Bank of America Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo maintained a Neutral rating on PepsiCo, raising the price target from $150 to $155 [2] - The analyst adjusted the fiscal year 2025 EPS estimate to $8.12 from $8.04, citing a softer foreign exchange impact [2] - Near-term share performance is expected to depend on improvements in North America organic sales with upcoming product launches [2] Sales and Product Strategy - Sales in the PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) segment, including Siete, remained flat year-over-year, despite challenges in salty snacks [3] - The company aims for sequential organic growth through restaging of Lay's and Tostitos, focusing on health and wellness innovations across various brands [3] Volume and Growth Projections - Underlying volumes in the PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) segment fell by 1% year-over-year, excluding a 300 basis points drag from exiting case-pack water [4] - The analyst updated the fiscal year 2026 quarterly organic growth projections to +2.1%, +2.4%, +3.6%, and +3.9%, indicating sequential improvement [4] Long-term Outlook - EPS estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 were increased to $8.60 and $9.10, respectively [5] - The company is viewed as defensive amid a potential U.S. economic slowdown, with a balanced approach to growth, dividends, and buybacks [5] - PepsiCo shares were reported to be up 3.61% at $149.94 at the time of publication [5]

Core Insights - PepsiCo's shares increased as investors reacted positively to its product refreshes and wellness innovations, alongside plans for consistent growth in snacks and beverages [1] Financial Performance - The company reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.29, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $2.26 [1] - Quarterly sales reached $23.937 billion, reflecting a 2.6% year-over-year increase, exceeding expectations of $23.827 billion [1] Analyst Commentary - Bank of America Securities analyst Peter T. Galbo maintained a Neutral rating on PepsiCo, raising the price target from $150 to $155 [2] - The analyst adjusted the fiscal year 2025 EPS estimate to $8.12 from $8.04, citing a softer foreign exchange impact [2] - Near-term share performance is expected to depend on improvements in North America organic sales with upcoming product launches [2] Sales and Product Strategy - Sales in the PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) segment, including Siete, remained flat year-over-year, despite challenges in salty snacks [3] - The company aims for sequential organic growth through restaging of Lay's and Tostitos, focusing on health and wellness innovations across various brands [3] Volume and Growth Projections - Underlying volumes in the PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) segment fell by 1% year-over-year, excluding a 300 basis points drag from exiting case-pack water [4] - Management plans to reaccelerate growth with new formulations for Muscle Milk and innovations across Gatorade, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew [4] - The analyst updated the fiscal year 2026 quarterly organic growth projections to +2.1%, +2.4%, +3.6%, and +3.9%, indicating sequential improvement [4] Long-term Outlook - EPS estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 were increased to $8.60 and $9.10, respectively [5] - The company is viewed as defensive amid a potential U.S. economic slowdown, with a balanced approach to growth, dividends, and buybacks [5] - PepsiCo shares rose by 3.61% to $149.94 at the time of publication [5]

Core Insights - PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is recognized as one of the 14 best food dividend stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - The company has a diverse portfolio that includes popular beverage and snack brands, contributing to multiple revenue streams [2] - Approximately 40% of PepsiCo's sales and profits are generated from international markets, demonstrating resilience even during economic downturns [3] Financial Performance - PepsiCo's cash flow has remained stable due to its various revenue options, allowing the company to increase its dividend payouts for 53 consecutive years [4] - The current dividend is $1.4225 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.01% as of October 5 [4]