Core Insights - PepsiCo, Inc. is anticipated to report declines in both revenue and earnings for the second quarter of 2025, with revenues expected at $22.4 billion, reflecting a 0.5% year-over-year decrease, and earnings per share (EPS) projected at $2.04, indicating a 10.5% decline from the previous year [1][2][10] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter revenues is $22.4 billion, down 0.5% from the same quarter last year [2] - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $2.04, suggesting a 10.5% decline from the $2.28 reported in the prior-year quarter [2] - The company experienced a negative earnings surprise of 1.3% in the last reported quarter, with an average earnings surprise of 1.4% over the trailing four quarters [2] Operational Challenges - PepsiCo is facing multiple headwinds, particularly in its North America operations, which have been struggling since early 2024 due to underwhelming results in the PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) segment and a decline in Asia Pacific Foods [5][10] - The weakness in the PFNA segment is largely attributed to reduced demand for Frito-Lay products as consumers become more inflation-conscious and cut back on discretionary spending [6][7] - Consumer sentiment remains cautious, with inflationary pressures leading to more value-driven purchasing behavior, particularly in North America [7] Cost Environment - The company is contending with a challenging cost environment in 2025, driven by rising supply-chain expenses and increased tariffs on globally sourced inputs [8][9] - Incremental cost pressures related to sourcing key ingredients and materials are exacerbated by shifting international trade dynamics [8] - The combination of escalating global logistics costs and geopolitical uncertainty is disrupting pricing and procurement strategies, potentially eroding margins [9] Profitability Outlook - PepsiCo's second-quarter results are expected to reflect margin pressure due to the timing and phasing of productivity initiatives, with adjusted gross profit anticipated to decline by 0.8% year-over-year and adjusted operating income expected to fall by 9.6% [11][12] - Despite ongoing cost discipline, the company's core profitability appears temporarily constrained due to elevated supply-chain costs and tariff-related headwinds [11] Growth Drivers - PepsiCo benefits from a strong core product portfolio, diversified operations, modernized supply chain, and enhanced digital capabilities, with its international business contributing approximately 40% to total net revenues [13] - The International Beverages Franchise segment is projected to see a 2% year-over-year revenue improvement in the second quarter of 2025 [14] - The company aims to achieve productivity goals through savings from restructuring actions, which are expected to drive top-line growth and improve margins [14] Stock Performance and Valuation - PepsiCo shares have underperformed in the past three months, losing 7.3%, compared to a 5.2% decline in the broader industry and a 1.1% decline in the Consumer Staples sector [15] - The stock is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 16.83X, which is below the S&P 500's average of 22.64X and the broader industry's average of 18X [20] - The valuation on a forward 12-month P/E basis reflects a significant discount to the market, although this may indicate underlying issues rather than a clear investment opportunity [22] Investment Outlook - Despite consistent revenue growth and strong profitability driven by a diverse product portfolio, external risks such as inflationary pressures and operational challenges in North America warrant a cautious investment outlook [23][24] - The company’s strong international momentum, investments in digital transformation, and product innovation may serve as meaningful tailwinds [26] - A wait-and-watch approach may be prudent as investors assess how the company navigates current challenges and leverages growth drivers post-earnings [27]

Like an open can of soda left out overnight, PepsiCo (PEP -3.18%) stock has lost its fizz lately -- it's down by about 15% over the past year at the time of this writing. Though it has delivered consistent earnings growth, the combination of muted guidance for the year ahead and rising uncertainties about the outlook for the U.S. economy are weighing on the beverages and packaged foods giant.Does the stock's current weakness point to more downside ahead, or are there good reasons for investors to stay optim ...