Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of conservative dividend-paying stocks for older investors, highlighting Philip Morris International, PepsiCo, and Enterprise Products Partners as reliable options for generating steady long-term income [1][2]. Group 1: Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International (PMI) is one of the largest tobacco companies, spun off from Altria in 2008, focusing on international markets with higher smoking rates [3]. - Despite declining global smoking rates, PMI's stock has increased nearly 210% since its public debut, with a total return of 608% including reinvested dividends [4]. - PMI has offset declining traditional cigarette shipments by raising prices, cutting costs, and expanding its smoke-free product portfolio, which accounted for 41% of revenue and 42% of gross profit in the latest quarter [5]. - Analysts project PMI's earnings per share (EPS) to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% from 2024 to 2027, with a forward dividend yield of 3.7% [6]. Group 2: PepsiCo - PepsiCo is a leading beverage and packaged food company, recognized as a Dividend King with 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, currently offering a forward yield of 3.8% [7]. - The company has adapted to health trends by expanding its beverage portfolio with healthier options and updating its packaged food brands [8]. - Over the past decade, PepsiCo's stock has risen 55%, generating a total return of nearly 110%, with analysts expecting an EPS CAGR of nearly 8% from 2024 to 2027 [9]. Group 3: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners operates over 50,000 miles of pipeline, generating revenue by charging fees to upstream and downstream companies, insulating it from commodity price volatility [10][11]. - As a master limited partnership (MLP), it offers tax advantages and has consistently raised distributions for 28 years, currently providing a high forward yield of 7.2% [12]. - Analysts expect its earnings per unit (EPU) to grow at a steady CAGR of 4% from 2024 to 2027, with the stock appearing attractive at 11 times next year's EPU [13].

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]

Core Viewpoint - The current market environment presents challenges for investors, with the Nasdaq Composite index down approximately 13% from its all-time high, while PepsiCo has shown resilience and growth potential, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1][2]. Company Overview - PepsiCo has demonstrated steady growth through its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, distinguishing itself from tech sector giants [3]. - The company has a diverse portfolio of brands, including Lay's, Doritos, and Gatorade, sold in over 200 countries, contributing to its long history of growth [4]. Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, PepsiCo achieved a 2% year-over-year increase in organic revenue despite flat beverage volumes, driven by successful pricing initiatives and growth in Europe and Latin America [5]. - Core earnings per share (EPS) reached a record $8.16 for 2024, reflecting a 9% increase from 2023, with expectations for continued growth in 2025 [6]. Investment Appeal - PepsiCo's stock is currently trading at around 19 times its consensus 2025 EPS, significantly below its five-year average multiple of 26, indicating potential undervaluation [9]. - The company offers a 3.5% dividend yield, with a history of increasing its annual payout for 53 consecutive years, classifying it as a Dividend King [10]. Long-term Outlook - PepsiCo is well-positioned to navigate market volatility, benefiting from its strong fundamentals and international presence, making it a suitable addition to a diversified portfolio [7][8]. - The stock's combination of attractive valuation and long-term growth potential positions it favorably for rewarding shareholders in the future [11].