PEP Stock Recent News

While a high dividend yield is attractive, the consistency makes a stock worth holding.

Investors looking within the consumer staples sector for a quality dividend stock will often choose Coca-Cola (KO 0.55%). And understandably so.

Most Dividend Kings are overpriced, but six currently offer fair value, with annual dividends from $1,000 invested exceeding their share prices. Top-yielding Dividend Kings like Altria, Northwest Natural, and United Bankshares meet my 'dogcatcher ideal' for income-focused investors. Analyst forecasts suggest select Dividend Kings could deliver 13-28% total returns by July 2026, with lower volatility than the market.

PepsiCo's stock (NASDAQ:PEP) has significantly lagged this year, recording a 10% decrease, while its competitor, Coca-Cola stock (NYSE:KO), has experienced a 16% rise. This contrast is mainly attributed to the sluggish North American operations for PepsiCo. The company has encountered a decline in consumer interest for its Frito-Lay snack sector and has dealt with a substantial recall in its Quaker Foods North America branch (oatmeal).

The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) closed out the first half of the year at an all-time high -- a remarkable recovery considering how beaten down the index was in April. But not all stocks are enjoying the rebound.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), passive income generally includes earnings from rental activity or any trade, business, or investment in which the individual does not materially participate.

PepsiCo's dividend yield is at a decade high, but free cash flow hasn't covered dividends in 2 of the last 3 years—this is unsustainable. Recent acquisitions, like Poppi, add pressure to Pepsi's balance sheet, making future dividend growth and sustainability uncertain if they don't deliver immediate returns. Pepsi's lower valuation multiple is justified by slowing earnings growth and a weaker free cash flow profile compared to Coca-Cola, which has stronger fundamentals.

Markets have rallied hard, but with valuations stretched, I'm being more selective. Now's the time to focus on smart, income-generating moves. If we enter financial repression, quality dividend stocks could outperform. Their income and pricing power offer real protection and upside. That's why I'm doubling down on three Strong Buys that are undervalued, high-yield, and built for long-term income growth. The setup looks excellent.

In the closing of the recent trading day, PepsiCo (PEP) stood at $135.26, denoting a +2.44% move from the preceding trading day.

PepsiCo's recent underperformance and North American weakness mask the fundamental strength and global diversification of this consumer staples giant. Despite North American weakness and peaking margins, the market's fears are overblown. The company's global diversification provides a strong fundamental base. Management's revitalization strategy, international growth, and portfolio transformation position PepsiCo for long-term secular tailwinds, especially in emerging markets.