Pepsico stock rating reiterated at Buy by Citi on strong Q2 results

Published 17/07/2025, 13:36
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Investing.com - Citi has reiterated its Buy rating and $160.00 price target on Pepsico (NASDAQ:PEP), a $185 billion beverage giant currently trading near its 52-week low at $135.35, following the company’s second-quarter 2025 performance that exceeded analyst expectations. According to InvestingPro analysis, PepsiCo appears undervalued at current levels.

Pepsico reported organic sales growth of 2.1% for the second quarter, surpassing the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of 1.5%. The company delivered earnings per share of $2.12, higher than the consensus forecast of $2.03. With impressive gross profit margins of 55% and a track record of raising dividends for 52 consecutive years, PepsiCo continues to demonstrate strong operational efficiency.

The beverage and snack giant maintained its 2025 organic sales growth guidance of low-single-digit percentage increase while raising its all-in EPS guidance to -1.5% year-over-year from -3% previously, citing lower foreign exchange headwinds. This implies EPS guidance of approximately $8.04, above the consensus estimate of $7.88.

North American results, while soft, performed better than expected with PepsiCo Foods North America down 2% versus consensus expectations of -2.2%, and PepsiCo Beverages North America up 1% compared to consensus expectations of -0.4%. International segments grew 6%, exceeding the consensus forecast of 4%.

Citi noted that Pepsico delivered better-than-expected second-quarter organic sales growth, gross margin, and operating margin compared to their estimates, suggesting a positive stock reaction based on the strong performance both in North America and internationally. InvestingPro data shows analyst targets ranging from $110 to $169, with additional insights and 12 more ProTips available to subscribers through the comprehensive Pro Research Report.

In other recent news, PepsiCo has announced a partnership with Cargill to implement regenerative agriculture practices across 240,000 acres of Iowa farmland by 2030. This initiative aims to improve soil health and increase climate resilience, with Practical Farmers of Iowa leading local implementation. Analysts have also been active ahead of PepsiCo’s upcoming second-quarter earnings report. UBS reiterated a Buy rating, highlighting potential for long-term growth despite near-term challenges in North America. Meanwhile, BofA Securities lowered its price target to $145, citing concerns over slowing sales in North American divisions. Evercore ISI maintained an "In Line" rating, projecting organic sales growth below Street consensus. The firm also noted continued pressure in North America, with potential impacts from health trends and tariffs. In separate news, President Donald Trump claimed that Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) has agreed to use real cane sugar in its U.S. products, although the company has not officially confirmed this development.

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