Bull case
PEP would need investors to value it at roughly 28x earnings — about 12x more generous than today's 16x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Three scenarios for where PEP stock could go
PEP would need investors to value it at roughly 28x earnings — about 12x more generous than today's 16x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
At 21x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
If investor confidence fades or macro conditions deteriorate, a 3x multiple contraction could push PEP down roughly 18% from where it trades now.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage giant that sells iconic snack brands like Lay's and Doritos alongside its namesake soft drinks. It generates revenue primarily through its Frito-Lay North America snacks division (~50% of operating profit) and its beverage business, with the rest coming from international markets and Quaker Foods. The company's competitive moat lies in its massive scale, powerful distribution network, and portfolio of deeply entrenched household brands that command strong consumer loyalty.
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $2.12/$2.03 | +4.4% | $22.7B/$22.3B | +2.0% |
| Q4 2025 | $2.29/$2.26 | +1.3% | $23.9B/$23.8B | +0.4% |
| Q1 2026 | $2.26/$2.24 | +0.9% | $29.3B/$29.0B | +1.3% |
| Q2 2026 | $1.61/$1.54 | +4.5% | $19.4B/$18.9B | +2.6% |
PEP beat EPS estimates in 4 of 4 tracked quarters. A perfect track record raises the bar for the upcoming report.
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Latest annual revenue by reported region
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Fair value est. $110 — implies -22.8% from today's price.
| Metric | PEP | S&P 500 | Consumer Defensive | 5Y Avg PEP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 16.4x | 18.8x-13% | 14.2x+16% | — |
| Trailing PE | 23.7x | 24.4x | 18.9x+25% | 26.3x-10% |
| PEG Ratio | 7.25x | 1.66x+337% | 1.92x+278% | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 16.4x | 15.2x | 11.1x+48% | 17.5x |
| Price/FCF | 25.3x | 20.7x+22% | 15.3x+65% | 32.7x-23% |
| Price/Sales | 2.1x | 3.1x-33% | 0.9x+135% | 2.6x-20% |
| Dividend Yield | 3.92% | 1.91% | 3.06% | 3.01% |
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolPEP generates $7.7B in free cash flow at a 8.2% margin — 14.9% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage · returns 4.4% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
~5.3 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (14.9%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
How capital is returned to owners
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageKey factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated June 17, 2026
PepsiCo faces significant legal and regulatory risks, which are reported as the top risk category for the company.
Quantitative analysis shows a wide DCF range ($139-$209), indicating uncertainty in PepsiCo's valuation.
The stock has a Hold rating with mixed sentiment, reflecting balanced but cautious investor outlook.
While PepsiCo has a diversified range of food and beverage brands, reliance on iconic products may limit growth in niche markets.
Fundamental analysis suggests a balanced risk/reward profile, but deeper financial health scrutiny is required.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated June 17, 2026
PepsiCo's diversified range of iconic food and beverage brands drives consumer loyalty and market presence.
The company's ability to maintain pricing power supports revenue growth and margin stability.
PepsiCo's consistent dividend payments highlight its financial resilience and appeal to income-focused investors.
The company generates predictable cash flows, underpinning its financial strength and investment stability.
PepsiCo's mix of snacks and beverages reduces reliance on any single product category, enhancing long-term stability.
PepsiCo's focus on digital innovation helps its brands connect more effectively with modern consumers.
The company's brands cater to diverse preferences worldwide, driving broad-based demand.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PEP PEP PepsiCo, Inc. | $194.1B | 16.4x | +4.6% | 8.8% | Hold | +18.2% |
KO KO The Coca-Cola Company | $341.7B | 24.3x | +2.7% | 27.8% | Buy | +8.5% |
MDL MDLZ Mondelez International, Inc. | $77.2B | 19.7x | +3.3% | 6.6% | Buy | +11.4% |
GIS GIS General Mills, Inc. | $17.8B | 9.8x | +0.9% | 12.1% | Hold | +11.6% |
CPB CPB Campbell Soup Company | $6.3B | 9.7x | +2.7% | 6.1% | Hold | -2.3% |
CAG CAG Conagra Brands, Inc. | $6.3B | 7.8x | +0.4% | 0.1% | Hold | +15.2% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
PEP returns 4.4% total yield, led by a 3.92% dividend, raised 54 consecutive years. Buybacks add another 0.5%.
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $2.90 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $5.62 | +5.5% | 0.5% | 4.4% |
| 2024 | $5.33 | +7.8% | 0.5% | 3.9% |
| 2023 | $4.94 | +9.3% | 0.4% | 3.3% |
| 2022 | $4.52 | +6.5% | 0.6% | 3.1% |
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) is rated Hold by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 45 analysts covering the stock, 16 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 28 rate it Hold, and 1 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $168, implying +18.2% from the current price of $142. The bear case scenario is $117 and the bull case is $245.
The Wall Street consensus price target for PEP is $168 based on 45 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $191 (+34.5% from today), and the low-end target is $143 (+0.7%). The base case model target is $186.
PEP trades at 16.4x times forward earnings. The stock's valuation is broadly in line with the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals expensive versus peers. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
The primary risks for PEP in 2026 are: (1) Legal & Regulatory — PepsiCo faces significant legal and regulatory risks, which are reported as the top risk category for the company. (2) Valuation Uncertainty — Quantitative analysis shows a wide DCF range ($139-$209), indicating uncertainty in PepsiCo's valuation. (3) Market Sentiment — The stock has a Hold rating with mixed sentiment, reflecting balanced but cautious investor outlook. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
Analyst consensus estimates PEP will report consensus revenue of $98.3B (+4.6% year-over-year) and EPS of $7.28 (+21.1% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $102.6B in revenue.
PepsiCo, Inc. is expected to report its next earnings on approximately 2026-07-16. Consensus expects EPS of $2.20 and revenue of $24.0B. Over recent quarters, PEP has beaten EPS estimates 92% of the time.
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) generated $7.7B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 8.2%. PEP returns capital to shareholders through dividends (3.9% yield) and share repurchases ($1.0B TTM).