PEPSICO INC (PEP) Q1 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q1 2025 organic revenue grew 1.2% with Core EPS of $1.48 and GAAP EPS of $1.33; management cut full‑year Core constant‑currency EPS from mid‑single‑digit growth to ~flat, citing tariffs, a weaker consumer, and subdued FLNA momentum, while reiterating low‑single‑digit organic revenue growth .
- International remained the growth engine (mid‑single‑digit organic growth; several markets strong), while PBNA improved profitability; CFO noted the quarter included only two months of international results due to the fiscal calendar, which masked underlying top‑line momentum .
- Revenue was modestly above consensus; EPS (Core/Primary) was roughly in line; estimate context below (S&P Global) .
- Dividend increased 5% to an annualized $5.69 (quarterly $1.4225) and management advanced digital/AI initiatives via a multi‑year AWS agreement—both reinforcing medium‑term capital return and productivity/investment capacity .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
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What Went Well
- International growth and resilience: “largest growth engine,” with Europe, India, and Brazil highlighted positively; March implied company organic growth ~2% if included in Q1 .
- PBNA margin trajectory improving on sustained execution; Pepsi Zero Sugar, Gatorade, and functional hydration (Propel) highlighted as share gainers; Mountain Dew relaunch forthcoming .
- Strategic portfolio and digital execution: dividend raise, poppi acquisition to expand “better‑for‑you,” and AWS collaboration to accelerate AI and supply chain capabilities .
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What Went Wrong
- Guidance cut driven by tariffs (new vs. February outlook), a weaker consumer backdrop, and FLNA’s subdued performance; mitigation plans underway but will take time .
- U.S. convenience channel traffic pressure impacting single‑serve and energy; management also flagged China consumer softness and some Mexico deceleration .
- Ingredient/color legislation complexity and SNAP policy uncertainty add incremental cost/volume risks, though management expects limited earnings impact near‑term .
Financial Results
Headline metrics vs prior periods and estimates
Actual vs Wall Street consensus (S&P Global)
Values marked with * are from S&P Global; Values retrieved from S&P Global.
Segment breakdown – Q1 2025
Non‑GAAP adjustments in Q1 2025 (EPS): Core EPS reconciled from GAAP by restructuring and impairment ($0.14) and acquisition/divestiture charges ($0.01) .
Guidance Changes
Management attributed the EPS change to tariffs (new since February), weaker consumer confidence, and FLNA’s subdued performance; tariff mitigation will take time .
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “We continue to expect low‑single‑digit organic revenue growth but now expect core constant currency EPS to be approximately even with the prior year... we previously announced a 5 percent increase in our annualized dividend.”
- “The rationale behind the guidance adjustment... driven by tariffs... heightened macro and consumer uncertainty... and Frito’s subdued performance.”
- “Where we have executed [dual‑size single‑serve]... we’re seeing a meaningful improvement in units... 10‑count [multipacks]... at a much lower price point... delivering good returns.”
- “International... will continue to be a growth and profit key driver... and [is] accretive to the company.”
- “Pepsi is starting to gain share of carbonated soft drinks... Gatorade is starting to regain share... powders and tablets [enhancers] gaining share.”
Q&A Highlights
- Guidance bridge: Tariffs the largest new factor vs February, plus weaker consumer and FLNA performance; top‑line held given international momentum and calendar effects .
- FLNA strategy: Price‑pack architecture (sub‑$2, portion control), lower‑count multipacks, improved execution post‑SAP; investing while protecting long‑term profitability .
- PBNA: Multi‑year margin expansion continues; Pepsi Zero, Gatorade/Propel driving share gains; Mountain Dew relaunch to support category .
- Regulatory/GLP‑1: Accelerating move to natural colors; GLP‑1 impact manageable with portion control and functional innovations (hydration, fiber; developing protein) .
- International: Broad‑based resilience; some softness in China/Mexico, but Europe/India/Brazil strong; expecting steady mid‑single‑digit contribution .
Estimates Context
- Q1 2025 revenue modestly beat consensus ($17.92B vs $17.73B*); Core/Primary EPS was roughly in line to slightly below ($1.48 vs $1.49*) .
- Given the EPS guidance cut to ~flat Core constant currency, Street EPS models likely move down for FY25; top‑line estimates likely unchanged given reiterated low‑single‑digit organic growth and international momentum .
Values marked with * are from S&P Global; Values retrieved from S&P Global.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- FY25 narrative shifts to EPS preservation amid tariffs: revenue intact, EPS trimmed—watch for tariff mitigation cadence and any macro stabilization into 2H .
- International remains the growth and profit lever; sustained execution in Europe/India/Brazil offsets China/Mexico softness; March run‑rate suggests healthier underlying momentum .
- U.S. beverages are a bright spot: PBNA margin path intact; Pepsi Zero, Gatorade/Propel strength continue to de‑risk PBNA profit trajectory .
- FLNA recovery is the swing factor: focused value/pack architecture and portion control; monitor category volumes, convenience channel traffic, and SAP‑post improvements .
- Capital returns and portfolio evolution continue: dividend +5%; poppi acquisition broadens “better‑for‑you”; AWS tie‑up should enhance AI/productivity—potential medium‑term margin tailwinds .
- Near‑term trading setup: modest top‑line beat, EPS in line, guidance cut—stock likely hinges on confidence in tariff mitigation and FLNA re‑acceleration vs continued PBNA/international strength .