BUZZ - Brokerage opinion: Pepsi's growth strategy in the US still needs adjustment
路透社2026/10/09 10:00October 9 - Snack and soft drink giant PepsiCo (PEP.O) warned on Thursday that the recovery of growth and profit margins in its key North American market will take longer than planned, and stated it will implement further cost-cutting measures to offset weak demand for its snacks and beverages. Twenty-five analysts have given the stock an average rating of "Hold," with a median target price of $145, according to data compiled by LSEG. JPMorgan (rating: "Neutral," target price: $137) pointed out that the company remains strong in international markets, but demand for snacks and beverages in North America remains weak, with limited signs of near-term improvement. Deutsche Bank (rating: "Hold," target price: $132) noted that PepsiCo's North American Beverages (PBNA) segment continues to lag the competition, with weak profit margins. Although the company plans to strengthen brand investment and execution, the path to sustained improvement remains unclear. Piper Sandler ("Overweight," target price: $140) indicated that the company faces weak U.S. demand and cost pressures. While new protein and hydration products may support growth, such prospects have yet to be validated. RBC Capital Markets ("Sector Perform," target price: $150) highlighted that North American beverages remain the main drag, while franchise re-authorization could support longer-term growth.
October 9 - ** Snack and soft drink giant PepsiCo (PEP.O) warned on Thursday that growth and profit margin recovery (link) in its key North American market will take longer than planned, and said it would implement further cost-cutting measures to offset sluggish demand for its snacks and beverages.
** The average rating of the stock by 25 analysts is "Hold"; median target price is $145 — data compiled by LSEG.
Seeking answers
** JPMorgan ("Neutral" rating, target price: $137) noted that the company's international markets remain strong, but demand for snacks and beverages in North America remains weak, with limited signs of improvement in the short term.
** Deutsche Bank ("Hold" rating, target price: $132) pointed out that PepsiCo's North America Beverages (PBNA) business remains at a competitive disadvantage and has weak profit margins; although the company plans to intensify brand investment and execution, the path to sustainable improvement is still unclear.
** Piper Sandler ("Overweight," target price: $140) highlighted that the company faces weak U.S. demand and cost pressures; although newly launched protein and hydration products may support growth, the growth outlook is yet to be validated.
** RBC Capital Markets ("Sector Perform," target price: $150) said the company's North America beverages business remains the main drag, while franchise re-authorization may help boost long-term growth.
(To facilitate non-native English speakers, Reuters provides automated translations of its reports into several other languages. Due to the potential for errors or lack of required context in automated translations, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of the automated translation and provides it solely for the convenience of readers. Reuters accepts no liability for any damage or loss arising from the use of the automated translation function.)
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