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Pepsi: Turnaround in the Making?
PepsiCo is a global snacks-and-beverages powerhouse with nearly $92 billion in FY2024 revenue. Its valuation is showing the biggest discounts in decades. Why? Management stumbled by hiking prices aggressively to offset inflation. That helped profits, but hurt volumesespecially in North America. Now they're cutting costs and trying to reignite growth. With world-class brands and a vertically integrated supply chain, can Pepsi get back on course? What does the company actually do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with PEP. PepsiCo isn't just soda. In fact, most of its sales come from salty snacksLay's, Doritos, Cheetos, a smaller segment of convenient foods (Quaker, Cap'n Crunch,...). Beverages like Pepsi and Gatorade make up the rest. Unlike Coca-Cola, which licenses and outsources much of its operations, Pepsi runs a vertically integrated empireowning production, logistics, and even a vast direct-store delivery (DSD) network across 200+ countries. This makes the business more asset-heavy (with $58B in PPE vs. Coca-Cola's $20B), but also gives Pepsi more control. In FY2024, 58% of revenues came from food, and 42% from beverages, with Frito-Lay as the main profit engine, generating $24.8B in sales and $6.5B in profit. You can see a detailed overview here: To be clear, Pepsi is a boring, mature business. But that's where the opportunity lies in plain sight. Why should investors care now? Pepsi is in the middle of a turnaround. Inflation jacked up production costs, which Pepsi responded to with steep price hikesdouble-digit in some quarters. That helped offset the pressure on earnings, but volumes fell: Total volume: -2% in FY2024 North America beverages: -3.5% YoY Frito-Lay: -2.5% YoY While price hikes offset some EPS impact, a consumer business has to sell, especially one with slim margins. Pepsi now faces two key challenges: Reviving growth in a tougher economic environment, with consumers opting for cheaper alternatives and input costs still rising. Adapting to shifting preferences: low-sugar, functional, and clean label brands are winning. New players like Olipop are stealing share and relevance. Pepsi must adapt to consumers who realized 40 grams of sugar in their drink is not great. All of this, plus being an asset-heavy business in an uncertain macro climate, has created the widest valuation gap between Pepsi and Coke in decades. The turnaround hinges on management executing better and sentiment improving, which could lead to margin re-rating closer to the historical average. Trump Tariffs: A New Headwind To add salt to the wound, Trump's tariffs disproportionately disadvantage Pepsi compared to Coca-Cola. Why? Pepsi produces concentrate in Ireland (to save on taxes), now subject to a 10% tariff, while Coca-Cola manufactures in the U.S., mostly avoiding this hit. Both will feel the pain of 50% aluminum tariffs, as cans make up ~25% of their packaging. Coca-Cola is already shifting to PET bottles. But Pepsi hasn't given us much direction yet. Fun Fact: Did you know that Trump installed a Diet Coke button on his desk in the Oval Office? Twice. The tariff war comes at a bad time for Pepsi, causing investor sentiment to fizzle out. But none of Trump's tariffs are final, with Pepsi already lobbying for an exemption. Latest Earnings Show Signs Of Success Despite gloomy sentiment, Pepsi surprised to the upside: Beat expectations Volume growth in PFNA and EMEA Improving trends in APAC and IB Slower deceleration in LATAM Pepsi guided for low-single-digit organic growth and flat EPS for the year. Doesn't sound excitingbut it was enough to spark a +7% rally in one day. If this momentum holds, and tariff pressure eases, there's a potential 1020% upside as valuations revert closer to their long-term average. That's assuming that Pepsi continues to trade cheaper than Coca-Cola for obvious reasons. Financial Health Check Pepsi has a strong balance sheet, though it carries more debt than some peers due to acquisitions and shareholder returns. It maintains an investment grade credit rating and has enough cash flow to easily cover its financial obligations. Nothing alarming here. Moat Analysis The moat, or competitive advantage, is the most important part of a business for value investors, and Pepsi's moat is wide and deep. Moat pillar Evidence Brand Power Pepsi, Lay's, Doritos, Gatorade, Quaker, and more enjoy strong customer loyalty and trust and rank among the world's top brands. Vertical Integration Pepsi owns a massive direct-store-delivery (DSD) system, controlling the route from production to retail shelf. This ensures prime shelf placement and rapid replenishment. Economies of Scale PepsiCo's economies of scale allow it to negotiate input pricing and give it massive marketing brands drive volume > scale lowers costs > funds marketing and innovation > further strengthens brands Even as consumer preferences shift, Pepsi's scale and shelf dominance are tough to beat. Industry & Competitive Landscape Pepsi and Coca-Cola dominate their industries. In 2024, they controlled ~18% and ~21% of the US beverage market. However, Coca-Cola has a market share advantage overseas. Comparing the leaders latest earnings, Coca-Cola guided for 3% EPS growth while Pepsi reaffirmed its target of flat EPS this year, justifying the valuation gap. The industry is now characterized by a rising share of health-oriented brands and consumer preferences for healthier snacks. Still, while Soft-drink volumes fell 3% globally in 2024, salty snacks grew 6,4%, giving Pepsi the upper hand thanks to a broader offering. All of the factors we discussed in this analysis are short-term, solvable things that management has already set its sights on. Yes, the valuation gap makes sense to a degree, but the market appears overly bearish. Capital return to shareholders Pepsi's capital return is centered around steadily growing dividends. The stock currently yields a hefty 3,95% dividend that has grown at a pace of 7,1% over the past 5 years. As you can see in the yellow box, there's no need to fear for the dividend. Pepsi is one of the famed dividend kings, or companies that have paid dividends for more than 50 years. Bull vs Bear case View Key Points Upside / Downside Bull Case - Short-term headwinds are priced in- Management adapts to new consumer trends- Tariffs get rolled back or softened- Stable dividend + multiple expansion 10-20% upside Bear Case - Structural volume declines- Failure to innovate- Tariffs pressure costs- Health trends erode core business 10-15% downside Valuation & Street view Pepsi and Coca-Cola have long traded in sync. Historically, investors flocked to Coca-Cola when the industry was facing economic or political headwinds, thanks to its leaner, beverage oriented operations. Such a divergence in the valuation as we are seeing now is unprecedented over the last 20 years. While Pepsi is facing headwinds again, and investors are likely worried about the potential impact of tariffs and macroeconomics, these are short-term headwinds that can be sorted out. In such a case, Pepsi stock could see multiple expansion on the back of the almost 4% dividend and flat EPS this year. The dividend yield of the two stocks also clearly shows that Pepsi is relatively undervalued. A reversal to the mean indicates a further double-digit upside from here, if the momentum from the last earnings report keeps up. You either pay for growth, or you pay for boredom. Pepsi is a boring business, and in a market that's chasing growth at all costs, it's easy to overlook. Will pepsi grow 100%? Probably not, but if management can steer the company in the right direction in the coming quarters, you're looking at easy growth potential from here. Wall Street has a diverging view of the stock, with the indicated 12-month upside at 6,65% while analysts expectations have a massive range. Again, showing the uncertainty that is being priced in. Out of 24 analysts, 17 rate the stock a hold, with 5 expecting it to outperform, and only one analyst in both the buy and "underperform" camp. Bottom-line wrap While I prefer to drink from the red cans, Pepsi stock might be the smarter pick right now. If management navigates cost cutting, volume expansion and shifting consumer preferences right, I expect 10 to 20% upside in a non-cyclical stalwart that offers stability in choppy waters. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
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National Grid offers in-person help with energy bills in Brockton
National Grid is offering in-person and virtual assistance to help Massachusetts residents manage their energy bills, according to a community announcement. The company is hosting Customer Assistance events throughout August, including three in Brockton. The events are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Cape Verdean Association, 575 N. Montello St.; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Douglas House, 20 Haverhill St.; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at The Pines, 469 Pine Grove Drive. A full list of all in-person customer assistance events throughout the summer is available online. These events provide an opportunity for residents to meet with National Grid representatives who can assist with billing issues and provide information on various programs, including the new Payment Assistance Bundle, Budget Billing, and the Energy Discount Rate for qualifying customers. Attendees can also schedule home energy assessments and learn about other energy efficiency opportunities for homes or businesses. In addition to the in-person events, National Grid is hosting a Summer Bill Assistance Webinar at 11 a.m. Aug. 18. This online session will provide an overview of bill management solutions and financial assistance opportunities. Customers can register for the webinar through the Customer Assistance Events page on National Grid's website. The Payment Assistance Bundle is a new offering from National Grid that combines three solutions to help customers manage energy costs and pay down past due amounts over a 12-month period. The bundle includes a Deferred Payment Agreement, Automatic Monthly Payments, and a Budget Plan. Budget Billing allows customers to spread their usual payment over 12 balanced monthly payments, helping to offset traditionally high winter heating and summer air conditioning bills. This makes it easier for customers to anticipate monthly energy costs and plan their household budgets. Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on energy service. To be eligible, applicants must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. National Grid encourages Massachusetts customers to learn more about all Bill Assistance programs and services by visiting For additional information, visit This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Free webinar and local events offer energy bill help this August Solve the daily Crossword
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Undiscovered Gems in Global Markets August 2025
In the midst of a turbulent global market landscape, where U.S. stocks have faced declines due to renewed tariffs and economic uncertainties, small-cap indexes like the Russell 2000 and S&P MidCap 400 have been particularly hard hit. Despite these challenges, this environment can present unique opportunities for discerning investors to identify undiscovered gems—stocks that demonstrate resilience through strong fundamentals, innovative strategies, or niche market positions even amidst broader economic pressures. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals Globally Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating S.A.S. Dragon Holdings 77.35% 3.64% 7.13% ★★★★★★ System ResearchLtd 12.02% 10.93% 15.51% ★★★★★★ Champion Building MaterialsLtd 26.64% -4.40% 14.21% ★★★★★★ ZHEJIANG DIBAY ELECTRICLtd 0.81% 6.04% 4.07% ★★★★★★ Nanfang Black Sesame GroupLtd 45.53% -12.49% 10.72% ★★★★★★ Minmetals Development 35.99% 0.88% -12.63% ★★★★★★ Alltek Technology 100.78% 4.48% 7.73% ★★★★★☆ CMC 1.18% 2.73% 9.22% ★★★★★☆ Jiangxi Jiangnan New Material Technology 61.91% 25.72% 15.23% ★★★★★☆ Grupo Gigante S. A. B. de C. V 35.18% 6.54% 39.37% ★★★★☆☆ Click here to see the full list of 3101 stocks from our Global Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. Let's dive into some prime choices out of from the screener. Zhe Jiang Headman MachineryLtd Simply Wall St Value Rating: ★★★★★★ Overview: Zhe Jiang Headman Machinery Co., Ltd. specializes in the manufacturing and sale of computer numerical control machine tools, with a market capitalization of CN¥6.47 billion. Operations: Headman Machinery generates revenue primarily from the sale of computer numerical control machine tools. The company's financial performance is influenced by its net profit margin, which was 10.5% in the most recent reporting period. Zhe Jiang Headman MachineryLtd, a smaller player in the machinery sector, has seen its debt to equity ratio improve from 20.6% to 13.9% over five years, indicating better financial health. Its earnings grew by 10%, outpacing the industry's modest 1% rise, showcasing strong performance despite broader challenges. The company enjoys high-quality earnings with interest payments comfortably covered by EBIT at a robust 7.5x coverage level. However, free cash flow remains negative, hinting at potential liquidity concerns that could impact future investments or expansions without addressing cash generation issues effectively. Dive into the specifics of Zhe Jiang Headman MachineryLtd here with our thorough health report. Learn about Zhe Jiang Headman MachineryLtd's historical performance. Anhui Anli Material Technology Simply Wall St Value Rating: ★★★★★★ Overview: Anhui Anli Material Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the research, development, production, sale, and servicing of ecological functional polyurethane synthetic leather products and polymer composite materials in China with a market cap of approximately CN¥4.48 billion. Operations: Anli's primary revenue stream is from the artificial leather synthetic leather industry, generating approximately CN¥2.42 billion. The company's financial performance can be assessed through its gross profit margin, which provides insights into profitability trends over time. Anhui Anli Material Technology, a nimble player in its sector, has demonstrated robust financial health with earnings surging 58% over the past year. The company trades at 1.5% below its estimated fair value and boasts high-quality earnings, positioning it favorably against industry peers. Its debt to equity ratio impressively dropped from 37.1% to 14.4% over five years, reflecting prudent financial management. With free cash flow positive and interest payments well covered by EBIT at a multiple of 55x, Anhui Anli seems poised for continued growth amidst plans for employee stock ownership expansion recently discussed in a shareholder meeting. Delve into the full analysis health report here for a deeper understanding of Anhui Anli Material Technology. Review our historical performance report to gain insights into Anhui Anli Material Technology's's past performance. Dai-Dan Simply Wall St Value Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Dai-Dan Co., Ltd. specializes in the design, supervision, and construction of electrical, air conditioning, plumbing and sanitary, and firefighting facilities works in Japan with a market cap of ¥217.86 billion. Operations: Dai-Dan generates revenue primarily through its electrical, air conditioning, plumbing and sanitary, and firefighting facilities projects in Japan. The company's financial performance is highlighted by a focus on these core service areas. Dai-Dan stands out with its impressive earnings growth of 92% over the past year, significantly outpacing the construction industry's 19.5%. This performance is bolstered by high-quality earnings and a strong cash position that exceeds total debt, making financial stability a non-issue. Despite an increased debt-to-equity ratio from 8.4% to 21.6% over five years, the company trades at a compelling 45.1% below its estimated fair value, suggesting potential upside for investors. Recent corporate guidance indicates raised expectations for net sales and operating profit in FY2026, although dividends are set to decrease from ¥111 to ¥83 per share next year. Take a closer look at Dai-Dan's potential here in our health report. Examine Dai-Dan's past performance report to understand how it has performed in the past. Taking Advantage Click here to access our complete index of 3101 Global Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals. Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments. Maximize your investment potential with Simply Wall St, the comprehensive app that offers global market insights for free. Seeking Other Investments? Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SHSE:688577 SZSE:300218 and TSE:1980. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
