PepsiCo stock finds itself in a unique position for investors in 2024, having experienced an 11% decline this year. This dip presents a compelling opportunity to acquire shares at a discounted rate, making it an attractive prospect whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the stock market.
Known for its status as a Dividend King and a robust portfolio of renowned brands, PepsiCo continues to command a strong market presence in the food and beverage industry. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps to purchasing PepsiCo stock and explore the reasons why investing in PepsiCo could be advantageous
How to Buy PepsiCo Stock
Investing in Pepsi stock involves several straightforward steps:
Step 1. Open a Brokerage Account: Begin by selecting a reputable online brokerage platform that suits your investment needs. Ensure the platform supports trading on major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), where PepsiCo is listed.
Step 2. Fund Your Account: After setting up your brokerage account, deposit funds to cover your investment. This can typically be done through bank transfers or electronic payments. Note that some platforms may require a minimum deposit amount.
Step 3. Research PepsiCo: Before making any investment, conduct thorough research on PepsiCo’s financial health, market position, and recent performance. Review its annual reports, earnings statements, and analyst reports to gain insights into its growth prospects and stability.
Step 4. Place Your Order: Log into your brokerage account’s trading platform, where you’ll search for PepsiCo’s ticker symbol, “PEP”. Enter the amount of PepsiCo stock you wish to purchase and select your order type:
- Market Order: Executes the trade immediately at the best available current market price.
- Limit Order: This allows you to set a specific price at which you are willing to buy PepsiCo stock. The order will only execute if the stock reaches your designated price.
Step 5. Monitor Your Investment: After placing your order, monitor your investment regularly through your brokerage account. Track PepsiCo’s stock performance, stay updated on relevant news and market trends and reassess your investment strategy as needed.
Step 6. Consider Long-Term Goals: Whether you’re investing for dividend income, capital appreciation, or portfolio diversification, align your investment in PepsiCo with your long-term financial objectives. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains consistent with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Why Should You Buy Pepsi Stock?
Investors looking for a solid addition to their portfolio should consider PepsiCo stock for several compelling reasons:
Best-in-Class Brands: PepsiCo boasts a portfolio of iconic food and beverage brands that have stood the test of time. Brands like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and Lipton dominate their respective categories, securing prime shelf space in supermarkets globally. This strong brand presence not only ensures consistent revenue but also grants PepsiCo significant pricing power.
Even small price adjustments can yield substantial revenue gains due to consumer loyalty and the essential nature of its products. Over the years, PepsiCo’s revenue has surged past $91 billion annually, driven by sustained demand and strategic brand management.
Excellent Dividend Growth: For income-seeking investors, PepsiCo stock shines as a reliable dividend payer. Currently offering a solid yield of 3.3%, PepsiCo has a track record of increasing dividends for 52 consecutive years—a feat that places it among the elite group of Dividend Kings.
The company’s commitment to maintaining and growing dividends is underscored by recent increases averaging 6.6% annually over the past five years. With a manageable payout ratio of 66% of estimated 2024 earnings, PepsiCo’s dividends are well-supported by its robust profit margins and cash flow, ensuring continued shareholder returns even in challenging economic environments.
Also read: Top 10 High Dividend-Paying Stocks 2024
Solid Growth Outlook: Despite its size as a $225 billion market giant, PepsiCo continues to demonstrate growth potential. Management anticipates organic revenue growth of 4% year-over-year in 2024, coupled with a 7% increase in earnings per share over 2023. This growth trajectory is fueled by strategic initiatives such as product innovation and expansion into new markets.
Recent acquisitions like Rockstar and collaborations with companies like Celsius in the energy drink sector highlight PepsiCo’s agility and commitment to capturing new growth opportunities amidst evolving consumer preferences.
Attractive Valuation: With PepsiCo shares trading at a discount of over 17% from recent highs, PepsiCo presents an attractive entry point for value-conscious investors. Historically, the stock has traded at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of nearly 26, but current levels are below 20 times this year’s estimated earnings. This discrepancy suggests that the market may be undervaluing PepsiCo relative to its earnings potential and stable business fundamentals.
Buffett’s philosophy of buying excellent businesses at fair prices resonates here, encouraging investors to capitalize on the current valuation opportunity.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, investing in PepsiCo stock in 2024 offers a compelling opportunity due to its strong brand portfolio, consistent dividend growth, robust growth outlook, and attractive valuation. With a track record as a Dividend King and strategic initiatives driving future growth, PepsiCo remains a resilient choice for investors seeking stability and potential returns. By following the steps outlined investors can invest in PepsiCo stock easily.