PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are often compared when it comes to potential stock investments, offering investors unique qualities to consider. In recent years, PepsiCo has shown more resilient revenue growth, with a 4.80% increase in 2020, contrasting with Coca-Cola's 11.40% revenue decline during the same period. Looking ahead, PepsiCo's earnings per share (EPS) are expected to rise by 7% in 2024 and 5% in 2025, reaching $8.59 per share. Coca-Cola's EPS, on the other hand, is projected to grow by 6% in 2024 and 3% in 2025, hitting $2.96 per share.
Dividend enthusiasts may find PepsiCo's offerings particularly appealing. The company currently boasts a higher dividend yield of 3.71% compared to Coca-Cola's 2.71%. Additionally, over the past five years, PepsiCo has increased its dividend by an average of 6.44% annually, while Coca-Cola's average dividend growth stands at 3.70%. Valuation metrics tell a different story, with Coca-Cola featuring a P/E ratio of 24.73—and a forward P/E of 20.0x, which is below its long-term average—while PepsiCo's P/E ratio sits at 32 times, alongside a forward P/E of 35.2. Notably, PepsiCo's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 2.49, notably lower than Coca-Cola's 5.14, suggesting a difference in perceived value relative to sales.
In terms of business strategies, PepsiCo's diverse product lineup, which includes popular snack brands like Frito-Lay and Quaker, positions it for broad growth opportunities. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola continues to leverage its market-leading beverage status and adapt to consumer shifts through ventures into alcoholic and plant-based products. Reuters reported that while both companies hold strong positions in their respective markets, PepsiCo’s diversified approach and robust dividend may present a more attractive option for growth and income-seeking investors. Coca-Cola, however, remains a strong contender with its consistent dividend performance and adaptability in product offerings.