Right. So, the plan was diversification. A sensible portfolio. Blue-chip stocks. I even printed out a spreadsheet. It’s currently under a pile of takeout menus and half-read articles about the metaverse. But, I did stumble across something…relatively reassuring. It’s PepsiCo. Yes, Pepsi. Not exactly the bleeding edge of tech, I grant you, but hear me out.
I’ve been obsessively tracking dividend stocks, you see. It’s a slightly desperate attempt to feel like an adult with financial responsibility. And PepsiCo, apparently, is one of these ‘Dividend Kings’. Which sounds…regal. And possibly slightly terrifying. They’ve been increasing their dividend payments for 54 years. 54! That’s longer than I’ve been alive, and frankly, it’s a bit intimidating. It’s like they’re mocking my inability to consistently save for a rainy day.
Current yield is around 3.5%. Which, after a particularly bleak week of market volatility, feels…substantial. It’s nearly triple the S&P 500’s level, which, let’s be honest, has been behaving like a particularly moody teenager lately. I’m not saying it’s a solution to all my problems, but it’s a start. A small, fizzy, potentially-profitable start.
The Numbers (Because We Must)
They’ve just announced another increase, naturally. A 5% bump from last year, and a 4% increase on the June payment. 54 consecutive years. Honestly, it feels…stable. In a world of crypto crashes and meme stocks, stability feels positively revolutionary. Last year, they generated $12.1 billion in operating cash flow. Which sounds like a lot. And they actually paid out the dividends. Imagine that. A company following through on its promises.
They also repurchased $1 billion of their stock. Which, I’m told, is a good thing. Something to do with increasing shareholder value. I mostly just picture them buying back all the Pepsi bottles that end up in landfills. But, still. It’s a positive sign.
They’re anticipating paying $7.9 billion in dividends in 2026. And another $1 billion stock repurchase. I’m starting to feel slightly less panicked about the future. Slightly. (Units of Anxiety Reduced: 3. Number of Times I Checked My Bank Balance Today: 17.)
Growth? (Apparently, It’s Still a Thing)
They’re expecting revenue growth of 4-6% in 2026. And earnings per share growth of 4-6%. It’s not going to make me a millionaire overnight, but it’s…respectable. They’re investing heavily – nearly 5% of their revenue. Which is a lot of money. They bought Poppi for $1.7 billion. Poppi! I had to Google it. It’s a sparkling prebiotic soda. Apparently, it’s very trendy. (Number of Times I Considered Investing in Trendy Sodas: 2.)
They also increased their stake in Celsius, which sounds like a fitness drink. Or possibly a temperature reading. (Number of Times I Questioned My Life Choices: 4.)
A (Relatively) Satisfying Income Stock
So, is PepsiCo the answer to all my financial woes? Of course not. But it’s a solid, reliable company with a long history of paying dividends. It’s not glamorous. It’s not exciting. But in a world of constant chaos, sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. It’s a stock to buy and hold, a slow and steady path to…well, maybe not riches, but at least a slightly less terrifying future. (Current Level of Financial Optimism: 6/10. Projected Level of Financial Panic Tomorrow: Unknown.)
Read More
- 2025 Crypto Wallets: Secure, Smart, and Surprisingly Simple!
- 20 Films Where the Opening Credits Play Over a Single Continuous Shot
- Gold Rate Forecast
- 50 Serial Killer Movies That Will Keep You Up All Night
- Here Are the Best TV Shows to Stream this Weekend on Paramount+, Including ‘48 Hours’
- ‘The Substance’ Is HBO Max’s Most-Watched Movie of the Week: Here Are the Remaining Top 10 Movies
- 17 Black Voice Actors Who Saved Games With One Line Delivery
- Top gainers and losers
- 20 Movies to Watch When You’re Drunk
- 10 Underrated Films by Ben Mendelsohn You Must See
2026-02-14 14:12