The Biggest Risks Facing PepsiCo

PepsiCo has satisfied consumers' bellies for more than a century. But recently, the company has left shareholders craving more. With increased competition and loss of market share, many investors wonder if this global snack food and beverage giant is simply fizzling out. Are more bland results ahead for PepsiCo?

Below is an excerpt from our brand-new premium research report, which lists the three biggest risks facing PepsiCo. It's just a taste of one section, but we hope you find it useful.

Risks

1. Increased focus on negative health effects of soft drinks and unhealthy foods.
The risk to PepsiCo is that persistent and continued emphasis on these effects may curtail soda and snack-food consumption. Soda makers are banding together to proactively tackle the issue. In selected cities next year, they will roll out vending machines that'll not only display the number of calories in a container of soda, but also suggest a lower-calorie beverage option. Fast-food operators have mostly borne the brunt of the backlash against unhealthy foods, but PepsiCo could feel more pressure regarding its salty snacks in the future.

2. Increased regulatory scrutiny or legislation.
A proposed soda tax aimed at curbing obesity could put increased pressure on PepsiCo.

3. Restructuring and acquisition costs.
PepsiCo's credit rating was lowered due to the debt it took on to fund bottler acquisitions. The acquisitions and restructuring costs will pressure bottom-line growth in the short term and have the potential to lower return on investment and increase commodity cost pressures.

Looking for more info?
That was just a small morsel of our new premium report on PepsiCo. If you're trying to figure out whether the company is a buy or a sell, this brand-new premium report is an indispensable resource for investors seeking more information. Also, the report comes with updated quarterly guidance so you'll stay in the know. To get started, simply click here.

The article The Biggest Risks Facing PepsiCo originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Nicole Seghetti owns shares of PepsiCo. The Motley Fool owns shares of PepsiCo. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend PepsiCo. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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