Merrick, Korey, 9-1 Final Project Milestone One
Merrick, Korey, 9-1 Final Project Milestone One
Merrick, Korey, 9-1 Final Project Milestone One
Abstract
This paper examines a publicly listed company, PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), while describing
the company's key goods and services, where the company operates, and its customers.
Additionally, the paper conducts a review of PEP’s 2017 Annual Reports, to include the
consolidated statement of income, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, and other
documents for fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December
26, 2015. Moreover, this paper assesses and evaluates PEP’s Financial Statements and
Operations using key financial indicators to include short-term (operating) activity and
determine the financial performance, health, value, and to predict future earnings
(growth) of the company. Furthermore, the paper addresses success factors and risk,
while reviewing PEP’s financial and strategic priorities, nonfinancial factors, and risks.
The paper forecasts PEP’s future performance and propose potential business
flows, gross margin, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and
Amortization), operating (profit) margin, price-to-sales (P/S), price to free cash flows
(P/FCF), price to cash flow (P/CF), quick ratio, current ratio, price-to-book (P/B),
Table of Contents
Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………. 2
Executive Summary………………………………………………………………... 5
Organizational Context………………………………………………….………. 8
Organizational Structure………………………………………………….... 9
Assessment of Capitalization………………….………...…………………. 14
Assessment of Growth……………………………………………………... 15
Projections…………………………………………………………………………. 24
Projection Discussion.…………………………………………………………… 30
Business Opportunities……………………………………………….……………. 32
Investment Features………………………………………….…………………. 33
References …………………………………………………………………………. 35
Executive Summary
positive imprint on society and the environment. They call this “Performance with
Purpose”, which emphasizes transforming its product portfolio to offer healthier options
and making its food and beverage operations more sustainable while making
Business Description: With a global portfolio of diverse and known brands, PepsiCo is
one of the world's leading food and beverage companies in the world that make, markets,
sells, and distributes its products to over 200 countries around the world (PepsiCo, 2017).
Company Background: In 1965, the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay gave birth to
worldwide, with about 113,000 people employed in the United States (PepsiCo, 2017).
Products/Services:
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 6
beverages
Markets: Products are sold in more than 200 countries and territories around the world
Distribution Channels:
Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. and PepsiAmericas, Inc. -two largest bottlers
Third-party distributors
Financial Projections:
Financial Performance:
(PepsiCo, 2017)
22.9% core net return on invested capital (ROIC), with 2.3% organic revenue
Recommendation: PEP presents a great investment opportunity with steadily growth and
P/E 35.09
Volume 8.05M
Organizational Context
PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is a global food and beverage company that offers, makes,
markets, distributes and sells an amalgam of beverages, foods, and snacks to customers
and consumers in more than 200 countries and territories (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP has a
portfolio of well-name brands, to include Frito- Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and
Tropicana, which have become staples in customers’ homes and everyday life (PepsiCo,
2017). Other popular brands they offer include Fritos, Cheetos, Mountain Dew, Tostitos,
Naked, and much more (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP is recognized the second largest food and
beverage manufacturer in the world and it is a top contributor to retail sales growth in the
Key goods or services/features. PEP product offerings are divided into three
categories; Good for You, Better for You, and Fun for You categories, which includes
different products within each category (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP’s Good for You offerings
provide healthy options that assist consumers’ intake of recommended daily amounts of
whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, nuts and seeds, with low to no amounts of sugars,
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 9
salt, or saturated fat (PepsiCo, 2017). The company’s Better for You product line seeks to
limit consumer intake of sugars, salt or saturated fat, “when incorporated into a well-
balanced diet” (PepsiCo, 2017). Better for You options include beverages with fewer or
no calories, including products such as Pepsi Zero Sugar and Propel water. While PEP’s
Fun for You products, which include Mountain Dew, Fritos, and all those sugary,
functional benefit. PEP sells their products across the globe, to countries in North
America (United States and Canada), Latin America, Europe, Sub-Saharan African, Asia,
Middle East and North Africa (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP customers are independent
Organizational structure. PEP sells its brands through six segments, which
includes Frito-Lay North America (FLNA), Quaker Foods North America (QFNA),
North America Beverages (NAB), Latin America, Europe Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA),
Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa; and Asia, Middle East and North Africa (AMENA).
PEP has one global division for its Frito-Lay and its Quaker Foods offerings. In
connection with making, marketing, selling, and distributing its products, each of PEP’s
segments utilize warehouses, distribution centers, plants, storage facilities, offices, and
PEP’s FLNA segment produces and sells potato, corn, or tortilla chips. Familiar
brands include Cheetos cheese-flavored snacks, Doritos, Fritos, Lay’s, Ruffles, and
Tostitos tortilla chips (PepsiCo, 2017). The company’s QFNA segment produces cereal,
rice, pasta and other similar foods. QFNA’s offerings include Aunt Jemina mixes and
syrups, Cap’n Crunch cereal, Life cereal, and several Quaker products such as granola
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 10
bars, grits, oatmeal, and rice cakes (PepsiCo, 2017). In terms of geography, the company
has divisions for the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and other regions (PepsiCo, 2017).
The NAB, Latin America, ESSA, and AMENA segments are included in the geography-
based category. The NAB promotes and sells beverage concentrates, fountain syrups,
and finished goods under several brands such as Aquafina, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Propel,
Tropicana, Mist Twist, and Gatorade to the Americas (PepsiCo, 2017). The Latin
America, ESSA, and AMENA segments makes, distributes, and markets many of the
above snack foods, cereals, and beverages to distributors and retails in countries in their
of income, fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 26,
2015, PEP experienced an overall 0.74% increase in net revenues from 2015 to 2017
while declining from 63,056 in 2015 to 62,799 in 2016. However, sales rebounded in
2017 to 63,525, a 1.2% increase from 2016. Gross profit improved steadily each year
from 2015 to 2017 experiencing stable cost of sales (COS); however, COS increased
slightly from $28,209 million in 2016 to $28,785 million in 2017 (PepsiCo, 2017).
PEP’s gross profit margin indicates that PEP retains $0.55 from each dollar of revenue
generated, which it uses to pay off debts, general and administrative expenses, interest
expenses and distributions to shareholders (PepsiCo, 2017). The remainder $0.45 the
Over the last three years, operating margin improved nearly 1.0% each year,
indicating management is doing a good job controlling cost and reducing risk. Yet, there
was a huge percent change on operating profit of 17% from 2015 to 2016, which PEP
contributes to its Venezuela impairment and PEP now reports separately on its 2017
Annual Report (PepsiCo, 2017). Moreover, net profit margin improved from 8.6% in
2015 to 10.1% in 2016, but then deteriorated significantly from 2016 to 2017 (PepsiCo,
2017). Although PEP’s income taxes doubled in 2017 compared to 2015 and 2016,
earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) indicates
healthy improvements in earnings and profitability over the last three years. According
Results of Operations and Note 5 to its consolidated financial statements (2017), PEP
recorded a $2.5 billion provisional net tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting
from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJ Act). The TCJ Act required PEP
international earnings, which was offset by a provisional $1.5 billion tax benefit
(PepsiCo, 2017). Thus, the $1,471 million reduction in net income from 2016 to 2017
also indicates that PEP’s financial performance and health is high (PepsiCo, 2017).
During 2017, PEP’s net cash from operating activities was nearly $10 billion, compared
to $10.7 billion in 2016 (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP attributes its reduced operating cash flow
performance to “higher current year payments to vendors and customers and the higher
net cash tax payments resulting from the TCJ Act” (PepsiCo, 2017). Fortunately,
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 12
management was able to lower pension and retiree medical plan contributions offsetting
Net cash flows from investing activities does not indicate any unusual or
indicates the amount of cash a company spends on capital expenditures that it needs to
run the business (Early & McClure, 2018). There were no material changes to PEP’s
investing activities in the last three years; however, PEP is reinvesting capital in its
business at a higher rate of depreciation. This is good news because it indicates that the
company is reinvesting in the company and not showing artificially high cash inflows due
to lack of reinvestment, which is a good indication of long-term financial health (Early &
McClure, 2018).
Furthermore, net cash used for financing activities in 2017 was approximately
$4.2 billion, which resulted primarily from dividend payments of $4.5 billion, and
repayment of long-term debt of $4.4 billion (net proceeds from long-term debt was $3.1
billion) (PepsiCo, 2017). Financing activities include cash inflows and outflows
associated with outside financing activities, such as cash raised by selling securities
(stocks and bonds) or by borrowing cash from banks (Early & McClure, 2018).
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), PEP is a less profitable. For instance, KO makes 21 cents of
profit per dollar of sales, while PEP makes 17 cents of profit for every dollar of sales.
However, with an operating profit growth rate of 7.40% in 2017, analyst project that PEP
will generate high sales volume, while controlling costs in the future (Forbes, 2018).
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 13
Based on the relevant data and assessment of PEP’s income statement, improvements in
earnings will likely last in the future. Consequently, PEP saw a net increase in cash flows
of $1.5 billion, indicating that the company can produce cash constantly through its
Although PEP shows a steady profit on the income statement, cash flows are also
a good indicator of financial health and they can determine whether a company has the
cash or can generate cash to meet obligations arising for its operations. Additionally,
PEP’s free cash flow of $7.3 billion in 2017, calculated by taking “net cash provided by
operating activities less capital spending plus sales of property, plant and equipment,”
(PepsiCo, 2017), is further evidence of PEP’s financial strength and health. While free
cash flow decreased from $8 billion in 2016, a 9% decrease, PEP has adequate cash flow
for financing activities for debt repayments, dividend payments, and share repurchases
(PepsiCo, 2017). Comparing PEP’s Price to Cash Flow (P/CF) and Price to Free Cash
Flow (P/FCF) at 15% and 23%, respectively, to KO at 28% and 37% respectively, PEP is
can evaluate the current financial health of a corporation by exploring its balance sheet
(B/S), also called the statement of financial condition, offering a snapshot of health. The
balance sheet provides information about how much a company owns (assets), and how
much it owes (liabilities) (Early & McClure, 2018). Moreover, the B/S includes equity,
which is the difference between assets and liabilities, known as "net assets" or
"shareholders equity". In addition, investors use many indicators to determine and assess
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 14
the current financial health of corporations, to include liquidity and solvency ratios, from
quantitative data found off the company’s balance sheet. Liquidity ratios measure the
company’s ability to pay short obligations, while solvency or long-term debt ratios
measure a business’s ability to meet long-term obligations (Early & McClure, 2018).
the last three years, with an increase of 15% from fiscal year 2016 to 2017, and 18%
increase in current assets for FY2016 to FY2017 (PepsiCo, 2017). The largest increase in
206% from FY2015 to FY2017 –represented by increases of 139% from 2.9 billion in
FY2015 to approximately $6.7 billion in FF2016, and 66% from FY2016 to FY2017
finishing at $7.0 billion (PepsiCo, 2017). While cash and cash equivalents increased
16.6% over the three years (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP’s current ratio (CR) of 1.51, which
measures liquidity, whether a company can have enough resources to meet its short-term
obligations, was in line with the industry average and was greater than 1.0, indicating it
has more assets than liabilities (PepsiCo, 2017). In addition, PEP is outperforming the
approximately 3.0% from FY2016, and overall decrease of 16.6% over the three-year
period (PepsiCo, 2017). The quick ratio (QR) of 1.29, which measures PEP’s ability to
convert liquid assets to pay its current liabilities, illustrates that PEP can meet its short-
term obligations and more liquid than its competition (PepsiCo, 2017). Over the last
three years, PEP's CR deteriorated from FY2015 to FY2016, but then improved from
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 15
FY2016 to FY2017 exceeding FY2015 level of 1.31 (PepsiCo, 2017). During the same
time, QR improved each year from FY2015 at 1.05 to FY2017 at 1.29 (PepsiCo, 2017).
Regarding solvency, PEP is quite solvent. In other words, it can meet its long-
term liabilities. PEP’s long-term debt-to-equity (LTDE) ratio of 3.08, which measures a
relying on debt relative to equity more than that of the industry and KO at 1.32 and 1.83,
respectively. As such, PEP pose a greater risk for investors and it is at greater risk of
bankruptcy. Similarly, PEP’s the debt-to-equity (DTE) of 3.61 indicates that PEP is
financing its operations through debt as well. Although equity financing is attractive
because it does not contribute to default risk, despite the higher cost, debt is cheaper and
more attractive form of financing than equity because it reduces taxable income (CFI,
2018). As CFI states, this reduction in taxable income “is crucial...because it help
On the other hand, too much debt increases a company’s risk of default if the cost
to issue said debt exceeds the cost of issuing equity (CFI, 2018). However, PEP has
adequate cash flows to pay for interest expense and debt repayments, indicating that PEP
has a respectable capital structure. Likewise, PEP’s interest coverage (IC) of 9.31,
reveals its ability to meet interest expenses is not a concern. Thus, the overall assessment
of PEP’s current financial health, using the ratios discussed above, illustrates it has the
right mix of debt versus equity while indicating PEP is using debt effectively to grow its
business.
Assessment of growth. PEP has a clear strategy to grow its operations and
business. As mentioned in the capitalization section, PEP is relying on debt to grow the
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 16
company. With high DTE and LTDE ratios at 3.08 and 3.61 respectively and the
adequate cash flows, as indicated in its evaluation of statement of cash flows, financial
analyst forecast that PEP will grow by 7.07% in sales (Nasdaq, 2018). In addition, the
market consensus forecast EPS growth of 5.65 for FY2018, 5.96 for FY2019, 6.38 for
FY2020, and 6.96 for FY2021 (Nasdaq, 2018). After review of the financial health of
PEP, evidence suggests that PEP is postured to produce significant gains for its
shareholders and investors. PEP is powered by a strong portfolio of products (Fun for
You, Better for You, and Good for You products), high inventory turnover rate of 9.77,
and promising return on assets, investment, and equity of 6.1%, 8.3%, and 44.6%,
respectively (Stock Analysis on Net, 2017). Along with a decent receivable turnover of
9.04 and inventory turnover of 9.77, data suggest that PEP will continue to achieve high
revenues with considerable profit margins (Stock Analysis on Net, 2017). Additionally,
PEP’s investment in ecommerce produced strong results in 2017 with annualized retail
sales of approximately $1 billion. Based on this analysis and the information provided by
management’s strategic plan in its 2017 Annual Report indicates growth in all its
markets.
Assessment of financial value. Currently, PEP shares are valued at $121.94 per
share (01 December 2018), up $2.02 from $119.92 date closing 29 December 2017
(Nasdaq, 2018). PEP’s price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 32.81 suggests it will grow more
slowly than that of the industry and KO. However, PEP delivered organic revenue growth
of 2.3%, expanded core operating margins by 45 basis points, and grew core constant
currency EPS by 9%, which exceeded PEP’s goal of 8% set at the beginning of 2017
(PepsiCo, 2017). Moreover, PEP generated free cash flow, excluding certain items, of
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 17
$7.3 billion, which also exceeded its goal of $7 billion set at the beginning of 2017
(PepsiCo, 2017). Additionally, PEP returned $6.5 billion in cash to its shareholders
PEP’s price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 15.7 implies that investors expect management
to create more value from a given set of assets. Its price to sales (P/S) of 2.71 suggest the
market is less willing to purchase shares of stock in PEP. While its price to free cash flow
(P/FCF) of 22.7, which is nearly 15% less expensive than KO, signals to investors that
PEP is undervalued. Price to cash flows for FY2017 was 15.1, also signaling to investors
that PEP is a better investment. The lower the value of P/FCF and P/CF indicates that
PEP is investing in its future by investing in multiple operations (Early & McClure,
2018). Likewise, PEP’s shares are cheaper on a forward price-to-earnings and on a price-
to-earnings to growth basis. PEP's management is doing a better job utilizing resources
Recently, many food and beverage companies, such as KO, Campbell Soup, Dr.
Pepper, and Kellogg have struggled, while PEP stock continue to see positive stock
trends and continue to grow (Nasdaq, 2018). For example, from 2016 to 2017, PEP’s
shares rose 14.6% in 2017, while KO and Dr. Pepper Snapple stock rose 10.7% and
7.0%, respectively (Nasdaq, 2018). Additionally, PEP’s stock performance has kept pace
with the S&P 500, while its peers shown stagnant or fallen prices. Although domestic
soda consumption has steadily fallen, PEP found a way to become successful in this
reduction in consumer demand. Nonetheless, PEP must consider the critical success and
risks factors that will influence its ability to remain profitability and successful.
Its brand. PEP’s strategic focus or priority is to expand its brand recognition
across its multiple markets. Branding and brand recognition are an important non-
financial focus that drives its current and future operations (PepsiCo, 2017). Creating
more recognizable brands through innovation and differentiation across its North
American and international markets that meet its customers shifting preferences, is how
PEP believes it will unlock opportunities for growth (PepsiCo, 2017). For example,
consciousness trends by utilizing its Hello Goodness campaign, which offers customers
2017).
Its partnerships. Additionally, PEP seek to reach its customers through exciting
marketing campaigns that maximize synergies with other companies. PEP believes that
these partnerships are key to the success of the company that further promote the PEP
brands. PEP is forging firm partnerships with companies in China, Thailand, Russia, the
UK, Poland and Mexico (PepsiCo, 2017), increasing its products global distribution and
market share.
Its people. This is a clear priority and strategy for PEP, stating that “its success
has always rested on our single greatest asset: our people” (2017). They offer education
assistance programs to enhance the skills of their employees and develop the necessary
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 19
skills of its workforce the company and employee needs (PepsiCo, 2017). Furthermore,
PEP, further their commitment to its people by providing on-site and near-site childcare
at or near several of its global locations (PepsiCo, 2017). Similarly, its “Ready to Return
initiative” allows employees who take off and return to work after taking care of loved
ones, while providing a 10-week training to refresh their skills (PepsiCo, 2017).
differentiate its product portfolio is imperative to meet the changing needs and
(R&D) are key to help companies achieve product differentiation and innovation. Over
the last three years (2015 to 2017), PEP spent $754 million, $760 million and $737
million on research and development costs, respectively (PepsiCo, 2017). The company
recognized the importance of leveraging R&D, helping it refine and diversify its product
portfolio to meet consumer trends and needs through innovation and differentiation.
Through investments in R&D, PEP is developing products that are healthier, which are
low in added sugars and contain no high-fructose corn syrup, while focusing on naturally
flavored beverages (PepsiCo, 2017). In addition, PEP is refining its food and snack
options by reducing sodium and saturated fat contain and creating healthy food and snack
financial implications. One implication is the effect of accounting for research and
expense as incurred (Elmaleh, 2018). Thus, the company must recognize more
expenses in the current fiscal year, reducing net income (revenues minus expenses
equals net income) and overall profits (Elmaleh, 2018). Nonetheless, the trade-off
term, but increased growth in the long-term. Under current accounting rules, PEP
top executives must decide whether growth fueled by uncertain R&D investments,
which depress current earnings and hence stock price, is more important than short -
saturated markets and emerging markets as well. PEP must continue to sustain and
develop new partnerships with organizations like the National Football League (NFL)
and Subway to increase brand recognition to maintain and increase the volume and
growth of its market share, while forming international partnerships to further capture
such as Pepsi, Gatorade, Doritos, and Quaker brands are popular in its North American
markets, which make up the majority of its revenue and profits, its brand recognition in
many of its international markets needs some improvement (Stock Analysis on Net,
2017). As such, both domestically and abroad, PEP must continue to seek opportunities
partnerships are critical to improving brand recognition (PepsiCo, 2017). For instance,
PEP is celebrating its second year of partnership with UEFA Champions League
(Soccer), with “more than 100 markets activating across some of PEP’s biggest global
brands, including Pepsi, Lay’s and Gatorade” (PepsiCo, 2017). PEP’s commitment to
creating these important synergies was evident in 2017, it was ranked by Advantage
Report as the top food and beverage supplier in the United States (PepsiCo, 2017). In
addition, many of its business units’ brand recognition in markets such as China,
Thailand, Russia, the UK, Poland and Mexico is also ranked high (PepsiCo, 2017).
companies must account for when making important business decisions. Companies
must ensure that they find a way to leverage technology to remain competitive in its
market and industry. This is another key non-financial factor that has many companies
such as PEP, KO, Dr. Pepper Snapple, and others seeking ways to exploit technology to
United States and China (PepsiCo, 2017). In the United States, PEP’s eCommerce team
partnered with the NFL creating NFL branded products to exploit team-fueled consumer
loyalty (PepsiCo, 2017). Meanwhile, in China, which is one of the largest eCommerce
markets in the world, PEP is using online channels to increase revenue in the region
(PepsiCo, 2017).
of financial information, companies that operate in the eCommerce world must consider
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 22
the issue of taxation (Levick, 2018). This issue is currently under intense scrutiny. Many
governments and businesses must consider the following question, are taxes based on
where the business is related or where the customer is located? In the United States, states
impose different tax rates, and governments as well. In fact, some eCommerce
transactions are not even taxed. Unfortunately, some governments, such as local and
state governments, rely on sales tax for crucial revenue, which will continue to fuel this
issue (Levick, 2018). Currently, the decision in the South Dakota v. Wayfair case will
forever (Levick, 2018). Nonetheless, while state and local tax collectors from several
jurisdictions around the world roam the internet looking out-of-state companies or
“eCommerce” transactions, eCommerce will continue to grow and become a critical key
success factor for PEP and the beverage and food industry (Levick, 2018).
In addition to key success factors that PEP must exploit, there some risks that it
must avoid or mitigate. There are several internal risks that could potentially influence
PEP’s and other companies’ financial performance. Yet, the company’s ability to
anticipate benefits from productivity initiatives or global operating strategy, its ability to
recruit, hire or retain key employees or a highly skilled and a diverse workforce, and its
ability to reduce disruptions to its distribution networks are key risks that PEP must
earnings, and growth depend on its ability to continue to reduce costs and improve
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 23
efficiencies through its productivity initiatives that support growth and contribute to
operations (PepsiCo, 2017). For future success and long-term sustainable growth in a
competitive beverage and food market, companies and PEP must implement strategic
plans that reduce cost, while increasing productivity achieving an efficient and
sustainable cost structure (PepsiCo, 2017). Moreover, PEP must be able to adapt a global
strategy that allows PEP to reduce disruptions from business disruptions caused by
employee morale issues, cultural differences, and other unique geographic nuisances
its extensive distribution channels. Undoubtably, any disruption to PEP’s suppliers and
other third parties that make, manufacture, transport, distribute, and sell PEP’s portfolio
of products may impact the company negatively (PepsiCo, 2017). For instance, in the
past years, natural disasters such as adverse weather conditions, earthquakes, etc., has
plagued the global economy. Recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico and the earthquakes in
Haiti caused disruptions in PEP’s distribution system and operations. Luckily for PEP,
the hurricanes and earthquakes, which occurred in the third and fourth quarters of 2017 in
North and Central America, according to PEP’s 2017 Annual Report, did not have a
material impact (2017). Consequently, any activity that disrupts PEPs internal and
external distribution network could adversely and materially affect its financial
cyberattacks that may result in loss or impairment of key manufacturing sites. Such
or other facilities or those of suppliers may increase costs (PepsiCo, 2017). therefore,
effectively manage them if they occur could affect its business operations.
Lastly, another risk that PEP must mitigate is the failure to recruit or retain key personnel
and a diverse workforce. To mitigate this risk, PEP is making considerable investments
in its people. According to PEP’s 2017 Annual Report, its people is its “single greatest
asset” (2017). Thus, they are developing and enhancing employee skills through its
Education Assistance Programs and its PepsiCo University courses (PepsiCo, 2017).
Although companies cannot eliminate such personnel risk entirely, management must
realize that success has always rested on its people. For a company to be successful, its
people must grow and prosper. Additionally, showing employees that the company cares
by increasing in their education and enhancing their skills, while ensuring workplace
diversification, is a great way to sustain and improve employee retention and recruitment.
Projections
In the third quarter of fiscal year 2017, PEP reported net revenues of
16.37B (PepsiCo, 2017). Additionally, the beverage and snack company exceeded net
income expectations, which rose to 2.50B from 2.14B reported in the same period a year
prior, in the third quarter FY2016 (Forbes, 2018). A major catalyst to its performance
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 25
was a 3% rise in its Frito-Lay North America segment’s revenue of 3.89B. Furthermore,
revenue grew 2% to 5.46B in its North America beverages segment, just shy of analysts’
consensus mark of 5.47B, while its Quaker Foods North America segment fall 2% to
567M (Kilgore, 2018). Yet, the QFNA segment beat consensus estimates of $562M. By
end of 2018, PEP is expected to report sales between 64.2B to 65.6B with a consensus
2018). Furthermore, analyst and PEP indicates that the company’s current revenue
growth is steady at 3% compared to 2.3% growth rate in 2017 (Kell, 2017). Moving
forward, PEP expects unfavorable currency translation, which it believes will impact
revenue growth by 1% (PepsiCo, 2017). In addition, the recent departure Indra Nooyi,
PEP’s CEO, may also affect growth moving into 2019 and 2020, but experts do not
believe she departure will stifle PEP’s growth. As such, revenue projections are
forecasted assuming a growth range from 1.8% to 2.3%, despite current 3% growth, not
to exceed a total growth of or around 7% from 2017 to 2020 (Kilgore, 2018). Tomi
forecast assumes a mean growth rate of 2.05% because sales are expected to increase
steadily due to product differentiation, emphasis on healthy beverage and food market,
Based on PEP’s financial notes for cost of sales (COS), included in cost of sales
are raw materials, direct labor and plant overhead, as well as purchasing and receiving
costs, costs directly related to production planning, inspection costs and raw materials
handling facilities (PepsiCo, 2017). Although PEP does not explicitly indicate that
depreciation and amortization are included in COS, depreciation and amortization (D&A)
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 26
depreciation and amortization. See tables 2.1 and tables 2.2 in Appendix 9 for COS
analysis and D&A allocation analysis. In 2017, cost of sales, forecasted as a percentage
for net revenues, was 45.3%, while the weighted average over three years was 45.0% of
net revenues. Thus, moving forward, COS is computed as a percentage of future net
revenues. Accordingly, the anticipated cost of sales, as a factor of net revenue, for year
+1, year +2, and year +3 are $29.2B, $29.9B, and $30.6B respectively.
to PEP’s 2017 Annual Report, are the costs of moving, storing and delivering finished
product are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, are forecasted as a
percentage of net revenue as well (PepsiCo, 2017). Assuming the SG&A, like COS, will
increase and/or decrease concurrently with net revenues, year +1, year +2, and year +3
forecasted amounts are $25.2B, $25.7B, and $26.3B respectively, which represents the
PEP’s growth and distribution network strategy contributes to the assumption that it will
increase SG&A slightly as it adds new jobs and acquiring independent bottling
Based on the year +1, year +2, and year +3 revenue, cost of sales, and SG&A,
projections indicate that PEP will achieve a steady gross profit margin of 55.0% and
16.3% operating profit margin, also known as operating margin or return on sales.
Operating profit margin is a good indicator of business risk because it shows the portion
of revenues left over to cover non-operating costs, such as interest (Wahlen et al., 2017).
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 27
Moreover, investors use operating margin as a good tool to gauge whether earnings will
last.
Interest expense is expected to remain steady over the next three years, while
initially increasing slightly from $1.15B to $1.22B due to forecasting using the highest on
the books debt interest rate of 3.8%, with the lowest interest rate of 1.3%. In years 2019
(year +2) and 2020 (year +3), interest expense is projected to decrease as debt obligations
$4.0B in 2018, $3.9B in 2019, and $3.8B in 2020, reducing interest expense as PEP
over the three years. However, interest income in an immaterial income source gained
from the “market value of investments used to economically hedge a portion of its
PEP projected steady revenue growth and steady costs results in a year +1
increase in net income of 37.61% from $4.9B in 2017 to $7.8B in year +1. The increase
in net income is due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Job (TCJ) Act by the United
States (PepsiCo, 2017). According note 5 of PEP 2017 Annual Report, the TCJ Act
earnings and reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective
January 1, 2018” (pg. 99), resulting in PEP reducing net income by $2.5B in the fourth
quarter of 2017, as it recognized the provisional net tax expense. However, from year +2
to year +3, PEP’s net income is projected to grow by 1.91% and 1.93% respectively.
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 28
As mentioned above, the reduction in the corporate tax rate resulting from the
enactment of the TCJ Act, which reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, PEP
estimates that its effective tax rate for FY 2018 will drop significantly from the 48.9% tax
rate recorded in FY 2017 to between 19% and 20% (PepsiCo, 2017). This will assist in
driving the provision for income taxes (tax expense) and the corresponding effective tax
Best-case projection. On Aug 20, 2018, PEP announced that it will enter the
(NYSE: SODA), which manufactures carbonation systems that transforms tap water into
carbonated soft drinks and more (Forbes, 2018). Notably, SODA is the number one
sparkling water brand and the leader amongst sparkling water manufacturers and
distributors (Forbes, 2018). This acquisition marks one of the last deals of the outgoing
CEO, Indra Nooyi, which is in-line with the company’s “Performance with Purpose”
philosophy of creating healthier, more nutritious, and less sugar-added products (Forbes,
2018). PEP expects to finalize the $3.2B acquisition in January 2019. Nonetheless, the
SODA acquisition marks PEP’s continuous step towards a more nutritious, health-
conscious product portfolio. With the increasingly sluggish sales of the traditional soda
market, beverage companies must focus on ways to drive future sales (Kell, 2017). As
the industry transition from traditional carbonated beverages and diet soda drinks,
sparkling water beverages grew tremendously (Forbes, 2018). PEP hopes to benefit from
the sparkling water segment’s 38% growth last year, which outperformed and is out-
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 29
growing bottled water growth (7% growth) (Forbes, 2018). This sector is expected to
continue to grow in the future as well. In addition, the sparkling water brand can now
leverage PEP’s huge distribution system and capture the sparkling water market in North
produced on average $501M in revenue, while revenue growth from 2016 and 2017 grew
on average of 14.7%. However, over the next three years the sparkling water segment is
the latest report from Technavio, a leading global technology research and advisory
company, the global sparkling water market is expected to grow by more than 3% from
2016 to 2020 (Business Wire, 2016). As such, the projection assumption assumes annual
growth of 4% (approximately 13% total growth over three years) –accounts for increased
growth in the United States. Thus, from 2019 to 2020, PEP is accepted to add
and approximately $235M of operating expenses, which includes SG&A and other
expenses. For years 2019 (year +2) to 2020, PEP should expect operating income to
increase by $88M and $92M. Projected cost of sales and operating expenses are
calculated as a percentage of net revenues reported on its SODA 2017 Annual Report.
Interest expense and other expenses will not materially impact PEP’s financial
performance and consolidated financial statements; however, assuming PEP finances the
$3.2B acquisition, PEP will increase outstanding debt starting in year +2 and should see
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 30
an initial 2.8% change in net income from the added interest expense (assuming 3.8%
interest rate). Interest expense increases $138M in year +2 and $155M in year +3. See
Appendix 6 to see the details that illustrate and support this best-case projection.
many risks. Most notably, future consumer trends regarding health-conscious beverage
and food consumption. With PEP investing so much in healthier beverages and food, if
the healthy beverage and food trend does not meet or match expected growth projections
or trends, PEP will see reduced financial outputs. Additionally, if the decline of
traditional beverages (sugary drinks) sales out-paces the growth associated with healthy
beverages sales, such as bottled water, sparkling water, diet sodas, and similar healthy
products, PEP may not be able to absorb the reduction in sales from traditional beverages.
In fact, according to Beverage Digest, carbonated soft drinks by volume dropped by 0.8%
in 2016, 1.2% in 2015, and 0.9% in 2014’s 0.9%, with PEP’s Diet Pepsi experiencing the
result of continued soda decline and slow healthy beverage growth. Hence, if PEP’s total
revenues decline annually by 0.2% (small decline is due to PEP’s production volume and
ability to increase unit prices), revenues would decrease by $135M and $141M
respectively, while COS and operating expenses (SG&A and other expenses) may move
in the same direction or the opposite direction. The overall effects of the 0.2% annual
decline would result in net income declining to $6.29B down from $6.39B and $7.13B
down from $7.27B for 2019 and 2020 respectively. However, the biggest hit would be
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 31
on the PEP’s stock price because the acquisition increases its debt to income level
Projections Discussion
Regarding net revenue projections, the validity of this assumption assumes that
increased or intense competition will not force PEP to lower sales prices, increasing its
expense-to-sales ratio and reducing its profit margin (Wahlen et al., 2017). Additionally,
the assumption, as it relates to revenue growth, assumes an annual growth rate of 2.30%
based on the weighted average from 2015 to 2017, which is a reasonable measure of
future growth, notwithstanding other internal factors and external market and industry
factors. However, the forecast models’ assumptions are in line with market consensus as
that projected 2019 sales should range from 65.2B to 67.7B with a consensus estimate of
66.6B (Kilgore, 2018). The revenue projections account for PEP’s increasing marketing
spending for its core beverages, launching its “Pepsi Generations” campaign, which it
contributes to improved sales, market share, and NAB segment returning to growth
(Forbes, 2018). Addition to NAB solid performance in the third quarter, revenue
assumptions account for PEP’s FLNA strong third quarter FY2018 performance as well
(Forbes, 2018).
The above COS expectations assume that sales and expenses change
simultaneously and in the same direction (Wahlen et al., 2017). In other words, as one
increases the assumption is the other will also increase. Conversely, the above
assumptions are invalidated if the sales and expenses change simultaneously, but in the
partnerships, and distribution efficiencies, provides consensus for steady growth for PEP.
Furthermore, PEP’s consolidated statement of income indicates that its selling, general
from 38.6% in 2015, to 39.3% in 2016, and to 38.1% of net revenue in 2017. Projecting
forward, we assume PEP’s selling, general and administrative expenses will persist,
staying roughly close to the past three-year average of 38.7% of net revenues.
loans while projecting new debt will grow at 13% annually. The projection assumes a
13% annual growth in debt because on PEP’s aggressive approach to gaining more
market share and its focus on improving control of its distribution network as it acquires
bottling companies throughout its market. The assumption for interest expense takes a
the assumptions above are not in line with actual financial performance.
Lastly, the three-year projection assumes that PEP will pay the current corporate
income tax rate of 35%. However, as mentioned above, the United States U.S. corporate
income tax rate will drop from 35% to 21% (PepsiCo, 2017). Thus, the projection
Business Opportunities
Over the last 43 years, PepsiCo (PEP) increased its dividend payments and grown
its revenues per share at 9.7% per year over the last 10 years (Tenebruso, 2018). I say
this to illustrate that PEP accomplished its high yield, growth, and stability achievements
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 33
by looking past the beverage (carbonated drinks) market. The company went form “good
to great” by making investments in other similar companies. One such investment was
its acquisition and merger with Frito-Lay in 1965 (PepsiCo, 2017). Since its acquisition
of Frito-Lay, the Frito-Lay brand realized tremendous growth, making PEP a leader in
the beverage and food industry and it is outperforming its rival KO (Tenebruso, 2018).
Currently, PEP has 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion a year in sales, giving it
more billion-dollar brands than KO (PepsiCo, 2017). In 2017, PEP generated $64.42
billion in sales versus $33.92 billion for KO. Nonetheless, KO is more profitable
(Nasdaq, 2018). Despite having 22 brands, arranging from snack foods to bottled water,
to fruit juices, to Starbucks (partnership), to energy drinks, PEP does not have alcoholic
beverages in its portfolio (Stock Analysis on Net, 2017). As such, PEP should invest in
Investment Features
The non-alcoholic beverage and alcoholic beverage industry merging under one
roof may seem alien, but PEP merging with a beer (alcoholic beverage) company would
be tantalizing. With that said, PEP is attempting to purchase many its remaining stakes in
its two North American independent bottlers, Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) and
PepsiAmericas (PAS), in other to improve innovation and improve its ability to take more
risks. PEP indicates that integrating its brand ownership with its distribution network
(bottlers) would create a fully-integrated supply chain that would save the company over
$200 million per year (Stock Analysis on Net, 2017). Additionally, PEP would be able to
bundle food and beverage offerings and control 80% of its North American distribution,
Outside of the United States, the largest PEP bottler is known as Ambev (ABV). What
does this have to do with beer? Besides bottling beverages for PEP, Ambev sells
beverages and beer across South America, and it is the fifth largest brewer in the world.
In addition, its Skol and Brahma brands are considering the third and ninth top-selling
beers in the world. Furthermore, Anheuser-Busch Inbev is the majority owner of ABV,
and AnheuserBusch-Inbev (AHBIV) is not a stranger to mega mergers. Why would ABV
and AHBIV be a great investment? Through Ambev, AHBIV has immense exposure to
emerging markets and with a stock market capitalization of about $58 million, it would
make an outstanding addition to PEP’s team. Moreover, since emerging markets are
driving change and innovation, this investment would be a great opportunity for PEP and
the convergence of the non-alcoholic beverage and alcoholic beverage market under one
There are several implications of this an acquisition and merger for both the target
company and acquirer. the immediate implication is that the acquirer (PEP) would have
to make the purchase with cash or financed through debt (Picardo, 2018). If PEP acquire
the target company using a cash deal, this would significantly decrease PEP’s cash
holdings or cash on hand. Conversely, if financed through debt, PEP’s debt to income
ratio will increase. In other words, PEP’s indebtedness would increase. Furthermore, the
PEP stock price may take a hit as well. PEP’s stock may decline because the purchase
price to acquire the target company (AHBIV) is too high, it’s too much debt, and the
market could feel the acquisition does not contribute to the growth of PEP’s earnings per
References
Business Wire. (2016, November 26). Global Sparkling Water Market to Witness Growth
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161129005069/en/Global-
Sparkling-Water-Market-Witness-Growth-2020
Coca-Cola Company. (2017). Annual & Other Reports. Retrieved from Coca-Cola
colacompany.com/content/dam/journey/us/en/private/fileassets/pdf/2018/2017-
10K.pdf
Early, J., & McClure, B. (2018). Fundamental Analysis: The Balance Sheet. Retrieved
from Investopedia:
https://www.investopedia.com/university/fundamentalanalysis/fundanalysis9.asp
Early, J., & McClure, B. (2018). Fundamental Analysis: The Cash Flow Statement.
Retrieved from
https://www.investopedia.com/university/fundamentalanalysis/fundanalysis7.asp
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 36
Early, J., & McClure, B. (2018). Fundamental Analysis: The Income Statement.
https://www.investopedia.com/university/fundamentalanalysis/fundanalysis6.asp
http://www.understand-accounting.net/ResearchandDevelopmentCosts.html
Forbes. (2018, October 03). Beverage Growth Impresses For PepsiCo, But Margin Drop
https://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2018/10/03/beverage-growth-
impresses-for-pepsico-but-margin-drop-disappoints/#5d4e9db459e0
Kell, J. (2017, April 19). Bottled Water Continues to Take the Fizz Out of Diet Soda.
cola-pepsi-dr-pepper-soda-water/
Kilgore, T. (2018, October 02). Market Pulse: Pepsi-parent PepsiCo's stock gains after
profit and revenue rise above expectations October 2, 2018. Retrieved November
gains-after-profit-and-revenue-rise-above-expectations-2018-10-02
https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardlevick/2018/08/07/e-commerce-beware-
sales-taxes-could-be-coming-to-a-state-or-locality-near-you/
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 37
https://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/pep/financials?query=balance-sheet
PepsiCo. (2017). PepsiCo 2017 Annual Report 2017. Retrieved from PepsiCo:
http://www.pepsico.com/docs/album/investor/pepsico-inc-2017-annual-report.pdf
Picardo, E. (2018). How mergers and acquisitions can affect a company . Retrieved from
Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/102914/how-
mergers-and-acquisitions-can-affect-company.asp
Stock Analysis on Net. (2017). PepsiCo Inc. (PEP). Retrieved from Stock Analysis on
Net: https://www.stock-analysis-on.net/NASDAQ/Company/PepsiCo-Inc/Profile
Tenebruso, J. (2018, July 20). Better Buy: Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi. Retrieved from The
vs-pepsi.aspx
Wahlen, J. M., Baginski, S. P., & Bradshaw, M. T. (2017). Financial Reporting, Financial
Appendix 1
Selected Tables
Table 1: PepsiCo Inc., selected income statement items, three-year trend
Net income attributable
12 months ended Net revenue Operating profit
to PepsiCo
Dec 26, 2015 63,056 8,353 5,452
Dec 31, 2016 62,799 9,785 6,329
Dec 30, 2017 63,525 10,509 4,857
Source: Based on data from PepsiCo Inc. Annual Reports
Table 5: PepsiCo Inc., selected statement of cash flows items, three-year trend
Net cash provided by Net cash used for Net cash provided by (used
12 months ended
operating activities investing activities for) financing activities
Appendix 2
Reported Growth by Division
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 40
Appendix 3
PepsiCo Product Offerings
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 41
Appendix 4
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 42
Fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015
Apendix 5
Fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015
(in millions)
Appendix 6
PepsiCo, Inc. and Subsidiaries December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 44
Appendix 7
Selected Financial Indicator Growth Reconciliations
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 45
Appendix 8
Appendix 9
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 47
Table 2.1. PEP’s cost of sales and depreciation and amortization analysis
(in millions)
(in millions)
Appendix 10
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 48
(in millions)
PEPSICO’S FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE 49
Appendix 11
(in millions)
Running head: FINANCIAL HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE OF PEPSICO 50
Appendix 12
Appendix 13
Appendix 14