PEP vs KDP — which stock performed better?

PepsiCo (PEP) versus Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), Consumer Staples, on 2026-10-09.

Result

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) performed better on 2026-10-09. PEP moved -0.890%, KDP moved 1.820%.

Why these two companies

PepsiCo reported Q3 2026 results on October 8 that beat estimates on both revenue and earnings, yet management still trimmed its full-year core EPS growth outlook because its North American snacks-and-beverages business continues to lag international markets. That tension — a beat-and-cut quarter from the snacks-and-soda giant — sets up a natural value-versus-growth debate against Keurig Dr Pepper, a smaller, faster-growing beverage rival that is mid-integration of its JDE Peet's coffee acquisition and reports its own Q3 results on November 3.

The research

PepsiCo makes Pepsi soda, Lay's chips, Doritos, Gatorade and Quaker foods and sells them around the world. Keurig Dr Pepper makes Dr Pepper, 7UP and Snapple drinks plus Keurig coffee machines, and recently became a bigger coffee company after buying the maker of brands like Peet's and Jacobs.

One reason to pick PepsiCo: it just reported stronger sales and profit than Wall Street expected, and its stock is trading well below its price high for the year, which some investors see as a discount on a company that has raised its dividend every year for over five decades.

One reason to pick Keurig Dr Pepper: analysts who follow the stock are more optimistic about it overall, it's growing quickly after absorbing a big coffee company, and it has new drinks and energy products planned for next year.

One thing to keep in mind: PepsiCo just lowered its profit growth goal for the year because its North American snack and drink sales are still weak, while Keurig Dr Pepper's fast growth right now comes largely from the company it just bought rather than existing business getting much bigger, and that deal added extra debt it still needs to pay down.