Q4 Financial Highlights: PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) and Other Companies in the Beverages, Alcohol, and Tobacco Category

Q4 Earnings Review: Beverage, Alcohol, and Tobacco Sector

As the fourth quarter earnings season wraps up, it’s an ideal moment to evaluate which companies in the beverage, alcohol, and tobacco space—such as PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP)—stood out, and which lagged behind.

Performance in this industry is shaped by factors like brand reputation, marketing effectiveness, and evolving consumer tastes. Shifts in consumption habits are especially significant, with trends such as the growth of cannabis, craft beer, and vaping, contrasted by the ongoing decline in soda and cigarette consumption. Companies that prioritize innovation and adapt to these trends often see increased demand, while those slow to respond may experience stagnant sales. Additionally, social media has lowered the barriers to launching new brands, allowing emerging competitors to gradually erode the market share of established firms.

Among the 13 beverage, alcohol, and tobacco companies tracked, Q4 results were generally positive. Collectively, these businesses surpassed revenue forecasts by 2.1%, and guidance for the next quarter was in line with expectations.

Following these results, share prices across the sector have remained stable, with little movement on average since the earnings announcements.

PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) Overview

PepsiCo, a global leader in food and beverages with a legacy spanning over 100 years, is best recognized for its iconic soda products.

In the latest quarter, PepsiCo reported $29.34 billion in revenue—a 5.6% increase year-over-year—beating analyst projections by 1.6%. The company delivered a strong performance, surpassing EBITDA estimates, while gross margin results matched expectations.

Since releasing its earnings, PepsiCo’s stock has climbed 9.4%, currently trading at $169.76.

Curious if PepsiCo is a smart buy right now?

Q4 Standout: Celsius (NASDAQ:CELH)

Celsius, known for its unique MetaPlus formula, produces energy drinks with natural ingredients aimed at supporting fitness and weight management.

The company posted $721.6 million in revenue for the quarter, marking a remarkable 117% year-over-year increase and exceeding analyst expectations by 13.5%. Celsius not only delivered the fastest revenue growth among its peers but also achieved the largest beat relative to analyst forecasts for both revenue and EBITDA.

Following these results, Celsius shares have risen 5.5% and are now priced at $53.39.

Interested in Celsius?

Q4 Underperformer: Altria (NYSE:MO)

Altria, the company behind the Marlboro cigarette brand, offers a range of tobacco and nicotine products.

For the quarter, Altria reported $5.08 billion in revenue, unchanged from the previous year but slightly above analyst estimates by 1.1%. Despite this, the company fell short of expectations for EBITDA and adjusted operating income, making it a weaker quarter overall.

Interestingly, Altria’s stock has increased 9.5% since the earnings release and is now trading at $69.10.

Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM)

Boston Beer, a trailblazer in the craft brewing sector, is celebrated for its innovative and flavorful beverages that challenge industry norms.

The company reported $385.7 million in revenue, a 4.1% decrease year-over-year, which was in line with analyst expectations. While Boston Beer exceeded EBITDA forecasts, its full-year EPS guidance fell short of projections.

Since the earnings report, Boston Beer’s stock has declined 1.8% and is currently valued at $223.25.

Monster Beverage (NASDAQ:MNST)

Founded in 2002, Monster Beverage began as a natural soda and juice producer and has since become a leader in the energy drink market, targeting young and active consumers with its Monster Energy brand.

Monster reported $2.13 billion in revenue for the quarter, up 17.6% year-over-year and surpassing analyst estimates by 4.6%. The quarter was mixed, with revenue beating expectations but EBITDA falling short.

Monster’s stock has dropped 1.9% since the earnings announcement and is now trading at $85.13.

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The StockStory analyst team, comprised of experienced professional investors, leverages quantitative research and automation to deliver timely, high-quality market insights.