PepsiCo cuts outlook as its home-market problem deepens

PepsiCo cut its 2026 profit outlook on October 8, saying growth and margins in North America are taking longer than management expected. The company plans another round of structural cost reductions as it navigates cautious customers, rising expenses, and changing eating habits. Third-quarter results showed net revenue up 5.6% to $25.27 billion and organic revenue up 3.1%. International organic revenue rose 8%, but North America remained the weakest region. Despite the forecast cut, PepsiCo shares rose 3.7% on October 8. Management lowered its fiscal 2026 core EPS growth forecast to 1%–2% and expects organic revenue to rise about 3%.