Coca-Cola vs PepsiCo (KO vs PEP)

Coca-Cola (KO) vs PepsiCo (PEP) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Coca-Cola (KO) and PepsiCo (PEP) compete in consumer staples. Here are Coca-Cola and PepsiCo side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Coca-Cola or PepsiCo.

Coca-Cola vs PepsiCo: the figures

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Coca-Cola or PepsiCo figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Coca-Cola and PepsiCo

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Coca-Cola keeps 28.7 as net profit and PepsiCo keeps 11.1.
2. Valuation: Coca-Cola trades at 28.6x its annual earnings and PepsiCo at 17.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Coca-Cola profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3. Dividend: PepsiCo yields 4.31% at today's price and Coca-Cola yields 2.24%.

Coca-Cola or PepsiCo: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Coca-Cola is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): PepsiCo pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Coca-Cola has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: PepsiCo trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Coca-Cola nor PepsiCo wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Coca-Cola and PepsiCo make money

Coca-Cola (KO)

Coca-Cola makes most of its money selling concentrates and syrups to bottlers that produce and distribute the drinks, and it bottles directly in some markets. Brands include Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Minute Maid, smartwater and Costa Coffee. It reports by region, with North America the largest, plus Global Ventures and Bottling Investments. Full Coca-Cola analysis.

PepsiCo (PEP)

PepsiCo sells snacks and drinks. In North America, its largest market, it reports food, including Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos and Quaker, separately from beverages such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Gatorade. Elsewhere it reports Latin America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia Pacific; and its International Beverages Franchise. Full PepsiCo analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Coca-Cola vs PepsiCo

Is Coca-Cola or PepsiCo the better stock?

Choosing between Coca-Cola and PepsiCo depends on what you are looking for. Coca-Cola is growing faster right now, and PepsiCo trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Coca-Cola or PepsiCo: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Coca-Cola or PepsiCo?

As of November 4, 2026, PepsiCo yields 4.31% and Coca-Cola yields 2.24%. Also check how much of their profit Coca-Cola and PepsiCo pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Coca-Cola or PepsiCo?

On P/E, Coca-Cola (28.6x) is more expensive than PepsiCo (17.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Coca-Cola and PepsiCo?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Coca-Cola or PepsiCo.

More comparisons with Coca-Cola or PepsiCo

• Coca-Cola vs Procter & Gamble
• Coca-Cola vs Philip Morris
• PepsiCo vs Procter & Gamble
• PepsiCo vs Philip Morris

More companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo: consumer staples stocks. Educational content about Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, not investment advice.