PepsiCo's Strong, Diversified Portfolio and Growth Strategy Deliver Solid Q2 Results

PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today reported solid revenue and operating profit results in the second quarter of 2009, reflecting strong effective net pricing, product innovation and cost discipline. Reported EPS of $1.06 was flat on a 3 percent decline in net revenue. In constant currency, the company delivered a 5.5 percent increase in net revenue and an 8 percent increase in core EPS.

Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our results this quarter reinforce the advantages of our balanced portfolio, as our food and international businesses delivered solid performance while we continued the transformation of our North American beverage business.

"Consumers find nourishment, simple pleasures and great value in our products, which keeps them loyal to our brands in these tough times. And our seasoned team of leaders has the operating agility to deliver on our full-year guidance while implementing our long-term plans for healthy and balanced growth. Across our businesses, we are investing aggressively in R&D to drive innovation to further differentiate our brands;and we believe now is the time to invest in key markets that represent enormous opportunities for years to come,"Nooyi continued.

Select statements in the Q2 report related to savory snacks:

Frito-Lay North America (FLNA) constant currency net revenue grew 8 percent, constant currency core operating profit grew 8 percent and volume was up 3 percent. Volume growth was driven by strong performance in FLNA's core brands such as Lay's and Doritos, supported in part by the "20% more"promotion on its take-home sized, corn-based offerings. Dips and Multipacks, together with healthy adjacencies to the core portfolio such as TrueNorth nuts, Sabra dips, Spitz seeds and Stacy's pita chips, also contributed to the growth in volume.

Product innovation highlights in the quarter included line extensions of core brands such as Doritos Late Night and Giant Cheetos. In addition to driving innovation in its product line, FLNA deployed shelf innovation at over 8,000 stores. The streamlined displays create a more inviting and intuitive shopping experience and prominently feature FLNA's health and wellness offerings.

In Europe snacks, volume declined 1 percent, which included 4 percentage points of growth from the Marbo acquisition. Volumes were adversely impacted by pricing actions, including weight outs, to offset local commodity inflation. Nevertheless, the business maintained market share. In the U.K., Walkers grew revenue share through disciplined pricing and the continuing success of its "Do Us a Flavour"campaign.

Asia/Middle East/Africa (AMEA) division snacks volume grew 3 percent. This growth was broad-based, including developed markets such as Australia and developing markets in the Middle East.

AMEA continues to invest in under penetrated areas and broaden the health and wellness offerings in its portfolio. In the third quarter, the company entered into a strategic alliance with Calbee Foods Company to produce and sell a wide range of food products in Japan.