5 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now. For deeper discussion and analysis, read 10 Best S&P 500 Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now. 

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5. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 72

On June 12, TD Cowen lowered its price recommendation on PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) to $150 from $165. It reiterated a Hold rating on the shares. The firm reduced its forecast for second-quarter organic growth to below consensus expectations, citing weak retail trends in the U.S. TD Cowen also lowered its fiscal 2027 earnings-per-share growth estimate to 5%, pointing to the timing of commodity cost inflation as a key factor.

On the same day, Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery lowered his price goal on PepsiCo to $178 from $181. He maintained an Overweight rating on the stock. The firm said it remains positive on PepsiCo’s portfolio of brands and its ability to return to sustainable growth. At the same time, Piper acknowledged that the company’s recovery path may not be smooth and that cost pressures are increasing. In the near term, the firm sees slower-than-expected distribution momentum in PepsiCo’s salty snacks business. Even so, it expects conditions to improve as new product innovations reach the market and delayed shelf resets are completed.

PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells a wide range of beverages and convenient foods worldwide.