PepsiCo has rallied about 34% since early March, to 63. Some fans think it could rise into the 70s next year, while one investor pegs its private-market value closer to 100 a share.

PepsiCo is expanding in fast-growing markets like Russia and China, and through the introduction of new products like naturally sweetened beverages, in an already-diverse portfolio, according to Bahl & Gaynor's McCormick. Its dividend, which represents a 2.9% yield, has risen at a 17.5% annual clip over the past five years. The stock trades at 15 times consensus EPS estimates of $4.22 next year, but the company is one of the fastest growers in this portfolio. Return on equity has consistently hovered around 30%, and earnings are "extremely stable," McCormick adds.

Q: Last but not least, what do you like about PepsiCo?

A: We have a high degree of confidence in prospects for strong earnings growth over the next 10 years. It has very conservative accretion assumptions for the Pepsi Bottling Group and PepsiAmericas deals, an abundance of organic growth opportunities with a dominant global snacks business, and an excellent management team. Yet the stock sells at about 14.5 times next year's consensus earnings. That's in line with the [consumer-]staples group and a discount to its global peers.

Can you imagine where this market could go if oil were to go to $85? Vale (VALE) goes to $30, Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) to $90 (thanks for that dividend), and Procter & Gamble (PG) will go to $60 and Apple (AAPL) to $210 and Pepsi (PEP) to $65. Hold it, wait a second. Did he say Pepsi, Procter and Apple? Yep.

world wide exposure
good products

growth

Don't be fooled by this perennial number two soda brand -- the company also owns 18 megabrands that lead their market spaces. Watch earnings on October 8.

good dividends

Najarian also likes Molson-Coors (TAP) and Pepsi (PEP). Both stocks perform well during the fall.

solid performer in 09

No growth, need I say more

Not a fan of branding strategies.

long term, 6-12 month prediction of price movement over 10 percent. i believe will outperform KO.

If economy continues the way it is---we won't be able to
afford Pepsi or Coke. All money going to gasoline & higher prices for everything!

think raw materials are killing sales

Sideways stock that's not even sideways anymore. Totally boring play. There is a past and a future pepsi is the past. You can put your money in a CD and get the same type of growth. Grow up.

to high price

I drink a lot of it.

I own it but it is boring as hell

Good real estate
Not too good business