As of mid-2026, Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ: CELH) has seen its stock price decline approximately 36% year-to-date, according to market data. This sharp drop has led investors to question whether the energy drink maker is a better buy for the second half of the year compared to a diversified investment in beverage giants Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP).
Analysts point out that Celsius, once a high-growth stock, has faced headwinds including slowing sales growth and increased competition in the energy drink sector. In contrast, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo offer stability and consistent dividends. A 50/50 split between KO and PEP provides a balanced exposure to the global beverage market with lower volatility.
FactSet data shows that Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have both posted modest gains in 2026, with dividend yields around 3% each. Celsius, which does not pay a dividend, trades at a higher price-to-earnings ratio despite its recent decline. The decision hinges on risk tolerance: Celsius offers potential upside if it regains growth momentum, while the Coca-Cola/Pepsi split provides defensive characteristics.
Investors should note that past performance does not guarantee future results. As of July 13, 2026, no major analyst upgrades or downgrades have been issued for Celsius, Coca-Cola, or PepsiCo in the past week. The second-half outlook remains uncertain amid broader market volatility.
