if (rep->cpu_list && !test_bit(sample->cpu, rep->cpu_bitmap))
                goto out_put;
 
-       if (sort__mode == SORT_MODE__BRANCH)
+       if (sort__mode == SORT_MODE__BRANCH) {
+               /*
+                * A non-synthesized event might not have a branch stack if
+                * branch stacks have been synthesized (using itrace options).
+                */
+               if (!sample->branch_stack)
+                       goto out_put;
                iter.ops = &hist_iter_branch;
-       else if (rep->mem_mode)
+       } else if (rep->mem_mode) {
                iter.ops = &hist_iter_mem;
-       else if (symbol_conf.cumulate_callchain)
+       } else if (symbol_conf.cumulate_callchain) {
                iter.ops = &hist_iter_cumulative;
-       else
+       } else {
                iter.ops = &hist_iter_normal;
+       }
 
        if (al.map != NULL)
                al.map->dso->hit = 1;