Economic Overview - The U.S. economy faced significant volatility with mixed signals, as major indexes like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones increased by 0.28% and 1.60%, while the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.62% [1] - The Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested the possibility of an interest rate cut as early as September during the Jackson Hole symposium [1] Labor Market Concerns - A slowing labor market is a primary concern for the Federal Reserve, with recent data showing a downward revision of job growth in May and June, and only 73,000 jobs added in July [2] - Despite strong Q2 GDP numbers, labor market and manufacturing data indicate a potential economic slowdown, presenting a dilemma for the Fed between supporting the job market and combating inflation [2] Zacks Research Performance - WisdomTree, Inc. shares increased by 28% since being upgraded to Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) on June 23, outperforming the S&P 500's 8.7% gain [4] - Hafnia Limited shares rose by 14.1% after a Zacks Rank 2 upgrade on June 25, also surpassing the S&P 500's 6.4% increase [5] - A hypothetical portfolio of Zacks Rank 1 stocks returned +20.65% in 2023, compared to +24.83% for the S&P 500 index [6] Focus List and Model Portfolios - The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +10.91% in 2025 (through July 31) compared to +8.59% for the S&P 500 index [12] - The Top 10 portfolio has delivered a cumulative return of +2,220.4% since 2012, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index's +517.8% return [24] Sector-Specific Performance - Johnson & Johnson and The Hershey Company, part of the Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio, returned 17.2% and 16.8% respectively over the past 12 weeks, driven by investor interest in quality dividend stocks amid market volatility [19] - Mettler-Toledo International Inc. and PepsiCo, part of the Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio, saw returns of 18.6% and 15.7% over the past 12 weeks [15]

For years, Rohan Oza made millions for celebrities on beverage deals. Then in May the ‘Shark Tank’ veteran brokered the blockbuster sale of the prebiotic soda Poppi to Pepsi. And he’s not done yet. (Photo: Ryan West for Forbes) https://t.co/f5VrwPaM27 https://t.co/y4XdixAdcB ...

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo is highlighted as a potentially "recession-proof" investment opportunity due to its strong business model and history of dividend increases, despite current challenges affecting its stock price [2][7]. Company Overview - PepsiCo is a leading player in the consumer staples sector, focusing on food and beverages, with well-known brands like Pepsi, Frito-Lay, and Quaker Oats [5]. - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $200 billion, providing it with the ability to consolidate promising brands and adapt to consumer preferences [5]. Business Model Strength - PepsiCo's business model is characterized by its resilience during economic downturns, as consumer staples are essential items that maintain steady demand [3]. - The company has a strong dividend history, being classified as a Dividend King with over five decades of annual dividend increases, indicating reliable execution and a solid business model [6]. Current Challenges - Despite its strengths, PepsiCo is currently facing challenges, with its stock price down over 20% from its 2023 highs, placing it in a personal bear market [9]. - The company's dividend yield has increased to 3.8%, providing an attractive income stream for investors during uncertain economic times [8]. Investment Considerations - Investing in PepsiCo may be beneficial during a recession, as consumer staples are viewed as safe haven stocks, potentially leading to better stock performance even in a bear market [10]. - Recent acquisitions, including a Mexican-American food maker and a pre-biotic beverage company, suggest that PepsiCo is returning to strategies that have historically driven long-term growth [12].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that PepsiCo is expected to see a recovery in growth after a period of not raising prices, allowing competitors to catch up [1] - The expectation is for growth to increase in 2025 following real growth in 2024 [1] - The investment strategy focuses on acquiring companies with strong qualitative attributes at attractive prices and holding them long-term [1] Group 2 - The company aims to publish articles on investment opportunities approximately three times per week, with detailed quarterly follow-ups and updates [1] - The portfolio management strategy is concentrated on avoiding underperformers while maximizing exposure to high-potential winners [1] - Companies may be rated as 'Hold' if their growth opportunities do not meet the investment threshold or if downside risks are deemed too high [1]

For years, Rohan Oza made millions for celebrities on beverage deals. Then in May the ‘Shark Tank’ veteran brokered the blockbuster sale of the prebiotic soda Poppi to Pepsi. And he’s not done yet. (Photo: Ryan West for Forbes) https://t.co/HSvN0RDih4 https://t.co/i3ANn8vKl4 ...

For years, Rohan Oza made millions for celebrities on beverage deals. Then in May the ‘Shark Tank’ veteran brokered the blockbuster sale of the prebiotic soda Poppi to Pepsi. And he’s not done yet. (Photo: Ryan West for Forbes) https://t.co/kpVanxDfnh https://t.co/fWiFNz251m ...

For years, Rohan Oza made millions for celebrities—including Jennifer Aniston and 50 Cent—on beverage deals. Then in May the ‘Shark Tank’ veteran brokered the blockbuster sale of the prebiotic soda Poppi to Pepsi. And he’s not done yet.https://t.co/rRu16nrEak https://t.co/FAHdIQd2Sp ...

For years, Rohan Oza made millions for celebrities—including Jennifer Aniston and 50 Cent—on beverage deals. Then in May the ‘Shark Tank’ veteran brokered the blockbuster sale of the prebiotic soda Poppi to Pepsi. And he’s not done yet.https://t.co/rRu16nrEak https://t.co/MaJLWc0ilO ...

Group 1 - The article provides a top-down analysis of the consumer staples sector, focusing on industry metrics related to value, quality, and momentum [1] - It aims to assist in analyzing sector ETFs, particularly The Consumer Staples ETF [1] - The author, Fred Piard, has over 30 years of experience in technology and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010 [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to the consumer staples sector or individual companies [2][3]

Core Insights - The rivalry between PepsiCo Inc. and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. highlights distinct strategies and market positions within the global beverage industry [2][4]. PepsiCo Overview - PepsiCo generated $37 billion in international sales in 2024, accounting for 40% of total revenues, showcasing its global reach and resilience [5]. - The company has a diverse portfolio including iconic brands like Lay's, Doritos, and Gatorade, which strengthens its market position across various demographics [6]. - Innovation is a central strategy for PepsiCo, focusing on zero-sugar beverages and better-for-you snacks, with recent acquisitions like poppi enhancing its appeal to health-conscious consumers [7]. - PepsiCo is leveraging digital transformation to improve pricing and supply-chain productivity, aiming for sustainable long-term growth despite inflationary pressures [8]. - The company plans to return $8.6 billion to shareholders in 2025 through dividends and buybacks, indicating its defensive stability and commitment to shareholder value [9]. Keurig Dr Pepper Overview - Keurig reported a 7% increase in net sales for Q2, driven by an 11% rise in U.S. Refreshment Beverages, although margins were pressured by tariffs and coffee softness [10][12]. - The flagship Dr Pepper brand has achieved nine consecutive years of market share gains, while the energy portfolio has grown to a 7% share of the $26 billion energy market [12]. - Innovation remains key for KDP, with products like Electrolit in sports hydration seeing 30% retail sales growth, and the acquisition of Dyla Brands expanding its drink mix category [13]. - However, the U.S. coffee business has faced challenges, including sales declines due to inventory tightening and commodity inflation [14]. - KDP achieved 7% operating income growth and double-digit EPS gains, with free cash flow reaching $325 million, but management warns of rising costs impacting margins [15]. Price Performance & Valuation - Over the past three months, PepsiCo shares have increased by 16.9%, while KDP shares rose by 4.7% [17]. - PepsiCo trades at a forward P/E multiple of 18.38, compared to KDP's 16.51, suggesting a premium valuation for PepsiCo due to its strong market position and reliable dividends [19][22]. - Analysts have revised PepsiCo's EPS estimates upward for 2025 and 2026, projecting revenues to rise 1.3% year over year to $93.1 billion [23]. - KDP's EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have also increased, with projected revenues rising 6.1% year over year to $16.3 billion [24]. Comparative Outlook - PepsiCo appears better positioned in the market, with recent share price recovery reflecting confidence in its execution and international momentum [25]. - The premium valuation of PepsiCo indicates investor willingness to pay for its scale and brand strength, while KDP offers a mix of stability and growth potential, albeit with near-term risks [26][27].