Core Insights - PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is recognized as one of the 12 Best Income Stocks to Buy Now [1] - BofA analyst Peter Galbo raised the price target for PepsiCo from $155 to $164 while maintaining a Neutral rating, indicating uncertainty in consumption growth for consumer staples [2] - The company is undergoing a review of its North America supply chain to cut costs and support growth, influenced by discussions with activist investor Elliott Investment Management [3] Cost-Cutting and Strategic Changes - Elliott Investment Management disclosed a $4 billion stake in PepsiCo and has urged the company to consider refranchising or spinning off its bottling operations and selling non-core food assets [4] - PepsiCo plans to eliminate nearly 20% of its US product lines by early next year and shut down several manufacturing lines as part of its cost reduction strategy [4] - The company aims to implement more affordable pricing tiers and simpler ingredient lists across its snack portfolio [4] Operational Improvements - Alongside cost cuts, PepsiCo intends to increase automation and digital tools in production, expecting at least 100 basis points of core operating margin expansion over the next three fiscal years [5]