Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo, Inc. has announced strategic initiatives and a preliminary financial outlook for 2026 aimed at enhancing shareholder value through organic revenue growth, productivity savings, and improved core operating margins [1][2][4]. Commercial Actions and Financial Priorities - The company aims to accelerate organic revenue growth and improve core operating margin, particularly in PepsiCo Foods North America, with expectations of in-store presence increasing in the first half of 2026 [4][5]. - Full-year 2026 organic revenue growth is projected to be between 2% and 4%, with a focus on achieving the higher end of this range in the latter half of the year [5][29]. - The company plans to implement a disciplined capital allocation framework, improve free cash flow conversion, and increase cash returns to shareholders [5][13]. Innovation and Cost Reduction - PepsiCo is focusing on affordability and innovation, including the introduction of new products that emphasize simpler ingredients and nutritional benefits [6][8]. - The company is aggressively reducing operating costs, including the closure of three manufacturing plants and a reduction of nearly 20% of SKUs in the U.S. by early next year [6][8]. Financial Outlook - The preliminary financial outlook for 2026 includes expectations for core EPS growth of approximately 5% to 7%, or 7% to 9% when excluding the impact of global minimum tax regulations [11][27]. - The core effective annual tax rate is expected to be around 22% in 2026, influenced by global minimum tax regulations [9][29]. Governance and Shareholder Engagement - PepsiCo is committed to ongoing Board refreshment and has received support from Elliott Investment Management for its strategic initiatives [3][14]. - The company anticipates total cash returns to shareholders of approximately $8.6 billion in 2026, which includes dividends and share repurchases [29].