LAS VEGAS and PURCHASE, N.Y., Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At CES 2026, PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) announced a multi-year, industry-first collaboration with Siemens and NVIDIA to transform plant and supply chain operations through advanced digital twin technology and AI. This collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind initiative for a global CPG company applying digital twins to reshape how plant and warehousing facilities are digitally simulated and tested, with early pilots already underway in the U.S. Together, ...

Core Insights - Dividend aristocrat stocks are essential for investors aiming for stability and long-term wealth creation, as they have consistently increased dividends for at least 25 years, showcasing financial discipline and commitment to shareholders [1][2] Dividend Aristocrats Overview - Dividend aristocrats serve as a hedge against economic uncertainty, providing downside protection and consistent payout increases, making them suitable anchors in diversified portfolios [2] - Five highlighted dividend aristocrats for 2026 include Atmos Energy Corporation, Medtronic plc, PepsiCo, Inc., Caterpillar Inc., and S&P Global Inc., all of which exhibit robust dividend growth and steady returns [3][8] Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - ATO has raised its annual dividend for 42 consecutive years, with a current quarterly dividend of $1 per share and an annual dividend yield of 2.38% [3][4] - The new dividend for fiscal 2026 is $4 per share, reflecting a nearly 15% increase from fiscal 2025 [4] Medtronic plc (MDT) - MDT has increased its dividend for 48 consecutive years, with a current quarterly dividend of 71 cents and an annual dividend yield of 2.84% [5][6] - The company is expanding its global presence, particularly in the Cardiovascular business, despite facing near-term supply and tariff-related challenges [6] PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) - PEP has raised its annualized dividend by 5% in 2025, reaching $5.69 per share, marking its 53rd consecutive annual dividend increase [7][9] - The company plans to return $8.6 billion to shareholders in 2025, including $7.6 billion in dividends and $1 billion in buybacks, with an annual dividend yield of 3.78% [9] Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) - CAT has a long history of dividend payments, having raised dividends for 32 consecutive years, with a recent quarterly dividend hike of 7% to $1.51 per share [10][11] - The company returned approximately $1.1 billion to shareholders in dividends and share repurchases in Q3 2025, with an annual dividend yield of 1.01% [11] S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) - SPGI has increased its dividend annually for over 50 years, with a current quarterly dividend of 96 cents and an annualized dividend of $3.84 per share [12][13] - The company reported a strong adjusted operating profit margin of 52.1% and generated free cash flow of $1.4 billion in the last quarter [14]

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo is experiencing a challenging period, with stock performance declining for three consecutive years, leading to investor frustration [1][2] Group 1: Company Performance - The company has faced difficulties primarily in its food segment, with Frito-Lay and Quaker Oats reporting revenue and volume declines, particularly a 14% drop in Quaker's revenue and volume [5][10] - Despite these challenges, PepsiCo is implementing changes, such as promoting healthier snack options and launching new products like dye-free Cheetos and Doritos [7][8] - The beverage segment is also undergoing transformation, with the introduction of the world's first prebiotic cola and plans to reduce operating costs by 20% [8][10] Group 2: Future Outlook - Analysts predict a potential revenue growth of 3.4% year-over-year by 2026, which would be a significant achievement for the company [11] - Earnings per share are expected to rise from $8.11 this year to $8.58 next year, indicating a positive trend [11] - Investors will need to monitor sales and volume growth in both food and beverage sectors in the upcoming year to gauge the effectiveness of the company's turnaround efforts [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo is eliminating hundreds of products from its shelves as part of a strategy to cut costs and streamline its product lineup, following discussions with activist investor Elliott Investment Management [1][4]. Group 1: Product Reduction and Strategy - The company plans to reduce nearly 20% of its SKUs (stock keeping units) sold in the U.S. by early 2026, having already closed three manufacturing plants and shut down some manufacturing lines this year [2]. - PepsiCo aims to offer more affordable price options to stimulate growth and improve the purchase frequency of its mainstream brands, while also focusing on launching products that meet consumer needs, such as those made without artificial colors and flavors [3]. Group 2: Investor Engagement and Recommendations - Elliott Investment Management, which holds a $4 billion stake in PepsiCo, has urged the company to consider selling or outsourcing its complex bottling operations and to cut back on unnecessary drink variations to streamline operations [4][6]. - The investor believes that these measures will help boost profits, streamline operations, and free up capital for reinvestment in the company's strongest areas [7]. Group 3: Financial Outlook - PepsiCo expects sales from its core business to grow between 2% and 4% for all of 2026, with an anticipation to hit the higher end of that range in the second half of the year [13]. - The company also expects its profit margins to grow by at least one percentage point over the next three years due to cost savings and improved operational efficiency [15].

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo has agreed to reduce its product lineup by 20% in the US, lower some prices, and lay off an unspecified number of workers as part of a deal with activist investor Elliott Management [1][2][3] Group 1: Product Changes - The company will cut an unspecified number of brands from its well-known snack and beverage lineup, which includes Lay's, Cheetos, Doritos, and Pepsi [1][6] - PepsiCo has repackaged its Lay's potato chips to emphasize they are made with "real potatoes" and has replaced artificial dyes with natural alternatives in some products [4] - The company plans to introduce new products with higher protein and fiber content, as well as reduced-sugar options [5][8] Group 2: Financial Strategy - PepsiCo expects organic revenue growth of 2% to 4% in fiscal 2026, slightly below analysts' estimates of 2.7% [5] - The CEO stated that savings from cost-cutting measures will be used to lower prices on top brands to boost sales, as inflation has led consumers to avoid expensive snacks and sodas [7][8] Group 3: Corporate Restructuring - The company is making structural changes that will affect some roles, although the specific number of layoffs and areas impacted have not been disclosed [3] - PepsiCo is not considering a full refranchising of its North American business despite Elliott's push for changes [10]

Group 1: Company Strategy - PepsiCo is implementing price cuts on certain snacks as part of a new strategy developed with activist investor Elliott Investment Management to enhance U.S. performance and boost stock value [2][7] - The company has observed improved sales in areas where lower price points were tested, leading to increased shelf space for its snacks [1][2] Group 2: Market Context - The decision to lower prices comes amid a broader trend where several food manufacturers and retailers, including General Mills, Walmart, Target, and Kroger, are also announcing selective price rollbacks [4][7] - Despite these price cuts, analysts express uncertainty about whether overall food and beverage prices will decrease, as inflation remains above target levels and many businesses have not fully passed on tariff costs [3][5] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Consumers have shown resistance to purchasing items after price increases, leading companies to seek ways to help customers manage their budgets amid inflation and job market concerns [5][6] - The demand for certain products, such as ready-to-serve soups, has declined, while items like condensed soups and broths remain popular as they are often used for cooking, which is a common cost-saving strategy [6][7]

[music] Good Tuesday morning. Welcome to Opening Bid. I'm Yahoo Finance executive editor Brian Sazi.Later on the show, I'll be talking to Cellpoint CEO [music] Mark Mlan who just is about to get off his earnings call about the company's latest quarter. The stock selling off on the results, but they sure looked okay to me. Started [music] that earnings call that I just listened to.Now, here's what's on my mind today. Nvidia and other chip players get a bone from Trump. President Trump says he has granted Nvi ...

PepsiCo plans to cut prices and eliminate some of its products under a deal with an activist investor announced Monday. The Purchase, New York-based company, which makes Cheetos, Tostitos and other Frito-Lay products as well as beverages, said it will cut nearly 20% of its product offerings by early next year. PepsiCo said it will use the savings to invest in marketing and improved value for consumers. It didn't disclose which products or how much it would cut prices. PepsiCo said it also plans to accele ...

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].

Core Viewpoint - PepsiCo has experienced significant underperformance in the stock market compared to the S&P 500 and its main competitor, Coca-Cola, over various time frames [2][3][4] Financial Performance - Over the past year, three years, and five years, PepsiCo's total return has lagged behind the S&P 500 index and Coca-Cola [2][3] - For the full year 2024, PepsiCo's revenue is projected to increase by only 0.4% to nearly $91.9 billion, while net income is expected to rise by 6% to approximately $9.6 billion [7] - Analysts forecast a revenue increase of 1.7% for PepsiCo in 2024, with a slight decline in per-share GAAP profitability from $8.16 to $8.11 [11] Market Position and Competition - PepsiCo is perceived as a perennial runner-up to Coca-Cola, which focuses solely on beverages, while PepsiCo has a broader product mix that includes snacks [10] - The company faces challenges due to changing consumer preferences towards healthier options, impacting the sales of its traditional snack brands [9] Valuation Metrics - PepsiCo's current market capitalization stands at $203 billion, with a gross margin of 54.21% and a dividend yield of 3.73% [8] - Coca-Cola is viewed as a better investment based on share price, key valuations, and near-future growth potential [10] Investor Sentiment - Despite being consistently profitable and having a strong dividend history, PepsiCo struggles to attract investor interest compared to Coca-Cola [12][13]