Key Points Illinois Tool Works is a highly diversified, high-margin industrial conglomerate with a rock-solid dividend. PepsiCo yields considerably more than Illinois Tool Works and commands a less expensive valuation. Pepsi has plenty of ways to return to growth without overhauling its proven business model. 10 stocks we like better than PepsiCo › Dividend Kings are an elite group of dividend-paying companies that have boosted their payouts for at least 50 consecutive years. There are fewer tha ...

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, ...

Key Takeaways PepsiCo makes functional nutrition a core 2025 pillar, pushing protein- and prebiotic-enriched beverages.PEP rolls out Pepsi Prebiotic, Propel Protein Water and enhanced Muscle Milk to blend flavors and benefits.PepsiCo adds protein and fiber to Doritos, Quaker, Sun Chips and PopCorners to modernize brand loyalty.PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) is sharpening its competitive edge by leaning into one of the fastest-growing areas of food and beverages: functionality. As consumers increasingly seek products t ...

Core Insights - Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) experienced a significant acceleration in U.S. retail performance in Q3 2025, with portfolio retail sales increasing by 31% year over year for the 13 weeks ending September 28, 2025, outpacing the broader ready-to-drink (RTD) energy category and achieving market share expansion [1][4]. Retail Performance - The combined portfolio of CELSIUS, Alani Nu, and Rockstar Energy captured a 20.8% dollar share of the U.S. RTD energy market, marking a 2.1 percentage point increase from the previous year and a 1.2-point sequential gain, indicating that the 31% retail sales increase was driven by portfolio-level share gains rather than overall category growth [2][8]. - Alani Nu led the growth within the portfolio, with retail sales soaring by 114% year over year and dollar share increasing by 3.3 points to 7.2%, supported by expanded distribution [3][8]. - The CELSIUS brand saw a 13% increase in retail sales but faced a 0.5-point year-over-year decline in dollar share to 11.2% [3][8]. - Rockstar Energy, acquired late in the period, reported a 9% decline in retail sales and a 0.7-point decrease in dollar share to 2.4% [3][8]. Market Trends - The combined portfolio of Celsius Holdings grew nearly twice as fast as the U.S. energy drink category during the quarter, with overall results indicating that the increase in retail sales coincided with aggregate market share gains [4]. - Management emphasized the importance of monitoring the durability of retail and share trends across brands and channels as the company moves into 2026 [4]. Competitor Insights - PepsiCo reported steady retail performance across its beverage portfolio in Q3 2025, driven by consumer demand for zero-sugar and functional offerings, with brands like Gatorade and Propel contributing positively [5]. - Coca-Cola also cited solid retail trends in Q3, supported by the strength of its zero-sugar portfolio and improved execution across key beverage categories [6]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Celsius Holdings' shares have increased by 0.8% over the past six months, contrasting with a 10.9% decline in the industry [7]. - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 28.98, significantly higher than the industry average of 14.59 [9]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CELH's earnings implies year-over-year growth of 81.4% for 2025 and 20.4% for 2026 [10].

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 set to reduce its brand portfolio by nearly 20% by early 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards streamlining operations and enhancing shareholder value [1]. Group 1: Brand Portfolio Reduction - The company plans to eliminate approximately 12 brands from its current lineup of 60, which could lead to reduced operating expenses and improved operating margins [6]. - This decision aligns with the company's recognition that its portfolio has become too extensive, suggesting a focus on more profitable and innovative products [1][6]. Group 2: Analyst Support - J.P. Morgan analyst Andrea Teixeira upgraded PepsiCo's stock rating from neutral to overweight and raised the price target from $151 to $164, indicating a potential upside of 10.2% [3]. - Analyst upgrades can serve as short-term catalysts, and the stock is viewed as having multiple growth opportunities leading into 2026 [3]. Group 3: Engagement with Activist Investors - PepsiCo's decision to prune its brand lineup appears to be influenced by constructive dialogue with activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has previously suggested divesting certain operations [4][5]. - The relationship between PepsiCo and Elliott is currently positive, which may facilitate further strategic changes that could benefit the company's stock performance [5]. Group 4: Market Trends and Growth Potential - The company is refreshing its value proposition, which is crucial for consumer engagement, and is seeing positive trends in snack sales as consumers respond to perceived value [9][10]. - PepsiCo aims for organic sales growth of 2% to 4% by 2026, with the potential for exceeding this target based on current market trends [10].

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 Insights - PepsiCo is facing challenges with low consumer demand due to economic pressures affecting shoppers globally [1][2] - The company reported a 3% year-over-year decline in U.S. revenue from food brands and a 4% decrease in volume during Q3 [2] - CEO Ramon Laguarta highlighted that consumers are increasingly health-conscious and cautious about spending [3][4] Financial Performance - U.S. revenue from beverages increased by 2%, but volume for these products declined by 3% [2] - The company anticipates full-year 2026 organic revenue growth to range between 2% and 4%, expecting to achieve the higher end in the second half of 2026 [13] Strategic Initiatives - PepsiCo is implementing a turnaround plan focusing on affordability, innovation, and cost reduction [5][10] - The company has agreed with Elliott Investment Management to scale back its product lineup in the U.S. and lower prices [6] - Plans include removing artificial colors and flavors, simplifying ingredients, and reducing the product lineup by 20% by early next year [8][9] Consumer Behavior - A significant portion of Americans (61%) are stressed about grocery costs, with 88% adjusting their shopping habits [7] - Consumers are increasingly opting for generic brands and paying closer attention to prices [8] Workforce Changes - PepsiCo plans to reduce its workforce as part of cost-cutting measures, with recent layoffs affecting over 450 workers due to facility closures [11][12] - The company is moving towards a leaner workforce, emphasizing the need for reskilling in technology and AI [13] Analyst Perspectives - Analysts have mixed views on PepsiCo's turnaround plan, with some expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives [14]

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, 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].