Core Insights - PepsiCo reported quarterly earnings that slightly exceeded analysts' expectations, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.29 and revenue of $23.94 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.7% [2][3] - The company announced a new chief financial officer, Steve Schmitt, who will take over from Jamie Caulfield effective November 10, 2023, amid pressure from activist investors for operational changes [4][7] Financial Performance - The revenue growth was attributed to the strength of PepsiCo's international business and improvements in North American beverage operations [3][6] - For the year, PepsiCo is maintaining its forecast of a low single-digit increase in organic revenue and expects earnings to remain flat compared to the previous year [6] Management Changes - The appointment of Steve Schmitt as CFO comes as part of a strategic shift to address the company's lagging stock price, influenced by a $4 billion stake taken by activist investor Elliott Investment Management [4][5] Market Reaction - Despite entering Thursday down almost 9% for 2025, PepsiCo shares saw a slight increase of less than 1% in premarket trading following the earnings report and management announcement [7]

Core Insights - Despite declining sales in North America, Pepsi exceeded analyst expectations in Q3, driven by strong international market performance [1][2] - The company reported earnings of $2.29 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.26, with revenues of $23.94 billion against an expected $23.83 billion [1] Sales Performance - Worldwide volume for food and drink decreased by 1% in the quarter, with North America experiencing a 3% decline in Pepsi Foods, which includes brands like Doritos and Quaker Oats [2] - Beverage sales in North America also fell by 3%, affecting both Pepsi soda brands and Gatorade [3] Future Outlook - Pepsi maintains its full-year outlook, expecting flat earnings per share and slight revenue growth, while planning to cut costs and accelerate product portfolio transformation [3][4] - CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasized the importance of growth acceleration and cost optimization, introducing a strong pipeline of innovation and adjusting pricing and pack sizes [4] Management Changes - Pepsi announced the retirement of Chief Financial Officer Jamie Caulfield, with Steve Schmitt set to take over on November 10 [5] - The leadership change comes amid pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, which holds a $4 billion stake in the company and is advocating for a turnaround [5]

Core Viewpoint - Elliott Investment Management has acquired a $4 billion stake in PepsiCo, aiming to increase the company's stock price by 50% through strategic changes [1][2][6]. Group 1: Investment and Stake - Elliott's investment makes it one of PepsiCo's largest shareholders, contributing to a 6% increase in the company's stock price [1]. - The current stock price of PepsiCo is $151.43, reflecting a recent increase of 1.9% [1]. Group 2: Strategic Plans - Elliott's letter to PepsiCo's board outlines plans to refranchise bottling operations and potentially eliminate under-performing brands [2]. - The activist hedge fund emphasizes the need for PepsiCo to sharpen focus, drive innovation, and enhance efficiency to unlock shareholder value [4]. Group 3: Market Position and Challenges - PepsiCo's soda segment has fallen to fourth place in U.S. sales volume, trailing behind Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper, and Sprite [4]. - The food business, which constitutes 60% of PepsiCo's revenues, is facing pressure due to slowing sales growth and rising costs [7][11]. - The company's market value has decreased to approximately $200 billion, a 25% decline from its peak of $270 billion in May 2023 [11]. Group 4: Historical Context and Comparisons - Previous activist efforts, such as those by Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management, have attempted to influence PepsiCo's strategy without success [8]. - Coca-Cola's successful restructuring in 2017 serves as a benchmark for potential changes at PepsiCo, with Coca-Cola's market value now nearing $300 billion [12].

Core Insights - Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are the only two beverage companies recognized as Dividend Kings, having raised their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years [2][4] - Over the past 30 years, Coca-Cola's stock increased by 324%, while PepsiCo's stock rose by 551%, with total returns including reinvested dividends at 796% for Coca-Cola and 1,220% for PepsiCo [1] Dividend Sustainability - Coca-Cola has a forward yield of 2.95% and has raised its payout for 63 years, while PepsiCo has a forward yield of 3.91% with 52 years of annual increases [4] - Coca-Cola's trailing payout ratio is 71%, indicating a sustainable dividend, whereas PepsiCo's payout ratio is nearly 100%, suggesting less room for future increases [13] Sales Growth Comparison - Coca-Cola's organic sales grew by 16% in 2022, 12% in 2023, and is expected to grow by 5% to 6% in 2025, with an 8% rise in comparable EPS [9][11] - PepsiCo's organic sales increased by 14% in 2022, 10% in 2023, but only 2% in 2024, with expectations of low single-digit growth in 2025 due to various challenges [10][11] Revenue and EPS Projections - Analysts project Coca-Cola's revenue and EPS to grow at a CAGR of 5% and 11% from 2024 to 2027, respectively [12] - PepsiCo's revenue and EPS are expected to grow at a slower CAGR of 3% and 8%, respectively, during the same period [12] Investment Valuation - Coca-Cola is valued at 22 times next year's earnings, while PepsiCo is valued at a lower forward multiple of 18, indicating a potentially better entry point for investors [12] - Despite PepsiCo's historical performance, Coca-Cola is viewed as a better investment currently due to its capital-light model and stronger growth rates [14] Business Model Differences - Both companies focus on producing concentrates and syrups, relying on bottling partners for distribution, which helps maintain stable cash flows [6] - PepsiCo's involvement in packaged foods exposes it to more inflationary pressures compared to Coca-Cola, which does not engage in this sector [7]

Core Insights - PepsiCo reported quarterly earnings and revenue that exceeded analysts' expectations despite weaker demand in North America [1][2] - The company's shares rose approximately 1% in premarket trading following the earnings report [1] Financial Performance - Net income attributable to the company for the second quarter was $1.26 billion, or 92 cents per share, a decrease from $3.08 billion, or $2.23 per share, a year earlier [1] - Excluding restructuring and impairment charges, the adjusted earnings per share were $2.12, surpassing the expected $2.03 [2][4] - Net sales increased by 1% to $22.73 billion, exceeding the expected $22.27 billion [2][4] - Organic revenue, which excludes acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign currency effects, grew by 2.1% during the quarter [2] Demand Trends - Worldwide volume for Pepsi's food products fell by 1.5%, while the volume for drinks remained flat [2] - The company is experiencing softer demand for its products, which is reflected in the volume metrics that exclude pricing and foreign exchange changes [2] Future Outlook - PepsiCo reiterated its full-year outlook, expecting core constant currency earnings per share to remain roughly unchanged from the previous year [3] - The company anticipates organic revenue growth in the low-single digit percentage range [3] - Last quarter, PepsiCo had cut its earnings forecast due to new tariffs, economic volatility, and a more cautious consumer [3]