Hello and welcome to Market Domination. I'm Josh Lipton live from our New York headquarters. Just now to go now until the closing bell on stocks, they are falling as investors digest the flood of earnings and there's a big rotation out of tech.But first, we're diving into the latest in Disney's long awaited succession plan. Disney making it official. Company naming Josh Dearo, its next CEO taking over for Bob Iger later this year.Tomorrow oversees the parks and cruises business which has been a key profit d ...

PepsiCo (PEP) CEO Ramon Laguarta will spend 2026 executing on a bold reinvention of the beverage and snack giant. "This is part of our 2030 strategy. We know we need to transform ourselves. The portfolio of today will not be the portfolio of the future. The way we serve our customers today will not be the way we serve them in the future. The way we use technology today will not be the way that we can do things," Laguarta told Yahoo Finance (video above). Laguarta is focused on two main areas: innovatio ...

Core Insights - PepsiCo, Inc. is facing ongoing challenges in its core snacking business, particularly in North America, where volume declines are impacting overall food operations due to weak consumer demand and health-conscious trends [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, organic revenues for PepsiCo Foods North America (PFNA) declined by 3%, while reported revenues remained flat year over year [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year decrease of 0.5%, while the 2026 EPS shows a growth of 5.4% [14] - PepsiCo shares have increased by 3.3% over the past six months, slightly outperforming the industry growth of 3% [12] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on its permissible snack portfolio, which features cleaner ingredients and functional benefits, to counteract volume declines in PFNA [3][9] - PepsiCo is committed to innovation, particularly in the functional hydration category, with products like Propel and the relaunch of Muscle Milk, aiming to capture new market segments [4] - The beverage unit is providing stability, with the Beverages North America (PBNA) segment achieving 2% organic revenue growth, driven by gains in Pepsi Zero Sugar [4][9] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include The Coca-Cola Company and Monster Beverage Corp., both of which are navigating market volatility through diversified portfolios and innovation [6][7][8] - Coca-Cola's strategy emphasizes a broad range of beverage categories, while Monster Beverage focuses on energy drinks and health-oriented products [7][8] Group 4: Market Positioning - PepsiCo is strategically repositioning its beverage portfolio to align with health and wellness trends, with brands like Mountain Dew and poppi gaining market share [5] - The company is investing in healthier snack offerings to bolster growth and adapt to changing consumer preferences [5]

Core Insights - PepsiCo's Beverages North America (PBNA) segment is a key component of its long-term growth strategy, achieving 2% organic revenue growth in Q3 2025 due to improved volume trends and strong brand performance [2][10] Performance Highlights - Trademark Pepsi experienced both volume and net revenue growth, with Pepsi Zero Sugar showing double-digit gains, supported by effective marketing initiatives [3][10] - The Mountain Dew brand also saw renewed momentum, with Baja Blast projected to exceed $1 billion in retail sales [3][10] Strategic Initiatives - The modern soda brand poppi is expanding rapidly, enhancing PepsiCo's position in functional and better-for-you beverages [4] - Management identified protein as a strategic growth platform, with brands like Muscle Milk and Propel contributing to innovation in performance and wellness [4] - The relaunch of Muscle Milk and new protein-enhanced Starbucks beverages aim to meet rising consumer demand for protein, particularly during morning consumption [4] Margin and Revenue Outlook - Although Q3 results faced tariff-related pressures, margins are rebounding in Q4, with expectations for continued margin expansion as cost pressures ease [5] - PBNA's revenue is projected to grow by 1% year-over-year in Q4 and 0.8% in 2025, driven by balanced contributions from volume growth and price realization [5][6] Competitive Landscape - PepsiCo competes with Coca-Cola and Monster Beverage, both of which are also focusing on innovation and growth in their respective beverage segments [7][8][9] - Coca-Cola is emphasizing brand-led growth and premiumization, while Monster Beverage is benefiting from strong demand in the energy drink market [8][9] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - PepsiCo shares have increased by 5.8% over the past six months, contrasting with a 1.4% decline in the industry [12] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for PepsiCo is 16.62X, lower than the industry average of 17.84X [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a slight decline of 0.5%, while 2026 EPS is expected to grow by 5.4% [14]

Core Insights - The enduring rivalry between PepsiCo Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company highlights their competition for market share and strategic dominance in the global beverage industry [1][2] PepsiCo (PEP) Summary - PepsiCo's investment case is supported by its dominant market position, holding or gaining carbonated soft drink share in about two-thirds of its top international markets [3][11] - In Q3 2025, PepsiCo's international beverage business achieved 6% organic revenue growth, with non-sugar variants leading in key markets like the U.K. [4] - The company's diversified business model, which includes a significant snacks portfolio, enhances its competitive edge and pricing power [5] - Management is focusing on faster-growing beverage segments, such as zero sugar and functional hydration, with brands like Pepsi Zero Sugar and Mountain Dew gaining market share [6] - PepsiCo reported nearly 3% growth in net revenues in Q3, driven by North America and international growth, despite facing supply chain and tariff-related cost pressures [7] - The company's fundamentals, market leadership, and disciplined cost management position it well for sustained cash flows and long-term shareholder returns [8] Coca-Cola (KO) Summary - Coca-Cola's investment thesis is based on its unmatched scale and durable market leadership, having gained overall value share for 18 consecutive quarters across all geographic segments [9][10] - The company boasts a deep portfolio with 30 billion-dollar brands, reinforcing its dominance and pricing power in the beverage industry [10] - Coca-Cola's strategy includes a "total beverage" approach, allowing it to adapt to shifting consumer preferences across demographics [12] - In Q3 2025, Coca-Cola delivered 6% organic revenue growth and expanded operating margins, achieving EPS growth despite currency headwinds [14] - Strong free cash flow generation and a conservative balance sheet provide Coca-Cola with the flexibility to reinvest in growth while returning capital to shareholders [14] Price Performance & Valuation - Over the past year, PepsiCo shares declined by 5.9%, while Coca-Cola shares increased by 11.2%, indicating Coca-Cola's stronger market performance [15] - From a valuation perspective, PepsiCo trades at a lower forward P/E of 16.84X compared to Coca-Cola's 21.74X, making it more attractively priced [16] - Despite its lower valuation, PepsiCo's diversity and innovation engine make it a compelling long-term investment, while Coca-Cola's premium valuation reflects its strong brand equity and growth potential [19] Consensus Estimates - PepsiCo's EPS estimate for 2025 has increased by 0.2%, with projected revenues of $93.5 billion, reflecting a 1.8% year-over-year increase [20] - Coca-Cola's 2025 revenues are expected to rise by 2.7% to $48.3 billion, with EPS projected to grow by 3.5% to $2.98 per share [20] Competitive Edge - Coca-Cola currently holds a near-term advantage due to its stronger momentum and solid growth prospects, supported by its pure-play beverage focus and consistent market share gains [23] - PepsiCo offers an attractive counterbalance with its low valuation and favorable earnings recovery outlook, appealing to investors seeking value [24]

Core Insights - PepsiCo's innovation strategy is a key growth driver, focusing on health-oriented beverages and snacks, functional products, and clean-label reformulations [2][6] - The company is accelerating innovation in the protein segment, including the relaunch of Muscle Milk and protein-enhanced products [3][10] - New product development includes Propel for GLP-1 consumers and higher-fiber products, aligning with health and weight-management trends [4][10] - PepsiCo is introducing new oils in potato-based products and launching the Naked platform, emphasizing clean-label innovation [5][10] Innovation Strategy - The company is prioritizing health-led innovation and functional gains across its product lines [10] - Innovations include the relaunch of Muscle Milk and protein-enhanced Doritos and Quaker products [10] - The introduction of GLP-1-focused Propel and new oils supports the company's clean-label positioning [10] Competitive Landscape - Coca-Cola's innovation focuses on core brand strengthening and expansion into high-growth categories, with zero-sugar reformulations and flavor extensions [8] - Monster Beverage is heavily investing in new launches and has a solid innovation pipeline planned for 2026, with a focus on its Ultra brand [9] Financial Performance - PepsiCo shares have increased by 17% over the past six months, outperforming the industry growth of 4.2% [13] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for PepsiCo is 17.74X, compared to the industry average of 18.42X [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a 0.6% year-over-year drop, while the 2026 EPS shows a 5.4% growth [15]

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 - PepsiCo Inc. has experienced significant growth, with shares increasing by 3.8% in the past month, driven by strong business momentum across key segments [1][10] - The company reported healthy net revenue growth in Q3 2025, primarily due to the North America beverage business and demand for innovative products [1][10] - PepsiCo's performance has outpaced the broader Beverages – Soft Drinks industry and the Consumer Staples sector [3] Business Performance - The North America beverage segment has shown strong growth, particularly with Trademark Pepsi and innovations like Pepsi Zero Sugar and poppi [11] - International operations have maintained steady organic growth, with strong performance in key regions such as Latin America and Europe [12] - Cost-optimization initiatives have improved operating margins, contributing to overall performance [2][13] Competitive Positioning - PepsiCo's stock has outperformed competitors like Coca-Cola and Primo Brands, which have seen declines in the past month [7] - The current share price of $149.70 is 6.5% below its 52-week high, indicating potential for upside [8] - PepsiCo's P/E ratio of 16.92X is below the industry average and its major competitors, suggesting a potentially attractive valuation [18] Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 EPS has increased slightly, while the estimate for 2026 has decreased [15] - The company is positioned for sustained organic growth and margin improvement through recent acquisitions and portfolio reshaping [14] - Despite near-term uncertainties, the company's fundamentals are gradually strengthening, making it a potential buy for investors [19][20]

Core Insights - Activist investor Elliott Management is nearing a settlement with PepsiCo, indicating ongoing engagement between the two parties [1] - Elliott holds a $4 billion stake in PepsiCo and advocates for strategic changes to enhance share price and competitiveness [2] - PepsiCo's CEO acknowledges the constructive nature of discussions with Elliott, agreeing on the undervaluation of shares [3] Engagement and Demands - Elliott has called for a review of PepsiCo's North American bottling network, suggesting a decentralized model to improve margins [4] - The investor also recommends divesting non-core assets and increasing innovation in flagship brands [5] Financial Performance and Strategic Response - PepsiCo faces pressure as sales growth slows, with a recent revenue increase of only 1.3% and declining volumes in North American snacks and beverages [6] - The company is implementing cost cuts, closing two manufacturing plants, and reducing product lines by approximately 15% [7] - PepsiCo is also preparing to relaunch Gatorade and introduce new products like Propel, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences [8] Elliott's Broader Activism - Elliott manages over $70 billion in assets and has been active in various companies, including a recent $5 billion stake in Honeywell [10] - The firm is known for its aggressive campaigns, including a long-standing dispute with Argentina over defaulted bonds [11]

Core Insights - PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) is a crucial segment for PepsiCo, encompassing a wide range of beverage categories and contributing significantly to brand equity and profitability [1] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, PBNA achieved 2% year-over-year organic revenue growth, despite a three-point volume decline due to the transition of its case-pack water business [2][9] - Trademark Pepsi saw volume and net revenue increases, driven by Pepsi Zero Sugar and effective marketing campaigns [2] - Retail sales for poppi grew over 50% year-to-date, while Propel is on track to exceed $1 billion in annual retail sales [3] Strategic Initiatives - PepsiCo is focusing on expanding zero-sugar offerings and scaling functional innovations, such as protein-infused beverages, while enhancing its presence in away-from-home channels [4] - The company has reduced over 35% of SKUs since 2022 to streamline operations and improve market execution [4][9] Margin Goals - PBNA is on a credible path to achieve its mid-teens operating margin target by 2026, supported by ongoing innovation and cost efficiency measures [5] - Execution risks remain, particularly concerning inflation and consumer price sensitivity, but current trends indicate significant progress [5] Competitive Landscape - Coca-Cola and Monster Beverage are also pursuing aggressive growth targets, with Coca-Cola showing strong organic revenue growth and Monster achieving 16.8% net sales growth [6][7] Valuation Metrics - PepsiCo shares have declined by 2.2% year-to-date, contrasting with the industry growth of 8.9% [8] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for PepsiCo is 17.42X, below the industry average of 18.2X [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PepsiCo's 2025 earnings suggests a slight decline of 0.7%, while 2026 estimates indicate a growth of 5.9% [12]