TLDRs; PepsiCo shares jump 3.5% on heavy trading volume following significant strategic moves and investor developments. Elliott Investment Management deal highlights PepsiCo’s ambitious multi-year turnaround and growth-focused 2026 strategic plan. JPMorgan upgrades PepsiCo to Overweight, raising price target to $164, fueling renewed market optimism for PEP. Investors closely monitor dividend sustainability, rising leverage, and SKU [...] The post PepsiCo (PEP) Stock: Rises 3.5% After JPMorgan Upgrade and Elliott Deal Announcement appeared first on CoinCentral.TLDRs; PepsiCo shares jump 3.5% on heavy trading volume following significant strategic moves and investor developments. Elliott Investment Management deal highlights PepsiCo’s ambitious multi-year turnaround and growth-focused 2026 strategic plan. JPMorgan upgrades PepsiCo to Overweight, raising price target to $164, fueling renewed market optimism for PEP. Investors closely monitor dividend sustainability, rising leverage, and SKU [...] The post PepsiCo (PEP) Stock: Rises 3.5% After JPMorgan Upgrade and Elliott Deal Announcement appeared first on CoinCentral.

PepsiCo (PEP) Stock: Rises 3.5% After JPMorgan Upgrade and Elliott Deal Announcement

TLDRs;

  • PepsiCo shares jump 3.5% on heavy trading volume following significant strategic moves and investor developments.
  • Elliott Investment Management deal highlights PepsiCo’s ambitious multi-year turnaround and growth-focused 2026 strategic plan.
  • JPMorgan upgrades PepsiCo to Overweight, raising price target to $164, fueling renewed market optimism for PEP.
  • Investors closely monitor dividend sustainability, rising leverage, and SKU cuts as PepsiCo executes aggressive strategy changes.

In December, 2025, PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) experienced one of its most notable trading days of the year. Shares closed at $149.70, up 3.5% from the prior close of $144.64, with intraday activity ranging roughly from $147.00 to $149.78.

Trading volume nearly doubled to 18.4 million shares, signaling that institutional investors were actively repositioning ahead of anticipated strategic changes.


PEP Stock Card
PepsiCo, Inc., PEP

After-hours trading showed little further movement, with shares ticking marginally higher to $149.79. This suggests that the market largely digested the key developments during regular trading, leaving Thursday’s open to reflect investor reactions to the new narrative rather than any fresh surprises.

Elliott Deal and 2026 Turnaround Plan

The market rally followed PepsiCo’s deal with Elliott Investment Management, which holds about a $4 billion stake. The agreement supports a 2026 turnaround plan to streamline operations, boost shareholder value, and accelerate product innovation.

PepsiCo plans to cut nearly 20% of U.S. product variants, close three plants, and introduce more aggressive pricing for key brands like Lay’s and Doritos. The company will also launch new functional and protein-fortified products, including Simply NKD Doritos and a prebiotic Pepsi, while improving efficiency through supply chain reviews and automation, targeting 100 basis points of margin expansion over three years.

For 2026, PepsiCo expects 2–4% organic revenue growth, 4–6% reported net growth, and 5–7% core EPS growth, with free cash flow conversion of at least 80% and continued dividend growth.

JPMorgan Upgrade Spurs Market Optimism

Adding momentum to the rally, JPMorgan upgraded PepsiCo from Neutral to Overweight, raising its price target from $151 to $164. Analyst Andrea Faria Teixeira noted that the company’s accelerated innovation agenda, supported by productivity gains, could drive high single-digit total shareholder returns by 2026.

Other firms also expressed optimism, with Piper Sandler assigning an Overweight rating and a $172 target, UBS issuing a Buy rating with the same $172 target, and Jefferies maintaining a Hold rating at $164. JPMorgan emphasized that PepsiCo now blends defensive characteristics with a clearer growth and margin story, enhancing its appeal to investors who had traditionally viewed the stock mainly as a steady dividend payer.

Risks and Considerations Ahead

Despite the recent optimism, Wall Street remains cautiously positioned on PepsiCo, maintaining a consensus rating of Hold, with 7 Buy ratings, 14 Holds, and 1 Sell, and an average price target of approximately $157.60. Analysts are waiting to see how effectively the company executes its 2026 turnaround plan before adopting a more bullish stance.

Investors are closely watching several key factors. PepsiCo’s net debt of around $44 billion and a payout ratio above 100% raise questions about the sustainability of future dividend growth. The market is also monitoring the impact of SKU reductions and plant closures, as consumer and retailer responses to product cuts and pricing changes could influence near-term performance.

From a technical perspective, short-term support is identified near $146–147, while $150 serves as a critical resistance level. A strong move above $150 could confirm market confidence in the new strategy, whereas failure to break through may lead to price consolidation.

Bottom Line

December 10’s trading activity reflects a significant shift in PepsiCo’s narrative. With Elliott’s involvement, a bold 2026 plan, and JPMorgan’s upgrade, PEP is now being viewed as a potential value-plus-growth stock rather than only a defensive dividend play.

Investors will be watching closely to determine whether the market embraces this multi-year turnaround or treats it as another short-lived activist-driven spike.

The post PepsiCo (PEP) Stock: Rises 3.5% After JPMorgan Upgrade and Elliott Deal Announcement appeared first on CoinCentral.

Market Opportunity
PEP Logo
PEP Price(PEP)
$0.0003161
$0.0003161$0.0003161
+20.69%
USD
PEP (PEP) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Wormhole launches reserve tying protocol revenue to token

Wormhole launches reserve tying protocol revenue to token

The post Wormhole launches reserve tying protocol revenue to token appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Wormhole is changing how its W token works by creating a new reserve designed to hold value for the long term. Announced on Wednesday, the Wormhole Reserve will collect onchain and offchain revenues and other value generated across the protocol and its applications (including Portal) and accumulate them into W, locking the tokens within the reserve. The reserve is part of a broader update called W 2.0. Other changes include a 4% targeted base yield for tokenholders who stake and take part in governance. While staking rewards will vary, Wormhole said active users of ecosystem apps can earn boosted yields through features like Portal Earn. The team stressed that no new tokens are being minted; rewards come from existing supply and protocol revenues, keeping the cap fixed at 10 billion. Wormhole is also overhauling its token release schedule. Instead of releasing large amounts of W at once under the old “cliff” model, the network will shift to steady, bi-weekly unlocks starting October 3, 2025. The aim is to avoid sharp periods of selling pressure and create a more predictable environment for investors. Lockups for some groups, including validators and investors, will extend an additional six months, until October 2028. Core contributor tokens remain under longer contractual time locks. Wormhole launched in 2020 as a cross-chain bridge and now connects more than 40 blockchains. The W token powers governance and staking, with a capped supply of 10 billion. By redirecting fees and revenues into the new reserve, Wormhole is betting that its token can maintain value as demand for moving assets and data between chains grows. This is a developing story. This article was generated with the assistance of AI and reviewed by editor Jeffrey Albus before publication. Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters: Source: https://blockworks.co/news/wormhole-launches-reserve
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 01:55
The man accused of stealing $11 million in XRP has filed a countersuit against the widow of American country music singer George Jones.

The man accused of stealing $11 million in XRP has filed a countersuit against the widow of American country music singer George Jones.

PANews reported on January 14th that Kirk West, the man suspected of stealing over $11 million worth of XRP from Nancy Jones, the widow of the late American country
Share
PANews2026/01/14 10:51
Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94%

BitcoinWorld Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% The financial world is buzzing with a significant development: the probability of a Fed rate cut in October has just seen a dramatic increase. This isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a monumental change that could ripple through global markets, including the dynamic cryptocurrency space. For anyone tracking economic indicators and their impact on investments, this update from the U.S. interest rate futures market is absolutely crucial. What Just Happened? Unpacking the FOMC Statement’s Impact Following the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement, market sentiment has decisively shifted. Before the announcement, the U.S. interest rate futures market had priced in a 71.6% chance of an October rate cut. However, after the statement, this figure surged to an astounding 94%. This jump indicates that traders and analysts are now overwhelmingly confident that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates next month. Such a high probability suggests a strong consensus emerging from the Fed’s latest communications and economic outlook. A Fed rate cut typically means cheaper borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which can stimulate economic activity. But what does this really signify for investors, especially those in the digital asset realm? Why is a Fed Rate Cut So Significant for Markets? When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends powerful signals across the entire financial ecosystem. A rate cut generally implies a more accommodative monetary policy, often enacted to boost economic growth or combat deflationary pressures. Impact on Traditional Markets: Stocks: Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper for companies, potentially boosting earnings and making stocks more attractive compared to bonds. Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 02:25