New York, January 14, 2026, 14:32 (EST) — Regular session
Shares of PepsiCo (PEP) climbed 1.7%, reaching $145.98 in afternoon trading on Wednesday.
The rise followed a shift toward defensive sectors after mixed earnings from major banks weighed on financial stocks, with losses spilling over into tech, Reuters reported. “These stocks had a strong run-up … so a pullback is not unusual,” said Jake Johnston, deputy CIO at Advisors Asset Management. 1
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund climbed 1.4%, even as the S&P 500 ETF dropped 0.8%. Coca-Cola, PepsiCo’s main U.S. soft-drink competitor, edged up slightly.
Evercore ISI stuck with its “In Line” rating on PepsiCo Wednesday, maintaining a $152 price target, according to a note reported by Investing.com. The “In Line” designation signals a hold recommendation. The broker pointed to upcoming management commentary in the quarterly results as the next key focus. 2
PepsiCo added 1.5% on Tuesday, January 13, finishing at $143.48 and marking its fourth straight day of gains, according to MarketWatch data. Still, the stock remains roughly 10% shy of its 52-week peak of $160.15 hit back in March. 3
The stock has been caught up in a broader debate over pricing, growth, and costs since the company laid out its “priorities to enhance shareholder value” last December, following talks with activist investor Elliott Investment Management. CEO Ramon Laguarta said the goal is to boost growth and margins “starting in 2026,” while Elliott partner Marc Steinberg called the discussions with management “collaborative.” 4
The downside is clear-cut: defensive bids often vanish fast when risk appetite picks up. A drop in demand, ramped-up promotions, or a tougher pricing battle in snacks and beverages could easily flip a “safe” trade into dead money.
Investors are keeping an eye on the broader market for signs on the duration of the rotation into staples, as rates and macro data continue to drive sector movements. Any abrupt change in rate expectations usually hits dividend-heavy consumer stocks quickly.
PepsiCo plans to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Feb. 3, with a press release and 10-K filing expected around 6:00 a.m. EST. The company will then hold a live Q&A session at 8:15 a.m. It’s also set to present at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference on Feb. 18, according to an SEC filing. 5
