NEW YORK, January 1, 2026, 16:20 ET — Market closed
- PepsiCo shares closed down 0.44% at $143.52 on Dec. 31, the last U.S. session of 2025; U.S. markets are shut Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. 1
- PepsiCo has guided for 2%–4% organic revenue growth in 2026 and outlined cost cuts and SKU reductions aimed at lifting margins. 2
- Investors look next to Jan. 2 U.S. data and PepsiCo’s Feb. 3 results for direction. 3
PepsiCo Inc (PEP) shares closed down 0.44% at $143.52 on Dec. 31, the final U.S. trading session of 2025. U.S. stock markets are closed on Thursday for New Year’s Day. 1
The pause leaves investors heading into 2026 focused on whether the snack-and-beverage maker can steady demand as consumers stay value-conscious. In consumer staples, the mix of pricing, volumes and input costs tends to decide who wins.
PepsiCo in December laid out a 2026 push centered on affordability, innovation and productivity savings, following engagement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management, and issued a preliminary outlook. 2
The company forecast 2026 organic revenue growth of 2% to 4% — organic meaning it excludes currency swings and acquisitions. PepsiCo also guided for 4% to 6% growth in core constant-currency earnings per share, which strips out certain items and neutralizes foreign-exchange effects. 2
“Today, we are announcing our plans and initiatives that aim to accelerate organic revenue growth … starting in 2026,” Chief Executive Ramon Laguarta said. 2
PepsiCo said it has closed three manufacturing plants and is reducing nearly 20% of its U.S. stock-keeping units, or SKUs — distinct products and package sizes — by early 2026, aiming to fund sharper “everyday value” price tiers and more marketing. 2
It also said it is targeting at least 100 basis points of core operating-margin expansion in aggregate over the next three fiscal years; a basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. 2
On cash, PepsiCo said it expects free cash flow conversion of at least 80% in 2026, including a final tax payment of nearly $1 billion tied to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It also said it expects to increase annual cash returns to shareholders in 2026 and 2027, subject to board approval. 2
The year-end dip tracked a broader pullback on Dec. 31, with the S&P 500 down 0.74% and the Dow down 0.63%, market data showed. Coca-Cola, a key rival, also ended slightly lower. 4
PepsiCo has traded between $127.60 and $160.15 over the past 52 weeks. The stock’s 50-day moving average sits around $147 and its 200-day average around $142, levels chart-watchers often treat as near-term resistance and longer-term support. 5
Before the next session on Friday, traders will watch U.S. weekly jobless claims at 8:30 a.m. ET and November construction spending at 10:00 a.m. ET, both scheduled for Jan. 2; the ISM manufacturing report follows on Jan. 5. 3
PepsiCo’s next company catalyst is its Feb. 3 fourth-quarter and full-year report, due before the open with a results release and 10-K expected around 6:00 a.m. ET and an analyst call at 8:15 a.m. ET, the company said. 2
Before Friday’s reopening, investors will focus on whether the company’s affordability push is translating into steadier volumes without sacrificing margins, particularly in North America. A move back above the 50-day average near $147 or a break below the 200-day near $142 would sharpen that debate. 6
