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Investing.com -- PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) shares rose 4% on Tuesday after activist investor Elliott Investment Management disclosed a $4 billion stake in the beverage and snacks giant, making it one of the company’s top five active investors.
In a letter to PepsiCo’s board, Elliott outlined a comprehensive turnaround plan that it claims could deliver more than 50% upside to shareholders. The activist firm published a presentation titled "Elliott’s Perspectives on PepsiCo," detailing how the company can "re-accelerate growth and boost financial results through greater focus, improved operations, strategic reinvestment and enhanced accountability."
Elliott’s plan includes five key elements: reviewing PepsiCo Beverages North America’s structure and portfolio, realigning PepsiCo Foods North America’s asset base, investing in profitable growth, communicating clear targets, and enhancing oversight and accountability.
The activist investor specifically suggested that PepsiCo evaluate "the potential refranchising of PBNA’s operationally intensive bottling network" and conduct a review of its brand portfolio to reduce operational complexity. For the foods division, Elliott recommended divesting "non-core and underperforming assets" to restore profit margins.
PepsiCo has faced challenges in recent quarters, struggling to win back soda drinkers after losing market share to competitors. Its food business, previously a growth driver, has also come under pressure.
In its letter, Elliott described PepsiCo as a storied consumer packaged goods bellwether but noted that "strategic and financial challenges have recently led to poor operational results, sharp stock-price underperformance and a meaningfully discounted valuation."
The $4 billion investment represents one of Elliott’s largest equity positions ever, signaling a potentially significant campaign to influence the company’s strategic direction.