PepsiCo Option Alert: Apr 17 $147 Calls Sweep (38) near the Ask: 1483 vs 76 OI; Earnings 4/24 Before Open 

PepsiCo Option Alert: Apr 17 $147 Calls Sweep (38) near the Ask: 1483 @ $4.6 vs 76 OI; Earnings 4/24 Before Open Ref=$149.69

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PEPSICO INC

PepsiCo

Pepsico, Inc.

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PepsiCo is a global leader in snacks and beverages, owning well-known household brands including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Lay's, Cheetos, and Doritos, among others. The company dominates the global savory snacks market and also ranks as the second-largest beverage provider in the world (behind Coca-Cola) with diversified exposure to carbonated soft drinks, or CSD, as well as water, sports, and energy drink offerings. Convenience foods account for approximately 55% of its total revenue, with beverages making up the rest. Pepsi owns the bulk of its manufacturing and distribution capacity in the US and overseas. International markets made up 40% of both total sales and operating profits in 2024.

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Salesforce impulsa la adopción de trabajo digital con IA en empresas como PepsiCo y Takeda. Ingresos superan previsiones.

Salesforce lidera la revolución laboral digital con agentes de IA y nuevos clientes

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La FTC abandona el caso contra Microsoft tras fallo del Noveno Circuito. La compra de Activision por 69.000 millones avanza sin obstáculos.

FTC cierra el caso contra Microsoft: sigue adelante la compra de Activision por 69.000M$

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Jim Cramer advierte que el aumento de los rendimientos del Tesoro hace que los bonos sean más atractivos que las acciones defensivas.

Jim Cramer: Por qué los bonos son más seguros que las acciones defensivas

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Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) management continued to place its bets on the multitrillion-dollar opportunity arising from the digital labor revolution during its first-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.
What Happened: Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says that the &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43999577/salesforce-aims-beyond-crm-bets-big-on-digital-labor-revolution-as-ceo-predicts-up-to-12-trillion-market">digital labor revolution</a>&#8221; is a transformative shift in the way work is done, driven by the rise of AI-powered digital workers or agents. 
After talking about it in its fourth quarter earnings call, Benioff stated during the recent fourth quarter call that &#8220;We are now just very well positioned to take advantage of this multitrillion-dollar opportunity in AI and enterprise software and digital labor&#8221;
CNBC&#8217;s Jim Cramer appreciated Salesforce even as it closed lower on Thursday. He was concerned about the market disliking the stock despite &#8220;exciting things they are doing.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Not sure to trust this futures burst.. I wouldn&#39;t come in on top of it.. let&#39;s put it that way .. Still marveling at how CRM has gotten so disliked versus the exciting things they are doing&#8230;
&mdash; Jim Cramer (@jimcramer) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcramer/status/1927905955020231012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Salesforce is actively embracing digital labor internally and offering it as a core product to customers, primarily through its Agentforce platform.
Internally, Salesforce is using &#8220;digital labor&#8221; for customer support, sales operations, and things like making notes for meetings and summarizing Slack channels.
Salesforce is also enabling its customers to adopt digital labor in various ways:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Finnair is automating its customer service using Agentforce to manage 12 million passengers.</li>
<li>Falabella is deploying Agentforce on WhatsApp to handle order inquiries.</li>
<li>OpenTable is deploying Agentforce across restaurants, employees, and consumers.</li>
<li>PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) is building an &#8220;agentic layer&#8221; around its vast operations using Salesforce&#8217;s Data Cloud and multiple clouds.</li>
<li>Grupo Global boosted its retention rate by 22% and drove revenue upgrades, cross-selling, and converted non-subscribers with Agentforce.</li>
<li>Engie is assisting 83% of its users with Agentforce.</li>
<li>Takeda will use Life Sciences Cloud with Agentforce and Data Cloud to unify data and deploy agents across medical, commercial, and patient care operations.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/05/45611941/quantum-computing-stocks-in-focus-pure-play-vs-large-caps-heres-a-look-at-the-valuations">Quantum Computing Stocks In Focus: Pure Play Vs. Large Caps &#8211; Here&#8217;s A Look At The Valuations</a>
Why It Matters: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45657851/salesforce-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-raised-guidance-momentum-in-agentic-ai-shares-surge">Salesforce&#8217;s first-quarter</a> revenue of $9.83 billion beat the consensus estimate of $9.75 billion. Its adjusted earnings of $2.58 per share also beat analyst estimates of $2.55 per share. 
Second quarter revenue outlook ranges from $10.11 billion to $10.16 billion versus estimates of $10.01 billion. The company anticipates second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.80 to $1.82 per share versus estimates of $1.71 per share.
It also increased the fiscal-year 2026 revenue guidance to a range of $41 billion to $41.3 billion, versus estimates of $40.83 billion.
CRM stock closed 0.42% lower on Wednesday. It was 16.52% lower on a year-to-date basis and 1.62% higher over a year.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings shows that CRM had a stronger price trend over the short term but a weaker trend over the medium and long term. Its momentum ranking was moderate, and its value ranking was poor at the 8.02th percentile. The details of other metrics are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">available here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="150" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/29023618/CRM-EDGE-1024x150.png" alt="" class="wp-image-930900" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/29023618/CRM-EDGE-1024x150.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/29023618/CRM-EDGE-300x44.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/29023618/CRM-EDGE-768x112.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/29023618/CRM-EDGE.png 1210w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, fell on Wednesday. The SPY was down 0.58% to $587.73, while the QQQ declined 0.44% to $518.91, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/05/45604787/cathie-wood-reiterates-profound-ai-application-in-healthcare-as-researchers-discover-cancer-survival-outcomes-by-facial-photograph-analysis-here-are-the-stocks-that-could-benefit">Cathie Wood Reiterates &#8216;Profound&#8217; AI Application In Healthcare As Researchers Discover &#8216;Cancer Survival Outcomes&#8217; By Facial Photograph Analysis: Here Are The Stocks That Could Benefit </a></li>
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Photo courtesy: NYCStock / Shutterstock.com

Salesforce Declares 'Multitrillion Dollar Opportunity' With Digital Labor Revolution: Jim Cramer Says CRM Is Doing 'Exciting Things'

On May 7, the Ninth Circuit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ftc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affirmed the decision</a> of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, FTC versus Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), denying the Commission&#8217;s application for a preliminary injunction to block Microsoft&#8217;s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.  
The Commission has now determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/2210077-microsoftactivision-blizzard-matter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in this case</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45541908/supermicro-eyes-texas-mississippi-for-ai-server-growth-as-microsoft-amazon-increase-spending" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supermicro Eyes Texas, Mississippi For AI Server Growth As Microsoft, Amazon Increase Spending</a>
Microsoft sold the Xbox gaming console and offered a video game subscription service called Xbox Game Pass and a cloud-based video game streaming service. The agency alleged that the deal would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription and cloud-gaming business. The Commission withdrew the matter from adjudication in July 2023 and returned it to adjudication on Sept. 26, 2023. 
Recently, the FTC also dropped a lawsuit against PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) for allegedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45582935/ftc-scraps-pepsico-price-discrimination-case-in-3-0-vote-marking-major-shift-as-trump-era-leadership-reverses-biden-crackdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offering preferential pricing</a> to major retailers like Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>). The case marked broader Biden administration efforts to target price discrimination.
The FTC also paused cases against CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), and UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) over pharmacy benefit manager practices, citing commissioner shortages after President Donald Trump&#8216;s personnel changes.
President Trump named FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42428224/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-mirror-stock-declines-ahead-of-crucial-inflation-data-release-top-analyst-says-buy-the-dip-predicts-275k-btc-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his choice</a> for FTC chair last December, replacing Lina Khan. This could potentially reshape the agency&#8217;s approach to tech regulation and antitrust enforcement.
Under Khan&#8217;s leadership, the federal firm has aggressively targeted tech giants, including&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>),&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and&nbsp;Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>).
Price Action: MSFT stock is down 1.06% at $450.31 at last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45565087/cramer-backs-marvell-again-as-ai-deals-with-amazon-microsoft-fuel-stock-surge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cramer Backs Marvell Again As AI Deals With Amazon, Microsoft Fuel Stock Surge</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Microsoft Clears Major Hurdle As FTC Ends Effort To Block Activision Merger

The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-0 on Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit against PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) that accused the beverage giant of offering preferential pricing to major retailers, marking a significant shift from former President Joe Biden-era corporate scrutiny under the President Donald Trump administration.
What Happened: The FTC dropped the case filed in January&#8217;s final days of the Biden administration, with NBC News <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/biden-era-pepsi-price-discrimination-suit-dropped-ftc-rcna208635">reporting</a> that Chair Andrew Ferguson criticized it as &#8220;a nakedly political effort to commit this administration to pursuing little more than a hunch that Pepsi had violated the law.&#8221; 
Ferguson, who dissented when the case was originally filed as a commissioner, now leads the agency after President Trump fired two Democratic commissioners in March.
The original lawsuit alleged PepsiCo violated the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43063862/whats-going-on-with-pepsico-stock-todayhttps://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43063862/whats-going-on-with-pepsico-stock-today">Robinson-Patman Act</a> by providing unfair pricing advantages to Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) through promotional payments and advertising allowances not extended to competing retailers. 
PepsiCo welcomed the decision, stating it &#8220;has always and will continue to provide all customers with fair, competitive, and non-discriminatory pricing.&#8221; 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45581873/top-amd-exec-bets-nearly-1-million-on-stocksignals-confidence-amid-buybacks-easing-tariffs-and-saudi-deal">Top AMD Exec Adds Nearly $1 Million Of The Chipmaker&#8217;s Stock: Signals Confidence Amid Buybacks, Easing Tariffs And Saudi Deal</a> Why It Matters: The case was part of broader Biden administration efforts targeting price discrimination, following a December action against Southern Glazer&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43063862/whats-going-on-with-pepsico-stock-todayhttps://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43063862/whats-going-on-with-pepsico-stock-today">wine and spirits distributor</a>.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44627279/ftc-pauses-lawsuit-against-cvs-cigna-unitedhealths-pbms-amid-commissioner-shortage?utm_source=chatgpt.com">FTC also paused separate cases</a> against CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) over pharmacy benefit manager practices, citing commissioner shortages after Trump&#8217;s personnel changes. 
Image Via Shutterstock 
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Regulations

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FTC Scraps PepsiCo Price Discrimination Case In 3-0 Vote, Marking Major Shift As Trump-Era Leadership Reverses Biden Crackdown

<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-dismisses-lawsuit-against-pepsico" title="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-dismisses-lawsuit-against-pepsico">https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/05/ftc-dismisses-lawsuit-against-pepsico</a>

Reported Earlier: 'FTC Dismisses Lawsuit Against PepsiCo'

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers and farming communities as his highly anticipated &#8220;Make America Healthy Again&#8221; report approaches Thursday&#8217;s release, with glyphosate pesticide regulations emerging as the primary flashpoint between public health advocates and agricultural interests.
What Happened: The MAHA Commission report, mandated by President Donald Trump within 100 days to analyze childhood disease factors, has sparked preemptive opposition from 79 Republican lawmakers representing farming states, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-kennedy-farmers-maha-trump-pesticides-5d5a83bde6b88290cf9c3536e74523be">according</a> to AP. Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley warned Wednesday that farmers have expressed concerns about being excluded from the report&#8217;s input process.
Kennedy addressed Senate Appropriations Committee concerns from Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, stating &#8220;there&#8217;s not a single word in them that should worry the American farmer&#8221; and promising not to &#8220;jeopardize that business model.&#8221; The commission, established by Trump&#8217;s February executive order, was tasked with examining prescription drugs, chemicals, and food ingredients affecting children.
The report comes alongside a proposed $500 million budget boost for Kennedy&#8217;s MAHA initiative, while simultaneously cutting infectious disease prevention, maternal health, and medical research programs. Kennedy supporters, including 360 MAHA advocates and former campaign staffers, have submitted pesticide studies pressing for chemical industry accountability.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45558200/advance-auto-parts-gears-up-for-q1-print-here-are-the-recent-forecast-changes-from-wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts">Advance Auto Parts Gears Up For Q1 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts</a>
Why It Matters: The report&#8217;s potential glyphosate restrictions could significantly impact agricultural productivity and food company operations. Kennedy&#8217;s broader MAHA agenda has already influenced restaurant industry practices, with Biglari Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BH#NASDAQ">BH</a>) subsidiary Steak &#8216;n Shake switching from seed oils to beef tallow for French fries, earning Kennedy&#8217;s public praise for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/03/44280041/rfk-jr-thanks-steak-n-shake-for-rfking-the-french-fries-restaurant-goes-all-in-on-make-america-healthy-again">&#8220;RFKing the French fries.&#8221;</a>
Other restaurant chains, including Sweetgreen Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SG#NYSE">SG</a>), Bloomin&#8217; Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLMN#NASDAQ">BLMN</a>)-owned Outback Steakhouse, and Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QSR#NYSE">QSR</a>)-owned Popeyes, have initiated similar transitions. Kennedy has scheduled meetings with food giants PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44209953/rfk-jr-takes-on-food-giants-calls-meeting-with-pepsico-and-general-mills">address processed food concerns.</a>
The MAHA initiative&#8217;s budget proposal threatens the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/05/45522362/we-have-no-details-says-food-program-director-as-trumps-maha-boxes-threaten-730000-seniors-grocery-lifeline">$425 million Commodity Supplemental Food Program</a>, potentially affecting 730,000 seniors&#8217; grocery access through replacement &#8220;MAHA boxes.&#8221; Food program directors report logistical challenges and communication gaps, with Connecticut Foodshare experiencing 34 canceled federal shipments affecting over 600 food banks statewide.
The World Health Organization classifies glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen, while farmers argue it remains essential for weed control without excessive soil tilling, creating a regulatory tension between public health priorities and agricultural economics.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

Health Care

BLMN

RFK Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' Report Stirs GOP, Farmers Over Glyphosate Concerns Ahead Of Release

PepsiCo's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>) short percent of float has risen 10.34% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 21.85 million shares sold short, which is 1.6% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.54 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>PepsiCo Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1747857635_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for PepsiCo has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing PepsiCo's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, PepsiCo's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.85%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

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Peering Into PepsiCo's Recent Short Interest

Jim Cramer thinks that the bond market now offers a clearer risk-reward trade-off than so-called "safety" stocks, warning that rising 10-year Treasury yields and a political "wild card" in Washington make even dividend stalwarts feel shaky.
What Happened: The 10-year Treasury yield's jump to its highest level in more than a month has tightened the spread between bond payouts and blue-chip dividends, dulling the appeal of AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) and Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>), Cramer <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/14/jim-cramer-explains-why-its-hard-to-own-usual-safety-stocks-here.html">told</a> CNBC&#8217;s &#8216;Mad Money&#8217; viewers on Wednesday.
"In a very uncertain tape for what <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/44809259/3-safe-dividend-stocks-as-investors-seek-to-reset-diversification">used to be called</a> ‘safety stocks,' I'd rather just own a piece of paper like the 10-year Treasury, where, if worst comes to worst, at least I get my money back," Cramer said.
Cramer flagged Robert F. Kennedy Jr., newly installed as Health and Human Services secretary, as an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42254495/trumps-hhs-pick-rfk-jr-has-a-long-history-of-challenging-global-health-policies">unpredictable force</a> who could clamp down on pharmaceutical pricing and food additives. "Investors don't know whether Kennedy will act in favor of the companies he's tasked with regulating," he cautioned.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45426516/chuck-schumer-says-trump-is-letting-cartel-members-into-the-us-asks-how-much-memecoin-did-they-pay">Chuck Schumer Says Trump Is &#8216;Letting Cartel Members&#8217; Into The US, Asks How Much &#8216;Memecoin&#8217; Did They Pay</a>
What To Know: That uncertainty compounds existing headaches. Johnson &amp; Johnson is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44586129/us-judge-rejects-another-johnson-johnson-attempt-to-use-bankruptcy-for-talc-cancer-claims">still wrestling</a> with talc-related lawsuits that have already cost billions in settlements and reserves, a cloud Wall Street <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44920880/expert-flags-never-before-observed-trio-falling-stocks-and-short-yields-bucking-rising-long-yields-nothing-is-normal-about-this">fears could grow</a> heavier if bond yields <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45399783/gordon-johnson-warns-of-potential-liberation-day-20-as-30-year-treasury-yields-approach-5-amid-dollar-weakness?utm_source=chatgpt.com">keep luring</a> income-seekers away. AbbVie's rich dividend likewise looks less generous when a risk-free Treasury pays nearly the same rate with zero headline risk.
Consumer staples aren't immune either, says Cramer. Procter &amp; Gamble and Colgate boast recession-proof brands, yet their 2–3% yields no longer tower over Treasuries, and Cramer said "the yields may simply not be high enough to justify the risk."
Snack titan PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and cereal maker General Mills (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) could also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42144709/kennedys-war-on-food-dyes-could-be-coming-to-your-breakfast-table">come under fire</a> if Kennedy pushes to restrict artificial colors and other additives, Cramer warned, asking rhetorically whether kids would still eat Lucky Charms without its rainbow marshmallows.
Why It Matters: For now, Cramer said he is "tempted to buy General Mills" on weakness, but fears Washington's next pitch more than the stock's upside.
Cramer also told "Mad Money" viewers that recession worries can be a buying opportunity, saying high-quality retailers look cheap so long as you don't think the economy will "fall off a cliff." Despite earlier warning, the sector was in the trade-war "blast radius," he now does have a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45416455/jim-cramer-says-these-retail-stocks-rl-gap-can-survive-a-market-correction">couple of clear favorites</a> to scoop up on any dip.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate Johnson &amp; Johnson has a Momentum in the 47th percentile and Growth in the 63rd, how do other &#8220;safety&#8221; stocks rank in terms of these metrics? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Check them out here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="442" height="282" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33.png" alt="" class="wp-image-915950" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33.png 442w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/15010652/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-14.06.33-300x191.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 442px) 100vw, 442px" /></figure>
Photo courtesy: katz / Shutterstock.com
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Jim Cramer Says Even 'Safety' Stocks Look Risky, Warns Of 'Wild Card' In Washington And Rising Treasury Yields As Reasons To Stay Away From Sure Bets

The latest round of the U.S.-China tariffs are "destructive" to American small businesses, investor and "Shark Tank" star <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43978834/kevin-oleary-says-government-needs-more-more-cutting-urges-slashing-and-hacking-to-fix-federal-spending">Kevin O'Leary</a> said on <a href="https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cnc/date/2025-04-22/segment/04">CNN</a> on April 22.
His remarks come amid escalating trade tensions between the two countries. On April 9, the White House <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/modifying-reciprocal-tariff-rates-to-reflect-trading-partner-retaliation-and-alignment/">announced</a> a tariff hike on Chinese goods from 84% to 125%. The next day, China's Ministry of Commerce hit back with an 84% tariff on U.S. products.
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He said, "So, I&#8217;m very happy that some administration, this one particularly, is taking them on to resolve this problem once and for all. And [Chinese President Xi Jinping] needs the U.S. and the U.S. needs Xi. So, let&#8217;s get this thing resolved. I&#8217;m OK with the volatility." He also urged policymakers to "circle the wagons" with U.S. allies.&nbsp;
O'Leary described the current market swings as a necessary step toward addressing what he called decades of imbalanced trade practices. He also proposed a 400% blanket tariff, emphasizing that "only shock therapy forces change."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tariffs, Tensions And The Toll</h2>
O'Leary's frustration stems from firsthand experience. "I'm an example of someone who's really been screwed by the Chinese in IP. theft," he said, emphasizing a need to focus on policy over personality.
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Household sentiment followed the headlines. The University of Michigan's <a href="https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/">consumer sentiment index</a> showed its expectations index down 32% since January, while inflation expectations soared to 6.5%—the highest since 1981.&nbsp;
On April 22, the International Monetary Fund <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2025/04/22/the-global-economy-enters-a-new-era">slashed</a> its global trade-growth outlook to 1.7%, blaming what it called &#8220;the most intense bilateral tariff standoff of the century.&#8221;&nbsp;
Markets echoed the anxiety. Bloomberg estimated a<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-09/goldman-sachs-sees-65-chance-of-us-recession-in-next-12-months"> 45% chance</a> of a U.S. recession within the next 12 months, largely attributed to a &#8220;tariff-induced demand shock.&#8221;&nbsp;
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Corporate earnings also hinted at trouble: PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) warned in its<a href="https://investors.pepsico.com/docs/default-source/investors/q1-2025/q1-2025-earnings-release_qrwd2bctzikuphl4.pdf"> Q1 earnings report</a> that rising supply-chain costs could keep core EPS flat for 2025, while Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) announced a<a href="https://us.pg.com/newsroom/news-releases/PG-Announces-Fiscal-Year-2025-Third-Quarter-Results"> 2% revenue dip</a> tied to tariffs and freight surcharges.
Beijing <a href="https://english.mofcom.gov.cn/News/PressConference/art/2025/art_3f539956ed274e34b61d9b4df5634677.html">moved to soften some</a> blowback by exempting certain U.S. medical devices from its 125% tariff.
Cargo statistics tell the same story. Analysts at <a href="https://www.apolloacademy.com/trade-between-china-and-the-us-collapsing/">Apollo Global Management</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>) warned that container bookings from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44281204/jack-ma-xi-jinping-and-the-53b-ai-bet-alibabas-comeback-signals-a-new-era-for-chinese-big-tech">China</a> to U.S. ports have plunged to pandemic-era lows, potentially triggering &#8220;COVID-like shortages" within a few weeks.
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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

'I'm OK With The Volatility' — Kevin O'Leary Defends Trump Tariffs And Urges U.S. To 'Circle The Wagons' Against China

Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic, is speaking out about what he calls the &#8220;erratic&#8221; and &#8220;unpredictable&#8221; actions of President Donald Trump, warning that these policies may lead to the U.S. being sidelined in future global power dynamics.&nbsp;
Branson made the remarks during a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/apr/23/richard-branson-accuses-trump-of-doing-so-much-damage-to-the-world">press event</a> on April 23, ahead of Virgin Atlantic's inaugural flight from London to Riyadh, where he raised concerns about the long-term effects of Trump's leadership on international business and global alliances.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump's Policies Could Isolate The U.S.</h2>
Branson has long been critical of Trump's global approach, but his recent comments during the event highlighted a growing fear that America&#8217;s leadership on the world stage could slip.
&#8220;I honestly think this is a fairly small elite around Trump. I don't think he is carrying the vast majority of Americans in what he is doing,&#8221; Branson said.&nbsp;
His concerns centered around how Trump&#8217;s policies were &#8220;doing so much damage&#8221; to relationships between countries, particularly regarding the situation in Ukraine, which he considers one of the most troubling aspects of the U.S. administration&#8217;s foreign policy.
Branson suggested that the U.S.&#8217;s unpredictable political environment was causing uncertainty for businesses and alienating international partners, with the potential for the U.S. to be excluded from future global alliances.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Toll Of Trump's Trade Policies</h2>
Branson's discontent with the administration also extended to trade policies. The Trump administration&#8217;s aggressive tariffs, including a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, have created ripple effects across the global supply chain, driving up costs for businesses.&nbsp;
According to an article on Business Insider, small businesses dependent on Chinese goods are at risk of bankruptcy due to these tariffs, which have significantly disrupted their operations.
Companies such as <a href="https://investors.pepsico.com/docs/default-source/investors/q1-2025/q1-2025-earnings-release_qrwd2bctzikuphl4.pdf">PepsiCo</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>) and<a href="https://us.pg.com/newsroom/news-releases/PG-Announces-Fiscal-Year-2025-Third-Quarter-Results/"> Procter &amp; Gamble</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) have adjusted their earnings forecasts, citing increased production costs from the tariffs.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shifting Global Alliances</h2>
Branson's warning about the U.S. facing exclusion from global alliances is not an isolated concern.&nbsp;
The U.S.&#8217;s confrontational approach to international relations has led countries such as China, Canada and the European Union to explore new alliances outside of the U.S. influence.&nbsp;
Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of Fast Retailing, echoed similar concerns, telling <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-10/trump-tariffs-will-lead-to-us-isolation-fast-retailing-ceo-says">Bloomberg </a>that the U.S. may find itself increasingly isolated from global economic progress if current policies continue.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Virgin Atlantic's Expanding Global Reach</h2>
Despite geopolitical challenges, Virgin Atlantic is pressing forward with its expansion. The airline's launch of direct flights to Riyadh reflects Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and attract more international business.&nbsp;
Branson defended Virgin's decision to expand into the Saudi market, saying that while the kingdom still faces significant human rights challenges, it has made strides in recent years, <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/middle-east-travel/saudi-arabia/virgin-atlantic-heathrow-riyadh-k2spb906g">The Times of London</a> reported.
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Image: Shutterstock

'A Fairly Small Elite Around Trump' Is Driving Chaos, Says Richard Branson — Warns U.S. Risks Being 'Excluded' From Global Power Shift

In a recent interview, United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signaled a new wave of regulatory scrutiny headed for America&#8217;s largest food, beverage, and retail brands.
What Happened: Speaking on the All-in Podcast on Sunday, Secretary Rollins discussed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), highlighting its $123 billion annual cost.
She noted that SNAP accounts for 70% of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's budget and roughly 2% of the entire federal budget.
Rollins further adds that roughly 10% of this budget, or $15 billion a year, is spent on soda, with 75% of the population on SNAP being clinically obese. &#8220;Taxpayer dollars be[ing] spent on sugary drinks and junk food that&#8217;s making our kids sick? Absolutely not,&#8221; she says.
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She blames this squarely on the lobbyists, saying that &#8220;the amount of money that is at stake is reflected in the amount of lobbyists that are out and about,&#8221; but adds that the program will not be eliminated, and will instead be realigned to &#8220;make America healthy again.&#8221;
Why It Matters: SNAP benefits have been in focus ever since the new administration took over, with <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/02/43901558/snap-benefits-in-focus-trump-admin-targets-bidens-food-assistance-policies">plenty of pushback</a> against potential cuts, coming from the likes of Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who called it &#8220;slashing benefits for working-class Americans to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-rich.&#8221; 
Several leading food, beverage, and retail brands too face a top-line hit if these changes come into effect, with a substantial portion of their revenues coming from purchases made using SNAP.
According to analyst Alexia Howard from Bernstein, a wide-scale cut to SNAP could hit General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) the hardest, given its cereal line-up.
Besides this, there are beverage stocks such as Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), and Monster Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNST#NASDAQ">MNST</a>), which are likely to be hit hard, according to a Citi Research note.
Among retailers, dollar stores such as Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>) and Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>) are the most likely to be impacted by cuts to the SNAP program, according to Bernstein analyst Zhihan Ma. &#8220;If you're a dollar store, your full value proposition is predicated on servicing the lower-income consumers,&#8221; Ma said, in a report <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/16/proposed-snap-cuts-pressure-low-income-shoppers-retailers.html">by</a> CNBC. 
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Stock</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Year-To-Date Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">General Mills Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-12.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+15.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">-10.96%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Monster Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNST#NASDAQ">MNST</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+14.80%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dollar General Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+19.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dollar Tree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>)</td>
<td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">+10.23%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture &#x7C; All-In in DC!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Avlm1GWEgQI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
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Photo courtesy: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

DLTR

MNST

SNAP Spending Shift Could Hit General Mills, PepsiCo Hard, Warns Analyst

Investors are turning to dividend stocks to guard their portfolios against market volatility amid trade wars and recession risks. Data from <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/documents/research/research-sp500-dividend-aristocrats.pdf">S&amp;P Global </a>shows that from Dec. 29, 1989, through the end of February, the S&amp;P 500 Dividend Aristocrats outperformed the S&amp;P 500 in 66.67% of the months when the broader index posted a loss.
A few days ago, a dividend investor <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/dividends/comments/1jxqcdg/finally_reached_1m_4km_income_update_on_the_story/">shared</a> his income report and investing journey on r/Dividends, a Reddit community with over 700,000 followers. The portfolio screenshots shared by the investor on the social platform showed his monthly dividend income was roughly $3,960. The investor, around 40, said he started investing at the age of 20.
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&nbsp;"At the time I never took it seriously and just putting in like 20-50$ a month," he said. "I ‘seriously' started at around 23-24 when I was putting in approx, 300$ on average (that was a huge for me back then), and now averaging at around 2-2.5k per month."
The investor said while it's difficult to see his portfolio suffering declines amid the current market environment, he's playing the "long game" and believes stocks will eventually go in a positive territory.&nbsp;
The investor said he's never been a "big spender" and has expenses of about €700 a month. He lives in Europe where cost of living is not "that high," he wrote.
"Other than that we have two old cars (20 and 15 years) &#8211; included in above expenses. We don't wear fancy clothes or spend money on impressing others (this can cost you a fortune)," he added.&nbsp;
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Let's take a look at some of the key dividend stocks in his portfolio.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF&nbsp;
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and provides exposure to some of the top dividend stocks trading in the U.S., including Verizon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>), Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) and Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).&nbsp;
JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF&nbsp;
JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JEPI#NYSE">JEPI</a>) makes money by investing in some of the most notable large-cap U.S. stocks and selling call options.&nbsp;
Ares Capital&nbsp;
Ares Capital (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARCC#NASDAQ">ARCC</a>), a business development company, was one of the top stocks in the investor&#8217;s portfolio. He earned $1,920 in annual dividends from the stock.
Public Storage&nbsp;
Public Storage (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSA#NYSE">PSA</a>) is a California-based REIT that operates self-storage facilities. The stock has a dividend yield of 4.1%. BofA Securities recently <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4433284-public-storage-extra-space-storage-upgraded-on-positive-self-storage-reits-sector-view">upgraded</a> the stock to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $368 from $349.
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.
SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;
With a 1.2% dividend yield, SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) provides investors exposure to the broader US market. The investor made $1,218 in annual dividends from his investment in the fund.&nbsp;
Altria Group
Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) has a dividend yield of about 7%. The tobacco giant accounted for about $800 in annual dividend income for the investor, according to the screenshots he shared on the social media platform.&nbsp;
PepsiCo Inc
Beverage giant Pepsi (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) has <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=pepsi+dividend+increase+consecuitve+years&amp;oq=pepsi+dividend+increase+consecuitve+years&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAEyCQgDECEYChigATIJCAQQIRgKGKABMgcIBRAhGI8CMgcIBhAhGI8C0gEINTgxN2owajeoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">increased</a> its dividends for over 50 consecutive years. The company recently reported first-quarter earnings that missed Wall Street estimates while revenue beat expectations. The stock yields 4%.&nbsp;
Johnson &amp; Johnson
Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) is one of the most reliable dividend stocks, having raised its payouts for 63 <a href="https://www.investor.jnj.com/news/news-details/2025/Johnson--Johnson-Announces-63rd-Consecutive-Year-of-Dividend-Increase-Raises-Quarterly-Dividend-by-4-8/default.aspx">consecutive</a> years. The stock is up 8% so far this year. The company recently <a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4431340-johnson-johnson-projects-400m-tariff-impact">flagged</a> a $400 million hit related to President Donald Trump's tariffs.
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Image: Shutterstock

ARCC

JEPI

SCHD

40-Year-Old Making $4K a Month in Dividends Reveals His Top 8 Stocks — 'We Don't Wear Fancy Clothes or Spend Money on Impressing Others'

<a href="https://teamster.org/2025/05/pepsico-pittston-workers-ratify-contract-with-local-401/#:~:text=The%20new%20five%2Dyear%20agreement,resilience%20and%20tenacity%20during%20negotiations" title="https://teamster.org/2025/05/pepsico-pittston-workers-ratify-contract-with-local-401/#:~:text=The%20new%20five%2Dyear%20agreement,resilience%20and%20tenacity%20during%20negotiations">https://teamster.org/2025/05/pepsico-pittston-workers-ratify-contract-with-local-401/#:~:text=The%20new%20five%2Dyear%20agreement,resilience%20and%20tenacity%20during%20negotiations</a>.

Management

'PepsiCo Pittston Workers Ratify Contract With Local 401' - Teamsters

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) is ramping up the production of its Semi Truck as the company reportedly added over 1,000 Workers to its Nevada Giga factory.
What Happened: Elon Musk's EV giant recently brought in new workers for tours and training at the Gigafactory in Nevada, which was recently updated with a dedicated section for Semi production, Business Insider<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-ramps-up-hiring-for-semi-truck-2025-4"> reported</a> on Tuesday.
Previously, Tesla had less than 100 workers assigned to the Semi division, including the primary production facility in California, the report suggests.
The Semi boasts a 500-mile range on a single charge and can be charged to recover over 70% of the 500-mile range in 30 minutes using one of the dedicated Semi chargers, according to Tesla.
Tesla did not immediately respond to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comment. 
Why It Matters: The report comes in as Tesla recently shared an update on its Semi production. Dan Priestley, the head of the company's Semi program, shared that Tesla intends <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/45060435/teslas-first-batch-of-semi-trucks-to-roll-out-from-nevada-plant-by-late-2025-despite-disruption-from-trumps-145-tariffs">to start production</a> at the Nevada facility by the end of the year.
"First units are set to be on the line by the end of this year, and we'll be ramping the factory throughout 2026," Priestley said.
However, Musk's plans <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44831422/donald-trumps-145-tariffs-on-china-could-disrupt-teslas-cybercab-semi-production-report">could be disrupted</a> by Donald Trump's ongoing trade war with China, as the U.S. levies 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, which could also disrupt the company's Cybercab production.
Tesla has already <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38936949/tesla-semi-fleet-grows-as-pepsico-takes-delivery-of-another-50-ev-trucks">delivered over 50 Semi Trucks</a> to PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) in 2024, and this production boost could help the company continue the delivery of its promised Semis to PepsiCo.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="200" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/30025949/TSLA-2-1024x200.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-894195" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/30025949/TSLA-2-1024x200.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/30025949/TSLA-2-300x59.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/30025949/TSLA-2-768x150.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/30025949/TSLA-2-1536x300.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/30025949/TSLA-2.jpg 1659w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
TSLA Stock continues to score well on Momentum and Quality metrics, has a satisfactory Growth score, but scores poorly on Value. For more such insights, sign up for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"> Benzinga Edge</a> today!
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link.</a>
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Image Via Shutterstock

General

TSLA

Tesla Adds 1,000 Workers At Nevada Gigafactory To Fuel Elon Musk's Semi Truck Ambitions: Report

PepsiCo's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>) short percent of float has risen 5.07% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 19.80 million shares sold short, which is 1.45% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.17 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>PepsiCo Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745949685_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for PepsiCo has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing PepsiCo's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, PepsiCo's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.74%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) said that the company expects the first units of the Semi to enter production by the end of the year.
What Happened: Dan Priestley, the head of Tesla's Semi Program, said that the Giga factory in Nevada can produce 50,000 units annually, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
"First units are set to be on the line by the end of this year, and we&#8217;ll be ramping the factory throughout 2026," he said in the report.
Why It Matters: News of the Semi production comes in as Tesla's plans to scale the truck's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44831422/donald-trumps-145-tariffs-on-china-could-disrupt-teslas-cybercab-semi-production-report">production were disrupted</a> by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on China.
Elon Musk's EV giant was ready to ‘absorb' the costs of the imports when tariffs were at 34%, but the plan has since become unfeasible due to the 145% tariffs on Chinese goods.
The company has also committed to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38936949/tesla-semi-fleet-grows-as-pepsico-takes-delivery-of-another-50-ev-trucks">delivering Semi trucks</a> to PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>). Tesla had previously delivered over 50 EV Semi Trucks to PepsiCo last year.
Elsewhere, Musk has reiterated that the company is on track to release its robotaxi, a ride-hailing service that utilizes Tesla's FSD technology, in June. The company has already begun services in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44972108/tesla-quietly-launched-robotaxi-service-for-employees-before-june-debut-now-reports-1500-completed-trips">a limited rollout r</a>estricted to company employees in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area, and has already completed 1,500 trips.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="205" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29050018/TSLA-1-1024x205.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-892382" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29050018/TSLA-1-1024x205.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29050018/TSLA-1-300x60.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29050018/TSLA-1-768x154.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29050018/TSLA-1-1536x307.jpg 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29050018/TSLA-1.jpg 1646w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Tesla scores well on Momentum and Quality metrics, and has satisfactory Growth. However, the stock scores poorly on the Value metric. For more such insights, sign up for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"> Benzinga Edge</a> today!
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility"> following this link.</a>
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Image via Shutterstock

Tesla's First Batch Of Semi Trucks To Roll Out From Nevada Plant By Late 2025, Despite Disruption From Trump's 145% Tariffs

Soft drinks giant, Coca-Cola Co.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) playbook for global scale and distribution is back in focus amid growing geopolitical uncertainties. 
What Happened: Last week, JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) analysts raised their price target for Coca-Cola Co. to $78 per share by the end of 2025, up from $74 previously, citing the company&#8217;s resilience amid growing tensions and uncertainties surrounding tariffs. The move came ahead of Coca-Cola's first-quarter earnings report.
The analysts, led by Andrea Teixeira, maintained their &#8220;Overweight&#8221; rating on the stock, highlighting the company's strong defensive qualities and describing it as a &#8220;port in a storm,&#8221; according <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/21/jpmorgan-says-coca-cola-is-a-port-in-a-storm-as-staple-outperforms-market.html">to</a> a report by CNBC.
See More: <a href="https://benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/44772209/3-big-brand-stocks-to-lean-on-during-tariff-troubles">3 Big Brand Stocks To Lean On During Tariff Troubles</a>
According to Teixeira, Coca-Cola's broad geographic reach, with the U.S. accounting for just 17% of its total volumes, helps the company offset slowdowns in some regions with stronger-than-expected performance in others.
While she acknowledged that Coca-Cola is not completely immune to tariffs or a potential global economic slowdown, she argued the company is &#8220;relatively more defensive&#8221; due to its strong organic sales growth. She also noted that the direct impact of tariffs is largely limited to the juice, which is sourced both locally and internationally.
Teixeira notes that the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum will have an impact if the company&#8217;s bottlers offset the cost by passing it on to the consumers. &#8220;The company helps bottlers manage through the impacts through its cross-enterprise procurement team, and also can <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/02/43759161/coca-cola-warns-trumps-tariffs-could-force-it-to-use-more-plastic-if-aluminium-cans-become-more-expensive-we-can-shift-to-pet">emphasize different package types</a> if there is cost pressure on aluminum,&#8221; she adds.
Why It Matters: Coca-Cola&#8217;s resilience to geopolitical uncertainties has been built over several decades of careful supply-chain and distribution planning, which involves working with several local bottling partners in each country it operates in. 
Early this year, the company&#8217;s CEO, James Quincey, said, &#8220;we are predominantly a local business when it comes to making each of the beverages.&#8221; 
&#8220;The vast majority of everything that&#8217;s consumed in the U.S. is made in the U.S. Similarly, we&#8217;re in virtually every country around the world. And so while it&#8217;s a global business, it&#8217;s very local,&#8221; he added, while speaking with analysts during the company&#8217;s fourth quarter earnings release.
Just last week, it was reported that the company is <a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44892858/coca-cola-escapes-new-tariff-costs-with-us-based-production-while-pepsicos-irish-supply-faces-10-levy">escaping the tariffs</a> imposed by President Donald Trump, since all of its concentrates are made within the United States. This was in sharp contrast to PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>), which imports a bulk of its concentrates from Ireland, which is now subject to 10% tariffs.
Price Action: The company&#8217;s stock was down 0.17% on Monday, and is down 0.13% in after-hours trading, ahead of the company&#8217;s first quarter earnings on Tuesday. 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="134" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29034225/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-1.12.07-PM-1024x134.png" alt="" class="wp-image-892230" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29034225/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-1.12.07-PM-1024x134.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29034225/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-1.12.07-PM-300x39.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29034225/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-1.12.07-PM-768x101.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29034225/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-1.12.07-PM-1536x202.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/29034225/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-1.12.07-PM.png 1616w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Coca-Cola&#8217;s stock shows strong momentum, but scores weak on growth quality and value. It does, however, show strong price trends in the short, medium, and long terms. For more such insights, consider signing up for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a>.
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</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock

Analyst Ratings

Coca-Cola's 200-Country Playbook Gets A Thumbs-Up From JPMorgan Analysts Amid Trump Tariffs

Beverage giant Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>) could provide investors with updated guidance given the potential impact of global tariffs when the company reports first-quarter financial results Tuesday before the market opens<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">.</a>
Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Coca-Cola to report first-quarter revenue of $11.14 billion, down from $11.30 billion, according to data <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0428">from Benzinga Pro.</a>
The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in more than 10 straight quarters.
Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings per share of 72 cents, in line with the 72 cents reported in last year's first quarter.
The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in four straight quarters and in eight of the last 10 quarters overall, with the other two quarters meeting analyst estimates.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44939726/rfk-jr-will-phase-out-artificial-food-dyes-by-end-of-2026-what-it-means-for-pepsi-coca-cola-general-mills">RFK Jr. Will Phase Out Artificial Food Dyes By End Of 2026: What It Means For Pepsi, Coca-Cola, General Mills</a>
What Experts Are Saying: Momentum for Coca-Cola could be fading with rival PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) and consumer staple Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>) recently seeing shares fall after quarterly results, Freedom Capital Markets Chief Global Strategist Jay Woods warns.
"Coca-Cola shares have been a safe haven and a steady gainer during these uncertain times. Shares are up over 15.5% year-to-date, as the consumer staple giant and Warren Buffett favorite outperforms the overall market," Woods said in his weekly <a href="https://jaywoods.substack.com/">newsletter</a>.
Woods said Coca-Cola stock now sits "at an interesting level" ahead of earnings with a reversal pattern formed.
"The safe trade in KO has lost momentum on each rally as seen in the lower highs of its RSI."
Woods warned that the upside move in Coca-Cola stock may have already been made and the stock could retreat to "a level between $67 and $70."
Goldman Sachs analyst Bonnie Herzog said Coca-Cola management <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/03/44402637/coca-cola-can-adapt-despite-pullback-in-consumer-spending-says-analyst">had an optimistic outlook</a> in March. The analyst kept a Neutral rating and $65 price target after the investor meetings.
Herzog said Coca-Cola's "all-weather" strategy is working, but highlighted the impact inflation could have for consumers with affordability a potential top-of-mind idea at grocery stores. A pullback in consumer spending is one item of concern for the Coca-Cola analyst.
Key Items to Watch: Coca-Cola's report comes after PepsiCo reported mixed first-quarter results with revenue of $17.92 billion, beating Street consensus estimates and earnings per share of $1.48, missing a $1.49 Street consensus estimate.
Both revenue and earnings per share were down year-over-year for PepsiCo<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44977669/pepsico-ceo-warns-of-tariffs-led-increase-in-supply-chain-costs-cuts-annual-profit-outlook"> in the quarter</a>. This represented the first earnings per share miss by Pepsi in more than 10 quarters.
While looking at PepsiCo's financial results, it might be important to look at how their beverage segments performed and strip out its snack food divisions. The company saw declines for segments like PepsiCo Foods North America and Latin America Foods.
On the beverage side, PepsiCo Beverages North America had flat year-over-year sales and International Beverage Franchise segment sales were up 3% year-over-year.
Pepsi did cut its guidance after the results, which will be a key item to watch in Coca-Cola's report. Coca-Cola<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43759161/coca-cola-warns-trumps-tariffs-could-force-it-to-use-more-plastic-if-aluminium-cans-become-more-expensive-we-can-shift-to-pet"> previously said </a>that plans by President Donald Trump to place tariffs on aluminum could make its cost of goods more expensive.
Coca-Cola's guidance and management commentary will be closely watched by investors and analysts to see what is said about tariffs and their potential impact,
Questions during the earnings call could also start to ask the beverage company about the potential long-term impact of plans to ban color dyes in the U.S. by the Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
While Coca-Cola stock will be highly volatile on Tuesday after the earnings report, the stock could also send shares of other beverage and consumer goods up or down based on the results and commentary.
Coca-Cola is also a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, putting ETFs like the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) into the spotlight.
Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>)(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) are also large shareholders of Coca-Cola stock, which could make the conglomerate company's stock a fast mover on Tuesday.
Price Action: Coca-Cola stock is trading at $71.79 on Monday morning versus a 52-week trading range of $60.62 to $74.38. The stock is up 15.8% year-to-date and up 15.4% over the last year.
Meanwhile rival PepsiCo stock trades at $134.39 Monday morning versus a 52-week trading range of $131.80 to $183.39. The stock is down 11.7% year-to-date and down 23.8% over the last year.
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Photo: Shutterstock

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Previews

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Coca-Cola Q1 Earnings Preview: Will Warren Buffett Favorite Continue To Be A 'Safe Haven' Stock?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with PEP, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 10 uncommon options trades for PepsiCo.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 60% bullish and 40%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $800,020, and 3 are calls, for a total amount of $116,835.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $115.0 to $140.0 for PepsiCo over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for PepsiCo options trades today is 1048.5 with a total volume of 2,048.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for PepsiCo's big money trades within a strike price range of $115.0 to $140.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>PepsiCo 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1745852561_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$13.6</td>
<td>$12.7</td>
<td>$12.89</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$360.9K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">480</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$13.9</td>
<td>$12.55</td>
<td>$12.96</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$126.5K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$12.65</td>
<td>$12.65</td>
<td>$12.65</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$126.5K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$15.0</td>
<td>$15.0</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$87.0K</td>
<td>510</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$9.95</td>
<td>$9.9</td>
<td>$9.95</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$52.7K</td>
<td>326</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About PepsiCo</h3>
PepsiCo is a global leader in snacks and beverages, owning well-known household brands including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Lay's, Cheetos, and Doritos, among others. The company dominates the global savory snacks market and also ranks as the second-largest beverage provider in the world (behind Coca-Cola) with diversified exposure to carbonated soft drinks, or CSD, as well as water, sports, and energy drink offerings. Convenience foods account for approximately 55% of its total revenue, with beverages making up the rest. Pepsi owns the bulk of its manufacturing and distribution capacity in the US and overseas. International markets made up 40% of both total sales and operating profits in 2024.
<h3>PepsiCo's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,057,362, the PEP's price is up by 0.49%, now at $134.04. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 73 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About PepsiCo</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $156.4.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has revised its rating downward to Sector Perform, adjusting the price target to $163. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities has revised its rating downward to Neutral, adjusting the price target to $155. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays has decided to maintain their Equal-Weight rating on PepsiCo, which currently sits at a price target of $135. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Buy rating on PepsiCo, maintaining a target price of $160. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Buy rating on PepsiCo, maintaining a target price of $169. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest PepsiCo options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

This Is What Whales Are Betting On PepsiCo

Barclays analyst Lauren Lieberman maintains PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $143 to $135.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on PepsiCo, Lowers Price Target to $135

A record-high percentage of U.S. households are making only minimum payments on their credit cards, according to new data released by Apollo Global Management Inc. Chief Economist Torsten Slok.
What Happened: In a report titled &#8220;How are U.S. consumers and firms responding to tariffs?&#8221; Slok highlighted Federal Reserve data showing the share of accounts making only minimum payments has climbed above 11% as of the first quarter of 2025, the highest level recorded since tracking began in 2012.
The trend shows a clear upward trajectory over the past decade, with a brief dip during the early pandemic period in the second quarter of 2020, followed by an accelerated rise to current record levels.
This growing reliance on minimum payments comes as Americans&#8217; collective <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44889438/survey-unveils-american-misconceptions-about-credit-card-debt-management">credit card debt reached an unprecedented $1.21 trillion by the end of 2024</a>, up 7.3% from the previous year, according to Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis data.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/28070824/Screenshot-2025-04-28-at-4.37.46%E2%80%AFPM-1024x556.png" alt="" class="wp-image-890603" style="width:606px;height:auto" /></figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/45034627/us-stock-futures-fall-as-markets-brace-for-earnings-from-microsoft-meta-apple-and-apple-this-week-earnings-estimates-dont-signal-a-recession-says-leading-analyst">US Stock Futures Fall As Markets Brace For Earnings From Microsoft, Meta, Apple And Apple This Week: &#8216;Earnings Estimates Don&#8217;t Signal A Recession&#8217; Says Leading Analyst</a>
Why It Matters: Financial experts warn that making only minimum payments is a troubling sign of increasing consumer stress. A recent Experian survey found 40% of Americans mistakenly believe <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44889438/survey-unveils-american-misconceptions-about-credit-card-debt-management">minimum payments are an effective debt management strategy</a>.
The credit strain coincides with recent warnings from major corporations about consumer spending pullbacks. Southwest Airlines Co. CEO Robert Jordan stated, &#8220;I don&#8217;t care if you call it a recession or not, in this industry that&#8217;s a recession,&#8221; while PepsiCo Inc. CFO Jamie Caulfield admitted, &#8220;Relative to where we were three months ago, we probably aren&#8217;t feeling as good about the consumer now.&#8221;
Meanwhile, Apollo&#8217;s Slok has separately <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/44899617/90-chance-of-recession-due-to-trumps-tariffs-sharp-slowdown-is-coming-economist-says">warned of a 90% chance of recession in 2025</a> if current tariff policies under President Donald Trump remain unchanged, potentially worsening consumer financial challenges in the coming months.
Read Next: 
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</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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