PepsiCo, Inc. - PEP STOCK NEWS

Ruffles, the Official Chip of the WNBA, has signed WNBA star A'ja Wilson as its first-ever female athlete for a multi-year partnership. This initiative introduces Ruffles Ridge Twists, a new product line featuring Wilson's signature flavor, Smoky BBQ, alongside Double Cheddar. The new snacks offer a unique twist shape while maintaining the classic Ruffles ridge. Ruffles aims to enhance its connection with basketball fans through this collaboration. The products will be available in stores and online, priced at $5.59 for 5.5oz and $2.29 for 1.75oz bags.

PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) announced the timing for its third-quarter 2022 financial results, which will be released on October 12, 2022. Key details include the press release and 10-Q filing scheduled for 6:00 a.m. EDT, followed by management remarks at 6:30 a.m. EDT. A live Q&A session will be held at 8:15 a.m. EDT, featuring CEO Ramon Laguarta and CFO Hugh Johnston. PepsiCo generated over $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by its strong portfolio of brands.

Frito-Lay has announced a $500,000 partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to provide scholarships for Black and Hispanic students in 10 U.S. cities. The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers to college, offering up to $5,000 each to 100 students. Applications are open until September 29, 2022. This scholarship is part of Frito-Lay's commitment to the PepsiCo Racial Equality Journey initiative, which will invest $570 million over five years to address inequalities. Frito-Lay emphasizes its dedication to diversity and education for future generations.

Lay's has introduced Kettle Cooked Fritos Chili Cheese as the latest addition to its Flavor Swap lineup, transforming popular Frito-Lay snacks into chips. This new flavor joins previous favorites like Doritos, Cheetos, and Funyuns. The new flavor, which combines crunchy Kettle Cooked chips with chili and cheese, aims to deliver a familiar yet exciting snacking experience. The Flavor Swap offerings will be available nationwide starting August 8, with prices ranging from $2.29 to $4.59 while supplies last.

On August 3, 2022, PepsiCo and its philanthropic arm, the PepsiCo Foundation, announced partnerships with World Central Kitchen and Save the Children to aid families affected by flooding in eastern Kentucky. They will provide nearly 50,000 meals, $150,000 donations to each partner, and essential supplies such as clean water and hygiene kits. These initiatives highlight PepsiCo's long-standing commitment to disaster relief, with additional support and resources for their employees affected by the catastrophe.

Frito-Lay Variety Packs has launched its Back-to-School Blast Off program, collaborating with actress Sonequa Martin-Green and STEM Next's Million Girls Moonshot. The initiative aims to inspire one million girls to pursue STEM careers by 2025, with a $100,000 donation to the program. Additionally, for every social media photo shared under #SpaceForHer, Frito-Lay will donate $20 (up to $50,000) to support the initiative. This year marks a continuation of Frito-Lay's efforts in STEM education, building on previous scholarships and mentorship programs for underrepresented communities.

PepsiCo has entered a strategic agreement to acquire a 20% equity stake in AQUA Carpatica, a premium Romanian spring water brand. This partnership allows PepsiCo to distribute the brand in Romania and Poland, with plans for further global expansion. AQUA Carpatica, known for its nitrate and sodium-free water sourced from the Carpathian Mountains, has established a strong market presence since its inception in 2010. The collaboration aims to enhance PepsiCo's premium beverage offerings and leverage AQUA Carpatica's brand equity in new markets.

Celsius Holdings and PepsiCo have announced a definitive long-term distribution agreement effective August 1, 2022. This agreement will transition Celsius' U.S. distribution to PepsiCo's established capabilities, enhancing market access. PepsiCo will also invest $550 million in Celsius via convertible preferred stock, giving it an 8.5% ownership stake with a 5% annual dividend. Celsius anticipates increased shelf space and growth opportunities as a result of this partnership, positioning both companies for success in the energy beverage market.

PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) announced a quarterly dividend of $1.15 per share, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. This decision aligns with the company's commitment to enhancing its annualized dividend to $4.60 from $4.30, effective from June 2022. The dividend is scheduled for payment on September 30, 2022, to shareholders recorded by the end of business on September 2, 2022. PepsiCo has a storied history of consecutive dividends, marking 50 years of annual increases in 2022.