PepsiCo, Inc. - PEP STOCK NEWS

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.

PepsiCo has issued a new $1.25 billion 10-year Green Bond to fund its pep+ sustainability agenda. This bond aims to support projects in Positive Agriculture and Value Chain initiatives, focusing on environmental sustainability. This is PepsiCo's second Green Bond following an earlier $1 billion issuance, which allocated proceeds across six continents. The company plans to publish annual updates on fund allocations, emphasizing alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

On July 20, 2022, Kiki Rice and Colin Sahlman were honored as the Gatorade High School Athletes of the Year at an awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Rice, a standout in both basketball and soccer, and Sahlman, recognized for his excellence in cross country, were celebrated for their athletic achievements and character. The event marked Gatorade's return to in-person ceremonies and introduced NFTs for nominees, with proceeds benefiting Good Sports. Established in 1985, the Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes elite high school athletes across various sports, highlighting their achievements on and off the field.

Cheetos and Bad Bunny have launched the Deja tu Huella Fund, committing $500,000 to support Hispanic communities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The fund will award $25,000 to 20 individuals making a positive impact. The initiative runs from July 18 to August 19, inviting participants to share their ideas on TikTok using hashtags #DejatuHuellaFund and #Entry. This campaign continues their partnership, which began in 2020, and complements PepsiCo’s $172 million commitment to support Hispanic communities over five years.

On July 12, 2022, Gatorade announced that Cade Flatt from Marshall County High School is the 2021-22 Gatorade National Boys Track and Field Player of the Year. Flatt was recognized for his exceptional athletic and academic performance, holding the No. 2 all-time high school 800-meter run record at 1:46.48. He outperformed fierce competition, leading to a prestigious win at New Balance Nationals Outdoor. Cade, who maintains a weighted GPA of 4.13, will continue his athletic career with a scholarship at the University of Mississippi.