PepsiCo (PEP)

Valuations will limit their upside, now expensive, but it's a world-class brand with consistent earnings growth. A core holding.

A good company, an iconic brand, pays a good dividend and offers growth. It has diversified away from soft drinks in the last decade. Doesn't own it, because he prefers Pepsi for its exposure to salty snacks.

Continues to own shares. 
Pricing power remains strong (able to keep up with inflation).
Excellent operator under current CEO.
Good portfolio of assets - snack business also growing.

Has long owned this. Is finally seeing a pullback during positive momentum.

They have the drinks and the snacks businesses. Does well in recessions as people trade down from restaurants to snacks. PEP has done well in the past 5 years, but the PE is slightly high. He prefers Unilever in this space.

Leader in consumer staple business that is performing well.
Has out performed Coca-Cola since 2012.
Wide variety of consumers goods has seen continued growth.
26x P/E ratio making the shares expensive.
Would rather wait to buy shares at cheaper price.

They sell snacks and not just the drinks. Are raising prices as input prices decline. A tailwind will be the USD when it eventually weakens. Well-run company and defensive that you need in this market.

Upgraded today. A staple. They've done a fantastic job managing its balance sheet and diversifying its products, not only beverages but also snacks. Revenue grows 10% annually in the last two years. Strong and unusual.

Both good. He prefers PEP, as it's become more snack and less beverage. A good staple to own for a long time. With crazy price increases last year, hard to compete this year. Nothing to derail the company. Will need volume to pick up to keep revenue growing.

Last Thursday, they delivered excellent earnings. They will take out their December high of $186.

It reports Thursday and he expects a good quarter. But a growth hangover and negative macro economic data will hurt shares..