
PepsiCo joins Formula One as official sponsor in multi-year global sponsorship deal
PepsiCo is joining forces with Formula One, the latest sponsor to use the worldwide racing circuit to showcase its products.
The multi-year global agreement will see Gatorade and Doritos branding adorn tracks starting later this year.
Gatorade will become Formula One's official sports drink and serve as the presenting sponsor of the F1 Sprint Series. Doritos becomes F1's official savoury snack partner, while Sting Energy will be the official energy drink of Formula One.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
As an official partner of Formula One, PepsiCo gets rights to TV-visible trackside advertising, Fan Zone activation opportunities at 21 races, tickets and hospitality experiences, and exclusive marketing rights for featured brands.
The sponsorship deal will also extend to F1 Academy, the Formula 4-level racing championship for women.
Formula One boasts a cumulative global audience of 1.6 billion viewers and active fan base of 826 million.
The 24-race 2025 schedule, which kicked off March 16 in Australia, ends Dec. 7 in Abu Dhabi. The Montreal Grand Prix is June 15 at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Globe and Mail
17 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
PepsiCo Leans on Gatorade & LIFEWTR: Can Wellness Fuel Growth?
PepsiCo, Inc. 's PEP hydration portfolio is anchored by Gatorade and LIFEWTR, two brands that reflect its strategic shift toward functional performance and premium wellness offerings. In first-quarter 2025, Gatorade remained a strong performer, especially with innovations like Gatorade Zero and new rapid hydration products. The company is also investing in powders, tablets and other functional hydration options to meet evolving health and wellness demands. Gatorade's ongoing expansion into performance-focused formats is helping it regain its share in the competitive sports drink market. LIFEWTR, PepsiCo's premium bottled water brand, is another pillar of the company's health-focused strategy. Positioned as a wellness-driven offering, LIFEWTR taps into the growing consumer interest in premium hydration with clean ingredients and lifestyle-oriented branding. The brand's continued double-digit growth demonstrates strong traction, supporting PepsiCo's broader efforts to diversify away from traditional sugary beverages. This approach aligns with the company's intention to offer more permissible, functional beverages across a range of consumer occasions. Complementing these efforts is PepsiCo's broader shift toward 'better-for-you' portfolios, which include investments in protein, fiber and reduced sugar offerings. Notably, the company is innovating in protein-enriched beverages and snacks, aiming to capture value in emerging consumption trends, such as those driven by GLP-1 medication users seeking smaller portions and nutrient-dense foods. With consumer demand moving toward healthier, more functional products, PepsiCo's strategy of doubling down on brands like Gatorade and LIFEWTR positions it well for sustained growth in the wellness space. PEP's Competition in the Wellness Space The Coca-Cola Company KO and Keurig Dr Pepper KDP are the key beverage companies competing with PepsiCo in the global arena. The Coca-Cola Company is strategically reinforcing its hydration and wellness lineup to compete directly with PepsiCo's Gatorade and LIFEWTR by leveraging brands like Powerade, Smartwater and Vitaminwater. Powerade has been revamped with a focus on innovation in performance hydration, incorporating enhanced electrolytes and new formulations to target athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Smartwater and Vitaminwater continue to lead Coca-Cola's charge in the premium and functional beverage segments, respectively, offering vapor-distilled purity and added nutrients. The company is also investing in digital marketing, packaging personalization and local relevance campaigns to build consumer trust and loyalty. With 30 billion-dollar brands in its portfolio and 68% of its drinks containing fewer than 100 calories per serving, Coca-Cola is aligning with health trends through innovation and consumer-centric strategies, positioning itself as a strong challenger to PepsiCo's hydration dominance. Keurig Dr Pepper competes aggressively with PepsiCo in the hydration and wellness space through brands like Core Hydration and Snapple Elements, focusing on functional benefits and health-conscious positioning. KDP's strategy centers on leveraging consumer trends such as low-calorie, antioxidant-rich and pH-balanced beverages, positioning Core as a premium hydration brand. Innovation remains a cornerstone of its approach, with ongoing flavor expansions, clean-label formulations and sleek packaging aimed at wellness-driven Millennials and Gen Z consumers. By capitalizing on its broad distribution network and agile marketing, KDP is carving out a strong niche against PepsiCo's Gatorade and LIFEWTR, appealing to consumers looking for alternatives with perceived health benefits and contemporary branding. PEP's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Shares of PepsiCo have lost around 14.5% year to date against the industry 's growth of 7.6%. From a valuation standpoint, PEP trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.13X, significantly below the industry's average of 18.68X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PEP's 2025 earnings implies a year-over-year decline of 3.6%, whereas its 2026 earnings estimate suggests year-over-year growth of 5.4%. The estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been southbound in the past 30 days. PEP stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CocaCola Company (The) (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP): Free Stock Analysis Report Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc (KDP): Free Stock Analysis Report


Globe and Mail
20 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Coca-Cola's Premium Valuation: Strategic Entry or Overvalued Play?
The Coca-Cola Company KO has maintained a robust growth trajectory, which reflects its strong market positioning, brand power and long-term growth potential compared with other non-alcoholic beverage companies. However, the company's current forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 23.37X raises concerns about whether the stock's valuation is justified. This multiple is significantly higher than the Zacks Beverages – Soft Drinks industry average of 18.68X, making the stock appear relatively expensive. The price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of Coca-Cola is 6.27X, above the industry's 4.46X. This adds to investor unease, especially considering its Value Score of F, which suggests it may not be a strong value proposition at current levels. KO Stock's Premium Valuation Surpasses Peers At 23.37X P/E, Coca-Cola trades at a significant premium to its industry peers. The company's peers, such as PepsiCo Inc. PEP, Keurig Dr Pepper KDP and Primo Brands Corporation PRMB, are delivering solid growth and trade at more reasonable multiples. PepsiCo, Keurig Dr Pepper and Primo Brands have forward 12-month P/E ratios of 16.13X, 15.7X and 18.13X — all significantly lower than KO. At such levels, Coca-Cola's valuation seems out of step with its growth trajectory. The KO stock's premium valuation suggests that investors have strong expectations for its growth. However, the stock currently seems somewhat overvalued. Coca-Cola's ability to meet or exceed these lofty expectations is crucial in justifying its premium pricing. The company's ability to deliver on its promise of offering something for everyone to drink, with a focus on innovation and digital expansion, is crucial. While success in these areas can further strengthen its market leadership, its failure can pose serious challenges for this soft drink giant. In the year-to-date period, the company's shares have jumped 15.3%, outperforming the broader industry's rally of 7.6% and the Consumer Staples sector's rise of 6.4%. The company has also outpaced the S&P 500's growth of 1.5% in the same period. Moreover, KO's performance is notably stronger than that of its competitors, PepsiCo and Keurig Dr Pepper, which have declined 21.3% and 2.6%, respectively, in the year-to-date period. However, Coca-Cola underperformed Primo Brands' growth of 29.5% in the same period. Coca-Cola Stock's YTD Return Coca-Cola's current share price of $71.77 trades 3.5% below its recent 52-week high mark of $74.38. Also, the KO stock trades 18.4% above its 52-week low of $60.62. KO trades above its 50 and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bullish sentiment. The moving average is an important indicator for gauging market trends and momentum. KO Stock Trades Above 50-Day & 200-Day Moving Averages Can Coca-Cola's Core Strengths Outlast Near-Term Uncertainty? KO appears well-positioned to maintain its longer-term momentum, even as it navigates near-term macroeconomic uncertainties and currency headwinds, creating a somewhat uneven outlook. In its most recent quarterly report, the company delivered organic revenue growth of 12%, fueled by strong pricing and continued recovery in away-from-home consumption. While volume growth was modest, Coca-Cola's broad global footprint and balanced geographic exposure have helped mitigate region-specific volatility. Management also reiterated full-year guidance, signaling confidence in the underlying business fundamentals. KO continues to reap benefits from its disciplined brand-building strategy, with marketing investments resonating well across key categories. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, for instance, posted double-digit growth, showcasing consumer traction in the low- and no-sugar space. The company's ability to connect with younger audiences and health-conscious consumers through innovation, digital engagement and localized campaigns remains a key differentiator. Partnerships and sponsorships, such as its activation around the upcoming Olympics and UEFA events, reinforce its global brand leadership. On the operational side, Coca-Cola is focused on driving margin resilience through productivity initiatives and ongoing pricing power. Despite inflationary pressures and currency fluctuations, the company has protected margins through a combination of cost control and premiumization. Its re-franchised bottling system and asset-light model continue to enhance agility and reduce volatility. Management also highlighted stronger execution in emerging markets, including India and Latin America, which are contributing positively to the company's performance. While short-term challenges such as FX drag, volatile demand in some markets, and uncertain global macro conditions may weigh on sentiment, Coca-Cola's consistent record, powerful brand equity and diversified portfolio provide a strong foundation for growth. The company's long-term strategy, which is rooted in disciplined innovation, global execution and digital transformation, suggests that the KO stock is likely to retain investor confidence and outperform peers once the near-term choppiness eases. Estimate Revision Trend for KO The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Coca-Cola's 2025 EPS was unchanged in the last 30 days. The consensus estimate for 2026 EPS has moved up by a penny in the past 30 days. The upward revision in earnings estimates indicates analysts' confidence in the stock. For 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for KO's revenues and EPS implies 2.4% and 2.8% year-over-year growth, respectively. The consensus mark for 2026 revenues and earnings suggests 5.3% and 8.2% year-over-year growth, respectively. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.) How to Play Coca-Cola Stock? Despite concerns around KO's premium valuation, its strong fundamentals, powerful brand equity, and clear strategic direction make a compelling case for long-term investors. The company's global scale, pricing power and disciplined execution continue to support its growth trajectory across diverse markets. While Coca-Cola trades at a premium compared with peers — reflected in its above-average P/E and P/S multiples — this valuation likely underscores market confidence in its ability to deliver consistent earnings, margin resilience and innovation-led growth, even amid macroeconomic uncertainties. For investors willing to look beyond short-term valuation concerns, KO offers a compelling mix of steady returns, defensive stability and long-term upside potential. Its strong year-to-date price performance, momentum above key technical levels and promising earnings outlook reinforce its investment case. Pullbacks tied to market volatility can serve as strategic entry points. Backed by these trends, adding this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock to a diversified portfolio may prove a prudent move for investors seeking reliable exposure to a global consumer staple leader. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> CocaCola Company (The) (KO): Free Stock Analysis Report PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP): Free Stock Analysis Report Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc (KDP): Free Stock Analysis Report Primo Brands Corporation (PRMB): Free Stock Analysis Report


CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Fan taken to hospital after falling from stand during Belgium-Wales soccer match
Wales' fans cheer ahead of the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) BRUSSELS — A soccer fan who fell from the upper tier of King Baudouin Stadium during a World Cup qualifier between Belgium and Wales was taken to the hospital for checks on his injuries. The Football Association of Wales said the unnamed man 'was conscious and speaking' after the incident, which reportedly took place during the second half of Monday's game in Brussels. The man 'fell from the upper to lower tier,' the FAW said in a statement after the match, which Belgium won 4-3. The incident came a day after a fan died after falling from an overhead level onto the media section at the Munich stadium during the Nations League final between Spain and Portugal.