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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Meghalaya CM Sangma inaugurates northeast's largest bottling plant in Mendipathar
Guwahati: In a significant step toward boosting Meghalaya's industrial growth, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the Varun Beverages Limited Plant , largest bottling plant in the North East, at the Mendipathar Industrial Growth Centre , North Garo Hills. Built at Rs 340 crore, and set-up in a 37-acre area, this state-of-the-art facility underscores the state government's commitment to achieving a $10-billion economy by 2028. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Project Management Data Science Public Policy MBA Product Management PGDM Degree Operations Management Design Thinking Technology others Data Science Cybersecurity Others Leadership CXO Management Healthcare Digital Marketing Finance MCA Artificial Intelligence healthcare Skills you'll gain: Project Planning & Governance Agile Software Development Practices Project Management Tools & Software Techniques Scrum Framework Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Programme in IT Project Management Starts on Jun 20, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Portfolio Management Project Planning & Risk Analysis Strategic Project/Portfolio Selection Adaptive & Agile Project Management Duration: 6 Months IIT Delhi Certificate Programme in Project Management Starts on May 30, 2024 Get Details The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Varun Beverages Limited for choosing Mendipathar for establishing the largest bottling plant in Northeast India. 'This project is a blessing for our state, as it will open up job opportunities and benefit the people of the region directly and indirectly," he said. "This is a symbol of the economic growth that Meghalaya is on track to achieve. Nobody would have ever imagined that the largest bottling plant would be right here in Mendipathar." Sangma mentioned that the Mendipathar industrial area was conceptualized in the 1990s, but for over 30 years, no investments were received. 'In the last 30 years, no unit came up. There was hope and expectation, which never got fulfilled,' he said, expressing the concern of the late P.A. Sangma, who envisioned Mendipathar as a growth engine for Garo Hills. Promptly completed in 11 months, the plant reflects the commitment of the Government to harness the PPP model and create an ecosystem in the State that welcomes investment like this. As the world's second-largest PepsiCo bottling company, it adheres to the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Live Events The plant has a production capacity of 1,200 bottles per minute, manufacturing PepsiCo products such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sting, and Mirinda Orange, and others as well as fruit pulp-based beverages. These products will be supplied across Meghalaya, Assam, and North Bengal. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Nokma (village chief) and the people of Mendipathar for donating the land for setting up the industrial area 30 years ago. The bottling plant will engage close to 500 staff members for production and distribution of different PepsiCo products, including fruit-based juices. Sangma said that the plant will open up ancillary opportunities and lead to a boom in economic activities. He stated, 'The staff, including senior managers of the plant, will require accommodation facilities, which locals can set up. They will spend on their daily requirements in Mendipathar, which will slowly lead to the opening of different entities'. Notably, another plant would be set up in the Tikrikilla Bajengdoba area, with 90% of the work already completed. Varun Beverages' Executive Director & CEO Kamlesh Jain in his speech said that the plant will have an employment impact, carrying the potential to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs. This plant will transform livelihoods, especially for our youth. This industrial plant will set off a ripple effect, attracting more investment, expanding infrastructure, and stimulating support industries - from logistics to warehousing, food processing, packaging, and beyond. From automated bottling lines to aseptic packaging systems, this is one of the most advanced beverage plants in Northeast India, designed to deliver scale with efficiency and quality. This plant opens the gateway to growth by promoting Investment and Private Sector Development, which is one of the first opportunity, out of the 10 opportunities under Mission 10, outlined by the Chief Minister.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PepsiCo's Snack‑Soda Synergy: A Consumer Combo Worth Buying
Key Points PepsiCo enjoys a measure of safety because of the breadth of its food and beverage portfolio. The stock will likely make money in the long term, but gains could be relatively modest. 10 stocks we like better than PepsiCo › There are many approaches to investing. And individual investors each bring unique insights, experiences, and perspectives to the table. And yet despite the disparities, everyone who buys stocks has the same goal: to make money. The flip side of this is that every shareholder of every stock thinks the same thing: I sure don't want to lose money. This fear of losing money can keep them on the sidelines. They want to feel that an investment is safe before risking the money that they worked hard to get. This is why I believe that PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) is a stock that many should consider. It's one of the safest investments on the stock market and can provide a foundation for a larger portfolio. Of course, safety means different things to different people. So, I will clarify what I mean. But first, let me explain why PepsiCo stock is almost always a good consideration for investors. A consumer combo worth buying Everyone knows that PepsiCo sells Pepsi. The iconic cola began selling under the name Pepsi-Cola in 1898. As of 2024, it's the fourth most popular carbonated beverage in U.S., behind only Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper from Keurig Dr Pepper, and Sprite, according to Beverage Digest. Many people also know that PepsiCo isn't limited to its namesake beverage. The company owns the country's sixth most popular carbonated beverage as well, which is Mountain Dew. And on top of these two bestsellers, the company owns dozens of other beverage brands, including Gatorade. However, PepsiCo is far more than a beverage empire. The company owns snacks such as Lay's potato chips, food such as Quaker oatmeal, and more. Indeed, the company's portfolio is quite large and continues to get bigger every year. Consumer tastes do shift. But the advantage for Pepsi is that there's usually something in its portfolio that's in style. Consider that over the last 15 years, the most that quarterly revenue has ever been down is by less than 7%. In other words, if revenue drops in one area, there's usually something else to take up the slack. The profitability in this business is strong. In the first half of its fiscal 2025, the company had an operating margin close to 11%. Considering its huge scale, this means that it has earned over $12 billion in operating income over the last 12 months. Having a consistent flow of cash to work with helps PepsiCo maintain its competitive edge. The consumer packaged-goods industry has fairly low barriers to entry, meaning new upstart players frequently emerge. But the company has the means to acquire the most promising ones before they become problematic. For example, it acquired prebiotic soda company Poppi for almost $2 billion earlier in 2025. And not long thereafter, the company even launched a prebiotic version of its iconic Pepsi flavor. If PepsiCo were only a beverage company, then the stock simply wouldn't have the same measure of safety as it has by having the extra component of its business, which is food. That's why the snack-soda synergy is worth buying. Some thoughts on PepsiCo's safety By saying that it's a safe stock, I mean that I believe the stock will make money for investors over the next five years or more with limited downside risk. That said, the upside may be modest compared to other potential investments. PepsiCo stock currently trades at 26 times earnings, which isn't cheap. It's facing headwinds with second-quarter net revenue only up 1% year over year. And earnings per share dropped sharply, in part, due to higher expenses. Moreover, it has opportunity for growth but, being a scaled-up business already, it takes a lot to move the needle. In short, the business' growth has slowed, and the stock isn't cheap, which might mean that it struggles to keep up with the S&P 500 long term. For perspective, it's underperformed over the past decade. For investors looking for a safe position in their portfolios, there may be both safety and more upside potential with a simple S&P 500 index fund. However, the company does also pay a reliable quarterly dividend, something it started doing over 50 years ago. With a high yield at 3.8%, as of this writing, this may tip the scales back to a PepsiCo investment instead of settling for an index fund. It probably won't be the highest performer in a portfolio. But a broad range of products and massive global scale make it a safe stock for most investors. And with an attractive dividend yield, PepsiCo could be a dividend stock to buy today. Should you invest $1,000 in PepsiCo right now? Before you buy stock in PepsiCo, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and PepsiCo wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $636,628!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,063,471!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,041% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Jon Quast has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. PepsiCo's Snack‑Soda Synergy: A Consumer Combo Worth Buying was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
10 everyday foods banned in other countries you might still be eating
Some foods that seem totally normal in your local store are actually banned abroad due to serious health and safety concerns. While these items are widely available in many countries, others have outlawed them because of links to cancer, heart disease, allergies, or toxic contamination. From brightly coloured snacks filled with artificial dyes to chemical-laced sodas and hormone-injected meat, these so-called everyday foods might be putting your health at risk without you realising it. This list breaks down the most controversial everyday foods banned in other countries and why experts recommend reading labels carefully and making more informed food choices. 10 everyday foods banned in other countries Potassium bromate in bread Used to make dough rise faster, potassium bromate is a common bread additive in India and the US. But it's considered a potential carcinogen. That's why countries like the UK, Canada, Brazil, and the EU have banned it in all bakery products due to long-term cancer risk. Farm-raised salmon Farm-raised salmon are often fed antibiotics and synthetic colour to appear pink. Studies have linked them to high levels of PCBs and dioxins. That's why Australia and New Zealand restrict this type of salmon, favouring wild-caught versions that are less contaminated and more nutritionally beneficial. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Kinder Joy and Kinder Surprise The toy-filled Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the United States due to choking hazards, as food products cannot legally contain non-edible parts inside. While Kinder Joy is allowed in some areas due to its split packaging, traditional Kinder Surprise remains illegal in the U.S. Instant noodles with MSG Popular brands of instant noodles often contain MSG and TBHQ preservatives, which have been linked to nausea, headaches, and potential neurological issues in sensitive people. While not globally banned, several European countries have imposed restrictions or require explicit labelling due to health concerns. Artificial food dyes Bright-coloured candies and snacks often use food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are linked to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions. Many of these dyes are banned or restricted in the EU and UK, while still widely used in other countries. Ractopamine pork Ractopamine, a drug used to increase lean meat in pigs, is banned in the EU, China, and Russia. It can cause heart palpitations and muscle tremors in humans if consumed in excess. Over 160 countries prohibit pork treated with ractopamine, but it's still common in the U.S. Fugu fish Also known as pufferfish, fugu is banned in the EU due to its deadly tetrodotoxin content. Even trained chefs risk serving it improperly. One wrong slice can result in death within hours. Despite the danger, it remains a prized delicacy in Japan under strict regulation. Mountain Dew Some versions of Mountain Dew and citrus sodas use brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to keep flavours mixed. But BVO is also a flame retardant and can build up in fat tissue. That's why Japan and the European Union have banned it in all food products. Genetically modified foods (GMOs) Many processed foods contain GMOs—corn, soy, or canola genetically altered to resist pests or herbicides. While considered safe by some regulators, countries like France, Germany, and Russia ban or heavily restrict GMOs due to long-term environmental and health concerns, especially regarding biodiversity. Raw milk Raw milk, or unpasteurised milk , can contain bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. While fans claim it has better nutrients, health agencies warn it can be dangerous—especially for kids and pregnant women. That's why countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of the U.S. have banned its retail sale. Also read| How a bowl of salt in fridge can stop smell and spoilage in monsoon
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is PepsiCo Stock a Buy After Earnings?
Key Points In Q2, revenue growth was 1%, and an asset write-down led to a considerable earnings decline. The investment case for income investors remains strong. PepsiCo's growth prospects are more uncertain amid consumer and political pressures. 10 stocks we like better than PepsiCo › PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) just released its earnings results for the second quarter of 2025. Despite a modest increase in revenue and falling profits, the stock rose by 6% in the following trading session as the company reiterated its outlook and offered more details of a turnaround plan, including a plan to cut costs. Still, the much more critical question for investors is whether the company can grow its stock more sustainably as costs rise in a low-growth environment. Knowing this, investors need to take a closer look at the state of PepsiCo and its financials before drawing conclusions about the stock. The second-quarter results PepsiCo continues to struggle with growth as its net revenue of $22.7 billion rose by just under 1% year over year. Improvements were negligible in most geographies, and a 7% decline in revenue in its Latin America segment appeared to offset the 8% revenue gain in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Moreover, a 4% increase in the cost of sales also weighed on earnings, though PepsiCo also absorbed a nearly $1.9 billion impairment in its intangible assets. Consequently, the almost $1.3 billion in net income was far below the $3.1 billion profit in the year-ago quarter. Still, investors should keep in mind that profit growth would have been around 1% without the impairment charge. For the remainder of 2025, the company reiterated its outlook of revenue growth in the low single digits. PepsiCo also put forth a turnaround plan, one that focuses on healthier snacks and lowering costs. It also anticipates returning $8.6 billion to shareholders, with $1 billion allocated to share buybacks and the remaining $7.6 billion covering the cost of the dividend. PepsiCo is a Dividend King by virtue of its 53 consecutive years of payout hikes. The current dividend, which now pays $5.69 per share annually, returns a dividend yield of 3.8% after the post-earnings surge in the stock. Where the report leaves investors Indeed, the dividend makes the stock attractive to income investors, and not just because it is far above the 1.2% average yield of the S&P 500. Like most Dividend Kings, PepsiCo will want to avoid hurting confidence in the stock by slashing the payout, almost ensuring that the payout increases will continue. Still, those looking for growth might wonder whether the turnaround plan is enough to justify the post-earnings run-up in the stock. Indeed, PepsiCo is more than just its flagship cola. It encompasses beverage and food brands such as Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker, which should presumably serve the stock well. However, the stagnant revenue growth is nothing new, as revenue growth was negligible in 2024 and declined slightly in Q1. Additionally, the packaged food industry is currently under pressure. Its brands face scrutiny from more health-conscious consumers and a government that is more closely scrutinizing the ingredients in its products. While the company discussed an effort to cut costs in its latest earnings report, using healthier ingredients could raise costs, dampening the impact of cost-cutting efforts. For example, the news from President Donald Trump that rival Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) will replace high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar in its sodas could mean PepsiCo follows suit. Perhaps that move could be a positive for sales since consumers have responded positively to its healthier offerings. Still, that could add to costs at a time when the company is looking for ways to lower expenses. Furthermore, PepsiCo's valuation may not be enough to help. Recently, its P/E ratio was 21, even as the earnings multiple rose above a multiyear low. Although that valuation might draw bargain hunters to many other stocks, it may not be enough to offset PepsiCo's lack of revenue growth. That probably makes the buy case harder to justify for more growth-oriented investors. Should I buy PepsiCo stock after earnings? Given the state of PepsiCo, the stock is probably only a buy for income investors. Admittedly, the company's situation is attractive for those seeking dividend income. At a 3.9% yield, it is far above market averages, and the Dividend King status makes it highly likely that the annual payout hikes will continue. Unfortunately, the state of its business is more uncertain. The strength of its brands and a pivot to better serving health-conscious consumers should help stave off declines in revenue and maintain the confidence of income investors. However, PepsiCo does not have a clear plan to drive revenue growth beyond the low single digits, and evolving government guidelines on ingredients could negate the effects of cost-cutting efforts. Under such conditions, it will take more than a 21 P/E ratio to attract the investors who are interested in more than dividend income. Should you buy stock in PepsiCo right now? Before you buy stock in PepsiCo, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and PepsiCo wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $652,133!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,056,790!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,048% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 180% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is PepsiCo Stock a Buy After Earnings? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Buzz Feed
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
47 Hilarious Photos That Brought Joy To My Doomscroll
Good question... That's one way to prevent pregnancy! Same, but you don't see me broadcasting it. I hate that I laughed at this. This is hilariously wholesome. Honestly, more men should have these up. 😟 Or maybe your phone just knows you too well. They do??? News to me! BRB, ordering a new shower curtain. Though I'm torn between the last one and this one. A+ Star Wars quote usage. This is what we call high art. This is way better than a stuffed dog, IMO. I'm so glad she cleared that up. Well, at least they were honest. If you can't read the above, it says:The application encountered an unexpected error. To help us identify the problem, please describe what you were doing when the error a taco It takes a rocket scientist to make a joke this sophisticated. it really *that* urgent? It's never too late to enjoy a gift! I'm glad I now know the technical term! I don't know if Jesus would approve of this. I understood that reference! This employee was just following instructions! mojito is fine, thanks. This kid's going places. Venting is an important skill to learn. So is spelling, but we'll let that slide. As someone who used to work retail, I hate customers as a rule. But this guy's alright in my books. This parent is raising their kids right. Seems appropriate. Jim Halpert, is that you? I've always wondered what they meant by "trick" in "trick or treat," and now I know. I feel like a 14-year-old boy for laughing at this, but here we are. Same with this. Batman??? Is that you??? Nailed it. I also see a floating pair of pants??? Oh look, a store made for you! This is just dumb enough to be funny. You're Every day, I, too, mourn Mountain Dew's place in my life. Makes perfect sense to me! Well, of course! It's got to be anatomically correct! This might be the best Halloween decor I've ever seen. That's an interesting detour... Classic mistake! ...No, thanks. And finally, way to make the best out of a bad situation!
