Pepsi leads Coca-Cola

For the first time in its 112 years, PepsiCo has overtaken Coca-Cola in terms of value, after the company enjoyed a 14% rise in its share price in 2005.

For the first time in its 112 years, PepsiCo has overtaken Coca-Cola in terms of value, after the company enjoyed a 14% rise in its share price in 2005. The rise pushed PepsiCo’s stock value to a record high of more than US$98.4 billion in December.

Analysts say the success is due to the diversification of the company beyond sugary soft drinks as consumers continue to turn to healthier beverages. The company owns brands such as Tropicana juices, Gatorade sports drinks and Aquafina bottled water.

Coca-cola, in contrast, continues to struggle (see facing page) and shares have dropped 1.2% depressing the company’s value to US$97.9bn.