MNST Q4 Earnings Miss, Robust Energy Drink Sales Boost Revenues

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation's fourth-quarter 2024 results showed adjusted earnings of 38 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 40 cents, and remaining flat year over year [2] - Net sales reached $1.81 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of$1.79 billion, with a year-over-year growth of 4.7% [2] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings missed expectations, while net sales grew, indicating a mixed financial performance [2] - The company faced a negative impact of $52.3 million from unfavorable currency translations, but net sales increased by 7.8$809.6 million, up 2.3% year over year, with gross margin expanding by 110 basis points to 55.3% [13] Segment Performance - Sales of Monster Energy drinks rose 4.5% to $1.67 billion, with a negative impact of$49 million from currency rates [10] - Strategic Brands segment saw an 11.1% increase in net sales to $102 million, with a currency-adjusted growth of 14.7$34.9 million due to soft sales volume [12] Market Trends - The energy drink category in the U.S. showed sustained growth, with increased household purchases and per-person consumption [5] - Internationally, net sales outside the U.S. rose 11.7% to $711.5 million, accounting for approximately 39.3$488.7 million, influenced by higher impairment charges and payroll expenses [14] - Selling expenses as a percentage of net sales rose to 10.7%, while distribution costs decreased to 4.3% [15] Financial Health - The company ended 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $1.5 billion and total stockholders' equity of$6 billion [16] - No share repurchases were made in the fourth quarter, with approximately $500 million available for buyback under the existing program [16]