Summary of Celsius Holdings Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Celsius Holdings - **Industry**: Beverages, specifically energy drinks Key Points and Arguments Q3 Performance - Celsius reported a strong Q3 with **$200 million in EBITDA** and a **13% year-over-year growth rate** as per Circana data [2][4] - Alani Nu brand is projected to reach a **$1.2 billion run rate** by the end of Q3, capturing over **20% market share** in its category [4][34] Marketing and Promotions - The company emphasized the success of the **Live Fit Go campaign**, which has been a significant driver of growth since its launch in June [2][4] - Promotional activities included participation in **Amazon Prime Day** and various promotions at **Costco**, which contributed to revenue recognition timing discrepancies between Q2 and Q3 [3][4] Transition to PepsiCo - The transition of Alani Nu into the Pepsi system is underway, with expectations for a smooth integration [5][6] - Management indicated that the transition may not result in the typical large inventory fill due to cash management practices at large CPG companies [6][7] Market Dynamics - The energy drink category is experiencing healthy growth, with Celsius and Alani Nu attracting new consumers, particularly among females and those seeking sugar-free options [13][14][17] - The company anticipates continued growth in the energy drink sector, albeit at a more sustainable rate than the mid-teens growth seen recently [14] Competitive Landscape - Celsius is positioned as a leader in the female and sugar-free segments, with a strong brand identity that takes time to build [27][28] - The company acknowledges increased competition, particularly from Monster, which is launching a female-focused product [27][28] Future Outlook - The management is optimistic about Q4 and 2026, expecting improvements in gross margins and EBITDA as integration with Pepsi progresses [48][49] - The company plans to continue investing in marketing, with **23%-25% of revenue** allocated to sales and marketing in Q4 [50] Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy - Celsius announced a buyback program to address perceived undervaluation and is open to future M&A opportunities, particularly in vertical integration [54][55] - The company is also focusing on enhancing its manufacturing capabilities to drive efficiencies [56] Protein Product Opportunities - While the primary focus of the Alani Nu acquisition was energy drinks, there is potential for growth in the protein category, although no immediate plans are in place [57][59] International Expansion - Celsius aims to expand its international footprint, currently at about **5% international sales**, with plans to evaluate new markets [63][64] - The company is building a robust international team to support this growth [65] Conclusion - Celsius Holdings is positioned for continued growth in the energy drink market, with strong brand identities, a successful transition to Pepsi, and a focus on marketing and international expansion. The management remains optimistic about future performance despite current market challenges and competition.

Core Viewpoint - Celsius experienced a significant stock selloff, with shares dropping nearly 8% after a 25% decline the previous day, despite reporting strong third-quarter results. Analysts suggest that the selloff may be overdone, given the company's positive long-term growth outlook [2][6][8]. Financial Performance - For the third quarter, Celsius reported a total revenue increase of 173% year-over-year, with Alani Nu sales growing by 114% and Celsius brand retail sales up by 13% [5][6]. - The company's market share rose to 21%, up from 10% two years ago, indicating substantial growth in its retail presence [5]. Strategic Moves - Celsius has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Alani Nu in April and Rockstar Energy in August, enhancing its market position [4]. - The transition of Alani Nu's distribution to PepsiCo is set to begin in December, which may introduce short-term volatility in inventory and logistics costs [7][9]. Analyst Perspectives - Analysts from TD Cowen, Morgan Stanley, and Roth Capital view the current stock selloff as a temporary issue, with price targets set at $55, $64, and $70 respectively, indicating confidence in the company's long-term growth potential [9][10][12]. - Deutsche Bank's analyst noted that while there may be short-term distortions in inventory and shipment timing, consumption trends remain strong, suggesting a positive outlook for the brand [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record revenues, profits, gross profits, and EBITDA in the second quarter [3] - The energy category has stabilized and is now experiencing double-digit growth rates, with Celsius holding approximately a 10-11% market share [1][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition of Alani Nu, a female-focused brand, has been integrated into the Celsius portfolio, which is expected to enhance growth [2][3] - The partnership with PepsiCo allows Celsius to control planograms and optimize SKU placements, which is anticipated to drive efficiencies and revenue [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The energy drink category has seen a year-over-year growth of 17-18% in the last four weeks, with brands like Red Bull and Monster performing well [15] - The transition from coffee beverages to energy drinks is noted, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [16][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The long-term strategy focuses on strategic partnerships for distribution, particularly with PepsiCo, to enhance market presence and product placement [4][5] - The company aims to leverage its portfolio of brands (Celsius, Alani Nu, Rockstar) to target different consumer segments and maximize market opportunities [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the energy category's robustness and the company's ability to adapt to changing consumer behaviors [15][17] - The integration of Alani Nu and the acquisition of Rockstar are seen as pivotal for future growth, with expectations of enhanced distribution capabilities through PepsiCo [23][54] Other Important Information - The company is preparing for the largest convenience store show in the country, which will help set planograms for the upcoming year [27] - The partnership with PepsiCo includes a significant equity investment and an additional board seat, reflecting confidence in Celsius's growth potential [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does the agreement with Pepsi mean for Celsius' long-term strategy? - The agreement enhances distribution capabilities and allows for better product placement, which is critical in the competitive energy category [4] Question: How does the acquisition of Alani Nu change the ability to service energy consumers? - The acquisition allows for a total energy approach, targeting different consumer segments effectively [11] Question: What is the expected financial impact of the deal with PepsiCo? - The deal is expected to bring in approximately $250 million of incremental revenue and enhance operational efficiencies [54] Question: How is the transition of Alani Nu to PepsiCo being managed? - The transition is anticipated to be seamless, with a focus on communication and project management to mitigate disruptions [60][62] Question: What does success look like for Celsius in the next two to three years? - Success is defined by a strong portfolio presence in the energy category, aiming for continued growth and market share expansion [65]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses three stocks—Target, Celsius Holdings, and Freshpet—that have underperformed but may have potential for recovery in the near future, despite their current challenges [1][2][3]. Group 1: Target - Target's stock has decreased by 33% over the past year, attributed to negative store comps and declining net sales over two consecutive quarters [4][5]. - The stock's yield has risen to 4.6%, and the company has a history of increasing dividends for 53 consecutive years, with expectations for a potential hike soon [5][6]. - Target faces challenges in regaining customer trust due to political controversies that have alienated both conservative and liberal shoppers [8][9]. - The company has a payout ratio of less than 50% of its trailing earnings, indicating room for dividend increases while aiming for a turnaround [6][10]. Group 2: Celsius Holdings - Celsius Holdings has experienced a 42% decline in stock value over the past year, despite being one of the year's biggest market winners with over 60% growth [11]. - The company has seen significant revenue growth in previous years, but recent quarters have shown year-over-year declines [12]. - The acquisition of Alani Nu is expected to positively impact market share and revenue, with results anticipated to improve starting from the current quarter [13]. Group 3: Freshpet - Freshpet's stock has dropped by 39%, holding a 3.5% share of the dog food market but dominating the fresh or frozen pet food segment with 96% market share in brick-and-mortar retailers [14]. - The company has consistently achieved over 27% top-line growth for seven years, but it has revised its growth expectations down to 15% to 18% for the current year [15]. - Despite the decline, Freshpet's stock remains at a premium valuation, trading at three times sales and 37 times next year's earnings, indicating potential for recovery if growth resumes [16].

Celsius Holdings, Inc. and Elani Nu Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) - **Acquisition**: Successfully completed acquisition of Elani Nu, a premium energy drink supplement health nutrition company founded in 2018 [2][5] Industry Insights - **Energy Drink Market**: The energy drink category is projected to grow at approximately 10% CAGR from 2024 to 2029 [10] - **Consumer Trends**: There is a significant consumer shift towards premium functional beverage options that cater to health and wellness [9][10] Financial Highlights - **Elani Nu Performance**: - 2024 net revenues: approximately $605 million - Adjusted EBITDA margin for 2024: approximately 15% - Adjusted EBITDA dollars for 2024: approximately $88 million - Revenue CAGR from 2022 to 2024: approximately 49% [6] - **Combined Financials**: - Projected combined revenues for 2024: approximately $2 billion - Combined brands represent approximately 16% market share in the U.S. energy category [14] - Expected run rate cost synergies of $50 million over two years post-acquisition [11] Strategic Rationale - **Complementary Brands**: The acquisition enhances Celsius's position as an innovative leader in the energy drink category, combining two growing brands with clear category tailwinds [10][11] - **Target Demographics**: - Celsius targets a gender-neutral, performance-driven audience - Elani Nu focuses on female consumers aged 18-24, emphasizing health and wellness [15] Growth Opportunities - **Product Portfolio Expansion**: - Elani's product mix includes RTD energy drinks (83% of sales), protein shakes (6%), and other supplements [7] - Potential to expand into adjacent categories and new channels [17] - **Innovation and Marketing**: - Plans for flavor innovation and marketing initiatives to drive growth [31] - Seasonal limited-time offerings (LTOs) will be strategically timed to maximize market impact [46] Operational Insights - **Integration Plan**: - Full integration of Elani Nu into Celsius's supply chain expected over 24 months, with significant synergies anticipated [24] - Initial synergies projected to roll in by Q4 2025, with a run rate of approximately $4.2 million per month starting April 2026 [27] - **Financial Projections**: - Projected GAAP gross margin for combined businesses in 2025: high 40s percentage - Expected effective tax rate for 2025: approximately 25% to 26% [21][22] Risks and Considerations - **Market Volatility**: The company acknowledges risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements [3] - **LTO Timing**: The success of limited-time offerings can lead to fluctuations in sales data, complicating revenue recognition [19][35] Conclusion - Celsius Holdings is positioned to leverage the acquisition of Elani Nu to enhance its market share and capitalize on growing consumer trends towards health-focused energy drinks. The integration strategy and focus on innovation are expected to drive significant growth and profitability in the coming years.