Key Takeaways The sector is down 1.7% this year, yet five stocks are highlighted for potential 2026 performance.PEP, MNST, LW, UNFI and OLLI are supported by strategic initiatives, demand trends and operational gains.All five companies show improving earnings estimates, pointing to strengthening outlooks for next year.Wall Street has maintained its impressive run seen over the last two years in 2025 as well. However, the consumer staples sector has failed to participate in this year’s rally. Year to date, t ...

Core Insights - Monster Beverage reported $2.2 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 16.8% and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.1% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $0.56, compared to $0.40 a year ago, resulting in an EPS surprise of 16.67% over the consensus estimate of $0.48 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Geographic Revenue from outside the United States was $888.8 million, surpassing the estimated $879.35 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.9% [4] - Geographic Revenue from the U.S. and Canada reached $1.31 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.25 billion, with a year-over-year change of 11.6% [4] - Net Sales from Alcohol Brands were $33.01 million, slightly below the average estimate of $34.5 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 17% [4] - Net Sales from Strategic Brands totaled $130.5 million, exceeding the estimated $127.93 million, with a year-over-year increase of 15.9% [4] - Net Sales from Monster Energy Drinks amounted to $2.03 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $1.91 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 17.7% [4] - Net Sales from Other categories were $6.79 million, exceeding the estimated $6.26 million, with a year-over-year increase of 14.4% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Monster Beverage have returned -3.9%, compared to a -0.2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $2 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, showcasing its strong brand and marketing capabilities [1][10] - The energy drink market continues to expand globally, positioning Monster Beverage to capture further growth through innovation, international expansion, and strategic partnerships [1][5] Global Reach - Over 40% of Monster Beverage's sales are generated outside the United States, with notable growth in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions [2][10] - The company offers both premium and affordable energy drink options, appealing to a diverse consumer base across different geographies [2] Innovation - The Ultra brand family has become a billion-dollar franchise, with new product launches like Ultra Wild Passion and Lando Norris Zero Sugar aimed at maintaining consumer interest [3] - Monster Beverage is diversifying its product offerings with unique flavors, limited editions, and sugar-free options, as well as exploring new categories such as alcoholic beverages and functional drinks [3] Marketing Strategy - The company excels in marketing through sponsorships of global events like Formula 1 and UFC, creating a strong lifestyle connection with younger audiences [4] - Recent successful campaigns, particularly around Zero Ultra, demonstrate how Monster Beverage effectively utilizes social media to enhance brand visibility [4] Future Outlook - Monster Beverage's ability to maintain its market leadership will depend on balancing growth with profitability, managing tariffs, optimizing supply chains, and implementing selective price adjustments [5] - With a robust innovation pipeline and effective marketing strategies, the company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of energy drink growth globally [5] Competitive Landscape - Coca-Cola Company is leveraging global expansion and innovation, with a broader strategy that includes energy drinks among other beverage categories [6] - PepsiCo's strength lies in its diversification across beverages and snacks, allowing it to fund innovation in energy drinks while maintaining a balanced portfolio [8][9] - Keurig Dr Pepper is focusing on coffee, sodas, and energy drinks, aiming for growth through innovation and affordability, although it has less global reach compared to larger competitors [11][12]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation is recognized as one of the best bear market stocks due to its strong performance and market position [2] Financial Performance - The company reported record Q2 fiscal 2025 net sales of $2.11 billion, surpassing the $2 billion mark for the first time and exceeding analyst expectations [2] - The Monster Energy Drinks segment contributed significantly with an 11.2% year-over-year increase, reaching $1.94 billion [2] - Domestic sales grew by 7% to $1.3 billion, while international sales in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa surged by 20% to $474 million [3] Growth Drivers - Global expansion remains a key growth driver for the company, supported by strong demand and effective product innovation [3] - The company continues to prioritize product innovation, launching new affordable energy brands such as Predator and Fury [4] Challenges - The Alcohol Brands segment experienced an 8.6% sales decline, which partially offset gains from energy drinks [4] - Higher costs and pricing dynamics have put some pressure on margins [3] Leadership - Leadership continuity is maintained under CEO Hilton H. Schlosberg, who has guided the company through growth opportunities and cost challenges since June 2025 [5]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage reported revenue of $2.11 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting an 11.1% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +1.35% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.08 billion [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $0.52, up from $0.41 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +8.33% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.48 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Geographic Revenue from outside the United States was $864.2 million, exceeding the average estimate of $837.91 million, with a year-over-year increase of +23% [4] - Geographic Revenue from the U.S. and Canada reached $1.3 billion, slightly above the estimated $1.28 billion, marking an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year [4] - Net Sales from Alcohol Brands were $37.97 million, slightly below the average estimate of $38.15 million, showing a year-over-year decline of -8.6% [4] - Net Sales from Strategic Brands amounted to $129.89 million, surpassing the estimated $124.89 million, with an 18.9% increase year-over-year [4] - Net Sales from Monster Energy Drinks were $1.94 billion, exceeding the estimated $1.85 billion, reflecting an 11.2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [4] - Net Sales from Other categories were $6.41 million, below the average estimate of $7.25 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -8.5% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Monster Beverage shares have returned +2.8%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.9% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record net sales of $2,110,000,000 for the second quarter, marking an 11.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [5][12] - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 55.7% from 53.6% year-over-year, driven by pricing actions and lower input costs [15] - Net income for the second quarter rose 14.9% to $488,800,000, with earnings per diluted share increasing 21.1% to $0.50 [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the Monster Energy Drinks segment increased 11.2% to $1,940,000,000, while the Strategic Brands segment saw an 18.9% increase to $129,900,000 [13][14] - The Alcohol Brands segment experienced an 8.6% decline in net sales to $38,000,000 [15][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., the energy drink category grew by 13.2%, with Monster Energy Ultra family being a significant contributor [7][20] - EMEA region net sales increased by 26.8% in dollars and 23.7% on a currency-neutral basis [24] - Asia Pacific net sales rose 11.6% in dollars and on a currency-neutral basis [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and expanding its product offerings, including the introduction of new flavors and strategic brand launches [9][22] - The company plans to implement selective price adjustments in the U.S. market, aiming to optimize trade spend [22] - The company is leveraging its relationship with Coca-Cola bottlers to enhance distribution and market presence [68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the energy drink category's growth, citing increased household penetration and consumer demand for functional beverages [36][56] - The company anticipates modest tariff pressures but believes that planned price increases will help mitigate these impacts [42][43] Other Important Information - The company has a robust innovation pipeline and is excited about upcoming product launches, including new flavors and collaborations [9][55] - The company reported no share repurchases during the quarter, with approximately $500,000,000 remaining available for repurchase under the authorized program [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the sustainability of gross margin performance and the impact of tariffs? - Management indicated that pricing increases will depend on packaging and channel, with modest tariff pressures expected in Q3 [41][42] Question: What is the status of supply chain optimization efforts? - The company has achieved a good balance between its own production and co-packing, aiming for the lowest delivered price to customers [46][47] Question: Is there any pull forward in sales ahead of pricing discussions? - Management noted that all regions are experiencing growth, driven by competitive pricing and consumer demand for functionality [54][55] Question: Can you elaborate on the visual identity changes for the Ultra line? - The company is establishing a separate identity for the Ultra line with new coolers and promotional strategies to enhance visibility [64][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record net sales of $2,110,000,000 for the second quarter of 2025, marking an 11.1% increase compared to $1,900,000,000 in the same quarter of 2024 [5][11] - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 55.7% from 53.6% year-over-year, driven by pricing actions and supply chain optimization [13] - Net income rose by 14.9% to $488,800,000 from $425,400,000 in the previous year [16] - Earnings per diluted share increased by 21.1% to $0.50 from $0.41 in the prior year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the Monster Energy Drinks segment increased by 11.2% to $1,940,000,000 [12] - The Strategic Brands segment saw a significant increase of 18.9% to $129,900,000 [12] - The Alcohol Brands segment experienced a decline of 8.6% to $38,000,000 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., the energy drink category grew by 13.2% year-over-year, with Monster Energy Ultra family being a key driver [6][18] - EMEA markets reported a growth of approximately 15.4% in the energy drink category [7] - APAC markets saw a growth of 20.9% in the energy drink category [7] - Net sales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 41% of total net sales, up from 39% in the previous year [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on innovation and expanding its product offerings, including the introduction of new flavors and products [8][20] - Strategic partnerships, such as with the Coca-Cola bottling system, are emphasized for growth [65] - The company plans to implement selective price adjustments and reduce promotional allowances in the U.S. [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the energy drink category's growth potential, citing increasing household penetration and consumer demand for energy [34][35] - The company remains optimistic about its innovation pipeline and market positioning despite potential tariff pressures [41][54] - Management noted that the energy drink category is becoming more competitive with traditional soft drinks, which is favorable for future growth [48] Other Important Information - The company is planning to launch several new products in the fall, including full sugar flavors and new strategic brands [20][25] - The impact of tariffs on operating results is currently deemed immaterial, but management is monitoring the situation closely [10][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of gross margin performance and pricing adjustments - Management indicated that pricing adjustments will depend on packaging and channel, with modest tariff pressures expected [40][41] Question: Supply chain optimization and category strength - Management highlighted a balanced co-packing model and noted strong sales trends across all regions, driven by innovation and competitive pricing [46][48] Question: Drivers of lower price per case - Management attributed the lower price per case to geographic and product mix, with a significant portion of sales coming from international markets and affordable brands [57][59] Question: Visual identity changes for the Ultra line - Management explained that the new visual identity aims to enhance merchandising and visibility for the Ultra line, which has been performing well [61][62]

Core Insights - Evolving consumer lifestyles are driving demand for energy drinks, positioning Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) to capitalize on market trends through strategic acquisitions, product innovations, digital marketing, and global expansion [1][9] Company Developments - The acquisition of Alani Nu, completed in April, is expected to enhance Celsius's position in the modern energy category, contributing to approximately 20% of the overall energy drink category dollar growth in Q1 2025 [2] - Celsius is diversifying its product offerings beyond traditional canned drinks with innovations such as Celsius Essentials and CELSIUS Hydration powder sticks, which help maintain consumer engagement [3][9] - The "LIVE FIT" campaign aims to tap into lifestyle-driven trends, promoting energy drinks that support a balanced lifestyle and targeting the female consumer segment to drive future growth [4] Competitive Landscape - Celsius faces competition from PepsiCo and Monster Beverage, both of which are adapting their product portfolios to meet evolving consumer preferences [5][6][7] - PepsiCo is focusing on zero-sugar offerings and functional hydration products, while Monster Beverage continues to see growth in the energy drink market, with a 2.2% increase in sales in Q1 2025 [6][7] Financial Performance - Celsius shares have increased by 65% year-to-date, contrasting with a 3.3% decline in the industry [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 43.99X, significantly higher than the industry average of 16.13X [10] - Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings per share (EPS) growth of 17.1% for 2025 and 41.5% for 2026, with recent upward revisions in EPS estimates [11]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage reported $1.85 billion in revenue for Q1 2025, a year-over-year decline of 2.4% and a surprise of -6.40% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.98 billion [1] - The EPS for the same period was $0.47, an increase from $0.42 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of +2.17% against the consensus estimate of $0.46 [1] Revenue Breakdown - Net Sales from Alcohol Brands were $34.70 million, significantly below the estimated $50.18 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -38.1% [4] - Net Sales from Strategic Brands totaled $98.33 million, compared to the estimated $101.81 million, marking a year-over-year decrease of -9.3% [4] - Net Sales from Monster Energy Drinks reached $1.72 billion, slightly below the $1.80 billion estimate, with a year-over-year change of -0.8% [4] - Net Sales from Other categories were $5.98 million, slightly above the estimated $5.95 million, showing a year-over-year increase of +8% [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Monster Beverage shares returned +4.1%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +13.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results on May 8, with anticipated revenue and earnings growth [1] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $1.98 billion, reflecting a growth of 4.3% year-over-year [2] - The consensus estimate for earnings is 46 cents per share, indicating a rise of 9.5% from the previous year [2] - The consensus estimates have remained stable over the past 30 days [2] Performance Drivers - The quarterly performance is likely to benefit from strong demand in the energy drinks category, with net sales in this segment estimated at $1.8 billion, showing nearly 4% year-over-year growth [3] - The company is focusing on expanding its distribution network internationally, with net sales outside the U.S. estimated at $730 million, indicating a year-over-year rise of 5.3% [4] - Pricing actions, lower input costs, and improved cost efficiencies are expected to enhance margins [4] Challenges - The company faces high operating expenses due to increased costs related to sponsorships, endorsements, and payroll [5] - Adverse currency rates continue to pose challenges for the company [5] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Monster Beverage, with an Earnings ESP of -1.02% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [6] Valuation Metrics - Monster Beverage stock is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 31.38x, above the industry average of 18.73x and its median of 28.08x [7] - The stock has gained 11.3% over the past six months, compared to the industry's growth of 3.1% [7]