Key Takeaways PEP's PBNA unit posts a 2% organic revenue growth in Q3 2025 on improving volumes and strength across brands.PEP saw gains from Pepsi Zero Sugar and Mountain Dew, with Baja Blast on pace to surpass $1B in retail sales.PBNA is expanding into protein beverages like Muscle Milk, while margins rebound as tariff pressures ease.PepsiCo, Inc.’s (PEP) Beverages North America (“PBNA”) business remains a central pillar of its long-term growth strategy. In the third quarter of 2025, the PBNA segment deli ...

Industry Overview - Energy drink companies manufacture beverages designed to enhance energy, focus, and endurance, including clean-label, low-sugar, and plant-based options, as well as traditional energy drinks and functional wellness beverages [1] - Key industry trends include rising health consciousness, increasing demand for low- or no-sugar options, and a growing overlap with sports nutrition and lifestyle wellness categories [1] Investment Opportunities - Despite challenges such as regulatory scrutiny, competition, and shifting consumer preferences, energy drink companies present compelling investment opportunities due to strong global brands, high profit margins, and a focus on innovation [2] - Two energy drink stocks with favorable Zacks Rank for 2026 are Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST) and PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), both expected to provide stability and steady returns [3] Company Performance: Monster Beverage Corp. - Monster Beverage has a Zacks Rank of 1 and is benefiting from the expanding energy drinks market and product launches, with sales in the Monster Energy Drinks segment growing 16% on a currency-adjusted basis in Q3 2025 [6][7] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 9.3% and an earnings growth rate of 12.8% for the next year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for next year's earnings improving by 4.7% over the last 30 days [7] Company Performance: PepsiCo Inc. - PepsiCo has a Zacks Rank of 2 and is experiencing strong international beverage revenue growth, particularly in markets like Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Thailand [10] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 3.3% and an earnings growth rate of 5.9% for the next year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for next year's earnings improving by 0.2% over the last 30 days [12] - PepsiCo's long-term strategy focuses on productivity through automation, standardization, and digital transformation to enhance efficiency and support margin expansion [11]

Core Insights - Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) has shown strong stock performance with a year-to-date gain of 17.85%, despite a slight decline of 1.38% since its peak on April 22 [3][4] - The company is expanding its global footprint, with significant investments such as over $1.4 billion in Argentina to enhance production and logistics [4] - Coca-Cola's diverse beverage portfolio, including non-carbonated drinks and recent acquisitions like Costa Coffee, has contributed to its competitive edge [5][13] Financial Performance - Coca-Cola reported Q3 earnings that exceeded analysts' expectations, with an adjusted EPS of 82 cents against a forecast of 78 cents, and revenue of $12.41 billion compared to expectations of $12.39 billion [6] - The company's revenue and net income have shown growth over the years, with projected revenues of $47.1 billion for 2024 and net income of $10.6 billion [10] Market Position and Strategy - Coca-Cola has a 40% market share in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, driven by its focus on high-growth brands and product innovation [10] - The company is leveraging digital technology and AI to enhance operational efficiency and consumer insights, which is expected to improve profitability [14] - Coca-Cola's strategy includes hyper-localization, catering to regional tastes, and expanding its direct-to-consumer channels [15][16] Future Outlook - Analysts predict a median one-year price target of $79.08 for Coca-Cola, indicating an upside potential of 8.50% from the current share price [20] - The company is expected to reach a stock price of $101.25 by 2030, representing a potential upside of 38.92% [21] - Continued investment in sustainability and advanced technologies is anticipated to drive future growth [21]

Core Insights - Wall Street continues its strong performance in 2025, but the consumer staples sector is lagging, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) down 1.7% year to date, the only sector in the S&P 500 Index in the red [1][2][8] Consumer Staples Sector Overview - The consumer staples sector is facing challenges due to rising living costs, which are impacting household budgets and leading to cautious consumer spending, resulting in margin compression [2] - Despite the overall sector's poor performance, five consumer staples stocks are highlighted for their potential to perform well in 2026: PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST), Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (LW), United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), and Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc. (OLLI) [3][8] Company-Specific Insights PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) - PepsiCo, with a Zacks Rank of 2, is benefiting from strong beverage performance in international markets, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, and Thailand [6] - The company is focused on localizing flavors, expanding price-pack options, and enhancing productivity through digital transformation, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 3.3% and 5.6% for next year [7][9] Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST) - Monster Beverage, ranked 1, is capitalizing on the expanding energy drinks market, with a 16% sales growth in its energy drinks segment in Q3 2025 [10][11] - The company has expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 9.3% and 12.8%, respectively, for next year, supported by improving margins and easing supply-chain pressures [11] Lamb Weston Holdings Inc. (LW) - Lamb Weston, also ranked 1, is driving growth through its "Focus to Win" strategy, emphasizing operational efficiency and innovation [12] - The company expects a 4.1% volume increase year over year in fiscal 2026, with revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.3% and -6.3% for the current year [13] United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) - United Natural Foods, ranked 1, is showing strong growth driven by demand for natural and organic products, with strategic initiatives enhancing efficiency and service quality [14][15] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 2.5% and over 100% earnings growth for the current year, with a significant 24.2% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [16] Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc. (OLLI) - Ollie's, with a Zacks Rank of 2, is leveraging a cost-effective business model and strategic investments to support growth, expecting a 16.3% revenue increase and 16.2% adjusted earnings per share improvement in fiscal 2025 [17][18] - The company plans to expand its store network significantly, aiming for over 1,300 stores, with a consistent CAGR of 9.5% from fiscal 2020 to fiscal 2024 [19][20]

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]