Monster (MNST) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

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Date

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET

Call participants

• Co-Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman — Hilton H. Schlosberg
• President — Guy Carling
• Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development — Mark Astrachan

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Takeaways

• Net sales -- $2.13 billion for the quarter, up 17.6% year over year, marking the company's first fiscal fourth quarter above $2 billion (period ended Dec. 31, 2025).
• International sales mix -- Sales outside the United States represented 42% of total net sales, up from 39% in the prior year period.
• Monster Energy Drinks segment -- Net sales rose 18.9% to $1.99 billion; on a foreign currency adjusted basis, net sales increased 17.5%.
• Strategic brand segment -- Net sales increased 7.8% to $110 million; foreign currency adjusted net sales rose 4.7%.
• Alcohol brand segment -- Net sales fell 16.8% to $29 million.
• Gross profit margin -- 55.5%, compared to 55.3% last year, reflecting pricing actions, supply chain optimization, and mix, partially offset by increased can costs and geographic mix.
• Adjusted gross profit margin (ex-alcohol) -- 56.1% compared to 56% last year.
• Operating income -- Reached $542.6 million, a 42.3% increase from $381.2 million last year.
• Adjusted operating income -- Increased 16% to $617.6 million versus $532.2 million in the prior year.
• Effective tax rate -- 21%, down from 29.9% last year, due to higher stock-based compensation deductions, increased income in lower-tax jurisdictions, and release of valuation allowances.
• Diluted EPS -- Net income per diluted share increased 64.9% to $0.46; adjusted diluted EPS rose 30.4% to $0.51.
• U.S. and Canada sales -- Net sales grew by 13.3%; Monster Energy Ultra brand family grew 24%, and Monster Ultra White grew 32%.
• Full sugar portfolio -- Juice Monster grew 37%; Java Monster increased 7.8%, and all full sugar offerings rose 9.1%, accounting for most of the full sugar category's gains.
• International segment -- Net sales outside the U.S. were $903.3 million, up 26.9% in dollar terms (23.1% FX-neutral); EMEA sales grew 32.6% in dollars (25.9% FX-neutral).
• Asia Pacific segment -- Net sales rose 11.5% in dollars (13.9% FX-neutral), with Japan down 15.2%, South Korea down 26.5%, China up 78.9%, and India up 54.2%.
• Argentina -- Net sales decreased 39.5% (42.2% FX-neutral) due to a shift in operating model lowering price per case; volumes increased.
• Affordable energy portfolio -- Schlosberg stated, "the last count estimates for 2025, and I've never given this number before, but we'll give it now, were in the order of 100 million unit cases," reflecting growth in key markets including Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, India, and China.
• January 2026 sales trend -- Management estimated sales were up approximately 20.5% in dollar terms and 16.7% FX-neutral from January prior year; alcohol segment excluded, sales up approximately 21% in dollars and 70.1% FX-neutral.
• Gross margin by geography -- Margin expanded in all four geographic regions; EMEA gross profit margin reached 35.8% (up from 32.7%), Latin America 45.1% (up from 42.7%).
• G&A expenses -- General and administrative expenses were $332.1 million (15.6% of net sales) versus $350.3 million (19.3%) last year; included $12.9 million in higher performance compensation, $5.1 million in professional services for San Fernando facility startup, and $6.6 million in digital transformation costs.
• Innovation -- Schlosberg said, "Instead of previous years where we launched everything in the first couple of months, what Rob is doing," noting key launches for America 250 celebrations and ongoing product pipeline investment.
• Tariffs and aluminum costs -- Tariffs and the Midwest premium caused only a modest increase in costs; Schlosberg said, "we expect a further modest increase in our costs in at least the 2026 as compared to the 2025 fourth quarter."
• Stock repurchases -- No shares were repurchased in the quarter; $500 million capacity remains under the authorized program.
• Digital transformation -- The company is upgrading core enterprise systems, including implementing SAP S4HANA with a target go-live date of Jan. 1, 2028.

Summary

Monster Beverage (NASDAQ:MNST) delivered record quarterly net sales and significant profit growth, supported by both U.S. and international expansion. Management highlighted a mix shift toward higher-margin zero sugar and affordable offerings, with product innovation and retail execution contributing to results. The company's strategic partnership with The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO), ongoing digital transformation initiatives, and disciplined pricing actions drove favorable gross and operating margin progression. Market share gains were broad-based across regions, and management cited continued opportunities for geographic expansion, innovation rollout, and potential future pricing actions. Investors may note the absence of share buybacks during the quarter and incremental cost pressures anticipated from tariffs and aluminum premiums in the coming periods.

• Carling said, "For example, our Ultra range platform in the fourth quarter grew by 53% in Nielsen sales, headlined by Ultra White which grew at 59%," emphasizing exceptional growth of core existing SKUs in Europe.
• The Monster Energy sponsored McLaren Formula One team and Ducati MotoGP team each won world championships in the quarter, reinforcing brand visibility and marketing impact.
• Net sales in China and India surged, indicating effective market development and new bottling partnerships, with Schlosberg expressing optimism about long-term prospects in Asia Pacific.
• Inventory fluctuations impacted sales reporting in some markets, including South Korea and Mexico, where depletions exceeded shipments, affecting reported results for the period.

Industry glossary

• LTO (Limited Time Offer): A product introduced to market for a short, specified period, often used to drive trial and engagement.
• FX-neutral: Financial results adjusted to exclude the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, providing an accurate basis for comparison across periods.
• SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for each distinct product and packaging combination offered by a company.
• FSOP (Foodservice On Premise): Sales channel consisting of locations where products are consumed on site, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes.
• RGM (Revenue Growth Management): A set of strategies and tools to optimize pricing, promotion, and product assortment in order to maximize revenue and profitability.
• EMEA: Refers to the geographic region comprising Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Full Conference Call Transcript

Hilton Schlosberg: As you saw in the press release, these are new roles and responsibilities for Rob, Guy, and Emily, and I would like to congratulate each on their new position and for their contribution to Monster Beverage Corporation’s ongoing success. Mark Astrachan, our SVP of Investor Relations and Corporate Development, will now read our cautionary statement.

Mark Astrachan: Before we begin, I would like to remind listeners that certain statements made during this call may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are based on currently available information regarding the expectations of management with respect to revenues, profitability, future business, future events, financial performance, and trends. Management cautions that these statements are based on our current knowledge and expectations, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company, that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made during this call.

Please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on 02/28/2025 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, including the sections contained therein entitled “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements,” for discussion on specific risks and uncertainties that may affect our performance. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

I would also like to note that an explanation of the non-GAAP measures, which we refer to as adjusted where applicable, mentioned during the course of this call is provided in the notes in the condensed consolidated statements of income and other information attached to the earnings release dated 02/26/2026. A copy of this information is also available on our website www.monsterpepcorp.com in the financial information section. Please note that, like last quarter's, scanner data, which was previously provided on earnings calls, is included in the exhibit filed with our 8-Ks.

We point out that certain market statistics that cover single months or four-week periods may often be materially influenced, positively or negatively, by promotions or other trading factors during those periods. I would now like to hand the call over to Hilton Schlosberg.

Hilton Schlosberg: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us. We are pleased to report another quarter of strong financial results and cash generation with net sales crossing the $2,000,000,000 threshold for the first time in the company's history for a fiscal fourth quarter. We gained share in many of our global markets in the fourth quarter, reflecting the success of our core offerings as well as our product innovations. Now just giving you an energy drink category update, the global energy drink category remains healthy, with continued robust growth.

We believe household penetration continues to increase in the energy drink category driven by functionality and lifestyle positioning, diverse offerings that appeal to an increasingly broad and loyal consumer base, affordable value offerings in addition to premium offerings. We believe our portfolio of existing and planned energy drink offerings is well positioned to participate in the growing global energy drink category, appealing to a broad range of consumers across geographies, price points, lease states, and day parts. Innovation continues to be an important contributor to category growth, and we maintain a robust innovation pipeline.

Our business continues to be supported by robust marketing programs, impactful retail engagement, and our strong global partnership with The Coca-Cola Company and its global bottling partners. In United States, according to Nielsen, for the recently reported 13 period through 02/14/2026, sales in dollars in energy drink category, including energy shots, for all outfits combined, namely convenience, grocery, drug, mass merchandisers, increased by 12.9% versus the same period a year ago. In the MEA, the energy drink category according to Nielsen for our track markets for the recently reported 13 period, which differs from country to country, coincidentally also grew at 12.9% versus the same period last year, FX neutral.

In APAC, the energy drink category, according to Nielsen, Sucan, and InterH for our tracked channels for the recently reported thirteen week period, which differs from country to country, grew at 16.8% versus the same period last year, FX neutral. In LatAm, the energy drink category, according to Nielsen, for our track markets for the three months ended 12/31/2025, coincidently also grew at approximately 12.9% versus the same period last year, FX neutral. Our net sales to customers outside The United States were approximately 42% of total reported net sales in the 2025 fourth quarter compared to 39% in the same period last year. Turning to marketing.

Our marketing messaging continued to resonate globally as we built strong momentum through the fall and into winter, with marketing efforts focused on growing the core business and attracting new consumers. Highlights in the fourth quarter included the Monster Energy sponsored McLaren Formula One team winning the Constructors' Championship for the second year in a row, Lando Norris won his first driver's championship and Oscar Piastri finished third. Lando Norris Zero Sugar energy drink continued its momentum following its successful introduction in certain EMEA markets in the 2025 third quarter. 38 EMEA and OSP markets.

It was also well received as an LTO, which is a limited time offer, in selected US markets in the 2025 fourth quarter, with a full US rollout on track, no pun intended, for later in the 2026 first quarter. We continue to introduce this energy drink into new markets, including a recent successful launch in Australia, with New Zealand on schedule to launch in March. Our sponsorship of the Call of Duty gaming franchise continued to provide considerable exposure with 650,000,000 branded cans distributed in more than 40 markets globally, the 2025 fourth quarter. The Monster Energy sponsored Ducati team won the MotoGP World Championship, Marc Marquez won the Riders Championship. His race suit and bike featured Monster branding.

Other notable sponsorships in the fourth quarter include the UFC, the bull riding, and the Up and Up music tour in major cottages and universities featuring monster artists. The Monster Ultra brand family continued its strong performance enhanced by the viral social media surge of our flagship ultrawide and further benefited from our digital media campaign centered around zero sugar flavors on niche. Further enhancing the ultra family growth was a successful introduction of Ultra Wild Passion last fall in The United States. We are also excited to be participating in America two fifty celebration LTOs, Monster Energy Ultra red, white, and blue res, Juice Monster Strawberry Lemonade, and Bang American Berry. Turning to tariffs.

During the 2025, the impact of tariffs and the increase in the price of aluminum on our operating results was modest. In general, while our flavors and concentrates are manufactured both in The US and Ireland, at the present time, production of our finished products takes place locally in our respective markets. Despite the modest impact on our business in the fourth quarter, the tariff landscape continues to be complicated and dynamic. For instance, tariffs significantly impacted the Midwest premium for aluminum, which increased the cost of our aluminum cans. We also import some raw materials into The United States, export certain raw materials for local markets, and export limited quantities of finished goods.

Do not believe based on our business model that the current tariffs will have a material impact on the company's operating results. However, based on current aluminum pricing and the Midwest premium, we expect a further modest increase in our costs in at least the 2026 as compared to the 2025 fourth quarter. We will continue to recognize tariffs on aluminum through the higher Midwest premium, continue to implement hedging strategies across the business where possible. Turning to our Q4 2025 results. Net sales were $2,130,000,000 for the 2025 fourth quarter, a 17.6% higher than net sales of $1,810,000,000 in the 2024 fourth quarter. Net sales, excluding the alcohol brand segment, increased 18.3% in the 2025 fourth quarter.

The changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter of $27,700,000. Net sales on a foreign currency adjusted basis increased 16.1% in the 2025 fourth quarter. Net sales, excluding the alcohol brand segment, on a foreign currency adjusted basis, increased 16.7% in the 2025 fourth quarter. Excluding the alcohol brand segment from our reported results is purely illustrative as it remains part of our ongoing operations. Net sales for the company's Monster Energy Drinks segment increased 18.9% to $1,990,000,000 for the 2025 quarter from $1,670,000,000 for the 2024 fourth quarter. Net sales on a foreign currency adjusted basis for the Monster Energy Drinks segment increased 17.5% the 2025 fourth quarter.

Net sales for the company's strategic brand segment increased 7.8% to $110,000,000 for the 2025 fourth quarter, a $102,000,000 the 2024 fourth quarter. Net sales on a foreign currency adjusted basis for the strategic brand segment increased 4.7% in the 2025 fourth quarter. Net sales for the alcohol brand segment decreased 16.8% to $29,000,000 for the 2025 fourth quarter from $34,900,000 in the 2024 fourth quarter. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter was 55.5% compared with 55.3% in the 2024 fourth quarter. Adjusted gross profit as a percentage of net sales, excluding the alcohol brand segment, for the 2025 fourth quarter was 56.1% compared with 56% in the 2024 fourth quarter.

The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter is primarily the result of pricing actions, supply chain optimization, and product sales mix, partially offset by increased can costs and geographical sales mix. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased year on year in all four geographic regions in the 2025 fourth quarter. Distribution expenses for the 2025 fourth quarter were $88,900,000, or 4.2% of net sales, compared with $77,600,000, or 4.3% of net sales, in the 2024 fourth quarter. Selling expenses for the 2025 fourth quarter were $219,700,000, 10.3% of net sales, compared with a $193,400,000, 10.7% of net sales, in the 2024 fourth quarter.

General and administrative expenses for the 2025 fourth quarter were $332,100,000, or 15.6% of net sales, compared with $350,300,000, or 19.3% of net sales, the 2024 fourth quarter. Stock-based compensation was $39,000,000 for the 2025 fourth quarter compared with $22,200,000 the 2024 fourth quarter. The increase in stock-based compensation for the 2025 fourth quarter was primarily the result of a $12,900,000 increase in the estimated payout levels for performance-based incentive compensation awards. General and administrative expenses, including $51,200,000 a $130,700,000 of alcohol brand segment impairment charges for the 2025 and 2024 fourth quarters, respectively.

General and administrative expenses in the 2025 fourth quarter also included $5,100,000 of professional services expenses related to our new AFF send Fernando facility as well as $6,600,000 of expenses related to our digital transformation initiatives. We've launched a comprehensive digital transformation initiative in 2025 to modernize our enterprise platforms and strengthen end-to-end business capabilities across commercial operations and supply chain. As part of this effort, we are upgrading our enterprise resource planning system, including implementation of SAP S4HANA with a 10 goal update of 01/01/2028 to improve operational efficiency, scalability, and overall business management. Operating expenses for the 2025 fourth quarter $640,700,000 compared with $621,200,000 in the 2024 fourth quarter.

Adjusted operating expenses for the 2025 fourth quarter were $561,600,000 compared with $462,500,000 in the 2024 fourth quarter. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter were 30.1% compared with 34.3% in the 2024 fourth quarter. Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter were 26.7% compared with 26% in the 2024 fourth quarter. Operating income for the 2025 fourth quarter increased 42.3% to $542,600,000 from $381,200,000 in the 2024 comparative quarter. Adjusted operating income for the 2025 fourth quarter increased 16% to $617,600,000 from $532,200,000 in the 2024 fourth quarter. Effective tax rate for the 2025 fourth quarter was 21% compared to 29.9% in the 2024 fourth quarter.

The decrease in effective tax rate was primarily attributable to higher stock-based compensation deductions, higher income in lower tax jurisdictions, and the release of valuation allowances against certain foreign deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the 2024 fourth quarter included an adjustment to the 2024 full-year effective tax rate. Net income per diluted share for the 2025 fourth quarter increased 64.9% to 46¢ from 28¢ in the 2024. Adjusted net income per diluted share for the 2025 for the quarter increased 30.4% to 51¢ from 39¢ in the 2024. Turning now to The US and North America.

We had a strong finish to the year in The US and Canada with net sales increasing 13.3% in the 2025 fourth quarter compared to the 2024 fourth quarter. Our strong performance reflected healthy category growth, share gains, and disciplined execution across the organization. Our Zero Sugar portfolio remained a significant contributor to years growth led by Monster Energy Ultra. According to Nielsen, Ultra brand family grew 24% in the 2025 fourth quarter compared to the 2024 fourth quarter, with our flagship ultrawide energy drink growing 32% over the same period.

Based on Nielsen data, Monster's full sugar portfolio also delivered a meaningful contribution in its 2025 fourth quarter, representing more than one third of the company's total US gains and highlighting the depth of the portfolio. Growth was led by the Juice Monster family, which increased 37% compared to the prior year, the Java Monster, including Killer Brew, increasing 7.8% despite ongoing softness in the energy drink coffee category. In total, Monster's full sugar offerings grew 9.1% and accounted for the vast majority of full sugar category growth in the quarter. Innovation aided momentum through the 2025 Monster's fall innovation state delivered strong early velocities, rapid distribution expansion, and incremental volumes across channels.

These launches were supported by coordinated retail activation and marketing execution, helping drive trials, secure high visibility placements, and broaden household reach. The performance of late year innovation further demonstrated the brand's ability to refresh the portfolio whilst sustaining strength across core franchises. From December 2025 to December 2026, our innovation launch calendar is strategically staggered across our brand portfolio. These initiatives are designed to drive incremental consumption, expand distribution opportunities, and strengthen consumer engagement across channels. We remain focused on complementing our base business with impactful innovation, delivering the excitement today's consumers demand in the energy category while reinforcing our confidence. In sustained growth.

From a revenue growth management standpoint, pricing actions implemented on 11/01/2025 performed in line with expectations. The approach is targeted by channel and package analytics, driven. And designed to better align price architecture across channels. Early read through indicated limited volume sensitivity consistent with Monster's brand strength, and a favorable value proposition of energy drinks relative to other nonalcoholic ready-to-drink calories. Turning to sales internationally now. Net sales to customers outside The US increased 26.9% to $903,300,000, or approximately 42% of total net sales, in the 2025 fourth quarter, compared to $711,500,000, or approximately 39% of total net sales, the corresponding quarter in 2024.

Net sales to customers outside The United States on a foreign currency adjusted basis increased 23.1% to $875,600,000 the 2025 fourth quarter. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased in all three of our international regions, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, the 2025 fourth quarter as compared to the 2024 fourth quarter. Turning to EMEA. Our net sales in EMEA in the 2025 fourth quarter increased by 32.6% in dollars, and increased 25.9% on a currency neutral basis over the same period in 2024. Gross profit in this region as a percentage of net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter was 35.8%, versus 32.7% in the same period in 2024.

The quarter was driven by strong execution across markets, including accelerated cooler placements and space gains. Sales growth reflects contribution from both existing SKUs 2025 innovation with growth from across our monster affordable and strategic brand families, especially the Monster Energy Ultra and Juice Monster families. The energy drink category remains healthy, with Monster outperforming the category in many EMEA markets. Notably, the Monster Energy brand retained its position as the fastest growing FMCG brand by value and value growth in the 2025 fourth quarter and for the full year 2025 according to Nielsen in all major channels in CCEP's Western European markets.

Within EMEA, we're also seeing a continued growth of our affordable brands, Fury in Egypt and Predator in Kenya, Nigeria and Morocco, in fact, Predator and Fury combined to be the number one energy drink brand by value in major countries in Africa. Innovation continues to drive performance in the region, driven by Juiced Monster Rear Punch, Monster Energy Lando Norris Zero Sugar, and Monster Energy Ultra Strawberry Greens. In addition, we launched Bang in Spain with four SKUs in the fourth quarter, as an affordable proposition. Turning to Asia Pacific. Net sales in Asia Pacific in the 2025 fourth quarter increased 11.5% in dollars and 13.9% on a currency neutral basis over the same period in 2024.

A systems disruption our Japanese distributor negatively impacted APAC region sales. We believe this impact on our APAC region sales was approximately 6-7% in the 2025 fourth quarter. Operations have been back to normal since February the first. Gross profit in this region as a percentage of net sales for the 2025 fourth quarter was 41.4% versus 41.3% in the same period in 2024. Net sales Japan in 2025 fourth quarter decreased 15.2% in dollars and decreased 13.4% on a currency neutral basis which are negatively impacted by the aforementioned systems disruption at our distributor. We believe net sales in Japan would have increased by approximately 4% to 5% over the prior year quarter without the system disruption.

In sales in South Korea in the 2025 fourth quarter, decreased 26.5% in dollars and decreased 23% on a currency neutral basis as compared to the same quarter 2024. The decline was primarily a result of bottler inventory fluctuations as depletions increased in the quarter. We remain the market leader in Korea. Net sales in China in the 2025 fourth quarter increased 78.9% in dollars and increased 78.3% on a currency neutral basis as compared to the same quarter in 2024. Net sales in India in the 2025 full quarter increased 54.2% in dollars and increased 62.3% on a currency neutral basis as compared to the same quarter in 2024.

Also notable is our launch of Monster in Thailand in January which is exceeding expectations driven by positive rates of sales for both Monster Green and Ultra White. We remain optimistic about the long term prospects for our brands, in Asia Pacific and the expansion of our affordable brands in China and India. In Oceana, which includes Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and Guam, net sales increased 35.5% in dollars and increased 38.9% on a currency neutral basis. Turning now to Latin America and The Caribbean.

It shows in Latin America, including Mexico and The Caribbean, in the 2025 fourth quarter, increased 90.8% in dollars and increased 15.1% on a currency neutral basis over the same period in 2024. Gross profit in this region as a percentage of net sales was 45.1% for the 2025 fourth quarter, versus 42.7% the 2024 fourth quarter. Net sales in Brazil in the fourth quarter increased 27.1% in dollars and increased 21.2% on a currency neutral basis. Notably, we ended 2025 with solid momentum, achieving record high market shares in November and December. Net sales in Mexico increased 11.7% in dollars and increased 3.8% on a currency neutral basis the 2025 fourth quarter.

In sales in the quarter, we impact by inventory fluctuations as depletions far exceeded our shipments in Mexico. This dynamic was further supported by Nielsen's scanner data that showed growth compared to the prior year of 20.3% for Monster and 28.9% for Predator for the three months ended December 2025. It sells in Chile in the 2025 fourth quarter, increased 61.4% in dollars and 61.3% on a currency neutral basis. Its sales in Argentina in the 2025 fourth quarter decreased 39.5% in dollars and 42.2% on the current neutral basis.

The net sales decrease in Argentina was due to lower price per case revenue, driven by change to operating model implemented late in the 2025 to better manage our foreign currency exposure. Submit to last quarter, while revenues declined, volumes increased in Argentina in the quarter. Turning to Monster Brewing. Net sales for the alcohol brand segment was $29,000,000 in the 2025 fourth quarter, a decrease of approximately $5,900,000 or 16.8% lower than the 2024 comparable quarter. Our recently launched hard lemonade line, Blind Lemon, and Blind Lemon continues its national rollout. The first sub line of The Beast, Beast Perfect 10, began shipping in the 2026 first quarter.

A new national beer stand double and a spirit based ready to drink just five. Are among the planned innovations for 2026. Additional seasonal craft beer offerings are planned in 2026. Turning to our share repurchase program. During the 2025 fourth quarter, no shares of the company’s common stock were repurchased against our repurchase program. As of 02/25/2026 approximately $500,000,000 remained available for repurchase under the previously authorized repurchase program. Turning to January 2026 sales, we estimate that January 2026 sales on a nonforeign currency adjusted basis were approximately 20.5% higher than the comparable January 2025 sales and 21% higher on a nonforeign currency adjusted basis excluding the alcohol brand segment.

Estimate that on a foreign currency adjusted basis, January's 2026 sales were approximately 16.7% higher than comparable January 2025 sales and 70.1% higher on a foreign currency adjusted basis excluding the alcohol brand segment. January 2026 had one fewer selling day than January 2025. In this regard, we caution again that sales of the a short period are often disproportionately impacted by various factors such as, for example, selling days, days of the week in which holidays fall, timing of new product launches, the timing of price increases, promotions in retail stores, distributor incentives, as well as shifts in the timing of production. In some instances, our doctors are responsible for production determine their own production schedules.

This affects the dates on which we invoice such partners. Furthermore, our bottling and distribution partners maintain inventory levels according to own internal which they may alter from time to time for their own business reasons. We reiterate that sales over a short period, such as a single month, should not necessarily be imputed to regardless indicative of results for the full quarter. Or any future periods. In conclusion, I would like to summarize some recent positive points The energy drink category continues to grow globally and consumer demand as measured by scanner data remains strong. We believe that household penetration continues to increase in the energy drink category due to product functionality, and affordable value proposition and lifestyle positioning.

We are seeing increases in purchase frequencies, as well as usage occasions expanding across day parts. We gained share in many markets globally in the fourth quarter, as our core brands continue to grow were complemented by innovation. We continue to expand ourselves in non Nielsen track channels, with an objective to expand our FSOP foodservice on premise business We're excited about our innovation pipeline for 2026 and beyond. We continue to view opportunities for price increases, both domestic and internationally. Gross margins expanded in all four geographic regions compared to the prior year period.

We are continuing our digital transformation in order to modernize our enterprise platforms and strengthen end to end business capabilities across commercial, operations and supply chain, including upgrade to SAP S4HANA with a planned go live date to 01/01/2028. I would now like to open the floor to questions about the quarter.

Operator: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then 1 on your touch-tone phone. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing the keys. In the interest of time, please limit yourself to one single question. We will now pause momentarily to assemble our roster. The first question will come from Dara Mohsenian with Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.

Dara Mohsenian: Hey. Good afternoon. Just wanted to touch on your market share gains internationally. Really accelerated in recent periods. Obviously, you've consistently gained share internationally over a long period of time, but just was more focused on what you think has driven the recent acceleration and how sustainable that is. And then also within that, maybe you can touch on the affordable energy strategy and how that's performing in emerging markets in terms of incrementality for the category and driving category development? Thanks.

Hilton Schlosberg: Well, Dara, good afternoon. Let me talk a little bit about the affordable energy category, and then we're fortunate we have Guy Carling here who'll be able to talk quite succinctly about what's happening with market shares internationally. So, you know, if you look at the affordable energy category, it's a way of positioning energy drinks to markets where the affordability of Monster is somewhat out of reach. And we've always wanted to establish Monster as our lead brand that is at a particular price point, and we've never wanted to take that down to, you know, where the affordable category should be. So the affordable business for us is growing.

You know, the last count estimates for 2025, and I've never given this number before, but we'll give it now, were in the order of a 100,000,000 unit cases. So it's it's it's a business that's growing, and we’re excited to have it as part of our of our portfolio. Also, it's important to understand that most of the world's population now lives in emerging developing markets, so, you know, it's a really big opportunity for us. And in key markets for affordable are Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, India, China. And we have affordable in a lot of other countries, but those really are our lead markets for affordable energy.

I'm just gonna pass the call now to Guy who'll talk about market shares internationally.

Guy Carling: Thank you, Hilton. The category has seen a strong double digit growth internationally, I think, across the world. People are attracted to the category by the strong value proposition and the multi occasion usage across multiple age groups. Twenty-five percent of category consumers are new to the category in the last twelve months, coming from a wide range of categories. Monster’s been able to outperform the category. We've seen growth from both innovation and existing SKUs. In Europe, two thirds of our growth is coming from the existing business and a third from innovation, whereas the rest of the category has been much more dependent on innovation.

For example, our Ultra range platform in the fourth quarter grew by 53% in Nielsen sales, headlined by Ultra White which grew at 59%. So the existing SKUs, especially zero sugar SKUs, are driving growth. And then innovation such as Lando Norris Zero Sugar grew usage with existing consumers but also, in itself, 25% of Lando sales were new to the category and 25% of Lando sales were new to consumers. So across multiple occasions, sugar and non sugar, innovation and existing SKUs, we're seeing growth ahead of the category.

Operator: The next question will come from Filippo Falorni with Citi. Please go ahead.

Filippo Falorni: Hi, good afternoon, everyone. Hilton, I'd love to get your perspective on the U.S. energy drink category for 2026. Obviously, phenomenal growth in 2025. Coming off a relatively easier base in '24. But, clearly, the momentum is continuing. As you mentioned, there are some long term drivers. And, you know, in terms of distribution gains, do you expect the category to continue to gain distribution space in 2026? And any order of magnitude you're expecting would be helpful. Thank you so much.

Hilton Schlosberg: Sure. You know, we don't give guidance, but what I can talk a little bit about is what are the key drivers behind where we are today and where we, you know, we really do expect to be going forward. You know, the energy drink business presents a value proposition to consumers. Relative to CSDs, relative to coffeehouse coffees, there really is value in the sale or the purchase of an energy drink by a consumer. In terms of pricing, plus there is a need. There's a functional need for energy. So there's there's a benefit. There's a functional need. It's a product that's there. It's available. And appeals to our consumer group. Increasing household penetration is another major factor.

Innovation which Guy touched on as well. And we spoke a little bit about it on the script earlier. The need state for energy what's also important is more dayparts. You're seeing energy consumed across the day, whereas historically, it was it was not that factor. So for Monster, pricing and innovation, I think, will remain very much a part of where we are going. You know? And FSOP, as I mentioned earlier, is a focus for 2026 as well. So overall, we’re excited about the opportunities that are open to us in the space.

And looking at, you know, space and space gains in stores, obviously, retailers allocate space to, you know, the brands that are selling, and they do so on a well measured and analytical basis. So the way this category is growing relative to other categories, I think, you know, we see that space will continue to grow. And merchants will give the consumer what they want. And there's also an opportunity to gain space from alcohol, which is underperforming, and other products in the beverage category, which are also underperforming. And what we've always said, I sort of wanna stress that space for innovation, we always see that as incremental.

We never wanna take from our existing space for our innovation SKUs.

Operator: The next question will come from Matthew Smith with Stifel. Please go ahead.

Matthew Smith: Hi. Good afternoon. Wanted to focus on the margin performance in the quarter. You expanded gross margin across regions, but also called out pressure from tariffs and inflation. Can you just help clarify some of the prepared remarks on margin progression? And also on G&A, that's one area where you saw some deleverage despite the strong top line performance. You listed a couple of specific items in the prepared remarks, but can you provide a little more detail on G&A and the progress from here? Are some of the investment areas ongoing or more onetime in nature? Thank you.

Hilton Schlosberg: Okay. Good question. So, yeah, just talking about margin in the quarter, what we normally see, and this quarter was no different, is that the increase in our gross profit margins was primarily the result of pricing actions, supply chain optimization, and product sales mix as we develop and sell a larger proportion of zero sugar SKUs. On the other hand, we have these aluminum can costs largely driven by the aluminum pricing and the Midwest premium. And then, again, we also have this geographical sales mix as we sell more product overseas. I mean, it's no secret—you guys know what our margins are internationally versus what they are in The US.

Also, my comment normally is we don't bank gross profit percentages. We bank gross profit dollars. And, you know, I wanna go back to that as well. So the impact in the quarter on the tariffs and the increase in the LME, and the similar premiums that you have in other parts of the world, including the Rotterdam premium, was modest. And, you know, I'm not gonna give a specific number, but it was largely offset by the increase that we achieved in our selling price. Going forward, as I mentioned on previous calls, we have an active hedging program and we'll continue to process aluminum with our hedging program.

Whenever I talk about our business, I’m talking net of hedging program. If you look at what happened in the fourth quarter, it's actually quite interesting. From Q4 to Q5, the LME increased by, including Midwest premium, in excess of 50%. So those are the percentage numbers that you're dealing with. And we expect that they'll continue to increase going forward into 2026. I think Q1 will probably be a little bit higher than what we saw in this quarter. And Q2 will be a little bit higher than that. And then we start overlapping and, you know, the rest of the year is overlapping on high aluminum prices in 2025.

So, you know, I see some impact in Q1, but after that, it will just lap in Q2, previous increases in aluminum. On G&A, we mentioned in the script a couple of things. We said that we had this $12,900,000 increase in estimated payout levels for performance-based incentive compensation, we spoke about the professional services expenses relating to the start up of a new AFF San Fernando facility which we booked in the fourth quarter, as well as $6,600,000 of expenses related to our digital transformation initiatives. As we go forward on the digital transformation initiatives, some of them will be capitalized, of course, but there will be a chunk in G&A.

So if you take those numbers into consideration and you adjust the G&A numbers that are in our release and in the script, and you'll see in the 10-K, you’ll see that the leverage—G&A as a percentage of sales—is actually coming down rather than going up, as you possibly suggested.

Operator: The next question will come from Bonnie Herzog with Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead.

Bonnie Herzog: Alright. Thank you. Hi. I had a quick follow-up question on the cost portion. Would you consider further pricing actions to offset the cost pressures? Then I did have a couple of questions on innovation. First, maybe, Hilton, can you give us a sense of the phasing of your innovation this year? Is it more first half versus second half weighted? Or is it more balanced throughout the year? And then maybe talk to us a little bit about the repeat purchase rates that you've been seeing in some of the recent rollouts. Thanks.

Hilton Schlosberg: Okay. So, you know, what I said in the script, I'll say it again: we continue to review opportunities for price increases, both domestically and internationally. It's something that's very much in our minds. And if we think there's an opportunity then it's something that we certainly will consider. As I've said also in previous calls, we run our own playbook and we decide what's right for us and what's right for the company, what's right for distributors and our consumers, and act accordingly. RGM plays a very big role in our pricing decisions, and you saw what happened with the price increase that we put into effect on November 1.

We’re actually pleased with the way that went, and as I said in the script, it really went according to plan and we didn't really see a fall in volumes. Turning to your question on innovation, this year we will be staggering innovation across at least the first half of the year for the ones that have already been announced. Then there will be some fall innovation which we haven't announced yet. Instead of previous years where we launched everything in the first couple of months, what Rob is doing this year is a more definitive approach where we’re staggering our innovation.

Then, of course, we have the America 250 innovation, which is at selected retailers right now, but will open up to coincide with those celebrations. And we’ve seen good progress from innovation. That’s something we are monitoring, and we’re really excited with our innovation.

Operator: The next question will come from Carlos Laboy with HSBC. Please go ahead.

Carlos Laboy: Yes. Good afternoon, everyone. Hilton, can you please share with us perhaps some more detail on how it's going in India? You have a new bottler there. Can you also please shed some light on how you get the governing principles and the long range vision right with such an important new bottler, when you have a new bottling relationship, please. Thanks.

Hilton Schlosberg: Okay. Thanks, Carlos. You know, I'm really excited about India. I was there a couple of months ago, and we work very closely with the Coca-Cola team in Atlanta and with the Coca-Cola team in India and with the bottlers to really activate and accelerate our business in India. The new bottler is very excited to be part of the journey with us. I’ve met the chief executive on a number of occasions. They are very, very excited with the opportunity for Monster and Predator in India and for the ability to compete effectively with, you know, a famous competition that's in the blue can.

Operator: The next question will come from Andrea Teixeira with JPMorgan. Please go ahead.

Andrea Teixeira: Thank you. Hilton, I would like to perhaps go deeper in the margin question. I know you don't bank margins and you bank dollars. But just wondering how we should be thinking, given the hedges and what has been happening with the aluminum prices. And obviously, you had an expansion, which is remarkable. But just thinking ahead, how we should be embedding the international expansion, the low price energy, the mix geography effects would be very helpful. Thank you.

Hilton Schlosberg: You know, I think I spoke about aluminum that would have an impact on margin. I spoke a little bit about that earlier. So we do see some pressure in 2026, and so I'm not sure what else to add to that. Internationally, you've seen what's happened with our gross margin. We've been able to increase margin in each of the territories that we participated and reported on. There was a question earlier about affordable, and affordable also assists our gross margin. So it’s something that we’re really focused on internationally. As you know, we don't enjoy the same pricing that we have here in The US in many international markets. But we are focused on increasing margin.

And I think you saw a little bit of that this last quarter.

Operator: This concludes our question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Hilton Schlosberg for any closing remarks.

Hilton Schlosberg: On behalf of Monster Beverage Corporation, I would like to thank everyone for their interest in the company. We're confident in the strength of our brands, and the talent of the entire Monster family throughout the world. I'm excited to be working with them and thank them for their contributions. I'd also like to congratulate Rob, Emily, and Guy for their new positions and really look forward to working with them as we go forward into 2026 and beyond. We all believe in the company and our growth strategy, and we're committed to innovating, developing, and differentiating our brands and expanding the company both at home and abroad.

We're proud of our relationship with the Coca-Cola system and the opportunity this presents to us. We believe that we are well positioned in the beverage category and are optimistic about the future of our company. Thank you very much for your attendance.

Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.

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