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Investing.com -- Monster Beverage Corp (NASDAQ:MNST) reported first-quarter earnings and revenue that fell short of analyst expectations, sending shares down 3% in after-hours trading.
The energy drink maker posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.45, missing the consensus estimate of $0.46. Revenue came in at $1.85 billion, below analyst projections of $1.97 billion and down 2.3% YoY.
Monster cited several headwinds impacting sales, including bottler/distributor ordering patterns, adverse foreign exchange rates, decreased alcohol brand sales, and uncertain economic conditions. However, the company noted that consumer retail sales for its energy drinks accelerated in most markets during Q1.
"Despite these headwinds, net sales excluding the Alcohol Brands segment, on a foreign currency adjusted basis, increased 1.9% in the quarter," said Hilton H. Schlosberg, Vice Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer.
Gross profit margin improved to 56.5% from 54.1% last year, which the company attributed to pricing actions and supply chain optimization. Operating income rose 5.1% to $569.7 million.
International sales dipped 1.5% to $733.2 million but increased 6.2% on a foreign currency adjusted basis. They accounted for 40% of total net sales.
Looking ahead, Monster estimates that year-to-date gross billings through April 30, excluding alcohol brands, were up approximately 6.9% YoY on a currency adjusted basis.
"Growth opportunities in household penetration and per capita consumption, along with consumers’ growing demand for energy drinks, remain positive trends for the category," Schlosberg added.