Weak alcohol sales dragged on Monster Beverage in Q1, part of a confluence of factors that saw net sales drop 2.3% during the quarter.

Investing.com -- Piper Sandler upgraded Monster Beverage (NASDAQ:MNST) to Overweight, raising its price target from $54 to $74 in a note Friday after what it calls “better visibility on sustainable top-line and margin momentum.” The firm said it had been “overly careful to ensure that the energy category’s inexplicable 2024 funk was in the rear-view,” but now sees “better momentum… clearly in hand.” Monster’s Q2 2025 revenue growth of 9.4% beat Piper Sandler’s estimates by roughly 2.5 percentage points, with U.S. sales growth returning to the low teens and July global shipments up more than 20%. The firm added that international expansion, now 41% of sales, is a drag on mix given lower margins, but Q2 2025 gross margin still came in at 55.7%, 120 basis points above expectations. Piper Sandler expects a “manageable” $23–$24 million tariff headwind in the second half, projecting a 55.0% margin in Q3, up 180 basis points year-over-year. July’s momentum was seen as especially strong, with Monster posting 24.3% global sales growth (+22.8% ex-FX) and U.S.-measured retail sales in its Monster Energy Drink segment rising 11.6% so far in Q3 versus 8.7% in Q2. Piper Sandler does not expect July’s pace to hold for the full quarter but acknowledges “upside to our prior estimates” for the second half. U.S. pricing action is expected in Q4 2025, with selective adjustments by package and channel and reduced promotions to offset aluminum costs. The firm models 3.5% pricing growth in Monster’s core segment, noting that previous increases had “benign” elasticity impacts. Piper Sandler has lifted its EPS forecasts to $2.01 for 2025 and $2.47 for 2026, applying a higher multiple, around 30x 2026 estimates, on confidence that Monster can maintain its growth trajectory. Before you buy stock in MNST, consider this: ProPicks AI are 6 easy-to-follow model portfolios created by Investing.com for building wealth by identifying winning stocks and letting them run. Over 150,000 paying members trust ProPicks to find new stocks to buy – driven by AI. The ProPicks AI algorithm has just identified the best stocks for investors to buy now. The stocks that made the cut could produce enormous returns in the coming years. Is MNST one of them?

Investing.com -- Stifel resumed coverage of Monster Beverage (NASDAQ:MNST) with a Buy rating and $72 price target, given the increased sales in the U.S. and strong international growth as key drivers for the energy drink maker. The firm expects Monster’s revenue to grow 5.5% in 2025, led by high-single-digit gains overseas and a rebound in the U.S. market helped by product innovation and steady distribution. Sales velocity, particularly in convenience stores, has picked up in recent weeks, which analysts said should support further gains this year. “We believe the improved velocities support an acceleration in dollar sales growth through 2025 and bodes well for distribution levels going forward,” the analysts wrote, adding that Monster’s recent innovations have contributed meaningfully to overall category growth. “We view this positively for the brands’ ability to compete against functional brands going forward.” International markets now make up about 40% of Monster’s revenue and are outpacing domestic growth, with the firm citing market share gains in key regions. Stifel sees overseas expansion as Monster’s most important long-term opportunity, noting the company’s global share outside the U.S. still lags its domestic position. The firm’s $72 price target is based on a 26-times EV/EBITDA multiple using 2026 estimates, which Stifel said is justified by the company’s growth and margin profile. Monster shares are up around 6% so far this year, underperforming the broader consumer staples sector. Stifel also resumed coverage of Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:CELH) with a Buy rating, citing improving brand momentum and expected benefits from its recent Alani Nu acquisition. MNST: A Bull or Bear Market Play? Don't miss out on the next big opportunity! Stay ahead of the curve with ProPicks AI – 6 model portfolios fueled by AI stock picks with a stellar performance this year... In 2024 alone, ProPicks AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record. With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech Stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies. So if MNST is on your watchlist, it could be very wise to know whether or not it made the ProPicks AI lists.

Monster Beverage Stock Trades at All-Time High on Strong April Sales  Investopedia

Participants in Monster Beverage Corp.'s $213 million 401(k) plan advanced their proposed class action challenging the plan’s administrative fees and investment menu.