TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
I am pleased to report that 2018 represented our 26th consecutive record year of increased gross sales.
Net sales rose to $3.8 billion in 2018 from $3.4 billion in 2017. Gross sales rose to $4.4 billion in 2018 from
$3.9 billion in 2017. We continue to innovate in the energy drink category and following successful launches
earlier this year, we anticipate future introductions of new and exciting beverages and packaging. In particular,
in March 2019, we successfully launched Reign Total Body Fuel™, our new line of performance energy
drinks.
In 2018 and 2019, we continued to transition a number of domestic and international geographies to the system
bottlers of The Coca-Cola Company.
Our Monster Energy® drinks are now sold in approximately 142 countries and territories globally and our
Strategic Brands, comprised of various energy drink brands we acquired from The Coca-Cola Company in
2015, are now sold in approximately 96 countries and territories globally. One or more of our energy drinks
are now distributed in approximately 155 countries and territories worldwide.
Our Monster Energy® brand participates in the premium segment of the energy drink category in numerous
countries as do our Strategic Brands. Our affordable energy brand, notably Predator®, participates in the
affordable segment of the energy drink category internationally.
Norman C. Epstein, Harold C. Taber, Jr. and Kathy N. Waller are retiring from the Board of Directors effective
as of the 2019 Annual Meeting and are not standing for re-election. Mr. Epstein and Mr. Taber have both
served on the Board of Directors since 1992, and Ms. Waller has served on the Board of Directors since 2015.
We thank them for their dedicated service and valuable contributions to the company. In addition to the seven
directors standing for re-election, the Board of Directors has nominated three accomplished individuals:
Kathleen E. Ciaramello, Jeanne P. Jackson and Steven G. Pizula, refreshing our Board of Directors with new
perspectives and ideas.
I would like to express my gratitude for the support and leadership shown by Mr. Hilton Schlosberg, our
President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and would also like to express my gratitude
for the direction and guidance provided by our senior management team.
My personal thanks to our consumers, customers, bottlers and distribution partners as well as our suppliers for
their continued support. To our management and employees, my sincere thanks and appreciation for all of your
efforts, which are evidenced by our continued success. To our stockholders, thank you for the trust you have
placed in our management team. We have an exciting road ahead of us and look forward to enhancing our
future performance.
Sincerely,
Rodney C. Sacks
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
1
2
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
[ X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission File Number 001-18761
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
47-1809393
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1 Monster Way
Corona, California 92879
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (951) 739 - 6200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $0.005 par value per share
Name of each exchange on which registered
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No
3
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated
filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended
transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of
the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.).
Yes No
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was
$28,771,940,302 computed by reference to the closing sale price for such stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on
June 30, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.005 par value per share (being the only class of common
stock of the registrant), outstanding on February 20, 2019 was 543,148,169 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed subsequent to the date hereof with the Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Report. Such Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission no later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
4
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Number
Page Number
Business
Risk Factors
1.
1A.
1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
2.
3.
Legal Proceedings
4. Mine Safety Disclosures
PART I
PART II
5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
6.
7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
8.
9.
9A.
9B. Other Information
PART III
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
15.
16.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Form 10-K Summary
Signatures
6
21
33
33
34
34
34
36
37
61
62
62
62
64
64
64
64
65
65
65
66
68
5
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
PART I
When this report uses the words “the Company”, “we”, “us” and “our”, these words refer to Monster
Beverage Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. Based in Corona, California,
Monster Beverage Corporation is a holding company and conducts no operating business, except through its
consolidated subsidiaries. The Company’s subsidiaries primarily develop and market energy drinks.
Overview
We develop, market, sell and distribute energy drink beverages and concentrates for energy drink
beverages, primarily under the following brand names:
Monster Energy®
Monster Energy Ultra®
Monster Rehab®
Monster MAXX®
Java Monster®
Muscle Monster®
Espresso Monster®
Punch Monster®
Juice Monster®
Monster Hydro®
Caffé Monster®
Predator®
Live+
Full Throttle®
NOS®
Burn®
Mother®
Nalu®
Ultra Energy®
Relentless®
BPM®
BU®
Gladiator®
Samurai®
Mutant®
Play® and Power Play(stylized)®
Our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which represented 91.7%, 90.1% and 90.1% of our net sales
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily include the following energy
drinks1:
Juice Monster® Khaos®
Juice Monster® Ripper®
Juice Monster® Pipeline Punch®
Juice Monster® Mango LocoTM
Juice Monster® Pacific PunchTM
Punch Monster® Baller’s Blend®
Monster Energy®
Lo-Carb Monster Energy®
Monster Assault®
Monster Energy Absolutely Zero®
Monster Cuba LibreTM
Monster Energy® Import
Monster Energy® Export
Monster Rehab® Tea + Lemonade + Energy
Monster Rehab® Raspberry Tea + Energy
Monster Rehab® Tea + Orangeade + Energy
Monster Rehab® Peach Tea + Energy
Monster Rehab® White Dragon Tea + Energy
Muscle Monster® Vanilla
6
Java Monster® Kona Blend
Java Monster® Loca Moca®
Java Monster® Mean Bean®
Java Monster® Vanilla Light
Java Monster® Irish Blend®
Java Monster® Salted Caramel
Java Monster® Swiss Chocolate
Monster MAXX® Super Dry
Monster MAXX® Eclipse
Monster MAXX® Solaris
Monster Energy® Fury®
M3(stylized)® Monster Energy® Super
Concentrate
Monster Energy Zero Ultra®
Monster Energy Ultra Blue®
Monster Energy Ultra Red®
Monster Energy Ultra Black®
Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise®
Monster Energy Ultra Citron®
Muscle Monster® Chocolate
Monster Hydro® Mean Green®
Monster Hydro® Manic Melon®
Monster Hydro® Tropical Thunder®
Monster Hydro® Purple Passion®
Monster Hydro® Blue Ice®
Monster Hydro® Zero Sugar®
Monster Energy® Gronk
Monster MuleTM
1Discontinued products have been omitted.
Industry Overview
Monster Energy Ultra Violet®
Monster Energy® Valentino Rossi
Monster Energy® Lewis Hamilton 44
Caffé Monster® Vanilla
Caffé Monster® Salted Caramel
Caffé Monster® Mocha
Espresso Monster® Espresso and
Cream
Espresso Monster® Vanilla Espresso
The “alternative” beverage category combines non-carbonated, ready-to-drink iced teas, lemonades, juice
cocktails, single-serve juices and fruit beverages, ready-to-drink dairy and coffee drinks, energy drinks, sports
drinks and single-serve still waters (flavored, unflavored and enhanced) with “new age” beverages, including sodas
that are considered natural, sparkling juices and flavored sparkling beverages. According to Beverage Marketing
Corporation, domestic U.S. wholesale sales in 2018 for the “alternative” beverage category of the market are
estimated at approximately $55.5 billion, representing an increase of approximately 6.7% over estimated domestic
U.S. wholesale sales in 2017 of approximately $52.0 billion.
Reportable Segments
We have three operating and reportable segments: (i) Monster Energy® Drinks segment (“Monster
Energy® Drinks”), which is comprised of our Monster Energy® drinks, (ii) Strategic Brands segment (“Strategic
Brands”), which is comprised primarily of the various energy drink brands acquired from The Coca-Cola Company
(“TCCC”) in 2015 as well as our Predator® energy drinks and (iii) Other segment (“Other”), which is comprised
of certain products sold by American Fruits and Flavors LLC (“AFF”) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company)
to independent third-party customers (“AFF Third-Party Products”). Corporate and unallocated amounts that do not
specifically relate to a reportable segment have been allocated to “Corporate and unallocated.”
Our Monster Energy® Drinks segment primarily generates net operating revenues by selling ready-to-drink
packaged energy drinks primarily to bottlers and full service beverage distributors. In some cases, we sell directly
to retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, drug
stores, foodservice customers and the military.
Our Strategic Brands segment primarily generates net operating revenues by selling “concentrates” and/or
“beverage bases” to authorized bottling and canning operations. Such bottlers generally combine the concentrates
and/or beverage bases with sweeteners, water and other ingredients to produce ready-to-drink packaged energy
drinks. The ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks are then sold to other bottlers, full service distributors or
retailers, including, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers, convenience
chains, foodservice customers, drug stores and the military. To a lesser extent, our Strategic Brands segment
generates net operating revenues by selling certain ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks to bottlers and full service
beverage distributors.
Generally, the Monster Energy® Drinks segment generates higher per case net operating revenues, but
lower per case gross profit margin percentages than the Strategic Brands segment.
For certain risks with respect to our energy drinks see “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors” below.
7
Corporate History
In the 1930s, Hubert Hansen and his sons started a business selling fresh non-pasteurized juices in Los
Angeles, California. In 1977, Tim Hansen, one of the grandsons of Hubert Hansen, perceived a demand for shelf
stable pasteurized natural juices and juice blends and formed Hansen Foods, Inc. (“HFI”). HFI expanded its product
line from juices to include Hansen’s Natural Soda® brand sodas. In 1990, California Co-Packers Corporation (d/b/a
Hansen Beverage Company) (“CCC”) acquired certain assets of HFI, including the right to market the Hansen’s®
brand name. In 1992, Hansen Natural Corporation acquired the Hansen’s® brand natural soda and apple juice
business from CCC. Under our ownership, the Hansen’s® beverage business significantly expanded to include a
wide range of beverages within the growing “alternative” beverage category including, in particular, energy drinks.
In 2012, we changed our name from Hansen Natural Corporation to Monster Beverage Corporation. In 2015, we
acquired the Strategic Brands from TCCC and disposed of our non-energy drink business. In 2016, we completed
our acquisition of flavor supplier and long-time business partner AFF.
2018 Product Introductions
During 2018, we continued to expand our existing portfolio of drinks and further develop our distribution
markets. During 2018, we introduced the following products:
Java Monster® Swiss Chocolate
Juice Monster® Pacific Punch Energy + Juice
BPM® Zero Orange
Burn® Mango
Caffé Monster® Mocha
Caffé Monster® Salted Caramel
Caffé Monster® Vanilla
Live+ Ascend®
Live+ Ignite®
Live+ Persist®
Monster Cuba LibreTM (Japan)
Monster Hydro® Blue Ice®
Monster Hydro® Purple Passion®
Monster Hydro® Zero Sugar
Monster MAXX® Eclipse
Monster MAXX® Solaris
Monster MuleTM (limited distribution)
Monster Rehab® White Dragon Tea + Energy
Mother® Passion
Mutant® Energy Drink
Mutant® Energy Drink – Gold Strike®
Mutant® Energy Drink – Red Dawn®
Nalu® Passion
Play® Mango
Predator® Gold Strike®
Relentless® Mango
Ultra Energy® Mango
In the normal course of business, we discontinue certain products and/or product lines. Those products or
product lines discontinued in 2018, either individually or in aggregate, did not have a material adverse impact on
our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
8
Products – Monster Energy® Drinks Segment
Monster Energy® Brand Energy Drinks:
Monster Energy® Drinks - a line of carbonated energy drinks. Our Monster Energy® drinks contain
vitamins, minerals, nutrients, herbs and other dietary ingredients (collectively, “dietary ingredients”) and are
marketed through our full service distributor network. We offer the following energy drinks under the Monster
Energy® drink product line: Monster Energy®, Lo-Carb Monster Energy®, Monster Assault®, Monster Energy®
Fury®, Juice Monster® Khaos®, Juice Monster® Ripper®, Juice Monster® Pipeline Punch®, Juice Monster®
Mango LocoTM, Juice Monster® Pacific PunchTM, Monster Energy® Absolutely Zero, Monster Energy® Import,
Monster Energy® Export, Punch Monster® Baller’s Blend®, Punch Monster® Mad Dog, M3(stylized)®, Monster
Energy® Super Concentrate, Monster MuleTM, Monster Cuba LibreTM, Monster Energy Zero Ultra®, Monster
Energy Ultra Blue®, Monster Energy Ultra Red®, Monster Energy Ultra Black®, Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise®,
Monster Energy Ultra Citron®, Monster Energy Ultra Violet®, Monster Energy® Gronk, Monster Energy®
Valentino Rossi and Monster Energy® Lewis Hamilton 44.
Caffé Monster® Energy Coffee Drinks – a line of non-carbonated, 100% Arabica coffee, reduced fat, dairy
based energy coffee drinks. We offer the following energy coffee drinks under the Caffé Monster® product line:
Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Mocha.
Espresso Monster® Espresso + Energy Drinks – a line of non-carbonated dairy based espresso + energy
drinks. We offer the following espresso + energy drinks under the Espresso Monster® product line: Espresso and
Cream and Vanilla Espresso.
Java Monster® Coffee + Energy Drinks – a line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee + energy drinks. We
offer the following coffee + energy drinks under the Java Monster® product line: Java Monster® Kona Blend, Java
Monster® Loca Moca®, Java Monster® Mean Bean®, Java Monster® Vanilla Light, Java Monster® Irish Blend®,
Java Monster® Salted Caramel and Java Monster® Swiss Chocolate.
Muscle Monster® Energy Shakes – a line of non-carbonated energy shakes containing 25-grams of protein.
We offer the following energy shakes under the Muscle Monster® Energy Shakes product line: Vanilla and
Chocolate.
Monster MAXX® Energy Drinks – a line of carbonated energy drinks containing nitrous oxide. We offer
the following energy drinks under the Monster MAXX® product line: Super Dry, Eclipse and Solaris.
Monster Rehab® Tea + Energy Drinks – a line of non-carbonated energy drinks with electrolytes. We offer
the following tea + energy drinks under the Monster Rehab® drink line: Monster Rehab® Tea + Lemonade +
Energy, Monster Rehab® Raspberry Tea + Energy, Monster Rehab® Tea + Orangeade + Energy, Monster Rehab®
Peach Tea + Energy and Monster Rehab® White Dragon Tea + Energy.
Monster Hydro®:
Monster Hydro® – a line of non-carbonated, lightly sweetened refreshment + energy drinks. We offer the
following refreshment + energy drinks under the Monster Hydro® product line: Tropical Thunder®, Mean Green®,
Manic Melon®, Purple Passion®, Blue Ice® and Zero Sugar.
Mutant® Energy:
Mutant® Energy – a line of affordable carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following affordable energy
drinks under the Mutant® Energy product line: Mutant® Energy Drink, Mutant® Energy Drink – Gold Strike®
and Mutant® Energy Drink – Red Dawn®.
9
Products – Strategic Brands Segment
Strategic Brands Energy Drinks:
BPM® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the BPM® product
line: Focus Berry Red, Hydrate Citrus Green and Zero Orange.
BU® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the BU® product
line: Original.
Burn® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Burn® product
line: Original, Blue, Zero, Cherry, Lemon Ice, Apple Kiwi, Mango and Passion Punch.
Full Throttle® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Full
Throttle® product line: Citrus and Blue Agave.
Gladiator® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the
Gladiator® product line: Original.
Live+ – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Live+ product
line: Ascend®, Ignite® & Persist®.
Mother® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Mother®
product line: Original, Sugar Free, Frosty Berry, Passion, Tropical BlastTM and Kicked Apple®.
Nalu® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Nalu® product
line: Original, Exotic, Passion and Frost.
NOS® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the NOS® product
line: Original, Sugar Free, Charged Citrus, GT Grape, Cherried Out, Power Punch and Nitro Mango.
Play® and Power Play(stylized)® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy
drinks under the Play® and Power Play(stylized)® product line: Original, Sugar Free, Apple Kiwi, Passion Fruit
and Mango.
Predator® – a line of affordable carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the
Predator Energy product line: Gold Strike.
Relentless® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the
Relentless® product line: Origin, Zero, Apple Kiwi, Lemon Ice, Cherry, Passion Punch and Mango.
Samurai® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Samurai®
product line: Strawberry and Fruity.
Ultra Energy® – a line of carbonated energy drinks. We offer the following energy drinks under the Ultra
Energy® product line: Original, Fury®, Passion Punch and Mango.
Products – Other Segment
AFF Third-Party Products:
AFF sells a limited number of products to independent third-party customers.
10
Other Products
We continue to evaluate and, where considered appropriate, introduce additional products, flavors and types
of beverages to complement our existing product lines. We may also evaluate, and where considered appropriate,
introduce additional types of consumer products we consider to be complementary to our existing products and/or
to which our brand names are able to add value.
Products – Packaging
Our products are packaged in a variety of different package types and sizes including, but not limited to,
aluminum cans, aluminum Cap Cans, sleek aluminum cans, aluminum cans with re-sealable ends as well as glass
bottles and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.
Manufacture and Distribution
We do not directly manufacture finished goods, but instead outsource the manufacturing process to third-
party bottlers and contract packers.
AFF develops and manufactures the primary flavors for our Monster Energy® Drinks segment. We also
purchase flavors, concentrates, sweeteners, juices, dietary ingredients, cans, bottles, caps, labels, trays, boxes and
other ingredients for our beverage products from ingredient suppliers, which are delivered to our various third-party
bottlers and co-packers. In some cases, certain common supplies may be purchased by our various third-party
bottlers and co-packers. Depending on the product, the third-party bottlers or co-packers add filtered water and/or
other ingredients (including dietary ingredients) for the manufacture and packaging of the finished products into
our approved containers in accordance with our recipes and formulas. Depending on the beverage, the bottler/packer
may also add carbonation to the products as part of the production process.
For our Strategic Brands segment, we primarily purchase concentrates and/or beverage bases from
ingredient suppliers, which are then sold to certain of our various third-party bottlers/distributors. The third-party
bottlers/distributors are responsible for the manufacture and packaging of the finished products, including the
procurement of all other required ingredients and packaging materials. For certain limited products in the Strategic
Brands segment, we may purchase flavors, concentrates, sweeteners, juices, dietary ingredients, cans, bottles, caps,
labels, trays, boxes and other ingredients for our Strategic Brand products from our suppliers, which are delivered
to our various third-party bottlers and co-packers. In some cases, certain common supplies may be purchased by
our various third-party bottlers and co-packers. Depending on the product, the third-party bottlers or co-packers add
filtered water and/or other ingredients (including dietary ingredients), for the manufacture and packaging of the
finished products into our approved containers in accordance with our recipes and formulas. Depending on the
beverage, the bottler/co-packer may also add carbonation to the products as part of the production process.
Co-Packing Arrangements
All of our finished goods are manufactured by various third-party bottlers and co-packers situated
throughout the United States and abroad, under separate arrangements with each party. The majority of our co-
packaging arrangements are generally on a month-to-month basis or are terminable upon request and do not
generally obligate us to produce any minimum quantities of products within specified periods.
In some instances, subject to agreement, certain equipment may be purchased exclusively by us and/or
jointly with our co-packers, and installed at their facilities to enable them to produce certain of our products. In
certain cases, such equipment remains our property and is returned to us upon termination of the packing
arrangements with such co-packers, unless we are reimbursed by the co-packer at the then book value or via a per-
case credit over a pre-determined number of cases that are produced at the facilities concerned.
11
For our Monster Energy® Drinks segment, we are generally responsible for arranging for the purchase and
delivery to our third-party bottlers and co-packers of the containers in which our beverage products are packaged.
Our products are packaged in a number of locations, both domestically and internationally, which enables
us to produce products closer to the markets where they are sold, with the objective of reducing freight costs as well
as transportation-related product damages. As distribution volumes increase in both our domestic and international
markets, we will continue to source additional packing arrangements closer to such markets to further reduce freight
costs.
Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with new products, and may be
less precise during periods of rapid growth, particularly in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for
our products and/or are unable to secure sufficient ingredients or raw materials including, but not limited to,
aluminum cans, aluminum Cap Cans, sleek aluminum cans, aluminum cans with re-sealable ends, PET plastic
bottles, caps, glass bottles, labels, flavors, juice concentrates, coffee, tea, dietary ingredients, other ingredients and
certain sweeteners, and/or procure adequate packing arrangements and/or obtain adequate or timely shipment of
our products, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. (See “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors”).
Our production arrangements are generally of short duration or are terminable upon request. For certain of
our products, including certain of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, our Java Monster® product line, our
Espresso Monster® product line, our Caffé Monster® product line, our Monster Hydro® product line, our Muscle
Monster® product line, our Juice Monster® product line and certain of our other products, there are limited co-
packing facilities in our domestic and international markets with adequate capacity and/or suitable equipment to
package our products. We believe a short disruption or delay in production would not significantly affect our
revenues; however, as alternative co-packing facilities in our domestic and international markets with adequate
long-term capacity may not be available for such products, either at commercially reasonable rates and/or within a
reasonably short time period, if at all, a lengthy disruption or delay in production of any of such products could
significantly affect our revenues.
We continue to actively seek alternative and/or additional co-packing facilities around the world (including
in Africa, Asia, Australia, Central and South America, China, Europe, India, Mexico, the Middle East and the
United States) with adequate capacity and capability for the production of our various products to minimize
transportation costs and transportation-related damages as well as to mitigate the risk of a disruption in production
and/or importation.
Distribution Agreements
During 2018, we continued to expand distribution of our products in both our domestic and international
markets.
Distribution levels vary by product and geographic location. Net sales outside the United States were $1.09
billion, $909.3 million and $733.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Monster Energy® Distribution Agreements
We have entered into agreements with various bottlers/distributors providing for the distribution of our
products during initial terms of up to twenty years, which may be renewed thereafter for additional terms ranging
from one to five years, subject to certain terms and conditions which may vary depending on the form of the
agreement. Such agreements remain in effect for their then-current term as long as our products are being
distributed, but are subject to specified termination rights held by each party, which may include by way of example,
and depending on the form of agreement, termination upon: mutual agreement; material breach of the agreement
by, or an insolvency of, either party; deadlock; change of control; changes in legal or regulatory conditions and
termination of certain related agreements. Additionally, we are entitled to terminate certain distribution agreements
12
at any time without cause upon payment of a termination fee, including a limited number of distribution agreements
with TCCC network bottlers that were entered into prior to 2015.
Certain of our material distribution arrangements for our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, as
amended from time to time, are described below:
(a) Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement with TCCC, pursuant to which we have
designated, and in the future may designate, subject to TCCC’s approval, territories in Canada and the
United States in which bottlers from TCCC’s network of wholly or partially-owned and independent
bottlers will distribute and sell, or continue to distribute and sell, our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks.
(b) Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement with Coca-Cola Refreshments (“CCR”), pursuant to which
CCR distributes, directly and through certain sub-distributors, our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks
in a large portion of the United States. As of March 1, 2018, all of the territory previously falling under the
Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement with CCR has been assigned by CCR to various TCCC
network bottlers in the United States, including CCBCC Operations, LLC and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling.
(c) Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement with TCCC, pursuant to which
we have designated, and in the future may designate, countries, or territories within countries, in which we
wish to appoint TCCC network bottlers to distribute and sell our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks,
subject to TCCC’s approval.
(d) Additionally, we have entered into distribution agreements for certain of our Monster Energy® products
with various TCCC network bottlers, both in the United States and internationally.
As of December 31, 2018, all distribution territories in the U.S. have been transitioned to TCCC network
bottlers, except for those territories serviced by Big Geyser, Inc. and the Kalil Bottling Group.
Strategic Brands Distribution Agreements
We have entered into distribution coordination agreements with TCCC pursuant to which we have
designated, and in the future may designate, subject to TCCC’s approval, territories in which TCCC network bottlers
will distribute our Strategic Brands energy drinks.
We have entered into agreements with various TCCC network bottlers, both in the United States and
internationally, providing for the distribution and sale of our Strategic Brands energy drinks.
Raw Materials and Suppliers
The principal raw materials used in the manufacturing of our products are aluminum cans, aluminum Cap
Cans, sleek aluminum cans, aluminum cans with re-sealable ends, PET plastic bottles, glass bottles, caps, as well
as flavors, juice concentrates, glucose, sugar, sucralose, milk, cream, protein, coffee, tea, dietary ingredients and
other packaging materials, the costs of which are subject to fluctuations.
AFF is the primary flavor supplier for our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. We also purchase flavors
from other suppliers as well as juices, dietary ingredients, glucose, sugar, sucralose, other sweeteners and other
ingredients from independent suppliers located in the United States and abroad.
For our Strategic Brands energy drinks, we purchase flavors, concentrates and/or beverage bases from
flavor suppliers including TCCC in the United States and abroad, and may purchase certain other ingredients from
independent suppliers located in the United States and abroad.
13
With regard to our Java Monster®, Espresso Monster®, Caffé Monster® and Muscle Monster® product
lines, the dairy, protein and retort co-packing industries are subject to shortages and increased demand from time
to time, which may result in production disruption and/or higher prices.
For certain flavors purchased from third-party suppliers and used in a limited number of our Monster
Energy® brand energy drinks and/or our Strategic Brands energy drinks, these third-party flavor suppliers own the
proprietary rights to certain of their flavor formulas. We do not have possession of the list of such flavor ingredients
or formulas used in the production of certain of our products and certain of our blended concentrates, and we may
be unable to obtain comparable flavors or concentrates from alternative suppliers on short notice. Our third-party
flavor suppliers generally do not make such flavors and/or blended concentrates available to other third-party
customers.
We have identified alternative suppliers for many of the ingredients contained in many of our beverages.
However, industry-wide shortages of certain flavors, fruits and fruit juices, coffee, tea, dairy-based products, dietary
ingredients and sweeteners have been, and could from time to time in the future be, encountered, which could
interfere with and/or delay production of certain of our products.
We continually endeavor to develop back-up sources of supply for certain of our flavors and concentrates
purchased from third-party suppliers, as well as to negotiate arrangements with our existing suppliers, which would
enable us to obtain access to certain of such concentrates or flavor formulas under certain circumstances. We have
been partially successful in these endeavors. Additionally, in a limited number of cases, contractual restrictions
and/or the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals and licenses may limit our ability to enter into agreements with
alternative suppliers, manufacturers and/or distributors.
Competition
The beverage industry is highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing, packaging,
development of new products and flavors as well as promotional and marketing strategies. Our products compete
with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of companies, many of which have substantially
greater financial, marketing and distribution resources than we do.
Important factors affecting our ability to compete successfully include brand and product image, taste and
flavor of products, trade and consumer promotions, rapid and effective development of new and unique cutting edge
products, attractive and different packaging, brand exposure and marketing as well as pricing. We also rely on our
bottlers and full service beverage distributors to allocate more attention to our products than those of our
competitors, provide stable and reliable distribution and secure adequate shelf space in retail outlets. Competitive
pressures in the “alternative,” energy, coffee and “functional” beverage categories could cause our products to
maintain or to lose market share or we could experience price erosion, which could have a material adverse effect
on our business and results of operations.
We have experienced and continue to experience competition from new entrants in the energy drink and
energy shot categories. A number of companies who market and distribute iced teas, coffees, juice cocktails and
enhanced waters in larger volume packages, such as 16- and 20-ounce glass and plastic bottles (including Bai, Sobe
Life Water, BODYARMOR, Vitamin Water, CORE, Snapple, Arizona, Fuse, Ocean Spray, Honest Tea, Gold Peak
Tea, Starbucks) and 12- and 16-ounce cans (such as Mountain Dew Kickstart), have added dietary supplements to
their products with a view to marketing their products as “functional” or energy beverages or as having “functional”
benefits. We believe that many of those products contain lower levels of dietary ingredients, principally deliver
refreshment and are positioned differently from our energy or “functional” drinks.
We are also subject to increasing levels of regulatory issues including in relation to the registration and/or
taxation of our products in certain new international markets, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage. (See
“Government Regulation” below for additional information).
14
We compete not only for consumer preference, but also for maximum marketing and sales efforts by multi-
brand licensed bottlers, brokers and distributors, many of which have a principal affiliation with competing
companies and brands. Our products compete with all liquid refreshments and in many cases with products of much
larger and in some cases better financed competitors, including the products of numerous nationally and
internationally known producers such as TCCC, PepsiCo, Inc. (“PepsiCo”), Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. (“KDP”) and
Red Bull GmbH. We also compete with companies that are smaller or primarily local in operation. Our products
also compete with private-label brands such as those carried by grocery store chains, convenience store chains and
club stores.
Domestically, our energy drinks compete directly with Red Bull, Rockstar, Amp, Venom, VPX Redline,
Rip It, Xenergy, 5-Hour Energy Shots, MiO Energy, Stacker 2, VPX Bang, V8 + Energy, Uptime, hi*ball,
CELSIUS, C4 and many other brands. PepsiCo also markets and/or distributes additional products in that market
segment such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew and Mountain Dew Kickstart. Internationally, our energy drinks
compete with Red Bull, Rockstar, V-Energy, Lucozade and numerous local and private-label brands that usually
differ from country to country, such as HELL, Shock, Tiger, Boost, TNT, Shark, Dragon, Score, Sting, Hot 6,
Battery, Bullit, Flash Up, Black, Non-Stop, Bomba, Semtex, Vive 100, Dark Dog, Speed, Guarana, M-150,
Lipovitan, Bacchus, Volt, Bolt, Mr. Big, Boom, Raptor, Amp, Fusion, Hi-Tiger, Eastroc Super Drink, Carabao,
Power Horse, XL, Crazy Tiger, Effect, Missile, Nocco, Adrenaline Rush and a host of other international brands.
Our Java Monster®, Caffé Monster® and Espresso Monster® product lines compete directly with
Starbucks Frappuccino, Starbucks Doubleshot, Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Plus Coffee and other Starbucks
coffee drinks, Rockstar Roasted, Dunkin Donuts, Gold Peak, Stok, High Brew, McCafé, hi*ball and International
Delight.
Our Muscle Monster® product line competes directly with Muscle Milk, Core Power, Premier Protein,
Kellogg’s Special K Protein, Bolthouse Farms Protein, EAS AdvantEDGE, EAS Myoplex, and Gatorade G
Series 03 Recover.
Our Monster Hydro® product line competes directly with Vitamin Water, Sparkling Ice, Bai, Propel, Vita
Coco, Lucozade and BODYARMOR.
Sales and Marketing
Our sales and marketing strategy for all our beverages is to focus our efforts on developing brand
awareness through image-enhancing programs and product sampling. We use our branded vehicles and other
promotional vehicles at events where we offer samples of our products to consumers. We utilize “push-pull”
methods to enhance shelf and display space exposure in sales outlets (including racks, coolers and barrel coolers),
advertising, in-store promotions and in-store placement of point-of-sale materials to encourage demand from
consumers for our products. We also support our brands with prize promotions, price promotions, competitions,
endorsements from selected public and sports figures, sports personality endorsements, sampling and sponsorship
of selected athletes, teams, series, bands, esports, causes and events. In-store posters, outdoor posters, social media,
concerts, print, radio and television advertising (directly and through our sponsorships and endorsements) and
coupons may also be used to promote our brands.
We believe that one of the keys to success in the beverage industry is differentiation, making our brands
and products visually appealing and distinctive from other beverages on the shelves of retailers. We review our
products and packaging on an ongoing basis and, where practical, endeavor to make them different and unique. The
labels and graphics for many of our products are redesigned and refreshed from time to time to maximize their
visibility and identification, wherever they may be placed in stores, which we continue to reevaluate from time to
time.
Where appropriate, we partner with our bottlers/distributors and/or retailers to assist our marketing efforts.
15
We increased expenditures for our sales and marketing programs by approximately 1.1% in 2018 compared
to 2017. As of December 31, 2018, we employed 2,203 employees in sales and marketing activities, of which 1,424
were employed on a full-time basis.
Customers
Our customers are primarily full service beverage bottlers/distributors, retail grocery, drug and specialty
chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, foodservice customers and the military.
Percentages of our gross sales to our various customer types for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
are reflected below. Such information includes sales made by us directly to the customer types concerned, which
include our full service beverage bottlers/distributors in the United States. Such full service beverage
bottlers/distributors in turn sell certain of our products to some of the same customer types listed below. We limit
our description of our customer types to include only our sales to our full service bottlers/distributors without
reference to such bottlers/distributors’ sales to their own customers.
U.S. full service bottlers/distributors
International full service bottlers/distributors
Club stores and mass merchandisers
Retail grocery, specialty chains and wholesalers
Other
2018
61%
31%
6%
1%
1%
2017
63%
28%
7%
1%
1%
2016
65%
25%
8%
1%
1%
Our customers include Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc., Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada Company
(Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited from September 28, 2018), Coca-Cola Bottling Company, CCBCC
Operations, LLC, United Bottling Contracts Company, LLC, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, Great Lakes Coca-Cola
Bottling, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages LLC, Coca-Cola of Northern New England, Swire Coca-Cola (USA),
Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages and certain other TCCC independent bottlers (collectively the “TCCC North
American Bottlers”), Coca-Cola European Partners, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Amatil,
Swire Coca-Cola (China), COFCO Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Coca-Cola İçecek and certain other
TCCC network bottlers, Asahi Soft Drinks, Co., Ltd., Kalil Bottling Group, Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club),
Costco Wholesale Corporation and Big Geyser, Inc. A decision by any large customer to decrease amounts
purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have a material negative effect on our financial condition
and consolidated results of operations.
TCCC, through certain consolidated subsidiaries (the “TCCC Subsidiaries”), accounted for approximately
3%, 18% and 41% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As part of
TCCC’s North America Refranchising initiative (the “North America Refranchising”), the territories of certain
independent TCCC bottlers/distributors and
to certain
TCCC Subsidiaries have been
bottlers/distributors which TCCC accounts for under the equity method (the “TCCC Related Parties”). Accordingly,
our percentage of net sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries significantly decreased for the year ended December 31, 2018.
transitioned
CCBCC Operations, LLC accounted for approximately 13%, 13% and 9% of our net sales for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling accounted for approximately 12%, 6% and 2% of the Company’s net sales for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Coca-Cola European Partners accounted for approximately 10%, 9% and 9% of the Company’s net sales
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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Seasonality
Sales of ready-to-drink beverages are somewhat seasonal, with the second and third calendar quarters
accounting for the highest sales volumes. We believe that the volume of sales in the beverage industry is affected
by weather conditions. However, the energy drink category appears to be less seasonal than traditional beverages.
Quarterly fluctuations may also be affected by other factors including the introduction of new products, the opening
of new markets, particularly internationally, where temperature fluctuations may be more pronounced, the addition
of new bottlers and distributors, changes in the mix of the sales of our finished products and increased or decreased
advertising and promotional expenses.
Intellectual Property
We presently have more than 10,400 registered trademarks and pending applications in various countries
worldwide, and we apply for new trademarks on an ongoing basis. We regard our trademarks, service marks,
copyrights, domain names, trade dress and other intellectual property as very important to our business. We consider
Monster® (registered outside of the United States in certain jurisdictions), Monster Energy®, ®, Monster Energy
Ultra®, Unleash the Beast!®, Mutant®, Monster Rehab®, Java Monster®, Muscle Monster®, Punch Monster®,
Juice Monster®, Monster Hydro®, Espresso Monster®, Caffé Monster®, Monster Energy MAXX®, BU®, Nalu®,
NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Ultra Energy®, Play® and Power Play(stylized)®, Relentless®,
Predator® and BPM® to be our core trademarks. We also own the intellectual property of our most important
flavors for certain of our Monster Energy® Brand energy drinks in perpetuity.
BU®, Nalu®, Burn®, Mother®, Play®, Power Play(stylized)®, Relentless®, Ultra Energy® and BPM®
are registered outside of the United States in certain jurisdictions.
We protect our trademarks by applying for registrations and registering our trademarks with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office and with government agencies in other countries around the world, particularly
where our products are distributed and sold. We assert copyright ownership of the statements, graphics and content
appearing on the packaging of our products and in our marketing materials. We aggressively pursue individuals
and/or entities seeking to profit from the unauthorized use of our trademarks and copyrights, including, without
limitation, wholesalers, street vendors, retailers, online auction site sellers and website operators. In addition to
initiating civil actions against these individuals and entities, we work with law enforcement officials where
appropriate.
Depending upon the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations
are properly maintained and they have not been found to have become generic. Registrations of trademarks can
generally be renewed as long as the trademarks are in use.
We also enforce and protect our trademark rights against third parties infringing or disparaging our
trademarks by opposing registration of conflicting trademarks and initiating litigation as necessary.
Government Regulation
The production, distribution and sale in the United States of many of our products are subject to various
U.S. federal and state regulations, including but not limited to: the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C
Act”); the Occupational Safety and Health Act; various environmental statutes; the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic
Enforcement Act of 1986 (“California Proposition 65”) and a number of other federal, state and local statutes and
regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, marketing, labeling and ingredients
of such products. Outside the United States, the production, distribution and sale of many of our products are also
subject to numerous statutes and regulations.
We also may in the future be affected by other existing, proposed and potential future regulations or
regulatory actions, including those described below, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial
17
condition and results of operations. See “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors – Changes in government regulation, or
failure to comply with existing regulations, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations” below for additional information.
Furthermore, legislation may be introduced in the United States and other countries at the federal, state and
municipal level in respect of each of the subject areas discussed below. Public health officials and health advocates
are increasingly focused on the public health consequences associated with obesity, especially as it affects children,
and are seeking legislative change to reduce the consumption of sweetened beverages. There also has been an
increased focus on caffeine content in beverages, as discussed below.
Product Formulation, Labeling and Advertising. Globally, we are subject to a number of regulations
applicable to the formulation, labeling and advertising of our products. In California, we are subject to California
Proposition 65, a law which requires that a specified warning be provided before exposing California consumers to
any product that contains in excess of threshold amounts of a substance listed by California as having been found
to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. California Proposition 65 does not require a warning if the manufacturer
of a product can demonstrate that the use of the product in question exposes consumers to an average daily quantity
of a listed substance that is below that threshold amount, which is determined either by scientific criteria set forth
in applicable regulations or via a “safe harbor” threshold that may be established by the state, or the substance is
naturally occurring, is the result of necessary cooking, or is subject to another applicable exception. If we are
required to add warning labels to any of our products or place warnings in certain locations where our products are
sold, it will be difficult to predict whether, or to what extent, such a warning would have an adverse impact on sales
of our products in those locations or elsewhere.
In addition, in May 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) revised regulations with
respect to serving size information and nutrition labeling on food and beverage products, including a new
requirement to disclose the amount of added sugars in such products. These changes will go into effect on January 1,
2020. Further, in December 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture promulgated regulations requiring that, by
January 1, 2022, the labels of certain bioengineered foods must include a disclosure that the food is bioengineered.
We may incur significant costs to alter our existing packaging materials to comply with these and other new
regulations. Additionally, these new regulations may impact, reduce and/or otherwise affect the purchase and
consumption of our products by consumers.
Further, the City of San Francisco enacted an ordinance that would require health warnings on
advertisements for certain sugar-sweetened beverages, though enforcement has been delayed due to a lawsuit
challenging the ordinance. In January 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, sitting en banc, granted
a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the ordinance, concluding that a First Amendment challenge to
the ordinance was likely to succeed on the merits.
In July 2012, we received a subpoena from the Attorney General for the State of New York in connection
with an investigation relating to the advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, usage and sale of our Monster
Energy® brand energy drinks. We cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry and what effect, if any, it may have
on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Other countries, such as the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Yemen, Colombia, Brazil, and
the Dominican Republic, are also considering new labeling requirements, which may require us to amend our labels
and warning statements. The United Kingdom Government has also suggested that it may review food labeling laws
following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (“Brexit”).
Age and Other Restrictions on Energy Drink Products. Proposals to limit or restrict the sale and/or
advertising of energy drinks to minors and/or persons below a specified age, and/or restrict the venues in which
energy drinks can be sold, and/or to restrict the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly
food stamps) to purchase energy drinks have been raised and/or enacted in certain U.S. states, counties,
municipalities and/or in certain foreign countries. For example, Latvia, Lithuania and Turkey prohibit the sale of
18
energy drinks to persons under the age of 18; Canada prohibits the promotion of energy drinks to children 12 years
and under; Latvia and Scotland prohibit the sale of energy drinks in educational establishments; and Turkey
prohibits the sale or advertising of energy drinks in “collective consumption areas.” Latin American countries such
as Chile, Colombia, and Brazil are considering age and other sales restrictions on energy drinks, as are other
European countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Romania and Bulgaria.
Excise Taxes on Energy Drinks. Legislation that would impose an excise tax on sweetened beverages has
been proposed in the U.S. Congress, in some state legislatures, and by some local governments, with excise taxes
generally ranging between $0.01 and $0.02 per ounce of sweetened beverage. Berkeley, California became the first
jurisdiction to pass such a measure, and a general tax of $0.01 per ounce on certain sweetened drinks, including
energy drinks, became effective on January 1, 2015. Other U.S. jurisdictions (including Albany, Oakland and San
Francisco, California; Boulder, Colorado; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Seattle, Washington) have passed
similar measures, some of which have been challenged in litigation. The imposition of such taxes on our products
would increase the cost of certain of our products or, to the extent levied directly on consumers, make certain of
our products less affordable. Excise taxes on sweetened beverages already are in effect in certain foreign countries
where we do business, such as France and Mexico. Similar measures have been enacted but are not yet enforced in,
for example, Ireland, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Other countries, including Brazil, are considering
similar measures. In addition, legislation has been proposed in certain jurisdictions that would specifically impose
excise taxes on energy drinks. For example, Estonia and Ukraine are considering proposals that would impose an
excise tax on energy drinks. Such targeted legislation has been passed in other countries. For instance, Hungary has
instituted an excise tax to which our products are subject. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
began applying a selective tax of 100% on energy drinks in 2017, and there are indications that similar measures
may be enacted in other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Limits on Caffeine Content. Legislation has been proposed to limit the amount of caffeine that may be
contained in beverages, including energy drinks. Some jurisdictions where we do business have prescribed limited
caffeine content for beverages. For example, on January 1, 2013, new requirements took effect in Canada that
limited the amount of caffeine contained in any beverage in a single-serving can or bottle to less than 180
milligrams, and imposed limits on the concentration levels for caffeine. We adjusted the caffeine levels in certain
of our Monster Energy® products that are sold in Canada to address these regulations, although the majority of our
products were unaffected. Caffeine limit restrictions or restrictions on combining caffeine with other ingredients
have also been implemented or proposed in other jurisdictions, including Turkey, India and Pakistan’s Punjab
region. Such restrictions could require reformulations of certain of our products. However, we may not be able to
satisfactorily reformulate our products in all jurisdictions that adopt similar legislation.
Limitations on Container Size. We package our products in a variety of different package types and sizes
including, for certain of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, aluminum cans larger than 16 fluid ounces.
Certain jurisdictions, such as the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Yemen, Costa Rica and the
Dominican Republic, are considering container size limitations on energy drinks and other beverages which may
require us to change the size of our products sold in these countries. Other countries, like England, have considered
and rejected proposed can size limitations although it is open to such markets to revisit these and other similar
proposals.
Compliance with Environmental Laws
Our facilities in the United States are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations.
Our operations in other countries are subject to similar laws and regulations that may be applicable in such countries.
Compliance with these provisions has not had, nor do we expect such compliance to have, any material adverse
effect upon our capital expenditures, net income or competitive position.
Container Deposits. Various municipalities, states and foreign countries require that a deposit be charged
for certain non-refillable beverage containers. The precise requirements imposed by these measures vary by
19
jurisdiction. Other deposit, recycling or product stewardship proposals have been, and may in the future be,
introduced in certain U.S. states, counties, municipalities and in certain foreign countries.
In California, we are required to collect redemption values from our customers and to remit such redemption
values to the State of California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery based upon the number of cans
and bottles of certain carbonated and non-carbonated products sold. In certain other states and countries where our
products are sold, we are also required to collect deposits from our customers and to remit such deposits to the
respective jurisdictions based upon the number of cans and bottles of certain carbonated and non-carbonated
products sold in such states.
Employees
As of December 31, 2018, we employed a total of 3,142 employees, of which 2,354 were employed on a
full-time basis. Of our 3,142 employees, we employed 939 in administrative and operational capacities and 2,203
persons in sales and marketing capacities.
Available Information
As a public company, we are required to file our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form
10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements on Schedule 14A and other information (including any
amendments) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You can find the Company’s SEC filings
at the SEC’s website, which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding
issuers that file electronically with the SEC, at http://www.sec.gov.
Our Internet address is www.monsterbevcorp.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this
annual report on Form 10-K. Our SEC filings (including any amendments) will be made available free of charge on
www.monsterbevcorp.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or
furnish it to, the SEC. In addition, you may request a copy of these filings (excluding exhibits) at no cost by writing
to, or telephoning us, at the following address or telephone number:
Monster Beverage Corporation
1 Monster Way
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 739-6200
(800) 426-7367
20
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information in this report, you should carefully consider the following risks. If any
of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and/or operating results could be materially
adversely affected. The risk factors summarized below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and
uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely
affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
The Company and TCCC have extensive commercial arrangements and, as a result, the Company’s future
performance is substantially dependent on the success of its relationship with TCCC.
We have transitioned certain third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s products in most territories in
the U.S. to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which largely consists of independent bottlers/distributors.
In addition, TCCC has become our preferred distribution partner globally with members of TCCC’s network
distributing our products internationally, including in Africa, Asia, Canada, Central and South America, Europe,
Mexico and the Middle East. As we continue our international expansion, we expect TCCC’s distribution network
to continue as our preferred distribution partner globally. As a result, we have reduced our distributor diversification
and are now substantially dependent on TCCC’s domestic and international distribution platforms.
TCCC has a substantial equity investment in the Company. The Company, TCCC and certain affiliates are
parties to various agreements in which TCCC and certain affiliates have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not
to compete in the energy drink category in certain territories prior to the termination of the applicable distribution
coordination agreement with TCCC. The Company’s distribution agreements with TCCC distributors also provide,
subject to certain exceptions, that the applicable distributor will not distribute competitive energy drink products.
While we believe that these agreements incentivize TCCC to take steps to ensure that our products receive the
appropriate attention in the TCCC distribution system, there can be no assurance of this as disagreements as to the
interpretation of the provisions in such agreements may arise and TCCC is a much larger company with many
strategic priorities. In addition, TCCC does not control all members of its distribution system, many of which are
independent companies that make their own business decisions that may not always align with TCCC’s interests.
Moreover, it is possible that we may fail to recognize the expected benefits of the new distribution arrangements
regardless of TCCC’s priorities or the priorities of the members of TCCC’s distribution system. In any such case,
our operating results could suffer and the value of the Company’s common shares could be adversely affected.
On October 31, 2018, the Company and TCCC mutually agreed to submit an issue to the American
Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in order to obtain clarification of an exception to a provision under various
agreements preventing TCCC from competing in the energy drink category. TCCC has developed three energy
products that it believes it may market under such exception, relating to the Coca-Cola brand. We expect a decision
will be reached during the second quarter of 2019. In addition, TCCC has indicated that it has suspended the
proposed launch of such products until April 2019. While we believe that the exception does not apply to this
situation, there can be no assurances that the arbitration will resolve in our favor. As the relief sought is limited, no
reasonable possible range of losses, if any, can be estimated. In addition, if TCCC proceeds with the launch of such
products, there can be no assurances that we will not encounter difficulties in maintaining our current revenues,
market share or position in the energy drink category in such territories, which could adversely affect our business
and operating results.
We derive virtually all of our revenues from energy drinks, and competitive pressure in the energy drink category
could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our focus is in the energy drink category, and our business is vulnerable to adverse changes impacting the
energy drink category and business, which could adversely impact our business and the trading price of our common
stock.
21
Virtually all of our sales are derived from our energy drinks, including our Monster Energy® brand energy
drinks and our Strategic Brand energy drinks acquired from TCCC in 2015. Our Monster Energy® brand energy
drinks and Strategic Brands represented 91.7% and 7.5% of net sales, respectively, for the year ended December 31,
2018. Any decrease in the sales of our Monster Energy® brand and other energy drinks could significantly adversely
affect our future revenues and net income. Historically, we have experienced substantial competition from new
entrants in the energy drink category as well as from the energy shot category. Domestically, our energy drinks
compete directly with Red Bull, Rockstar, Amp, Venom, VPX Redline, Xenergy, MiO Energy, Rip It, Starbucks
Doubleshot, Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Plus Coffee, Rockstar Roasted, 5-Hour Energy Shots, Stacker 2, VPX
Bang, V8+ Energy, UPTIME, hi*ball, CELSIUS, C4 and many other brands. In addition, certain large companies,
such as PepsiCo, market and/or distribute products in that market segment, such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew and
Mountain Dew Kickstart. Internationally, our energy drinks compete with Red Bull, Rockstar, V-Energy, Lucozade
and numerous local and private-label brands that usually differ from country to country, such as HELL, Shock,
Tiger, Boost, Speed, TNT, Shark, Hot 6, Shark Energy, Dragon, Score, Sting, Battery, Bullit, Flash Up, Black, Non-
Stop, Bomba, Semtex, Vive 100, Dark Dog, Guaraná, M-150, Lipovitan, Bacchus, Volt, Bolt, Mr. Big, Boom,
Raptor, Amp, Fusion, Hi-Tiger, Eastroc Super Drink, Carabao, Power Horse, XL, Crazy Tiger, Effect, Missile,
NOCCO, Adrenaline Rush and a host of other international brands. Our Java Monster®, Espresso Monster® and
Caffé Monster® product lines compete directly with Starbucks Frappuccino, Starbucks Doubleshot, Starbucks
Doubleshot Energy Plus Coffee and other Starbucks coffee drinks, Rockstar Roasted, Dunkin Donuts, Gold Peak
Tea, Stok, High Brew, McCafé, hi*ball and International Delight. Our Muscle Monster® product line competes
directly with Muscle Milk, Core Power, Premier Protein, Kellogg’s Special K Protein, Bolthouse Farms Protein,
EAS AdvantEDGE, EAS Myoplex, Gatorade G Series 03 Recover, 5-Hour and PowerBar. Our Monster Hydro®
product line competes directly with Vitamin Water, Sparkling Ice, Bai, Propel, Vita Coco, Lucozade and
BODYARMOR. Competitive pressures in the energy drink category could impact our revenues, cause price erosion
and/or lower market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of
operations.
The Company, in several markets, owns multiple potentially competing brands in the energy drink category.
The Strategic Brands acquired from TCCC in 2015 represented 7.5% of consolidated net sales for the year
ended December 31, 2018. In several markets our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and Strategic Brands
compete with each other. Although we continue to integrate the Strategic Brands with our broader energy drink
portfolio, we may encounter difficulties managing different and potentially competing brands in such shared
markets, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
TCCC is a significant shareholder of the Company and may have interests that are different from the Company’s
other shareholders (including current shareholders of the Company).
As of February 20, 2019, TCCC owned common shares of the Company representing approximately 19%
of the total number of the Company’s outstanding common shares. TCCC has also nominated two directors to the
Company’s board of directors. The number of directors that TCCC is entitled to nominate is subject to reduction in
certain circumstances. In March 2018, we entered into an agreement extending TCCC’s right to nominate two
directors to serve until June 2019.
TCCC’s ownership could also have an effect on the Company’s ability to engage in a change in control
transaction. TCCC is obligated for a period of time to vote all of its common shares of the Company in excess of
20% of the outstanding common shares in the same proportion as all common shares not owned by TCCC with
respect to a proposal for a change of control. However, if TCCC were to oppose such a change-in-control
transaction, a bidder would be required to secure the support of holders of 62.5% of the Company’s common shares
not owned by TCCC (assuming that TCCC increased its ownership to 20% of the Company’s common shares) to
achieve a vote of a majority of the Company’s outstanding shares for a change-in-control transaction. In addition,
TCCC would have a bidding advantage if the Company’s board of directors were to seek to sell the Company in
the future because TCCC would not need to pay a control premium on the shares it owns at such time. TCCC and
the Company would also be permitted to terminate TCCC’s distribution coordination agreements with the Company
22
after a change in control of the Company. In such event, TCCC would receive a termination fee if TCCC terminated
the distribution coordination agreements following a change in control of the Company involving certain TCCC
competitors, or if the Company terminated following a change in control of the Company involving any third-party.
The interests of TCCC may be different from or conflict with the interests of the Company’s other
shareholders and, as a result, TCCC’s influence may result in the delay or prevention of potential actions or
transactions, including a potential change of management or control of the Company, even if such action or
transaction may be beneficial to the Company’s other shareholders. Moreover, TCCC’s ownership of a significant
amount of the Company’s outstanding common shares could result in downward pressure on the trading price of
the Company’s common shares if TCCC were to sell a large portion of its shares (when permitted to sell) or as a
result of the perception that such a sale might occur.
Changes in government regulation, or failure to comply with existing regulations, could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Legislation has been proposed and/or adopted at the U.S. federal, state and/or municipal level and proposed
and/or adopted in certain foreign jurisdictions to restrict the sale of energy drinks (including, prohibiting the sale of
energy drinks at certain establishments or pursuant to certain governmental programs), limit the content of caffeine
and other ingredients in beverages, require certain product labeling disclosures and/or warnings, impose excise
taxes, limit product size or impose age restrictions for the sale of energy drinks. For a discussion of certain of such
legislation, see “Part I, Item 1 – Business – Government Regulation.” Furthermore, additional legislation may be
introduced in the United States and other countries at the federal, state, local and municipal level in respect of each
of the foregoing subject areas. Public health officials and health advocates are increasingly focused on the public
health consequences associated with obesity, especially as it affects children, and are seeking legislative change to
reduce the consumption of sweetened beverages. There also has been an increased focus on caffeine content in
beverages. To the extent any such legislation is enacted in one or more jurisdictions where a significant amount of
our products are sold, individually or in the aggregate, it could result in a reduction in demand for, or availability
of, our energy drinks, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The production, distribution and sale in the United States of many of our products are also currently subject
to various federal and state regulations, including, but not limited to: the FD&C Act; the Occupational Safety and
Health Act; various environmental statutes; data privacy laws; California Proposition 65; and various other federal,
state and local statutes and regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, labeling
and ingredients of such products. Outside the United States, the production, distribution and sale of many of our
products are also subject to numerous statutes and regulations. If a regulatory authority finds that a current or future
product, its label, or a production run is not in compliance with any of these regulations, we may be fined, or such
products may have to be recalled, reformulated and/or have the packaging changed, which could adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot predict the effect of inquiries from and/or actions by attorneys general, other government agencies
and/or quasi-government agencies into the production, advertising, marketing, promotion, labeling, ingredients,
usage and/or sale of our energy drink products.
We are subject to the risks of investigations and/or enforcement actions by state attorneys general and/or
other government and/or quasi-governmental agencies relating to the advertising, marketing, promotion,
ingredients, usage and/or sale of our energy drinks. If an inquiry by a state attorney general or other government or
quasi-government agency finds that our products and/or the advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, usage
and/or sale of such products are not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, we may become subject to
fines, product reformulations, container changes, changes in the usage or sale of our energy drink products and/or
changes in our advertising, marketing and promotion practices, each of which could have an adverse effect on our
business, financial condition or results of operations.
23
In addition, from time to time, government and/or quasi-governmental agencies may investigate the safety
of caffeine and energy drinks. For example, in January 2013, the Company received and responded to inquiries
from U.S. legislators in response to FDA’s investigation into the safety of caffeine in food products, particularly its
effects on children and adolescents. These legislators ultimately released a report in January 2015, recommending,
inter alia, that the energy drink industry not market to consumers under the age of 18 and not market their products
for hydration, and that the FDA develop and release definitions and guidance for this market sector. In addition,
other organizations, such as the European Food Safety Authority, have also published reports, studies, articles and
opinions on caffeine and energy drinks.
Litigation regarding our products, and related unfavorable media attention, could expose us to significant
liabilities and reduce demand for our products.
We have been and are currently named as a defendant in personal injury lawsuits which allege that
consumption of our products has been responsible for wrongful deaths and/or injuries. We do not believe that our
products are responsible for such wrongful deaths and/or injuries, and we intend to vigorously defend such lawsuits.
Several other lawsuits have been filed against us claiming that certain statements made in our
advertisements and/or on the labels of our products were false and/or misleading or otherwise not in compliance
with food standards under local law, and/or that our products are not safe. Putative class action lawsuits have also
recently been filed against certain of our competitors asserting that certain claims in their advertisements amount to
false advertising. We do not believe any statements made by us in our promotional materials or set forth on our
product labels are false or misleading or noncompliant with local law, or that our products are in any way unsafe
and we vigorously defend these lawsuits.
Any of the foregoing matters or other litigation, the threat thereof, or unfavorable media attention arising
from pending or threatened product-related litigation could consume significant financial and managerial resources
and result in decreased demand for our products, significant monetary awards against us and injury to our reputation.
Criticism of our energy drink products and/or criticism or a negative perception of energy drinks generally, could
adversely affect us.
An unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine, or criticism or negative publicity regarding the
caffeine content and/or any other ingredients in our products or energy drinks generally, including product safety
concerns, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Articles critical
of the caffeine content and/or other ingredients in energy drinks and/or articles indicating certain health risks of
energy drinks have been published in recent years. We believe the overall growth of the energy drink market in the
U.S. may have been negatively impacted by the ongoing negative publicity and comments that continue to appear
in the media questioning the safety of energy drinks, and suggesting limitations on their ingredients (including
caffeine), and/or the levels thereof, and/or imposing minimum age restrictions for consumers. In early 2018, certain
retailers in the United Kingdom announced the introduction of voluntary retailer measures to prevent the sale of
energy drinks to individuals under the age of 16. If reports, studies or articles critical of caffeine and/or energy
drinks continue to be published or are published in the future, or additional voluntary measures are taken, they could
adversely affect the demand for our products.
Increased competition could hurt our business.
The beverage industry is highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing, packaging,
development of new products, flavors, product positioning as well as promotion and marketing strategies. Our
products compete with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of manufacturers, some of
which have substantially greater financial, marketing and distribution resources than we do.
Important factors affecting our ability to compete successfully include the taste and flavor of our products,
trade and consumer promotions, rapid and effective development of new and unique cutting edge products,
24
attractive and different packaging, branded product advertising and pricing. Our products compete with all liquid
refreshments and in some cases with products of much larger and substantially better financed competitors,
including the products of numerous nationally and internationally known producers such as TCCC, PepsiCo, Red
Bull GmbH and KDP. We also compete with companies that are smaller or primarily national or local in operations.
Our products also compete with private-label brands such as those carried by grocery store chains, convenience
store chains and club stores. The rapid growth in sales through e-commerce retailers, e-commerce websites, mobile
commerce applications and subscription services, may result in a shift away from physical retail operations to digital
channels.
Due to competition in the beverage industry, there can be no assurance that we will not encounter difficulties
in maintaining our current revenues, market share or position in the beverage industry. If our revenues decline, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our inability to innovate successfully and to provide new cutting edge products could adversely affect our business
and financial results.
Our ability to compete in the highly competitive beverage industry and to achieve our business growth
objectives depends, in part, on our ability to develop new flavors, products and packaging. The success of our
innovation, in turn, depends on our ability to identify consumer trends and cater to consumer preferences. If we are
not successful in our innovation activities, our business, financial condition and results of operation could be
adversely affected.
Uncertainty in the financial markets and other adverse changes in general economic or political conditions in any
of the major countries in which we do business could adversely affect our industry, business and results of
operations.
Global economic uncertainties, including foreign currency exchange rates, affect businesses such as ours
in a number of ways, making it difficult to accurately forecast and plan our future business activities. There can be
no assurance that economic improvements will occur, or that they would be sustainable, or that they would enhance
conditions in markets relevant to us. In addition, we cannot predict the duration and severity of disruptions in any
of our markets or the impact they may have on our customers or business, as our expansion outside of the United
States has increased our exposure to any developments or crises in African, Asian, European and other international
markets. Unfavorable economic conditions and financial uncertainties in our major international markets, including
uncertainties surrounding the United Kingdom’s impending withdrawal from the European Union, commonly
referred to as “Brexit,” and increases in tariffs that may result, and unstable political conditions, including civil
unrest and governmental changes, in certain of our other international markets could undermine global consumer
confidence and reduce consumers’ purchasing power, thereby reducing demand for our products.
Changes in consumer preferences may reduce demand for some of our products.
The beverage industry is subject to changing consumer preferences and shifts in consumer preferences may
adversely affect us. There is increasing awareness of and concern for the health consequences of obesity. This may
reduce demand for our non-diet beverages, which could reduce our revenues and adversely affect our results of
operations. Recently, concerns have emerged regarding diet sodas and in particular, aspartame, which is contained
in certain of our Strategic Brands energy drinks.
Consumers are seeking greater variety in their beverages. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our
continued ability to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages that appeal to consumers. In order to
retain and expand our market share, we must continue to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages
and be competitive in the areas of taste, quality and price, although there can be no assurance of our ability to do
so. There is no assurance that consumers will continue to purchase our products in the future. Product lifecycles for
some beverage brands, products and/or packages may be limited to a few years before consumers’ preferences
change. The beverages we currently market are in varying stages of their product lifecycles, and there can be no
25
assurance that such beverages will become or remain profitable for us. We may be unable to achieve volume growth
through product and packaging initiatives. We may also be unable to penetrate new markets. Additionally, as
shopping patterns are being affected by the digital evolution, with customers embracing shopping by way of mobile
device applications, e-commerce retailers and e-commerce websites or platforms, we may be unable to address or
anticipate changes in consumer shopping preferences. If our revenues decline, our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our continued expansion outside of the United States exposes us to uncertain conditions and other risks in
international markets.
We have continued expanding our operations internationally into a variety of new markets, including
launches in China and various African and Middle Eastern countries. Our gross sales to customers outside of the
United States were approximately 31%, 28% and 25% of consolidated gross sales for the years ended December 31,
2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As our growth strategy includes further expanding our international business, if
we are unable to continue to expand distribution of our products outside the United States, our growth rate could be
adversely affected. In many international markets, we have limited operating experience and in some areas we have
no operating experience. It is costly to establish, develop and maintain international operations and develop and
promote our brands in international markets. Our percentage gross profit margins in many international markets are
expected to be less than the comparable percentage gross profit margins obtained in the United States. We face and
will continue to face substantial risks associated with having foreign operations, including: economic and/or
political instability in our international markets; unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates; restrictions on or
costs relating to the repatriation of foreign profits to the United States, including possible taxes and/or withholding
obligations on any repatriations; and tariffs and/or trade restrictions. These risks could have a significant impact on
our ability to sell our products on a competitive basis in international markets and could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, our operations outside of the United
States are subject to risks relating to appropriate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in local
jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations, higher product damages, particularly
when products are shipped long distances, potentially higher incidence of fraud and/or corruption, credit risk of
local customers and distributors and potentially adverse tax consequences.
Global or regional catastrophic events could impact our operations and affect our ability to grow our business.
Because of our increasingly global presence, our business could be affected by unstable political conditions,
civil unrest, large-scale terrorist acts, especially those directed against the United States or other major industrialized
countries where our products are distributed, the outbreak or escalation of armed hostilities, major natural disasters
or widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases. Such events could impact the production and/or distribution of our
products. In addition, such events could disrupt global or regional economic activity, which could affect consumer
purchasing power, thereby reducing demand for our products. If we are unable to grow our business internationally
as a result of these factors, our growth rate could decline.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our operating results.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to our sales, expenses, profits, assets
and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We may enter into forward currency exchange
contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign
exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries’ non-functional currency denominated
assets and liabilities. We have not used instruments to hedge against all foreign currency risks and are therefore not
protected against all foreign currency fluctuations. As a result, our reported earnings may be affected by changes in
foreign currency exchange rates. Moreover, any favorable impacts to profit margins or financial results from
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates are likely to be unsustainable over time. Foreign currency
transaction losses were $4.0 million, $3.3 million and $9.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016, respectively.
26
Default by or failure of one or more of our counterparty financial institutions could cause us to incur significant
losses.
As part of any hedging activities that we may conduct, we may enter into transactions involving derivative
financial instruments, including forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, option contracts, collars and
swaps, with various financial institutions. We also have significant amounts of cash, cash equivalents and other
investments on deposit or in accounts with banks or other financial institutions both in the United States and abroad,
exposing us to risk of default by or failure of such counterparty financial institutions. This risk of counterparty
default or failure is greater during periods of economic downturn or uncertainty in financial markets. If one of our
counterparties became insolvent or filed for bankruptcy, our ability to recover losses incurred due to the default or
to retrieve assets deposited or held in accounts with such counterparty may be limited by the counterparty’s liquidity
or applicable laws governing insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings. Default by or failure of one or more of our
counterparties could cause us to incur significant losses and negatively impact our results of operations and financial
condition.
We rely on bottlers and other contract packers to manufacture our products. If we are unable to maintain good
relationships with our bottlers and contract packers and/or their ability to manufacture our products becomes
constrained or unavailable to us, our business could suffer.
Our acquisition of AFF in 2016 brought our primary flavor supplier in-house for the majority of our Monster
Energy® brand energy drinks. However, we also procure flavors from other independent flavor suppliers. We do
not manufacture finished goods, but instead outsource manufacturing of our finished goods to bottlers and other
contract packers. As a result, in the event of a disruption and/or delay, we may be unable to procure alternative
packing facilities at commercially reasonable rates and/or within a reasonably short time period. In addition, there
are limited alternative packing facilities in our domestic and international markets with adequate capacity and/or
suitable equipment for many of our products, including certain of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, our
Muscle Monster® product line, our Java Monster® product line, our Espresso Monster® product line, our Monster
Hydro® product line and certain of our other products. For example, in the second half of 2016 and into the fourth
quarter of 2017, sales of our Java Monster® and Muscle Monster® product lines were adversely impacted by
production capacity constraints resulting from production and maintenance issues with certain of our co-packers.
While this short-term disruption in production did not significantly affect our revenues, a lengthy disruption or
delay in the production of any of our products could significantly adversely affect our revenues from such products
because alternative co-packing facilities in the United States and abroad with adequate long-term capacity may not
be available for such products either at commercially reasonable rates and/or costs and/or within a reasonably short
time period, if at all. In addition, recently there has been a consolidation of co-packers. If we are unable to maintain
good relationships with our largest co-packers, or if our costs of co-packing increase, our business, financial
condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We rely on bottlers and distributors to distribute our products. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with
our existing bottlers and distributors and/or secure such bottlers and distributors, our business could suffer.
Many of our bottlers/distributors are affiliated with and manufacture and/or distribute other soda,
carbonated and non-carbonated brands and other beverage products (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). In many
cases, such products compete directly with our products.
Unilateral decisions could be taken by our bottlers/distributors, convenience and gas chains, grocery chains,
specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying certain or all of our products that
they are carrying at any time, which could cause our business to suffer.
The TCCC North American Bottlers, Coca-Cola European Partners, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Coca-Cola
FEMSA, Coca-Cola Amatil, Swire Coca-Cola (China), COFCO Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa and Coca-
Cola İçecek are our primary domestic and international distributors of our products. As a result, if we are unable to
maintain good relationships with the TCCC North American Bottlers, Coca-Cola European Partners, Coca-Cola
27
Hellenic, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Amatil, Swire Coca-Cola (China), COFCO Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola
Beverages Africa and/or Coca-Cola İçecek, or if the TCCC North American Bottlers, Coca-Cola European Partners,
Coca-Cola Hellenic, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Amatil, Swire Coca-Cola (China), COFCO Coca-Cola, Coca-
Cola Beverages Africa and/or Coca-Cola İçecek do not effectively focus on marketing, promoting, selling and
distributing our products, sales of our products could be adversely affected.
TCCC, through the TCCC Subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 3%, 18% and 41% of our net sales
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A decision by certain TCCC North American
Bottlers (including CCBCC Operations, LLC and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling), Coca-Cola European Partners, Coca-
Cola Hellenic, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola Amatil, Swire Coca-Cola (China), COFCO Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola
Beverages Africa, Coca-Cola İçecek, Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club), or any other large customer to
decrease the amount purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and consolidated results of operations.
The marketing efforts of our distributors are important for our success. If our brands prove to be less
attractive to our existing bottlers and distributors, if we fail to attract additional bottlers and distributors, and/or our
bottlers/distributors do not market, promote and distribute our products effectively, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Increases in costs and/or shortages of raw materials and/or ingredients and/or fuel and/or costs of co-packing
could harm our business.
The principal raw materials used by us are aluminum cans, sleek aluminum cans, aluminum Cap Cans,
aluminum cans with re-sealable ends, PET plastic bottles, glass bottles, caps, flavors, juice concentrates, glucose,
sugar, sucralose, milk, cream, protein, coffee, tea, dietary ingredients and other packaging materials, the costs and
availability of which are subject to fluctuations. For certain flavors purchased from third-party suppliers and used
in a limited number of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and/or our Strategic Brands energy drinks, these
third-party flavor suppliers own the proprietary rights to certain of their flavor formulas. We do not have possession
of the list of such flavor ingredients or formulas used in the production of certain of our products and certain of our
blended concentrates, and we may be unable to obtain comparable flavors or concentrates from alternative suppliers
on short notice. Our third-party flavor suppliers generally do not make such flavors and/or blended concentrates
available to other third party customers. We have identified alternative suppliers for certain of the ingredients
contained in many of our beverages. However, industry-wide shortages of certain flavors, fruits and fruit juices,
coffee, tea, dairy-based products, dietary ingredients and sweeteners have been, and could from time to time in the
future be, encountered, which could interfere with and/or delay production of certain of our products. In addition,
certain of our co-packing arrangements allow such co-packers to increase their fees based on certain of their own
cost increases. We are uncertain whether the prices of any of the above or any other raw materials or ingredients,
certain of which have recently risen, will continue to rise or may rise in the future. We are unsure whether we will
be able to pass any of such increases on to our customers. Although we generally do not use hedging agreements or
alternative instruments to manage the risks associated with securing sufficient ingredients or raw materials, from
time to time, we, through our aluminum can suppliers, enter into purchase agreements for the purchase of aluminum,
as well as enter into purchase agreements for portions of our annual anticipated requirements for certain of our other
raw materials such as glucose, sugar and sucralose. In 2018, the United States imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum
as well as on goods imported from China and certain other countries. Additional tariffs imposed by the United
States on a broader range of imports, or further retaliatory trade measures taken by China or other countries in
response, could result in an increase in supply chain costs. In addition, some of these raw materials, including certain
sizes of cans, are available from limited suppliers.
Our failure to accurately estimate demand for our products could adversely affect our business and financial
results.
We may not correctly estimate demand for our existing products and/or new products. Our ability to
estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with regard to new products, and may be less precise
28
during periods of rapid growth, particularly in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products
or are unable to secure sufficient ingredients or raw materials including, but not limited to, aluminum cans,
aluminum Cap Cans, sleek aluminum cans, aluminum cans with re-sealable ends, PET plastic bottles, glass bottles,
caps, labels, sucralose, flavors, dietary ingredients, juice concentrates, certain sweeteners, coffee, tea, protein and
packaging materials or experience difficulties with our co-packing arrangements, including production shortages or
quality issues, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. Moreover, industry-wide shortages of
certain juice concentrates, dietary ingredients and sweeteners have been and could, from time to time in the future,
be experienced, resulting in production fluctuations and/or product shortages. We generally do not use hedging
agreements or alternative instruments to manage this risk. Such shortages could interfere with and/or delay
production of certain of our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
If we do not maintain sufficient inventory levels, if we are unable to deliver our products to our customers in
sufficient quantities, and/or if our customers’ or retailers’ inventory levels are too high, our operating results could
be adversely affected.
If we do not accurately anticipate the future demand for a particular product or the time it will take to obtain
new inventory, our inventory levels may be inadequate and our results of operations may be negatively impacted.
If we fail to meet our shipping schedules, we could damage our relationships with distributors and/or retailers,
increase our distribution costs and/or cause sales opportunities to be delayed or lost. In order to be able to deliver
our products on a timely basis, we need to maintain adequate inventory levels of the desired products. If the
inventory of our products held by our distributors and/or retailers is too high, they will not place orders for additional
products, which could unfavorably impact our future sales and adversely affect our operating results.
The costs of packaging supplies are subject to price increases from time to time, and we may be unable to pass all
or some of such increased costs on to our customers.
Many of our packaging supply contracts allow our suppliers to alter the costs they charge us for packaging
supplies based on changes in the costs of the underlying commodities that are used to produce those packaging
supplies, such as aluminum for cans and pulp and paper for cartons and/or trays. These changes in the prices we
pay for our packaging supplies occur at certain predetermined times that vary by product and supplier. In some
cases, we are able to fix the prices of certain packaging supplies and/or commodities for a reasonable period. In
other cases, we bear the risk of increases in the costs of these packaging supplies, including the underlying costs of
the commodities that comprise these packaging supplies. We do not use derivative instruments to manage this risk.
If the costs of these packaging supplies increase, we may be unable to pass these costs along to our customers
through corresponding adjustments to the prices we charge, which could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations.
Our intellectual property rights are critical to our success, and the loss of such rights could materially adversely
affect our business.
We own numerous trademarks that are very important to our business. We also own the copyright in, and
to, a portion of the content on the packaging of our products. We regard our trademarks, copyrights and similar
intellectual property as critical to our success and attempt to protect such intellectual property through registration
and enforcement actions. However, there can be no assurance that other parties will not infringe or misappropriate
our trademarks, copyrights and similar proprietary rights. If we lose some or all of our intellectual property rights,
our business may be materially adversely affected.
Negative publicity (whether or not warranted) concerning product safety or quality, human and workplace rights,
obesity or other issues could damage our brand image and corporate reputation, and may cause our business to
suffer.
Our success depends on our ability to build and maintain the brand image for our existing products, new
products and brand extensions and maintain our corporate reputation. There can be no assurance that our advertising,
29
marketing and promotional programs and our commitment to product safety and quality and human rights will have
the desired impact on our products’ brand image and on consumer preference and demand. Product safety, quality
and/or ingredient content issues, efficacy or lack thereof (real or imagined), or allegations of product contamination,
even if false or unfounded, could tarnish the image of the affected brands and may cause consumers to choose other
products. Furthermore, our brand image or perceived product quality could be adversely affected by litigation,
unfavorable reports in the media (internet or elsewhere), studies in general and regulatory or other governmental
inquiries (in each case whether involving our products or those of our competitors) and proposed or new legislation
affecting our industry. In addition, from time to time, there are public policy endeavors that are either directly related
to our products and packaging or to our business. These public policy debates can occasionally be the subject of
backlash from advocacy groups that have a differing point of view and could result in adverse media and consumer
reaction, including product boycotts. Similarly, our sponsorship relationships could subject us to negative publicity
as a result of actual or alleged misconduct by individuals or entities associated with organizations we sponsor or
support. Likewise, campaigns by activists connecting us, or our supply chain, with human and workplace rights
issues could adversely impact our corporate image and reputation. We have made a number of commitments to
respect human rights, including through our Human Rights Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct, Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics and our grievance procedures. Allegations, even if untrue, that we are not respecting one or
more of the 30 human rights found in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights; actual or
perceived failure by our suppliers or other business partners to comply with applicable labor and workplace rights
laws, including child labor laws, or their actual or perceived abuse or misuse of migrant workers; and adverse
publicity surrounding obesity and health concerns related to our products, water usage, environmental impact, labor
relations or the like could negatively affect our Company’s overall reputation and brand image, which in turn could
have a negative impact on our products’ acceptance by consumers.
If we encounter product recalls, our business may suffer and we may incur material losses.
We may be required from time to time to recall products entirely or from specific co-packers, markets or
batches if such products become contaminated, damaged, mislabeled or otherwise materially non-compliant with
applicable regulatory requirements. Material product recalls could adversely affect our profitability and our brand
image. We do not maintain recall insurance.
If we are not able to retain the full-time services of senior management, there may be an adverse effect on our
operations and/or our operating performance until we find suitable replacements.
Our business is dependent, to a large extent, upon the services of our senior management. We do not
maintain key person life insurance on any members of our senior management. The loss of services of either Rodney
Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hilton Schlosberg, Vice-Chairman, President and Chief Financial
Officer, or any other key members of our senior management could adversely affect our business until suitable
replacements can be found. There may be a limited number of personnel with the requisite skills to serve in these
positions, and we may be unable to locate or employ such qualified personnel on acceptable terms.
Climate change may negatively affect our business.
There is concern that a gradual increase in global average temperatures due to increased carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could cause significant changes in weather patterns around the globe and
an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters. While warmer weather has historically been associated
with increased sales of our products, changing weather patterns could result in decreased agricultural productivity
in certain regions, which may limit availability and/or increase the cost of certain key ingredients, juice concentrates,
and dietary and other ingredients used in our products and could impact the food security of communities around
the world. Increased frequency or duration of extreme weather conditions could also impair production capabilities,
disrupt our supply chain (including, without limitation, the availability of, and/or result in higher prices for, juice
concentrates, natural flavors and dietary and other ingredients) and/or impact demand for our products. Natural
disasters and extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes or floods, may affect our
operations and the operation of our supply chain and unfavorably impact the demand for, or our consumers’ ability
30
to purchase, our products. The predicted effects of climate change may also result in challenges regarding
availability and quality of water, or less favorable pricing for water, which could adversely impact our business and
results of operations. In addition, public expectations for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could result in
increased energy, transportation and raw material costs, and may require us to make additional investments in
facilities and equipment. As a result, the effects of climate change could have a long-term adverse impact on our
business and results of operations. Sales of our products may also be influenced to some extent by weather
conditions in the markets in which we operate. Weather conditions may influence consumer demand for certain of
our beverages, which could have an effect on our operations, either positively or negatively.
Potential changes in accounting standards or practices and/or taxation may adversely affect our financial results.
We cannot predict the impact that future changes in accounting standards or practices may have on our
financial results. New accounting standards could be issued that change the way we record revenues, expenses,
assets and liabilities. These changes in accounting standards could adversely affect our reported earnings. Increases
in direct and indirect income tax rates could affect after-tax income. Equally, increases in indirect taxes (including
environmental taxes pertaining to the disposal of beverage containers and/or indirect taxes on beverages generally
or energy drinks in particular) could affect our products’ affordability and reduce our sales.
Fluctuations in our effective tax rate could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to income and other taxes in both the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. Therefore, we
may be subjected to audits for multiple tax years in various jurisdictions at once. At any given time, events may
occur which change our expectation about how any such tax audits will be resolved and thus, there could be
variability in our quarterly and/or annual tax rates, because these events may change our plans for uncertain tax
positions. On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the
“Tax Reform Act”) which imposes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. We completed our analysis of
the Tax Reform Act during 2018 and adjusted the 2017 provisional estimate to the final amounts in accordance with
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.
Volatility of stock price may restrict sale opportunities.
Our stock price is affected by a number of factors, including stockholder expectations, financial results, the
introduction of new products by us and our competitors, general economic and market conditions, estimates and
projections by the investment community and public comments by other parties as well as many other factors
including litigation, many of which are beyond our control. We do not provide guidance on our future performance,
including, but not limited to, our revenues, margins, product mix, operating expenses or net income. We may be
unable to achieve analysts’ net revenue and/or earnings forecasts, which are based on their own projected revenues,
sales volumes and sales mix of many product types and/or new products, certain of which are more profitable than
others, as well as their own estimates of gross margin and operating expenses. There can be no assurance that we
will achieve any such projected levels or mixes of product sales, revenues, gross margins, operating profits and/or
net income. As a result, our stock price is subject to significant volatility, and stockholders may not be able to sell
our stock at attractive prices. In addition, periods of volatility in the market price of our stock could result in the
initiation of securities class action litigation against us. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, the high
of our stock price was $70.22 and the low was $47.61.
Provisions in our organizational documents and control by insiders may prevent changes in control even if such
changes would be beneficial to other stockholders.
Our organizational documents may limit changes in control. Furthermore, as of February 20, 2019,
Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg together may be deemed to beneficially own and/or exercise voting control over
approximately 9.8% of our outstanding common stock. As of February 20, 2019, TCCC owned approximately 19%
of our common stock. Consequently, Mr. Sacks, Mr. Schlosberg and TCCC could exercise significant control over
matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including electing directors, amending organizational documents
31
and disapproving extraordinary transactions such as a takeover attempt, even though such actions may be favorable
to the other common stockholders.
Our cash flow may not be sufficient to fund our long-term goals.
Although we currently have sufficient cash to support our planned operating activities in the current year,
we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to support our capital expenditure plans and general operating
activities in the future. In addition, the terms and/or availability of our credit facility and/or the activities of our
debtors and/or creditors could affect the financing of our future growth.
Our investments in marketable securities are subject to risks which may cause losses and affect the liquidity of these
investments.
At December 31, 2018, we had $637.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $320.7 million in short-
term investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. treasuries, certificates of deposit, commercial
paper, government agencies and municipal securities (which may have an auction reset feature), variable rate
demand notes and money market funds meeting certain criteria. Certain of these investments are subject to general
credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks. These risks associated with our investment portfolio may have an
adverse effect on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired.
Under GAAP, we are required to review our intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in
circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that may be considered a change in
circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our intangible assets may not be recoverable include, declining
or slower than anticipated growth rates for certain of our existing products, a decline in stock price and market
capitalization, and slower growth rates in our industry.
We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in
which we determine that our intangible assets have been impaired. Any such charge would adversely impact our
results of operations. As of December 31, 2018, our goodwill totaled approximately $1.33 billion and other
intangible assets totaled approximately $1.05 billion.
If we fail to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting on
a consolidated basis, our stock price and investor confidence in the Company could be materially and adversely
affected.
We are required to maintain both disclosure controls and procedures as well as internal control over
financial reporting that are effective for the purposes described in “Part II, Item 9A – Controls and Procedures.” If
we fail to maintain such controls and procedures, our business, results of operations, financial condition and/or the
value of our stock could be materially harmed.
Litigation, legal proceedings, arbitrations, government and regulatory inquiries and/or proceedings could expose
us to significant liabilities and thus negatively affect our financial results.
We are a party, from time to time, to various litigation claims and legal proceedings, arbitrations,
government and regulatory inquiries and/or proceedings, including, but not limited to, intellectual property, fraud,
unfair business practices, false advertising, product liability, breach of contract claims, securities actions and
shareholder derivative actions. Material legal proceedings are described more fully in, “Part I, Item 3 – Legal
Proceedings” and in “Part II, Item 8, Note 11” to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-
K.
32
Defending these proceedings can result in significant ongoing expenditures and the diversion of our
management’s time and attention from the operation of our business, which could have a negative effect on our
business operations. Our failure to successfully defend or settle any litigation or legal proceedings could result in
liabilities that, to the extent not covered by our insurance, could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, revenue and profitability, and could cause the market value of our common stock to decline.
We must continually maintain, protect and/or upgrade our information technology systems, including, protecting
us from internal and external cybersecurity threats.
Information technology enables us to operate efficiently, interface with customers, maintain financial
accuracy and efficiency and accurately produce our financial statements. If we do not appropriately allocate and
effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain the proper technology infrastructure, we could be
subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of customers, business disruptions, and/or the loss
of and/or damage to intellectual property through security breaches, including internal and external cybersecurity
threats. Cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software (malware and
virus), attempts to gain unauthorized access to networks, computer systems and data and other forms of electronic
security breaches that could lead to disruptions in business systems, an inability to process customer orders and/or
lost customer orders, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data.
We believe that we have adopted appropriate measures including ongoing cybersecurity risk assessments to mitigate
potential risks to our technology and our operations from these information technology-related disruptions.
However, given the unpredictability of the timing, nature and scope of such disruptions, we could potentially be
subject to operational interruption, damage to our brand image and private data exposure. Moreover, if our data
management systems, including our SAP enterprise resource planning system, do not effectively collect, store,
process and report relevant data for the operation of our business (whether due to equipment malfunction or
constraints, software deficiencies, cybersecurity attack and/or human error), our ability to effectively plan, forecast
and execute our business plan and comply with applicable laws and regulations will be impaired, perhaps materially.
Any such impairment could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows
and the timeliness with which we report our internal and external operating results.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our principal properties include our corporate headquarters as well as our Southern California warehouse
and distribution center.
Our owned corporate headquarters are located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879, consisting of
(i) an approximately 141,000 square-foot, free-standing, six-story building (ENERGY STAR certified), (ii) an
approximately 147,625 square-foot three-story parking structure and storage facility, which houses our
approximately 14,000 square-foot quality control laboratory, and (iii) an adjacent approximately 75,426 square foot,
free-standing, three-story building (pursuing ENERGY STAR certification).
Our owned Southern California warehouse is located in Rialto, California, consisting of an approximately
1,000,000 square-foot building which is LEED certified.
In addition, we lease many smaller office and/or warehouse spaces, both domestically and in certain
international locations.
33
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company, TCCC and certain affiliates are parties to various agreements setting forth, among other
things, provisions relating to TCCC’s equity holding in the Company and the terms on which the Company’s energy
products are distributed globally by members of TCCC’s distribution network. Among other provisions, the
agreements restrict TCCC from competing in the energy drink category in certain territories prior to the termination
of the applicable distribution coordination agreement with TCCC, with certain exceptions.
TCCC has developed three energy products that it believes it may market under the exception relating to
the Coca-Cola brand. The Company believes that the exception does not apply to this situation. By mutual
agreement to obtain clarification, the issue was submitted to AAA arbitration on October 31, 2018. We expect a
decision will be reached during the second quarter of 2019. TCCC has indicated that it has suspended the proposed
launch of such products until April 2019. As the relief sought is limited, no reasonable possible range of losses, if
any, can be estimated.
The Company is currently a defendant in a number of personal injury lawsuits, claiming that the death or
other serious injury of the plaintiffs was caused by consumption of Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. The
plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege strict product liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied
warranties and wrongful death. The Company believes that each complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous
defense. The Company also believes that any damages, if awarded, would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Furthermore, from time to time in the normal course of business, the Company is named in other litigation,
including consumer class actions, intellectual property litigation and claims from prior distributors. Although it is
not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of such litigation, based on the facts known to the Company,
management believes that such litigation in the aggregate will likely not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.
The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that
could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that is accrued, if any, or in the amount of any
related insurance reimbursements recorded. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet
includes accrued loss contingencies of approximately $0.06 million.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Principal Market
The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the same symbol,
“MNST”. As of February 20, 2019, there were 543,148,169 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding
held by approximately 198 holders of record. The holders of record do not include those stockholders whose shares
are held of record by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.
34
Stock Price and Dividend Information
We have not paid cash dividends to our stockholders since our inception and do not anticipate paying cash
dividends in the foreseeable future.
On February 28, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “February 2017 Repurchase
Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 4.3 million shares of common stock at
an average purchase price of $57.74 per share, for a total amount of $249.9 million (excluding broker commissions),
under the February 2017 Repurchase Plan, which exhausted the availability under the February 2017 Repurchase
Plan. Such shares are included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2018.
On February 27, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “February 2018 Repurchase
Program”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 5.0 million shares of common stock
at an average purchase price of $49.81 per share, for a total amount of $249.9 million (excluding broker
commissions), which exhausted the availability under the February 2018 Repurchase Program. Such shares are
included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.
On May 29, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “May 2018 Repurchase Plan”).
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 9.0 million shares of common stock at an
average purchase price of $55.55 per share, for a total amount of $499.9 million (excluding broker commissions),
under the May 2018 Repurchase Plan, which exhausted the availability under the May 2018 Repurchase Plan. Such
shares are included in the common stock in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2018.
On August 7, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “August 2018 Repurchase
Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 6.0 million shares of common stock at
an average purchase price of $57.11 per share, for a total amount of $340.3 million (excluding broker commissions),
under the August 2018 Repurchase Plan. Such shares are included in the common stock in treasury in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018. As a result of purchases of our common stock in
January 2019 and February 2019, as of February 26, 2019, $20.6 million remained available for repurchase under
the August 2018 Repurchase Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, 34,976 shares of common stock were purchased from
employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $2.1 million.
While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against our
authorized share repurchase programs. Such shares are included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.
35
The following tabular summary reflects the Company’s repurchase activity during the quarter ended
December 31, 2018:
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
4,812,896
4,607,630
$
$
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (In
thousands)²
420,288
159,612
Period
Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2018
Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2018
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
4,812,896
4,607,630
Average Price
per Share¹
$ 57.41
$ 56.56
¹Excluding broker commissions paid.
²Net of broker commissions paid.
Performance Graph
The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns:1
1Annual return assumes reinvestment of dividends. Cumulative total return assumes an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2013.
The Company’s self-selected peer group is comprised of TCCC, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (through July 9, 2018), National Beverage
Corporation, Jones Soda Company and PepsiCo.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The consolidated statements of operations data set forth below with respect to each of the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2016 through 2018 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, are derived from
our audited consolidated financial statements included herein, and should be read in conjunction with those financial
statements and notes thereto, and with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
36
of Operations included as Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated statements of
operations data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements not
included herein.
(in thousands, except
per share
information)
Net sales1,2
Gross profit1,2
Gross profit as a percentage to net sales
Operating income1,3
Net income1,3
Net income per common
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
$ 3,807,183 $ 3,369,045 $ 3,049,393 $ 2,722,564 $ 2,464,867
$ 2,295,375 $ 2,137,690 $ 1,942,000 $ 1,632,301 $ 1,339,810
60.3%
63.5%
54.4%
$ 1,283,619 $ 1,198,787 $ 1,085,338 $ 893,653 $ 747,505
$ 993,004 $ 820,678 $ 712,685 $ 546,733 $ 483,185
63.7%
60.0%
share:
Basic
Diluted
$ 1.45 $ 1.21 $ 0.97 $ 0.96
$ 1.42 $ 1.19 $ 0.95 $ 0.92
Cash, cash equivalents and investments $ 958,163 $ 1,203,921 $ 600,530 $ 2,935,375 $ 1,194,397
$ 4,526,891 $ 4,791,012 $ 4,153,471 $ 5,571,277 $ 1,938,875
$ 3,610,901 $ 3,895,212 $ 3,329,709 $ 4,809,410 $ 1,515,150
$ 1.78
$ 1.76
Stockholders’ equity
Total assets
¹ Includes $44.3 million, $43.4 million, $40.3 million, $62.8 million and $15.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017,
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to the recognition of deferred revenue.
2 Net sales and gross profit were negatively impacted by approximately $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result
of the adoption of ASC 606.
3 Includes $26.6 million, $35.4 million, $79.8 million, $224.0 million and ($0.2) million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017,
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to expenditures attributable to the costs associated with terminating existing distributors.
ITEM 7.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
(“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to – and should be read in conjunction with – our financial statements and
the accompanying notes (“Notes”) included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-
looking statements that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about our
business and operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated and expressed in
such forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors.”
This overview provides our perspective on the individual sections of MD&A. MD&A includes the
following sections:
Our Business – a general description of our business, the value drivers of our business, and
opportunities and risks facing our Company, stock repurchases, acquisitions and divestitures;
Results of Operations – an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for the three years
presented in our financial statements;
Sales – details of our sales measured on a quarterly basis in both dollars and cases;
Inflation – information about the impact that inflation may or may not have on our results;
Liquidity and Capital Resources – an analysis of our cash flows, sources and uses of cash and
contractual obligations;
37
Accounting Policies and Pronouncements – a discussion of accounting policies that require critical
judgments and estimates including newly issued accounting pronouncements;
Forward-Looking Statements – cautionary information about forward-looking statements and a
description of certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from
the Company’s historical results or our current expectations or projections; and
Market Risks – information about market risks and risk management. (See “Forward-Looking
Statements” and “Part II, Item 7A – Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risks”).
Our Business
Overview
We develop, market, sell and distribute energy drink beverages and concentrates for energy drink
beverages, primarily under the following brand names:
Monster Energy®
Monster Energy Ultra®
Monster Rehab®
Monster MAXX®
Java Monster®
Muscle Monster®
Espresso Monster®
Punch Monster®
Juice Monster®
Monster Hydro®
Caffé Monster®
Predator®
Live+
Full Throttle®
NOS®
Burn®
Mother®
Nalu®
Ultra Energy®
Relentless®
BPM®
BU®
Gladiator®
Samurai®
Mutant®
Play® and Power Play(stylized)®
Our net sales of $3.81 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018 represented record annual net sales.
Net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks were $3.49 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net sales of our Strategic Brands were $285.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 were negatively impacted by approximately $42.2 million
as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606. Under ASC 606, commissions paid
to TCCC, based on sales to certain of the Company’s TCCC bottlers/distributors that TCCC consolidates, or to the
TCCC Related Parties, are included as a reduction to net sales. Prior to January 1, 2018, commissions based on
sales to the TCCC Related Parties, were included in operating expenses.
Net changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales in the Monster Energy®
Drinks segment of approximately $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net changes in foreign
currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales in the Strategic Brands segment of approximately $0.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Our growth strategy includes expanding our international business. Gross sales to customers outside the
United States amounted to $1.36 billion, $1.09 billion and $888.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016, respectively. Such sales were approximately 31%, 28% and 25% of gross sales for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Our customers are primarily full service beverage bottlers/distributors, retail grocery and specialty chains,
wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, foodservice customers and the military.
Percentages of our gross sales to our various customer types for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
38
are reflected below. Such information includes sales made by us directly to the customer types concerned, which
include our full service beverage bottlers/distributors in the United States. Such full service beverage
bottlers/distributors in turn sell certain of our products to some of the same customer types listed below. We limit
our description of our customer types to include only our sales to our full service bottlers/distributors without
reference to such bottlers/distributors’ sales to their own customers.
U.S. full service bottlers/distributors
International full service bottlers/distributors
Club stores and mass merchandisers
Retail grocery, specialty chains and wholesalers
Other
2018
61%
31%
6%
1%
1%
2017
63%
28%
7%
1%
1%
2016
65%
25%
8%
1%
1%
Our customers include Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc., Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada Company
(Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited from September 28, 2018), Coca-Cola Bottling Company, CCBCC
Operations, LLC, United Bottling Contracts Company, LLC, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, Great Lakes Coca-Cola
Bottling, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages LLC, Coca-Cola of Northern New England, Swire Coca-Cola, USA,
Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, Coca-Cola European Partners, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Coca-Cola
Amatil, Swire Coca-Cola (China), COFCO Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, Coca-Cola İçecek and certain
other TCCC network bottlers, Asahi Soft Drinks, Co., Ltd., Kalil Bottling Group, Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s
Club), Costco Wholesale Corporation and Big Geyser, Inc. A decision by any large customer to decrease amounts
purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have a material negative effect on our financial condition
and consolidated results of operations.
TCCC, through certain consolidated subsidiaries (the “TCCC Subsidiaries”), accounted for approximately
3%, 18% and 41% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As part of
TCCC’s North America Refranchising initiative (the “North America Refranchising”), the territories of certain
TCCC Subsidiaries have been transitioned to certain independent TCCC bottlers/distributors and/or TCCC Related
Parties. Accordingly, our percentage of net sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries significantly decreased for the year
ended December 31, 2018.
CCBCC Operations, LLC accounted for approximately 13%, 13% and 9% of our net sales for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling accounted for approximately 12%, 6% and 2% of the Company’s net sales for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Coca-Cola European Partners accounted for approximately 10%, 9% and 9% of the Company’s net sales
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
We continue to incur expenditures in connection with the development and introduction of new products
and flavors.
Value Drivers of our Business
We believe that the key value drivers of our business include the following:
International Growth – The introduction, development and sustained profitability of our Monster
Energy® brand internationally remains a key value driver for our corporate growth. One or more of our
products are distributed in approximately 155 countries and territories worldwide.
Profitable Growth – We believe “functional” value-added brands supported by marketing and
innovation and targeted to a diverse consumer base, drive profitable growth. We continue to broaden
39
our family of products to provide more alternatives to consumers. We are focused on increasing the
profit margins for both our Monster Energy® Drinks segment and our Strategic Brands segment, and
believe that tailored branding, packaging, pricing and distribution channel strategies help achieve
profitable growth. We are implementing these strategies with a view to continuing profitable growth.
Cost Management – The principal focus of cost management will continue to be on reducing input
procurement and production costs on a per-case basis, including raw material costs and co-packing
fees, as well as reducing freight costs by securing additional co-packing facilities strategically localized.
Another key area of focus is to decrease promotional allowances, selling and general and administrative
costs, including sponsorships, sampling, promotional and marketing expenses, as a percentage of net
sales.
Efficient Capital Structure – Our capital structure is designed to optimize our working capital in order
to finance expansion, both domestically and internationally. We believe that with our strong capital
position, our ability to raise funds, if necessary, at a relatively low effective cost of borrowings, provides
a competitive advantage. The reduction of accounts receivable and inventory days on hand will remain
an area of focus.
We believe that, subject to increases in the costs of certain raw materials being contained, these value
drivers, when implemented and/or achieved in the United States and internationally, will result in: (1) improving or
maintaining our product gross profit margins; (2) providing additional leverage over time through reduced expenses
as a percentage of net operating revenues; and (3) enhancing our cost of capital. The ultimate measure of success is
and will be reflected in our current and future results of operations.
Gross and net sales, gross profit, operating income, net income and net income per share represent key
measurements of the above value drivers. These measurements will continue to be a key management focus in 2019
and beyond (See “Part II, Item 7 – Results of Operations – Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31,
2018, Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017”).
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had working capital of $1.20 billion compared to $1.53 billion as
of December 31, 2017. The decrease in working capital was primarily the result of the $1.34 billion of repurchases
of our common stock during the year ended December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2018, our net
cash provided by operating activities was approximately $1.16 billion as compared to $987.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 2017. Principal uses of cash flows in 2018, were purchases of investments, repurchase of our
common stock, development of our Monster Energy® brand internationally and acquisitions of property and
equipment. These principal uses of cash flows are expected to be and remain our principal recurring use of cash and
working capital funds in the future (See “Part II, Item 7 – Liquidity and Capital Resources”).
Opportunities, Challenges and Risks
Looking forward, our management has identified certain challenges and risks for the beverage industry and
the Company, including our significant commercial relationship with TCCC and TCCC’s status as a significant
shareholder of the Company, in each case as described above under “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors.”
In addition, legislation has been proposed and/or adopted at the U.S., state, county and/or municipal level
and proposed and/or adopted in certain foreign jurisdictions to restrict the sale of energy drinks (including
prohibiting the sale of energy drinks at certain establishments or pursuant to certain governmental programs), limit
caffeine content, require certain product labeling disclosures and/or warnings, impose taxes, limit product sizes or
impose age restrictions for the sale of energy drinks. In addition, articles critical of the caffeine content in energy
drinks and their perceived benefits and articles indicating certain health risks of energy drinks have been published.
The proposal and/or adoption of such legislation and the publication of such articles, or the future proposal and/or
adoption of similar legislation or publication of similar articles, may adversely affect our Company. In addition,
uncertainty and/or volatility in our domestic and/or our international economic markets could negatively affect both
40
the stability of our industry and our Company. Furthermore, our growth strategy includes expanding our
international business, which exposes us to risks inherent in conducting international operations, including the risks
associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Consumer discretionary spending also represents a
challenge to the successful marketing and sale of our products. Increases in consumer and regulatory awareness of
the health problems arising from obesity and inactive lifestyles continue to represent a challenge. We recognize that
obesity is a complex and serious public health problem. Our commitment to consumers begins with our broad
product line and a wide selection of diet, light and low calorie beverages within our energy drink product lines. We
continuously strive to meet changing consumer needs through beverage innovation, choice and variety. (See
“Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors”).
Our historical success is attributable, in part, to our introduction of different and innovative beverages which
have been positively accepted by consumers. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our continued ability to
develop and introduce different and innovative beverages that meet consumer preferences, although there can be
no assurance of our ability to do so. In order to retain and expand our market share, we must continue to develop
and introduce different and innovative beverages and be competitive in the areas of price, quality, method of
distribution, brand image and intellectual property protection. The beverage industry is subject to changing
consumer preferences that may adversely affect us if we misjudge such preferences.
In addition, other key challenges and risks that could impact our Company’s future financial results include,
but are not limited to:
the risks associated with the realization of benefits from our relationship with TCCC;
the relationship risks associated with the arbitration with TCCC;
the outcome of our arbitration proceedings with TCCC, including TCCC developing and distributing
additional energy products;
changes in consumer preferences and demand for our products;
economic uncertainty in the United States, Europe and other countries in which we operate;
the risks associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
maintenance of our brand image, product quality and corporate reputation;
increasing concern over various environmental, human rights and health matters, including obesity,
caffeine consumption and energy drinks generally, and changes in regulation and consumer preferences
in response to those concerns;
profitable expansion and growth of our family of brands in the competitive market place (See
“Part I, Item 1 – Business – Competition” and “Part I, Item 1 – Business – Sales and Marketing”);
costs of establishing and promoting our brands internationally;
increase in costs of raw materials used by us;
restrictions on imports and sources of supply, duties or tariffs, changes in related government
regulations and disruptions in the timely import or export of our products and/or ingredients due to port
strikes, related labor issues or other importation impediments;
protection of our existing intellectual property portfolio of trademarks and copyrights and the
continuous pursuit to develop and protect new and innovative trademarks and copyrights for our
expanding product lines;
limitations on available quantities of certain package containers such as the aluminum 24-ounce Cap
Can;
limitations on co-packing availability, particularly for retort production;
the impact of Brexit on our business in Europe and the United Kingdom; and
the imposition of additional regulation, including regulation restricting the sale of energy drinks,
limiting caffeine content in beverages, requiring product labeling and/or warnings, imposing excise
taxes and/or sales taxes, and/or limiting product size and/or age restrictions.
See “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors” for additional information about risks and uncertainties facing our
Company.
41
We believe that the following opportunities exist for us:
domestic and international growth potential of our products;
growth potential of the energy drink category, both domestically and internationally;
planned and future new product and product line introductions with the objective of increasing sales
and/or contributing to higher profitability;
the introduction of new package formats designed to generate strong revenue growth;
package, pricing and channel opportunities to increase profitable growth;
effective strategic positioning to capitalize on industry growth;
broadening distribution/expansion opportunities in both domestic and international markets;
launching and/or relaunching our products and new products into new domestic and international
markets and channels; and
continued focus on reducing our cost base.
42
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth key statistics for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
respectively.
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net sales1,2
2018
2017
$ 3,807,183 $ 3,369,045 $ 3,049,393
2016
Cost of sales
Gross profit*1,2
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales1,2
1,511,808
2,295,375
60.3%
1,231,355
2,137,690
63.5%
1,107,393
1,942,000
63.7%
Percentage
Change
18 vs. 17
13.0%
22.8%
7.4%
Percentage
Change
17 vs. 16
10.5%
11.2%
10.1%
Operating expenses3,4
Operating expenses as a percentage of net
sales
1,011,756
938,903
856,662
7.8%
9.6%
26.6%
27.9%
28.1%
Operating income1,3
Operating income as a percentage of net sales
1,283,619
33.7%
1,198,787
35.6%
1,085,338
35.6%
7.1%
10.5%
Other income (expense), net
9,653
2,836
(5,653)
240.4%
150.2%
Income before provision for income taxes1,3
1,293,272
1,201,623
1,079,685
7.6%
11.3%
Provision for income taxes
300,268
380,945
367,000
(21.2%)
3.8%
Income taxes as a percentage of income
before taxes
Net income1,3
23.2%
31.7%
34.0%
$
993,004 $
820,678 $ 712,685
21.0%
15.2%
Net income as a percentage of net sales
26.1%
24.4%
23.4%
Net income per common share:
Basic
Diluted
Case sales (in thousands)
(in 192-ounce case equivalents)
$
$
1.78 $
1.76 $
1.45 $
1.42 $
1.21
1.19
23.1%
23.8%
19.4%
19.7%
410,886
359,957
320,960
14.1%
12.2%
¹ Includes $44.3 million, $43.4 million and $40.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to the
recognition of deferred revenue.
2 Net sales were negatively impacted by approximately $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of the adoption of
ASC 606.
3 Includes $26.6 million, $35.4 million and $79.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to
distributor termination costs.
4 Without the adoption of ASC 606, an additional $42.2 million of commissions would have been included in operating expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2018 (such commissions are included as a reduction to net sales).
*Gross profit may not be comparable to that of other entities since some entities include all costs associated with their distribution process
in cost of sales, whereas others exclude certain costs and instead include such costs within another line item such as operating expenses. We
include out-bound freight and warehouse costs in operating expenses rather than in cost of sales.
43
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017.
Net Sales. Net sales were $3.81 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of approximately
$438.1 million, or 13.0% higher than net sales of $3.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net sales for
the year ended December 31, 2018 were negatively impacted by approximately $42.2 million as a result of the
adoption of ASC 606. Net changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales of
approximately $14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net sales for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment were $3.50 billion for the year ended December 31,
2018, an increase of approximately $450.8 million, or 14.8% higher than net sales of $3.05 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2017. Net sales for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment for the year ended December 31,
2018 were negatively impacted by approximately $17.4 million as a result of the adoption of ASC 606. Net changes
in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment of
approximately $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net sales for the Monster Energy® Drinks
segment increased primarily due to increased sales by volume of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks as a
result of increased domestic and international consumer demand.
Net sales for the Strategic Brands segment were $285.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a
decrease of approximately $14.0 million, or 4.7% lower than net sales of $299.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 2017. Net sales for the Strategic Brands segment for the year ended December 31, 2018 were
negatively impacted by approximately $24.9 million as a result of the adoption of ASC 606. Net changes in foreign
currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales for the Strategic Brands segment of approximately $0.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net sales for the Other segment were $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of
approximately $1.3 million, or 6.1% higher than net sales of $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Case sales, in 192-ounce case equivalents, were 410.9 million cases for the year ended December 31, 2018,
an increase of approximately 50.9 million cases or 14.1% higher than case sales of 360.0 million cases for the year
ended December 31, 2017. The overall average net sales per case (excluding net sales of AFF Third-Party Products
of $22.9 million and $21.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as these sales do
not have unit case equivalents) decreased to $9.21 for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was 1.0% lower
than the average net sales per case of $9.30 for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to the adoption of ASC 606.
Without the adoption of ASC 606, the overall average net sales per case increased to $9.31 for the year ended
December 31, 2018, as compared to average net sales per case of $9.30 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $2.30 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of
approximately $157.7 million, or 7.4% higher than the gross profit of $2.14 billion for the year ended December 31,
2017. The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily the result of the $455.1 million increase in net sales of our
Monster Energy® brand energy drinks for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 60.3% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from
63.5% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales, excluding the impact of
ASC 606, was 60.7% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to (i) increases in certain
input costs, principally aluminum cans, freight in and other input costs; (ii) domestic product sales mix
(iii) geographical sales mix, as a result of our international sales increasing as a percentage of total net sales (our
foreign operations generally have lower gross profit margins); (iv) the $42.2 million of commissions accounted for
as a reduction to net sales due to the adoption of ASC 606; and (v) increases in promotional allowances as a
percentage of gross sales.
44
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses were $1.01 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018,
an increase of approximately $72.9 million, or 7.8% higher than total operating expenses of $938.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased out-bound
freight and warehouse costs of $38.5 million, increased payroll expenses of $28.6 million (of which $4.8 million
was related to an increase in stock-based compensation), increased expenditures of $14.8 million for sponsorships
and endorsements, and increased expenditures of $12.1 million for other marketing expenses. The increase in
operating expenses was partially offset by the $8.8 million decrease in costs associated with distributor terminations.
Commissions included in operating expenses were $16.7 million, or 65.1% lower than commissions included in
operating expenses of $47.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Without the adoption of ASC 606, an
additional $42.2 million of commissions would have been included in operating expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2018 (such commissions are included as a reduction to net sales).
Operating Income. Operating income was $1.28 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase
of approximately $84.8 million, or 7.1% higher than operating income of $1.20 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2017. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 33.7% for the year ended
December 31, 2018 from 35.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Operating income was $180.8 million and
$139.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, in connection with our operations in
EMEA, Asia Pacific and South America.
Operating income for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment was $1.37 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2018, an increase of approximately $106.5 million, or 8.4% higher than operating income of $1.26
billion for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in operating income for the Monster Energy® Drinks
segment was primarily the result of the $455.1 million increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy
drinks for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Operating income for the Strategic Brands segment was $176.5 million for the year ended December 31,
2018, an increase of approximately $2.1 million, or 1.2% higher than operating income of $174.5 million for the
year ended December 31, 2017.
Operating income for the Other segment was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease
of approximately $0.2 million, or 4.0% lower than operating income of $5.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2017.
Other Income (expense), net. Other non-operating income, net, was $9.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2018, as compared to other non-operating income, net, of $2.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 2017. Foreign currency transaction (losses)/gains were ($4.0) million and ($3.3) million for the years
ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Interest income was $13.8 million and $6.8 million for the years
ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $300.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2018, a decrease of $80.7 million, or 21.2% lower than the provision for income taxes of $380.9
million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The effective combined federal, state and foreign tax rate decreased
to 23.2% from 31.7% for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in the effective
tax rate was primarily due to the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Reform Act
signed into law on December 22, 2017 (before considering the potential impact of further clarification of certain
matters related to the Tax Reform Act), and to a reduction in certain foreign income that is subject to U.S. taxation.
The decrease in the provision for income taxes was partially offset by the elimination of the domestic production
deduction following the Tax Reform Act as well as a decrease in the stock based compensation tax deduction.
Net Income. Net income was $993.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $172.3
million, or 21.0% higher than net income of $820.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in
net income was primarily due to the $157.7 million increase in gross profit and the $80.7 million decrease in the
provision for income taxes. The increase in net income was partially offset by the increase in operating expenses of
$72.9 million.
45
Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2016.
Net Sales. Net sales were $3.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of approximately
$319.7 million, or 10.5% higher than net sales of $3.05 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase
in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks represented approximately $287.4 million of the overall
increase in net sales. Net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased partially due to increased
sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand. Net sales of our Strategic
Brands were $299.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $27.3 million, or 10.0% higher
than net sales of $272.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Net sales of our AFF Third-Party Products
were $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $4.6 million, or 27.0% higher than net
sales of $17.0 million (effectively from April 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016) for the year ended December 31, 2016.
No other individual product line contributed either a material increase or decrease to net sales for the year ended
December 31, 2017.
Net changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on net sales in the Monster
Energy® Drinks segment of approximately $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net changes in
foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on net sales in the Strategic Brands segment of
approximately $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Case sales, in 192-ounce case equivalents, were 360.0 million cases for the year ended December 31, 2017,
an increase of approximately 39.0 million cases or 12.2% higher than case sales of 321.0 million cases for the year
ended December 31, 2016. The overall average net sales per case (excluding net sales of AFF Third-Party Products
of $21.6 million and $17.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as these sales do
not have unit case equivalents) decreased to $9.30 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was 1.6% lower
than the average net sales per case of $9.45 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The lower average net sales
price per case was primarily attributable to the changes in geographic sales mix.
Net sales for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment were $3.05 billion for the year ended December 31,
2017, an increase of approximately $287.7 million, or 10.4% higher than net sales of $2.76 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2016.
Net sales for the Strategic Brands segment were $299.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an
increase of approximately $27.3 million, or 10.0% higher than net sales of $272.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2016.
Net sales for the Other segment were $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of
approximately $4.6 million, or 27.0% higher than net sales of $17.0 million (effectively from April 1, 2016 to
December 31, 2016) for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Gross Profit. Gross profit was $2.14 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of
approximately $195.7 million, or 10.1% higher than the gross profit of $1.94 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2016. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 63.5% for the year ended December 31,
2017 from 63.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily the
result of the $287.4 million increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks as well as an
approximately $58.3 million increase in raw material cost savings for the year ended December 31, 2017 from our
acquisition of AFF in 2016 (the “AFF Transaction”). The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was
primarily attributable to geographical sales mix (our foreign operations generally have lower gross profit margins)
and to certain increases in other costs, which were partially offset by raw material cost savings from the AFF
Transaction and changes in domestic product sales mix.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses were $938.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,
an increase of approximately $82.2 million, or 9.6% higher than total operating expenses of $856.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased payroll expenses
46
of $40.5 million (of which $6.4 million was related to an increase in stock-based compensation), increased
expenditures of $26.6 million for sponsorships and endorsements, increased expenditures of $15.9 million for
commissions, increased out-bound freight and warehouse costs of $11.1 million, increased expenditures of $9.9
million for allocated trade development and increased expenditures of $8.3 million for merchandise displays. The
increase in operating expenses was partially offset by the $44.3 million decrease in costs associated with distributor
terminations and to decreased expenditures of $13.9 million for professional service fees, including legal and
accounting costs.
Operating Income. Operating income was $1.20 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase
of approximately $113.4 million, or 10.5% higher than operating income of $1.09 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2016. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 35.6% for both the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016. Operating income was $139.3 million and $101.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, in connection with our operations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe,
the Middle East and South America.
Operating income for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment was $1.26 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2017, an increase of approximately $116.2 million, or 10.1% higher than operating income of $1.15
billion for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating income for the Monster Energy® Drinks
segment was primarily the result of the $287.4 million increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy
drinks as well an approximately $58.3 million increase in raw material cost savings for the year ended December 31,
2017 from the AFF Transaction.
Operating income for the Strategic Brands segment was $174.5 million for the year ended December 31,
2017, an increase of approximately $11.3 million, or 7.0% higher than operating income of $163.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating income for the Strategic Brands segment was primarily
due to an increase in net sales.
Operating income for the Other segment was $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an
increase of approximately $3.3 million, or 143.3% higher than operating income of $2.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2016.
Other Income (Expense), net. Other non-operating income (expense), net, was $2.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 2017, as compared to other non-operating income (expense), net, of ($5.7) million for the year
ended December 31, 2016. Foreign currency transaction losses were $3.3 million and $9.7 million for the years
ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest income, net, was $6.8 million and $4.0 million for the
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes was $380.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2017, an increase of $13.9 million, or 3.8% higher than the provision for income taxes of $367.0
million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The effective combined federal, state and foreign tax rate decreased
to 31.7% from 34.0% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in the effective
tax rate was primarily due to the increase in profits earned by foreign subsidiaries in lower tax jurisdictions relative
to the United States as well as to the increase in equity compensation deductions, due in part to the increase in the
related excess tax benefits recorded in net income. The decrease in the effective tax rate was partially offset by the
recognition of $39.8 million of tax expense related to the revaluation of the U.S. net deferred tax asset at
December 31, 2017, from 35% to the newly enacted U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21% due to the Tax Reform
Act enacted on December 22, 2017.
Net Income. Net income was $820.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $108.0
million, or 15.2% higher than net income of $712.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in
net income was primarily due to the $195.7 million increase in gross profit. The increase in net income was partially
offset by the increase in operating expenses of $82.2 million and the increase in the provision for income taxes of
$13.9 million.
47
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Gross Sales**. Gross sales were $4.43 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of
approximately $568.2 million, or 14.7% higher than gross sales of $3.86 billion for the year ended December 31,
2017.
Gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks were $4.02 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2018, an increase of $560.9 million, or 16.2% higher than gross sales of $3.46 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2017. Gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased partially due to
increased sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand.
Gross sales of our Strategic Brands were $327.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase
of $8.6 million, or 2.7% higher than gross sales of $318.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Gross sales of our AFF Third-Party Products were $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, an
increase of $1.3 million, or 6.1% higher than gross sales of $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
No other individual product line contributed either a material increase or decrease to gross sales for the year
ended December 31, 2018.
Promotional and other allowances, as described in the footnote below, were $622.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $130.0 million, or 26.4% higher than promotional and other allowances
of $492.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross
sales increased to 14.0% from 12.7% for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, partially due
to an increase in commissions of $42.2 million included in net sales, related to the adoption of ASC 606 described
above.
Net changes in foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on gross sales in the Monster
Energy® Drinks segment of approximately $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net changes in
foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on gross sales in the Strategic Brands segment of
approximately $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Gross Sales**. Gross sales were $3.86 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of
approximately $375.9 million, or 10.8% higher than gross sales of $3.49 billion for the year ended December 31,
2016. The increase in gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks represented approximately $345.1
million of the overall increase in gross sales. Gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased
partially due to increased sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand.
Gross sales of our Strategic Brands were $318.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase
of $23.8 million, or 8.1% higher than gross sales of $294.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Gross sales of our AFF Third-Party Products were $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an
increase of $4.4 million, or 25.7% higher than gross sales of $17.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
No other individual product line contributed either a material increase or decrease to gross sales for the year
ended December 31, 2017.
Promotional and other allowances, as described in the footnote below, were $492.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $56.3 million, or 12.9% higher than promotional and other allowances of
$436.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross
sales increased to 12.7% from 12.5% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
48
Net changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on gross sales in the Monster
Energy® Drinks segment of approximately $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net changes in
foreign currency exchange rates had a favorable impact on gross sales in the Strategic Brands segment of
approximately $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
**Gross sales are used internally by management as an indicator of and to monitor operating performance, including sales performance of
particular products, salesperson performance, product growth or declines and overall Company performance. The use of gross sales allows
evaluation of sales performance before the effect of any promotional items, which can mask certain performance issues. We therefore believe
that the presentation of gross sales provides a useful measure of our operating performance. The use of gross sales is not a measure that is
recognized under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net sales, which is determined in accordance with GAAP, and
should not be used alone as an indicator of operating performance in place of net sales. Additionally, gross sales may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures used by other companies, as gross sales has been defined by our internal reporting practices. In addition, gross
sales may not be realized in the form of cash receipts as promotional payments and allowances may be deducted from payments received
from certain customers.
The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of gross sales with the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measure of net sales:
In thousands
Gross sales, net of discounts
and returns
Less: Promotional and other
allowances***
Net Sales
2018
2017
2016
Percentage
Change
18 vs. 17
Percentage
Change
17 vs. 16
$ 4,429,522
$ 3,861,368
$ 3,485,463
14.7%
10.8%
622,339
$ 3,807,183
492,323
$ 3,369,045
436,070
$ 3,049,393
26.4%
13.0%
12.9%
10.5%
***Although the expenditures described in this line item are determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements, the
presentation thereof does not conform to GAAP presentation requirements. Additionally, our definition of promotional and other allowances
may not be comparable to similar items presented by other companies. Promotional and other allowances primarily include consideration
given to our bottlers/distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following: (i) discounts granted off list prices to support
price promotions to end-consumers by retailers; (ii) reimbursements given to our bottlers/distributors for agreed portions of their
promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products; (iii) our
agreed share of fees given to bottlers/distributors and/or directly to retailers for advertising, in-store marketing and promotional activities;
(iv) our agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers, club stores and/or wholesalers;
(v) incentives given to our bottlers/distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined sales goals; (vi) discounted
or free products; (vii) contractual fees given to our bottlers/distributors related to sales made by us direct to certain customers that fall within
the bottlers’/distributors’ sales territories; and (viii) certain commissions paid based on sales to our bottlers/distributors. The presentation
of promotional and other allowances facilitates an evaluation of their impact on the determination of net sales and the spending levels
incurred or correlated with such sales. Promotional and other allowances constitute a material portion of our marketing activities. Our
promotional allowance programs with our numerous bottlers/distributors and/or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the
ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or more of the arrangements described above and are of varying
durations, ranging from one week to one year. The primary drivers of our promotional and other allowance activities for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were (i) to increase sales volume and trial, (ii) to address market conditions, and (iii) to secure shelf and
display space at retail.
Sales
The table set forth below discloses selected quarterly data regarding sales for the past five years. Data from
any one or more quarters is not necessarily indicative of annual results or continuing trends.
Sales of beverages are expressed in unit case volume. A “unit case” means a unit of measurement equal to
192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage (24 eight-ounce servings). Unit case volume means the number of unit
cases (or unit case equivalents) of finished products or concentrates, as if converted into finished products, sold by
us.
49
Our quarterly results of operations reflect seasonal trends that are primarily the result of increased demand
in the warmer months of the year. It has been our experience that beverage sales tend to be lower during the first
and fourth quarters of each calendar year. In addition, our experience with our energy drink products suggests they
are less seasonal than the seasonality expected from traditional beverages. Quarterly fluctuations may also be
affected by other factors including the introduction of new products, the opening of new markets where temperature
fluctuations are more pronounced, the addition of new bottlers/distributors and customers, changes in the sales mix
of our products and changes in and/or increased advertising and promotional expenses. (See “Part I, Item 1 –
Business – Seasonality”).
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
Net Sales (in Thousands)
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Total
$
850,921 $
1,015,873
1,016,160
924,229
742,146
907,068
909,476
810,355
$ 3,807,183 $ 3,369,045
$
680,186 $ 626,791 $
827,488
787,954
753,765
536,129
687,199
635,972
605,567
$ 3,049,393 $ 2,722,564 $ 2,464,867
693,722
756,619
645,432
$
Less: AFF third party net sales (in Thousands)
(4,657) $
Quarter 1
(6,623)
Quarter 2
(6,573)
Quarter 3
(5,067)
Quarter 4
(22,920) $
Total
$
(5,539) $
(6,174)
(5,200)
(4,692)
(21,605) $
$
-
(6,635)
(5,686)
(4,690)
(17,011) $
-
-
-
-
-
$
$
-
-
-
-
-
$
Adjusted Net Sales (in Thousands)¹
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Total
736,607
900,894
904,276
805,663
$ 3,784,263 $ 3,347,440
1,009,250
1,009,587
919,162
846,264 $
$
680,186 $ 626,791 $
820,853
782,268
749,075
536,129
687,199
635,972
605,567
$ 3,032,382 $ 2,722,564 $ 2,464,867
693,722
756,619
645,432
Unit Case Volume / Sales (in Thousands)
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Total
92,315
110,057
111,038
97,476
410,886
79,992
97,233
96,184
86,548
359,957
72,653
87,574
82,767
77,966
320,960
57,779
68,037
81,274
67,531
274,621
51,926
65,587
62,204
58,563
238,280
$
Adjusted Average Net Sales Per Case
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Total
$
9.17 $
9.17
9.09
9.43
9.21 $
9.21
9.27
9.40
9.31
9.30
$
$
9.36 $
9.37
9.45
9.61
9.45 $
10.85 $
10.20
9.31
9.56
9.91 $
10.32
10.48
10.22
10.34
10.34
1Excludes Other segment net sales of $22.9 million, $21.6 million and $17.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
respectively, comprised of sales of our AFF Third-Party Products to independent third parties as these sales do not have unit case equivalents.
50
The following represents case sales by segment for the years ended December 31:
(In thousands, except average
net sales per case)
Net sales
Less: AFF third-party sales
Adjusted net sales¹
Case sales by segment:
Monster Energy® Drinks
Strategic Brands
Other
Total case sales
Average net sales per case2
2017
2018
2016
$ 3,807,183 $ 3,369,045 $ 3,049,393 $ 2,722,564 $ 2,464,867
-
$ 3,784,263 $ 3,347,440 $ 3,032,382 $ 2,722,564 $ 2,464,867
(17,011)
(22,920)
(21,605)
2015
2014
-
338,880
72,006
-
410,886
289,105
70,852
-
359,957
256,323
64,637
-
320,960
228,628
34,791
11,202
274,621
$
9.21 $
9.30 $
9.45 $
9.91 $
210,444
-
27,836
238,280
10.34
1Excludes Other segment net sales of $22.9 million, $21.6 million and $17.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,
respectively, comprised of sales of our AFF Third-Party Products to independent third parties as these sales do not have unit case equivalents.
2Without the adoption of ASC 606, the overall average net sales per case increased to $9.31 for year ended December 31, 2018, as compared
to average net sales per case of $9.30 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Inflation
We do not believe that inflation had a significant impact on our results of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 or 2016.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash provided by operating activities was $1.16 billion for
the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared with cash provided by operating activities of $987.7 million for
the year ended December 31, 2017.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to
net income earned of $993.0 million and adjustments for certain non-cash expenses, consisting of $57.1 million of
stock-based compensation and $57.0 million of depreciation and other amortization. For the year ended
December 31, 2018, cash provided by operating activities also increased due to a $98.7 million decrease in prepaid
income taxes, an $11.7 million increase in accrued promotional allowances, an $18.1 million increase in accrued
liabilities, a $10.0 million decrease in distributor receivables, a $9.9 million increase in accounts payable, a $5.5
million increase in accrued compensation and a $1.9 million increase in income taxes payable. For the year ended
December 31, 2018, cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to a $48.4 million increase in
accounts receivable, a $26.1 million increase in inventories, a $20.0 million decrease in deferred revenue and a $6.7
million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to
net income earned of $820.7 million and adjustments for certain non-cash expenses, consisting of $52.3 million of
stock-based compensation and $48.9 million of depreciation and other amortization. For the year ended
December 31, 2017, cash provided by operating activities also increased due to a $125.0 million decrease in the
TCCC Transaction receivables, a $67.9 million decrease in deferred income taxes, a $29.6 million increase in
accounts payable, a $21.1 million increase in accrued promotional allowances, an $11.8 million decrease in accounts
receivable, a $4.5 million increase in accrued compensation and a $4.7 million decrease in distributor receivables.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to a $71.3 million
increase in prepaid income taxes, an $88.9 million increase in inventories, a $19.9 million decrease in deferred
51
revenue, a $8.2 million decrease in accrued distributor terminations, a $4.5 million decrease in accrued liabilities,
a $3.6 million decrease in income taxes payable and a $2.4 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current
assets.
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities. Net cash provided by investing activities was $273.0
million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to cash used in investing activities of $531.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 2017.
For both the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, cash provided by investing activities was primarily
attributable to sales of available-for-sale investments. For both the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, cash
used in investing activities was primarily attributable to purchases of available-for-sale investments. For both the
years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, cash used in investing activities also included the acquisitions of fixed
assets consisting of vans and promotional vehicles, coolers and other equipment to support our marketing and
promotional activities, production equipment, furniture and fixtures, office and computer equipment, real property,
computer software, equipment used for sales and administrative activities, certain leasehold improvements,
improvements to real property and acquisition, defense and maintenance of trademarks. We expect to continue to
use a portion of our cash in excess of our requirements for operations for purchasing short-term and long-term
investments, leasehold improvements, the acquisition of capital equipment (specifically, vans, trucks and
promotional vehicles, coolers, other promotional equipment, merchandise displays, warehousing racks as well as
items of production equipment required to produce certain of our existing and/or new products and to develop our
brand in international markets) and for other corporate purposes. From time to time, we may also use cash to
purchase additional real property related to our beverage business and/or acquire compatible businesses.
Cash flows used in financing activities. Cash used in financing activities was $1.32 billion for the year
ended December 31, 2018 as compared to cash used in financing activities of $311.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2017. The cash flows used in financing activities for both the years ended December 31, 2018 and
2017 was primarily the result of the repurchases of our common stock. The cash flows provided by financing
activities for both the years ended December 31, 2018, and 2017 was primarily attributable to the issuance of our
common stock.
Purchases of inventories, increases in accounts receivable and other assets, acquisition of property and
equipment (including real property, personal property and coolers), leasehold improvements, advances for or the
purchase of equipment for our bottlers, acquisition and maintenance of trademarks, payments of accounts payable,
income taxes payable and purchases of our common stock are expected to remain our principal recurring use of
cash.
Cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments – As of December 31, 2018, we had
$637.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $320.7 million in short-term investments. We have historically
invested these amounts in U.S. treasuries, U.S. government agency securities and municipal securities (which may
have an auction reset feature), certificates of deposit, commercial paper, variable rate demand notes and money
market funds meeting certain criteria. We maintain our investments for cash management purposes and not for
purposes of speculation. Our risk management policies emphasize credit quality (primarily based on short-term
ratings by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations) in selecting and maintaining our investments. We
regularly assess market risk of our investments and believe our current policies and investment practices adequately
limit those risks. However, certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest
rate risks. These risks associated with our investment portfolio may have an adverse effect on our future results of
operations, liquidity and financial condition.
Of our $637.5 million of cash and cash equivalents held at December 31, 2018, $341.8 million was held by
our foreign subsidiaries. No short-term or long-term investments were held by our foreign subsidiaries at
December 31, 2018. We do not currently intend, nor do we foresee a need, to repatriate undistributed earnings of
our foreign subsidiaries, other than to repay certain intercompany debt owed to our U.S. operations.
52
We believe that cash available from operations, including our cash resources and our revolving line of
credit, will be sufficient for our working capital needs, including purchase commitments for raw materials and
inventory, increases in accounts receivable, payments of tax liabilities, expansion and development needs, purchases
of shares of our common stock, as well as purchases of capital assets, equipment and properties, through at least the
next 12 months. Based on our current plans, at this time we estimate that capital expenditures (exclusive of common
stock repurchases) are likely to be approximately $100.0 million through December 31, 2019. However, future
business opportunities may cause a change in this estimate.
The following represents a summary of the Company’s contractual commitments and related scheduled
maturities as of December 31, 2018:
Obligations
Contractual Obligations¹
Capital Leases
Operating Leases
Purchase Commitments²
$
$
Total
190,186 $
836
27,968
49,777
268,767 $
Payments due by period (in thousands)
3-5
1-3
years
years
Less than
1 year
More than
5 years
99,004 $
836
3,954
49,777
153,571 $
75,149 $
16,033 $
-
5,359
-
-
3,795
-
80,508 $
19,828 $
-
-
14,860
-
14,860
¹Contractual obligations include our obligations related to sponsorships and other commitments.
²Purchase commitments include obligations made by us and our subsidiaries to various suppliers for raw materials used in the production of
our products. These obligations vary in terms, but are generally satisfied within one year.
In addition, $5.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded as liabilities as of December 31,
2018. It is expected that any change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefit within the next 12 months will not
be significant. In addition, $0.9 million of potential penalties and interest have been recorded as liabilities as of
December 31, 2018.
Accounting Policies and Pronouncements
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires us to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements. The following
summarizes our most significant accounting and reporting policies and practices:
Business Combinations – Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 “Business Combinations”. FASB
ASC 805 requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure
the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in
the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are
included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and
liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned
is recorded as goodwill. Adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the measurement
period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction
and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense and requires the Company to recognize and measure
certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business
combination.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Throughout the year, the Company
53
has had amounts on deposit at financial institutions that exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not
experienced any loss as a result of these deposits and does not expect to incur any losses in the future.
Investments – The Company’s investments in debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale or trading, in accordance with FASB ASC 320. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities
that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Trading securities are those securities
that the Company intends to sell in the near term. All other securities not included in the held-to-maturity or trading
category are classified as available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which
approximates fair market value. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses charged
to earnings. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded within
accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. FASB ASC 820 defines
fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which
requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. Under FASB ASC 320-10-35, a
security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired if the present value of cash flows expected to be
collected are less than the security’s amortized cost basis (the difference being defined as the “Credit Loss”) or if
the fair value of the security is less than the security’s amortized cost basis and the investor intends, or will be
required, to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. If an other-than-temporary
impairment exists, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of Credit Loss if the investor does not intend to
sell the security, and will not be required to sell the security, before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis.
Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost is recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of
applicable taxes. The Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value of its investments is other-than-
temporary at each quarter-end. This evaluation consists of a review by management, and includes market pricing
information and maturity dates for the securities held, market and economic trends in the industry and information
on the issuer’s financial condition and, if applicable, information on the guarantors’ financial condition. Factors
considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which the
investment’s fair value has been less than its cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer
and guarantors, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and our intent and
ability to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of
fair value.
Accounts Receivable – The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on
a number of factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet
its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces
the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition
to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s
recent loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding. In accordance with
FASB ASC 210-20-45, in its consolidated balance sheets, the Company has presented accounts receivable, net of
promotional allowances, only for those customers that it allows net settlement. All other accounts receivable and
related promotional allowances are shown on a gross basis.
Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out, cost or market value (net realizable
value).
Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures,
office and computer equipment, computer software, equipment, and vehicles is based on their estimated useful lives
(three to ten years) and is calculated using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is
based on the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases and is calculated using the
straight-line method. Normal repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that materially
increase values or extend useful lives are capitalized. The related costs and accumulated depreciation of disposed
assets are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss on disposition is included in net income.
54
Goodwill – The Company records goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair
value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired, including related tax effects. Goodwill is not amortized; instead
goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of
impairment exist. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that the fair value is
less than the carrying value, the Company will use a two-step process to determine the amount of goodwill
impairment. The first step requires comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value, including
goodwill. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The
second step of the process, performed only if a potential impairment exists, involves determining the difference
between the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets, other than goodwill, and the fair value of the reporting unit.
An impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value. For
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 there were no impairments recorded.
Other Intangibles – Other Intangibles are comprised of trademarks that represent the Company’s exclusive
ownership of the Monster Energy®, ®, Monster Energy Ultra®, Unleash the Beast!®, Monster Rehab®,
Mutant®, Java Monster®, Monster Hydro®, Espresso Monster®, Caffé Monster®, Monster Energy Extra Strength
Nitrous Technology®, Muscle Monster®, Punch Monster®, Juice Monster®, M3(stylized)®, BU®, Nalu®,
NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Ultra Energy®, Play® and Power Play(stylized)®, Gladiator®,
Relentless®, Samurai®, Predator® and BPM® trademarks, all used in connection with the manufacture, sale and
distribution of beverages. The Company also owns in its own right a number of other trademarks, flavors and
formulas in the United States, as well as in a number of countries around the world. In addition, in 2016, we secured
the intellectual property of our most important flavors for certain of our Monster Energy® Brand energy drinks in
perpetuity. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but instead
are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that an impairment exists. The Company
calculates impairment as the excess of the carrying value of its indefinite-lived assets over their estimated fair value.
If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value a write-down is recorded. The Company amortizes its
intangibles with finite useful lives over their respective useful lives. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016 there were no impairments recorded.
Long-Lived Assets – Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets,
including certain definite-lived intangible assets, for possible impairment. This review occurs annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.
If there is indication of impairment, management then prepares an estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and
without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows
are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its
estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated using the present value of the future cash flows discounted at a rate
commensurate with management’s estimates of the business risks. Preparation of estimated expected future cash
flows is inherently subjective and is based on management’s best estimate of assumptions concerning expected
future conditions. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were no impairment indicators
identified. Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost
to sell.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions – The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are
translated in accordance with FASB ASC 830. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other
expense, net, at the time they occur. Net foreign currency exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of
assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are recorded as a part
of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and
losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (i.e., settlement is not planned
or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’
equity. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we entered into forward currency exchange
contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign
exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries non-functional currency denominated
55
assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 have terms of
three months or less. We do not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes.
Revenue Recognition – The Company’s Monster Energy® Drinks segment generates net operating revenues
by selling ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks primarily to bottlers and full service beverage distributors. In
some cases, the Company sells directly to retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass
merchandisers, convenience chains, drug stores, foodservice customers and the military.
The Company’s Strategic Brands segment primarily generates net operating revenues by selling
“concentrates” and/or “beverage bases” to authorized bottling and canning operations. Such bottlers generally
combine the concentrates and/or beverage bases with sweeteners, water and other ingredients to produce ready-to-
drink packaged energy drinks. The ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks are then sold to other bottlers and full
service distributors and to retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers,
convenience chains, foodservice customers, drug stores and the military. To a lesser extent, our Strategic Brands
segment generates net operating revenues by selling certain ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks to bottlers and
full service beverage distributors.
The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when it satisfies a single performance obligation by
transferring control of its products to a customer. Control is generally transferred when the Company’s products are
either shipped or delivered based on the terms contained within the underlying contracts or agreements. Certain of
the Company’s bottlers/distributors may also perform a separate function as a co-packer on the Company’s behalf.
In such cases, control of the Company’s products passes to such bottlers/distributors when they notify the Company
that they have taken possession or transferred the relevant portion of the Company’s finished goods. The Company’s
general payment terms are short-term in duration. The Company does not have significant financing components
or payment terms. The Company did not have any material unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31,
2018 or December 31, 2017.
The Company excludes from revenues all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are imposed on
the sale of its products and collected from customers.
Distribution expenses to transport the Company’s products, where applicable, and warehousing expense
after manufacture are accounted for within operating expenses.
Promotional and other allowances (variable consideration) recorded as a reduction to net sales, primarily
include consideration given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to
the following:
discounts granted off list prices to support price promotions to end-consumers by retailers;
reimbursements given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors for agreed portions of their
promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both
new and existing products;
the Company’s agreed share of fees given to bottlers/distributors and/or directly to retailers for
advertising, in-store marketing and promotional activities;
the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to
retailers;
incentives given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding
certain predetermined sales goals;
discounted or free products;
contractual fees given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors related to sales made directly by the
Company to certain customers that fall within the bottlers’/distributors’ sales territories; and
commissions paid to TCCC based on our sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries and/or the TCCC Related
Parties.
56
The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its bottlers/distributors and/or retailers are executed
through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or
more of the arrangements described above and are of varying durations, ranging from one week to one year. The
Company’s promotional and other allowances are calculated based on various programs with bottlers/distributors
and retail customers, and accruals are established during the year for its anticipated liabilities. These accruals are
based on agreed upon terms as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar programs and require
management’s judgment with respect to estimating consumer participation and/or distributor and retail customer
performance levels. Differences between such estimated expenses and actual expenses for promotional and other
allowance costs have historically been insignificant and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences
are determined.
Amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain
distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating the Company’s prior distributors, are accounted for as
revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreements, generally 20 years.
The Company also enters into license agreements that generate revenues associated with third-party sales
of non-beverage products bearing our trademarks including, but not limited to, clothing, hats, t-shirts, jackets,
helmets and automotive wheels.
Management believes that adequate provision has been made for cash discounts, returns and spoilage based
on the Company’s historical experience.
Cost of Sales – Cost of sales consists of the costs of flavors, concentrates and/or beverage bases, the costs
of raw materials utilized in the manufacture of beverages, co-packing fees, repacking fees, in-bound freight charges,
as well as internal transfer costs, warehouse expenses incurred prior to the manufacture of the Company’s finished
products and certain quality control costs. In addition, the Company includes in costs of sales certain costs such as
depreciation, amortization and payroll costs that relate to the direct manufacture by the Company of certain flavors
and concentrates. Raw materials account for the largest portion of cost of sales. Raw materials include cans, bottles,
other containers, flavors, ingredients and packaging materials.
Operating Expenses – Operating expenses include selling expenses such as distribution expenses to
transport products to customers and warehousing expenses after manufacture, as well as expenses for advertising,
sampling and in-store demonstration costs, costs for merchandise displays, point-of-sale materials and premium
items, sponsorship expenses, other marketing expenses and design expenses. Operating expenses also include such
costs as payroll costs, travel costs, professional service fees (including legal fees), termination payments made to
certain of the Company’s prior distributors, depreciation and other general and administrative costs.
Income Taxes – The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in
FASB ASC 740. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences
between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during
the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not
that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances the
Company considers projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If in the future
the Company determines that it would not be able to realize its recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the
valuation allowance would be recorded, decreasing earnings in the period in which such determination is made.
The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination
based upon the Company’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date.
For those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company
has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit that may potentially be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing
authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is less than
50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.
57
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See “Part II, Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 1 – Organization and Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for a full description of recent
accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and expected effects on the
Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Forward-Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Certain statements made in this report may constitute forward-
looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E
of the Exchange Act, as amended) regarding our expectations with respect to revenues, profitability, adequacy of
funds from operations and our existing credit facility, among other things. All statements containing a projection of
revenues, income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial
items, a statement of management’s plans and objectives for future operations, or a statement of future economic
performance contained in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations,
including statements related to new products, volume growth and statements encompassing general optimism about
future operating results and non-historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Act. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “thinks,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “estimates,”
and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Management cautions that these statements are qualified by their terms and/or important factors, many of
which are outside our control and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, that could cause actual
results and events to differ materially from the statements made including, but not limited to, the following:
The effect of our extensive commercial arrangements with TCCC on our future performance;
The relationship risks associated with the arbitration with TCCC;
The outcome of our arbitration proceedings with TCCC, including TCCC developing and distributing
additional energy products;
The effect of TCCC being one of our significant shareholders and the potential divergence of TCCC’s interests
from those of our other shareholders;
The effect of TCCC’s refranchising initiative to transition from a TCCC owned system to an independent
bottling system, including our ability to maintain relationships with TCCC system bottlers/distributors and
manage their ongoing commitment to focus on our products;
Our ability to successfully enter into new distribution agreements with bottlers/distributors within the TCCC
distribution system for new international territories;
The possible slowing of and/or decline in the sales growth rates of the energy drink category and/or the U.S.
convenience store market generally;
Disruption in distribution or sales and/or decline in sales due to the termination and/or appointment of existing
and/or new domestic and/or international distributors;
Lack of anticipated demand for our products in domestic and/or international markets;
Fluctuations in the inventory levels of our bottlers/distributors, planned or otherwise, and the resultant impact
on our revenues;
Unfavorable regulations, including taxation requirements, age restrictions imposed on the sale, purchase, or
consumption of our products, marketing restrictions, product registration requirements, tariffs, trade
restrictions, container size limitations and/or ingredient restrictions;
The effect of inquiries from, and/or actions by, state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission (the
“FTC”), the Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), municipalities, city attorneys, other government
agencies, quasi-government agencies, government officials (including members of U.S. Congress) and/or
analogous central and local agencies and other authorities in the foreign countries in which our products are
manufactured and/or distributed, into the advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, sale and/or
58
consumption of our energy drink products, including voluntary and/or required changes to our business
practices;
Our ability to comply with regulations and evolving industry standards regarding consumer privacy and data
use and security, including with respect to the General Data Protection Regulation approved by the European
Union;
Our ability to achieve profitability from certain of our operations outside the United States;
Our ability to manage legal and regulatory requirements in foreign jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing
and managing foreign operations and potentially higher incidence of fraud or corruption and credit risk of
foreign customers and/or distributors;
Our ability to produce our products in international markets in which they are sold, thereby reducing freight
costs and/or product damages;
Our ability to absorb, reduce, or pass on to our bottlers/distributors increases in freight costs;
Our ability to effectively manage our inventories and/or our accounts receivables;
Our foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to our sales, expenses, profits, assets and liabilities
denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which will continue to increase as foreign sales increase;
Changes in accounting standards may affect our reported profitability;
Implications of the Tax Reform Act;
Any proceedings which may be brought against us by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”),
the FDA, the FTC or other governmental agencies or bodies;
The outcome and/or possibility of future shareholder derivative actions or shareholder securities litigation that
may be filed against us and/or against certain of our officers and directors, and the possibility of other private
shareholder litigation;
The outcome of product liability or consumer fraud litigation and/or class action litigation (or its analog in
foreign jurisdictions) regarding the safety of our products and/or the ingredients in and/or claims made in
connection with our products and/or alleging false advertising, marketing and/or promotion, and the possibility
of future product liability and/or class action lawsuits;
The outcome of any other litigation;
Unfavorable resolution of tax matters;
Uncertainty and volatility in the domestic and global economies, including risk of counterparty default or
failure;
Our ability to address any significant deficiencies or material weakness in our internal controls over financial
reporting;
Our ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flows to support our expansion plans and general operating
activities;
Decreased demand for our products resulting from changes in consumer preferences, obesity and other
perceived health concerns, including concerns relating to certain ingredients in our products or packaging,
product safety concerns and/or from decreased consumer discretionary spending power;
Adverse publicity surrounding obesity and health concerns related to our products, water usage, environmental
impact, human rights and labor and workplace laws;
Changes in demand that are weather related and/or for other reasons, including changes in product category
consumption;
Changes in cost and availability of certain key ingredients, as well as disruptions to the supply chain, as a result
of climate change and extreme weather conditions;
The impact on our business of competitive products and pricing pressures and our ability to gain or maintain
our share of sales in the marketplace as a result of actions by competitors;
Our ability to introduce new products;
Our ability to implement and/or maintain price increases;
An inability to achieve volume growth through product and packaging initiatives;
Our ability to sustain the current level of sales and/or achieve growth for our Monster Energy® brand energy
drinks and/or our other products, including the Strategic Brands acquired from TCCC;
59
The impact of criticism of our energy drink products and/or the energy drink market generally and/or legislation
enacted (whether as a result of such criticism or otherwise) that restricts the marketing or sale of energy drinks
(including prohibiting the sale of energy drinks at certain establishments or pursuant to certain governmental
programs), limits caffeine content in beverages, requires certain product labeling disclosures and/or warnings,
imposes excise and/or sales taxes, limits product sizes and/or imposes age restrictions for the sale of energy
drinks;
Our ability to comply with and/or resulting lower consumer demand for energy drinks due to proposed and/or
future U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations and/or proposed or existing laws and regulations in
certain foreign jurisdictions and/or any changes therein, including changes in taxation requirements (including
tax rate changes, new tax laws, new and/or increased excise, sales and/or other taxes on our products and revised
tax law interpretations) and environmental laws, as well as the FD&C Act and regulations or rules made
thereunder or in connection therewith by the FDA, as well as changes in any other food, drug or similar laws
in the United States and internationally, especially those changes that may restrict the sale of energy drinks
(including prohibiting the sale of energy drinks at certain establishments or pursuant to certain governmental
programs), limit caffeine content in beverages, require certain product labeling disclosures and/or warnings,
impose excise taxes, impose sugar taxes, limit product sizes, or impose age restrictions for the sale of energy
drinks, as well as laws and regulations or rules made or enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives and/or the FTC or their foreign counterparts;
Our ability to satisfy all criteria set forth in any model energy drink guidelines, including, without limitation,
those adopted by the American Beverage Association, of which the Company is a member, and/or any
international beverage association and the impact on the Company of such guidelines;
Disruptions in the timely import or export of our products and/or ingredients due to port strikes and related
labor issues;
The effect of unfavorable or adverse public relations, press, articles, comments and/or media attention;
Changes in the cost, quality and availability of containers, packaging materials, aluminum, the Midwest and
other premiums, raw materials and other ingredients and juice concentrates, and our ability to obtain and/or
maintain favorable supply arrangements and relationships and procure timely and/or sufficient production of
all or any of our products to meet customer demand;
Any shortages that may be experienced in the procurement of containers and/or other raw materials including,
without limitation, PET containers used for our Monster Hydro® energy drinks and 24-ounce aluminum Cap
Cans;
The impact on our cost of sales of corporate activity among the limited number of suppliers from whom we
purchase certain raw materials;
Our ability to pass on to our customers all or a portion of any increases in the costs of raw materials, ingredients,
commodities and/or other cost inputs affecting our business;
Our ability to achieve both internal domestic and international forecasts, which may be based on projected
volumes and sales of many product types and/or new products, certain of which are more profitable than others;
there can be no assurance that we will achieve projected levels of sales as well as forecasted product and/or
geographic mixes;
Our ability to penetrate new domestic and/or international markets and/or gain approval or mitigate the delay
in securing approval for the sale of our products in various countries;
Economic or political instability in one or more of our international markets;
The effectiveness of sales and/or marketing efforts by us and/or by the full service bottlers/distributors of our
products, most of whom distribute products that may be regarded as competitive with our products;
Unilateral decisions by full service bottlers/distributors, convenience chains, grocery chains, mass
merchandisers, specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of our
products that they are carrying at any time, restrict the range of our products they carry and/or devote less
resources to the sale of our products;
The effects of retailer consolidation on our business;
The costs and/or effectiveness, now or in the future, of our advertising, marketing and promotional strategies;
The success of our sports marketing endeavors both domestically and internationally;
Unforeseen economic and political changes and local or international catastrophic events;
60
Possible recalls of our products and/or defective production;
Our ability to make suitable arrangements and/or procure sufficient capacity for the co-packing of any of our
products both domestically and internationally, the timely replacement of discontinued co-packing
arrangements and/or limitations on co-packing availability, including for retort production;
Our ability to make suitable arrangements for the timely procurement of non-defective raw materials;
Our inability to protect and/or the loss of our intellectual property rights and/or our inability to use our
trademarks, trade names or designs and/or trade dress in certain countries;
Volatility of stock prices which may restrict stock sales, stock purchases or other opportunities as well as
negatively impact the motivation of equity award grantees;
Provisions in our organizational documents and/or control by insiders which may prevent changes in control
even if such changes would be beneficial to other stockholders;
The failure of our bottlers and/or contract packers to manufacture our products on a timely basis or at all;
Exposure to significant liabilities due to litigation, legal or regulatory proceedings;
Any disruption in and/or lack of effectiveness of our information technology systems, including a breach of
cyber security, that disrupts our business or negatively impacts customer relationships; and
Recruitment and retention of senior management, other key employees and our employee base in general.
The foregoing list of important factors and other risks detailed from time to time in our reports filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission is not exhaustive. See “Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors,” for a more
complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. Those factors and the
other risk factors described therein are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or
developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown
or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, our actual results could be materially different
from the results described or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of
estimates, forecasts and projections, and may be better or worse than anticipated. Given these uncertainties, you
should not rely on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and
assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to forward-
looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this report, in order
to reflect changes in circumstances or expectations or the occurrence of unanticipated events except to the extent
required by applicable securities laws.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the normal course of business our financial position is routinely subject to a variety of risks. The principal
market risks (i.e., the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which we are exposed
are fluctuations in commodity and other input prices affecting the costs of our raw materials (including, but not
limited to, increases in the costs of juice concentrates, increases in the price of aluminum for cans, as well as sugar
and other sweeteners, glucose, sucrose, milk, cream, protein, coffee and tea, all of which are used in some or many
of our products), fluctuations in energy and fuel prices, and limited availability of certain raw materials. We
generally do not use hedging agreements or alternative instruments to manage the risks associated with securing
sufficient ingredients or raw materials. We are also subject to market risks with respect to the cost of commodities
and other inputs because our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is limited by the competitive
environment in which we operate.
We do not use derivative financial instruments to protect ourselves from fluctuations in interest rates and
generally do not hedge against fluctuations in commodity prices.
Our gross sales to customers outside of the United States were approximately 31% and 28% of consolidated
gross sales for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our growth strategy includes expanding
our international business. As a result, we are subject to risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we entered into forward currency exchange contracts with financial
institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign exchange risk exposure
associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries’ non-functional currency denominated assets and liabilities. All
61
foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by us as of December 31, 2018 have terms of three months or less.
We do not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes.
We have not designated our foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under FASB
ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on our foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in other expense,
net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying
economically hedged item. We do not consider the potential loss resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change
in quoted foreign currency exchange rates as of December 31, 2018 to be significant.
As of December 31, 2018, we had $637.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $320.7 million in short-
term investments including certificates of deposit, commercial paper, U.S. government agency securities, U.S.
treasuries, variable rate demand notes and municipal securities (which may have an auction reset feature). Certain
of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required to be furnished in response to this Item 8 follows the signature page and Index to
Exhibits hereto at pages 69 through 110.
ITEM 9.
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
None.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures – Under the supervision and with the participation of
the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated
the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-
15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under
the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in rules and
forms of the SEC and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive
and principal financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – Our management is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the framework in Internal Control
– Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Based on our management’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as
of December 31, 2018.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, has been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report, which is included
herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There were no changes in the Company’s internal
controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
62
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Monster Beverage Corporation
Corona, California
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Monster Beverage Corporation and
subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control —
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for
the year ended December 31, 2018, of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2019, expressed an
unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the
U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies
or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
February 28, 2019
63
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
On February 26, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the purchase
of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “February 2019 Repurchase Plan”). As
of February 26, 2019, $20.6 million remained available for grant under the August 2018 Repurchase Plan. The
aggregate amount available to repurchase the Company’s common stock is currently $520.6 million.
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item regarding our directors is included under the caption “Proposal One
– Election of Directors” in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the
SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2019 Proxy Statement”) and
is incorporated herein by reference.
Information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is included under the caption
“Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Information concerning the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee Financial Expert is reported under
the caption “Audit Committee; Report of the Audit Committee; Duties and Responsibilities” in our 2019 Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all our directors, officers (including
our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controllers) and
employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and any amendment thereto, as well as any waivers that are
required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or NASDAQ, may be obtained at http://investors.
monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm or at no cost to you by writing or telephoning us at the following address or
telephone number:
Monster Beverage Corporation
1 Monster Way
Corona, CA 92879
(951) 739-6200
(800) 426-7367
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information concerning the compensation of our directors and executive officers and Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation is reported under the captions “Compensation Discussion and
Analysis,” and “Compensation Committee,” respectively, in our 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 12.
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The disclosure set forth in Item 5, “Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder
Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities”, of this report is incorporated herein.
64
Information concerning the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock of (a) those persons
known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s common stock; (b) each of
the Company’s directors and nominees for director; and (c) the Company’s executive officers and all of the
Company’s current directors and executive officers as a group is reported under the caption “Principal Stockholders
and Security Ownership of Management” in our 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is reported under the caption “Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence” in our 2019 Proxy Statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Information concerning our accountant fees and our Audit Committee’s pre-approval of audit and
permissible non-audit services of independent auditors is reported under the captions “Principal Accounting Firm
Fees” and “Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services,” respectively, in our 2019 Proxy Statement and is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
PART IV
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule:
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016
Exhibits:
The Exhibits listed in the Index of Exhibits, which appears immediately
preceding the signature page and is incorporated herein by reference, as filed as
part of this Form 10-K.
65
70
71
72
73
74
75
77
110
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
The following designated exhibits, as indicated below, are either filed or furnished, as applicable herewith
or have heretofore been filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as indicated by footnote.
2.1
2.1.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4+
10.5+
10.6+
10.7+
10.8+
10.9+
10.10+
10.11+
10.12+
Transaction Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2014, by and among Monster Beverage
Corporation, New Laser Corporation, New Laser Merger Corp, The Coca-Cola Company and
European Refreshments (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Form 8-K dated
August 18, 2014).
Amendment to Transaction Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2018, by and among Monster
Beverage Corporation, New Laser Corporation, New Laser Merger Corp., The Coca-Cola
Company and European Refreshments (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Form 8-K
dated March 20, 2018).
Asset Transfer Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2014, by and among Monster Beverage
Corporation, New Laser Corporation and The Coca-Cola Company Refreshments (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.2 to our Form 8-K dated August 18, 2014).
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
to our Form 10-Q dated November 7, 2016).
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to our Form 8-K dated April 16, 2018).
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, between
Monster Energy Company and The Coca-Cola Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to our 10-Q dated August 10, 2015).
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement, dated as of June 12,
2015, between Monster Energy Ltd. and Monster Energy Company and The Coca-Cola Company
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our 10-Q dated August 10, 2015).
Form of Indemnification Agreement (to be provided by Hansen Natural Corporation to its
directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated November 14, 2005).
Hansen Natural Corporation 2001 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit A to our Proxy Statement dated September 25, 2007).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement pursuant to the 2009 Hansen Natural Corporation Stock
Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our
Form 10-Q dated August 5, 2016).
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q
dated August 9, 2011).
Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated May 24, 2011).
Employment Agreement between Monster Beverage Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated March 19, 2014).
Employment Agreement between Monster Beverage Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 8-K dated March 19, 2014).
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to our Form 10-K
dated March 1, 2018).
Form of Stock Option Agreement of Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial
Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2018).
Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form S-8 dated June 21, 2017).
66
10.13+
10.14+
21*
23*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101*
Monster Beverage Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Form S-8 dated June 21, 2017).
Amended and Restated Monster Beverage Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2018).
Subsidiaries
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification by CEO pursuant to Rule 13A-14(a) or 15D-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
Certification by CFO pursuant to Rule 13A-14(a) or 15D-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
Certification by CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
Certification by CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
The following materials from Monster Beverage Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are furnished herewith, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible
Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and
2017, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and
2016, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31,
2018, 2017 and 2016, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
* Filed herewith.
+ Management contract or compensatory plans or arrangements.
67
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION
/s/ RODNEY C. SACKS
Rodney C. Sacks
Chairman of the Board
Date: February 28, 2019
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/ RODNEY C. SACKS
Rodney C. Sacks
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer (principal executive
officer)
/s/ HILTON H. SCHLOSBERG
Hilton H. Schlosberg
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary (principal
financial officer, controller and principal
accounting officer)
/s/ NORMAN C. EPSTEIN
Norman C. Epstein
/s/ MARK J. HALL
Mark J. Hall
/s/ GARY P. FAYARD
Gary P. Fayard
/s/ BENJAMIN M. POLK
Benjamin M. Polk
/s/ SYDNEY SELATI
Sydney Selati
/s/ HAROLD C. TABER, JR.
Harold C. Taber, Jr.
/s/ MARK S. VIDERGAUZ
Mark S. Vidergauz
/s/ KATHY N. WALLER
Kathy N. Waller
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
68
Date
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
SCHEDULE
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
2018, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
Page
70
71
72
73
74
75
77
110
69
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Monster Beverage Corporation
Corona, California
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Monster Beverage Corporation and
subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income,
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2018, and the related notes and the schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to
as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018,
based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2019, expressed an
unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the
U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
February 28, 2019
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1991.
70
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND 2017 (In Thousands, Except Par Value)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid income taxes
Total current assets
INVESTMENTS
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
GOODWILL
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net
OTHER ASSETS
Total Assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued promotional allowances
Accrued distributor terminations
Deferred revenue
Accrued compensation
Income taxes payable
Total current liabilities
DEFERRED REVENUE
OTHER LIABILITIES
December 31,
2018
December 31,
2017
$
637,513 $
320,650
484,562
277,705
44,909
38,831
1,804,170
528,622
672,933
449,476
255,745
40,877
138,724
2,086,377
-
243,051
85,687
1,331,643
1,045,878
16,462
2,366
230,276
92,333
1,331,643
1,034,085
13,932
$ 4,526,891 $ 4,791,012
$
248,760 $
112,507
145,741
-
44,045
39,903
10,189
601,145
245,910
87,475
137,998
91
43,236
34,996
10,645
560,351
312,224
334,354
2,621
1,095
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock - $0.005 par value; 1,250,000 shares authorized; 630,970 shares issued
and 543,676 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018; 629,255 shares issued and
566,298 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 87,294 shares and 62,957 shares as of
December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
Total stockholders’ equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
3,155
4,238,170
3,914,645
(32,864)
3,146
4,150,628
2,928,226
(16,659)
(4,512,205)
3,610,901
$ 4,526,891
(3,170,129)
3,895,212
$ 4,791,012
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
71
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
NET SALES
COST OF SALES
GROSS PROFIT
OPERATING EXPENSES
OPERATING INCOME
2018
2017
2016
$ 3,807,183
$ 3,369,045
$ 3,049,393
1,511,808
1,231,355
1,107,393
2,295,375
2,137,690
1,942,000
1,011,756
938,903
856,662
1,283,619
1,198,787
1,085,338
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
9,653
2,836
(5,653)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
1,293,272
1,201,623
1,079,685
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
300,268
380,945
367,000
NET INCOME
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic
Diluted
$
$
$
993,004
$
820,678
$
712,685
1.78
$
1.76
$
1.45
$
1.42
$
1.21
1.19
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
EQUIVALENTS:
Basic
Diluted
557,166
564,254
566,782
577,141
587,874
599,819
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
72
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016 (In Thousands)
Net income, as reported
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
Available-for-sale investments:
Change in net unrealized gains (losses)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net
income
Net change in available-for-sale investments
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive income
2018
$ 993,004
2017
$ 820,678
2016
$ 712,685
(16,957)
7,238
(1,178)
752
(648)
(193)
-
752
(16,205)
$ 976,799
-
(648)
6,590
$ 827,268
-
(193)
(1,371)
$ 711,314
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
73
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016 (In Thousands)
Common stock
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury stock
Shares
Amount
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Balance, January 1, 2016
Stock-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Unrealized loss on available-
for- sale securities
Excess tax benefits from share
based payment arrangements
Repurchase of common stock
Foreign currency translation
Net income
Balance, December 31, 2016
Stock-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Unrealized loss on available-
for- sale securities
Reversal of excess tax benefits
from share based payment
arrangements
Repurchase of common stock
Foreign currency translation
Net income
Balance, December 31, 2017
Stock-based compensation
Exercise of stock options
Unrealized gain on available-
for- sale securities
Adjustment to excess tax
benefits from prior periods
ASU No. 2016-16 adoption
Repurchase of common stock
Foreign currency translation
Net income
621,057 $ 3,105 $ 3,989,787 $ 1,394,863 $
(21,878)
(12,357) $ (556,467) $ 4,809,410
-
2,144
-
11
45,848
16,441
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(831)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
712,685
-
-
(193)
-
-
(1,178)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
45,848
16,452
(193)
(831)
(44,278)
(2,252,484)
(2,252,484)
-
-
-
-
(1,178)
712,685
623,201 $ 3,116 $ 4,051,245 $ 2,107,548 $
(23,249)
(56,635) $ (2,808,951) $ 3,329,709
-
6,054
-
30
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
52,282
52,596
-
(5,495)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
820,678
-
-
(648)
-
-
7,238
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
52,282
52,626
(648)
(5,495)
(6,322)
(361,178)
(361,178)
-
-
-
-
7,238
820,678
629,255 $ 3,146 $ 4,150,628 $ 2,928,226 $
(16,659)
(62,957) $ (3,170,129) $ 3,895,212
-
1,715
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
57,111
27,843
-
2,588
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,585)
-
-
-
-
752
-
-
-
(16,957)
993,004
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
57,111
27,852
752
2,588
(6,585)
(24,337)
(1,342,076)
(1,342,076)
-
-
-
-
(16,957)
993,004
Balance, December 31, 2018
630,970 $ 3,155 $ 4,238,170 $ 3,914,645 $
(32,864)
(87,294) $ (4,512,205) $ 3,610,901
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
74
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016 (In Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
Stock-based compensation
Deferred income taxes
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
and divestitures:
Accounts receivable
TCCC Transaction receivable
Distributor receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Prepaid income taxes
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Accrued promotional allowances
Accrued distributor terminations
Accrued compensation
Income taxes payable
Other liabilities
Deferred revenue
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Maturities of held-to-maturity investments
Sales of available-for-sale investments
Purchase of AFF assets, net
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
Purchases of property and equipment
Additions to intangibles
(Increase) decrease in other assets
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on debt
Issuance of common stock
Purchases of common stock held in treasury
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
Income taxes
2018
2017
2016
$
993,004
$
820,678
$
712,685
56,979
(783)
57,111
(510)
(48,370)
-
9,958
(26,146)
(6,682)
98,716
9,852
18,145
11,719
(91)
5,477
1,943
1,526
(19,967)
1,161,881
-
1,181,484
-
4,295
-
(826,084)
(61,941)
(12,984)
(11,814)
272,956
(1,886)
27,851
(1,342,076)
(1,316,111)
(9,835)
48,887
(1,161)
52,282
67,935
11,822
125,000
4,716
(88,867)
(2,396)
(71,332)
29,579
(4,499)
21,135
(8,172)
4,491
(3,590)
1,095
(19,872)
987,731
-
533,183
-
1,416
-
(971,813)
(83,435)
(9,693)
(1,199)
(531,541)
(2,583)
52,626
(361,178)
(311,135)
5,985
151,040
377,582
528,622
40,845
(204)
45,848
(19,092)
(86,382)
-
(19,981)
20,875
(6,682)
(48,023)
45,340
(2,852)
(3,939)
(3,328)
8,051
4,375
-
13,819
701,355
868,304
120,987
(688,485)
807
(152,050)
(300,426)
(99,819)
(5,518)
7
(256,193)
(2,359)
16,405
(2,252,437)
(2,238,391)
(4,606)
(1,797,835)
2,175,417
377,582
$
108,891
528,622
637,513
$
$
$
$
60
200,767
$
$
75
389,490
$
$
68
431,273
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
75
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ITEMS:
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company entered into capital leases of
$1.5 million, $2.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for the acquisition of promotional vehicles.
Accounts payable included equipment purchases of $0.7 million, $2.3 million and $0.1 million as of
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accrued liabilities included equipment purchases of $0.0 million, $3.8 million and $4.6 million as of
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accrued liabilities included additions to intangibles of $10.8 million, $3.7 million and $3.8 million as of
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
76
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
1.
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization – Monster Beverage Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware.
The Company is a holding company and has no operating business except through its consolidated subsidiaries.
Nature of Operations – The Company develops, markets, sells and distributes energy drink beverages and
concentrates for energy drink beverages, primarily under the following brand names: Monster Energy®, Monster
Energy Ultra®, Monster Rehab®, Monster MAXX®, Java Monster®, Muscle Monster®, Punch Monster®, Juice
Monster®, Monster Hydro®, Espresso Monster®, Caffé Monster®, Nalu®, NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®,
Mother®, Ultra Energy®, Play® and Power Play(stylized)®, Relentless®, BPM®, Predator®, Mutant®, BU® and
Live+.
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include
the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Principles of Consolidation – The Company consolidates all entities that it controls by ownership of a
majority voting interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Business Combinations – Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 “Business Combinations”. FASB
ASC 805 requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure
the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in
the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are
included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and
liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned
is recorded as goodwill. Adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the measurement
period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction
and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense and requires the Company to recognize and measure
certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business
combination.
Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Throughout the year, the Company
has had amounts on deposit at financial institutions that exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not
experienced any loss as a result of these deposits and does not expect to incur any losses in the future.
Investments – The Company’s investments in debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity,
available-for-sale or trading, in accordance with FASB ASC 320. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities
that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Trading securities are those securities
that the Company intends to sell in the near term. All other securities not included in the held-to-maturity or trading
category are classified as available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which
approximates fair market value. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses charged
to earnings. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded within
accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. FASB ASC 820 defines
fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which
requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available (See Note 4). Under FASB ASC 320-
10-35, a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired if the present value of cash flows expected to
be collected are less than the security’s amortized cost basis (the difference being defined as the “Credit Loss”) or
if the fair value of the security is less than the security’s amortized cost basis and the investor intends, or will be
77
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
required, to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. If an other-than-temporary
impairment exists, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of Credit Loss if the investor does not intend to
sell the security, and will not be required to sell the security, before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis.
Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost is recognized in other comprehensive loss, net of
applicable taxes. The Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value of its investments is other-than-
temporary at each quarter-end. This evaluation consists of a review by management, and includes market pricing
information and maturity dates for the securities held, market and economic trends in the industry and information
on the issuer’s financial condition and, if applicable, information on the guarantors’ financial condition. Factors
considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which the
investment’s fair value has been less than its cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer
and guarantors, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and the Company’s
intent and ability to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated
recovery of fair value.
Accounts Receivable – The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on
a number of factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet
its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces
the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition
to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s
recent loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding. In accordance with
FASB ASC 210-20-45, in its consolidated balance sheets, the Company has presented accounts receivable, net of
promotional allowances, only for those customers that it allows net settlement. All other accounts receivable and
related promotional allowances are shown on a gross basis.
Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out, cost or market value (net realizable
value).
Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures,
office and computer equipment, computer software, equipment, and vehicles is based on their estimated useful lives
(three to ten years) and is calculated using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is
based on the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases and is calculated using the
straight-line method. Normal repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that materially
increase values or extend useful lives are capitalized. The related costs and accumulated depreciation of disposed
assets are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss on disposition is included in net income.
Goodwill – The Company records goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair
value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired, including related tax effects. Goodwill is not amortized; instead
goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of
impairment exist. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not
that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that the fair value is
less than the carrying value, the Company will use a two-step process to determine the amount of goodwill
impairment. The first step requires comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value, including
goodwill. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The
second step of the process, performed only if a potential impairment exists, involves determining the difference
between the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets, other than goodwill, and the fair value of the reporting unit.
An impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value. For
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 there were no impairments recorded.
Other Intangibles – Other Intangibles are comprised primarily of trademarks that represent the Company’s
exclusive ownership of the Monster Energy®, ®, Monster Energy Ultra®, Unleash the Beast!®, Monster
78
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Rehab®, Mutant®, Java Monster®, Monster Hydro®, Monster MAXX®, Muscle Monster®, Punch Monster®,
Juice Monster®, Espresso Monster®, Caffé Monster®, M3(stylized)®, BU®, Nalu®, NOS®, Full Throttle®,
Burn®, Mother®, Ultra Energy®, Play® and Power Play(stylized)®, Predator®, Gladiator®, Relentless®,
Samurai® and BPM® trademarks, all used in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of beverages.
The Company also owns a number of other trademarks, flavors and formulas in the United States, as well as in a
number of countries around the world. In accordance with FASB ASC 350, intangible assets with indefinite lives
are not amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that an
impairment exists. The Company calculates impairment as the excess of the carrying value of its indefinite-lived
assets over their estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value a write-down is
recorded. The Company amortizes its trademarks with finite useful lives over their respective useful lives. For the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 there were no impairments recorded.
Long-Lived Assets – Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets,
including certain definite-lived intangible assets, for possible impairment. This review occurs annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.
If there is indication of impairment, management then prepares an estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and
without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows
are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its
estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated using the present value of the future cash flows discounted at a rate
commensurate with management’s estimates of the business risks. Preparation of estimated expected future cash
flows is inherently subjective and is based on management’s best estimate of assumptions concerning expected
future conditions. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were no impairment indicators
identified. Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost
to sell.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions – The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are
translated in accordance with FASB ASC 830. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in other
expense, net, at the time they occur. Net foreign currency exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of
assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are recorded as a part
of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and
losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (i.e., settlement is not planned
or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’
equity. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company entered into forward currency
exchange contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the
foreign exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries non-functional currency
denominated assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2018
have terms of three months or less. The Company does not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for
speculation or trading purposes.
The Company has not designated its foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under FASB
ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in
other expense, net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value
of the underlying economically hedged item. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, aggregate
foreign currency transaction losses, including the gains or losses on forward currency exchange contracts, amounted
to $4.0 million, $3.3 million and $9.7 million, respectively, and have been recorded in other income (expense), net,
in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition – The Company has three operating and reportable segments, (i) Monster Energy®
Drinks segment (“Monster Energy® Drinks”), which is primarily comprised of the Company’s Monster Energy®
drinks, (ii) Strategic Brands segment (“Strategic Brands”), which is primarily comprised of the various energy drink
brands acquired from TCCC in 2015 as well as the Company’s Predator® energy drinks, and (iii) Other segment
79
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
(“Other”), which is comprised of certain products sold by American Fruits & Flavors LLC, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, to independent third-party customers.
The Company’s Monster Energy® Drinks segment generates net operating revenues by selling ready-to-
drink packaged energy drinks primarily to bottlers and full service beverage distributors. In some cases, the
Company sells directly to retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers,
convenience chains, drug stores, foodservice customers and the military.
The Company’s Strategic Brands segment primarily generates net operating revenues by selling
“concentrates” and/or “beverage bases” to authorized bottling and canning operations. Such bottlers generally
combine the concentrates and/or beverage bases with sweeteners, water and other ingredients to produce ready-to-
drink packaged energy drinks. The ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks are then sold to other bottlers and full
service distributors and to retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers,
convenience chains, foodservice customers, drug stores and the military. To a lesser extent, our Strategic Brands
segment generates net operating revenues by selling certain ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks to bottlers and
full service beverage distributors.
The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized when it satisfies a single performance obligation by
transferring control of its products to a customer. Control is generally transferred when the Company’s products are
either shipped or delivered based on the terms contained within the underlying contracts or agreements. Certain of
the Company’s bottlers/distributors may also perform a separate function as a co-packer on the Company’s behalf.
In such cases, control of the Company’s products passes to such bottlers/distributors when they notify the Company
that they have taken possession or transferred the relevant portion of the Company’s finished goods. The Company’s
general payment terms are short-term in duration. The Company does not have significant financing components
or payment terms. The Company did not have any material unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31,
2018 or December 31, 2017.
The Company excludes from revenues all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are imposed on
the sale of its products and collected from customers.
Distribution expenses to transport the Company’s products, where applicable, and warehousing expense
after manufacture are accounted for within operating expenses.
Promotional and other allowances (variable consideration) recorded as a reduction to net sales, primarily
include consideration given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to
the following:
discounts granted off list prices to support price promotions to end-consumers by retailers;
reimbursements given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors for agreed portions of their
promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both
new and existing products;
the Company’s agreed share of fees given to bottlers/distributors and/or directly to retailers for
advertising, in-store marketing and promotional activities;
the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to
retailers;
incentives given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding
certain predetermined sales goals;
discounted or free products;
contractual fees given to the Company’s bottlers/distributors related to sales made directly by the
Company to certain customers that fall within the bottlers’/distributors’ sales territories; and
80
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
commissions paid to TCCC based on the Company’s sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries and/or the
TCCC Related Parties.
The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its bottlers/distributors and/or retailers are executed
through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or
more of the arrangements described above and are of varying durations, ranging from one week to one year. The
Company’s promotional and other allowances are calculated based on various programs with bottlers/distributors
and retail customers, and accruals are established during the year for its anticipated liabilities. These accruals are
based on agreed upon terms as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar programs and require
management’s judgment with respect to estimating consumer participation and/or distributor and retail customer
performance levels. Differences between such estimated expenses and actual expenses for promotional and other
allowance costs have historically been insignificant and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences
are determined.
Amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain
distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating the Company’s prior distributors, are accounted for as
revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreements, generally 20 years.
The Company also enters into license agreements that generate revenues associated with third-party sales
of non-beverage products bearing our trademarks including, but not limited to, clothing, hats, t-shirts, jackets,
helmets and automotive wheels.
Management believes that adequate provision has been made for cash discounts, returns and spoilage based
on the Company’s historical experience.
Cost of Sales – Cost of sales consists of the costs of flavors, concentrates and/or beverage bases, the costs
of raw materials utilized in the manufacture of beverages, co-packing fees, repacking fees, in-bound freight charges,
as well as internal transfer costs, warehouse expenses incurred prior to the manufacture of the Company’s finished
products and certain quality control costs. In addition, the Company includes in costs of sales certain costs such as
depreciation, amortization and payroll costs that relate to the direct manufacture by the Company of certain flavors
and concentrates. Raw materials account for the largest portion of cost of sales. Raw materials include cans, bottles,
other containers, flavors, ingredients and packaging materials.
Operating Expenses – Operating expenses include selling expenses such as distribution expenses to
transport products to customers and warehousing expenses after manufacture, as well as expenses for advertising,
sampling and in-store demonstration costs, costs for merchandise displays, point-of-sale materials and premium
items, sponsorship expenses, other marketing expenses and design expenses. Operating expenses also include such
costs as payroll costs, travel costs, professional service fees including legal fees, termination payments made to
certain of the Company’s prior distributors, depreciation and other general and administrative costs.
Freight-Out Costs – For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, freight-out costs amounted
to $128.5 million, $91.9 million and $83.6 million, respectively, and have been recorded in operating expenses in
the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Advertising and Promotional Expenses – The Company accounts for advertising production costs by
expensing such production costs the first time the related advertising takes place. A significant amount of the
Company’s promotional expenses result from payments under endorsement and sponsorship contracts. Accounting
for endorsement and sponsorship payments is based upon specific contract provisions. Generally, endorsement and
sponsorship payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract after giving recognition to
the periodic performance compliance provisions of the contracts. Advertising and promotional expenses, including,
but not limited to, production costs amounted to $353.9 million, $324.0 million and $270.6 million for the years
81
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Advertising and promotional expenses are included in
operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Income Taxes – The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in
FASB ASC 740. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences
between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during
the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not
that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances the
Company considers projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If in the future
the Company determines that it would not be able to realize its recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the
valuation allowance would be recorded, decreasing earnings in the period in which such determination is made.
The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination
based upon the Company’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date.
For those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company
has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit that may potentially be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing
authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is less than
50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation – The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions
of FASB ASC 718. The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated
fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula. The Company
records compensation expense for non-employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options as
of the earlier of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the non-employee to earn the stock option
is reached or (2) the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete, using the Black-Scholes-Merton
option pricing formula. Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is
measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. In the event
that the Company has the option and intent to settle a restricted stock unit in cash, the award is classified as a liability
and revalued at each balance sheet date. (See Note 14).
Net Income Per Common Share – In accordance with FASB ASC 260, net income per common share, on a
basic and diluted basis, is presented for all periods. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share
is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent
shares outstanding. The calculation of common equivalent shares assumes the exercise of dilutive stock options,
net of assumed treasury share repurchases at average market prices, as applicable.
Concentration of Risk – Certain of the Company’s products utilize components (raw materials and/or co-
packing services) from a limited number of sources. A disruption in the supply of such components could
significantly affect the Company’s revenues from those products, as alternative sources of such components may
not be available at commercially reasonable rates or within a reasonably short time period. The Company continues
to endeavor to secure the availability of alternative sources for such components and minimize the risk of any
disruption in production.
The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”),
through certain wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “TCCC
Subsidiaries”), accounted for approximately 3%, 18% and 41% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As part of TCCC’s North America Refranchising initiative (the
“North America Refranchising”), the territories of certain TCCC Subsidiaries have been transitioned to certain
independent/non wholly-owned TCCC bottlers/distributors. Accordingly, the Company’s percentage of net sales
classified as sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries decreased for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
82
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
CCBCC Operations, LLC accounted for approximately 13%, 13% and 9% of the Company’s net sales for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling accounted for approximately 12%, 6% and 2% of the Company’s net sales for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Coca-Cola European Partners accounted for approximately 10%, 9% and 9% of the Company’s net sales
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Credit Risk – The Company sells its products nationally and internationally, primarily to full service
beverage distributors, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers,
convenience chains and foodservice customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers
and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains reserves for estimated credit losses, and
historically, such losses have been within management’s expectations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including
cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value due
to the relatively short maturity of the respective instruments.
Use of Estimates – The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Intangibles–Goodwill and Other–Internal–Use
Software (Topic 350): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing
Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” ASU No. 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation
costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing
implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. ASU No. 2018-15 is effective for the
Company on a prospective or retrospective basis beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2018-15 on its financial position, results of operations and
liquidity.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, “Compensation–Retirement Benefits–Defined
Benefit Plans–General (Topic 715): Disclosure Framework–Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined
Benefit Plans.” ASU No. 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies
certain required disclosures and requires certain additional disclosures. ASU No. 2018-14 is effective for the
Company on a retrospective basis beginning in the year ending December 31, 2020, with early adoption permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2018-14 on its financial position, results of operations
and liquidity.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure
Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU No. 2018-13 removes
certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifies existing disclosure requirements related
to measurement uncertainty and adds new disclosure requirements. ASU No. 2018-13 disclosure requirements
include disclosing the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income
for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted
83
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU No. 2018-13 is
effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Certain disclosures in the
new guidance will need to be applied on a retrospective basis and others on a prospective basis. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2018-13 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive
Income (Topic 220)”, which amends the previous guidance to allow for certain tax effects “stranded” in
accumulated other comprehensive income, which are impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform
Act”), to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into retained earnings. This amendment
pertains only to those items impacted by the new tax law and will not apply to any future tax effects stranded in
accumulated other comprehensive income. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2018, and allows for early adoption. The Company has completed its evaluation of the impact of ASU No. 2018-
02 and determined that there are no “stranded” tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income to be
reclassified.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the
Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill,
but rather requires an entity to record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying value
over its fair value. This amendment is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
of ASU No. 2017-04 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326):
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The accounting standard changes the methodology for
measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing when such losses are recorded. ASU No. 2016-13
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early
adoption is permitted for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-13 on its financial position, results of operations
and liquidity.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. This update is intended to
increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on
the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This update is effective for annual
and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal
years. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2016-02 in the first quarter of 2019 utilizing the modified retrospective
transition method. In July 2018, the FASB further amended ASU No. 2016-02 and the Company will elect the
transition provision permitting it to record existing operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet without
adjusting comparative periods. Further, the Company intends to elect the package of practical expedients allowing
it to not reassess prior conclusions related to expired or existing contracts that are or that contain leases, lease
classification and the accounting for initial direct costs. These practical expedients must be elected as a package
and applied consistently. Operating leases with a term of 12 months or less will not be recorded on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet. The Company does not expect that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 will have a material impact
on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity. In conjunction with the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02,
the Company is implementing a software solution to manage and account for leases as well as updating business
processes and internal controls.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers
of Assets Other Than Inventory”, in an effort to improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-
entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Previous GAAP prohibited the recognition of current and deferred
84
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset had been sold to an outside party. FASB ASU No. 2016-
16 established the requirement that an entity recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of
an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU No. 2016-16 was effective for financial statements
issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. The
Company adopted ASU No. 2016-16 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis, resulting in a $6.6
million reclassification of the unrecognized income tax effects related to assets transfers that occurred prior to the
adoption from deferred income taxes to opening retained earnings.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”,
which superseded previous revenue recognition guidance. ASU No. 2014-09 and its amendments were included in
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. ASC 606 requires
that a company recognizes revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be
entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The Company adopted ASC 606 effective
January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach, with no impact to the opening retained earnings. Results
for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior periods are not adjusted
and continue to be reported in accordance with the prior accounting guidance under ASC 605, “Revenue
Recognition”. See Note 2.
2.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Upon adoption of ASC 606, commissions paid to TCCC based on sales to certain of the Company’s
bottlers/distributors who are (i) consolidated subsidiaries of TCCC (the “TCCC Subsidiaries”), (ii) accounted for
under the equity method by TCCC (the “TCCC Related Parties”) and (iii) those not included in (i) or (ii) (the
“TCCC Independent Bottlers”) are accounted for as follows:
Commissions Related To:
TCCC Subsidiaries
TCCC Related Parties
TCCC Independent Bottlers
Year Ended December 31, 2018
As Reported
Without Adoption of
ASC 606
Reduction to net sales Reduction to net sales
Reduction to net sales Operating expenses
Operating expenses
Operating expenses
The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year
ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
As Reported
Without
Adoption
of ASC 606
Net Sales
Operating Expenses
$
$
3,807,183
1,011,756
$
$
3,849,424
1,053,997
Decrease due to
Adoption of
ASC
606
(42,241) 1
(42,241) 1
$
$
1TCCC commissions based on sales to the TCCC Related Parties. There were no other identified changes to our revenue
recognition policies as a result of the adoption of ASC 606.
85
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenue by geographical markets and reportable
segments:
Year Ended December 31, 2018
U.S. and
Canada
Net Sales
Monster Energy® Drinks $ 2,627,000
179,677
Strategic Brands
Other
22,920
Total Net Sales
$ 2,829,597
2
EMEA
$
$
500,826
77,841
-
578,667
Asia Pacific
225,172
$
26,254
-
251,426
$
Latin
America
and
Caribbean
$
$
145,429
2,064
-
147,493
Total
$ 3,498,427
285,836
22,920
$ 3,807,183
2Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”)
Contract Liabilities
Amounts received from certain bottlers/distributors at inception of their distribution contracts or at the
inception of certain sales/marketing programs are accounted for as deferred revenue. As of December 31, 2018, the
Company had $356.3 million of deferred revenue, which is included in current and long-term deferred revenue in
the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $377.6 million of deferred
revenue, which is included in current and long-term deferred revenue in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, $44.3 million and $43.4 million, respectively, of deferred
revenue, was recognized in net sales. See Note 18.
3.
INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at:
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss
Position
less than 12
Months
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss
Position
greater than
12
Months
December 31, 2018
Available-for-sale
Short-term:
$ 52,838 $
Commercial paper
Certificates of deposit
Municipal securities
U.S. government agency securities
U.S. treasuries
Variable rate demand notes
14,075
151,690
19,943
78,189
4,005
Total
$ 320,740 $
86
- $
-
16
-
-
-
16 $
- $
-
62
12
32
-
52,838 $
14,075
151,644
19,931
78,157
4,005
106 $ 320,650 $
- $
-
62
12
32
-
106 $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss
Position
less than 12
Months
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss
Position
greater than
12
Months
December 31, 2017
Available-for-sale
Short-term:
Commercial paper
Certificates of deposit
Municipal securities
U.S. government agency securities
Variable rate demand notes
$ 81,026 $
11,869
469,604
61,307
49,954
Long-term:
U.S. government agency securities
2,369
Total
$ 676,129 $
- $
-
1
-
-
-
1 $
- $
-
740
88
-
81,026 $
11,869
468,865
61,219
49,954
- $
-
740
88
-
3
2,366
831 $ 675,299 $
3
831 $
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, realized gains or losses recognized on the sale of
investments were not significant.
The Company’s investments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 in commercial paper, certificates of deposit,
municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities, U.S. treasuries and/or variable rate demand notes
(“VRDNs”) carried investment grade credit ratings. VRDNs are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put
options that allow the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest. All of the put options are secured
by a pledged liquidity source. While they are classified as marketable investment securities, the put option allows
the VRDNs to be liquidated at par on a same day, or more generally, on a seven-day settlement basis.
The following table summarizes the underlying contractual maturities of the Company’s investments at:
Less than 1 year:
Commercial paper
Municipal securities
U.S. government agency securities
Certificates of deposit
U.S. treasuries
Due 1 -10 years:
U.S. government agency securities
Variable rate demand notes
Due 11 - 20 years:
Variable rate demand notes
Due 21 - 30 years:
Variable rate demand notes
Total
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Amortized Cost Fair Value
Amortized Cost Fair Value
$
$
52,838
151,690
19,943
14,075
78,189
$
52,838
151,644
19,931
14,075
78,157
-
-
-
-
-
-
$
81,026
469,604
61,307
11,869
-
2,369
6,366
81,026
468,865
61,219
11,869
-
2,366
6,366
28,377
28,377
$
4,005
320,740
$
4,005
320,650
$
15,211
676,129
$
15,211
675,299
87
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
4.
FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FASB ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding
fair value measurements. FASB ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB
ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs,
where available. The three levels of inputs required by the standard that the Company uses to measure fair value
are summarized below.
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities;
quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by
observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to
the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
FASB ASC 820 requires the use of observable market inputs (quoted market prices) when measuring fair
value and requires a Level 1 quoted price to be used to measure fair value whenever possible.
The following tables present the Company’s financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring
basis, segregated among the appropriate levels within the fair value hierarchy at:
December 31, 2018
Cash
Money market funds
Certificates of deposit
Commercial paper
Variable rate demand notes
Municipal securities
U.S. government agency securities
U.S. treasuries
Foreign currency derivatives
Total
Amounts included in:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Investments
Accrued liabilities
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
$
$
$
$
393,936
191,358
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
585,294
$
-
-
14,075
60,422
4,005
177,118
39,092
78,157
(492)
$ 372,377
585,294
-
-
-
-
585,294
$
52,219
320,650
43
-
(535)
$ 372,377
$
$
$
$
Total
393,936
191,358
14,075
60,422
4,005
177,118
39,092
78,157
(492)
957,671
637,513
320,650
43
-
(535)
957,671
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$
$
$
$
88
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
December 31, 2017
Cash
Money market funds
Certificates of deposit
Commercial paper
Variable rate demand notes
Municipal securities
U.S. government agency securities
U.S. treasuries
Foreign currency derivatives
Total
Amounts included in:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Investments
Accrued liabilities
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
$
$
$
$
310,885
112,848
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
423,733
$
-
-
15,720
99,903
49,954
529,984
81,230
3,397
(1,484)
$ 778,704
423,733
-
-
-
-
423,733
$ 104,889
672,933
95
2,366
(1,579)
$ 778,704
$
$
$
$
$
Total
310,885
112,848
15,720
99,903
49,954
529,984
81,230
3,397
(1,484)
$ 1,202,437
$
528,622
672,933
95
2,366
(1,579)
$ 1,202,437
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
All of the Company’s short-term investments are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 within the fair value
hierarchy. The Company’s valuation of its Level 1 investments, which include money market funds, is based on
quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities. The Company’s valuation of its Level 2 investments,
which include municipal securities, commercial paper, U.S. treasuries, certificates of deposit, VRDNs and U.S.
government agency securities, is based on other observable inputs, specifically a market approach which utilizes
valuation models, pricing systems, mathematical tools and other relevant information for the same or similar
securities. The Company’s valuation of its Level 2 foreign currency exchange contracts is based on quoted market
prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk. There were no transfers between Level 1
and Level 2 measurements during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, and there were no changes in the
Company’s valuation techniques.
5.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks related primarily to its foreign business
operations. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, the Company entered into
forward currency exchange contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage
a portion of the foreign exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries’ non-functional
currency denominated assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by the Company
that were outstanding as of December 31, 2018 have terms of three months or less. The Company does not enter
into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes.
The Company has not designated its foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under FASB
ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in
other income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the
fair value of the underlying economically hedged item.
89
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The notional amount and fair value of all outstanding foreign currency derivative instruments in the
consolidated balance sheets consist of the following at:
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20
Assets:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive SGD/pay USD
Receive NOK/pay USD
Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive USD/pay GBP
Receive USD/pay AUD
Receive USD/pay ZAR
Receive USD/pay COP
Receive USD/pay NZD
Receive USD/pay EUR
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20
Assets:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive CAD/pay USD
Receive SGD/pay USD
Receive NOK/pay USD
Receive USD/pay BRL
Receive USD/pay COP
Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive USD/pay GBP
Receive USD/pay EUR
Receive USD/pay AUD
Receive USD/pay ZAR
Receive USD/pay MXN
Receive USD/pay NZD
Receive USD/pay TRY
Receive USD/pay CLP
December 31, 2018
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Balance Sheet Location
$
$
$
8,341
902
30
13
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable, net
$
40,648
15,124
8,618
2,931
2,952
6,894
(323) Accrued liabilities
(105) Accrued liabilities
(68) Accrued liabilities
(33) Accrued liabilities
(4) Accrued liabilities
(2) Accrued liabilities
December 31, 2017
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Balance Sheet Location
$
$
$
$
4,892
223
1,534
1,806
2,803
31,342
65,131
17,238
21,311
7,720
1,826
5,483
1,112
61 Accounts receivable, net
2 Accounts receivable, net
18 Accounts receivable, net
1 Accounts receivable, net
13 Accounts receivable, net
(334) Accrued liabilities
(642) Accrued liabilities
(177) Accrued liabilities
(222) Accrued liabilities
(126) Accrued liabilities
(18) Accrued liabilities
(52) Accrued liabilities
(8) Accrued liabilities
The net gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income were as follows:
Amount of gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivatives
Year ended
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20
Location of gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivatives
December 31,
2018
Foreign currency exchange contracts
Other income (expense), net $
90
December 31,
2017
(13,733) $
December 31,
2016
1,819
9,737 $
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
6.
INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following at December 31:
Raw materials
Finished goods
7.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net
Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31:
Land
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and fixtures
Office and computer equipment
Computer software
Equipment
Building
Vehicles
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
2018
94,421
183,284
277,705
$
$
2017
78,834
176,911
255,745
$
$
2018
44,261
5,909
6,932
18,717
3,278
183,727
115,242
39,026
417,092
(174,041)
243,051
$
$
2017
47,373
3,109
6,461
14,506
3,650
148,434
107,374
38,179
369,086
(138,810)
230,276
$
$
Total depreciation and amortization expense recorded was $45.0 million, $37.0 million and $30.2 million
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
8.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following is a roll-forward of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 by reportable
segment:
Monster
Energy®
Drinks
Strategic
Brands
Other
Balance at December 31, 2017
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
$
693,644
-
693,644
$
$
637,999
-
637,999
$
$
Monster
Energy®
Drinks
Strategic
Brands
Other
Balance at December 31, 2016
Acquisitions
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
$
693,644
-
693,644
$
$
637,999
-
637,999
$
$
Total
$ 1,331,643
-
$ 1,331,643
Total
$ 1,331,643
-
$ 1,331,643
-
-
-
-
-
-
91
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Intangible assets consist of the following at:
Amortizing intangibles
Accumulated amortization
Non-amortizing intangibles
December 31,
2018
$
71,350
(38,311)
33,039
1,012,839
$ 1,045,878
December 31,
2017
$
71,400
(26,383)
45,017
989,068
$ 1,034,085
Amortizing intangibles primarily consist of customer relationships. All amortizing intangibles have been
assigned an estimated finite useful life and such intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the number
of years that approximate their respective useful lives, generally five to seven years. Total amortization expense
recorded was $11.9 million, $11.9 million and $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and
2016, respectively.
The following is the future estimated amortization expense related to amortizing intangibles as of
December 31, 2018:
Year Ending December 31:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter
$ 11,847
7,965
4,722
4,697
1,404
2,404
$ 33,039
At December 31, 2018, non-amortizing intangibles primarily consist of indefinite-lived tradenames, flavors
and formulas.
9.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
In accordance with FASB ASC No. 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, the Company expenses
distributor termination costs in the period in which the written notification of termination occurs. As a result, the
Company incurred termination costs of $26.6 million, $35.4 million and $79.8 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Such termination costs have been expensed in full and are
included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In the normal course of business, amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution
agreements entered into with certain distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating agreements with
the Company’s prior distributors, are accounted for as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue ratably over
the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreement, generally 20 years. Revenue recognized was $21.9
million, $22.3 million and $26.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
10.
DEBT
The Company entered into a credit facility with Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) consisting of a revolving line
of credit, which was amended in June 2017, under which the Company may borrow up to $10.0 million of non-
92
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
collateralized debt. The revolving line of credit is effective through June 1, 2020. Interest on borrowings under the
line of credit is based on Comerica’s base (prime) rate minus 1% to 1.5%, or London Interbank Offered Rates plus
an additional percentage of 1.25% to 1.75%, depending upon certain financial ratios maintained by the Company.
The Company had no outstanding borrowings on this line of credit at December 31, 2018. Under this revolving line
of credit, the Company may also issue standby Letters of Credit with an aggregate amount of up to $4.0 million.
The fee on the standby Letters of Credit ranges from 1.00% to 1.50% depending upon certain financial ratios
maintained by the Company. The Company had no outstanding standby Letters of Credit at December 31, 2018.
In December 2016, the Company entered into a credit facility with HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited,
Shanghai Branch consisting of a non-collateralized working capital line of credit. In February 2018, the working
capital line limit was increased to $15.0 million. At December 31, 2018, the interest rate on borrowings under the
line of credit was 5.5%. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $11.7 million outstanding on this line of credit,
including interest, which is included in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company’s debt of $0.8 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively,
consisted of capital leases, collateralized by vehicles, payable over 12 months in monthly installments at various
effective interest rates, with final payments ending on or before December 31, 2018.
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the assets acquired under capital leases had a net book value of $4.9
million and $5.3 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $4.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
Interest expense for capital lease obligations amounted to $0.06 million, $0.08 million and $0.07 million
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
11.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is obligated under various non-cancellable lease agreements providing for office space,
warehouse space, and automobiles that expire at various dates through the year 2033.
Rent expense under operating leases was $6.1 million, $10.7 million and $9.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Future minimum rental payments at December 31, 2018 under the operating leases referred to above are as
follows:
Year Ending December 31:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter
$
3,954
2,949
2,410
2,114
1,681
14,860
$ 27,968
Contractual obligations – The Company has the following contractual obligations related primarily to
sponsorships and other commitments as of December 31, 2018:
93
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Year Ending December 31:
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter
$ 99,004
51,572
23,577
12,628
3,405
-
$ 190,186
Purchase Commitments – The Company has purchase commitments aggregating approximately $49.8
million at December 31, 2018, which represent commitments made by the Company and its subsidiaries to various
suppliers of raw materials for the production of its products. These obligations vary in terms, but are generally
satisfied within one year.
The Company purchases various raw material items, including, but not limited to, flavors, ingredients,
dietary ingredients, containers, milk, glucose, sucralose, cream and protein, from a limited number of suppliers. An
interruption in supply from any of such resources could result in the Company’s inability to produce certain products
for limited or possibly extended periods of time. The aggregate value of purchases from suppliers of such limited
resources described above for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $289.6 million, $273.6
million and $205.9 million, respectively.
Guarantees – The Company from time to time enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require
the Company to indemnify parties against third-party claims. These contracts primarily relate to: (i) certain
agreements with the Company’s officers, directors and employees under which the Company may be required to
indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their employment relationship, (ii) certain distribution or
purchase agreements under which the Company may have to indemnify the Company’s customers from any claim,
liability or loss arising out of any actual or alleged injury or damages suffered in connection with the consumption
or purchase of the Company’s products or the use of Company trademarks, and (iii) certain real estate leases, under
which the Company may be required to indemnify property owners for liabilities and other claims arising from the
Company’s use of the applicable premises. The terms of such obligations vary and typically, a maximum obligation
is not explicitly stated. Generally, the Company believes that its insurance coverage is adequate to cover any
resulting liabilities or claims.
Litigation – The Company, TCCC and certain affiliates are parties to various agreements setting forth,
among other things, provisions relating to TCCC’s equity holding in the Company and the terms on which the
Company’s energy products are distributed globally by members of TCCC’s distribution network. Among other
provisions, the agreements restrict TCCC from competing in the energy drink category in certain territories prior to
the termination of the applicable distribution coordination agreement with TCCC, with certain exceptions.
TCCC has developed three energy products that it believes it may market under the exception relating to
the Coca-Cola brand. The Company believes that the exception does not apply to this situation. By mutual
agreement to obtain clarification, the issue was submitted to the American Arbitration Association on October 31,
2018. We expect a decision will be reached during the second quarter of 2019. TCCC has indicated that it has
suspended the proposed launch of such products until April 2019. As the relief sought is limited, no reasonable
possible range of losses, if any, can be estimated.
The Company is currently a defendant in a number of personal injury lawsuits, claiming that the death or
other serious injury of the plaintiffs was caused by consumption of Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. The
plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege strict product liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied
94
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
warranties and wrongful death. The Company believes that each complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous
defense. The Company also believes that any damages, if awarded, would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Furthermore, from time to time in the normal course of business, the Company is named in other litigation,
including consumer class actions, intellectual property litigation and claims from prior distributors. Although it is
not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of such litigation, based on the facts known to the Company,
management believes that such litigation in the aggregate will likely not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.
The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that
could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that is accrued, if any, or in the amount of any
related insurance reimbursements recorded. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet
includes accrued loss contingencies of approximately $0.06 million.
12.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows at December 31:
Accumulated net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
13.
TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE
2018
2017
$
$
89
32,775
32,864
$
$
841
15,818
16,659
On February 28, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “February 2017 Repurchase
Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 4.3 million shares of common stock at
an average purchase price of $57.74 per share, for a total amount of $249.9 million (excluding broker commissions),
under the February 2017 Repurchase Plan, which exhausted the availability under the February 2017 Repurchase
Plan. Such shares are included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2018.
On February 27, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $250.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “February 2018 Repurchase
Program”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 5.0 million shares of common stock
at an average purchase price of $49.81 per share, for a total amount of $249.9 million (excluding broker
commissions), which exhausted the availability under the February 2018 Repurchase Program. Such shares are
included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.
On May 29, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “May 2018 Repurchase Plan”).
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 9.0 million shares of common stock at an
average purchase price of $55.55 per share, for a total amount of $499.9 million (excluding broker commissions),
under the May 2018 Repurchase Plan, which exhausted the availability under the May 2018 Repurchase Plan. Such
shares are included in the common stock in treasury in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at
December 31, 2018.
95
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
On August 7, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for the
purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “August 2018 Repurchase
Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company purchased 6.0 million shares of common stock at
an average purchase price of $57.11 per share, for a total amount of $340.3 million (excluding broker commissions),
under the August 2018 Repurchase Plan. Such shares are included in the common stock in treasury in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018. As of February 26, 2019, $20.6 million remained
available for repurchase under the August 2018 Repurchase Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, 34,976 shares of common stock were purchased from
employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $2.1 million.
While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against our
authorized share repurchase programs. Such shares are included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.
14.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has two stock-based compensation plans under which shares were available for grant at
December 31, 2018: the Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Omnibus
Incentive Plan”), including the Monster Beverage Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation
Plan”) as a sub plan thereunder, and the Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee
Directors (the “2017 Directors Plan”), including the Monster Beverage Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-
Employee Directors as a sub plan thereunder.
The 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted
stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards up to an aggregate of 43,500,000
shares of the common stock of the Company to employees or consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Shares authorized under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan are reduced by 2.16 shares for each share granted or
issued with respect to a Full Value Award. A Full Value Award is an award other than an incentive stock option, a
non-qualified stock option, or a stock appreciation right, which is settled by the issuance of shares. Options granted
under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan may be incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue
Code, as amended, or non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
“Compensation Committee”) has sole and exclusive authority to grant stock awards to all employees who are not
new hires and to all new hires who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee
and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Executive Committee”) each independently has the
authority to grant stock awards to new hires who are not Section 16 employees. Awards granted by the Executive
Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee.
Options granted under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan generally vest over a five-year period from the grant date
and are generally exercisable up to 10 years after the grant date. As of December 31, 2018, 22,740,597 shares of
the Company’s common stock have been granted, net of cancellations, and 16,611,623 shares (as adjusted for Full
Value Awards) of the Company’s common stock remain available for grant under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive
Plan.
In 2016, the Company adopted the Deferred Compensation Plan (as a sub plan to the 2011 Omnibus
Incentive Plan), pursuant to which eligible employees may elect to defer cash and/or equity based compensation
and to receive the deferred amounts, together with an investment return (positive or negative), either at a pre-
determined time in the future or upon termination of their employment with the Company or its subsidiaries or
affiliates that are participating employers under the Deferred Compensation Plan, as provided under the Deferred
Compensation Plan and in relevant deferral elections. Deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan are
unfunded and unsecured. As of December 31, 2018, deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan are solely
comprised of cash compensation and equity compensation. Future amounts due are not material in the aggregate.
96
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
In 2017, the Company adopted the 2017 Directors Plan, a successor plan to the 2009 Monster Beverage
Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors. The 2017 Directors Plan permits the granting of
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares or restricted stock units, deferred awards, dividend
equivalents, and other share based-awards up to an aggregate of 1,250,000 shares of common stock of the Company
to non-employee directors of the Company.
Each calendar year, a non-employee director will receive an annual retainer and annual equity award, as
provided for in the 2017 Directors Plan, which may be modified from time to time. Currently, with respect to equity
awards, each non-employee director receives an award of restricted stock units at each annual meeting of the
Company’s stockholders or promptly thereafter. A non-employee director’s annual award of restricted stock units
will generally vest on the earliest to occur of: (a) the last business day immediately preceding the annual meeting
of the Company’s stockholders in the calendar year following the calendar year in which the grant date occurs, (b) a
Change of Control (as defined in the 2017 Directors Plan), (c) the non-employee director’s death, or (d) the date of
the non-employee director’s separation from service due to disability, so long as the non-employee director remains
a non-employee director through such date. The Board of Directors may in its discretion award non-employee
directors stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other share-based awards in lieu of or in
addition to restricted stock units. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2017 Directors Plan at any
time, subject to certain limitations set forth in the 2017 Directors Plan. As of December 31, 2018, 47,880 shares of
the Company’s common stock had been granted under the 2017 Directors Plan, and 1,202,120 shares of the
Company’s common stock remain available for grant.
In 2017, the Company adopted the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (as a sub plan
to the 2017 Directors Plan), pursuant to which the Board of Directors may permit non-employee directors to elect,
at such times and in accordance with rules and procedures (or sub-plan) adopted by the Board of Directors (which
are intended to comply with Code Section 409A, as applicable), to receive all or any portion of such non-employee
director’s compensation, whether payable in cash or in equity, on a deferred basis. Deferrals under the Deferred
Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors are unfunded and unsecured. As of December 31, 2018, deferrals
under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors are solely comprised of cash compensation
and equity compensation. Future amounts due are not material in the aggregate. The 2017 Directors Plan was
adopted to effectuate any such deferrals. The 2017 Directors Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. Each
award granted under the 2017 Directors Plan will be evidenced by a written agreement and will contain the terms
and conditions that the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
Under the 2017 Directors Plan, the Board of Directors requires each non-employee director to satisfy the share
ownership guidelines set forth below, as may be amended by the Board of Directors from time to time. The current
share ownership guidelines provide that non-employee directors of the Company must:
Hold at least 9,000 shares of Company common stock. For this purpose, deferred shares or deferred
restricted stock units will be deemed held, to the extent vested.
The minimum stock ownership level must be achieved by each non-employee director by the third (3rd)
anniversary of such non-employee director’s initial appointment to the Board of Directors.
Once achieved, ownership of the guideline amount should be maintained for so long as the non-employee
director retains his or her seat on the Board of Directors.
There may be rare instances where these guidelines would place a hardship on a non-employee director. In
these cases or in similar circumstances, the Board of Directors will make the final decision as to developing
an alternative stock ownership guideline for a non-employee director that reflects the intention of these
guidelines and his or her personal circumstances.
97
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The Company recorded $57.1 million, $52.3 million and $45.8 million of compensation expense relating
to stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017
and 2016, respectively.
The excess tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises, disqualifying
dispositions of incentive stock options and vesting of restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016 was $8.5 million, $96.7 million and $20.8 million, respectively.
Stock Options
Under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, all stock options granted through December 31,
2018 were granted at prices based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The
Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options
on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the assumptions included in the
table below. The Company records compensation expense for non-employee stock options based on the estimated
fair value of the options as of the earlier of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the non-employee
to earn the stock option is reached or (2) the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete, using the
Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company uses
historical data to determine the exercise behavior, volatility and forfeiture rate of the options.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during:
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected term
2018
0.0 %
34.7 %
2.81 %
6.0 Years
2017
0.0 %
36.5 %
2.11 %
6.1 Years
2016
0.0 %
36.2 %
1.57 %
6.3 Years
Expected Volatility: The Company uses historical volatility as it provides a reasonable estimate of the
expected volatility. Historical volatility is based on the most recent volatility of the stock price over a period of time
equivalent to the expected term of the option.
Risk-Free Interest Rate: The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. treasury zero coupon yield curve in
effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option.
Expected Term: The Company’s expected term represents the weighted-average period that the Company’s
stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is based on expected time to post-vesting exercise
of options by employees. The Company uses historical exercise patterns of previously granted options to derive
employee behavioral patterns used to forecast expected exercise patterns.
98
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans as follows:
Options
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
Granted 01/01/18 - 03/31/18
Granted 04/01/18 - 06/30/18
Granted 07/01/18 - 09/30/18
Granted 10/01/18 - 12/31/18
Exercised
Cancelled or forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
Vested and expected to vest in the future at
December 31, 2018
Exercisable at December 31, 2018
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
29.62
58.76
51.72
58.77
55.91
19.20
45.22
34.61
33.83
23.10
Number of
Shares (In
thousands)
17,819
2,615
360
11
194
(1,450)
(659)
18,890
18,052
10,432
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (In
years)
6.1
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$ 600,032
5.8
$ 303,627
5.7
4.1
$ 301,723
$ 272,636
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at
December 31, 2018:
Range of Exercise
Prices ($)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
$5.94
$6.02
$18.64
$36.05
$43.99
$44.73
$45.16
$45.55
$56.08
$58.73
$5.94
$17.99
$23.68
$43.64
$43.99
$45.01
$45.16
$55.20
$57.36
$67.93
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Number
Outstanding (In
Thousands)
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
3,086
2,109
2,227
1,932
2,325
623
1,998
1,899
81
2,610
18,890
0.9
4.0
5.0
7.2
7.2
7.1
6.1
8.4
9.6
9.1
5.8
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
$
5.94
$ 16.13
$ 22.77
$ 41.59
$ 43.99
$ 44.94
$ 45.16
$ 48.24
$ 57.16
$ 58.89
$ 34.61
Number
Exercisable
(In
Thousands)
3,086
2,109
1,970
683
856
225
1,183
313
1
6
10,432
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
5.94
16.13
22.71
40.41
43.99
44.94
45.16
46.81
56.08
62.92
23.10
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016 was $22.37 per share, $18.29 per share and $16.90 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value
of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $56.8 million, $285.8 million
and $70.6 million, respectively.
Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
was $25.9 million, $52.6 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
99
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
At December 31, 2018, there was $98.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-
vested options granted to employees under the Company’s share-based payment plans. That cost is expected to be
recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
Restricted Stock Units
Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value
of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. In the event that the Company has the option and intent to
settle a restricted stock unit in cash, the award is classified as a liability and revalued at each balance sheet date.
The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to non-vested restricted stock units
as follows:
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
Granted 01/01/18- 03/31/18
Granted 04/01/18- 06/30/18
Granted 07/01/18- 09/30/18
Granted 10/01/18- 12/31/18
Vested
Forfeited/cancelled
Non-vested at December 31, 2018
Number of
Shares (in
thousands)
530
221
48
1
1
(265)
(7)
529
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
45.09
$
58.75
$
52.31
$
58.72
$
56.19
$
45.26
$
33.60
$
51.55
$
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $57.59, $46.74 and $44.71 per share, respectively. As of December 31,
2018, 0.5 million of restricted stock units are expected to vest.
At December 31, 2018, total unrecognized compensation expense relating to non-vested restricted stock
units was $15.7 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
Employee and Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense
The table below shows the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 for share-based compensation related to employees and non-employees.
Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $57.1 million for the year ended December 31,
2018 is comprised of $10.0 million relating to incentive stock options and $47.1 million relating to non-qualified
stock options and restricted units. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $52.3 million
for the year ended December 31, 2017 is comprised of $8.7 million relating to incentive stock options and $43.6
million relating to non-qualified stock options and restricted units. Employee and non-employee share-based
compensation expense of $45.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 is comprised of $8.0 million relating
to incentive stock options and $37.8 million relating to non-qualified stock options and restricted units.
100
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Operating expenses
Total employee and non-employee share-based
compensation expense included in income, before
income tax
Less: Amount of income tax benefit recognized in
earnings
Amount charged against net income
15.
INCOME TAXES
2018
$ 57,111
2017
$ 52,282
2016
$ 45,848
57,111
52,282
45,848
(14,892)
$ 42,219
(100,635)
$ (48,353)
(34,909)
$ 10,939
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Reform Act. The
legislation significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates,
implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign
subsidiaries. The Tax Reform Act permanently reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35%
to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 to address the
application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available,
prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income
tax effects of the Tax Reform Act. A company may select between one of three scenarios to determine a reasonable
estimate for certain income tax effects arising from the Tax Reform Act. Those scenarios are (i) a final estimate
which effectively closes the measurement window; (ii) a reasonable estimate leaving the measurement window
open for future revisions; and (iii) no estimate as the law is still being analyzed. The Company was able to provide
a reasonable estimate for the revaluation of deferred taxes and the effects of the toll charge on undistributed foreign
subsidiary earnings and profits (“E&P”). As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from
35% to 21% under the Tax Reform Act, the Company revalued its net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017,
resulting in a provisional $39.8 million charge included in the provision for income taxes for the year ended
December 31, 2017. The Tax Reform Act also provided for a one-time deemed mandatory repatriation of post-1986
E&P through the year ended December 31, 2017. As a result, the Company recognized a provisional $2.1 million
charge in the provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to such deemed mandatory
repatriation. The Company completed its analysis of the Tax Reform Act during 2018 and adjusted the 2017
provisional estimate to the final amounts in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The measurement
window begins in the reporting period that includes the enactment date and ends when an entity has
obtained, prepared and analyzed the information needed in order to complete the accounting requirements
under ASC 740. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company made an adjustment to the provisional
amount and recognized an additional $1.8 million provision for income tax related to the deemed mandatory
repatriation.
The Company has not made additional measurement window adjustments to these items during the year
ended December 31, 2018.
The Company evaluated the various provisions of the Tax Reform Act, including, the global intangible
low-taxed income (“GILTI”) and the foreign derived intangible income provisions. The Company will treat any
U.S. tax on foreign earnings under GILTI as a current period expense when incurred.
101
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The domestic and foreign components of the Company’s income before provision for income taxes are as
follows:
Domestic*
Foreign*
Income before provision for income taxes
2018
$ 1,100,487
192,785
$ 1,293,272
Year Ended December 31,
2017
$ 1,062,713
138,910
$ 1,201,623
2016
$ 1,029,763
49,922
$ 1,079,685
*After intercompany royalties, management fees and interest charges from the Company’s domestic to foreign entities of $40.5 million, $42.5
million and $25.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Current:
Federal
State
Foreign
Deferred:
Federal
State
Foreign
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2018
2016
$ 209,147
41,934
42,541
293,622
$ 243,127
43,252
27,522
313,901
$ 212,283
35,756
17,171
265,210
9,804
1,644
(8,778)
2,670
61,797
3,062
(4,579)
60,280
87,360
15,254
(9,709)
92,905
Valuation allowance
3,976
$ 300,268
6,764
$ 380,945
8,885
$ 367,000
A reconciliation of the total provision for income taxes after applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%
for 2018 and 35% for 2017 and 2016 to income before provision for income taxes to the reported provision for
income taxes are as follows:
U.S. Federal tax expense at statutory rates
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
Permanent differences
Stock based compensation
Domestic production deduction
Deferred tax asset reduction (Tax Reform Act)
Other
Foreign rate differential
Valuation allowance
102
Year Ended December 31,
2017
$ 420,568
27,569
10,356
(79,687)
(22,229)
39,763
3,736
(25,895)
6,764
$ 380,945
2018
$ 271,587
36,312
3,606
(370)
-
-
(8,438)
(6,405)
3,976
$ 300,268
2016
$ 377,599
33,148
954
(13,654)
(21,447)
-
(8,765)
(9,720)
8,885
$ 367,000
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Major components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as
follows:
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserve for sales returns
Reserve for inventory obsolescence
Reserve for marketing development fund
Capitalization of inventory costs
State franchise tax - current
Accrued compensation
Accrued other liabilities
Deferred revenue
Stock-based compensation
Foreign net operating loss carryforward
Prepaid supplies
Termination payments
Gain on intercompany transfer
Other deferred tax assets
Total gross deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Amortization of trademarks
Intangibles
State franchise tax - deferred
Other deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
Valuation Allowance
Net deferred tax assets
2018
2017
$
137
2,836
4,666
1,210
2,663
574
5,276
87,573
25,439
28,030
7,476
71,918
-
11,010
$ 248,808
$
159
522
6,360
1,598
2,050
1,473
3,917
93,321
21,119
28,965
7,273
70,637
6,793
3,449
$ 247,636
$
(31,445)
(82,544)
(7,093)
(99)
(5,123)
(126,304)
$
(21,657)
(84,867)
(7,617)
(62)
(8,260)
(122,463)
(36,816)
(32,840)
$
85,688
$
92,333
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company established full valuation
allowances against certain deferred tax assets, resulting from cumulative net operating losses incurred by certain
foreign subsidiaries of the Company. The effect of the valuation allowances and the subsequent related impact on
the Company’s overall tax rate was to increase the Company’s provision for income taxes by $4.0 million, $6.8
million and $8.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31,
2018, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $102.6 million. Of this amount, $74.7
million may be carried forward indefinitely. The remaining $27.9 million of net operating loss carryforwards will
begin to expire in 2019.
103
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits, not including
interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
Gross Unrealized
Tax
Benefits
Balance at January 1, 2016
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years
Balance at December 31, 2016
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years
Balance at December 31, 2017
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
$
$
$
471
-
-
(462)
9
-
6,540
(9)
6,540
-
1,159
(2,664)
5,035
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision
for income taxes in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had
accrued approximately $0.9 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. If the Company
were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions it would not have a significant impact on the Company’s effective tax
rate.
It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit change within the next 12 months will not be
significant.
The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income tax in multiple state and foreign
jurisdictions.
On October 18, 2016, the IRS began its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for
the year ended December 31, 2014. On March 27, 2017, the IRS began its examination of the Company’s U.S.
federal income tax return for the year ended December 31, 2015.
The Company is in various stages of examination with certain states and certain foreign jurisdictions. The
Company’s 2014 through 2017 U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the IRS. The
Company’s state income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2013 through 2017 tax years.
16.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
A reconciliation of the weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per common share
computations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is presented below (in thousands):
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
Dilutive securities
Diluted
104
2018
2017
2016
557,166
7,088
564,254
566,782
10,359
577,141
587,874
11,945
599,819
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, options and awards outstanding totaling 3.2
million shares, 7.9 million shares and 5.7 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculations as their
effect would have been antidilutive.
17.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
Employees of the Company may participate in the Monster Beverage Corporation 401(k) Plan, a defined
contribution plan, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees
may contribute up to 15% of their pretax salary up to statutory limits. The Company contributes 50% of the
employee contribution, up to 6% of each employee’s earnings, which vest 25% each year for four years after the
first anniversary date. Matching contributions were $2.9 million, $2.5 million and $2.0 million for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
18.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has three operating and reportable segments, (i) Monster Energy® Drinks segment, which is
primarily comprised of the Company’s Monster Energy® drinks, (ii) Strategic Brands segment, which is primarily
comprised of the various energy drink brands acquired from TCCC in 2015 as well as the Company’s Predator®
energy drinks, and (iii) Other segment, which is comprised of certain products sold by AFF, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, to independent third-party customers.
The Company’s Monster Energy® Drinks segment generates net operating revenues by selling ready-to-
drink packaged drinks primarily to bottlers and full service beverage distributors. In some cases, the Company sells
directly to retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers,
convenience chains, foodservice customers and the military.
The Company’s Strategic Brands segment primarily generates net operating revenues by selling
“concentrates” and/or “beverage bases” to authorized bottling and canning operations. Such bottlers generally
combine the concentrates and/or beverage bases with sweeteners, water and other ingredients to produce ready-to-
drink packaged energy drinks. The ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks are then sold to other bottlers, full service
distributors or retailers, including, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, mass merchandisers,
convenience chains, foodservice customers, drug stores and the military. To a lesser extent, the Company’s Strategic
Brands segment generates net operating revenues by selling ready-to-drink packaged energy drinks to bottlers and
full service beverage distributors.
Generally, the Monster Energy® Drinks segment generates higher per case net operating revenues, but
lower per case gross profit margins than the Strategic Brands segment.
Corporate and unallocated amounts that do not relate to a reportable segment have been allocated to
“Corporate and unallocated.” No asset information, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, has been
provided for in the Company’s reportable segments as management does not measure or allocate such assets on a
segment basis.
105
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The net revenues derived from the Company’s reportable segments and other financial information related
thereto for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Net sales:
Monster Energy® Drinks(1)
Strategic Brands
Other
Corporate and unallocated
Operating Income:
Monster Energy® Drinks(1) (2)
Strategic Brands
Other
Corporate and unallocated
Income before tax:
Monster Energy® Drinks(1) (2)
Strategic Brands
Other
Corporate and unallocated
2018
2017
2016
$ 3,498,427
285,836
22,920
-
$ 3,807,183
$ 3,047,596
299,844
21,605
-
$ 3,369,045
$ 2,759,862
272,520
17,011
-
$ 3,049,393
2018
2017
2016
$ 1,371,062
176,520
5,362
(269,325)
$ 1,283,619
$ 1,264,579
174,458
5,583
(245,833)
$ 1,198,787
$ 1,148,427
163,121
2,295
(228,505)
$ 1,085,338
2018
2017
2016
$ 1,372,001
176,540
5,362
(260,631)
$ 1,293,272
$ 1,264,555
174,442
5,583
(242,957)
$ 1,201,623
$ 1,148,640
163,084
2,295
(234,334)
$ 1,079,685
(1) Includes $44.3 million, $43.4 million and $40.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related
to the recognition of deferred revenue.
(2) Includes $26.6 million, $35.4 million and $79.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, related
to distributor termination costs.
Depreciation and amortization:
Monster Energy® Drinks
Strategic Brands
Other
Corporate and unallocated
2018
2017
2016
$
$
36,387
7,774
4,657
8,161
56,979
$
$
29,591
7,443
4,608
7,245
48,887
$
$
24,048
7,113
3,457
6,227
40,845
Corporate and unallocated expenses were $269.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and
included $174.9 million of payroll costs, of which $57.1 million was attributable to stock-based compensation
expense (See Note 14, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $53.6 million of professional service expenses, including
accounting and legal costs, $6.0 million of insurance costs and $34.8 million of other operating expenses.
Corporate and unallocated expenses were $245.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and
included $156.3 million of payroll costs, of which $52.3 million was attributable to stock-based compensation
expense (See Note 14, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $51.8 million of professional service expenses, including
accounting and legal costs, $6.0 million of insurance costs and $31.7 million of other operating expenses.
106
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Corporate and unallocated expenses were $228.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and
included $128.0 million of payroll costs, of which $45.8 million was attributable to stock-based compensation
expense (See Note 14, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $66.3 million of professional service expenses, including
accounting and legal costs, $6.0 million of insurance costs and $28.2 million of other operating expenses.
TCCC, through the TCCC Subsidiaries, accounted for approximately 3%, 18% and 41% of the Company’s
net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As part of the North America
Refranchising, the territories of certain TCCC Subsidiaries have been transitioned to certain independent/non
wholly-owned TCCC bottlers/distributors. Accordingly, the Company’s percentage of net sales classified as sales
to the TCCC Subsidiaries decreased for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
CCBCC Operations, LLC accounted for approximately 13%, 13% and 9% of the Company’s net sales for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling accounted for approximately 12%, 6% and 2% of the Company’s net sales for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Coca-Cola European Partners accounted for approximately 10%, 9% and 9% of the Company’s net sales
for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Net sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $1.09 billion, $909.3 million and $733.7
million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Such sales were approximately 29%,
27% and 24% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Goodwill and other intangible assets for the Company’s reportable segments as of December 31, 2018 and
2017 are as follows:
Goodwill and other intangible assets:
Monster Energy® Drinks
Strategic Brands
Other
Corporate and unallocated
2018
2017
$ 1,368,620
989,944
18,957
-
$ 2,377,521
$ 1,346,648
995,582
23,498
-
$ 2,365,728
19.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
TCCC controls approximately 19% of the voting interests of the Company. The TCCC Subsidiaries, the
TCCC Related Parties and the TCCC Independent Bottlers, purchase and distribute certain of the Company’s
products in certain domestic and international markets. The Company also pays TCCC a commission based on
certain sales within the TCCC distribution network.
TCCC commissions, based on sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries and the TCCC Related Parties, for the year
ended December 31, 2018 were $48.0 million, and are included as a reduction to net sales. TCCC commissions,
based on sales to the TCCC Independent Bottlers for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $14.8 million, and
are included in operating expenses.
TCCC commissions, based on sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries, for the year ended December 31, 2017 were
$9.8 million, and are included as a reduction to net sales. TCCC commissions, based on sales to the TCCC Related
107
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Parties and the TCCC Independent Bottlers, for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $45.0 million, and are
included in operating expenses.
Upon adoption of ASC 606, commissions paid to TCCC, based on sales to the TCCC Related Parties, are
included as a reduction to net sales. Prior to January 1, 2018, such commissions, based on sales to the TCCC Related
Parties, were included in operating expenses.
Net sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $132.5 million
and $594.1 million, respectively. As part of the North America Refranchising, the territories of certain TCCC
Subsidiaries have been transitioned to certain independent TCCC bottlers/distributors and/or TCCC Related Parties.
Accordingly, the Company’s net sales classified as sales to the TCCC Subsidiaries significantly decreased for the
year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company also purchases concentrates from TCCC which are then sold to certain of the Company’s
bottlers/distributors. Concentrate purchases from TCCC were $27.5 million, $26.2 million and $26.2 million for
the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Certain TCCC Subsidiaries also contract manufacture certain of the Company’s Monster Energy® brand
energy drinks. Such contract manufacturing expenses were $22.8 million, $11.8 million and $9.6 million for the
years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued promotional allowances related to the TCCC
Subsidiaries are as follows at:
December 31,
2018
December 31,
2017
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts payable
Accrued promotional allowances
$
$
$
25,312
(54,430)
(4,044)
$
$
$
32,607
(45,465)
(5,884)
Two directors and officers of the Company and their families are principal owners of a company that
provides promotional materials to the Company. Expenses incurred with such company in connection with
promotional materials purchased during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $1.8 million,
$2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
In December 2018, the Company and a director of the Company entered into a 50-50 partnership that
purchased land in Kona, Hawaii for the purpose producing coffee products. The Company’s $1.9 million 50%
contribution is accounted for as an equity investment and is included in other long-term assets in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.
20.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 26, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for
the purchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. As of February 26, 2019 $20.6
million remained available for grant under the August 2018 Repurchase Plan. The aggregate amount available to
repurchase the Company’s common stock is currently $520.6 million.
108
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
21.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
Quarter ended:
March 31, 2018
June 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2018
Quarter ended:
March 31, 2017
June 30, 2017
September 30, 2017
December 31, 2017
Net Sales
Gross Profit
Net Income
Basic
Diluted
Net Income per Common
Share
$
850,921
1,015,873
1,016,160
924,229
$ 3,807,183
$ 515,257
620,258
607,659
552,201
$ 2,295,375
$ 216,050
270,116
267,733
239,105
$ 993,004
$ 742,146
907,068
909,476
810,355
$ 3,369,045
$ 480,874
583,497
569,709
503,610
$ 2,137,690
$ 177,980
222,633
218,744
201,321
$ 820,678
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.38
0.48
0.48
0.43
0.31
0.39
0.39
0.36
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.38
0.48
0.48
0.43
0.31
0.39
0.38
0.35
Certain of the figures reported above may differ from previously reported figures for individual quarters
due to rounding.
109
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018, 2017 AND 2016 (Dollars in Thousands)
Description
Balance at
beginning
of period
Charged to
cost and
expenses
Deductions
Balance at
end of
period
Allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and cash discounts:
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
1,105
1,121
1,248
$
$
$
7,890
8,364
7,389
Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets and Unrecognized Tax Benefits:
2018
2017
2016
$ 40,680
$ 26,086
$ 17,846
$
2,068
$ 14,594
8,240
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
(7,406)
(8,380)
(7,516)
$
$
$
1,589
1,105
1,121
-
-
-
$ 42,748
$ 40,680
$ 26,086
110
Notes
111
Notes
112