Company: Monster Beverage Corp
CIK: 865752
SIC: 2086
Filing Date: 2015-03-02 00:00:00

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Monster Beverage Corporation was incorporated in Delaware on April 25, 1990. Our principal place of business is located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879 and our telephone number is (951) 739-6200. When this report uses the words “Monster Energy Company”, “Monster”, “Hansen”, “Hansen Natural Corporation”, “Hansen Beverage Company”, “the Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”, these words refer to Monster Beverage Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. We are a holding company and conduct no operating business except through our consolidated subsidiaries.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
On August 14, 2014, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic relationship in the global energy drink category (the “TCCC Transaction”). As part of the TCCC Transaction, the Company, New Laser Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“NewCo”), New Laser Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”), TCCC and European Refreshments, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of TCCC, entered into a transaction agreement, and the Company, TCCC and NewCo entered into an asset transfer agreement (together, the “TCCC Transaction Agreements”). Pursuant to the TCCC Transaction Agreements, the Company will reorganize into a new holding company by merging Merger Sub into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo. In the merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock will be converted into one share of NewCo’s common stock.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the TCCC Transaction Agreements, upon the closing of the TCCC Transaction, (1) NewCo will issue to TCCC newly issued shares of common stock representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of shares of issued and outstanding NewCo common stock (after giving effect to the new issuance) and TCCC will have the right to nominate two individuals (reduced to one upon the earlier of (i) 36 months after the closing of the TCCC Transaction and (ii) TCCC’s equity interest in NewCo exceeding 20% of the outstanding shares of NewCo common stock) to NewCo’s Board of Directors, (2) TCCC will transfer its global energy drink business (including the NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Play® and Power Play® and Relentless® brands) to NewCo, and the Company will transfer its non-energy drink business (including Hansen’s® Natural Sodas, Peace Tea®, Hubert’s® Lemonade and Hansen’s® Juice Products) to TCCC, (3) the Company and TCCC will amend their current distribution coordination agreements, which will contemplate expanding distribution of the Company’s products into additional territories pursuant to long-term distribution agreements with TCCC’s network of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling and distribution partners, and (4) TCCC will make a net cash payment of $2.15 billion to the Company (up to $625.0 million of which will be held in escrow, subject to release upon achievement of milestones relating to the transfer of distribution rights).
The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the “HSR Act”) with respect to the TCCC Transaction expired on October 15, 2014, and all necessary approvals or consents from foreign antitrust authorities have been obtained. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.
Overview
We develop, market, sell and distribute “alternative” beverage category beverages primarily under the following brand names:
· Monster Energy®
· Hansen’s®
· Monster Rehab®
· Hansen’s Natural Cane Soda®
· Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology®
· Junior Juice®
· Java Monster®
· Blue Sky®
· Muscle Monster®
· Hubert’s®
· Punch Monster®
· Peace Tea®
· Juice Monster™
Our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which represented 93.3%, 92.5% and 92.3% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, primarily include the following:
· Monster Energy®
· Java Monster® Kona Blend
· Lo-Carb Monster Energy®
· Java Monster® Loca Moca®
· Monster Assault®
· Java Monster® Mean Bean®
· Juice Monster™ Khaos®
· Java Monster® Vanilla Light
· Juice Monster™ Ripper®
· Java Monster® Irish Blend®
· Monster Energy® Absolutely Zero
· Java Monster® Cappuccino
· Monster Energy® Import
· Punch Monster® Baller’s Blend (formerly Dub Edition)
· Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology® Super Dry™
· Punch Monster® Mad Dog (formerly Dub Edition)
· Monster Rehab® Tea + Lemonade + Energy
· Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology® Anti-Gravity®
· Monster Rehab® Rojo Tea + Energy
· Monster Cuba-Lima®
· Monster Rehab® Green Tea + Energy
· Monster Energy® Zero Ultra
· Monster Rehab® Tea + Orangeade + Energy
· Monster Energy® Ultra Blue™
· Monster Rehab® Tea + Pink Lemonade + Energy
· Monster Energy® Ultra Red™
· Muscle Monster® Vanilla
· Monster Energy® Ultra Black™
· Muscle Monster® Chocolate
· Monster Energy® Ultra Sunrise™
· Muscle Monster® Coffee
· Monster Energy® Unleaded
· Muscle Monster® Strawberry
· Übermonster® Energy Brew™
· Muscle Monster® Peanut Butter Cup
· M3® Monster Energy® Super Concentrate
· Monster Energy® Valentino Rossi
Industry Overview
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 water (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 2014 for the “alternative” beverage category of the market are estimated at approximately $38.8 billion, representing an increase of approximately 5.1% over the estimated domestic U.S. wholesale sales in 2013 of approximately $36.9 billion (revised from a previously reported estimate of $37.7 billion).
Corporate History
In the 1930s, Hubert Hansen and his sons started a business to sell fresh non-pasteurized juices in Los Angeles, California. This business eventually became Hansen’s Juices, Inc., which subsequently became known as The Fresh Juice Company of California, Inc. (“FJC”). FJC retained the right to market and sell fresh non-pasteurized juices under the Hansen’s trademark. 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, we acquired the Hansen’s® brand natural soda and apple juice business from CCC. Under our ownership, the Hansen beverage business has significantly expanded and includes a wide range of beverages within the growing “alternative” beverage category including, in particular, energy drinks. In 1999, we acquired all of FJC’s rights to manufacture, sell and distribute fresh non-pasteurized juice products under the Hansen’s® trademark together with certain additional rights. In 2012, we changed our name from Hansen Natural Corporation to Monster Beverage Corporation.
Reportable Segments
We have two operating and reportable segments, namely Direct Store Delivery (“DSD”), the principal products of which comprise energy drinks, and Warehouse (“Warehouse”), the principal products of which comprise juice-based and soda beverages. The DSD segment develops, markets and sells products primarily through an exclusive distributor network, whereas the Warehouse segment develops, markets and sells products primarily directly to retailers. Corporate and unallocated amounts that do not relate to the DSD or Warehouse segments specifically, have been allocated to “Corporate and Unallocated.” Our DSD segment represented 96.1%, 95.6% and 95.4% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our Warehouse segment represented 3.9%, 4.4% and 4.6% of our consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Following the consummation of the TCCC Transaction, the Company anticipates that it will have two operating and reporting segments: Concentrate, the principal products of which will likely include the various energy drink brands transferred to the Company from TCCC, and Finished Products, the principal products of which will likely include the Company’s Monster Energy® drink products that currently make up the majority of the DSD segment.
For financial information about our reporting segments and geographic areas, refer to Note 17 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in “Part II, Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report, incorporated herein by reference. For certain risks with respect to our energy drinks see “Part I,

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
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.
Following the TCCC Transaction, NewCo and TCCC will have extensive commercial arrangements and, as a result, NewCo’s future performance is expected to substantially depend on the success of its relationship with TCCC.
In connection with the TCCC Transaction, the amended distribution coordination agreements to be entered into with TCCC will provide for the transition of third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s products in most territories in the U.S. to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which consists of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling/distribution partners. On February 9, 2015 in accordance with its existing agreements with the applicable third-party distributors, the Company sent notices of termination to certain affected third-party distributors, including the majority of the AB Distributors in the U.S., providing for the termination of their respective distribution agreements, to be effective at various dates beginning in March 2015. The associated distribution rights will be transferred to TCCC’s distribution network in each applicable territory as of the effective date of the termination of the applicable third party’s rights in such territory. In addition, it is expected that TCCC will become our preferred distribution partner globally. As a result, we will be reducing our distributor diversification and will be substantially dependent on TCCC’s international distribution platform.
Also in connection with the TCCC Transaction, TCCC will make a substantial equity investment in NewCo and has agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to compete in the energy drink category. While we believe that this will incentivize TCCC to take steps to assure that our products receive the appropriate attention in the TCCC distribution system, there can be no assurance of this as 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 also 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 NewCo’s common shares could be adversely affected.
Under the terms of the TCCC Transaction, we have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to compete with TCCC in the non-energy drink category following the closing. As a result, our sole focus will be in the energy drink category and our business will become more 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.
The failure to transition the distribution of our products to TCCC’s distribution network in a timely manner could reduce and/or delay the expected benefits of the TCCC Transaction.
If the expected transition of the U.S. distribution rights to TCCC’s distribution network described above is not completed in a full, timely and/or efficient manner, the expected benefits of the new distribution arrangements could be reduced and/or delayed. In this regard, we have been informed that approximately 64 AB Distributors are challenging our right to terminate their distribution agreements in accordance with the express terms of such distribution agreements. We have filed separate arbitration demands against each of these parties seeking declarations of our rights, including our right to terminate the applicable distribution agreements in accordance with their terms. We have also filed an action in the United States District Court, Central District of California, against these parties to enforce each of their respective obligations to arbitrate any disputes arising under such distribution agreements. We believe the independent distributors’ allegations are without merit.
We expect to incur costs associated with transition of distribution which we currently estimate at $280.0 million. The final amount of those costs could be different and such differences could be material. In addition, under the TCCC Transaction Agreements, up to $625.0 million of the net $2.15 billion cash payment to be paid to us by TCCC will be held in escrow, subject to release upon achievement of milestones relating to the transition of distribution rights to TCCC’s distribution network. A failure to meet those milestones would result in a decrease in, and/or delay of, the cash payment.
Following the TCCC Transaction, TCCC will be a significant shareholder of NewCo and may have interests that are different from NewCo’s other shareholders (including current shareholders of the Company).
In connection with the TCCC Transaction, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock will be converted into one share of NewCo’s common stock. Immediately following the consummation of the TCCC Transaction, TCCC will own NewCo common shares representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of NewCo’s outstanding common shares. TCCC will also have the right to nominate two directors to the NewCo board of directors, subject to reduction in certain circumstances.
Following the completion of the TCCC Transaction, TCCC’s ownership could also have an effect on NewCo’s ability to engage in a change in control transaction. TCCC will be obligated for a period of time to vote all of its NewCo common shares in excess of 20% of the outstanding NewCo common shares in the same proportion as all NewCo common shares not owned by TCCC with respect to a proposal for a NewCo 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 NewCo’s common shares not owned by TCCC (assuming that TCCC increased its ownership from approximately 16.7% to 20% of NewCo’s common shares) to achieve a vote of a majority of NewCo’s outstanding shares for a change-in-control transaction. In addition, assuming the completion of the TCCC Transaction, TCCC would have a bidding advantage if the NewCo board of directors were to seek to sell NewCo in the future because TCCC would not need to pay a control premium on the shares it owns at such time, including the shares it acquires in the TCCC Transaction. TCCC and NewCo would also be permitted to terminate TCCC’s distribution coordination agreements with NewCo after a change in control of NewCo. In such event, TCCC would receive a termination fee if TCCC terminated the distribution coordination agreements following a change in control of NewCo involving certain TCCC competitors, or if NewCo terminated following a change in control of NewCo, involving any third party.
The interests of TCCC may be different from or conflict with the interests of NewCo’s other shareholders (including current shareholders of the Company, who will receive NewCo common shares in the TCCC Transaction) 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 NewCo, even if such action or transaction may be beneficial to NewCo’s other shareholders. Moreover, TCCC’s ownership of a significant amount of NewCo’s outstanding common shares could result in downward pressure on the trading price of NewCo’s common shares if TCCC were to sell a large portion of its shares or as a result of the perception that such a sale might occur.
The TCCC Transaction may not be completed or may be delayed, and even if the TCCC Transaction is successfully completed, the anticipated benefits to the Company’s stockholders may not be realized.
The completion of the TCCC Transaction is subject to certain customary conditions. The Company or TCCC may be unable to satisfy the conditions required to complete the transaction, and there is no assurance that the TCCC Transaction will be completed on a timely basis or at all. If the TCCC Transaction is not completed, we will nonetheless bear significant transaction costs. In addition, the current market price of our stock may reflect an assumption that the TCCC Transaction will occur, and failure to complete the TCCC Transaction could result in a decline in our stock price. The failure of the TCCC Transaction to be completed may also result in negative publicity and/or a negative impression of the Company in the investment community and may affect our relationship with customers and other partners.
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 caffeine content 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 the disease 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 FFDC Act, including as amended by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; various environmental statutes; 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 or production run is not in compliance with any of these regulations, we may be fined, or such products may have to be recalled and/or 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 and/or other government agencies and/or quasi-government agencies into the advertising, marketing, promotion, 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. In July 2012, we received a subpoena from a state attorney general 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, if any, effect it may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 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.
Litigation regarding our products, and related unfavorable media attention, could expose us to significant liabilities and reduce demand for our products.
In 2012, we were named as a defendant in a product liability lawsuit, which alleged that the consumption of two 24-ounce cans of Monster Energy® over the course of two days, caused the wrongful death of a fourteen year old girl (Anais Fournier) in December 2011. We do not believe that our products are responsible for the death of Ms. Fournier and intend to continue to vigorously defend the lawsuit. In addition, additional product liability lawsuits have since been filed against us, containing similar allegations to those presented in the Fournier lawsuit, each of which we believe is also without merit and would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations in the event any damages were awarded.
In October 2012, we received a written request for information from the City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco (the “City Attorney”) concerning our advertising and marketing of our Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks and specifically concerning the safety of our products for consumption by adolescents. In a subsequent letter, the City Attorney threatened to bring suit against us if we did not agree to take certain steps immediately and, on May 6, 2013, the City Attorney filed a complaint against us for declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties and restitution for an alleged violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law. We deny that we have violated the Unfair Competition Law or any other law and believe that the City Attorney’s claims and demands are preempted and unconstitutional. We intend to vigorously defend against the lawsuit. At this time, no evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of potential loss can be expressed.
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 in nature 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 that our products are in any way unsafe and intend to vigorously defend these lawsuits.
Any of the foregoing matters or other product-related 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 in our products or energy drinks generally, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Articles critical of the caffeine content in energy drinks and/or 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. If reports, studies or articles critical of caffeine and/or energy drinks continue to be published or are published in the future, 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, unique cutting edge products, 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, the DPS Group, Kraft Foods Inc., Suntory Holdings, Ltd., Nestle Beverage Company, Tree Top and Ocean Spray. 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.
There can be no assurance that we will not encounter difficulties in maintaining our current revenues or market share or position due to competition in the beverage industry. If our revenues decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations 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 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 crisis in European and other international markets. If economic conditions deteriorate, our industry, business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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 we do not use in our beverages.
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 health, 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 and/or 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 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. If our revenues decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Operations outside the United States expose us to uncertain conditions and other risks in international markets.
Our gross sales to customers outside of the United States were approximately 23%, 23% and 22% of consolidated gross sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 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 U.S. We face and will continue to face substantial risks associated with having foreign operations, including: economic and/or political instability in our international markets; 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 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 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.
We derive a substantial portion of revenues from our energy drinks and competitive pressure in the energy drink category could adversely affect our business and operating results.
A substantial portion of our sales are derived from our energy drinks, including in particular our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. Our DSD segment, which is comprised primarily of energy drinks, represented 96.1% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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, Full Throttle, No Fear, Amp, Adrenaline Rush, NOS, Venom, Redline, Red Devil, Xenergy, MiO Energy, Rip It, Starbucks Double Shot, Starbucks Double Shot Energy Plus Coffee, Rockstar Roasted, 5-Hour Energy Shots, Stacker 2, VPX Redline Energy Shots and many other brands. A number of companies who market and distribute iced teas, juice cocktails and enhanced waters in different packages, such as 16- and 20-ounce glass and plastic bottles, including Sobe, Sobe Life Water, Snapple, Arizona, Fuse, Ocean Spray, Honest Tea, Gold Peak Tea, Activate, Neuro and Vitamin Water, have added dietary ingredients to their products with a view to marketing their products as “functional” or energy beverages or as having “functional” benefits. In addition, certain large companies such as TCCC and PepsiCo, market and/or distribute products in that market segment such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew MDX, Mountain Dew Kickstart and Vault. Internationally, our energy drinks compete with Red Bull, Rockstar, Burn, V-Energy, Lucozade, Adrenaline Rush, Relentless and numerous local and private label brands that usually differ from country to country, such as Play, Power Play, Mother, Hell, Shock, Tiger, Boost, Speed, TNT, Shark, Hot 6, Shark Energy, Nalu, Battery, Bullit, Flash Up, Black, Non-Stop, Bomba, Semtex, Vive 100, Dark Dog, Speed, Guaraná, Ultra, Sting and a host of other international brands. Our Java Monster® product line competes directly with Starbucks Frappuccino, Starbucks Double Shot, Starbucks Double Shot Energy Plus Coffee and other Starbucks coffee drinks, Rockstar Roasted, Seattle’s Best and illy issimo coffee drinks. Our Muscle Monster® product line competes directly with Muscle Milk, Core Power, ABB Pure Pro and Gatorade Recover Protein Shake. Competitive pressures in the energy drink category could impact our revenues and/or we could experience price erosion and/or lower market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
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.
We do not directly manufacture our products, but instead outsource such manufacturing to bottlers and other contract packers. 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 our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, our Peace Tea® product line, our Hansen’s® brand energy drinks, our aseptic juice products, our Hubert’s® Lemonades, our Muscle Monster® product line, our Java Monster® product line and certain of our other products. While we believe a short-term disruption or delay in production would not significantly affect our revenue, a lengthy disruption or delay in the production of any of such 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 within a reasonably short time period, if at all.
We rely on bottlers and distributors to distribute our DSD segment 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 and 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), including energy drinks. In many cases, such products compete directly with our products.
The TCCC North American Bottlers, New CCE, Coca-Cola Hellenic and the AB Distributors are our primary domestic and international distributors of our Monster Energy® products. However, in February 2015, in accordance with its existing agreements with the applicable third-party distributors, the Company sent notices of termination to the majority of the AB Distributors in the U.S. for the termination of their respective distribution agreements, to be effective at various dates beginning in March 2015. The associated distribution rights will be transitioned to TCCC’s network of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling and distribution partners as of the effective date of termination of the AB Distributors’ rights in the applicable territories (see Note 8 “Distribution Agreements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements). As a result, if we are unable to maintain good relationships with the TCCC North American Bottlers and/or New CCE and/or Coca-Cola Hellenic, or if the TCCC North American Bottlers and/or New CCE and/or Coca-Cola Hellenic do not effectively focus on marketing, promoting, selling and distributing our products, sales of our Monster Energy® products could be adversely affected.
We continually seek to expand and/or improve the distribution of our products by entering into agreements with regional bottlers and/or other direct store delivery distributors having established sales, marketing and distribution organizations.
The marketing efforts of our distributors are important for our success. If our DSD segment brands prove to be less attractive to our existing bottlers and distributors and/or if we fail to attract additional bottlers and distributors, and/or our bottlers and/or distributors do not market, promote and distribute our products effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We rely upon our ongoing relationships with our key flavor suppliers. If we are unable to source our flavors on acceptable terms from our key suppliers, we could suffer disruptions in our business.
Generally, flavor suppliers hold the proprietary rights to their flavors. Consequently, we do not have the list of flavor ingredients or formulae for our flavors and certain of our concentrates readily available to us and we may be unable to obtain comparable flavors or concentrates from alternative suppliers on short notice. If we must replace a flavor supplier, we could experience a temporary disruption in our ability to deliver products to our customers and/or a reduction in demand for our products containing replacement flavors, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our customers are material to our success. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with our existing customers, our business could suffer.
Unilateral decisions could be taken by our distributors, convenience chains, grocery chains, specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of our products that they are carrying at any time, which could cause our business to suffer.
CCR accounted for approximately 29% of our net sales for both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. A decision by CCR, CCRC, New CCE, Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club), Coca-Cola Hellenic, 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.
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, PET plastic bottles, as well as flavors, juice concentrates, sugar, sucralose, milk, cream, protein, dietary ingredients and other packaging materials; the costs and availability of which are subject to fluctuations. In addition, certain of our co-pack arrangements allow such co-packers to increase their charges 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. We generally do not use hedging agreements or alternative instruments to manage the risks associated with securing sufficient ingredients or raw materials although we do, from time to time, enter into purchase agreements for a significant portion of our annual anticipated requirements for certain raw materials such as aluminum cans, apple juice, sugar and sucralose.
In addition, some of these raw materials, including certain sizes of cans, are available from a limited number of 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 products. Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with regard to new products, and may be less precise 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, PET plastic bottles, glass bottles, labels, sucralose, flavors, dietary ingredients, juice concentrates, certain sweeteners, coffee, tea, protein, packaging materials or co-packing arrangements, 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. 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 and/or 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, resin for PET plastic bottles, 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 third 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.
If we are unable to maintain our brand image or product quality, our business may suffer.
Our success depends on our ability to build and maintain the brand image for our existing products, new products and brand extensions. There can be no assurance that our advertising, marketing and promotional programs will have the desired impact on our products’ brand image and on consumer preference and demand. Product 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, as well as proposed or new legislation affecting our industry.
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 not compliant with applicable regulatory requirements. 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 Mr. Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Schlosberg, 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 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 ingredients used in our products. 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 ingredients or impact demand for our products. 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 adverse effect on our results of operations.
Potential changes in accounting 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.
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 projected levels or mixes of product sales and/or revenues and/or gross margins and/or 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, 2014, our stock price high was $113.50 and our stock price low was $63.00.
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 17, 2015, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg together may be deemed to beneficially own and/or exercise voting control over approximately 12% of our outstanding common stock. Consequently, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg could exercise significant control over matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including electing directors, amending organizational documents 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, 2014, we had $370.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, $781.1 million in short-term investments and $42.9 million of long-term investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. Treasury bills, 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.
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 our Company could be materially and adversely affected.
We are required to maintain both disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting that are effective for the purposes described in “Part II, Item 9A - Controls and Procedures.” If we fail to do so, our business, results of operations, financial condition or the value of our stock could be materially harmed.
Litigation, legal proceedings, 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, 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 10” to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K.
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.
Information technology helps us operate efficiently, interface with customers, maintain financial accuracy and efficiency, and accurately produce our financial statements. If we do not 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, or the loss of or damage to intellectual property through security breaches, including cybersecurity attacks. Cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. We believe that we have adopted appropriate measures 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, 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
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our owned corporate office is located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879, and consists of an approximately 141,000 square-foot, free standing, six-story building. Our main warehouse and distribution space is located in a leased 346,495 square-foot building in Corona, California. In addition, we lease significantly smaller office and warehouse space both domestically and in certain international locations.

ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On October 17, 2012, Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside, styled Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier v. Monster Beverage Corporation, against the Company claiming that the death of their 14 year old daughter (Anais Fournier) was caused by her consumption of two 24-ounce Monster Energy® drinks over the course of two days in December 2011. The plaintiffs allege strict product liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranties and wrongful death. The plaintiffs claim general damages in excess of $25,000 and punitive damages. The Company filed a demurrer and a motion to strike the plaintiffs’ complaint on November 19, 2012, and the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint on December 19, 2012. The Company filed its answer to the first amended complaint on June 7, 2013. The parties attended a court ordered mediation on January 23, 2014. Discovery has commenced and trial has been scheduled for August 21, 2015. The Company believes that the plaintiffs’ complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous defense. The Company also believes that any such damages, if awarded, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
The Company has also been named as a defendant in other complaints containing similar allegations to those presented in the Fournier lawsuit, each of which the Company believes is also without merit and would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the event any damages were awarded.
Securities Litigation - On September 11, 2008, a federal securities class action complaint styled Cunha v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “District Court”). On September 17, 2008, a second federal securities class action complaint styled Brown v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. was also filed in the District Court. After the District Court consolidated the two actions and appointed the Structural Ironworkers Local Union #1 Pension Fund as lead plaintiff, a Consolidated Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws was filed on August 28, 2009 (the “Consolidated Class Action Complaint”).
The Consolidated Class Action Complaint purported to be brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period November 9, 2006 through November 8, 2007 (the “Class Period”). It named as defendants the Company, Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, and Thomas J. Kelly. Plaintiff principally alleged that, during the Class Period, the defendants made false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s distribution coordination agreements with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (“AB”) and its sales of “Allied” energy drink lines, and engaged in sales of shares in the Company on the basis of material non-public information. Plaintiff also alleged that the Company’s financial statements for the second quarter of 2007 did not include certain promotional expenses. The Consolidated Class Action Complaint alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and sought an unspecified amount of damages.
The District Court dismissed the Consolidated Class Action Complaint, with leave to amend, on July 12, 2010. Plaintiff thereafter filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws on August 27, 2010 (the “Amended Class Action Complaint”). While similar in many respects to the Consolidated Class Action Complaint, the Amended Class Action Complaint dropped certain of the allegations set forth in the Consolidated Class Action Complaint and made certain new allegations, including that the Company engaged in “channel stuffing” during the Class Period that rendered false or misleading the Company’s reported sales results and certain other statements made by the defendants. In addition, it no longer named Thomas J. Kelly as a defendant.
On September 4, 2012, the District Court dismissed certain of the claims in the Amended Class Action Complaint, including plaintiff’s allegations relating to promotional expenses, but denied defendants’ motion to dismiss with regard to the majority of plaintiff’s claims, including plaintiff’s channel stuffing allegations. Plaintiff filed a motion seeking class certification on December 6, 2012, which the court denied, without prejudice, on January 17, 2014.
Following a mediation conducted by an independent mediator, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement on April 16, 2014 to resolve the litigation. Following a fairness hearing, on January 29, 2015, the District Court granted final approval of the settlement and entered a final judgment dismissing the action with prejudice.
Under the terms of the settlement, certain of the Company’s insurance carriers paid $16.25 million into an escrow account for distribution to a settlement class, certified by the District Court for settlement purposes only and consisting of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s stock during the Class Period (with certain exclusions as specified in the settlement agreement). Under the settlement, defendants and various of their related persons and entities received a full release of all claims that were or could have been brought in the action as well as all claims that arise out of, are based upon or relate to the allegations, transactions, facts, representations, omissions or other matters involved in the complaints filed in the action or any statement communicated to the public during the Class Period, and the purchase, acquisition or sale of the Company’s stock during the Class Period.
The settlement contained no admission of any liability or wrongdoing on the part of the defendants, each of whom continues to deny all of the allegations against them and believes that the claims were without merit. Because the full amount of the settlement was paid by the Company’s insurance carriers, the settlement did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations.
State Attorney General Inquiry - In July 2012, the Company received a subpoena from the Attorney General for the State of New York in connection with its investigation concerning the Company’s advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, usage and sale of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks. Production of documents pursuant to that subpoena was completed in approximately May 2014.
On August 6, 2014, the Attorney General for the State of New York issued a second subpoena seeking additional documents and the deposition of a Company employee. On September 8, 2014, the Company moved to quash the second subpoena. The motion has been fully briefed and argument has been scheduled on the motion for March 17, 2015. It is unknown what, if any, action the state attorney general may take against the Company, the relief which may be sought in the event of any such proceeding or whether such proceeding could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
San Francisco City Attorney Litigation - On October 31, 2012, the Company received a written request for information from the City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco concerning the Company’s advertising and marketing of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks and specifically concerning the safety of its products for consumption by adolescents. In a letter dated March 29, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney threatened to bring suit against the Company if it did not agree to take the following five steps immediately: (i) “Reformulate its products to lower the caffeine content to safe levels”; - (ii) “Provide adequate warning labels”; (iii) “Cease promoting over-consumption in marketing”; (iv) “Cease use of alcohol and drug references in marketing”; and (v) “Cease targeting minors.”
(i) The Company Action - On April 29, 2013, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Monster Energy Company, filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against the San Francisco City Attorney (the “Company Action”) in United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Central District Court”), styled Monster Beverage Corp., et al. v. Dennis Herrera. The Company sought a declaration from the Central District Court that the San Francisco City Attorney’s investigation and demands are impermissible and preempted, subject to the doctrine of primary jurisdiction, are unconstitutional in that they violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments’ prohibitions against compelled speech, content-based speech and commercial speech, are impermissibly void-for-vagueness, and/or violate the Commerce Clause. On June 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to dismiss the Company Action, arguing in part that the complaint should be dismissed in light of the San Francisco Action (described below) filed on May 6, 2013. On August 22, 2013, the Central District Court granted in part and denied in part the City Attorney’s motion. On October 17, 2013 (after the San Francisco Action, described below, was remanded to San Francisco Superior Court), the City Attorney filed a renewed motion to dismiss the Company Action and on December 16, 2013, the Central District Court granted the City Attorney’s renewed motion, dismissing the Company Action. The Company filed a Notice of Appeal to the Ninth Circuit on December 18, 2013. The Company filed its opening brief on November 28, 2014. The City Attorney’s filed an answering brief on February 13, 2015, and the Company’s reply brief is currently due on February 27, 2015.
(ii) The San Francisco Action - On May 6, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties and restitution for alleged violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code sections 17200, et seq., styled People Of The State Of California ex rel. Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney v. Monster Beverage Corporation, in San Francisco Superior Court (the “San Francisco Action”). The City Attorney alleges that the Company (1) mislabeled its products as a dietary supplement, in violation of California’s Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law, California Health & Safety Code sections 109875 et. seq.; (2) is selling an “adulterated” product because caffeine is not generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) due to the alleged lack of scientific consensus concerning the safety of the levels of caffeine in the Company’s products; and (3) is engaged in unfair and misleading business practices because its marketing (a) does not disclose the health risks that energy drinks pose for children and teens; (b) fails to warn against and promotes unsafe consumption; (c) implicitly promotes mixing of energy drinks with alcohol or drugs; and (d) is deceptive because it includes unsubstantiated claims about the purported special benefits of its “killer” ingredients and “energy blend.” The City Attorney sought a declaration that the Company has engaged in unfair and unlawful business acts and practices in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; an injunction from performing or proposing to perform any acts in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; restitution; and civil penalties. On June 3, 2013, the Company removed the San Francisco Action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Northern District Court”). On July 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to remand the San Francisco Action back to state court. On September 18, 2013, the Northern District Court granted the City Attorney’s motion to remand the San Francisco Action back to state court.
On January 15, 2014, the Company filed a demurrer to and motion to strike allegations in the complaint in the San Francisco Action. On March 5, 2014, the Court overruled the demurrer, granted the motion to strike as to one theory for relief pleaded by the City Attorney, and lifted the stay on discovery.
On March 20, 2014, the City Attorney filed an amended complaint, adding allegations supporting the theory for relief as to which the Court had granted the motion to strike. On April 18, 2014, the Company filed a renewed motion to strike, challenging the theory for relief previously rejected by the Court, as well as a motion asking the Court to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to the safety of Monster Energy® drinks, pending resolution of the ongoing FDA investigation of the safety and labeling of food products to which caffeine is added. On May 22, 2014, the Court denied the Company’s motion to strike and motion to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to safety.
On June 16, 2014, the Company filed a petition for writ of mandate with the Court of Appeal, asking for a writ directing the trial court to vacate its order denying the Company’s motion to bifurcate and/or stay the San Francisco Action, and instead to stay proceedings pending FDA’s investigation. On June 19, 2014, the Court of Appeal denied the petition. On June 25, 2014, the Company filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. On July 23, 2014, the Supreme Court denied the petition.
On August 27, 2014, the Court issued an order setting the case for a two-week bench trial beginning on February 8, 2016. On September 5, 2014, the City Attorney filed a second amended complaint, adding Monster Energy Company as a defendant. The Company and Monster Energy Company filed answers to the second amended complaint on October 4, 2014 and November 10, 2014, respectively. A case management conference is scheduled for March 10, 2015. Discovery is ongoing.
The Company denies that it has violated the Unfair Competition Law or any other law and believes that the City Attorney’s claims and demands are preempted and unconstitutional, as alleged in the action the Company filed in the Central District Court. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. At this time, no evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of potential loss can be expressed.
In addition to the above matters, the Company has been named as a defendant in various false advertising putative class actions and in a private attorney general action. In these actions, plaintiffs allege that defendants misleadingly labeled and advertised Monster Energy® brand products that allegedly were ineffective for the advertised benefits (including, but not limited to, an allegation that the products do not hydrate as advertised because they contain caffeine). The plaintiffs further allege that the Monster Energy® brand products at issue are unsafe because they contain one or more ingredients that allegedly could result in illness, injury or death. In connection with these product safety allegations, the plaintiffs claim that the product labels did not provide adequate warnings and/or that the Company did not include sufficiently specific statements with respect to contra-indications and/or adverse reactions associated with the consumption of its energy drink products (including, but not limited to, claims that certain ingredients, when consumed individually or in combination with other ingredients, could result in high blood pressure, palpitations, liver damage or other negative health effects and/or that the products themselves are unsafe). Based on these allegations, the plaintiffs assert claims for violation of state consumer protection statutes, including unfair competition and false advertising statutes, and for breach of warranty and unjust enrichment. In their prayers for relief, the plaintiffs seek, inter alia, compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees, and, in some cases, injunctive relief. The Company regards these cases and allegations as having no merit. Furthermore, the Company is subject to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business, including intellectual property litigation and claims from terminated distributors.
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include accrued loss contingencies of approximately $3.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively, and receivables for insurance reimbursements of approximately $0.0 million and $16.25 million, respectively. 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.

ITEM 4 - RESERVED
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
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 began trading in the over-the-counter market on November 8, 1990 and was subsequently quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “HANS”. On July 5, 2007, the Company’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the same symbol, “HANS”. On January 5, 2012, stockholders of the Company approved the Company’s name change from Hansen Natural Corporation to Monster Beverage Corporation. In addition, on January 9, 2012, the Company’s common stock began trading under the symbol “MNST”. As of February 17, 2015, there were 170,016,322 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding held by approximately 247 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.
Stock Price and Dividend Information
The following table sets forth high and low per share sales price of our common stock for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, 2014
High
Low
First Quarter
$
75.63
$
66.31
Second Quarter
$
73.38
$
63.00
Third Quarter
$
94.93
$
63.82
Fourth Quarter
$
113.50
$
89.56
Year Ended December 31, 2013
High
Low
First Quarter
$
54.34
$
45.38
Second Quarter
$
62.94
$
47.16
Third Quarter
$
66.12
$
51.85
Fourth Quarter
$
68.33
$
51.15
The per share sales prices of our common stock set forth above represent bid quotations between dealers, do not include retail markups, mark-downs or commissions and bid quotations may not necessarily represent actual transactions and “real time” sale prices. The source of the bid information is the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
We have not paid cash dividends to our stockholders since our inception and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
On April 7, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “April 2013 Repurchase Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2014, no shares of common stock were purchased under the April 2013 Repurchase Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company purchased 0.95 million shares of common stock at an average purchase price of $56.98 per share for a total amount of $54.2 million (excluding broker commissions).
During the year ended December 31, 2014, 0.09 million shares were repurchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $8.2 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against our authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2014 with respect to shares of our common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.
Plan category
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available for future
issuance under equity
compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column
(a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
13,214,554
$19.73
11,384,395
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
-
-
-
Total
13,214,554
$19.73
11,384,395
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, 2009. The Company’s current self-selected peer group is comprised of TCCC, DPS Group, National Beverage Corporation, Jones Soda Company and Cott Corporation.

ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
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, 2012 through 2014 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 of Operations included as Part II,

ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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;
·
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;
·
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 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
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 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, resin for PET plastic bottles, as well as cane sugar and other sweeteners, glucose, sucrose, milk, cream and protein, 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 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 do not hedge against fluctuations in commodity prices.
Our gross sales to customers outside of the United States were approximately 23% of consolidated gross sales for both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. 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, 2014, 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 foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by us as of December 31, 2014 have terms of one month 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 ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on our foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other (expense) income, 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, 2014 to be significant.
As of December 31, 2014, we had $370.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $824.1 million in short-term and long-term investments including U.S. treasuries, certificates of deposit 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. At the current time, we are not increasing our investments in auction rate securities.

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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 114.

ITEM 9 - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

ITEM 9A - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
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, 2014, 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, 2014.
Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Monster Beverage Corporation
Corona, California
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Monster Beverage Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting 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.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 of the Company and our report dated March 2, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
March 2, 2015

ITEM 9B - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

ITEM 10 - DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
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 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 and is available at http://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm. 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 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
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 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
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.
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 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
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 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14 - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
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 2015 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

ITEM 15 - EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(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, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule:
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Exhibits:
The Exhibits listed in the Index of Exhibits, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated herein by reference, as filed as part of this Form 10-K.
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
Date: March 2, 2015
Chairman of the Board
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
Date
/s/ RODNEY C. SACKS
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
March 2, 2015
Rodney C. Sacks
/s/ 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)
March 2, 2015
Hilton H. Schlosberg
/s/ NORMAN C. EPSTEIN
Director
March 2, 2015
Norman C. Epstein
/s/ BENJAMIN M. POLK
Director
March 2, 2015
Benjamin M. Polk
/s/ SYDNEY SELATI
Director
March 2, 2015
Sydney Selati
/s/ HAROLD C. TABER, JR.
Director
March 2, 2015
Harold C. Taber, Jr.
/s/ MARK S. VIDERGAUZ
Director
March 2, 2015
Mark S. Vidergauz
/s/ MARK J. HALL
Director
March 2, 2015
Mark J. Hall
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
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 from exhibit 2.1 to our Form 8-K dated August 18, 2014).
2.2
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 from exhibit 2.2 to our Form 8-K dated August 18, 2014).
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 10-K dated February 29, 2012).
3.2
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K dated August 2, 2013).
10.1+
Form of Amendment to Stock Option Agreement (relating to the amendment of certain stock option agreements between Hansen Natural Corporation and its executive officers and directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated January 8, 2007).
10.2
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).
10.3+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Harold Taber (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to our Form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).
10.4+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to our Form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).
10.5+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to our Form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).
10.6
Single Tenant Industrial Lease, made and entered into as of October 13, 2006 by and between Watson Land Company, a California Corporation, and Hansen Beverage Company, a Delaware Corporation (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10 to our Form 10-K dated June 6, 2007).
10.7+
Hansen Natural Corporation 2001 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our Proxy Statement dated September 25, 2007).
10.8
Business Loan Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Comerica Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q dated August 9, 2007).
10.9
Monster Energy Distribution Coordination Agreement, dated October 3, 2008, between Hansen Beverage Company and The Coca Cola Company (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2008).
10.10
Monster Energy International Distribution Coordination Agreement, dated October 3, 2008, between Tauranga Ltd, trading as Monster Energy, and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2008).
10.11
Monster Energy Distribution Agreement, dated October 3, 2008, between Hansen Beverage Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2008).
10.12
Monster Energy Canadian Distribution Agreement, dated October 3, 2008, between Hansen Beverage Company and Coca-Cola Bottling Company. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.4 to our Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2008).
10.13
Monster Energy International Distribution Agreement, dated October 3, 2008, between Tauranga Ltd, trading as Monster Energy, and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.5 to our Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2008).
10.14
Monster Energy Belgium Distribution Agreement, dated October 3, 2008, between Tauranga Ltd, trading as Monster Energy, and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.6 to our Form 10-Q dated November 10, 2008).
10.15+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of June 2, 2008) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.44 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.16A+
Amendment to Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of August 2, 2008) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.44A to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.17+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of June 2, 2008) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.45 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.18A+
Amendment to Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of August 2, 2008) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.45A to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.19+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Thomas J. Kelly (made as of June 2, 2008) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.47 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.20+
2009 Hansen Natural Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our Proxy Statement dated April 24, 2009).
10.21+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Thomas J. Kelly (made as of June 1, 2009) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.49 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.22+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of December 1, 2009) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.51 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.23+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of December 1, 2009) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.52 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.24+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (made as of December 1, 2009) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.53 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.25+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Thomas J. Kelly (made as of December 1, 2009) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.55 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2010).
10.26+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Thomas J. Kelly (made as of December 1, 2010) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.53 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2011).
10.27+
Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (made as of December 1, 2010) (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.54 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2011).
10.28+
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 10.55 to our Form 10-K dated March 1, 2011).
10.29+
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q dated August 9, 2011).
10.30+
Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated May 24, 2011).
10.31+
Agreement between the Company and Mark Hall, dated October 28, 2013 (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.52 to our Form 10-K dated March 3, 2014).
10.32+
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).
10.33+
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).
21*
Subsidiaries
23*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1*
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 *
31.2*
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 *
32.1*
Certification by CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
32.2*
Certification by CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
101*
The following materials from Monster Beverage Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 are furnished herewith, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
* Filed herewith.
+ Management contract or compensatory plans or arrangements.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Page
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Monster Beverage Corporation
Corona, California
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Monster Beverage Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and 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, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Monster Beverage Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Costa Mesa, California
March 2, 2015
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 AND 2013 (In Thousands, Except Par Value)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
370,323
$
211,349
Short-term investments
781,134
402,247
Accounts receivable, net
280,203
291,638
Distributor receivables
4,542
Inventories
174,573
221,449
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
19,673
21,376
Intangibles held-for-sale
18,079
-
Prepaid income taxes
8,617
9,518
Deferred income taxes
40,275
20,924
Total current assets
1,693,429
1,183,043
INVESTMENTS
42,940
9,792
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net
90,156
88,143
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
54,106
63,611
INTANGIBLES, net
50,748
65,774
OTHER ASSETS
7,496
10,146
Total Assets
$
1,938,875
$
1,420,509
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable
$
127,641
$
119,376
Accrued liabilities
40,271
59,113
Accrued promotional allowances
114,047
99,470
Deferred revenue
49,926
13,832
Accrued compensation
17,983
14,864
Income taxes payable
5,848
9,359
Total current liabilities
355,716
316,014
DEFERRED REVENUE
68,009
112,216
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock - $0.005 par value; 240,000 shares authorized; 207,004 shares issued and 167,722 outstanding as of December 31, 2014; 206,014 shares issued and 166,822 outstanding as of December 31, 2013
1,035
1,030
Additional paid-in capital
426,145
368,069
Retained earnings
2,330,510
1,847,325
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(11,453)
(1,233)
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 39,282 shares and 39,192 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively
(1,231,087)
(1,222,912)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,515,150
992,279
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
$
1,938,875
$
1,420,509
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
NET SALES
$
2,464,867
$
2,246,428
$
2,060,702
COST OF SALES
1,125,057
1,073,497
995,046
GROSS PROFIT
1,339,810
1,172,931
1,065,656
OPERATING EXPENSES
592,305
600,015
515,033
OPERATING INCOME
747,505
572,916
550,623
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:
Interest and other (expense) income, net
(1,676)
(11,737)
(2,256)
(Loss) gain on investments and put option, net (Note 2)
(41)
2,715
Total other (expense) income
(1,717)
(9,022)
(1,469)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
745,788
563,894
549,154
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
262,603
225,233
209,134
NET INCOME
$
483,185
$
338,661
$
340,020
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic
$
2.89
$
2.03
$
1.96
Diluted
$
2.77
$
1.95
$
1.86
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS:
Basic
167,257
166,679
173,712
Diluted
174,285
173,387
183,083
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012 (In Thousands)
Net income, as reported
$
483,185
$
338,661
$
340,020
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment
(10,220)
(1,782)
2,096
Available-for-sale investments:
Change in net unrealized gains
-
-
1,525
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
-
(1,525)
-
Net change in available-for-sale investments
-
(1,525)
1,525
Other comprehensive (loss) income
(10,220)
(3,307)
3,621
Comprehensive income
$
472,965
$
335,354
$
343,641
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012 (In Thousands)
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Total
Common stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury stock
Stockholders’
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income (Loss)
Shares
Amount
Equity
Balance, January 1, 2012
198,729
$
$
229,301
$
1,168,644
$
(1,547)
(24,452)
$
(418,234)
$
979,158
Stock-based compensation
-
-
28,007
-
-
-
-
28,007
Exercise of stock options
5,030
10,989
-
-
-
-
11,014
Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements
-
-
19,656
-
-
-
-
19,656
Repurchase of common stock
-
-
-
-
-
(13,531)
(737,079)
(737,079
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
2,096
-
-
2,096
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
-
-
-
-
1,525
-
-
1,525
Net income
-
-
-
340,020
-
-
-
340,020
Balance, December 31, 2012
203,759
1,019
287,953
1,508,664
2,074
(37,983)
(1,155,313)
644,397
Stock-based compensation
-
-
28,528
-
-
-
-
28,528
Exercise of stock options
2,255
21,240
-
-
-
-
21,251
Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements
-
-
30,348
-
-
-
-
30,348
Repurchase of common stock
-
-
-
-
-
(1,209)
(67,599)
(67,599
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
(1,782)
-
-
(1,782
)
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income
-
-
-
-
(1,525)
-
-
(1,525
)
Net income
-
-
-
338,661
-
-
-
338,661
Balance, December 31, 2013
206,014
1,030
368,069
1,847,325
(1,233)
(39,192)
(1,222,912)
992,279
Stock-based compensation
-
-
28,989
-
-
-
-
28,989
Exercise of stock options
17,163
-
-
-
-
17,168
Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements
-
-
11,924
-
-
-
-
11,924
Repurchase of common stock
-
-
-
-
-
(90)
(8,175)
(8,175
)
Foreign currency translation
-
-
-
-
(10,220)
-
-
(10,220
)
Net income
-
-
-
483,185
-
-
-
483,185
Balance, December 31, 2014
207,004
$
1,035
$
426,145
$
2,330,510
$
(11,453)
(39,282)
$
(1,231,087)
$
1,515,150
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012 (In Thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
$
483,185
$
338,661
$
340,020
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
25,651
22,762
20,562
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment
(408)
Stock-based compensation
28,552
28,764
28,413
Loss on put option
1,111
Gain on investments, net
(801)
(3,553)
(1,897)
Deferred income taxes
(9,846)
(7,074)
(2,460)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
(11,924)
(30,348)
(19,656)
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(14,290)
(42,901)
(17,782)
Distributor receivables
4,580
(7,382)
Inventories
42,763
(21,552)
(47,568)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(4,501)
(4,523)
Prepaid income taxes
24,008
(33,210)
Accounts payable
11,282
(8,204)
3,659
Accrued liabilities
3,019
2,265
6,458
Accrued promotional allowances
20,530
8,932
2,723
Accrued distributor terminations
(2,338)
1,552
Accrued compensation
3,394
1,970
2,498
Income taxes payable
8,438
34,308
14,165
Deferred revenue
(8,107)
2,982
(5,659)
Net cash provided by operating activities
585,567
342,033
287,676
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Maturities of held-to-maturity investments
710,294
256,843
841,576
Sales of available-for-sale investments
-
5,793
68,451
Sales of trading investments
13,075
2,250
17,050
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments
(1,130,601)
(557,419)
(597,155)
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
(4,001)
-
(9,502)
Purchases of property and equipment
(27,952)
(40,762)
(42,935)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
9,022
Additions to intangibles
(3,411)
(11,175)
(6,301)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
1,230
(4,360)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(440,403)
(339,808)
271,849
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on debt
(1,619)
(1,887)
(2,076)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
11,924
30,348
19,656
Issuance of common stock
17,168
21,252
11,015
Purchases of common stock held in treasury
(8,175)
(67,599)
(727,670)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
19,298
(17,886)
(699,075)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(5,488)
4,496
2,733
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
158,974
(11,165)
(136,817)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year
211,349
222,514
359,331
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year
$
370,323
$
211,349
$
222,514
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
$
$
$
Income taxes
$
267,251
$
174,278
$
230,221
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ITEMS:
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company entered into capital leases of $0.8 million, $2.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the acquisition of promotional vehicles.
Included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2012 are treasury stock purchases of $9.4 million.
Included in accounts payable was equipment purchased of $0.7 million, $0.1 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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”, “Monster”, “Hansen” or “Hansen Beverage Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on April 25, 1990. 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 “alternative” beverage category beverages primarily under the following brand names: Monster Energy®, Monster Rehab®, Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology®, Java Monster®, Muscle Monster®, Punch Monster®, Juice Monster™, Peace Tea®, Hansen’s®, Hansen’s Natural Cane Soda®, Junior Juice®, Blue Sky® and Hubert’s®. 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 water (flavored, unflavored and enhanced) with “new age” beverages, including sodas that are considered natural, sparkling juices and flavored sparkling beverages.
Acquisitions and Divestitures - On August 14, 2014, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic relationship in the global energy drink category (the “TCCC Transaction”). In the TCCC Transaction, the Company, New Laser Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“NewCo”), New Laser Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”), TCCC and European Refreshments, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of TCCC, entered into a transaction agreement, and the Company, TCCC and NewCo entered into an asset transfer agreement (together, the “TCCC Transaction Agreements”). Pursuant to the TCCC Transaction Agreements, the Company will reorganize into a new holding company by merging Merger Sub into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo. In the merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock will be converted into one share of NewCo’s common stock.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the TCCC Transaction Agreements, upon the closing of the TCCC Transaction, (1) NewCo will issue to TCCC newly issued shares of common stock representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of shares of issued and outstanding NewCo common stock (after giving effect to the new issuance) and TCCC will have the right to nominate two (reduced to one upon the earlier of (i) 36 months after the closing of the TCCC Transaction and (ii) TCCC’s equity interest in NewCo exceeding 20% of the outstanding shares of NewCo common stock) individuals to NewCo’s Board of Directors, (2) TCCC will transfer its global energy drink business (including the NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Play® and Power Play®, and Relentless® brands) to NewCo, and the Company will transfer its non-energy drink business (including the Hansen’s® Natural Sodas, Peace Tea®, Hubert’s® Lemonade and Hansen’s® Juice Products) to TCCC, (3) the Company and TCCC will amend their current distribution coordination agreements, which will contemplate expanding distribution of the Company’s products into additional territories pursuant to long-term distribution agreements with TCCC’s network of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling and distribution partners, and (4) TCCC will make a net cash payment of $2.15 billion to the Company (up to $625.0 million of which will be held in escrow, subject to release upon achievement of milestones relating to the transfer of distribution rights).
The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the TCCC Transaction expired on October 15, 2014, and all necessary approvals or consents from foreign antitrust authorities have been obtained. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
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.
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 Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“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 income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. 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. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available (see Note 3). Under 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 income (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
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
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 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.
Intangibles - Intangibles are comprised primarily of trademarks that represent the Company’s exclusive ownership of the Monster Energy®, ®, Monster Rehab®, Java Monster®, Unleash the Beast®, Punch Monster®, Juice Monster™, Peace Tea®, Hansen’s®, Blue Sky® and the Junior Juice® trademarks, all used in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of supplements and beverages. The Company also owns in its own right a number of other trademarks in the United States, as well as in a number of countries around the world. In accordance with 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, which range from 1 to 25 years. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 ASC 830. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in interest and other income, 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) income
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
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) income in stockholders’ equity. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 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 foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by us as of December 31, 2014 have terms of one month 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 ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on our foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other (expense) income, 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, aggregate foreign currency transaction losses, including the gains or losses on forward currency exchange contracts, amounted to $3.4 million, $12.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and have been recorded in other (expense) income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition - The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, ownership of and title to the Company’s products passes to customers upon delivery of the products to customers. Certain of the Company’s distributors may also perform a separate function as a co-packer on the Company’s behalf. In such cases, ownership of and title to the Company’s products that are co-packed on the Company’s behalf by those co-packers who are also distributors, passes to such distributors when the Company is notified by them that they have taken transfer or possession of the relevant portion of the Company’s finished goods. Net sales have been determined after deduction of promotional and other allowances in accordance with ASC 605-50. The Company’s promotional and other allowances are calculated based on various programs with its distributors and retail customers, and accruals are established during the year for the 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 expense 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 agreement, generally 20 years.
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 raw materials utilized in the manufacture of products, co-packing fees, repacking fees, in-bound freight charges, as well as certain internal transfer costs, warehouse expenses incurred prior to the manufacture of the Company’s finished products and certain quality control costs. Raw materials account for the largest portion of the cost of sales. Raw materials include cans, bottles, other containers, flavors, ingredients and packaging materials.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, freight-out costs amounted to $92.7 million, $84.0 million and $76.1 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 periodic performance compliance provisions of the contracts. Advertising and promotional expenses, including but not limited to production costs, amounted to $171.5 million, $181.8 million and $165.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 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 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 13).
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Net Income Per Common Share - In accordance with 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 take steps on an ongoing basis to secure the availability of alternative sources for such components and minimize the risk of any disruption in production.
Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), a customer of the Direct Store Delivery segment (“DSD”) with sales within specific markets in the United States and Canada, accounted for approximately 29%, 29% and 28% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, health food distributors and food service 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 - In September 2014, the Company elected to early adopt FASB ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”. ASU 2014-08 provides new guidance related to the definition of a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. ASU 2014-12 clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires that a company recognize 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. In applying the new guidance, a company will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
2. INVESTMENTS
The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at:
December 31, 2014
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
less than 12
Months
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
greater than 12
Months
Held-to-Maturity
Short-term:
Commercial paper
$
19,482
$
(2)
$
-
$
19,480
$
-
$
-
Municipal securities
744,542
-
744,647
-
-
U.S. Government Agencies
9,199
(1)
-
9,198
-
-
Lont-term:
Municipal securities
42,940
-
42,950
-
-
Available-for-sale
Short-term:
Variable rate demand notes
4,001
-
-
4,001
-
-
Total
$
820,164
$
$
-
820,276
$
-
$
-
Trading
Short-term:
Auction rate securities
3,910
Long-term:
Auction rate securities
-
Total
$
824,186
December 31, 2013
Amortized Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses
Fair
Value
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
less than 12
Months
Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
greater than 12
Months
Held-to-Maturity
Short-term:
Certificates of deposit
$
22,045
$
-
$
-
$
22,045
$
-
$
-
Commercial paper
5,991
-
-
5,991
-
-
Municipal securities
367,819
-
367,867
-
-
Total
$
395,855
$
$
-
395,903
$
-
$
-
Trading
Short-term:
Auction rate securities
6,392
Long-term:
Auction rate securities
9,792
Total
$
412,087
During the year ended December 31, 2014, realized gains or losses recognized on the sale of investments were not significant. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $2.5 million of realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale investments. Realized gains or losses on the sale of all other investments during the year ended December 31, 2013 were not significant. During the year ended December 31, 2012, realized gains or losses recognized on the sale of investments were not significant.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The Company recognized a net gain through earnings on its trading securities as follows for the years ended:
Gain (loss) on transfer from available-for-sale to trading
$
-
$
-
$
-
Gain on trading securities sold
1,130
(Loss) gain on trading securities held
(177)
Gain on trading securites
$
$
1,071
$
1,883
The Company’s investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and/or variable rate demand notes (“VRSNs”) 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. All of the Company’s investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 in municipal, educational or other public body securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”) also carried investment grade credit ratings.
The following table summarizes the underlying contractual maturities of the Company’s investments at:
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Less than 1 year:
U.S. Treasuries
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Certificates of deposit
-
-
22,045
22,045
Commercial paper
19,482
19,480
5,991
5,991
Municipal securities
744,542
744,647
367,819
367,867
U.S. government agency securities
9,199
9,198
-
-
Due 1 -10 years:
Municipal securities
42,940
42,950
-
-
Due 11 - 20 years:
Auction rate securities
3,910
3,910
11,102
11,102
Due 21 - 30 years:
Variable rate demand notes
4,001
4,001
-
-
Auction rate securities
-
-
5,082
5,082
Total
$
824,074
$
824,186
$
412,039
$
412,087
3. FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. 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. 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.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
· 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.
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 held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost as well as the fair value of 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:
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The majority of the Company’s short-term investments are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of 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 certificates of deposit, commercial paper, municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and VRDNs, 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 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 year ended December 31, 2014 or the year ended December 31, 2013, and there were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The Company’s Level 3 assets are comprised of auction rate securities and put options. The Company’s Level 3 valuation utilized a mark-to-model approach which included estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, as well as expected holding periods for the auction rate securities. These assumptions are typically volatile and subject to change as the underlying data sources and market conditions evolve. A significant change in any single input could have a significant valuation impact; however, no single input has a more significant impact on valuation than another. There were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques of its Level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2014.
The following table presents quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the Company’s Level 3 recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014.
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range (Weighted-Average)
Auction Rate Securities
Discounted cash flow
Maximum rate probability
1.37%-3.02% (2.58%)
Principal returned probability
84.78%-94.07% (87.05%)
Default probability
4.56%-12.21% (10.37%)
Liquidity risk
2.50%-2.50% (2.50%)
Recovery rate
60-60 (60)
Put Options
Discounted cash flow
Counterparty risk
0.73%-0.79% (0.74%)
At December 31, 2014, the Company held auction rate securities with a face value of $4.2 million (amortized cost basis of $3.9 million). A Level 3 valuation was performed on the Company’s auction rate securities as of December 31, 2014 resulting in a fair value of $3.9 million for the Company’s trading auction rate securities (after a $0.3 million impairment), which are included in short-term and long-term investments.
In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement (the “2011 ARS Agreement”), related to $24.5 million of par value auction rate securities (the “2011 ARS Securities”). Under the 2011 ARS Agreement, the Company has the right to sell the 2011 ARS Securities including all accrued but unpaid interest thereon (the “2011 Put Option”) as follows: (i) on or after July 1, 2013, up to $1.0 million aggregate par value; (ii) on or after October 1, 2013, up to an additional $1.0 million aggregate par value; and (iii) in quarterly installments thereafter based on a formula of the then outstanding 2011 ARS Securities, as adjusted for normal market redemptions, with full sale rights available on or after April 1, 2016. The 2011 ARS Securities will continue to accrue interest until redeemed through the 2011 Put Option, or as determined by the auction process, or should the auction process fail, the terms outlined in the prospectus of the respective 2011 ARS Securities. Under the 2011 ARS Agreement, the Company has the obligation, should it receive written notification from the put issuer, to sell the 2011 ARS Securities at par plus all accrued but unpaid interest. During the year ended December 31, 2014, $6.2 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through the exercise of a portion of the 2011 Put Option and $6.9 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through normal market channels ($2.3 million, $1.3 million and $3.7 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through normal market channels during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively). The 2011 Put Option does not meet the definition of derivative instruments under ASC 815. Therefore, the Company elected the fair value option under ASC 825-10 in accounting for the 2011 Put Option. As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $0.3 million as the fair market value of the 2011 Put Option, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, as well as in other assets, in the consolidated balance sheet.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The net effect of (i) the revaluation of the 2011 Put Option as of December 31, 2014; (ii) the redemption at par of certain 2011 ARS Securities; and (iii) the revaluation of the Company’s trading auction rate securities as of December 31, 2014 resulted in a loss of ($0.04) million, which is included in other (expense) income for the year ended December 31, 2014. The net effect of (i) the revaluation of the 2011 Put Option as of December 31, 2013; (ii) the redemption at par of certain 2011 ARS Securities; (iii) the revaluation of the Company’s trading auction rate securities as of December 31, 2013; and (iv) a recognized gain resulting from the redemption of previously other-than-temporary impaired securities; resulted in a gain of $2.7 million, which is included in other (expense) income for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following table provides a summary reconciliation of the Company’s financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
December 31, 2014
December 31, 2013
Auction
Rate
Securities
Put Options
Auction
Rate
Securities
Put Options
Opening Balance
$
16,184
$
1,092
$
23,156
$
1,929
Transfers into Level 3
-
-
-
-
Transfers out of Level 3
-
-
-
-
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings
(842)
3,553
(837)
Included in other comprehensive income
-
-
(2,482)
-
Settlements
(13,075)
-
(8,043)
-
Closing Balance
$
3,910
$
$
16,184
$
1,092
4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks related primarily to its foreign business operations. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 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 as of December 31, 2014 have terms of one month 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 ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other (expense) income, net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying economically hedged item.
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:
December 31, 2014
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20
Notional
Amount
Fair
Value
Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive CAD/pay USD
$
19,940
$
Accounts receivable, net
Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive EUR/pay USD
$
13,265
$
(75)
Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay AUD
8,343
(48)
Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay JPY
10,620
(84)
Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay ZAR
14,760
(105)
Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay MXN
4,961
(11)
Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay CLP
2,685
(10)
Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay COP
2,845
(2)
Accrued liabilities
The Company had no foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013.
The net gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income were as follows:
Amount of gain
recognized in income on
derivatives
Year ended
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20
Location of gain
recognized in income on
derivatives
December 31,
December 31,
Foreign currency exchange contracts
Interest and other income (expense), net
$
1,424
$
-
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following at December 31:
Raw materials
$
59,938
$
68,088
Finished goods
114,635
153,361
$
174,573
$
221,449
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net
Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31:
Land
$
6,792
$
5,382
Leasehold improvements
2,796
2,222
Furniture and fixtures
3,371
3,474
Office and computer equipment
10,072
14,135
Computer software
1,317
Equipment
84,263
62,552
Building
37,311
33,468
Vehicles
27,813
30,442
173,735
152,466
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
(83,579)
(64,323)
$
90,156
$
88,143
7. INTANGIBLES, Net
The following provides additional information concerning the Company’s intangibles as of December 31:
Amortizing intangibles
$
$
1,076
Accumulated amortization
(50)
(590)
Non-amortizing intangibles
50,565
65,288
$
50,748
$
65,774
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 ranging from one to 25 years (weighted-average life of 17 years). Total amortization expense recorded was $0.4 million, $0.05 million and $0.05 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, future estimated amortization expense related to amortizing intangibles through the year ending December 31, 2019 is approximately $0.01 million per year. At December 31, 2014, $18.0 million of non-amortizing intangibles and $0.1 million of amortizing intangibles (net of accumulated amortization) are subject to divestiture under the TCCC Transaction and are included in intangibles held-for-sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014.
8. DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
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, have been accounted for as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are recognized as revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreement, generally 20 years. Revenue recognized was $7.8 million, $8.4 million and $8.2 million for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The Company incurred termination amounts (net of adjustments to estimated amounts previously accrued) to certain of its prior distributors amounting to a credit of ($0.2) million and an expense of $10.8 million and $1.5 million in aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such termination amounts have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
As part of the TCCC Transaction, the amended distribution coordination agreements to be entered into with TCCC will provide for the transition of third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s products in most territories in the U.S. and Canada to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which consists of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling/distribution partners. On February 9, 2015 in accordance with its existing agreements with the applicable third-party distributors, the Company sent notices of termination to certain affected third-party distributors, including the majority of the Company’s Anheuser-Busch distributors (the “AB Distributors”) in the U.S., providing for the termination of their respective distribution agreements, to be effective at various dates beginning in March 2015. The associated distribution rights will be transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network in each applicable territory as of the effective date of the termination of the applicable third party’s rights in such territory. The Company estimates the termination costs associated with the transition of its distribution arrangements to be approximately $280.0 million, the majority of which will be recognized in the first quarter of 2015 in accordance with ASC No. 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Actual termination amounts may differ materially from those estimated, which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company anticipates that approximately $38.2 million of deferred revenue will be recognized into income in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the terminated AB Distributors. As a result, this amount has been classified as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014.
9. DEBT
The Company entered into a credit facility with Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) consisting of a revolving line of credit, which was amended in June 2013, under which the Company may borrow up to $10.0 million of non-collateralized debt. The revolving line of credit is effective through June 1, 2015. 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, 2014. 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, 2014.
The Company’s debt of $0.4 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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, 2015.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the assets acquired under capital leases had a net book value of $3.7 million and $4.2 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $3.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
Interest expense for capital lease obligations amounted to $0.03 million, $0.05 and $0.05 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
10. 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 2023.
Rent expense under operating leases was $6.8 million, $7.4 million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Future minimum rental payments at December 31, 2014 under the operating leases referred to above are as follows:
Year Ending December 31:
$
5,310
4,329
1,178
2020 and thereafter
1,166
$
12,973
Contractual obligations - The Company has the following contractual obligations related primarily to sponsorships and other commitments as of December 31, 2014:
Year Ending December 31:
$
46,290
25,296
3,602
2,793
-
2020 and thereafter
-
$
77,981
Purchase Commitments - The Company has purchase commitments aggregating approximately $31.3 million at December 31, 2014, 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, cream and protein, from a limited number of resources. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $292.8 million, $282.5 million and $264.2 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
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
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 - On October 17, 2012, Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside, styled Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier v. Monster Beverage Corporation, against the Company claiming that the death of their 14 year old daughter (Anais Fournier) was caused by her consumption of two 24-ounce Monster Energy® drinks over the course of two days in December 2011. The plaintiffs allege strict product liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranties and wrongful death. The plaintiffs claim general damages in excess of $25,000 and punitive damages. The Company filed a demurrer and a motion to strike the plaintiffs’ complaint on November 19, 2012, and the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint on December 19, 2012. The Company filed its answer to the first amended complaint on June 7, 2013. The parties attended a court ordered mediation on January 23, 2014. Discovery has commenced and trial has been scheduled for August 21, 2015. The Company believes that the plaintiffs’ complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous defense. The Company also believes that any such damages, if awarded, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
The Company has also been named as a defendant in other complaints containing similar allegations to those presented in the Fournier lawsuit, each of which the Company believes is also without merit and would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the event any damages were awarded.
Securities Litigation - On September 11, 2008, a federal securities class action complaint styled Cunha v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “District Court”). On September 17, 2008, a second federal securities class action complaint styled Brown v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. was also filed in the District Court. After the District Court consolidated the two actions and appointed the Structural Ironworkers Local Union #1 Pension Fund as lead plaintiff, a Consolidated Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws was filed on August 28, 2009 (the “Consolidated Class Action Complaint”).
The Consolidated Class Action Complaint purported to be brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period November 9, 2006 through November 8, 2007 (the “Class Period”). It named as defendants the Company, Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, and Thomas J. Kelly. Plaintiff principally alleged that, during the Class Period, the defendants made false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s distribution coordination agreements with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (“AB”) and its sales of “Allied” energy drink lines, and engaged in sales of shares in the Company on the basis of material non-public information. Plaintiff also alleged that the Company’s financial statements for the second quarter of 2007 did not include certain promotional expenses. The Consolidated Class Action Complaint alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and sought an unspecified amount of damages.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The District Court dismissed the Consolidated Class Action Complaint, with leave to amend, on July 12, 2010. Plaintiff thereafter filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws on August 27, 2010 (the “Amended Class Action Complaint”). While similar in many respects to the Consolidated Class Action Complaint, the Amended Class Action Complaint dropped certain of the allegations set forth in the Consolidated Class Action Complaint and made certain new allegations, including that the Company engaged in “channel stuffing” during the Class Period that rendered false or misleading the Company’s reported sales results and certain other statements made by the defendants. In addition, it no longer named Thomas J. Kelly as a defendant.
On September 4, 2012, the District Court dismissed certain of the claims in the Amended Class Action Complaint, including plaintiff’s allegations relating to promotional expenses, but denied defendants’ motion to dismiss with regard to the majority of plaintiff’s claims, including plaintiff’s channel stuffing allegations. Plaintiff filed a motion seeking class certification on December 6, 2012, which the court denied, without prejudice, on January 17, 2014.
Following a mediation conducted by an independent mediator, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement on April 16, 2014 to resolve the litigation. Following a fairness hearing, on January 29, 2015, the District Court granted final approval of the settlement and entered a final judgment dismissing the action with prejudice.
Under the terms of the settlement, certain of the Company’s insurance carriers paid $16.25 million into an escrow account for distribution to a settlement class, certified by the District Court for settlement purposes only and consisting of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s stock during the Class Period (with certain exclusions as specified in the settlement agreement). Under the settlement, defendants and various of their related persons and entities received a full release of all claims that were or could have been brought in the action as well as all claims that arise out of, are based upon or relate to the allegations, transactions, facts, representations, omissions or other matters involved in the complaints filed in the action or any statement communicated to the public during the Class Period, and the purchase, acquisition or sale of the Company’s stock during the Class Period.
The settlement contained no admission of any liability or wrongdoing on the part of the defendants, each of whom continues to deny all of the allegations against them and believes that the claims were without merit. Because the full amount of the settlement was paid by the Company’s insurance carriers, the settlement did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations.
State Attorney General Inquiry - In July 2012, the Company received a subpoena from the Attorney General for the State of New York in connection with its investigation concerning the Company’s advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, usage and sale of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks. Production of documents pursuant to that subpoena was completed in approximately May 2014.
On August 6, 2014, the Attorney General for the State of New York issued a second subpoena seeking additional documents and the deposition of a Company employee. On September 8, 2014, the Company moved to quash the second subpoena. The motion has been fully briefed and argument has been scheduled on the motion for March 17, 2015. It is unknown what, if any, action the state attorney general may take against the Company, the relief which may be sought in the event of any such proceeding or whether such proceeding could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
San Francisco City Attorney Litigation - On October 31, 2012, the Company received a written request for information from the City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco concerning the Company’s advertising and marketing of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks and specifically concerning the safety of its products for consumption by adolescents. In a letter dated March 29, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney threatened to bring suit against the Company if it did not agree to take the following five steps immediately: (i) “Reformulate its products to lower the caffeine content to safe levels” - (ii) “Provide adequate warning labels”; (iii) “Cease promoting over-consumption in marketing”; (iv) “Cease use of alcohol and drug references in marketing”; and (v) “Cease targeting minors.”
(i) The Company Action - On April 29, 2013, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Monster Energy Company, filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against the San Francisco City Attorney (the “Company Action”) in United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Central District Court”), styled Monster Beverage Corp., et al. v. Dennis Herrera. The Company sought a declaration from the Central District Court that the San Francisco City Attorney’s investigation and demands are impermissible and preempted, subject to the doctrine of primary jurisdiction, are unconstitutional in that they violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments’ prohibitions against compelled speech, content-based speech and commercial speech, are impermissibly void-for-vagueness, and/or violate the Commerce Clause. On June 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to dismiss the Company Action, arguing in part that the complaint should be dismissed in light of the San Francisco Action (described below) filed on May 6, 2013. On August 22, 2013, the Central District Court granted in part and denied in part the City Attorney’s motion. On October 17, 2013 (after the San Francisco Action, described below, was remanded to San Francisco Superior Court), the City Attorney filed a renewed motion to dismiss the Company Action and on December 16, 2013, the Central District Court granted the City Attorney’s renewed motion, dismissing the Company Action. The Company filed a Notice of Appeal to the Ninth Circuit on December 18, 2013. The Company filed its opening brief on November 28, 2014. The City Attorney’s filed an answering brief on February 13, 2015, and the Company’s reply brief is currently due on February 27, 2015.
(ii) The San Francisco Action - On May 6, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties and restitution for alleged violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code sections 17200, et seq., styled People Of The State Of California ex rel. Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney v. Monster Beverage Corporation, in San Francisco Superior Court (the “San Francisco Action”). The City Attorney alleges that the Company (1) mislabeled its products as a dietary supplement, in violation of California’s Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law, California Health & Safety Code sections 109875 et. seq.; (2) is selling an “adulterated” product because caffeine is not generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) due to the alleged lack of scientific consensus concerning the safety of the levels of caffeine in the Company’s products; and (3) is engaged in unfair and misleading business practices because its marketing (a) does not disclose the health risks that energy drinks pose for children and teens; (b) fails to warn against and promotes unsafe consumption; (c) implicitly promotes mixing of energy drinks with alcohol or drugs; and (d) is deceptive because it includes unsubstantiated claims about the purported special benefits of its “killer” ingredients and “energy blend.” The City Attorney sought a declaration that the Company has engaged in unfair and unlawful business acts and practices in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; an injunction from performing or proposing to perform any acts in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; restitution; and civil penalties. On June 3, 2013, the Company removed the San Francisco Action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Northern District Court”). On July 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to remand the San Francisco Action back to state court. On September 18, 2013, the Northern District Court granted the City Attorney’s motion to remand the San Francisco Action back to state court.
On January 15, 2014, the Company filed a demurrer to and motion to strike allegations in the complaint in the San Francisco Action. On March 5, 2014, the Court overruled the demurrer, granted the motion to strike as to one theory for relief pleaded by the City Attorney, and lifted the stay on discovery.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
On March 20, 2014, the City Attorney filed an amended complaint, adding allegations supporting the theory for relief as to which the Court had granted the motion to strike. On April 18, 2014, the Company filed a renewed motion to strike, challenging the theory for relief previously rejected by the Court, as well as a motion asking the Court to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to the safety of Monster Energy® drinks, pending resolution of the ongoing FDA investigation of the safety and labeling of food products to which caffeine is added. On May 22, 2014, the Court denied the Company’s motion to strike and motion to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to safety.
On June 16, 2014, the Company filed a petition for writ of mandate with the Court of Appeal, asking for a writ directing the trial court to vacate its order denying the Company’s motion to bifurcate and/or stay the San Francisco Action, and instead to stay proceedings pending FDA’s investigation. On June 19, 2014, the Court of Appeal denied the petition. On June 25, 2014, the Company filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. On July 23, 2014, the Supreme Court denied the petition.
On August 27, 2014, the Court issued an order setting the case for a two-week bench trial beginning on February 8, 2016. On September 5, 2014, the City Attorney filed a second amended complaint, adding Monster Energy Company as a defendant. The Company and Monster Energy Company filed answers to the second amended complaint on October 4, 2014 and November 10, 2014, respectively. A case management conference is scheduled for March 10, 2015. Discovery is ongoing.
The Company denies that it has violated the Unfair Competition Law or any other law and believes that the City Attorney’s claims and demands are preempted and unconstitutional, as alleged in the action the Company filed in the Central District Court. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. At this time, no evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of potential loss can be expressed.
In addition to the above matters, the Company has been named as a defendant in various false advertising putative class actions and in a private attorney general action. In these actions, plaintiffs allege that defendants misleadingly labeled and advertised Monster Energy® brand products that allegedly were ineffective for the advertised benefits (including, but not limited to, an allegation that the products do not hydrate as advertised because they contain caffeine). The plaintiffs further allege that the Monster Energy® brand products at issue are unsafe because they contain one or more ingredients that allegedly could result in illness, injury or death. In connection with these product safety allegations, the plaintiffs claim that the product labels did not provide adequate warnings and/or that the Company did not include sufficiently specific statements with respect to contra-indications and/or adverse reactions associated with the consumption of its energy drink products (including, but not limited to, claims that certain ingredients, when consumed individually or in combination with other ingredients, could result in high blood pressure, palpitations, liver damage or other negative health effects and/or that the products themselves are unsafe). Based on these allegations, the plaintiffs assert claims for violation of state consumer protection statutes, including unfair competition and false advertising statutes, and for breach of warranty and unjust enrichment. In their prayers for relief, the plaintiffs seek, inter alia, compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees, and, in some cases, injunctive relief. The Company regards these cases and allegations as having no merit. Furthermore, the Company is subject to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business, including intellectual property litigation and claims from terminated distributors.
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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include accrued loss contingencies of approximately $3.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively, and receivables for insurance reimbursements of approximately $0.0 million and $16.25 million, respectively. 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.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows at December 31:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
11,453
$
1,233
12. TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE
On April 7, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “April 2013 Repurchase Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2014, no shares of common stock were purchased under the April 2013 Repurchase Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company purchased 0.951 million shares of common stock under the April 2013 Repurchase Plan at an average purchase price of $56.98 per share for a total amount of $54.2 million (excluding broker commissions).
During the year ended December 31, 2014, 0.09 million shares were purchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $8.2 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.
13. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has two stock-based compensation plans under which shares were available for grant at December 31, 2014: the Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) and the 2009 Monster Beverage Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2009 Directors Plan”).
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 14,500,000 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
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Executive Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board 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, 2014, 3,620,280 shares of the Company’s common stock have been granted, net of cancellations, and 9,865,555 shares of the Company’s common stock remain available for grant under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
The 2009 Directors Plan permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights (each, an “SAR”), and other stock-based awards to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,600,000 shares of common stock of the Company to non-employee directors of the Company. The 2009 Directors Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. Each award granted under the 2009 Directors Plan will be evidenced by a written agreement and will contain the terms and conditions that the Board of Directors deems appropriate. The Board of Directors may grant such awards on the last business day prior to the date of the annual meeting of stockholders. Any award granted under the 2009 Directors Plan will vest, with respect to 100% of such award, on the last business day prior to the date of the annual meeting, in the calendar year following the calendar year in which such award is granted. The Board of Directors may determine the exercise price per share of the Company’s common stock under each option, but such price may not be less than 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date an option is granted. Option grants may be made under the 2009 Directors Plan for 10 years from June 4, 2009. The Board of Directors may also grant SARs, independently, or in connection with an option grant. The Board of Directors may determine the exercise price per share of the Company’s common stock under each SAR, but such price may not be less than the greater of (i) the fair market value of a share on the date the SAR is granted and (ii) the price of the related option, if the SAR is granted in connection with an option grant. Additionally, the Board of Directors may grant other stock-based awards, which include awards of shares of the Company’s common stock, restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, and awards that are valued based on the fair market value of shares of the Company’s common stock. SARs and other stock-based awards are subject to the general provisions of the 2009 Directors Plan. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2009 Directors Plan at any time. As of December 31, 2014, options to purchase 81,160 shares of the Company’s common stock had been granted under the 2009 Directors Plan, and options to purchase 1,518,840 shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for grant.
The Company recorded $28.6 million, $28.8 million and $28.4 million of compensation expense relating to outstanding options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The excess tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11.9 million, $30.3 million and $19.7 million, respectively.
Stock Options
Under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, all stock options granted as of December 31, 2014 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
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
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
0.0 %
0.0 %
0.0 %
Expected volatility
41.4 %
47.5 %
48.1 %
Risk-free interest rate
1.55 %
0.98 %
0.74 %
Expected term
5.8 Years
5.7 Years
5.4 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.
The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans as follows:
Options
Number of
Shares (In
thousands)
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (In
years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
12,973
$
15.70
3.7
$
675,595
Granted 01/01/14 - 03/31/14
$
70.06
Granted 04/01/14 - 06/30/14
$
69.15
Granted 07/01/14 - 09/30/14
-
$
-
Granted 10/01/14 - 12/31/14
$
111.30
Exercised
(767)
$
22.38
Cancelled or forfeited
(128)
$
45.49
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
13,066
$
19.73
3.1
$
1,158,412
Vested and expected to vest in the future at December 31, 2014
12,670
$
18.31
2.9
$
1,141,163
Exercisable at December 31, 2014
10,566
$
10.24
1.8
$
1,036,675
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise
Prices ($)
Number
Outstanding (In
Thousands)
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
Number
Exercisable
(In
Thousands)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
$3.29
-
$3.29
4,400
0.2
$3.29
4,400
$3.29
$5.72
-
$6.21
0.5
$6.18
$6.18
$8.44
-
$8.44
2,445
0.9
$8.44
2,445
$8.44
$13.37
-
$15.60
3.7
$13.56
$13.56
$15.86
-
$15.86
1,700
3.4
$15.86
1,700
$15.86
$15.94
-
$19.20
1,307
4.8
$17.83
1,307
$17.83
$19.23
-
$53.96
1,700
7.1
$41.19
$34.33
$55.92
-
$71.05
1,190
8.7
$66.22
$63.85
$74.78
-
$74.78
7.5
$74.78
-
$0.00
$111.30
-
$111.30
9.9
$111.30
-
$0.00
13,066
3.1
$19.73
10,567
$10.24
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $31.49 per share, $22.57 per share and $25.21 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $47.1 million, $91.6 million and $248.8 million, respectively.
Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $17.2 million, $21.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2014, there was $48.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested 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 2.8 years.
Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units
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. Total cash paid to settle restricted stock unit liabilities and the increase in the liabilities for future cash settlements during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were not material.
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 non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units as follows:
Number of
Shares (in
thousands)
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2014
$
49.27
Granted 01/01/14 - 03/31/14
-
-
Granted 04/01/14 - 06/30/14
69.00
Granted 07/01/14 - 09/30/14
-
-
Granted 10/01/14 - 12/31/14
111.30
Vested
(241
)
44.16
Forfeited/cancelled
(17
)
51.79
Non-vested at December 31, 2014
$
61.09
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $84.38, $53.50 and $61.73 per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 0.1 million of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards are expected to vest.
At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense relating to non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units was $6.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
Employee and Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense
The table below shows the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for share-based compensation related to employees and non-employees. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $28.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 is comprised of $4.8 million that relates to incentive stock options and $23.8 million that relates to non-qualified stock options and restricted units and awards. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 is comprised of $5.2 million that relates to incentive stock options and $23.6 million that relates to non-qualified stock options and restricted units and awards. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 is comprised of $5.1 million that relates to incentive stock options and $23.3 million that relates to non-qualified stock options and restricted units and awards. The portion of share-based compensation expense that relates to incentive stock options has not been considered in the tax benefit computation below.
Operating expenses
$
28,552
$
28,764
$
28,413
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax
28,552
28,764
28,413
Less: Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings
(2,932)
(7,730)
(8,933)
Amount charged against net income
$
25,620
$
21,034
$
19,480
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
14. INCOME TAXES
The domestic and foreign components of the Company’s income (loss) before provision for income taxes are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Domestic*
$
711,917
$
596,899
$
568,225
Foreign*
33,871
(33,005
)
(19,071
)
Income before provision for income taxes
$
745,788
$
563,894
$
549,154
*After intercompany royalties, management fees and interest charges from the Company’s domestic to foreign entities of $34.9 million, $25.9 million and $22.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Current:
Federal
$
228,348
$
191,596
$
177,372
State
36,633
36,662
30,268
Foreign
7,467
4,052
3,951
272,448
232,310
211,591
Deferred:
Federal
(8,473
)
(7,441
)
(743
)
State
(442
)
(1,443
)
(483
)
Foreign
3,476
(9,694
)
(7,373
)
(5,439
)
(18,578
)
(8,599
)
Valuation allowance
(4,406
)
11,501
6,142
$
262,603
$
225,233
$
209,134
The differences in the total provision for income taxes that would result from applying the 35% federal statutory rate to income before provision for income taxes and the reported provision for income taxes are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
U.S. Federal tax expense at statutory rates
$
261,025
$
197,363
$
192,204
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
23,859
22,640
20,252
Permanent differences
4,816
5,968
Domestic production deduction
(20,607
)
(16,039
)
(15,469
)
Other
(1,267
)
(388
)
Foreign rate differential
(817
)
8,566
Valuation allowance
(4,406
)
11,501
6,142
$
262,603
$
225,233
$
209,134
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 are as follows:
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserve for sales returns
$
$
Reserve for doubtful accounts
Reserve for inventory obsolescence
3,030
2,060
Reserve for marketing development fund
9,118
9,470
Capitalization of inventory costs
2,527
1,949
State franchise tax
8,160
6,043
Accrued compensation
-
Accrued other liabilities
3,503
4,871
Deferred revenue
47,319
50,813
Stock-based compensation
25,268
21,963
Securities impairment
Foreign net operating loss carryforward
17,256
19,346
Prepaid supplies
4,195
4,639
Gain on intercompany transfer
8,347
-
Total gross deferred tax assets
$
129,336
$
122,939
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Amortization of trademarks
$
(11,923
)
$
(10,393
)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments
-
-
Other deferred tax liabilities
(327
)
(94
)
Depreciation
(5,022
)
(5,828
)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
(17,272
)
(16,315
)
Valuation Allowance
(17,683
)
(22,089
)
Net deferred tax assets
$
94,381
$
84,535
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 (decrease) increase the Company’s provision for income taxes by ($4.4) million, $10.8 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $78.5 million. Of this amount, $65.0 million may be carried forward indefinitely. The remaining $13.5 million will begin to expire in 2017.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The following is a rollforward of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits, not including interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
Gross Unrealized Tax
Benefits
Balance at January 1, 2012
$
1,910
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
(1,504)
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
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, 2013
$
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, 2014
$
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, 2014, the Company had accrued approximately $0.4 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 March 8, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) began its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011. The Company is also in various stages of examination with certain states. The 2012 and 2013 U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to IRS examination. State income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2010 through 2013 tax years.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
15. 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is presented below (in thousands):
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic
167,257
166,679
173,712
Dilutive securities
7,028
6,708
9,371
Diluted
174,285
173,387
183,083
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, options and awards outstanding totaling 0.7 million shares, 1.3 million shares and 0.3 million shares respectively, were excluded from the calculations as their effect would have been antidilutive.
16. 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 25% of the employee contribution, up to 8% of each employee’s earnings, which vest 20% each year for five years after the first anniversary date. Matching contributions were $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
17. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has two operating and reportable segments, namely Direct Store Delivery (“DSD”), the principal products of which comprise energy drinks, and Warehouse (“Warehouse”), the principal products of which comprise juice based and soda beverages. The DSD segment develops, markets and sells products primarily through an exclusive distributor network, whereas the Warehouse segment develops, markets and sells products primarily direct to retailers. Corporate and unallocated amounts that do not relate to DSD or Warehouse segments specifically have been allocated to “Corporate & Unallocated.” No asset information has been provided for the Company’s reportable segments as management does not measure or allocate assets on a segment basis. Following the consummation of the TCCC Transaction, the Company anticipates that it will have two operating and reporting segments: Concentrate, the principal products of which will likely include the various energy drink brands transferred to the Company from TCCC, and Finished Products, the principal products of which will likely include the Company’s Monster Energy® drink products that currently make up the majority of the DSD segment.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
The net revenues derived from DSD and Warehouse segments and other financial information related thereto for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2014
DSD
Warehouse
Corporate
and
Unallocated
Total
Net sales
$
2,369,208
$
95,659
$
-
$
2,464,867
Contribution margin*
908,781
3,003
-
911,784
Corporate & unallocated expenses
-
-
(164,279)
(164,279
)
Operating income
747,505
Interest and other income, net
(3)
(2,378)
(1,717
)
Income before provision for income taxes
745,788
Depreciation & amortization
(19,778)
(293)
(5,540)
(25,611
)
Trademark amortization
-
(33)
(8)
(41
)
Year Ended December 31, 2012
DSD
Warehouse
Corporate
and
Unallocated
Total
Net sales
$
1,966,481
$
94,221
$
-
$
2,060,702
Contribution margin*
660,607
3,496
-
664,103
Corporate & unallocated expenses
-
-
(113,480)
(113,480
)
Operating income
550,623
Interest and other income, net
(2)
(1,961)
(1,469
)
Income before provision for income taxes
549,154
Depreciation & amortization
(15,660)
(139)
(4,714)
(20,513
)
Trademark amortization
-
(44)
(5)
(49
)
*Contribution margin is defined as gross profit less certain operating expenses deemed by management to be directly attributable to the respective reportable segment. Contribution margin is used by management as a key indicator of reportable segment profitability.
Revenue is derived from sales to external customers. Operating expenses that pertain to each segment are allocated to the appropriate segment.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Corporate and unallocated expenses were $164.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and included $86.2 million of payroll costs, of which $28.6 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $43.8 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, $7.4 million of insurance costs and $26.9 million of other operating expenses. Corporate and unallocated expenses were $152.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and included $82.5 million of payroll costs, of which $28.8 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $38.7 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, and $31.1 million of other operating expenses. Corporate and unallocated expenses were $113.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and included $73.0 million of payroll costs, of which $28.4 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $19.7 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, $4.4 million of depreciation and $16.4 million of other operating expenses.
CCR, a customer of the DSD segment, accounted for 29%, 29% and 28% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Net sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $534.2 million, $467.2 million and $415.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such sales were approximately 21.7%, 20.8% and 20.2% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company’s net sales by product line for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were as follows:
Product Line
Energy drinks
$
2,302,225
$
2,082,238
$
1,906,236
Non-carbonated (primarily juice based beverages)
119,204
120,145
110,217
Carbonated (primarily soda beverages)
28,425
29,245
31,044
Other
15,013
14,800
13,205
$
2,464,867
$
2,246,428
$
2,060,702
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $0.6 million, $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
19. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
Net Income per Common
Share
Net Sales
Gross Profit
Net Income
Basic
Diluted
Quarter ended:
March 31, 2014
$
536,129
$
286,818
$
95,250
$
0.57
$
0.55
June 30, 2014
687,199
379,288
141,003
$
0.84
$
0.81
September 30, 2014
635,972
341,920
121,600
$
0.73
$
0.70
December 31, 2014
605,567
331,784
125,332
$
0.75
$
0.72
$
2,464,867
$
1,339,810
$
483,185
Quarter ended:
March 31, 2013
$
484,223
$
252,039
$
63,496
$
0.38
$
0.37
June 30, 2013
630,934
336,262
106,873
$
0.64
$
0.62
September 30, 2013
590,422
307,470
92,187
$
0.55
$
0.53
December 31, 2013
540,849
277,160
76,105
$
0.46
$
0.44
$
2,246,428
$
1,172,931
$
338,661
Certain of the figures reported above may differ from previously reported figures for individual quarters due to rounding.
MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012 (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:
$
2,926
$
2,652
$
(3,874)
$
1,704
$
1,430
$
4,894
$
(3,398)
$
2,926
$
1,893
$
9,148
$
(9,611)
$
1,430
Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets and Unrecognized Tax Benefits:
$
24,130
$
(4,344)
$
-
$
19,786
$
12,579
$
11,551
$
-
$
24,130
$
7,592
$
6,142
$
(1,155)
$
12,579

Market Capitalization: 24011358.95361328
1-Year Return: 0.0007794828270561993
252-Day Return: $252_day_return