The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Monster Beverage, Coca-Cola, Primo Water and Molson Coors Brewing

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – May 20, 2016 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Monster Beverage Corporation MNST, Coca-Cola Company KO, Primo Water Corporation PRMW and Molson Coors Brewing Company TAP.

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:

Will Monster Beverage MNST Gain from International Expansion?

On May 18, we issued an updated research report on Monster Beverage Corporation ( MNST).

On Apr 29, 2016, Monster Beverage reported impressive first-quarter 2016 results. First quarter adjusted earnings of 80 cents per share increased 25% year over year owing to lower tax rate and strong revenues. Net sales of $680.2 million increased 8.5% year over year driven by higher international sales despite steep currency headwinds.

Monster Beverage started 2016 on a positive note after delivering dismal results in 2015. The company reported strong gross margin expansion through 2015 and first quarter 2016 on the back of price increase, strong sales of new products and a favorable segment mix.

Moreover, with the implementation of The Coca-Cola Company (KO) deal, Monster Beverage is aggressively expanding in the international market, supported by strong demand in the energy drink category. The company is in the process of launching Monster in China later this year in partnership with Coca-Cola System, which we believe is good strategic move and should drive sales and profits further. Also, the acquisition of American Fruits and Flavors on Apr 1, 2016, is encouraging as it stabilizes the flavor supply for the company.

Going ahead, Monster Beverage has several new product launches lined up for 2016. In the first quarter of 2016, the company launched Gronk energy drink and Salted Caramel Java Monster. The company intends to launch a new Mutant, a refreshment energizer in the third quarter of 2016. The introduction of these new products will also benefit from the broader distribution network as a result of the Coca-Cola deal.

However major headwinds including unfavorable currency translations and the transitional impact of the Coca-Cola deal continue to hurt profits. Given its international exposure, the company is exposed to global concerns including weakness in the Brazilian and Mexican market.

Monster Beverage has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the consumer discretionary sector include Primo Water Corporation (PRMW) and Molson Coors Brewing Company ( TAP). Both the companies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com

http://www.zacks.com

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.