Monster Beverage Q1 2026 sales surge 26.9% to record US$2.35B 

USA – Monster Beverage has reported record first-quarter net sales of US$2.35 billion for 2026, marking a 26.9% increase from US$1.85 billion in the same period last year and surpassing the US$2 billion threshold for a fiscal first quarter for the first time in the company’s history. 

The company said favourable foreign exchange rates contributed US$89.3 million to quarterly sales growth. On a currency-adjusted basis, net sales increased 22.1%, driven largely by continued demand across its global energy drinks portfolio. 

Monster’s core energy drinks business recorded sales growth of 27.6% to US$2.19 billion. The segment includes key brands such as Monster Energy, Reign, Bang, and FLRT. 

Its Strategic Brands division, which includes energy drink brands acquired from The Coca-Cola Company as well as affordable offerings such as Predator and Fury, posted sales growth of 28.9% to US$126.7 million. 

International markets continued to contribute significantly to the company’s growth momentum. Net sales outside the United States rose 44.9% to US$1.06 billion, accounting for approximately 45% of total quarterly revenue, compared with 40% during the same period in 2025. 

Operating income increased 28.1% to US$730 million, while net income rose 28.6% to US$569.5 million. However, gross profit margin declined to 55.0% from 56.5% a year earlier, primarily due to geographical sales mix, higher aluminium can costs, and increased freight-in expenses, partly offset by pricing actions. 

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer Hilton H. Schlosberg said the company delivered a strong start to the year despite cost pressures linked to tariffs and raw materials. 

“During the first quarter of 2026, the impact of tariffs and the increase in the price of aluminum on our operating results was modest at just under 1% of margin, but it did not have an impact on gross margin,” Schlosberg said. 

He added: “The global energy drink category continues to demonstrate solid growth, driven by increased consumer demand. We delivered a strong start to the year, with net sales increasing 26.9%, operating income increasing 28.1% and net income per diluted share increasing 27.6% for the 2026 first quarter.” 

Schlosberg also highlighted the company’s international expansion and ongoing product innovation strategy.  

“We remain focused on the growth of our existing core offerings as well as the continued introduction of product innovations, which remain central to our long-term growth strategy,” he said. 

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