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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION

1 Monster Way

Corona, California 92879

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD JUNE 19, 2017

April 28, 2017

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Monster Beverage Corporation (the “Company”) to be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. local time, at our corporate offices, located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879 (the “Annual Meeting”).  This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company.

In addition to the specific matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting that are listed in the accompanying notice, there will be a report on the Company’s business and an opportunity for stockholders of the Company to ask questions.

We are pleased to take advantage of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows companies to furnish proxy materials to their stockholders over the internet.  As a result, we are mailing to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  We believe this process allows us to provide our stockholders with the information they need in a timely manner, while reducing the environmental impact and lowering costs of printing and distributing our proxy materials.  The Notice contains instructions on how to access those documents over the internet.  The Notice also contains instructions on how to request a paper copy of our proxy materials, including this proxy statement, our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and a form of proxy card or voting instruction card.

I hope that you will be able to join us.  Your vote is important to us and to our business.  I encourage you to vote by telephone, over the internet, or if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, by marking, signing, dating and returning your proxy card so that your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting, whether or not you plan to attend.  If you attend the Annual Meeting, you will, of course, have the right to revoke the proxy and vote your shares in person.

The proxy materials, including this proxy statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, are being distributed and made available on or about April 28, 2017.

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD JUNE 19, 2017

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Monster Beverage Corporation (“Monster” or the “Company”) will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. local time, at the Company’s corporate offices, located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879 (the “Annual Meeting”), for the following purposes:

1.                                    To elect ten directors to serve until the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company;

2.                                    To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017;

3.                                    To approve the Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors;

4.                                    To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers;

5.                                    To approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the frequency with which stockholders will approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers;

6.                                    To consider a stockholder proposal requesting the Company’s Board of Directors adopt a “proxy access” bylaw, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting;

7.                                    To consider a stockholder proposal regarding a sustainability report related to key environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities including an analysis of material water-related risks, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting; and

8.                                    To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders accompanying this Notice.  Only stockholders of the Company of record at the close of business on April 24, 2017 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

We will make available a list of stockholders as of the close of business on April 24, 2017 for inspection by stockholders during normal business hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, from June 6, 2017 through June 16, 2017, at the Company’s executive offices, 1 Monster Way, Corona, CA 92879.  This list will also be available to stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

All stockholders of the Company are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person.  However, to ensure your representation at the Annual Meeting, you are urged to vote by telephone, over the internet, or if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, by marking, signing, dating and returning your proxy card.  You may revoke your voted proxy at any time prior to the Annual Meeting or vote in person if you attend the Annual Meeting.

Corona, California

April 28, 2017

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IMPORTANT:  WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO VOTE YOUR SHARES AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE.  IN ADDITION TO VOTING IN PERSON, STOCKHOLDERS OF RECORD MAY VOTE VIA A TOLL FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER OR OVER THE INTERNET AS INSTRUCTED IN THESE MATERIALS.  IF YOU REQUESTED TO RECEIVE A PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD BY MAIL, YOU MAY ALSO VOTE BY MARKING, SIGNING, DATING AND MAILING THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE RETURN ENVELOPE PROVIDED.  PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY A BROKER OR OTHER INTERMEDIARY AND YOU WISH TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU MUST OBTAIN A LEGAL PROXY FORM FROM THAT RECORD HOLDER.

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PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING

General

The Board of Directors of Monster Beverage Corporation (“Monster” or the “Company”) is soliciting proxies to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. local time, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company.  The Annual Meeting will be held at the Company’s executive offices located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879.  In this proxy, unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we”, “our”, or “us” refer to Monster.

The proxy materials, including this proxy statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, are being distributed and made available on or about April 28, 2017.  This proxy statement contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on matters brought before the Annual Meeting.  Please read it carefully.

Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials

In accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to provide our stockholders access to our proxy materials over the internet.  Accordingly, a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) will be mailed on or about April 28, 2017 to our stockholders who owned the Company’s common stock, par value $0.005 per share (the “Common Stock”), at the close of business on April 24, 2017.  Stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on a website referred to in the Notice, or request that a printed set of the proxy materials be sent to them by following the instructions in the Notice.

Householding

If you are a beneficial owner, your bank or broker may deliver a single proxy statement, along with individual proxy cards, or individual Notices to any household at which two or more stockholders reside unless contrary instructions have been received from you.  This procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate materials shareholders receive and reduces mailing expenses.  Stockholders may revoke their consent to future householding mailings or enroll in householding mailings by contacting American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, 1-800-937-5449, or by writing to American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219.  Alternatively, if you wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials for this year’s Annual Meeting, we will deliver them promptly upon request to Monster Beverage Corporation, 1 Monster Way, Corona, CA 92879 or by calling (951) 739-6200 or (800) 426-7367.

Record Date, Outstanding Voting Securities

Holders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on April 24, 2017 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.  Each share entitles its holder to one vote.  As of the record date, 567,811,810 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding.  There are no other outstanding voting securities of the Company.

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Quorum

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of one-third of the shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.  Such stockholders are counted as present at the Annual Meeting if they (i) are present in person at the Annual Meeting or (ii) have properly submitted their vote by telephone, over the internet, or by returning their proxy card.  Abstentions and withheld votes will be counted for determining whether a quorum is present for the Annual Meeting.

Required Vote

In accordance with the Company’s by-laws:

·                 Directors are elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy by the holders of shares of Common Stock entitled to vote in the election at the Annual Meeting (if any nominee for director receives a greater number of votes “withheld” than votes “for” such election, our director resignation policy requires that such person must promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board following certification of the results);

·                 The ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm shall be by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting (meaning the number of shares voted “for” a proposal must exceed the number of shares voted “against” such proposal);

·                 The approval of the Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2017 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan”) shall be by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting;

·                 The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers shall be by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting (the “Say-on-Pay Proposal”);

·                 The approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the frequency with which our stockholders will approve the composition of our named executive officers shall be by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting (the “Say-on-Frequency Proposal”);

·                 The approval of a stockholder proposal requesting the Company’s Board of Directors to adopt a  “proxy access” bylaw, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting, shall be by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting (the “Proxy Access Proposal”); and

·                 The approval of a stockholder proposal regarding a sustainability report, related to key environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities including an analysis of material water-related risks, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting, shall be by the affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting (the “Sustainability Report Proposal”);

in each case, provided a quorum is present.

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With respect to the election of directors, you may vote “for” or “withhold” authority to vote for each of the nominees for the Board.  If you “withhold” authority to vote with respect to one or more director nominees, your vote will have no effect on the election of such nominees (except with respect to the director resignation policy).  Broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of the nominees.  With respect to the other proposals, you may vote “for”, “against” or “abstain” from voting.  If you “abstain” from voting, your vote will have no effect on these proposals.  Broker non-votes will also have no effect on the vote for these proposals.

Non-Discretionary Proposals

If you are a beneficial owner and hold your shares in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with voting instructions, the broker or other intermediary will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.  Brokers and other intermediaries may not vote uninstructed shares in (i) the election of directors, (ii) the approval of the 2017 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, (iii) the approval of the Say-on-Pay Proposal, (iv) the approval of the Say-on-Frequency Proposal, (v) the approval of the Proxy Access Proposal, and (vi) the approval of the Sustainability Report Proposal.  If your shares are held by a broker or other intermediary and you do not instruct your broker or other intermediary how to vote for each of these proposals, no votes will be cast on your behalf.  Therefore, it is important that you cast your vote if you want it to count for each of these proposals.

Discretionary Proposals

Brokers that do not receive instructions are entitled to vote on the ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm.

No stockholder shall be entitled to cumulative voting.  American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“AST”) will receive and tabulate the proxies.

Board of Directors’ Recommendations

The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”) recommends a vote:

·                 “FOR” each of the nominees to the Board (Proposal One);

·                 “FOR” the ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accountants for fiscal year 2017 (Proposal Two);

·                 “FOR” the proposal to approve the 2017 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (Proposal Three);

·                 “FOR” the Say-on-Pay Proposal (Proposal Four);

·                 “FOR EACH YEAR” regarding the Say-on-Frequency Proposal (Proposal Five);

·                 “AGAINST” the Proxy Access Proposal (Proposal Six); and

·                 “AGAINST” the Sustainability Report Proposal (Proposal Seven).

How to Vote

If on April 24, 2017 your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s registrar and transfer agent, AST, you are considered a stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and the Notice was sent to you directly by the Company.  As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to the Company or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

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If you are a stockholder of record and you sign and submit a proxy card, but you do not provide voting instructions on the card, your shares will be voted “FOR” proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4, “FOR EACH YEAR” for proposal 5 and “AGAINST” proposals 6 and 7.

If on April 24, 2017 your shares are held in a brokerage account, bank, broker-dealer, trust or similar organization, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of those shares held in street name, and the Notice was forwarded to you by that organization.  The organization that holds your shares is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting.  Because you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares at the Annual Meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from the organization that holds your shares giving you the right to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting.  As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other intermediary how to vote your shares, and you are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting.

Your vote is very important to us and we hope that you will attend the Annual Meeting.  However, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote by proxy in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card, voting instruction form (from your broker or other intermediary) or the instructions that you received through electronic mail.  There are three convenient ways of submitting your vote:

·                 By Telephone or Internet - All stockholders of record can vote by touchtone telephone from the U.S. using the toll free telephone number on the proxy card, or over the internet using the procedures and instructions described on the proxy card.  Beneficial owners may vote by telephone or internet if their broker or other intermediary makes those methods available, in which case the broker or other intermediary will enclose the instructions with the proxy materials.  The telephone and internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate stockholders’ identities, to allow stockholders to vote their shares, and to confirm that their instructions have been recorded properly.

·                 In Person - All stockholders of record may vote in person at the Annual Meeting.  Beneficial owners may vote in person at the Annual Meeting if their broker or other intermediary has furnished a legal proxy.  If you are a beneficial owner and would like to vote your shares by proxy, you will need to ask your broker or other intermediary to furnish you with a legal proxy.  You will need to bring the legal proxy with you to the Annual Meeting and hand it in with a signed ballot that will be provided to you at the Annual Meeting.  You will not be able to vote your shares without a legal proxy.

·                 By Written Proxy - All stockholders of record can vote by written proxy card, if they have requested to receive printed proxy materials.  If you are a beneficial holder and you requested to receive printed proxy materials, you will receive a written proxy card and a voting instruction form from your broker or other intermediary.

Revocability of Proxies

If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the Annual Meeting by: (i) delivering a written notice of revocation to the Office of the Secretary  at the Company’s principal executive offices; (ii) voting again over the internet or by telephone (only your latest internet or telephone proxy submitted prior to the Annual Meeting will be counted) or, if you requested and received written proxy materials, by signing and returning a new proxy card with a later date; or (iii) by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

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If you are a beneficial owner, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the Annual Meeting by: (i) submitting new voting instructions to your broker or other intermediary; or (ii) if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or other intermediary, by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

Solicitation

The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company.  The Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners.  In addition to solicitation by use of the mail or via the internet, proxies may also be solicited by certain of the Company’s directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation, personally or by telephone, facsimile or letter.  In addition, the Company has engaged D.F. King & Co., Inc. to act as its proxy solicitor and has agreed to pay approximately $9,500.00 plus reasonable expenses for such services.

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth, as of the most recent practical date, April 10, 2017 (unless otherwise noted below), 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; (c) the Company’s named executive officers; and (d) all of the Company’s current directors and executive officers as a group.  In computing the number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by each person, we include any shares of Common Stock that could be acquired within 60 days of April 10, 2017 by the exercise of options or the vesting of restricted stock units.  Such shares, however, are not counted in computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Officers and Directors as a group (11 members: 53,571,914 shares or 9.4% in aggregate).

* Except as noted otherwise, the address for each of the named stockholders is 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879.

** Less than 1%.

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1 The mailing address of Brandon Limited Partnership No. 1 (‘‘Brandon No. 1’’) is 56 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YZ England.  The general partners of Brandon No. 1 are Rodney C. Sacks and Hilton H. Schlosberg.

2 The mailing address of Brandon Limited Partnership No. 2 (‘‘Brandon No. 2’’) is 56 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YZ England.  The general partners of Brandon No. 2 are Rodney C. Sacks and Hilton H. Schlosberg.

3 Based on Schedule 13G/A, filed February 14, 2017 by FMR LLC, based on common shares held on December 31, 2016.  The mailing address of this reporting person is 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210.

4 Based on Schedule 13G/A, filed February 12, 2015 by Wellington Management Company, LLP, based on common shares held on December 31, 2014.  The mailing address of this reporting person is 280 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210.

5 Based on Schedule 13D, filed June 22, 2015 by The Coca-Cola Company and European Refreshments, based on common shares held on June 12, 2015, for which they have shared beneficial ownership.  The mailing address of The Coca-Cola Company is One Coca-Cola Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30313.  The mailing address of European Refreshments is Southgate, Dublin Road, Drogheda, County Meath, Ireland.

6 Includes 1,758,765 common shares owned by Mr. Sacks; 5,645,568 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 1 because Mr. Sacks is one of Brandon No. 1’s general partners; 29,386,944 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 2 because Mr. Sacks is one of Brandon No. 2’s general partners; 104,772 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; 214,284 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; 323,700 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; 120,216 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; 568,584 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; 453,444 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; 249,918 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; 505,242 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; 327,186 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners; 1,440,954 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XIII’s general partners; 925,878 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XIV’s general partners; 8,832 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XV’s general partners; 2,249,190 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XVI’s general partners; 231,363 shares beneficially held by the RCS 2009 GRAT #2 because Mr. Sacks is the trustee of the RCS 2009 GRAT #2; and 28,722 shares beneficially held by the HHS 2014 GRAT #2 because Mr. Sacks is the trustee of the HHS 2014 GRAT #2.  Also includes options presently exercisable to purchase 244,851 common shares, exercisable at $5.29 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 2, 2008 between the Company and Mr. Sacks (of which options to purchase 186,228 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 300,000 common shares, exercisable at $5.94 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Sacks (of which options to purchase 283,170 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.) ; options presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days to purchase 630,000 common shares, exercisable at $17.99 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 3, 2013 between the Company and Mr. Sacks (of which options to purchase 210,000 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XV, L.P. and options to purchase 408,882 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 630,000 common shares, exercisable at $23.35 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2014 between the Company and Mr. Sacks (of which options to purchase 420,000 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 158,400 common shares, exercisable at $45.16 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 13, 2015 between the Company and Mr. Sacks (of which options to purchase 79,200 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.) ; and options presently exercisable to purchase 105,000 common shares, exercisable at $43.99 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2016 between the Company and Mr. Sacks.  Mr. Sacks has pledged 581,862 common shares.

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Mr. Sacks disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares deemed beneficially owned by him hereunder except (i) 1,758,765 common shares; (ii) 2,068,251 shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days under the stock option agreements; (iii) 1,048 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; (iv) 2,143 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; (v) 3,237 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; (vi) 1,202 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; (vii) 5,686 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; (viii) 4,534 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; (ix) 2,499 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; (x) 5,052 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; (xi) 3,272 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners; (xii) 14,410 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XIII’s general partners; (xiii) 9,259 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XIV’s general partners;  (xiv) 88 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XV’s general partners and (xv) 22,492 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XVI’s general partners.

7 Includes 3,259,239 common shares owned by Mr. Schlosberg; 5,645,568 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 1 because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Brandon No. 1’s general partners; 29,386,944 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 2 because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Brandon No. 2’s general partners; 104,772 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; 214,284 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; 323,700 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; 120,216 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; 568,584 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; 453,444 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; 249,918 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; 505,242 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; 327,186 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners; 1,440,954 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XIII’s general partners; 925,878 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XIV’s general partners; 8,832 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XV’s general partners; 2,249,190 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XVI’s general partners; 90,204 shares beneficially held by the RCS 2008 GRAT #2 because Mr. Schlosberg is the co-trustee of the RCS 2008 GRAT #2; 105,486 shares beneficially held by the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT because Mr. Schlosberg is the trustee of the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT; 4,836 shares beneficially held by the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT #2 because Mr. Schlosberg is the trustee of the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT #2 and 80,598 shares beneficially held by the RCS Direct 2011 GRAT because Mr. Schlosberg is the trustee of the RCS Direct 2011 GRAT.  Also includes options presently exercisable to purchase 244,851 common shares, exercisable at $5.29 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 2, 2008 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg (of which options to purchase 186,228 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 300,000 common shares, exercisable at $5.94 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg (of which options to purchase 283,170 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 630,000 common shares, exercisable at $17.99 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 3, 2013 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg (of which options to purchase 210,000 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XV, L.P. and options to purchase 408,882 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 630,000 common shares, exercisable at $23.35 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2014 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg (of which options to purchase 420,000 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.); options presently exercisable to purchase 158,400 common shares, exercisable at $45.16 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 13, 2015 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg (of which options to purchase 79,200 common shares are currently held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P.) ; and options presently exercisable to purchase 105,000 common shares, exercisable at $43.99 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2016 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg.  Mr. Schlosberg has pledged 630,963 common shares.

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Mr. Schlosberg disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares deemed beneficially owned by him hereunder except (i) 3,259,239 common shares; (ii) 2,068,251 shares presently exercisable under the stock option agreements; (iii) 1,048 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; (iv) 2,143 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; (v) 3,237 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; (vi) 1,202 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; (vii) 5,686 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; (viii) 4,534 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; (ix) 2,499 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; (x) 5,052 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; (xi) 3,272 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners; (xii) 14,410 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XIII’s general partners; (xiii) 9,259 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XIV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XIV’s general partners; (xiv) 88 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XV’s general partners and (xv) 22,492 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XVI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XVI’s general partners.

8 Includes 2,916 common shares owned by Mr. Fayard.

9 Includes 791,808 common shares owned by Mr. Hall; 30,000 shares beneficially held by the MJCF Hall Family Trust, the beneficiaries of which are Mr. Hall and his spouse; options presently exercisable to purchase 120,000 common shares, exercisable at $45.16 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 13, 2015 between the Company and Mr. Hall; and options presently exercisable to purchase 30,000 common shares, exercisable at $43.99  per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2016 between the Company and Mr. Hall.

10 Includes 18,651 common shares owned by Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 20,250 common shares, exercisable at $15.71 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2013 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 13,500 common shares, exercisable at $23.35 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2014 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 11,250 common shares, exercisable at $37.10 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2014 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 14,400 common shares, exercisable at $45.16 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 13, 2015 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 3,750 common shares, exercisable at $43.99  per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 14, 2016 between the Company and Mr. Kelly;  and 4,500 restricted stock units granted pursuant to a restricted stock unit agreement dated June 1, 2012 between the Company and Mr. Kelly

11 Includes 50,000 common shares owned by Mr. Selati.

12 Includes 18,813 common shares owned by Mr. Epstein; and 24,000 shares beneficially held by Shoreland Investments because Mr. Epstein is one of Shoreland Investment’s general partners.

13 Includes 65,001 common shares owned by Mr. Taber; options presently exercisable to purchase 13,002 common shares, exercisable at $6.40 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 9, 2010 between the Company and Mr. Taber; and options presently exercisable to purchase 7,770 common shares, exercisable at $11.35 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Taber.

14 Includes 23,808 common shares owned by Mr. Polk; options presently exercisable to purchase 13,002 common shares, exercisable at $6.40 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 9, 2010 between the Company and Mr. Polk; and options presently exercisable to purchase 7,770 common shares, exercisable at $11.35 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Polk.

15 Includes 2,916 common shares owned by Ms. Waller.

16 Includes 64,380 common shares owned by Mr. Vidergauz.

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) requires the Company’s directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file by specific dates with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of equity securities of the Company.  Directors, executive officers, and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file.  The Company is required to report in this proxy statement any failure of its directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent stockholders to file by the relevant due date any of these reports during the most recent fiscal year or prior fiscal years.

To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on review of copies of such reports furnished to the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the Company’s directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent stockholders were complied with, except that Harold Taber’s Form 4 filing in June, 2016, inadvertently omitted four transactions gifting a total of 9,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  A Form 4/A was filed in February, 2017 to report ownership of these shares promptly after becoming aware of the omission.

DEADLINES FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Stockholders may present a proper proposal for consideration at the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders by submitting their proposal in writing to the Office of the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal executive offices in a timely manner.

For stockholders who wish to present a proposal to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and for consideration at the 2018 annual meeting, pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, the proposal must be delivered to the Office of the Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices no later than December 29, 2017.  Stockholder proposals must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act.

For stockholders who wish to present a proposal for nominations or other business for consideration at the 2018 annual meeting, but who do not intend for the proposal to be included in our proxy statement, pursuant to the advance notice provisions contained in our by-laws, the proposal must be delivered to the Office of the Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices no earlier than February 19, 2018 and no later than March 21, 2018, provided, however, that in the event that the date of the 2018 annual meeting is more than thirty days before or more than seventy days after the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be so delivered no earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth day prior to the 2018 annual meeting and no later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth day prior to the 2018 annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2018 annual meeting is first made by the Company.

It is presently intended that the 2018 annual meeting will be held in June 2018.

Proposals should be sent to the Office of the Secretary by mail to Monster Beverage Corporation, 1 Monster Way, Corona, California, 92879.

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PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees

The Board is currently comprised of ten members, each of whom is a director nominee to be elected at the Annual Meeting.  Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the Company’s ten nominees named below.  In the event that any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee designated by the present Board to fill the vacancy.  The Company is not aware of any nominee who will be unable or expects to decline to serve as a director.  The term of office of each person elected as a director will continue until the 2018 annual meeting or until a successor has been elected and qualified.

The Board has a director resignation policy.  This policy provides that, in an uncontested election, any incumbent director nominee who receives a greater number of votes “WITHHELD” from his or her election than votes “FOR” his or her election must promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board following certification of the election results.  The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Nominating Committee”) will review the circumstances surrounding the election and recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation.  The Board must act on the tendered resignation.  If such resignation is rejected, the Board must publicly disclose its decision, together with the rationale supporting its decision, within 90 days after certification of the election results.  A copy of the director resignation policy is available on our website at http://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm.

The names of the nominees, and certain biographical information about them, are set forth below.

1 Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

2 Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

3 Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

4 Member of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.

5 Lead Independent Director.

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Each of our directors brings extensive management and leadership experience gained through their service in our industry and other diverse businesses.  In these roles, they have assumed day-to-day leadership or other senior leadership responsibilities.  In addition, most current directors bring board experience acquired by either significant experience on other boards or long service on our Board of Directors that broadens their knowledge of board policies and processes, rules and regulations, issues and solutions.  The Nominating Committee’s process for selecting and nominating qualified director candidates is described under the section entitled “Nominating Committee.” In the paragraphs below, we describe specific individual qualifications and skills of our directors that contribute to the overall effectiveness of our Board of Directors and its committees.

Rodney C. Sacks—Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company from November 1990 to the present.  Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Executive Committee”) since October 1992.  Chairman of the Board of Directors and a director of Monster Energy Company (“MEC”).  Mr. Sacks has led the Company for over 27 years and has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry.  Mr. Sacks has detailed knowledge and valuable perspective and insights regarding our business and has responsibility for development and implementation of our business strategy.

Hilton H. Schlosberg—Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, President, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, and a director of the Company from November 1990 to the present.  Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 1996.  Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors since October 1992.  Vice Chairman, President, Chief Financial Officer and a director of MEC.  Mr. Schlosberg has held senior leadership positions with the Company for over 27 years, has been the Company’s Chief Financial Officer for 21 years and has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry.  Mr. Schlosberg has a high level of financial literacy, and his day-to-day supervision of business operations and co-leadership with Mr. Sacks brings valuable insight to the Board.  Mr. Schlosberg has detailed knowledge and valuable perspective and insights regarding our business and has responsibility for development and implementation of our business strategy.

Mark J. Hall—Director of the Company since January 1, 2014. Employee of MEC focusing on ideation, design and development of new products from May 1, 2017. Chief Marketing Officer of MEC from January 2015 to May 1, 2017, Chief Brand Officer of MEC from January 2014 to December 2014, and President of the Monster Beverage Division from January 2007 to December 2013.  Mr. Hall joined MEC in 1997 as a Senior Vice President.  Prior to joining MEC, Mr. Hall was employed by the Arizona Beverage Co. as Vice President of Sales, where he was responsible for sales and distribution of products through a national network of beer distributors and soft drink bottlers in the United States.  Mr. Hall has detailed knowledge of and valuable perspectives and insights into both our business and the beverage business in general.

Norman C. Epstein—Director of the Company and member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) since June 1992, member of the Nominating Committee since September 2004 and member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) since September 1997.  Mr. Epstein has served as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee since September 1997.  Mr. Epstein served as Chairman of the Audit Committee from September 1997 to February 27, 2015.  Director of MEC from July 1992 to February 2016. Managing Director of Cheval Property Finance PLC, a mortgage finance company based in London, England from 1997 to 2006.  Director of Clermont Consultants UK Ltd. from 1997 to April 2013.  Director of Spring Finance UK, a UK mortgage lender from July 2012 to the present.  Partner with Moore Stephens, an international accounting firm, from 1974 to December 1996 (Senior Partner beginning in 1989 and the Managing Partner of Moore

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Stephens, New York from 1993 until 1995).  Mr. Epstein has a strong background in accounting and finance as well as substantial experience in public company accounting.  Mr. Epstein has substantial experience serving on boards, both the Company’s and others, and has experience in other industries, which allows him to bring additional perspective to the Board.  Mr. Epstein is a Chartered Accountant (UK).

Gary P. Fayard—Director of the Company since June 2015 and member of the Audit Committee since February 2016.  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company from February 2003 to April 2014.  Mr. Fayard joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1994, and in July 1994, he was elected Vice President and Controller, a position he held until December 1999 when he was elected Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Fayard has also served on the board of directors of Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V., the largest bottler in the world of Coca-Cola trademark beverages by unit case volume operating in territories in Mexico, Central and South America and the Philippines, from 2004 to March 2016 and on the board of directors of Genuine Parts Company from 2014 to the present.  Mr. Fayard has a strong background in accounting and finance as well as substantial business and leadership experience in the beverage industry.

Benjamin M. Polk—Director of the Company since November 1990.  Assistant Secretary of MEC from October 1992 to February 2016 and a director of MEC from July 1992 to February 2016.  Partner with Veritas Capital, a private equity firm, since July 2011.  Director of Aeroflex Holding Corp. from November 2012 to September 2014.  Director of CPI International, Inc. from October 2012 to the present.  Director of Truven Health Analytics, Inc. from October 2012 to April 7, 2016.  Mr. Polk was a partner with the law firm of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP from May 2004 to July 2011 and prior to that, a partner with the law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP, where Mr. Polk practiced law with that firm and its predecessor firm, from August 1976 to May 2004.  Mr. Polk has gained detailed knowledge of the Company during his service as a director since 1990 and as outside counsel from 1990 to July 2011.  Mr. Polk has extensive experience in matters relating to mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance.

Sydney Selati—Director of the Company and member of the Audit Committee since September 2004, member of the Compensation Committee since March 2007 and member of the Nominating Committee since April 2009.  Mr. Selati was named Chairman of the Audit Committee on February 27, 2015.  Mr. Selati has been a director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation since July 2010 and has been Chairman of the board of directors of the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation since July 2016.  Mr. Selati was a director of Barbeques Galore Ltd. from 1997 to 2005 and was President and Chairman of the board of directors of The Galore Group (U.S.A.), Inc. from 1988 to 2005.  Mr. Selati was President of Sussex Group Limited from 1984 to 1988.  Mr. Selati has extensive experience as a chief executive and board member of companies in other industries, which allows him to bring additional perspective to the board.  Mr. Selati is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa).

Harold C. Taber, Jr.—Director of the Company since July 1992, member of the Audit Committee since April 2000, member of the Compensation Committee from April 2009 to March 2017 and member of the Nominating Committee since September 2004.  Mr. Taber was appointed by the Board of Directors to be Chairman of the Nominating Committee in April 2009.  Mr. Taber worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Los Angeles in various positions from 1976 to 1987, including Group President, West Region.  President and Chief Executive Officer of MEC from July 1992 to June 1997.  Consultant for The Joseph Company from October 1997 to March 1999 and for Costa Macaroni Manufacturing Company from July 2000 to January 2002.  Executive Assistant to the Dean at the Biola University School of Business from July 2002 to January 2015.  Mr. Taber has extensive knowledge of the Company’s historical and current operations and brings leadership and management skills to the Board.

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Kathy N. Waller—Director of the Company since June 2015.  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company from April 2014 to the present.  Ms. Waller joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1987 as a Senior Accountant in the Accounting Research Department and has served in a number of accounting and finance roles of increasing responsibility.  From July 2004 to August 2009, Ms. Waller served as Chief of Internal Audit.  In December 2005, she was elected a Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company and in August 2009 she was elected Controller.  In August 2013, she became Vice President, Finance and Controller of The Coca-Cola Company, assuming additional responsibilities for corporate treasury, corporate tax and finance capabilities.  Ms. Waller also serves on the board of directors of Coca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V., from April 2014 and on the board of directors of Delta Airlines, Inc. from July 2015.  Ms. Waller has a strong background in accounting and finance as well as substantial business and leadership experience in the beverage industry.

Mark S. Vidergauz—Director of the Company and member of the Compensation Committee since June 1998, member of the Audit Committee from April 2000 through May 2004, and Lead Independent Director since March 2014.  Chief Executive Officer of The Sage Group LLC, an investment banking firm, from April 2000 to the present.  The Sage Group, LLC provides merger, acquisition and capital formation advisory services to a wide range of companies in the consumer sector.  Managing Director at the Los Angeles office of ING Barings LLC, a diversified financial service institution headquartered in the Netherlands, from April 1995 to April 2000.  Mr. Vidergauz brings strong merger and acquisition, corporate finance, corporate governance and leadership experience to the board.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR SET FORTH ABOVE.

MANAGEMENT

Board Meetings and Committees; Annual Meeting Attendance

The Board is comprised of Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, Mark J. Hall, Norman C. Epstein, Gary P. Fayard, Benjamin M. Polk, Sydney Selati, Harold C. Taber, Jr., Kathy N. Waller and Mark S. Vidergauz.  The Board held six meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  Each director attended the annual meeting held on June 14, 2016.  During the 2016 period in which he or she was a director, each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and Board committees in which he or she was a member.  The Board has determined that Messrs. Epstein, Fayard, Polk, Selati, Taber and Vidergauz are independent, as that term is defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and SEC regulations.  Our independent directors met in executive session four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  The executive sessions include reviewing and assessing succession plans for the Chief Executive Officer, President and other key members of executive management. The Board does not have a policy requiring the attendance by the directors at the Annual Meeting.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Audit Committee was comprised of Norman C. Epstein (Chairman until February 27, 2015), Harold C. Taber, Jr. and Sydney Selati (Chairman since February 27, 2015).  The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is available on our website at http://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm.  The Audit Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  The Audit Committee last met in February 2017 in connection with the review of the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  See “Audit Committee” below for more information.

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During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Compensation Committee was comprised of Norman C. Epstein (Chairman), Mark S. Vidergauz, Sydney Selati and Harold C. Taber, Jr.  The Compensation Committee held three meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  Under  the Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan, (the “2011 Incentive Plan”), the Compensation Committee has sole and exclusive authority to grant equity awards to all employees and consultants 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 each independently has the authority to grant awards for new hires and promotions for employees who are not Section 16 employees.  The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, which is available on our website at http://investors. monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm.  The Board has adopted written Equity Grant Procedures(see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Program Components - Long-Term Incentive Program” and “Compensation Committee” below for more information).

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Nominating Committee was comprised of Harold C. Taber, Jr. (Chairman), Norman C. Epstein and Sydney Selati.  The Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee, which is available on our website at http://investors. monsterbevcorp. com/governance.cfm.  The Nominating Committee held two meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (see “Nominating Committee” below for more information).

The Executive Committee, comprised of Rodney C. Sacks and Hilton H. Schlosberg, held eighteen meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  The Executive Committee manages and directs the business of the Company between meetings of the Board.  Under the 2011 Incentive Plan, each of the Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee of the Board independently has the authority to grant awards for new hires and promotions for employees who are not Section 16 employees.  Awards granted by the Executive Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board or the Compensation Committee (see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Program Components - Long-Term Incentive Program” below for more information).

Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Policy

The Board has adopted stock ownership requirements for non-employee directors.  These requirements provide that each non-employee director of the Company has three years from the date of appointment to satisfy the minimum stock ownership requirement and hold a minimum of 9,000 shares of Common Stock.  During 2016, all non-employee directors complied with the non-employee director stock ownership policy.  See “Proposal Three - Approval of Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors” below.

Director Resignation Policy

The Board has a director resignation policy.  This policy provides that, in an uncontested election, any incumbent director nominee who receives a greater number of votes “WITHHELD” from his or her election than votes “FOR” his or her election must promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board following certification of the election results.  The Nominating Committee will review the circumstances surrounding the election and recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation.  The Board must act on the tendered resignation.  If such resignation is rejected, the Board must publicly disclose its decision, together with the rationale supporting its decision, within 90 days after certification of the election results.  A copy of the director resignation policy is available on our website at http://investors. monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm.

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Board Leadership Structure

The Board of Directors does not have a policy on whether or not the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board should be separate and, if they are to be separate, whether the Chairman of the Board should be selected from the non-employee directors or be an employee.  The Board of Directors believes that it should be free to make a choice from time to time in any manner that is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.  The Board believes that the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer is best situated to serve as Chairman of the Board.  Rodney C. Sacks has led the Company for over 27 years and therefore is highly knowledgeable with respect to the Company’s business, operations and industry.  Mr. Sacks is well positioned to identify strategic priorities and lead the Board’s consideration and analysis of such priorities.  The Board believes that the combined role of Chairman and CEO promotes consistency and efficiency in the development and execution of the Company’s business strategy.

Lead Independent Director

In March 2014, the independent directors of the Board approved a Lead Independent Director Charter.  Under the Lead Independent Director Charter, if the offices of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer are held by the same person, the independent members of the Board of Directors will annually elect with a majority vote an independent director to serve in a lead capacity.  Although elected annually, the Lead Independent Director is generally expected to serve for more than one year.  The Lead Independent Director may be removed or replaced at any time with or without cause by a majority vote of the independent members of the Board.

Mr. Vidergauz is currently the Lead Independent Director.  In this capacity, Mr. Vidergauz is, among other things, responsible for leading executive sessions of the independent directors and serving as the principal liaison between the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the independent directors.  A copy of the Lead Independent Director Charter is available on our website at http://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/ governance.cfm.

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

The Board of Directors plays an active role in overseeing and managing the Company’s risks.  The full Board and its Executive Committee regularly review the Company’s results, performance, operations, competitive position, business strategy, liquidity, capital resources, product distribution and development, material contingencies and senior personnel, as well as the risks associated with each of these matters.  The Board implements its risk oversight function both as a whole and through its standing committees.  Certain of the work is delegated to committees, which meet regularly and report back to the full Board.  The Compensation Committee oversees management of risks related to the Company’s compensation policies and practices.  The Audit Committee oversees management of risks related to financial reporting and internal controls.  The full Board also discusses risk throughout the year during meetings in relation to specific proposed actions including risks related to cybersecurity.  These processes are designed to ensure that risks are taken knowingly and purposefully.  The Board believes that its role in oversight of risk management (as well as the role of the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee) has not adversely affected its leadership structure or results of operations.

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The names and ages of our named executive officers at December 31, 2016, who we refer to as our NEOs, and certain biographical information about them, are set forth on page 12 and below.

1Mark J. Hall resigned from his position as Chief Marketing Officer of MEC, effective May 1, 2017. Mr. Hall will continue to serve as an employee of the MEC, focusing on ideation, design and development of new products.

Thomas J. Kelly – Senior Vice President Finance and/or Controller and Secretary of MEC since 1992.  In his position as Senior Vice President Finance, Mr. Kelly frequently reports directly to the Executive Committee and our Board of Directors.  Prior to joining MEC, Mr. Kelly served as controller for California Copackers Corporation.  Mr. Kelly is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and has worked in the beverage business for over 31 years.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Philosophy

Our executive compensation program for our NEOs, as described in the following pages, is designed to emphasize equity compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units in addition to cash compensation as a means of motivating and retaining executive talent, rewarding executives fairly over time for performance relative to business plan goals and creating sustainable shareholder value through continued profitable growth.  The program is designed to reinforce ownership and overall entrepreneurialism and to link rewards to measurable corporate and qualitative individual performance.  The program is based on principles and is not formulaic in its approach.  When making compensation decisions, the Company’s performance versus its internal goals and external benchmarks are considered.  Consideration is also given to operating performance and shareholder returns, as well each NEO’s role in enhancing operating performance and shareholder returns.  In applying these principles we integrate cash and equity incentive compensation programs with our short- and long-term strategic plans in order to align the interests of our NEOs with the long-term interests of our stockholders.  The Compensation Committee annually evaluates risks and rewards associated with the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and structure and does not believe the program promotes excessive risk-taking.

With respect to specific elements of compensation, base salary is a fixed amount to secure executive service, the annual cash bonus opportunity is designed to incentivize and reward achievement of short-term financial and operating performance, and equity grants that vest over multi-year periods are designed to reward long-term financial and stock price performance as well as serve as a key retention vehicle for our executive talent. While the Compensation Committee intends for compensation levels to be competitive relative to similarly-situated executives at companies of comparable size and scope of operations, no specific market positioning or percentile is targeted as a matter of practice.

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Setting Executive Compensation

The compensation programs for our NEOs are generally administered by or under the direction of the Compensation Committee (in the case of Rodney Sacks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Hilton Schlosberg, the Vice Chairman and President) and the Executive Committee (in the case of the other NEOs).  The compensation program is benchmarked annually to ensure that remuneration levels and benefits are competitive and reasonable and continue to achieve the goals set forth in our compensation philosophy.  In reviewing the compensation for Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg, the Compensation Committee recognizes that Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg serve as our co-leaders.  Given the long-term complementary nature of their leadership and their contributions to our success, the Compensation Committee has determined it is appropriate to continue to compensate them equally.

For 2016 compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee retained the independent compensation consulting firm, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“FW Cook”), to provide competitive market data and make recommendations to the Board with respect to compensation for non-employee directors, to the Compensation Committee with respect to compensation for Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg and to the Executive Committee with respect to compensation for our other NEOs and senior management.  FW Cook reports directly to the Compensation Committee and did not perform any other services for the Company in 2016.  Following an independence assessment of FW Cook during 2016, the Compensation Committee determined that the services provided by FW Cook did not raise any conflicts of interest.

The Compensation Committee considers relevant market pay practices and individual and Company performance when setting executive compensation.  We do not set compensation at a targeted percentile level relative to the market, but we seek to provide salary, incentive compensation opportunities and employee benefits that are generally competitive within the consumer products industry, the food and beverage industry and within the labor markets in which we participate.  Within this framework, we generally seek to keep salary and cash bonuses below the median for our NEOs, with equity awards providing enhanced compensation opportunities.  We gather market compensation data to provide context, but we also consider Company and individual performance, as well as our recruiting and internal retention experience when making executive compensation decisions.

The Compensation Committee consulted with FW Cook in late 2015 to conduct a 2016 competitive market analysis (the “Early 2016 Market Analysis”) using a comparison group of similarly-sized, high-performing U.S. food and beverage and consumer products companies (the “Early 2016 Peers”).  As market compensation levels are correlated to revenues for cash compensation and market capitalization for equity compensation, the Compensation Committee selects its peer companies using objective size criteria for each metric.  For the Early 2016 Peers, and based on the Company’s size at that time, the size criteria used for the peer group screening were revenues less than $20.0 billion and market capitalizations between $7.5 billion and $120 billion (25% to 400% of the Company’s market capitalization, consistent with broad market practice). The Early 2016 Peers were the same as the peers referenced in 2015 with the exceptions of the removal of Nu Skin and Whitewave Foods (which were no longer within the objective size criteria described above) and the addition of L Brands, PVH, Starbucks, V.F. Corporation and Yum! Brands. The resulting Early 2016 Peers composed of 21 companies is shown below:

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The Early 2016 Market Analysis was considered in determining the NEOs’ 2016 compensation.

In December 2016, subsequent to FW Cook’s review of the Early 2016 Peers, the Committee removed Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. and Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., resulting in the 19-company Late 2016 Peer Group (the “Late 2016 Peers”).  As such, compensation and performance data of the Late 2016 Peers were considered in determining 2016 bonuses and 2017 base salaries for our NEOs.

Taking into consideration the Early 2016 Market Analysis, the Compensation Committee set Mr. Sacks’ and Mr. Schlosberg’s 2016 cash compensation below the median of the Early 2016 Peers, and granted above-median equity compensation to them, with the result that their total compensation was roughly consistent with the Early 2016 Peers 75th percentile.  The Early 2016 Market Analysis noted that the performance of the Company was above the median in three-year revenue and earnings per share (“EPS”) growth, return on capital, and both one- and three-year Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”).  This level of operating and TSR performance, which was considered significant by the Compensation Committee, was factored into the compensation decisions.  The peer group data is only one reference point used by us when making compensation decisions.  However, we generally believe that reviewing and analyzing this pay and performance information is an important component of our executive compensation decision-making process.

The Company historically did not grant equity awards annually to Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg, but instead provided periodic equity awards to align their compensation with performance on a discretionary basis.  Equity awards were granted to Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg in 2013 to reward them for the Company’s strong performance in 2011 and 2012 to further align their interests with our stockholders.  Beginning in 2014, the Company moved to an annual grant philosophy to overlap vesting and provide a portfolio of vesting dates (and, for stock option awards, exercise prices) for equity awards.  The 2016 option and restricted stock unit awards granted to Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg were made under this annual grant philosophy as well as to reward for the Company’s continued strong performance in 2015 and further align their interests with our stockholders.  Recent equity awards granted to Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg vest over a three-year period with the exception of certain stock awards granted in March 2016 and 2017, which were granted in lieu of a portion of 2015 and 2016 cash bonuses, and as a result, were fully vested at grant to equate to a cash award.

Compensation decisions for Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hall were discretionary and not based on specific performance targets.  However, the Company considered FW Cook’s competitive market analysis for guidance in determining the total compensation for Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hall.  The compensation levels for Mr. Kelly and Mr. Hall were generally set relative to the market data in a manner similar to Mr. Sacks’ and Mr. Schlosberg’s, with below-median salaries and cash bonuses offset by above-median long-term equity compensation value through stock options to emphasize continued shareholder growth and to recognize that options have been an effective incentive for motivating performance.  Recent equity awards granted to Mr. Hall vest over a three- or five-year period. Recent equity awards granted to Mr. Kelly vest over a five-year period.

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We view all components of compensation as related but distinct.  We determine the appropriate level for each compensation component, based in part, but not exclusively, on competitive benchmarks gathered through our recruitment and retention experience, our review of internal comparatives as well as other considerations we deem relevant, such as rewarding for individual as well as for corporate performance.  We believe that equity awards effectively reward for long-term performance and are an important compensation-related motivator to attract and retain executives through the vesting periods and promote sharing in the value they create.  Except as described herein, neither our Compensation Committee nor our Executive Committee have adopted any formal or informal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between short-term and long-term and current compensation between cash and non-cash compensation.  However, our Compensation Committee and Executive Committee’s respective philosophy is that a greater percentage of our NEOs’ compensation should be rewarded in long-term equity rather than short-term cash, and we believe that this philosophy has benefited our long-term performance by attracting, retaining, and motivating a long-tenured NEO group that has built significant long-term value for our shareholders.  Compensation packages for each of our NEOs are tailored to each individual NEO’s circumstances by the Compensation Committee and/or the Executive Committee, as appropriate, and are largely based on subjective evaluations of Company and individual performance.  Each element of compensation is determined differently for each individual NEO, based on a variety of facts and circumstances applicable at the time and specific to that NEO.

Our Compensation Committee and Executive Committee perform an annual strategic review of compensation paid to our NEOs to determine whether they have provided adequate incentives and motivation to such NEOs, and whether they adequately compensate our NEOs relative to comparable officers in other companies with which we compete for executives.  For compensation decisions, including decisions regarding the grant of equity compensation relating to NEOs, other than our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Vice Chairman and President, the Compensation Committee specifically considers recommendations from the Executive Committee.

Results of 2016 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

At our 2016 annual meeting of Stockholders, 86.5% of the votes cast were in favor of our advisory resolution regarding the compensation of our NEOs.  The Compensation Committee believes this affirms the stockholders’ support of the Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy with respect to executive compensation.  No changes were made to the compensation program for NEOs as a direct response to the result of the vote. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the results of future advisory votes on executive compensation.

Compensation Program Components

Our NEO compensation currently has three primary components: base compensation or salary, annual cash bonus, and equity awards granted pursuant to our 2011 Incentive Plan.

Each of the primary components of NEO compensation is discussed below.

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Base Salary

Base salaries for our NEOs are established based on the scope of their individual responsibilities, taking into account competitive market remuneration paid by other companies for individuals in similar positions.  We set NEO base compensation at levels which we believe enable us to retain individuals in a competitive environment (but without any fixed formula) and reward performance based upon contributions to our overall business goals.  We may also utilize input on compensation from compensation consultants, executive search firms and market data when making crucial hiring decisions.

The Compensation Committee of the Board determines the base salaries for Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg and the Executive Committee (comprised of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and President) determines the base salaries for the other NEOs.

For 2016, the annual base salary for each of Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg were increased from $625,000 to $700,000 to align their base salaries with approximately the 20th percentile of our Early 2016 Peers.  For 2016, Mr. Hall’s annual base salary was increased from $500,000 to $550,000 to align his base salary with our peer group.  For 2016, Mr. Kelly’s annual base salary was increased from $300,000 to $330,000 to align his base salary with our peer group.

Annual Cash Bonus Opportunity

We provide incentive compensation to our NEOs partly in the form of a discretionary annual cash bonus based on a qualitative review of individual and company-wide financial and operational performance, consistent with our emphasis on pay-for-performance incentive compensation programs.  The Compensation Committee determines the annual bonuses for Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg and the Executive Committee (comprised of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the Vice Chairman and President) determines the annual bonuses for the other NEOs.

The 2016 cash bonuses were not determined in a formulaic manner.  In determining 2016 bonus awards, our Compensation Committee and Executive Committee considered all of our performance achievements and reviewed various strategic factors, including sales revenues, high relative profit growth, distribution levels, introduction of new products, corporate partnerships, overall operating performance, contribution margins, profitability and TSR, which are used as a broad guide of overall performance.  We generally utilize annual cash bonuses to reward performance for the time horizon of one year.  Consistent with the Company’s strategy of focusing on long-term equity over short-term cash compensation, the bonus payments have been relatively low compared to our peer group.

The actual amount of the annual bonus is determined and paid in the first quarter following a qualitative review of each NEO’s individual performance and contribution to our strategic goals during the prior year.  The 2016 bonus awards for each of Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg were $833,456, $325,000 for Mr. Hall and $165,000 for Mr. Kelly.  In early 2017, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg were each awarded 5,910 fully vested shares of stock valued at $273,456; this stock grant represented approximately one-third of their total bonus payout for 2016.  The purpose of paying a portion of their 2016 bonus in equity was to increase the alignment of their interests with shareholders.  The remaining portion of their 2016 bonus awards, and the full 2016 bonus awards for the other NEOs, were paid in cash.

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Long-Term Incentive Program

We believe that long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages superior performance by our NEOs through the use of equity awards and, as a result, the compensation program emphasizes equity awards over cash compensation.  Our equity compensation plans have been established to provide our NEOs with incentives to further align their interests with the interests of the stockholders and such interests are aligned through the granting of options and restricted stock units.  Equity compensation to our NEOs generally vests over three to five years.  Stock options are our preferred form of long-term incentive compensation because we believe they are simple, tax-deferred, and inherently performance-based with value earned only if the price of our common stock appreciates after the options are granted.  In 2016, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg were granted an equal, value-based mix of options and restricted stock units in order to provide a growth incentive as well as a long-term employment retention incentive.

The Compensation Committee of the Board reviews and approves equity awards to our NEOs based upon compensation data principally gathered through a market analysis conducted by our independent compensation consultants, our recruiting and retention experience, our qualitative assessment of individual performance, as well as a review of each NEO’s current long-term incentives and retention considerations.

On March 14, 2016, the NEOs were granted the following number of non-qualified stock option grants with a per share exercise price of $43.99, the fair market value of a share of our stock on the date of grant, as determined under the 2011 Incentive Plan: Mr. Sacks – 315,000 options; Mr. Schlosberg – 315,000 options; Mr. Hall – 90,000 options; and Mr. Kelly – 37,500 options.  The options granted to each of Mr. Sacks, Mr. Schlosberg and Mr. Hall vest in three equal annual installments on each of March 14, 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to their continued employment through each vesting date.  The options granted to Mr. Kelly vest in five installments as follows: 3,750 shares on March 14, 2017; 5,625 shares on March 14, 2018; 7,500 shares on March 14, 2019; 9,375 shares on March 14, 2020; and 11,250 shares on March 14, 2021, subject to his continued employment through each vesting date.

On March 14, 2016, each of Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg were granted 117,000 restricted stock units that vest in three equal annual installments on each of March 14, 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to their  continued employment through each vesting date.

On December 1, 2016, Mr. Hall and Mr. Kelly were granted the following number of non-qualified stock option grants with a per share exercise price of $43.64, the fair market value of a share of our stock on the date of grant, as determined under the 2011 Incentive Plan: Mr. Hall – 100,000 options; and Mr. Kelly – 40,000 options.  The options granted to Mr. Hall vest in five equal annual installments on each of December 1, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, subject to the his continued employment through each vesting date. The options granted to Mr. Kelly vest in five installments as follows: 4,000 shares on December 1, 2017; 6,000 shares on December 1, 2018; 8,000 shares on December 1, 2019; 10,000 shares on December 1, 2020; 12,000 shares on December 1, 2021, subject to his continued employment through each vesting date.

In December 2016, we adopted the Monster Beverage Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) as a sub plan to our 2011 Incentive Plan, pursuant to which eligible employees may elect to defer cash and/or equity based compensation and to receive the deferred amounts, together with an investment return (positive or negative), in the future.  No deferrals were made for 2016 compensation.

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Other Compensation

Certain NEOs who are parties to employment agreements will continue to be subject to such agreements in their current form based on the terms of such agreements, or upon renewal should the Compensation Committee determine in its discretion that revisions to such employment agreements are recommended.  For a summary description of the terms of these agreements, see “Discussion of Summary Compensation Table - Agreements with Named Executive Officers” below.

In addition, we intend to continue to maintain our current benefits and perquisites for our NEOs.  The perquisites include payment of the cost and expense for personal use of a Company automobile and the payment of benefit premiums under certain employee benefit plans. In addition, pursuant to their employment agreements, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg are entitled to receive initial and annual fees and all other reasonable expenses relating to membership in up to two business or social clubs selected by the executive.  However, the Compensation Committee in its discretion may revise, amend or add to such NEO’s benefits and perquisites if it deems it advisable.  We believe these benefits and perquisites are currently in line with those provided by comparable companies within the consumer products industry, the food and beverage industry and within the labor markets in which we participate, for similarly situated executives, based principally on information gathered through our recruiting and retention experience.

Employee Benefit Plans

Our employees, including our NEOs, are entitled to various employee benefits, which generally include health care plans, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance, 401(k) Plan, paid time off, automobile benefits, as well as other allowances.

401(k) Plan

Our employees, including our NEOs, may participate in our 401(k) Plan, a defined contribution plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Participating employees may contribute up to statutory limits.  We make discretionary matching contributions, and currently (from January 1, 2016) match 50% of our employee contributions, up to 6% of each employee’s earnings on a per pay period basis, which vest at a rate of 25% upon completion of two years of service, 50% upon completion of three years of service and 100% upon completion of four years of service.

Separation and Change in Control Arrangements

Certain of our NEOs, per the terms of their respective employment agreements and/or equity award agreements, are eligible for certain benefits and/or payments if there is a change in control and/or a termination of their employment, as described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 30.

We believe these arrangements are an important part of overall compensation and will help to secure the continued employment and dedication of our NEOs prior to or following a change in control, notwithstanding any concern that they may have at such time regarding their own future and continued employment.  In addition, we believe that these arrangements are an important recruitment and retention incentive.  These arrangements do not provide for tax gross ups.

Tax Implications

The taxation and accounting consequences of our executive officer compensation programs were not material factors in our decisions in establishing or administering our executive officer compensation programs for fiscal year 2016.  We retain the discretion to structure compensation in ways that may result in less than full deductibility, that may not maximize tax savings, and that may not minimize the accounting cost to the Company.

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the total compensation of our NEOs during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, our NEOs were Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, Mark J. Hall and Thomas J. Kelly.

(1)               The amounts represent the current year grant date fair value for all share-based payment awards computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718 based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the following assumptions:

(A)     All Other Compensation

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Discussion of Summary Compensation Table

Agreements with Named Executive Officers:

Rodney C. Sacks – On March 18, 2014, we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Sacks (the “Sacks Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Sacks renders services as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  Under the Sacks Employment Agreement, Mr. Sacks’ annual base salary will be reviewed annually and increased at the discretion of our Board.  Mr. Sacks is eligible to receive an annual bonus in an amount determined at the discretion of our Board as well as certain fringe benefits.  The employment period of this agreement commenced on January 1, 2014 and continues through December 31, 2018, subject to automatic one year renewal periods beginning on December 31, 2018, unless notice of intent to not renew is given by either us or Mr. Sacks by June 30, 2018 or any subsequent June 30, as may be applicable.  Under the Sacks Employment Agreement, Mr. Sacks is subject to a confidentiality covenant and a six-month post-termination non-competition covenant.  The Sacks Employment Agreement is subject to termination (i) upon the death or disability of Mr. Sacks, (ii) voluntarily by Mr. Sacks on 90 days’ written notice, (iii) for Cause (as defined therein) by us, or (iv) upon Constructive Termination (as defined therein) by Mr. Sacks.  The severance provisions in the Sacks Employment Agreement are discussed in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section below.  Since January 1, 2009, we have entered into certain equity compensation agreements with Mr. Sacks as disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.

Hilton H. Schlosberg – On March 18, 2014, we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Schlosberg (the “Schlosberg Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Schlosberg renders services as our Vice Chairman, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  Under the Schlosberg Employment Agreement, Mr. Schlosberg’s annual base salary will be reviewed annually and increased at the discretion of our Board.  Mr. Schlosberg is eligible to receive an annual bonus in an amount determined at the discretion of our Board as well as certain fringe benefits.  The employment period of this agreement commenced on January 1, 2014 and continues through December 31, 2018, subject to automatic one year renewal periods beginning on December 31, 2018, unless notice of intent to not renew is given by either us or Mr. Schlosberg by June 30, 2018 or any subsequent June 30, as may be applicable.  Under the Schlosberg Employment Agreement, Mr. Schlosberg is subject to a confidentiality covenant and a six-month post-termination non-competition covenant.  The Schlosberg Employment Agreement is subject to termination (i) upon the death or disability of Mr. Schlosberg, (ii) voluntarily by Mr. Schlosberg on 90 days’ written notice, (iii) for Cause (as defined therein) by us, or (iv) upon Constructive Termination (as defined therein) by Mr. Schlosberg.  The severance provisions in the Schlosberg Employment Agreement are discussed in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section below.  Since January 1, 2009, we have entered into certain equity compensation agreements with Mr. Schlosberg as disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.

Mark J. Hall – On October 28, 2013, Mr. Hall entered into an agreement (the “Hall 2013 Agreement”) with MEC.  Pursuant to the Hall 2013 Agreement, Mr. Hall agreed to serve as a member of the Board for at least one year, effective January 1, 2014.  Effective January 1, 2014, Mr. Hall resigned as President of the Monster Beverage Division and was appointed Chief Brand Officer of MEC.

On March 12, 2015, Mr. Hall entered into a new employment agreement (the “Hall 2015 Agreement”) with MEC.  The Hall 2015 Agreement documented Mr. Hall’s position change from Chief Brand Officer to Chief Marketing Officer of MEC on a full-time basis, effective as of January 1, 2015.  As Chief Marketing Officer of MEC, Mr. Hall received an annual base salary of $550,000 in 2016.  Mr. Hall is

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also eligible to receive an annual bonus in an amount to be determined at the discretion of our Executive Committee.  The Hall 2015 Agreement provides that Mr. Hall’s employment as Chief Marketing Officer of MEC is of an at-will nature, for no specified period of time.  Pursuant to the Hall 2015 Agreement, if Mr. Hall’s employment with MEC is terminated without cause, Mr. Hall will be entitled to receive three months of severance pay (or severance pay as negotiated between the parties), subject to certain restrictions, as well as all applicable employee benefits of MEC during such three-month period. On April 21, 2017, Mark J. Hall resigned from his position as Chief Marketing Officer of MEC, effective May 1, 2017.  Mr. Hall will continue to serve as an employee of MEC, focusing on ideation, design and development of new products and will continue as a Director of the Company. Since January 1, 2009, we have entered into certain equity compensation agreements with Mr. Hall as disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.

Thomas J. Kelly – Mr. Kelly’s employment is “at will” and thus may be terminated at any time for any or no reason.  Mr. Kelly received an annual base salary of $330,000 in 2016.  Mr. Kelly is eligible to receive an annual bonus in an amount determined at the discretion of our Executive Committee as well as certain fringe benefits.  Since January 1, 2009, we have entered into certain equity compensation agreements with Mr. Kelly as disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table summarizes grants of plan-based awards granted to our NEOs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

(1)         The amounts represent the current year grant date fair value for all share-based payment awards computed in accordance with ASC 718.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes the outstanding equity awards held by our NEOs at December 31, 2016.

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(1) Vest as follows: 210,000 on March 14, 2017

(2) Vest as follows: 38,100 on March 13, 2017; 38,100 on March 13, 2018

(3) Vest as follows: 79,200 on March 13, 2017; 79,200 on March 13, 2018

(4) Vest as follows: 39,000 on March 14, 2017; 39,000 on March 14 2018; 39,000 on March 14, 2019

(5) Vest as follows: 105,000 on March 14, 2017; 105,000 on March 14, 2018; 105,000 on March 14, 2019

(6) Vest as follows: 75,000 on March 14, 2017; 90,000 on March 14, 2018

(7) Vest as follows: 18,000 on March 14, 2017; 22,500 on March 14, 2018; 27,000 on March 14, 2019

(8) Vest as follows: 60,000 on March 13, 2017; 60,000 on March 13, 2018; 60,000 on March 13, 2019; 60,000 on March 13, 2020

(9) Vest as follows: 30,000 on March 14, 2017; 30,000 on March 14, 2018; 30,000 on March 14, 2019

(10) Vest as follows: 20,000 on December 1, 2017; 20,000 on December 1, 2018; 20,000 on December 1, 2019; 20,000 on December 1, 2020; 20,000 on December 1, 2021

(11) Vest as follows: 4,500 on June 1, 2017

(12) Vest as follows: 11,250 on March 14, 2017; 13,500 on March 14, 2018

(13) Vest as follows: 6,000 on March 14, 2017; 7,500 on March 14, 2018; 9,000 on March 14, 2019

(14) Vest as follows: 1,500 on December 1, 2017

(15) Vest as follows: 9,000 on December 1, 2017; 11,250 on December 1, 2018; 13,500 on December 1, 2019

(16) Vest as follows: 7,200 on March 13, 2017; 7,200 on March 13, 2018; 7,200 March 13, 2019; 7,200 March 13, 2020

(17) Vest as follows: 3,750 on March 14, 2017; 5,625 on March 14, 2018; 7,500 on March 14, 2019; 9,375 on March 14, 2020; 11,250 on March 14, 2021

(18) Vest as follows: 4,000 on December 1, 2017; 6,000 on December 1, 2018; 8,000 on December 1, 2019; 10,000 on December 1, 2020; 12,000 on December 1, 2021

Options Exercised and Stock Vested

The following table summarizes exercise of stock options and stock vested by our NEOs during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

(1)       The value realized upon the exercise of the stock options reflect the number of options multiplied by the difference between the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of the exercise and the exercise price of the options.

(2)       The value realized upon vesting of the stock awards is based on the closing stock price of our common stock on the date the awards vested.

Pension Benefits

We do not maintain or make contributions to a defined benefit plan for any of our NEOs.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

As of December 31, 2016, none of our NEOs participated or have account balances in non-qualified defined contribution plans or other deferred compensation plans maintained by us.  The Compensation Committee may elect to provide our NEOs or other employees with non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation benefits should they deem such benefits appropriate. In December 2016, we adopted the Deferred Compensation Plan as a sub plan to our 2011 Incentive Plan, pursuant to which eligible employees may elect to defer cash and/or equity based compensation and to receive the deferred amounts, together with an investment return (positive or negative), in the future.  Deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan are unfunded and unsecured.  No deferrals were made for 2016 compensation.

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

We have entered into certain agreements and maintain certain plans that may require us to make certain payments and/or provide certain benefits to our NEOs in the event of a termination of their employment or a change of control.  The following tables and narrative disclosure summarize the potential payments to each of our NEOs assuming that one of the events listed in the tables below occurs.  The tables assume that the event occurred on December 31, 2016, the last day of our fiscal year.

Key Employment Agreement and Equity Award Agreement Definitions

For purposes of the Sacks Employment Agreement and the Schlosberg Employment Agreement described in this section, “cause” (under which we may terminate their employment) is defined as: (i) an act or acts of dishonesty or gross misconduct on the executive’s part which results or is intended to result in material damage to our business or reputation; or (ii) repeated material violations by the executive of his obligations relating to his position and duties, which violations are demonstrably willful and deliberate on the executive’s part and which result in material damage to our business or reputation and as to which material violations our Board has notified the executive in writing.

For purposes of the Sacks Employment Agreement and the Schlosberg Employment Agreement described in this section, “constructive termination” (under which they may terminate their employment) is defined as: (i) without the written consent of the executive, (A) the assignment to the executive of any duties inconsistent in any substantial respect with the executive’s position, authority or responsibilities as contemplated by the position and duties described in his employment agreement, or (B) any other substantial adverse change in such position, including titles, authority or responsibilities; (ii) any failure by us to comply with any of the provisions of his employment agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure, remedied by us promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the executive; (iii) our requiring the executive without his consent to be based at any office location outside of Riverside County, California or Orange County, California, except for travel reasonably required in the performance of the executive’s responsibilities; or (iv) any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement by a successor entity to perform his employment agreement, provided that the successor entity has had actual written notice of the existence of his employment agreement and its terms and an opportunity to assume the Company’s responsibilities under his employment agreement during a period of 10 business days after receipt of such notice.

For purposes of the Sacks Employment Agreement and the Schlosberg Employment Agreement described in this section, “disability” is defined as any disability which would entitle the executive to receive full long-term disability benefits under our long-term disability plan, or if no such plan will then be in effect, any physical or mental disability or incapacity which renders the executive incapable of performing the services and obligations required of him relating to the executive’s position and duties for a period of more than 120 days in the aggregate during any 12-month period during the employment period.

For purposes of the restricted stock unit agreements with Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg, “good reason” is defined as termination of employment on or after a reduction in his compensation or benefits, his removal from his current position, or his being assigned duties and responsibilities that are inconsistent with the dignity, importance or scope of his position.

For purposes of the restricted stock unit agreements with Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg, “cause” is defined as an act of fraud or dishonesty, knowing and material failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, or drug or alcohol abuse, in any case as determined by the Board.

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For purposes of the stock option agreements with Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg, “change in control” is defined as: (i) the acquisition of “Beneficial Ownership” by any person (as defined in rule 13(d)–3 under the Exchange Act), corporation or other entity other than us or a wholly-owned subsidiary  of ours of 20% or more of our outstanding stock; (ii) the sale or disposition of substantially all of our assets; or (iii) our merger with another corporation in which our Common Stock is no longer outstanding after such merger.

For purposes of the stock option agreements with Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg, “cause” (under which we may terminate their employment) is defined as the individual’s act of fraud or dishonesty, knowing and material failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or drug or alcohol abuse; and good reason (under which they may terminate their employment) is defined as a reduction in the individual’s compensation or benefits, the individual’s removal from his current position or the assignment to the individual of duties or responsibilities that are inconsistent with the dignity, importance or scope of his position with us.

For purposes of all the stock option agreements, “total disability” is defined as the complete and permanent inability of the executive to perform all his duties of employment with us.

For purposes of the Hall 2015 Agreement, “good cause” (under which we may terminate employment with no obligation to pay severance) will include: (i) the neglect, breach of duty, or any failure to perform, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Committee; (ii) the conviction of a felony, or any determination by the Executive Committee of the commission of theft, larceny, embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, illegality, moral turpitude, harassment or gross mismanagement; (iii) the death or material disability to such an extent that, even with reasonable accommodation, the executive is precluded from performing the essential duties of his position; or (iv) the breach of the Hall 2015 Agreement or any fiduciary duties to MEC.

For purposes of the stock option agreements with Mr. Hall, “change in control” is generally defined as: (i) the acquisition of “Beneficial Ownership” by any person (as defined in Rule 13(d)–3 under the Exchange Act), corporation or other entity other than us or a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours of 50% or more of our outstanding stock; (ii) the sale or disposition of substantially all of our assets; or (iii) our merger with another corporation in which our Common Stock is no longer outstanding after such merger.

For purposes of the stock option agreements with Mr. Hall and Mr. Kelly, “cause” (under which we may terminate their employment) is defined as the individual’s act of fraud or dishonesty, knowing and material failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or satisfactory performance of his duties of employment, insubordination or drug or alcohol abuse.

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(a)                                 Under the Sacks Employment Agreement, upon termination due to death or disability, Mr. Sacks, or his legal representative, would be entitled to continuation of base salary, payment of benefit premiums for himself and his family and automobile benefits for a period of one year from the date of termination and payment for accrued vacation.

(b)                                 Under the Sacks Employment Agreement, upon non-renewal by Mr. Sacks, Mr. Sacks would be entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(c)                                  Under the Sacks Employment Agreement, upon termination by us for cause, Mr. Sacks would be entitled to payment of benefit premiums for himself and his family for a period of six months from the date of termination and payment for accrued vacation.

(d)                                 Upon voluntary termination by Mr. Sacks, Mr. Sacks would be entitled to payment of his full base salary for a period of six months from the date of termination, payment of benefit premiums for himself and his family for a period of six months from the date of termination and payment for accrued vacation.

(e)                                  Under the Sacks Employment Agreement, upon termination by us without cause or termination by Mr. Sacks for constructive termination, or if we elected not to renew his employment agreement, Mr. Sacks would be entitled to a payment of two times his base salary, at the rate in effect on the date of termination, and a pro-rata portion of the bonus received in the year immediately prior to the year of the termination date, payable in the same manner and at the same time as the other senior officers of the Company, as if he remained employed through the applicable payment date.  In addition, Mr. Sacks would be entitled to payment of all benefit premiums and automobile benefits for the period from the date of termination to December 31, 2018, or through the date which is eighteen months from the date of termination, whichever period is longer.  Also, in the case of termination without cause, Mr. Sacks would be entitled to two weeks base salary in lieu of notice at the rate in effect on the date of termination.  In addition, under Mr. Sacks’ stock equity agreements, if Mr. Sacks’ employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Sacks for good reason, all equity awards will immediately become exercisable in their entirety.

(f)                                   Under Mr. Sacks’ equity agreements, upon a change in control, all equity awards will immediately become exercisable in their entirety.  With respect to Mr. Sacks’ stock option agreements, options may, with the consent of Mr. Sacks, be purchased by the Company for cash at a price equal to the aggregate of the fair market value for one (1) share of our common stock less the purchase price payable by Mr. Sacks to exercise the options as set forth under each option agreement, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock which Mr. Sacks has the option to purchase.

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(a)           Under the Schlosberg Employment Agreement, upon termination due to death or disability, Mr. Schlosberg, or his legal representative, would be entitled to continuation of base salary, payment of benefit premiums for himself and his family and automobile benefits for a period of one year from the date of termination and payment for accrued vacation.

(b)                                 Under the Schlosberg Employment Agreement, upon non-renewal by Mr. Schlosberg, Mr. Schlosberg would be entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(c)                                  Under the Schlosberg Employment Agreement, upon termination by us for cause, Mr. Schlosberg would be entitled to payment of benefit premiums for himself and his family for a period of six months from the date of termination and payment for accrued vacation.

(d)                                 Upon voluntary termination by Mr. Schlosberg, Mr. Schlosberg would be entitled to payment of his full base salary for a period of six months from the date of termination, payment of benefit premiums for himself and his family for a period of six months from the date of termination and payment for accrued vacation.

(e)           Under the Schlosberg Employment Agreement, upon termination by us without cause or termination by Mr. Schlosberg for constructive termination, or if we elected not to renew his employment agreement, Mr. Schlosberg would be entitled to a payment of two times his base salary, at the rate in effect on the date of termination, and a pro-rata portion of the bonus received in the year immediately prior to the year of the termination date, payable in the same manner and at the same time as the other senior officers of the Company, as if he remained employed through the applicable payment date.  In addition, Mr. Schlosberg would be entitled to payment of all benefit premiums and automobile benefits for the period from the date of termination to December 31, 2018, or through the date which is eighteen months from the date of termination, whichever period is longer.  Also, in the case of termination without cause, Mr. Schlosberg would be entitled to two weeks base salary in lieu of notice at the rate in effect on the date of termination.  In addition, under Schlosberg’s stock equity agreements, if Mr. Schlosberg’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by Mr. Schlosberg for good reason, all equity awards will immediately become exercisable in their entirety.

(f)                                   Under Mr. Schlosberg’s equity agreements, upon a change in control, all equity awards will immediately become exercisable in their entirety.  With respect to Mr. Schlosberg’s stock option agreements, options may, with the consent of Mr. Schlosberg, be purchased by the Company for cash at a price equal to the aggregate of the fair market value for one (1) share of our common stock less the purchase price payable by Mr. Schlosberg to exercise the options as set forth under each option agreement, multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock which Mr. Schlosberg has the option to purchase.

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(a)                                 Under our general employment practices, upon termination due to death or disability, Mr. Hall, or his legal representative, is entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(b)                                 Under our general employment practices, upon termination by us for cause or voluntary termination by Mr. Hall, Mr. Hall is entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(c)                                  Under the Hall 2015 Employment Agreement, upon termination by us without cause, Mr. Hall would be entitled to three months of severance pay and the continuation of health plan benefits coverage for both himself and his family for a period of three months.  In addition, under our general employment practices, upon termination by us without cause, Mr. Hall is entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(d)                                 Under Mr. Hall’s stock option agreements, the Board may, at any time, in its sole discretion, provide that upon the occurrence of a change in control (as determined by the Board), all or a specified portion of any outstanding options not theretofore exercisable, will immediately become exercisable and that any options not exercised prior to such change in control will be canceled.

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(a)                                 Under our general employment practices, upon termination due to death or disability, Mr. Kelly or his legal representative, is entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(b)                                 Under our general employment practices, upon termination by us for cause or voluntary termination by Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kelly is entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(c)                                  Under our general employment practices, upon termination by us without cause, Mr. Kelly is entitled to payment for accrued vacation.

(d)                                 Under Mr. Kelly’s stock option agreements, the Board may, at any time, in its sole discretion, provide that upon the occurrence of a change in control (as determined by the Board), all or a specified portion of any outstanding options not theretofore exercisable, will immediately become exercisable and that any options not exercised prior to such change in control will be canceled.  Under the Amendment to Conditions of Employment of Mr. Kelly dated December 7, 1999, if, following a change in control, Mr. Kelly’s employment with us is terminated by us other than for cause or in the event that Mr. Kelly resigns under circumstances which constitute constructive dismissal by us of Mr. Kelly, then Mr. Kelly will be entitled to receive severance pay from us as follows: if termination occurs within the first six (6) months after the change in control occurs, Mr. Kelly will be entitled to six (6) months’ severance pay in the amount of $165,000; if termination occurs between six (6) and twelve (12) months after the change in control occurs, Mr. Kelly will be entitled to five (5) months’ severance pay in the amount of $137,500; if termination occurs between twelve (12) and eighteen (18) months after the change in control occurs, Mr. Kelly will be entitled to four (4) months’ severance pay in the amount of $110,000 and if the termination occurs between eighteen and twenty-four (24) months after the change in control occurs, Mr. Kelly will be entitled to three (3) months’ severance pay in the amount of $82,000.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth a summary of the fees earned by our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

1.             The non-employee directors held the following numbers of restricted stock units as of December 31, 2016, which vest on the last business day prior to the Company’s 2017 annual shareholder meeting: Benjamin M. Polk, 3,237; Norman C. Epstein, 3,237; Harold C. Taber, Jr. 3,237; Mark S. Vidergauz, 3,237; Sydney Selati, 3,237; Kathy N. Waller, 3,237; Gary P. Fayard, 3,237.  Each restricted stock unit represents either (i) a contingent right to receive one share of the Common Stock or (ii) a cash amount equal to the number of shares received as of the vesting date (the last business day prior to the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”).

2.             The non-employee directors held the following numbers of outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2016; Benjamin M. Polk, 20,772; Norman C. Epstein, 0; Harold C. Taber, Jr. 20,772; Mark S. Vidergauz, 0; Sydney Selati, 0; Kathy N. Waller, 0; and Gary P. Fayard, 0.

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In 2016 non-employee directors were entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $60,000.  Except for committee chairs, members of the Audit Committee received an additional annual retainer of $10,000 and members of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee received an additional retainer of $7,500.  The chairman of the Audit Committee received an additional annual retainer of $17,500 and the chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee each received an additional retainer of $15,000.  The Lead Independent Director received an additional annual retainer of $20,000.  In 2016, non-employee directors were entitled to receive an annual equity retainer of approximately $165,000.  These awards vest one day prior to the Annual Meeting.

Non-employee directors are subject to stock ownership guidelines that require directors to hold and retain 9,000 shares of the Company within three years from the date of appointment.

Non-Employee Directors Equity Compensation Plans

Subject to stockholder approval, the Company will adopt the 2017 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan.  See “Proposal Three - Approval of Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors” below for a summary description of the terms of the 2017 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan, which will replace the 2009 Monster Beverage Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2009 Directors Plan”).

The 2009 Directors Plan permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights (each, a “SAR”) and other stock-based awards to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,800,000 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.

EMPLOYEE EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

Employee Equity Compensation Plans

The Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Incentive Plan”) permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards up to an aggregate of 43,500,000 shares of the common stock of the Company to employees or consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries.  Shares authorized under the 2011 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,

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or a stock appreciation right, which is settled by the issuance of shares.  Options granted under the 2011 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 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 each independently has the authority to grant stock awards to new hires and employees receiving a promotion who are not Section 16 employees.  Awards granted by the Executive Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board or the Compensation Committee.  Options granted under the 2011 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.  Restricted stock granted under the 2011 Incentive Plan generally vests over a two- to three-year period from the grant date.  Restricted stock units granted under the 2011 Incentive Plan generally vests over a two- to five-year period from the grant date.  The 2011 Incentive Plan replaced the Hansen Natural Corporation 2001 Amended Option Plan, which was terminated effective as of May 19, 2011.

In December 2016, we adopted the Monster Beverage Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) as a sub plan to the 2011Incentive Plan, pursuant to which eligible employees may elect to defer cash and/or equity based compensation and to receive the deferred amounts, together with an investment return (positive or negative), either at a pre-determined time in the future or upon termination of their employment with the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates that are participating employers under the Deferred Compensation Plan, as provided under the Deferred Compensation Plan and in relevant deferral elections.  Deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan are unfunded and unsecured.

The 2011 Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee.  Grants under the 2011 Incentive Plan are made pursuant to individual agreements between the Company and each grantee that specifies the terms of the grant, including the exercise price, exercise period, vesting and other terms thereof.

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2016 with respect to shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.

As of April 10, 2017, 23,885,837 shares were available for grant under equity compensation plans.

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board has determined that Messrs. Epstein, Fayard, Polk, Selati, Taber and Vidergauz are independent directors under applicable NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and SEC regulations.

Each director and nominee for election as a director delivers to the Company annually a questionnaire that includes, among other things, information relating to any transactions the director or nominee, or their family members, may have with the Company, or in which the director or nominee, or such family member, has a direct or indirect material interest.

The Board, as well as its Audit Committee, reviews, approves and monitors all related-party transactions.  The Audit Committee’s policies and procedures for related-party transactions are not in writing, but the proceedings are documented in the minutes of the Board and/or Audit Committee meetings.  The Audit Committee will assess, among factors it deems appropriate, whether the transaction is on terms no more favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction.  The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing all related-party transactions on a continuing basis as well as potential conflict of interest situations where appropriate.  No director will participate in any discussion or approval of a transaction for which he is a related party, except that this director will provide all material information concerning the transaction to the Audit Committee.

During 2016, we purchased promotional items from IFM Group, Inc. (“IFM”). Rodney C. Sacks, together with members of his family, owns approximately 27% of the issued shares in IFM.  Hilton H. Schlosberg, together with members of his family, owns approximately 58% of the issued shares in IFM.  Expenses incurred with such company in connection with promotional materials purchased during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively.  We continue to purchase promotional items from IFM in 2017.

Carly Rothenberg, who joined the Company’s legal department in August 2016 from a top-tier international law firm, is Mr. Schlosberg’s daughter. The aggregate value of compensation paid to Ms. Rothenberg in 2016 was less than $350,000, including the grant date fair value for her new hire equity award, computed in accordance with ASC 718. Her compensation, including her new hire equity award, is comparable to other employees of the Company who hold analogous positions.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s Audit Committee was comprised of Mr. Epstein (Chairman until February 27, 2015), Mr. Taber and Mr. Selati (Chairman since February 27, 2015).  Mr. Fayard was appointed to the Audit Committee in February 2016.  The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, a copy of which is available on our website at http://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/governance.cfm.  The Board of Directors has determined that the members of the Audit Committee are “independent,” as defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and SEC regulations relating to audit committees, meaning that they have no relationship to the Company that may interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities of a director.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The Audit Committee consists of four independent directors (as independence is defined by NASD Rule 5605(a)(2)).  Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Selati is (1) an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act, and (2) independent as defined by the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act.  The Audit Committee appoints, determines funding for, oversees and evaluates the independent registered public accounting firm with respect to accounting, internal controls and other matters, and makes other decisions with respect to audit and finance matters including the review of our quarterly and annual filings on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K.  The Audit Committee also pre-approves the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s fees for all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm and determines whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm.  All members of the Audit Committee are able to read and understand financial statements and have experience in finance and accounting that provides them with financial sophistication.

Pursuant to authority delegated by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee’s written charter, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to:

·    the integrity of the Company’s financial statements;

·               the Company’s systems of internal controls regarding finance and accounting as established by management;

·    the qualifications and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm;

·    the performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;

·    the Company’s auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes generally; and

·    compliance with the Company’s ethical standards for senior financial officers and all personnel.

In fulfilling its duties, the Audit Committee maintains free and open communication with the Board, the independent registered public accounting firm, financial management and all employees.

Report of the Audit Committee

In connection with these responsibilities, the Audit Committee met with management and Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, to review and discuss the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.  The Company believes that its choice to use Deloitte & Touche LLP to review and discuss the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.  The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) AU Section 325 “Communications about Control Deficiencies in an Audit of Financial Statements” and AU Section 380 “Communications with Audit Committees”, as may be modified or supplemented.  The Audit Committee also received from Deloitte & Touche LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by PCAOB Rule 3526 “Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence”, as may be modified or supplemented, and has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP its independence.

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Based on the foregoing reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Principal Accounting Firm Fees and Services

Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for 2016 and 2015

Aggregate fees billed and unbilled to the Company for service provided for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective affiliates (collectively “Deloitte & Touche”):

1 Tax fees consisted of fees for tax consultation services including advisory services for a state tax analysis and domestic and international tax advice.

2 All other fees consisted of fees incurred in connection with other transactions for the Company.

3 For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, all of the services performed by Deloitte & Touche were approved by the Audit Committee.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.  These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services.  Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget.  The Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority to its Chairman when necessary due to timing and logistical considerations.  Any services approved by the Chairman must be reported to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.  The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the full Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with the pre-approval policies, and the fees for the services performed to date.  All services in the table above were approved by the Audit Committee.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s Compensation Committee was comprised of Mr. Epstein (Chairman), Mr. Selati, Mr. Taber and Mr. Vidergauz.  The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing, developing and recommending to the Board the appropriate management compensation policies, programs and levels and reviewing the performances of the Chief Executive Officer, President and other senior executive officers periodically in relation to certain objectives.

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The Compensation Committee is ultimately responsible for determining, affirming or amending the level and nature of executive compensation of the Company.  The Compensation Committee has access, at the Company’s expense, to independent, outside compensation consultants for both advice and competitive data for the purpose of making such determinations.  The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation policies and programs as outlined above in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” ensure that levels of executive compensation fairly reflect the performance of the Company, thereby serving the best interests of its stockholders.  The Board has adopted written Equity Grant Procedures.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation Decisions

Norman C Epstein, Sydney Selati, Harold C. Taber, Jr. and Mark S. Vidergauz served on the Compensation Committee during the 2016 fiscal year.  No member of the Compensation Committee is now, or during 2016 was, an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. Other than Mr. Taber, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer of MEC from July 1992 to June 1997, no member of the Compensation Committee was formerly an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.  During 2016, no member of the Compensation Committee had a relationship that must be described under the SEC rules relating to disclosure of related person transactions.  In 2016, none of our executive officers served on the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that had one or more of its executive officers serving on the Board or the Compensation Committee of the Company.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K.  Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis referred to above be included in this proxy statement.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s  Nominating Committee was comprised of Mr. Taber (Chairman), Mr. Epstein and Mr. Selati.  The Nominating Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities by establishing, and submitting to the Board for approval, criteria for the selection of new directors, identifying and approving individuals qualified to serve as members of the Board, selecting director nominees for our annual meetings of stockholders, evaluating the performance of the Board, reviewing and recommending to the Board any appropriate changes to the committees of the Board, and developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance guidelines and oversight with respect to corporate governance and ethical conduct.  The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee, a copy of which is available on our website at http://investors.monsterbevcorp.com/ governance.cfm.

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Process for Selection and Nomination of Directors

In connection with the process of selecting and nominating candidates for election to the Board, the Nominating Committee reviews the desired experience, mix of skills and other qualities to assure appropriate Board composition, taking into account the current Board members and the specific needs of the Company and the Board.  Among the qualifications to be considered in the selection of candidates, the Nominating Committee considers the experience, knowledge, skills, expertise, diversity, personal and professional integrity, character, business judgment, time available in light of other commitments and dedication of any particular candidate, as well as such candidate’s past or anticipated contributions to the Board and its committees so that the Board includes members, where appropriate, with diverse backgrounds, knowledge and skills relevant to the business of the Company.  In April 2015, the charter for the Nominating Committee was amended to state that diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity are factors in evaluating suitable candidates for Board membership.  See “Deadlines for Receipt of Stockholder Proposals” for information regarding nominations of director candidates by stockholders for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders.

Though the Nominating Committee does not solicit recommendations for director candidates, the Nominating Committee has a policy regarding the consideration of any director candidates recommended by stockholders.  Suggestions for candidates to the Board may be made in writing and mailed to the Nominating Committee, c/o Office of the Secretary, Monster Beverage Corporation, 1 Monster Way, Corona, CA 92879.  Nominations must be submitted in a manner consistent with our by-laws.  We will furnish a copy of the by-laws to any person, without charge, upon written request directed to the Office of the Secretary at our principal executive offices.  Each candidate suggestion made by a stockholder must include the following:

·                 the candidate’s name, contact information, detailed biographical material, qualifications and an explanation of the reasons why the stockholder believes that this candidate is qualified for service on the Board;

·                 all information relating to the candidate that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for elections of directors in an election contest, or as otherwise required, under the securities laws;

·                 a written consent of the candidate to be named in a Company proxy statement as a nominee and to serve as a director, if elected; and

·                 a description of any arrangements or undertakings between the stockholder and the candidate regarding the nomination.

Our Nominating Committee will evaluate all stockholder-recommended candidates on the same basis as any other candidate.

Director Resignation Policy

The Board has a director resignation policy.  This policy provides that, in an uncontested election, any incumbent director nominee who receives a greater number of votes “WITHHELD” from his or her election than votes “FOR” his or her election must promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board following certification of the election results.  The Nominating Committee will review the circumstances surrounding the election and recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation.  The Board must act on the tendered resignation.  If such resignation is rejected, the Board must publicly disclose its decision, together with the rationale supporting its decision, within 90 days after certification of the election results.  A copy of the director resignation policy is available on our website at http://investors. monsterbevcorp.com /governance.cfm.

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PROPOSAL TWO

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2017

The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.  In the event of a negative vote on such ratification, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection.

Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders of the Company.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

PROPOSAL THREE

APPROVAL OF MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION

2017 COMPENSATION PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Monster Beverage Corporation 2017 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2017 Director Plan”), which includes current retainer compensation for non-employee directors and the Company’s share ownership guidelines for non-employee directors.  The full text of the 2017 Director Plan is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement, and the following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the 2017 Director Plan.  Stockholders are urged to review the 2017 Director Plan before determining how to vote on this proposal.

The 2017 Director Plan is intended to be the successor plan to the 2009 Monster Beverage Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2009 Director Plan”), as amended.  The 2017 Director Plan was approved by the Board on April 24, 2017, subject to stockholder approval at the Annual Meeting.  Provided that the 2017 Director Plan is approved by the stockholders, no additional awards will be made under the 2009 Director Plan, and the 2009 Director Plan shall remain in effect with respect to, and govern, awards made thereunder for so long as awards thereunder remain outstanding.  The 2017 Director Plan provides for an expanded set of awards that may be awarded to Non-Employee Directors (as defined below) and, subject to Board approval, the 2017 Director Plan permits Non-Employee Directors to make a Deferral Election (as defined below) with respect to all of a Non-Employee Director’s compensation. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to approve the 2017 Director Plan.

Purpose of Stockholder Approval

Your approval of the 2017 Director Plan will allow the Company to attract and retain persons of ability as non-employee directors of the Company and to further align the economic interests of such directors with the stockholders of the Company.

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