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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION

550 Monica Circle, Suite 201

Corona, California 92880

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD JUNE 8, 2012

April 24, 2012

Dear Stockholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Monster Beverage Corporation (the “Company”) to be held on Friday, June 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Ayres Suites Corona West, located at 1900 W. Frontage Road, Corona, California 92882 (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, 2011. 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, 2011 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, 2011, are being distributed and made available on or about April 24, 2012.

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD JUNE 8, 2012

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 Friday, June 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the Ayres Suites Corona West, located at 1900 W. Frontage Road, Corona, California 92882 (the “Annual Meeting”), for the following purposes:

1.                                       To elect seven directors to serve until the 2013 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, 2012;

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

4.                                       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 Annual Meeting of Stockholders accompanying this Notice. Only stockholders of the Company of record at the close of business on April 16, 2012 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 16, 2012 for inspection by stockholders during normal business hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, from May 29, 2012 through June 7, 2012, at the Company’s executive offices, 550 Monica Circle, Suite 201, Corona, CA 92880. 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.

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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 Friday, June 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.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 Ayres Suites Corona West, located at 1900 W. Frontage Road, Corona, California 92882. The Company’s executive offices are located at 550 Monica Circle, Suite 201, Corona, California 92880. 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, 2011, are being distributed and made available on or about April 24, 2012. 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 24, 2012 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 16, 2012. 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.

Record Date, Outstanding Voting Securities

Holders of record of Common Stock at the close of business on April 16, 2012 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, 176,201,845 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding. There are no other outstanding voting securities of the Company.

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.

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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 (subject to resignation in accordance with the Company’s director resignation policy as further described in “Proposal One - Election of Directors”);

·                  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; and

·                  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”);

in each case, provided a quorum is present.  Thus, abstentions and broker non-votes will not be included in vote totals and will have no effect on the outcome of any of these votes.

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, and (ii) the approval of the Say-on-Pay 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 cumulate votes.  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 2012 (Proposal Two); and

·                  “FOR”, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (Proposal Three).

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How to Vote

If 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.

If 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. 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 our Secretary at our 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 (3) 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 $7,500.00 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 11, 2012, 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 11, 2012 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 (9 members: 32,046,326 shares or 17.4% in aggregate).

* Except as noted otherwise, the address for each of the named stockholders is 550 Monica Circle, Suite 201, Corona, California 92880.

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** Less than 1%.

(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) The mailing address of this reporting person is 40 East 52nd Street, NY, NY 10022.

(4) The mailing address of this reporting person is 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109.

(5) Includes 902,244 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Sacks; 1,981,856 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 1 because Mr. Sacks is one of Brandon No. 1’s general partners; 9,815,648 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 2 because Mr. Sacks is one of Brandon No. 2’s general partners; 1,475,732 shares beneficially held by HRS Holdings, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of HRS Holdings’ general partners; 6,655,140 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings’ general partners; 184,924 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; 71,428 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; 257,900 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; 40,072 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; 189,528 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; 512,196 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; 102,332 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; 186,636 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; 170,356 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners; 108,308 shares beneficially held by the Rodney C. Sacks 2009 GRAT #2 because Mr. Sacks is the trustee of the Rodney C. Sacks 2009 GRAT #2; 56,020 shares beneficially held by the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT because Mr. Sacks is the trustee of the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT;  and 16,160 shares beneficially held by the RCS Direct 2010 GRAT #2 because Mr. Sacks is the trustee of The RCS Direct 2010 GRAT #2. Also includes options presently exercisable to purchase 752,928 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,400,000 shares, exercisable at $0.27 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 28, 2003 between the Company and Mr. Sacks; options presently exercisable to purchase 1,904,890 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,400,000 shares, exercisable at $3.29 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 23, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Sacks; options presently exercisable to purchase 960,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 1,200,000 shares, exercisable at $8.44 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated November 11, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Sacks; and options presently exercisable to purchase 166,304 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 800,000 shares, exercisable at $15.86 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 2, 2008 between the Company and Mr. Sacks.

Mr. Sacks disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares deemed beneficially owned by him hereunder except (i) 902,244 shares of Common Stock; (ii) 3,784,122 shares presently exercisable under the stock option agreements; (iii) 66,551 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings’ general partners; (iv) 14,757 shares beneficially held by HRS Holdings, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of HRS Holdings’ general partners; (v)  1,849 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; (vi) 714 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; (vii) 2,579 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; (viii) 401 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; (ix) 1,895 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; (x) 5,122 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; (xi) 1,023 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; (xii) 1,866 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; and (xiii) 1,704 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Sacks is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners.

(6) Includes 896,352 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Schlosberg; 1,981,856 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 1 because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Brandon No. 1’s general partners; 9,815,648 shares beneficially held by Brandon No. 2

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because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Brandon No. 2’s general partners; 1,475,732 shares beneficially held by HRS Holdings, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of HRS Holdings’ general partners; 6,655,140 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings’ general partners; 184,924 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; 71,428 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; 257,900 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; 40,072 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; 189,528 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; 512,196 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; 102,332 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; 186,636 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; 170,356 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners; 30,068 shares beneficially held by the Rodney C. Sacks 2008 GRAT #2 because Mr. Schlosberg is the co-trustee of the Rodney C. Sacks 2008 GRAT #2; and 200,000 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 752,928 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,400,000 shares, exercisable at $0.27 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 28, 2003 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg; options presently exercisable to purchase 1,904,890 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,400,000 shares, exercisable at $3.29 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated March 23, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg; options presently exercisable to purchase 960,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 1,200,000 shares, exercisable at $8.44 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated November 11, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg; and options presently exercisable to purchase 166,304 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 800,000 shares, exercisable at $15.86 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 2, 2008 between the Company and Mr. Schlosberg.

Mr. Schlosberg disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares deemed beneficially owned by him hereunder except (i) 896,352 shares of Common Stock; (ii) 3,784,122 shares presently exercisable under the stock option agreements; (iii) 66,551 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings’ general partners; (iv) 14,757 shares beneficially held by HRS Holdings, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of HRS Holdings’ general partners; (v)  1,849 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IV, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IV’s general partners; (vi) 714 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings V, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings V’s general partners; (vii) 2,579 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VI’s general partners; (viii) 401 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VII’s general partners; (ix) 1,895 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings VIII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings VIII’s general partners; (x) 5,122 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings IX, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings IX’s general partners; (xi) 1,023 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings X, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings X’s general partners; (xii) 1,866 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XI, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XI’s general partners; and (xiii) 1,704 shares beneficially held by Hilrod Holdings XII, L.P. because Mr. Schlosberg is one of Hilrod Holdings XII’s general partners.

(7) Includes 255,602 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Hall; options presently exercisable to purchase 120,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 600,000 shares, exercisable at $15.86 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 2, 2008 between the Company and Mr. Hall; options presently exercisable to purchase 80,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 400,000 shares, exercisable at $17.82 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Hall; and options presently exercisable to purchase 20,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 100,000 shares, exercisable at $26.26 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2010 between the Company and Mr. Hall.

(8) Includes 5,628 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 8,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 40,000 shares, exercisable at $15.86 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 2, 2008 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 20,000 shares, exercisable at $18.07 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 1, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; options presently exercisable to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 20,000 shares, exercisable at $17.82 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2009 between the Company and Mr. Kelly; and options presently exercisable to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 20,000 shares, exercisable at $26.26 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated December 1, 2010 between the Company and Mr. Kelly.

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(9) Includes 24,400 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Selati; and options presently exercisable to purchase 2,590 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,590 shares, exercisable at $34.06 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Selati.

(10) Includes 8,000 shares beneficially held by Shoreland Investments because Mr. Epstein is one of Shoreland Investment’s general partners and options presently exercisable to purchase 2,590 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,590 shares, exercisable at $34.06 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Epstein.

(11) Includes 8,000 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Taber;  options presently exercisable to purchase 38,400 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 38,400 shares, exercisable at $8.44 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated November 11, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Taber; options presently exercisable to purchase 4,334 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 4,334 shares, exercisable at $19.20 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 2,590 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,590 shares, exercisable at $34.06 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Taber.

(12) Includes options presently exercisable to purchase 4,334 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 4,334 shares, exercisable at $19.20 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 2,590 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,590 shares, exercisable at $34.06 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Polk.

(13) Includes options presently exercisable to purchase 19,200 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 38,400 shares, exercisable at $8.44 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated November 11, 2005 between the Company and Mr. Vidergauz; options presently exercisable to purchase 4,334 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 4,334 shares, exercisable at $19.20 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated June 9, 2010 between the Company and Mr. Vidergauz and options presently exercisable to purchase 2,590 shares of Common Stock, out of options to purchase a total of 2,590 shares, exercisable at $34.06 per share, granted pursuant to a stock option agreement dated May 18, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Vidergauz.

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, 2011, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the Company’s directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent stockholders were complied with.

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DEADLINES FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Stockholders may present a proper proposal for consideration at the 2013 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 2013 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 24, 2012. 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 2013 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 8, 2013 and no later than March 9, 2013, provided, however, that in the event that the date of the 2013 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 2013 annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the 2013 annual meeting is first made by the Company.

It is presently intended that the 2013 annual meeting will be held in June 2013.

Proposals should be sent to the Office of the Secretary by mail to Monster Beverage Corporation, 550 Monica Circle, Suite 201, Corona, California, 92880.

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PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Nominees

The Board is currently comprised of seven 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 seven 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 2013 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 of the Company (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.

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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 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 of the Company (the “Executive Committee”) since October 1992.  Chairman of the Board of Directors and a director of Monster Energy Company (“MEC”) from June 1992 to the present.  Mr. Sacks has led the Company for over 22 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 since October 1992. Vice Chairman, Secretary and a director of MEC from July 1992 to the present. Mr. Schlosberg has held senior leadership positions with the Company for over 22 years, has been the Company’s CFO for 16 years and has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry. Mr. Schlosberg has detailed knowledge and valuable perspective and insights regarding our business and has responsibility for development and implementation of our business strategy. Mr. Schlosberg has a high level of financial literacy and his day-to-day supervision of business operations brings valuable insight to our Board of Directors.

Benjamin M. Polk — Director of the Company since November 1990.  Assistant Secretary of MEC since October 1992 and a director of MEC since July 1992. Partner with Veritas Capital, a private equity firm, since July 2011. 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.

Norman C. Epstein — Director of the Company and member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Compensation Committee”) since June 1992, member of the Nominating Committee since September 2004 and Chairman and member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Audit Committee”) since September 1997. Mr. Epstein is currently the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Director of MEC since July 1992. 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 the present. Partner with Moore Stephens, an international accounting firm, from 1974 to December 1996 (senior partner beginning 1989 and the managing partner of Moore 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 our Board of Directors.

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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 has been a Director of the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation since July 2010. 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 our Board of Directors.

Harold C. Taber, Jr. — Director of the Company since July 1992, member of the Audit Committee since April 2000, member of the Compensation Committee since April 2009 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, including Group President, Western Area, from 1976 to 1987. 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 the present. Mr. Taber has extensive knowledge of the Company’s historical and current operations, and brings leadership and management skills to the Board.

Mark S. Vidergauz — Director of the Company and member of the Compensation Committee since June 1998 and member of the Audit Committee from April 2000 through May 2004.  Chief Executive Officer of The Sage Group LLC, an investment banking firm, from April 2000 to the present.  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 has significant operational, financial, and investment experience from his involvement in The Sage Group, LLC and its investments in numerous companies and has played an active role in overseeing those businesses. Mr. Vidergauz brings strong 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.

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MANAGEMENT

Board Meetings and Committees; Annual Meeting Attendance

The Board is comprised of Messrs. Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, Benjamin M. Polk, Norman C. Epstein, Sydney Selati, Harold C. Taber, Jr. and Mark S. Vidergauz. The Board held nine meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  One director was unable to attend one meeting during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  The Board has determined that Messrs. Epstein, Taber, Vidergauz, Selati and Polk are independent, as that term is defined in the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and SEC regulations. Our independent directors met in executive session two times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The Board does not have a policy requiring the attendance by the directors at the Annual Meeting. One director was unable to attend the annual meeting, which was held on May 19, 2011.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Audit Committee was comprised of Norman C. Epstein (Chairman), Harold C. Taber, Jr. and Sydney Selati. 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 eight meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The Audit Committee last met in February 2012 in connection with the review of the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  See “Audit Committee” below for more information.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Compensation Committee was comprised of Norman C. Epstein (Chairman), Mark S. Vidergauz, Sydney Selati and Harold C. Taber. The Compensation Committee held seven meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.  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 to new hires who are not Section 16 employees. The Compensation Committee does not have a charter.  The Board has adopted written Equity Grant Procedures. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Long-Term Incentive Program” and “Compensation Committee” below for more information.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, 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 one meeting during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. See “Nominating Committee” below for more information.

The Executive Committee, comprised of Rodney C. Sacks and Hilton H. Schlosberg, held fourteen formal meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. 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 to new hires who are not Section 16 employees. Awards granted by the Executive Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board or the Compensation Committee (see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Long-Term Incentive Program”).

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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.

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 22 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. The Board does not have a lead independent director.

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. Much 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. 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 and Audit Committees) has not adversely affected its leadership structure or results of operations.

The names and ages of our Named Executive Officers, whom we refer to as our NEOs, and certain biographical information about them, are set forth on page 11 and below.

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Mark J. Hall — President, Monster Beverage Division, joined MEC in 1997.  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 Arizona products through a national network of beer distributors and soft drink bottlers in the United States.

Thomas J. Kelly — Senior Vice President Finance and/or Controller and Secretary of MEC since 1992.  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 25 years.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Compensation Philosophy

Our executive compensation program for our NEOs, listed in the summary compensation table on the following pages, is designed to motivate our executive talent, to reward those individuals fairly over time for achieving performance goals, to retain those individuals who continue to perform at or above the levels that are deemed essential to ensure our long-term success and growth and to attract, as needed, individuals with the skills necessary for us to achieve our business plan. The program is also designed to reinforce a sense of ownership and overall entrepreneurial spirit and to link rewards to measurable corporate and qualitative individual performance. In applying these principles we seek to integrate compensation programs with our short and long-term strategic plans and to align the interests of our NEOs with the long-term interests of our stockholders through award opportunities that can result in ownership of stock. The Compensation Committee evaluates risks and rewards associated with the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and structure.  Our Executive Committee discusses with the Compensation Committee strategies to identify and mitigate, as necessary, such potential risks. With respect to specific elements of compensation, base salary is a fixed amount and does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risk-taking. Our discretionary annual bonus is designed to reward achievement of short-term performance metrics. Our NEOs have the opportunity for stock ownership and are awarded equity grants under equity plans that generally vest over multiple year periods. Such stock ownership encourages achievement of long-term goals and aligns the NEOs’ interests with those of our stockholders. As a result, we believe our executive compensation program avoids providing incentives for our NEOs to engage in unnecessary and excessive risk-taking at the expense of the Company and its stockholders.

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Compensation Risks

We have evaluated the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices for our employees and concluded that such risks are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In this regard, the following factors, among others, were considered:

·                                          Compensation for senior management is significantly weighted towards long-term incentive compensation, which discourages inappropriate risk-taking for short-term gains;

·                                          Long-term incentive compensation is primarily in the form of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units that generally vest over multiple year periods, thereby aligning the interests of management and other key employees with the long-term interests of our stockholders;

·                                          Annual cash bonuses are discretionary and are not governed by a fixed formula;

·                                          Sales commissions are not an element of our compensation practices for our NEOs or other senior executives; and

·                                          Our internal controls are designed to detect and prevent inappropriate risk-taking.

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 President and Chief Financial Officer) and the Executive Committee (in the case of the other NEOs), and are reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that remuneration levels and benefits are competitive and reasonable and continue to achieve the goals set forth in our compensation philosophy.

During 2011, the Compensation Committee consulted with the independent firm of compensation consultants it retained, Exequity, LLP (“Exequity”), to provide competitive market data and make recommendations to the Board with respect to compensation for outside directors as well as compensation provided to the NEOs. While we do not set compensation at a targeted percentage level relative to the market, we do seek to provide salary, incentive compensation opportunities and employee benefits that are generally competitive within the consumer products industry, the beverage industry and within the labor markets in which we participate; such information being principally gathered through our recruiting and retention experience and supplemented with a competitive market analysis. During the summer of 2011, Exequity conducted a competitive market analysis under the direction of the Compensation Committee. Exequity examined salary as well as annual and long-term incentive opportunities offered by similarly-sized public companies in the retail, beverage and consumer products industries, which included:

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The market analysis showed competitive positioning for the NEOs, in the aggregate, around market median for total pay; with salary and annual bonus in the bottom quartile and long-term incentive opportunities at the low end of the top quartile. In addition, though the Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee considered and analyzed the ongoing uncertain economic conditions under which the Company operated in 2011, and the effect such conditions had on our overall results of operations, such conditions did not have a significant impact in the determination of the compensation of our NEOs in 2011.

We view all components of compensation as related but distinct. We do not believe that significant compensation derived from one component of compensation should negate or reduce compensation from other components. We determine the appropriate level for each compensation component based in part, but not exclusively, on competitive benchmarks gathered through our recruiting and retention experience, our review of internal comparatives and other considerations we deem relevant, such as rewarding performance. We believe that equity awards should be granted for long-term performance. We believe that equity awards are an important compensation-related motivator to attract and retain executives, and that salary and discretionary bonus levels are secondary considerations to our NEOs. 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 to make a greater percentage of our NEOs’ compensation rewarded through equity rather than cash if we perform well over time. 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 overall 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 to that specific NEO.

Our Compensation Committee and Executive Committee’s current intent is to perform at least annually a strategic review of compensation paid to our NEOs to determine whether they have provided adequate incentives and motivation to our NEOs, and whether they adequately compensate our NEOs relative to comparable officers in other companies with which we compete for executives. These companies may or may not be public companies or even consumer product, food or beverage companies. For compensation decisions, including decisions regarding the grant of equity compensation relating to NEOs, other than our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Financial Officer, the Compensation Committee specifically considers recommendations from the Executive Committee.

Results of 2011 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

At our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, we held our first advisory vote on executive compensation, and 97.8% 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. 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, discretionary annual bonus, and equity awards granted pursuant to our 2011 Incentive Plan, which is described below under “Long-Term Incentive Programs.”

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

Base Salary

Base salaries for our NEOs are established based on the scope of their individual responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation paid by other companies for individuals in similar positions. We fix NEO base compensation at levels which we believe enables us to retain individuals in a competitive environment (but without any fixed formula) and to reward performance at an acceptable level based upon contributions to our overall business goals. An annual review usually occurs in the first quarter of each calendar year and the Compensation Committee has completed its review for fiscal 2011. We may also utilize input on compensation from executive search firms and market data when making crucial hiring decisions.

Discretionary Annual Bonus

We provide incentive compensation to our NEOs in the form of discretionary annual cash bonuses based on a qualitative review of individual and company-wide financial and operational performance and/or results, consistent with our emphasis on pay-for-performance incentive compensation programs. These parameters vary depending on the individual executive, but relate generally to strategic factors such as sales, distribution levels, introduction of new products, overall operating performance, contribution margins and profitability. However, these parameters are used only as a broad guide of overall performance and we do not use a fixed formula for determination of discretionary annual cash bonuses with respect to our NEOs, individually or as a group. In addition, we analyze the proposed discretionary annual bonus amounts both as a percentage of base salary and in comparison to amounts paid in previous fiscal years. We generally utilize discretionary cash bonuses to reward performance achievements for the time horizon of one year or less.

The actual amount of the discretionary 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 Compensation Committee determines the discretionary annual bonuses for Rodney Sacks and Hilton Schlosberg and the Executive Committee (comprised of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer) determines the discretionary annual bonuses for the other NEOs.  The discretionary annual bonuses for fiscal 2011 were paid in 2012.

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. Our equity compensation plans have been established to provide our NEOs with incentives to further align their interests with the interests of the stockholders. Grants under our equity compensation plans vest over a number of years, generally from one to five years depending on award type.

During 2011, the Company adopted the 2011 Incentive Plan.  Our 2011 Incentive Plan authorizes us to grant incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other share-based awards to our employees and consultants.  The Compensation Committee is the administrator of the 2011 Incentive Plan and is authorized to grant equity awards to employees and consultants thereunder.  The 2011 Incentive Plan replaced the Hansen Natural Corporation 2001 Amended Option Plan, which was terminated effective as of May 19, 2011.

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The Compensation Committee has sole and exclusive authority to grant equity awards to all employees who are not new hires and to all new hires who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee of the Board each independently has the authority to grant equity awards to new hires who are not Section 16 employees. Awards granted by the Executive Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board or the Compensation Committee. For purposes of these procedures, a new hire means: (i) an employee who is commencing employment with the Company or its subsidiaries; or (ii) an employee who is receiving a promotion to a new position with the Company or one of its subsidiaries. The grant date of any award to a new hire shall be the first day that NASDAQ is open in the calendar month following the employee’s commencement of employment or the date of the employee’s promotion (as the case may be). Other than awards to new hires, awards may only be granted (i) at one or more meetings held during the last two weeks of May, August and/or November of each year and/or (ii) at one or more meetings held during the first eleven days of March of each year. The grant date of any equity award granted at May, August or November meetings shall be the first day that NASDAQ is open in June, September or December, respectively, following such May, August or November meetings (as the case may be). The grant date of any equity award granted at a March meeting shall be March 14th or, if NASDAQ is closed on March 14th, the first day that NASDAQ is open prior to March 14th. The procedures also require certain same day documentation.

The Compensation Committee reviewed and approved equity awards to our NEOs based upon compensation data principally gathered through a market analysis conducted by Exequity, our recruiting and retention experience and its qualitative assessment of individual performance, as well as a review of each executive’s current long-term incentives and retention considerations.

Specifically, the Compensation Committee awarded stock units to Rodney Sacks and Hilton Schlosberg on September 1, 2011 to reward for and align with the Company’s outstanding operational, financial, and stock performance in 2010 and 2011. The Compensation Committee reviewed Exequity’s competitive compensation benchmarking study described above in advance of approving the stock unit awards and targeted the stock unit awards towards the middle of the top quartile of market practice to provide alignment with the Company’s top quartile performance. Given recent market trends of granting a mix of stock options and full value stock awards, the Compensation Committee decided to grant stock units in 2011 to complement past awards of stock options. The stock units will vest over three years contingent on continued employment, and each stock unit will convert into one share of stock at vesting. The Compensation Committee does not automatically grant equity awards annually like most companies, but instead provides awards periodically to align compensation with performance on a discretionary basis as was the case for the September 2011 awards discussed above.

Other Compensation

Certain NEOs who are parties to employment agreements will continue to be subject to such agreements in their current form until such time as the Compensation Committee determines in its discretion that revisions to such employment agreements are advisable.  On March 6, 2009, the Company entered into employment agreements with Mr. Sacks (the “Sacks 2009 Employment Agreement”) and Mr. Schlosberg (the “Schlosberg 2009 Employment Agreement”). For a summary description of the terms of these agreements, see “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, which include

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automobile and benefit premiums, among other perquisites. However, the Compensation Committee in its discretion may revise, amend or add to such NEOs 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 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, car allowances, 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 (the “Code”).  Participating employees may contribute up to statutory limits. We currently contribute 25% of the employee contribution, up to 8% of each employee’s earnings, which vests at a rate of 20% each year for five years after the first anniversary date.

Separation and Change in Control Arrangements

Certain of our NEOs, per the terms of their respective employment agreements and/or employment offer letters and/or amendments to conditions of employment and/or equity award agreements, are eligible for certain benefits and/or payments if there is a change in control and/or employment terminates following a change in control, as described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” beginning on page 26.

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 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

Section 162(m) of the Code imposes a $1 million limit on the deduction that we may claim in any tax year with respect to compensation paid to any of the NEOs, excluding the principal financial officer. However, the code allows for certain types of performance-based exemptions to this $1 million limit, provided that the compensation plan meets certain requirements. Our stock option grants generally comply with the performance-based exemption of Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee believes that shareholder interests are best served if the Compensation Committee’s discretion and flexibility in awarding compensation is not restricted, even though some compensation awards may result in non-deductible compensation expenses.  Therefore, the Compensation Committee reserves the right to authorize payments or take other actions that can result in the payment of compensation that is not deductible for income tax purposes.

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Summary Compensation Table

On August 8, 2005, our Common Stock was split on a two-for-one basis through a 100% stock dividend.  On July 7, 2006 our Common Stock was split on a four-for-one basis through a 300% stock dividend.  On February 15, 2012 our Common Stock was split on a two-for-one basis through a 100% stock dividend. All share information has been presented to reflect the stock splits.

The following table summarizes the total compensation of our NEOs during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, our NEOs were Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, Mark J. Hall and Thomas J. Kelly.

(1)             The company pays base salary bi-weekly.  In 2010, there were 27 pay periods.

(2)             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:

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(A) All Other Compensation

Discussion of Summary Compensation Table

Agreements with Named Executive Officers:

Rodney C. Sacks — We entered into the Sacks 2009 Employment Agreement as of March 6, 2009, pursuant to which Mr. Sacks will continue to render services as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Effective January 1, 2011, Mr. Sacks’ base compensation is $420,000.  Under the Sacks 2009 Employment Agreement, Mr. Sacks’ annual base salary shall 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 March 6, 2009 and continues through December 31, 2013, subject to automatic extension periods of one year unless notice of intent to not renew is given by either the Company or Mr. Sacks. Under the Sacks 2009 Employment Agreement, Mr. Sacks is subject to a confidentiality covenant and a six-month post-termination non-competition covenant. The Sacks 2009 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 the Company, or (iv) upon Constructive Termination (as defined therein) by Mr. Sacks. The severance provisions in the 2009 Sacks Employment Agreement are discussed in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section below. Since January 1, 2009, we entered into certain equity compensation agreements with Mr. Sacks as disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.

Hilton H. Schlosberg — We entered into the Schlosberg 2009 Employment Agreement as of March 6, 2009, pursuant to which Mr. Schlosberg will continue to render services as our President and Chief Financial Officer. Effective January 1, 2011, Mr. Schlosberg’s base compensation is $420,000.  Under the Schlosberg 2009 Employment Agreement, Mr. Schlosberg’s annual base salary shall 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 March 6, 2009 and continues through December 31, 2013, subject to automatic extension periods of one year unless notice of intent to not renew is given by either the Company

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or Mr. Schlosberg. Under the Schlosberg 2009 Employment Agreement, Mr. Schlosberg is subject to a confidentiality covenant and a six-month post-termination non-competition covenant. The Schlosberg 2009 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 the Company, or (iv) upon Constructive Termination (as defined therein) by Mr. Schlosberg. The severance provisions in the Schlosberg 2009 Employment Agreement are discussed in the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section below. Since January 1, 2009, we entered into certain equity compensation agreements with Mr. Schlosberg as disclosed in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below.

Mark J. Hall — On January 21, 1997, Mr. Hall executed our written offer of employment.  The written offer of employment specifies that Mr. Hall’s employment with us is “at will” and thus may be terminated at any time for any or no reason. Effective January 1, 2011, Mr. Hall’s base compensation is $370,000.  Mr. Hall 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 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.  Effective January 1, 2011, Mr. Kelly’s base compensation is $205,000. 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 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, 2011.

(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, 2011.

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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, 2011.

Pension Benefits

We do not maintain or make contributions to a defined benefit plan for any employees.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

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, which is comprised solely of “outside directors” as defined for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, may elect to provide our NEOs or other employees with non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation benefits should they deem such benefits appropriate.

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 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, 2011, the last day of our fiscal year.

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Key Employment Agreement and Equity Award Agreement Definitions

For purposes of the Sacks 2009 Employment Agreement and the Schlosberg 2009 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 result or are 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 2009 Employment Agreement and the Schlosberg 2009 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, 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 2009 Employment Agreement and the Schlosberg 2009 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 shall then be in effect, any physical or mental disability or incapacity which renders the executive incapable of performing the services required of him in accordance with his obligations under Section 5 of the employment agreement 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 of 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.

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 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.

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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 employment offer letter with Mr. Hall described in this section, cause (under which we may terminate employment) shall mean an act of dishonesty, or reasons which justify summary dismissal.

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.

Rodney C. Sacks