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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 17, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Monster Beverage Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0000865752
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 10,745,367,329
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		170,016,322
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 370,323	$ 211,349
Short-term investments	781,134	402,247
Accounts receivable, net	280,203	291,638
Distributor receivables	552	4,542
Inventories	174,573	221,449
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,673	21,376
Intangibles held-for-sale	18,079
Prepaid income taxes	8,617	9,518
Deferred income taxes	40,275	20,924
Total current assets	1,693,429	1,183,043
INVESTMENTS	42,940	9,792
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	90,156	88,143
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	54,106	63,611
INTANGIBLES, net	50,748	65,774
OTHER ASSETS	7,496	10,146
Total Assets	1,938,875	1,420,509
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	127,641	119,376
Accrued liabilities	40,271	59,113
Accrued promotional allowances	114,047	99,470
Deferred revenue	49,926	13,832
Accrued compensation	17,983	14,864
Income taxes payable	5,848	9,359
Total current liabilities	355,716	316,014
DEFERRED REVENUE	68,009	112,216
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock - $0.005 par value; 240,000 shares authorized; 207,004 shares issued and 167,722 outstanding as of December 31, 2014; 206,014 shares issued and 166,822 outstanding as of December 31, 2013	1,035	1,030
Additional paid-in capital	426,145	368,069
Retained earnings	2,330,510	1,847,325
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11,453)	(1,233)
Common stock in treasury, at cost; 39,282 and 39,192 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	(1,231,087)	(1,222,912)
Total stockholders' equity	1,515,150	992,279
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 1,938,875	$ 1,420,509

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
NET SALES	$ 2,464,867	$ 2,246,428	$ 2,060,702
COST OF SALES	1,125,057	1,073,497	995,046
GROSS PROFIT	1,339,810	1,172,931	1,065,656
OPERATING EXPENSES	592,305	600,015	515,033
OPERATING INCOME	747,505	572,916	550,623
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest and other (expense) income, net	(1,676)	(11,737)	(2,256)
(Loss) gain on investments and put option, net (Note 2)	(41)	2,715	787
Total other (expense) income	(1,717)	(9,022)	(1,469)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	745,788	563,894	549,154
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	262,603	225,233	209,134
NET INCOME	$ 483,185	$ 338,661	$ 340,020
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.89	$ 2.03	$ 1.96
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.77	$ 1.95	$ 1.86
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS:
Basic (in shares)	167,257	166,679	173,712
Diluted (in shares)	174,285	173,387	183,083

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury stock	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 994	$ 229,301	$ 1,168,644	$ (1,547)	$ (418,234)	$ 979,158
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	198,729				(24,452)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Stock-based compensation		28,007				28,007
Exercise of stock options	$ 25	10,989				11,014
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	5,030
Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements		19,656				19,656
Repurchase of common stock					$ (737,079)	(737,079)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(13,531)
Foreign currency translation				2,096		2,096
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income				1,525		1,525
Net income			340,020			340,020
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,019	287,953	1,508,664	2,074	$ (1,155,313)	644,397
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	203,759				(37,983)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Stock-based compensation		28,528				28,528
Exercise of stock options	$ 11	21,240				21,251
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	2,255
Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements		30,348				30,348
Repurchase of common stock					$ (67,599)	(67,599)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(1,209)
Foreign currency translation				(1,782)		(1,782)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income				(1,525)		(1,525)
Net income			338,661			338,661
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 1,030	368,069	1,847,325	(1,233)	$ (1,222,912)	992,279
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	206,014				(39,192)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Stock-based compensation		28,989				28,989
Exercise of stock options	$ 5	17,163				17,168
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	990
Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements		11,924				11,924
Repurchase of common stock					$ (8,175)	(8,175)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(90)
Foreign currency translation				(10,220)		(10,220)
Net income			483,185			483,185
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,035	$ 426,145	$ 2,330,510	$ (11,453)	$ (1,231,087)	$ 1,515,150
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	207,004				(39,282)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 483,185	$ 338,661	$ 340,020
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	25,651	22,762	20,562
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment	(408)	506	25
Stock-based compensation	28,552	28,764	28,413
Loss on put option	842	838	1,111
Gain on investments, net	(801)	(3,553)	(1,897)
Deferred income taxes	(9,846)	(7,074)	(2,460)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(11,924)	(30,348)	(19,656)
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(14,290)	(42,901)	(17,782)
Distributor receivables	4,580	(7,382)	3
Inventories	42,763	(21,552)	(47,568)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	888	(4,501)	(4,523)
Prepaid income taxes	157	24,008	(33,210)
Accounts payable	11,282	(8,204)	3,659
Accrued liabilities	3,019	2,265	6,458
Accrued promotional allowances	20,530	8,932	2,723
Accrued distributor terminations	(2,338)	1,552	794
Accrued compensation	3,394	1,970	2,498
Income taxes payable	8,438	34,308	14,165
Deferred revenue	(8,107)	2,982	(5,659)
Net cash provided by operating activities	585,567	342,033	287,676
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Maturities of held-to-maturity investments	710,294	256,843	841,576
Sales of available-for-sale investments		5,793	68,451
Sales of trading investments	13,075	2,250	17,050
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments	(1,130,601)	(557,419)	(597,155)
Purchases of available-for-sale investments	(4,001)		(9,502)
Purchases of property and equipment	(27,952)	(40,762)	(42,935)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	963	9,022	288
Additions to intangibles	(3,411)	(11,175)	(6,301)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	1,230	(4,360)	377
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(440,403)	(339,808)	271,849
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on debt	(1,619)	(1,887)	(2,076)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	11,924	30,348	19,656
Issuance of common stock	17,168	21,252	11,015
Purchases of common stock held in treasury	(8,175)	(67,599)	(727,670)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	19,298	(17,886)	(699,075)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(5,488)	4,496	2,733
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	158,974	(11,165)	(136,817)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	211,349	222,514	359,331
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	370,323	211,349	222,514
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	34	49	48
Income taxes	$ 267,251	$ 174,278	$ 230,221

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	1.ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization – Monster Beverage Corporation (the “Company”, “Monster”, “Hansen” or “Hansen Beverage Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on April 25, 1990. The Company is a holding company and has no operating business except through its consolidated subsidiaries. Nature of Operations – The Company develops, markets, sells and distributes “alternative” beverage category beverages primarily under the following brand names: Monster Energy®, Monster Rehab®, Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology®, Java Monster®, Muscle Monster®, Punch Monster®, Juice Monster™, Peace Tea®, Hansen’s®, Hansen’s Natural Cane Soda®, Junior Juice®, Blue Sky® and Hubert’s®. The “alternative” beverage category combines non-carbonated ready-to-drink iced teas, lemonades, juice cocktails, single-serve juices and fruit beverages, ready-to-drink dairy and coffee drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, and single-serve still water (flavored, unflavored and enhanced) with “new age” beverages, including sodas that are considered natural, sparkling juices and flavored sparkling beverages. Acquisitions and Divestitures – On August 14, 2014, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic relationship in the global energy drink category (the “TCCC Transaction”). In the TCCC Transaction, the Company, New Laser Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“NewCo”), New Laser Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”), TCCC and European Refreshments, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of TCCC, entered into a transaction agreement, and the Company, TCCC and NewCo entered into an asset transfer agreement (together, the “TCCC Transaction Agreements”). Pursuant to the TCCC Transaction Agreements, the Company will reorganize into a new holding company by merging Merger Sub into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo. In the merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock will be converted into one share of NewCo’s common stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the TCCC Transaction Agreements, upon the closing of the TCCC Transaction, (1) NewCo will issue to TCCC newly issued shares of common stock representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of shares of issued and outstanding NewCo common stock (after giving effect to the new issuance) and TCCC will have the right to nominate two (reduced to one upon the earlier of (i) 36 months after the closing of the TCCC Transaction and (ii) TCCC’s equity interest in NewCo exceeding 20% of the outstanding shares of NewCo common stock) individuals to NewCo’s Board of Directors, (2) TCCC will transfer its global energy drink business (including the NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Play® and Power Play®, and Relentless® brands) to NewCo, and the Company will transfer its non-energy drink business (including the Hansen’s® Natural Sodas, Peace Tea®, Hubert’s® Lemonade and Hansen’s® Juice Products) to TCCC, (3) the Company and TCCC will amend their current distribution coordination agreements, which will contemplate expanding distribution of the Company’s products into additional territories pursuant to long-term distribution agreements with TCCC’s network of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling and distribution partners, and (4) TCCC will make a net cash payment of $2.15 billion to the Company (up to $625.0 million of which will be held in escrow, subject to release upon achievement of milestones relating to the transfer of distribution rights). The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the TCCC Transaction expired on October 15, 2014, and all necessary approvals or consents from foreign antitrust authorities have been obtained. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015. Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Principles of Consolidation – The Company consolidates all entities that it controls by ownership of a majority voting interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Throughout the year, the Company has had amounts on deposit at financial institutions that exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any loss as a result of these deposits and does not expect to incur any losses in the future. Investments – The Company’s investments in debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Trading securities are those securities that the Company intends to sell in the near term. All other securities not included in the held-to-maturity or trading category are classified as available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which approximates fair market value. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses charged to earnings. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available (see Note 3). Under ASC 320-10-35, a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are less than the security’s amortized cost basis (the difference being defined as the “Credit Loss”) or if the fair value of the security is less than the security’s amortized cost basis and the investor intends, or will be required, to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. If an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of Credit Loss if the investor does not intend to sell the security, and will not be required to sell the security, before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes. The Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value of its investments is other-than-temporary at each quarter-end. This evaluation consists of a review by management, and includes market pricing information and maturity dates for the securities held, market and economic trends in the industry and information on the issuer’s financial condition and, if applicable, information on the guarantors’ financial condition. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which the investment’s fair value has been less than its cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and guarantors, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of fair value. Accounts Receivable – The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s recent loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding. In accordance with ASC 210-20-45, in its consolidated balance sheets, the Company has presented accounts receivable, net of promotional allowances, only for those customers that it allows net settlement. All other accounts receivable and related promotional allowances are shown on a gross basis. Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out, cost or market value (net realizable value). Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office and computer equipment, computer software, equipment, and vehicles is based on their estimated useful lives (three to ten years) and is calculated using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is based on the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases and is calculated using the straight-line method. Normal repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that materially increase values or extend useful lives are capitalized. The related costs and accumulated depreciation of disposed assets are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss on disposition is included in net income. Intangibles – Intangibles are comprised primarily of trademarks that represent the Company’s exclusive ownership of the Monster Energy®,[See the EDGAR filing for referenced graphic (or) image.]®, Monster Rehab®, Java Monster®, Unleash the Beast®, Punch Monster®, Juice Monster™, Peace Tea®, Hansen’s®, Blue Sky® and the Junior Juice® trademarks, all used in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of supplements and beverages. The Company also owns in its own right a number of other trademarks in the United States, as well as in a number of countries around the world. In accordance with ASC 350, intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that an impairment exists. The Company calculates impairment as the excess of the carrying value of its indefinite-lived assets over their estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value a write-down is recorded. The Company amortizes its trademarks with finite useful lives over their respective useful lives, which range from 1 to 25 years. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairments recorded. Long-Lived Assets – Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including certain definite-lived intangible assets, for possible impairment. This review occurs annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If there is indication of impairment, management then prepares an estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated using the present value of the future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with management’s estimates of the business risks. Preparation of estimated expected future cash flows is inherently subjective and is based on management’s best estimate of assumptions concerning expected future conditions. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment indicators identified. Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions – The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated in accordance with ASC 830. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in interest and other income, net, at the time they occur. Net foreign currency exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are recorded as a part of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (i.e., settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into forward currency exchange contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries non-functional currency denominated assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by us as of December 31, 2014 have terms of one month or less. We do not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes. We have not designated our foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on our foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other (expense) income, net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying economically hedged item. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, aggregate foreign currency transaction losses, including the gains or losses on forward currency exchange contracts, amounted to $3.4 million, $12.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and have been recorded in other (expense) income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, ownership of and title to the Company’s products passes to customers upon delivery of the products to customers. Certain of the Company’s distributors may also perform a separate function as a co-packer on the Company’s behalf. In such cases, ownership of and title to the Company’s products that are co-packed on the Company’s behalf by those co-packers who are also distributors, passes to such distributors when the Company is notified by them that they have taken transfer or possession of the relevant portion of the Company’s finished goods. Net sales have been determined after deduction of promotional and other allowances in accordance with ASC 605-50. The Company’s promotional and other allowances are calculated based on various programs with its distributors and retail customers, and accruals are established during the year for the anticipated liabilities. These accruals are based on agreed upon terms as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar programs and require management’s judgment with respect to estimating consumer participation and/or distributor and retail customer performance levels. Differences between such estimated expense and actual expenses for promotional and other allowance costs have historically been insignificant and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating the Company’s prior distributors, are accounted for as revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreement, generally 20 years. Management believes that adequate provision has been made for cash discounts, returns and spoilage based on the Company’s historical experience. Cost of Sales – Cost of sales consists of the costs of raw materials utilized in the manufacture of products, co-packing fees, repacking fees, in-bound freight charges, as well as certain internal transfer costs, warehouse expenses incurred prior to the manufacture of the Company’s finished products and certain quality control costs. Raw materials account for the largest portion of the cost of sales. Raw materials include cans, bottles, other containers, flavors, ingredients and packaging materials. Operating Expenses – Operating expenses include selling expenses such as distribution expenses to transport products to customers and warehousing expenses after manufacture, as well as expenses for advertising, sampling and in-store demonstration costs, costs for merchandise displays, point-of-sale materials and premium items, sponsorship expenses, other marketing expenses and design expenses. Operating expenses also include such costs as payroll costs, travel costs, professional service fees including legal fees, termination payments made to certain of the Company’s prior distributors, depreciation and other general and administrative costs. Freight-Out Costs – For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, freight-out costs amounted to $92.7 million, $84.0 million and $76.1 million, respectively, and have been recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Advertising and Promotional Expenses – The Company accounts for advertising production costs by expensing such production costs the first time the related advertising takes place. A significant amount of the Company’s promotional expenses result from payments under endorsement and sponsorship contracts. Accounting for endorsement and sponsorship payments is based upon specific contract provisions. Generally, endorsement and sponsorship payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract after giving recognition to periodic performance compliance provisions of the contracts. Advertising and promotional expenses, including but not limited to production costs, amounted to $171.5 million, $181.8 million and $165.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising and promotional expenses are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Income Taxes – The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in ASC 740. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances the Company considers projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If in the future the Company determines that it would not be able to realize its recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would be recorded, decreasing earnings in the period in which such determination is made. The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon the Company’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit that may potentially be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is less than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Stock-Based Compensation – The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718. The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula. The Company records compensation expense for non-employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options as of the earlier of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the non-employee to earn the stock option is reached or (2) the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula. Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. In the event that the Company has the option and intent to settle a restricted stock unit in cash, the award is classified as a liability and revalued at each balance sheet date. (See Note 13). Net Income Per Common Share – In accordance with ASC 260, net income per common share, on a basic and diluted basis, is presented for all periods. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding. The calculation of common equivalent shares assumes the exercise of dilutive stock options, net of assumed treasury share repurchases at average market prices, as applicable. Concentration of Risk – Certain of the Company’s products utilize components (raw materials and/or co-packing services) from a limited number of sources. A disruption in the supply of such components could significantly affect the Company’s revenues from those products, as alternative sources of such components may not be available at commercially reasonable rates or within a reasonably short time period. The Company continues to take steps on an ongoing basis to secure the availability of alternative sources for such components and minimize the risk of any disruption in production. Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), a customer of the Direct Store Delivery segment (“DSD”) with sales within specific markets in the United States and Canada, accounted for approximately 29%, 29% and 28% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Credit Risk – The Company sells its products nationally and internationally, primarily to full service beverage distributors, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, health food distributors and food service customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains reserves for estimated credit losses, and historically, such losses have been within management’s expectations. Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturity of the respective instruments. Use of Estimates – The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In September 2014, the Company elected to early adopt FASB ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”. ASU 2014-08 provides new guidance related to the definition of a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. ASU 2014-12 clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires that a company recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. In applying the new guidance, a company will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

INVESTMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

2.INVESTMENTS

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at:

December 31, 2014	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses		Fair Value		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position less than 12 Months		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position greater than 12 Months
Held-to-Maturity
Short-term:
Commercial paper	$	19,482	$	(2)	$	-	$	19,480	$	-	$	-
Municipal securities	744,542		105		-		744,647		-		-
U.S. Government Agencies	9,199		(1)		-		9,198		-		-
Lont-term:
Municipal securities	42,940		10		-		42,950		-		-
Available-for-sale
Short-term:
Variable rate demand notes	4,001		-		-		4,001		-		-
Total	$	820,164	$	112	$	-	820,276		$	-	$	-
Trading
Short-term:
Auction rate securities							3,910
Long-term:
Auction rate securities							-
Total							$	824,186

December 31, 2013	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses		Fair Value		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position less than 12 Months		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position greater than 12 Months
Held-to-Maturity
Short-term:
Certificates of deposit	$	22,045	$	-	$	-	$	22,045	$	-	$	-
Commercial paper	5,991		-		-		5,991		-		-
Municipal securities	367,819		48		-		367,867		-		-
Total	$	395,855	$	48	$	-	395,903		$	-	$	-
Trading
Short-term:
Auction rate securities							6,392
Long-term:
Auction rate securities							9,792
Total							$	412,087

During the year ended December 31, 2014, realized gains or losses recognized on the sale of investments were not significant. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recognized $2.5 million of realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale investments. Realized gains or losses on the sale of all other investments during the year ended December 31, 2013 were not significant. During the year ended December 31, 2012, realized gains or losses recognized on the sale of investments were not significant.

The Company recognized a net gain through earnings on its trading securities as follows for the years ended:

	2014		2013		2012
Gain (loss) on transfer from available-for-sale to trading	$	-	$	-	$	-
Gain on trading securities sold	978		255		1,130
(Loss) gain on trading securities held	(177)		816		753
Gain on trading securites	$	801	$	1,071	$	1,883

The Company’s investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and/or variable rate demand notes (“VRSNs”) carried investment grade credit ratings. VRDNs are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put options that allow the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest. All of the put options are secured by a pledged liquidity source. While they are classified as marketable investment securities, the put option allows the VRDNs to be liquidated at par on a same day, or more generally on a seven day, settlement basis. All of the Company’s investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 in municipal, educational or other public body securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”) also carried investment grade credit ratings.

The following table summarizes the underlying contractual maturities of the Company’s investments at:

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Less than 1 year:
U.S. Treasuries	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Certificates of deposit	-		-		22,045		22,045
Commercial paper	19,482		19,480		5,991		5,991
Municipal securities	744,542		744,647		367,819		367,867
U.S. government agency securities	9,199		9,198		-		-
Due 1 -10 years:
Municipal securities	42,940		42,950		-		-
Due 11 - 20 years:
Auction rate securities	3,910		3,910		11,102		11,102
Due 21 - 30 years:
Variable rate demand notes	4,001		4,001		-		-
Auction rate securities	-		-		5,082		5,082
Total	$	824,074	$	824,186	$	412,039	$	412,087

- Definition

The entire disclosure for investments in certain debt and equity securities.

+ References + Details

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

3.FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The three levels of inputs required by the standard that the Company uses to measure fair value are summarized below.

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

ASC 820 requires the use of observable market inputs (quoted market prices) when measuring fair value and requires a Level 1 quoted price to be used to measure fair value whenever possible.

The following tables present the Company’s held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost as well as the fair value of the Company’s financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, segregated among the appropriate levels within the fair value hierarchy at:

December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Cash	$	196,090	$	-		$	-	$	196,090
Money market funds	106,928		-			-		106,928
Certificates of deposit	-		-			-		-
Commercial paper	-		19,482			-		19,482
Municipal securities	-		854,787			-		854,787
U.S. government agency securities	-		9,199			-		9,199
Variable rate demand notes	-		4,001			-		4,001
Auction rate securities	-		-			3,910		3,910
Put option related to auction rate securities	-		-			250		250
Foreign currency derivatives	-		(252		)	-		(252		)
Total	$	303,018	$	887,217		$	4,160	$	1,194,395

Amounts included in:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	303,018	$	67,305		$	-	$	370,323
Short-term investments	-		777,224			3,910		781,134
Accounts receivable, net	-		83			-		83
Investments	-		42,940			-		42,940
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-			250		250
Other assets	-		-			-		-
Accrued liabilities	-		(335		)	-		(335		)
Total	$	303,018	$	887,217		$	4,160	$	1,194,395

December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Cash	$	139,300	$	-		$	-	$	139,300
Money market funds	60,102		-			-		60,102
Certificates of deposit	-		22,045			-		22,045
Commercial paper	-		5,991			-		5,991
Municipal securities	-		379,766			-		379,766
Auction rate securities	-		-			16,184		16,184
Put option related to auction rate securities	-		-			1,092		1,092
Total	$	199,402	$	407,802		$	17,276	$	624,480

Amounts included in:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	199,402	$	11,947		$	-	$	211,349
Short-term investments	-		395,855			6,392		402,247
Investments	-		-			9,792		9,792
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-			486		486
Other assets	-		-			606		606
Total	$	199,402	$	407,802		$	17,276	$	624,480

The majority of the Company’s short-term investments are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s valuation of its Level 1 investments, which include money market funds, is based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities. The Company’s valuation of its Level 2 investments, which include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and VRDNs, is based on other observable inputs, specifically a market approach which utilizes valuation models, pricing systems, mathematical tools and other relevant information for the same or similar securities. The Company’s valuation of its Level 2 foreign exchange contracts is based on quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 measurements during the year ended December 31, 2014 or the year ended December 31, 2013, and there were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques.

The Company’s Level 3 assets are comprised of auction rate securities and put options. The Company’s Level 3 valuation utilized a mark-to-model approach which included estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, as well as expected holding periods for the auction rate securities. These assumptions are typically volatile and subject to change as the underlying data sources and market conditions evolve. A significant change in any single input could have a significant valuation impact; however, no single input has a more significant impact on valuation than another. There were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques of its Level 3 assets during the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table presents quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the Company’s Level 3 recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014.

	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted-Average)
Auction Rate Securities	Discounted cash flow	Maximum rate probability	1.37%-3.02% (2.58%)
		Principal returned probability	84.78%-94.07% (87.05%)
		Default probability	4.56%-12.21% (10.37%)
		Liquidity risk	2.50%-2.50% (2.50%)
		Recovery rate	60-60 (60)

Put Options	Discounted cash flow	Counterparty risk	0.73%-0.79% (0.74%)

At December 31, 2014, the Company held auction rate securities with a face value of $4.2 million (amortized cost basis of $3.9 million). A Level 3 valuation was performed on the Company’s auction rate securities as of December 31, 2014 resulting in a fair value of $3.9 million for the Company’s trading auction rate securities (after a $0.3 million impairment), which are included in short-term and long-term investments.

In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement (the “2011 ARS Agreement”), related to $24.5 million of par value auction rate securities (the “2011 ARS Securities”). Under the 2011 ARS Agreement, the Company has the right to sell the 2011 ARS Securities including all accrued but unpaid interest thereon (the “2011 Put Option”) as follows: (i) on or after July 1, 2013, up to $1.0 million aggregate par value; (ii) on or after October 1, 2013, up to an additional $1.0 million aggregate par value; and (iii) in quarterly installments thereafter based on a formula of the then outstanding 2011 ARS Securities, as adjusted for normal market redemptions, with full sale rights available on or after April 1, 2016. The 2011 ARS Securities will continue to accrue interest until redeemed through the 2011 Put Option, or as determined by the auction process, or should the auction process fail, the terms outlined in the prospectus of the respective 2011 ARS Securities. Under the 2011 ARS Agreement, the Company has the obligation, should it receive written notification from the put issuer, to sell the 2011 ARS Securities at par plus all accrued but unpaid interest. During the year ended December 31, 2014, $6.2 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through the exercise of a portion of the 2011 Put Option and $6.9 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through normal market channels ($2.3 million, $1.3 million and $3.7 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through normal market channels during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively). The 2011 Put Option does not meet the definition of derivative instruments under ASC 815. Therefore, the Company elected the fair value option under ASC 825-10 in accounting for the 2011 Put Option. As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded $0.3 million as the fair market value of the 2011 Put Option, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets, as well as in other assets, in the consolidated balance sheet.

The net effect of (i) the revaluation of the 2011 Put Option as of December 31, 2014; (ii) the redemption at par of certain 2011 ARS Securities; and (iii) the revaluation of the Company’s trading auction rate securities as of December 31, 2014 resulted in a loss of ($0.04) million, which is included in other (expense) income for the year ended December 31, 2014. The net effect of (i) the revaluation of the 2011 Put Option as of December 31, 2013; (ii) the redemption at par of certain 2011 ARS Securities; (iii) the revaluation of the Company’s trading auction rate securities as of December 31, 2013; and (iv) a recognized gain resulting from the redemption of previously other-than-temporary impaired securities; resulted in a gain of $2.7 million, which is included in other (expense) income for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The following table provides a summary reconciliation of the Company’s financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Auction Rate Securities		Put Options		Auction Rate Securities		Put Options
Opening Balance	$	16,184	$	1,092	$	23,156	$	1,929
Transfers into Level 3	-		-		-		-
Transfers out of Level 3	-		-		-		-
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	801		(842)		3,553		(837)
Included in other comprehensive income	-		-		(2,482)		-
Settlements	(13,075)		-		(8,043)		-
Closing Balance	$	3,910	$	250	$	16,184	$	1,092

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

4.DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks related primarily to its foreign business operations. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into forward currency exchange contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries’ non-functional currency denominated assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by the Company as of December 31, 2014 have terms of one month or less. The Company does not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes.

The Company has not designated its foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other (expense) income, net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying economically hedged item.

The notional amount and fair value of all outstanding foreign currency derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following at:

	December 31, 2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under FASB ASC 815-20	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Balance Sheet Location
Assets:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive CAD/pay USD	$	19,940	$	83	Accounts receivable, net

Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts:
Receive EUR/pay USD	$	13,265	$	(75)	Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay AUD	8,343		(48)		Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay JPY	10,620		(84)		Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay ZAR	14,760		(105)		Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay MXN	4,961		(11)		Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay CLP	2,685		(10)		Accrued liabilities
Receive USD/pay COP	2,845		(2)		Accrued liabilities

The Company had no foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013.

The net gain on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of income were as follows:

		Amount of gain recognized in income on derivatives
		Year ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under FASB ASC 815-20	Location of gain recognized in income on derivatives	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013

Foreign currency exchange contracts	Interest and other income (expense), net	$	1,424	$	-

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35706170&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

10.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is obligated under various non-cancellable lease agreements providing for office space, warehouse space, and automobiles that expire at various dates through the year 2023.

Rent expense under operating leases was $6.8 million, $7.4 million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum rental payments at December 31, 2014 under the operating leases referred to above are as follows:

Year Ending December 31:

2015	$	5,310
2016	4,329
2017	1,178
2018	495
2019	495
2020 and thereafter	1,166
	$	12,973

Contractual obligations – The Company has the following contractual obligations related primarily to sponsorships and other commitments as of December 31, 2014:

Year Ending December 31:

2015	$	46,290
2016	25,296
2017	3,602
2018	2,793
2019	-
2020 and thereafter	-
	$	77,981

Purchase Commitments – The Company has purchase commitments aggregating approximately $31.3 million at December 31, 2014, which represent commitments made by the Company and its subsidiaries to various suppliers of raw materials for the production of its products. These obligations vary in terms, but are generally satisfied within one year.

The Company purchases various raw material items, including, but not limited to, flavors, ingredients, dietary ingredients, containers, milk, cream and protein, from a limited number of resources. An interruption in supply from any of such resources could result in the Company’s inability to produce certain products for limited or possibly extended periods of time. The aggregate value of purchases from suppliers of such limited resources described above for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $292.8 million, $282.5 million and $264.2 million, respectively.

Guarantees – The Company from time to time enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require the Company to indemnify parties against third party claims. These contracts primarily relate to: (i) certain agreements with the Company’s officers, directors and employees under which the Company may be required to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their employment relationship, (ii) certain distribution or purchase agreements under which the Company may have to indemnify the Company’s customers from any claim, liability or loss arising out of any actual or alleged injury or damages suffered in connection with the consumption or purchase of the Company’s products or the use of Company trademarks, and (iii) certain real estate leases, under which the Company may be required to indemnify property owners for liabilities and other claims arising from the Company’s use of the applicable premises. The terms of such obligations vary and typically, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated. Generally, the Company believes that its insurance coverage is adequate to cover any resulting liabilities or claims.

Litigation – On October 17, 2012, Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside, styled Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier v. Monster Beverage Corporation, against the Company claiming that the death of their 14 year old daughter (Anais Fournier) was caused by her consumption of two 24-ounce Monster Energy® drinks over the course of two days in December 2011. The plaintiffs allege strict product liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranties and wrongful death. The plaintiffs claim general damages in excess of $25,000 and punitive damages. The Company filed a demurrer and a motion to strike the plaintiffs’ complaint on November 19, 2012, and the plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint on December 19, 2012. The Company filed its answer to the first amended complaint on June 7, 2013. The parties attended a court ordered mediation on January 23, 2014. Discovery has commenced and trial has been scheduled for August 21, 2015. The Company believes that the plaintiffs’ complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous defense. The Company also believes that any such damages, if awarded, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

The Company has also been named as a defendant in other complaints containing similar allegations to those presented in the Fournier lawsuit, each of which the Company believes is also without merit and would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the event any damages were awarded.

Securities Litigation – On September 11, 2008, a federal securities class action complaint styled Cunha v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “District Court”). On September 17, 2008, a second federal securities class action complaint styled Brown v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. was also filed in the District Court. After the District Court consolidated the two actions and appointed the Structural Ironworkers Local Union #1 Pension Fund as lead plaintiff, a Consolidated Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws was filed on August 28, 2009 (the “Consolidated Class Action Complaint”).

The Consolidated Class Action Complaint purported to be brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of the Company’s stock during the period November 9, 2006 through November 8, 2007 (the “Class Period”). It named as defendants the Company, Rodney C. Sacks, Hilton H. Schlosberg, and Thomas J. Kelly. Plaintiff principally alleged that, during the Class Period, the defendants made false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s distribution coordination agreements with Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (“AB”) and its sales of “Allied” energy drink lines, and engaged in sales of shares in the Company on the basis of material non-public information. Plaintiff also alleged that the Company’s financial statements for the second quarter of 2007 did not include certain promotional expenses. The Consolidated Class Action Complaint alleged violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and sought an unspecified amount of damages.

The District Court dismissed the Consolidated Class Action Complaint, with leave to amend, on July 12, 2010. Plaintiff thereafter filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint for Violations of Federal Securities Laws on August 27, 2010 (the “Amended Class Action Complaint”). While similar in many respects to the Consolidated Class Action Complaint, the Amended Class Action Complaint dropped certain of the allegations set forth in the Consolidated Class Action Complaint and made certain new allegations, including that the Company engaged in “channel stuffing” during the Class Period that rendered false or misleading the Company’s reported sales results and certain other statements made by the defendants. In addition, it no longer named Thomas J. Kelly as a defendant.

On September 4, 2012, the District Court dismissed certain of the claims in the Amended Class Action Complaint, including plaintiff’s allegations relating to promotional expenses, but denied defendants’ motion to dismiss with regard to the majority of plaintiff’s claims, including plaintiff’s channel stuffing allegations. Plaintiff filed a motion seeking class certification on December 6, 2012, which the court denied, without prejudice, on January 17, 2014.

Following a mediation conducted by an independent mediator, the Company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement on April 16, 2014 to resolve the litigation. Following a fairness hearing, on January 29, 2015, the District Court granted final approval of the settlement and entered a final judgment dismissing the action with prejudice.

Under the terms of the settlement, certain of the Company’s insurance carriers paid $16.25 million into an escrow account for distribution to a settlement class, certified by the District Court for settlement purposes only and consisting of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s stock during the Class Period (with certain exclusions as specified in the settlement agreement). Under the settlement, defendants and various of their related persons and entities received a full release of all claims that were or could have been brought in the action as well as all claims that arise out of, are based upon or relate to the allegations, transactions, facts, representations, omissions or other matters involved in the complaints filed in the action or any statement communicated to the public during the Class Period, and the purchase, acquisition or sale of the Company’s stock during the Class Period.

The settlement contained no admission of any liability or wrongdoing on the part of the defendants, each of whom continues to deny all of the allegations against them and believes that the claims were without merit. Because the full amount of the settlement was paid by the Company’s insurance carriers, the settlement did not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations.

State Attorney General Inquiry – In July 2012, the Company received a subpoena from the Attorney General for the State of New York in connection with its investigation concerning the Company’s advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, usage and sale of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks. Production of documents pursuant to that subpoena was completed in approximately May 2014.

On August 6, 2014, the Attorney General for the State of New York issued a second subpoena seeking additional documents and the deposition of a Company employee. On September 8, 2014, the Company moved to quash the second subpoena. The motion has been fully briefed and argument has been scheduled on the motion for March 17, 2015. It is unknown what, if any, action the state attorney general may take against the Company, the relief which may be sought in the event of any such proceeding or whether such proceeding could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

San Francisco City Attorney Litigation – On October 31, 2012, the Company received a written request for information from the City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco concerning the Company’s advertising and marketing of its Monster Energy® brand of energy drinks and specifically concerning the safety of its products for consumption by adolescents. In a letter dated March 29, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney threatened to bring suit against the Company if it did not agree to take the following five steps immediately: (i) “Reformulate its products to lower the caffeine content to safe levels” - (ii) “Provide adequate warning labels”; (iii) “Cease promoting over-consumption in marketing”; (iv) “Cease use of alcohol and drug references in marketing”; and (v) “Cease targeting minors.”

(i) The Company Action – On April 29, 2013, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Monster Energy Company, filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against the San Francisco City Attorney (the “Company Action”) in United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Central District Court”), styled Monster Beverage Corp., et al. v. Dennis Herrera. The Company sought a declaration from the Central District Court that the San Francisco City Attorney’s investigation and demands are impermissible and preempted, subject to the doctrine of primary jurisdiction, are unconstitutional in that they violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments’ prohibitions against compelled speech, content-based speech and commercial speech, are impermissibly void-for-vagueness, and/or violate the Commerce Clause. On June 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to dismiss the Company Action, arguing in part that the complaint should be dismissed in light of the San Francisco Action (described below) filed on May 6, 2013. On August 22, 2013, the Central District Court granted in part and denied in part the City Attorney’s motion. On October 17, 2013 (after the San Francisco Action, described below, was remanded to San Francisco Superior Court), the City Attorney filed a renewed motion to dismiss the Company Action and on December 16, 2013, the Central District Court granted the City Attorney’s renewed motion, dismissing the Company Action. The Company filed a Notice of Appeal to the Ninth Circuit on December 18, 2013. The Company filed its opening brief on November 28, 2014. The City Attorney’s filed an answering brief on February 13, 2015, and the Company’s reply brief is currently due on February 27, 2015.

(ii) The San Francisco Action – On May 6, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties and restitution for alleged violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code sections 17200, et seq., styled People Of The State Of California ex rel. Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney v. Monster Beverage Corporation, in San Francisco Superior Court (the “San Francisco Action”). The City Attorney alleges that the Company (1) mislabeled its products as a dietary supplement, in violation of California’s Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law, California Health & Safety Code sections 109875 et. seq.; (2) is selling an “adulterated” product because caffeine is not generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) due to the alleged lack of scientific consensus concerning the safety of the levels of caffeine in the Company’s products; and (3) is engaged in unfair and misleading business practices because its marketing (a) does not disclose the health risks that energy drinks pose for children and teens; (b) fails to warn against and promotes unsafe consumption; (c) implicitly promotes mixing of energy drinks with alcohol or drugs; and (d) is deceptive because it includes unsubstantiated claims about the purported special benefits of its “killer” ingredients and “energy blend.” The City Attorney sought a declaration that the Company has engaged in unfair and unlawful business acts and practices in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; an injunction from performing or proposing to perform any acts in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; restitution; and civil penalties. On June 3, 2013, the Company removed the San Francisco Action to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Northern District Court”). On July 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to remand the San Francisco Action back to state court. On September 18, 2013, the Northern District Court granted the City Attorney’s motion to remand the San Francisco Action back to state court.

On January 15, 2014, the Company filed a demurrer to and motion to strike allegations in the complaint in the San Francisco Action. On March 5, 2014, the Court overruled the demurrer, granted the motion to strike as to one theory for relief pleaded by the City Attorney, and lifted the stay on discovery.

On March 20, 2014, the City Attorney filed an amended complaint, adding allegations supporting the theory for relief as to which the Court had granted the motion to strike. On April 18, 2014, the Company filed a renewed motion to strike, challenging the theory for relief previously rejected by the Court, as well as a motion asking the Court to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to the safety of Monster Energy® drinks, pending resolution of the ongoing FDA investigation of the safety and labeling of food products to which caffeine is added. On May 22, 2014, the Court denied the Company’s motion to strike and motion to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to safety.

On June 16, 2014, the Company filed a petition for writ of mandate with the Court of Appeal, asking for a writ directing the trial court to vacate its order denying the Company’s motion to bifurcate and/or stay the San Francisco Action, and instead to stay proceedings pending FDA’s investigation. On June 19, 2014, the Court of Appeal denied the petition. On June 25, 2014, the Company filed a petition for review with the California Supreme Court. On July 23, 2014, the Supreme Court denied the petition.

On August 27, 2014, the Court issued an order setting the case for a two-week bench trial beginning on February 8, 2016. On September 5, 2014, the City Attorney filed a second amended complaint, adding Monster Energy Company as a defendant. The Company and Monster Energy Company filed answers to the second amended complaint on October 4, 2014 and November 10, 2014, respectively. A case management conference is scheduled for March 10, 2015. Discovery is ongoing.

The Company denies that it has violated the Unfair Competition Law or any other law and believes that the City Attorney’s claims and demands are preempted and unconstitutional, as alleged in the action the Company filed in the Central District Court. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. At this time, no evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of potential loss can be expressed.

In addition to the above matters, the Company has been named as a defendant in various false advertising putative class actions and in a private attorney general action. In these actions, plaintiffs allege that defendants misleadingly labeled and advertised Monster Energy® brand products that allegedly were ineffective for the advertised benefits (including, but not limited to, an allegation that the products do not hydrate as advertised because they contain caffeine). The plaintiffs further allege that the Monster Energy® brand products at issue are unsafe because they contain one or more ingredients that allegedly could result in illness, injury or death. In connection with these product safety allegations, the plaintiffs claim that the product labels did not provide adequate warnings and/or that the Company did not include sufficiently specific statements with respect to contra-indications and/or adverse reactions associated with the consumption of its energy drink products (including, but not limited to, claims that certain ingredients, when consumed individually or in combination with other ingredients, could result in high blood pressure, palpitations, liver damage or other negative health effects and/or that the products themselves are unsafe). Based on these allegations, the plaintiffs assert claims for violation of state consumer protection statutes, including unfair competition and false advertising statutes, and for breach of warranty and unjust enrichment. In their prayers for relief, the plaintiffs seek, inter alia, compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees, and, in some cases, injunctive relief. The Company regards these cases and allegations as having no merit. Furthermore, the Company is subject to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business, including intellectual property litigation and claims from terminated distributors.

The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that is accrued, if any, or in the amount of any related insurance reimbursements recorded. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include accrued loss contingencies of approximately $3.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively, and receivables for insurance reimbursements of approximately $0.0 million and $16.25 million, respectively. Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of such litigation, based on the facts known to the Company, management believes that such litigation in the aggregate will likely not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

13.STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has two stock-based compensation plans under which shares were available for grant at December 31, 2014: the Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) and the 2009 Monster Beverage Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2009 Directors Plan”).

The 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based awards up to an aggregate of 14,500,000 shares of the common stock of the Company to employees or consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. Shares authorized under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan are reduced by 2.16 shares for each share granted or issued with respect to a Full Value Award. A Full Value Award is an award other than an incentive stock option, a non-qualified stock option, or a stock appreciation right, which is settled by the issuance of shares. Options granted under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan may be incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, or non-qualified stock options. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) has sole and exclusive authority to grant stock awards to all employees who are not new hires and to all new hires who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Executive Committee”) each independently has the authority to grant stock awards to new hires who are not Section 16 employees. Awards granted by the Executive Committee are not subject to approval or ratification by the Board or the Compensation Committee. Options granted under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan generally vest over a five-year period from the grant date and are generally exercisable up to 10 years after the grant date. As of December 31, 2014, 3,620,280 shares of the Company’s common stock have been granted, net of cancellations, and 9,865,555 shares of the Company’s common stock remain available for grant under the 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

The 2009 Directors Plan permits the granting of options, stock appreciation rights (each, an “SAR”), and other stock-based awards to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,600,000 shares of common stock of the Company to non-employee directors of the Company. The 2009 Directors Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. Each award granted under the 2009 Directors Plan will be evidenced by a written agreement and will contain the terms and conditions that the Board of Directors deems appropriate. The Board of Directors may grant such awards on the last business day prior to the date of the annual meeting of stockholders. Any award granted under the 2009 Directors Plan will vest, with respect to 100% of such award, on the last business day prior to the date of the annual meeting, in the calendar year following the calendar year in which such award is granted. The Board of Directors may determine the exercise price per share of the Company’s common stock under each option, but such price may not be less than 100% of the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date an option is granted. Option grants may be made under the 2009 Directors Plan for 10 years from June 4, 2009. The Board of Directors may also grant SARs, independently, or in connection with an option grant. The Board of Directors may determine the exercise price per share of the Company’s common stock under each SAR, but such price may not be less than the greater of (i) the fair market value of a share on the date the SAR is granted and (ii) the price of the related option, if the SAR is granted in connection with an option grant. Additionally, the Board of Directors may grant other stock-based awards, which include awards of shares of the Company’s common stock, restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, and awards that are valued based on the fair market value of shares of the Company’s common stock. SARs and other stock-based awards are subject to the general provisions of the 2009 Directors Plan. The Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2009 Directors Plan at any time. As of December 31, 2014, options to purchase 81,160 shares of the Company’s common stock had been granted under the 2009 Directors Plan, and options to purchase 1,518,840 shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for grant.

The Company recorded $28.6 million, $28.8 million and $28.4 million of compensation expense relating to outstanding options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The excess tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11.9 million, $30.3 million and $19.7 million, respectively.

Stock Options

Under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, all stock options granted as of December 31, 2014 were granted at prices based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company records compensation expense for non-employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options as of the earlier of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the non-employee to earn the stock option is reached or (2) the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company uses historical data to determine the exercise behavior, volatility and forfeiture rate of the options.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during:

	2014	2013	2012
Dividend yield	0.0 %	0.0 %	0.0 %
Expected volatility	41.4 %	47.5 %	48.1 %
Risk-free interest rate	1.55 %	0.98 %	0.74 %
Expected term	5.8 Years	5.7 Years	5.4 Years

Expected Volatility: The Company uses historical volatility as it provides a reasonable estimate of the expected volatility. Historical volatility is based on the most recent volatility of the stock price over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the option.

Risk-Free Interest Rate: The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option.

Expected Term: The Company’s expected term represents the weighted-average period that the Company’s stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is based on expected time to post-vesting exercise of options by employees. The Company uses historical exercise patterns of previously granted options to derive employee behavioral patterns used to forecast expected exercise patterns.

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans as follows:

Options	Number of Shares (In thousands)	Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	12,973	$	15.70	3.7	$	675,595
Granted 01/01/14 - 03/31/14	689	$	70.06
Granted 04/01/14 - 06/30/14	104	$	69.15
Granted 07/01/14 - 09/30/14	-	$	-
Granted 10/01/14 - 12/31/14	195	$	111.30
Exercised	(767)	$	22.38
Cancelled or forfeited	(128)	$	45.49
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	13,066	$	19.73	3.1	$	1,158,412
Vested and expected to vest in the future at December 31, 2014	12,670	$	18.31	2.9	$	1,141,163
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	10,566	$	10.24	1.8	$	1,036,675

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:

			Options Outstanding			Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices ($)			Number Outstanding (In Thousands)	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)	Number Exercisable (In Thousands)	Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)
$3.29	-	$3.29	4,400	0.2	$ 3.29	4,400	$ 3.29
$5.72	-	$6.21	13	0.5	$ 6.18	13	$ 6.18
$8.44	-	$8.44	2,445	0.9	$ 8.44	2,445	$ 8.44
$13.37	-	$15.60	111	3.7	$ 13.56	111	$ 13.56
$15.86	-	$15.86	1,700	3.4	$ 15.86	1,700	$ 15.86
$15.94	-	$19.20	1,307	4.8	$ 17.83	1,307	$ 17.83
$19.23	-	$53.96	1,700	7.1	$ 41.19	558	$ 34.33
$55.92	-	$71.05	1,190	8.7	$ 66.22	33	$ 63.85
$74.78	-	$74.78	4	7.5	$ 74.78	-	$ 0.00
$111.30	-	$111.30	196	9.9	$ 111.30	-	$ 0.00
			13,066	3.1	$ 19.73	10,567	$ 10.24

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $31.49 per share, $22.57 per share and $25.21 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $47.1 million, $91.6 million and $248.8 million, respectively.

Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $17.2 million, $21.3 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2014, there was $48.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested options granted to employees under the Company’s share-based payment plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. In the event that the Company has the option and intent to settle a restricted stock unit in cash, the award is classified as a liability and revalued at each balance sheet date. Total cash paid to settle restricted stock unit liabilities and the increase in the liabilities for future cash settlements during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were not material.

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units as follows:

	Number of Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2014	391		$	49.27
Granted 01/01/14 - 03/31/14	-		-
Granted 04/01/14 - 06/30/14	10		69.00
Granted 07/01/14 - 09/30/14	-		-
Granted 10/01/14 - 12/31/14	6		111.30
Vested	(241	)	44.16
Forfeited/cancelled	(17	)	51.79
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	149		$	61.09

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $84.38, $53.50 and $61.73 per share, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 0.1 million of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards are expected to vest.

At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation expense relating to non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units was $6.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

Employee and Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense

The table below shows the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 for share-based compensation related to employees and non-employees. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $28.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 is comprised of $4.8 million that relates to incentive stock options and $23.8 million that relates to non-qualified stock options and restricted units and awards. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 is comprised of $5.2 million that relates to incentive stock options and $23.6 million that relates to non-qualified stock options and restricted units and awards. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 is comprised of $5.1 million that relates to incentive stock options and $23.3 million that relates to non-qualified stock options and restricted units and awards. The portion of share-based compensation expense that relates to incentive stock options has not been considered in the tax benefit computation below.

	2014		2013		2012
Operating expenses	$	28,552	$	28,764	$	28,413
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax	28,552		28,764		28,413
Less: Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings	(2,932)		(7,730)		(8,933)
Amount charged against net income	$	25,620	$	21,034	$	19,480

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

14.INCOME TAXES

The domestic and foreign components of the Company’s income (loss) before provision for income taxes are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013			2012
Domestic*	$	711,917	$	596,899		$	568,225
Foreign*	33,871		(33,005		)	(19,071		)
Income before provision for income taxes	$	745,788	$	563,894		$	549,154

*After intercompany royalties, management fees and interest charges from the Company’s domestic to foreign entities of $34.9 million, $25.9 million and $22.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Current:
Federal	$	228,348		$	191,596		$	177,372
State	36,633			36,662			30,268
Foreign	7,467			4,052			3,951
	272,448			232,310			211,591

Deferred:
Federal	(8,473		)	(7,441		)	(743		)
State	(442		)	(1,443		)	(483		)
Foreign	3,476			(9,694		)	(7,373		)
	(5,439		)	(18,578		)	(8,599		)

Valuation allowance	(4,406		)	11,501			6,142
	$	262,603		$	225,233		$	209,134

The differences in the total provision for income taxes that would result from applying the 35% federal statutory rate to income before provision for income taxes and the reported provision for income taxes are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
U.S. Federal tax expense at statutory rates	$	261,025		$	197,363		$	192,204
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	23,859			22,640			20,252
Permanent differences	4,816			936			5,968
Domestic production deduction	(20,607		)	(16,039		)	(15,469		)
Other	(1,267		)	266			(388		)
Foreign rate differential	(817		)	8,566			425
Valuation allowance	(4,406		)	11,501			6,142
	$	262,603		$	225,233		$	209,134

Major components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31 are as follows:

	2014			2013
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserve for sales returns	$	289		$	583
Reserve for doubtful accounts	36			62
Reserve for inventory obsolescence	3,030			2,060
Reserve for marketing development fund	9,118			9,470
Capitalization of inventory costs	2,527			1,949
State franchise tax	8,160			6,043
Accrued compensation	-			867
Accrued other liabilities	3,503			4,871
Deferred revenue	47,319			50,813
Stock-based compensation	25,268			21,963
Securities impairment	288			273
Foreign net operating loss carryforward	17,256			19,346
Prepaid supplies	4,195			4,639
Gain on intercompany transfer	8,347			-
Total gross deferred tax assets	$	129,336		$	122,939

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Amortization of trademarks	$	(11,923	)	$	(10,393	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	-			-
Other deferred tax liabilities	(327		)	(94		)
Depreciation	(5,022		)	(5,828		)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(17,272		)	(16,315		)

Valuation Allowance	(17,683		)	(22,089		)

Net deferred tax assets	$	94,381		$	84,535

During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company established full valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets, resulting from cumulative net operating losses incurred by certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company. The effect of the valuation allowances and the subsequent related impact on the Company’s overall tax rate was to (decrease) increase the Company’s provision for income taxes by ($4.4) million, $10.8 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $78.5 million. Of this amount, $65.0 million may be carried forward indefinitely. The remaining $13.5 million will begin to expire in 2017.

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits, not including interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	Gross Unrealized Tax Benefits
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	1,910
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	-
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	520
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	(1,504)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	926
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	-
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	9
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	-
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	935
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	-
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	-
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	-
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	935

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had accrued approximately $0.4 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions it would not have a significant impact on the Company’s effective tax rate.

It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefit change within the next 12 months will not be significant.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income tax in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions.

On March 8, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) began its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011. The Company is also in various stages of examination with certain states. The 2012 and 2013 U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to IRS examination. State income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2010 through 2013 tax years.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

17. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has two operating and reportable segments, namely Direct Store Delivery (“DSD”), the principal products of which comprise energy drinks, and Warehouse (“Warehouse”), the principal products of which comprise juice based and soda beverages. The DSD segment develops, markets and sells products primarily through an exclusive distributor network, whereas the Warehouse segment develops, markets and sells products primarily direct to retailers. Corporate and unallocated amounts that do not relate to DSD or Warehouse segments specifically have been allocated to “Corporate & Unallocated.” No asset information has been provided for the Company’s reportable segments as management does not measure or allocate assets on a segment basis. Following the consummation of the TCCC Transaction, the Company anticipates that it will have two operating and reporting segments: Concentrate, the principal products of which will likely include the various energy drink brands transferred to the Company from TCCC, and Finished Products, the principal products of which will likely include the Company’s Monster Energy® drink products that currently make up the majority of the DSD segment.

The net revenues derived from DSD and Warehouse segments and other financial information related thereto for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	DSD		Warehouse		Corporate and Unallocated		Total
Net sales	$	2,369,208	$	95,659	$	-	$	2,464,867
Contribution margin*	908,781		3,003		-		911,784
Corporate & unallocated expenses	-		-		(164,279)		(164,279		)
Operating income							747,505
Interest and other income, net	664		(3)		(2,378)		(1,717		)
Income before provision for income taxes							745,788
Depreciation & amortization	(19,778)		(293)		(5,540)		(25,611		)
Trademark amortization	-		(33)		(8)		(41		)

	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	DSD		Warehouse		Corporate and Unallocated		Total
Net sales	$	2,147,355	$	99,073	$	-	$	2,246,428
Contribution margin*	726,826		(1,652)		-		725,174
Corporate & unallocated expenses	-		-		(152,258)		(152,258		)
Operating income							572,916
Interest and other income, net	755		(2)		(9,775)		(9,022		)
Income before provision for income taxes							563,894
Depreciation & amortization	(19,023)		(244)		(3,446)		(22,713		)
Trademark amortization	-		(44)		(5)		(49		)

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	DSD		Warehouse		Corporate and Unallocated		Total
Net sales	$	1,966,481	$	94,221	$	-	$	2,060,702
Contribution margin*	660,607		3,496		-		664,103
Corporate & unallocated expenses	-		-		(113,480)		(113,480		)
Operating income							550,623
Interest and other income, net	494		(2)		(1,961)		(1,469		)
Income before provision for income taxes							549,154
Depreciation & amortization	(15,660)		(139)		(4,714)		(20,513		)
Trademark amortization	-		(44)		(5)		(49		)

*Contribution margin is defined as gross profit less certain operating expenses deemed by management to be directly attributable to the respective reportable segment. Contribution margin is used by management as a key indicator of reportable segment profitability.

Revenue is derived from sales to external customers. Operating expenses that pertain to each segment are allocated to the appropriate segment.

Corporate and unallocated expenses were $164.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and included $86.2 million of payroll costs, of which $28.6 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $43.8 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, $7.4 million of insurance costs and $26.9 million of other operating expenses. Corporate and unallocated expenses were $152.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and included $82.5 million of payroll costs, of which $28.8 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $38.7 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, and $31.1 million of other operating expenses. Corporate and unallocated expenses were $113.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and included $73.0 million of payroll costs, of which $28.4 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 13, “Stock-Based Compensation”), $19.7 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, $4.4 million of depreciation and $16.4 million of other operating expenses.

CCR, a customer of the DSD segment, accounted for 29%, 29% and 28% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Net sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $534.2 million, $467.2 million and $415.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such sales were approximately 21.7%, 20.8% and 20.2% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company’s net sales by product line for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were as follows:

Product Line	2014		2013		2012
Energy drinks	$	2,302,225	$	2,082,238	$	1,906,236

Non-carbonated (primarily juice based beverages)	119,204		120,145		110,217
Carbonated (primarily soda beverages)	28,425		29,245		31,044
Other	15,013		14,800		13,205
	$	2,464,867	$	2,246,428	$	2,060,702

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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+ Details

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures – On August 14, 2014, the Company and The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic relationship in the global energy drink category (the “TCCC Transaction”). In the TCCC Transaction, the Company, New Laser Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“NewCo”), New Laser Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo (“Merger Sub”), TCCC and European Refreshments, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of TCCC, entered into a transaction agreement, and the Company, TCCC and NewCo entered into an asset transfer agreement (together, the “TCCC Transaction Agreements”). Pursuant to the TCCC Transaction Agreements, the Company will reorganize into a new holding company by merging Merger Sub into the Company, with the Company surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of NewCo. In the merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock will be converted into one share of NewCo’s common stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of the TCCC Transaction Agreements, upon the closing of the TCCC Transaction, (1) NewCo will issue to TCCC newly issued shares of common stock representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of shares of issued and outstanding NewCo common stock (after giving effect to the new issuance) and TCCC will have the right to nominate two (reduced to one upon the earlier of (i) 36 months after the closing of the TCCC Transaction and (ii) TCCC’s equity interest in NewCo exceeding 20% of the outstanding shares of NewCo common stock) individuals to NewCo’s Board of Directors, (2) TCCC will transfer its global energy drink business (including the NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Play® and Power Play®, and Relentless® brands) to NewCo, and the Company will transfer its non-energy drink business (including the Hansen’s® Natural Sodas, Peace Tea®, Hubert’s® Lemonade and Hansen’s® Juice Products) to TCCC, (3) the Company and TCCC will amend their current distribution coordination agreements, which will contemplate expanding distribution of the Company’s products into additional territories pursuant to long-term distribution agreements with TCCC’s network of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling and distribution partners, and (4) TCCC will make a net cash payment of $2.15 billion to the Company (up to $625.0 million of which will be held in escrow, subject to release upon achievement of milestones relating to the transfer of distribution rights). The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the TCCC Transaction expired on October 15, 2014, and all necessary approvals or consents from foreign antitrust authorities have been obtained. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation – The Company consolidates all entities that it controls by ownership of a majority voting interest. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents – The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Throughout the year, the Company has had amounts on deposit at financial institutions that exceed the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any loss as a result of these deposits and does not expect to incur any losses in the future.
Investments	Investments – The Company’s investments in debt securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. Trading securities are those securities that the Company intends to sell in the near term. All other securities not included in the held-to-maturity or trading category are classified as available-for-sale. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which approximates fair market value. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses charged to earnings. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available (see Note 3). Under ASC 320-10-35, a security is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are less than the security’s amortized cost basis (the difference being defined as the “Credit Loss”) or if the fair value of the security is less than the security’s amortized cost basis and the investor intends, or will be required, to sell the security before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. If an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the charge to earnings is limited to the amount of Credit Loss if the investor does not intend to sell the security, and will not be required to sell the security, before recovery of the security’s amortized cost basis. Any remaining difference between fair value and amortized cost is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes. The Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value of its investments is other-than-temporary at each quarter-end. This evaluation consists of a review by management, and includes market pricing information and maturity dates for the securities held, market and economic trends in the industry and information on the issuer’s financial condition and, if applicable, information on the guarantors’ financial condition. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which the investment’s fair value has been less than its cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and guarantors, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of fair value.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable – The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on a number of factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s recent loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding. In accordance with ASC 210-20-45, in its consolidated balance sheets, the Company has presented accounts receivable, net of promotional allowances, only for those customers that it allows net settlement. All other accounts receivable and related promotional allowances are shown on a gross basis.
Inventories	Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out, cost or market value (net realizable value).
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office and computer equipment, computer software, equipment, and vehicles is based on their estimated useful lives (three to ten years) and is calculated using the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is based on the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the related leases and is calculated using the straight-line method. Normal repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that materially increase values or extend useful lives are capitalized. The related costs and accumulated depreciation of disposed assets are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss on disposition is included in net income.
Intangibles	Intangibles – Intangibles are comprised primarily of trademarks that represent the Company’s exclusive ownership of the Monster Energy®, [See the EDGAR filing for referenced graphic (or) image.]®, Monster Rehab®, Java Monster®, Unleash the Beast®, Punch Monster®, Juice Monster™, Peace Tea®, Hansen’s®, Blue Sky® and the Junior Juice® trademarks, all used in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of supplements and beverages. The Company also owns in its own right a number of other trademarks in the United States, as well as in a number of countries around the world. In accordance with ASC 350, intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that an impairment exists. The Company calculates impairment as the excess of the carrying value of its indefinite-lived assets over their estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value a write-down is recorded. The Company amortizes its trademarks with finite useful lives over their respective useful lives, which range from 1 to 25 years. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairments recorded.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets – Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including certain definite-lived intangible assets, for possible impairment. This review occurs annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If there is indication of impairment, management then prepares an estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its estimated fair value. The fair value is estimated using the present value of the future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with management’s estimates of the business risks. Preparation of estimated expected future cash flows is inherently subjective and is based on management’s best estimate of assumptions concerning expected future conditions. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no impairment indicators identified. Long-lived assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions – The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated in accordance with ASC 830. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in interest and other income, net, at the time they occur. Net foreign currency exchange gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are recorded as a part of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses on certain intercompany transactions that are of a long-term investment nature (i.e., settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future) are also recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into forward currency exchange contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries non-functional currency denominated assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by us as of December 31, 2014 have terms of one month or less. We do not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes. We have not designated our foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on our foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other (expense) income, net, in the consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying economically hedged item. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, aggregate foreign currency transaction losses, including the gains or losses on forward currency exchange contracts, amounted to $3.4 million, $12.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and have been recorded in other (expense) income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Generally, ownership of and title to the Company’s products passes to customers upon delivery of the products to customers. Certain of the Company’s distributors may also perform a separate function as a co-packer on the Company’s behalf. In such cases, ownership of and title to the Company’s products that are co-packed on the Company’s behalf by those co-packers who are also distributors, passes to such distributors when the Company is notified by them that they have taken transfer or possession of the relevant portion of the Company’s finished goods. Net sales have been determined after deduction of promotional and other allowances in accordance with ASC 605-50. The Company’s promotional and other allowances are calculated based on various programs with its distributors and retail customers, and accruals are established during the year for the anticipated liabilities. These accruals are based on agreed upon terms as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar programs and require management’s judgment with respect to estimating consumer participation and/or distributor and retail customer performance levels. Differences between such estimated expense and actual expenses for promotional and other allowance costs have historically been insignificant and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating the Company’s prior distributors, are accounted for as revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreement, generally 20 years. Management believes that adequate provision has been made for cash discounts, returns and spoilage based on the Company’s historical experience.
Cost of Sales	Cost of Sales – Cost of sales consists of the costs of raw materials utilized in the manufacture of products, co-packing fees, repacking fees, in-bound freight charges, as well as certain internal transfer costs, warehouse expenses incurred prior to the manufacture of the Company’s finished products and certain quality control costs. Raw materials account for the largest portion of the cost of sales. Raw materials include cans, bottles, other containers, flavors, ingredients and packaging materials.
Operating Expenses	Operating Expenses – Operating expenses include selling expenses such as distribution expenses to transport products to customers and warehousing expenses after manufacture, as well as expenses for advertising, sampling and in-store demonstration costs, costs for merchandise displays, point-of-sale materials and premium items, sponsorship expenses, other marketing expenses and design expenses. Operating expenses also include such costs as payroll costs, travel costs, professional service fees including legal fees, termination payments made to certain of the Company’s prior distributors, depreciation and other general and administrative costs.
Freight-Out Costs	Freight-Out Costs – For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, freight-out costs amounted to $92.7 million, $84.0 million and $76.1 million, respectively, and have been recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Advertising and Promotional Expenses	Advertising and Promotional Expenses – The Company accounts for advertising production costs by expensing such production costs the first time the related advertising takes place. A significant amount of the Company’s promotional expenses result from payments under endorsement and sponsorship contracts. Accounting for endorsement and sponsorship payments is based upon specific contract provisions. Generally, endorsement and sponsorship payments are expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract after giving recognition to periodic performance compliance provisions of the contracts. Advertising and promotional expenses, including but not limited to production costs, amounted to $171.5 million, $181.8 million and $165.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Advertising and promotional expenses are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes – The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in ASC 740. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances the Company considers projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If in the future the Company determines that it would not be able to realize its recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would be recorded, decreasing earnings in the period in which such determination is made. The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon the Company’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, the Company has recorded the largest amount of tax benefit that may potentially be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is less than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation – The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of ASC 718. The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula. The Company records compensation expense for non-employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options as of the earlier of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the non-employee to earn the stock option is reached or (2) the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula. Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. In the event that the Company has the option and intent to settle a restricted stock unit in cash, the award is classified as a liability and revalued at each balance sheet date. (See Note 13).
Net Income Per Common Share	Net Income Per Common Share – In accordance with ASC 260, net income per common share, on a basic and diluted basis, is presented for all periods. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding. The calculation of common equivalent shares assumes the exercise of dilutive stock options, net of assumed treasury share repurchases at average market prices, as applicable.
Concentration of Risk	Concentration of Risk – Certain of the Company’s products utilize components (raw materials and/or co-packing services) from a limited number of sources. A disruption in the supply of such components could significantly affect the Company’s revenues from those products, as alternative sources of such components may not be available at commercially reasonable rates or within a reasonably short time period. The Company continues to take steps on an ongoing basis to secure the availability of alternative sources for such components and minimize the risk of any disruption in production. Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), a customer of the Direct Store Delivery segment (“DSD”) with sales within specific markets in the United States and Canada, accounted for approximately 29%, 29% and 28% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Credit Risk	Credit Risk – The Company sells its products nationally and internationally, primarily to full service beverage distributors, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, health food distributors and food service customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral. The Company maintains reserves for estimated credit losses, and historically, such losses have been within management’s expectations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturity of the respective instruments.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates – The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In September 2014, the Company elected to early adopt FASB ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”. ASU 2014-08 provides new guidance related to the definition of a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. ASU 2014-12 clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires that a company recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. In applying the new guidance, a company will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

INVESTMENTS

Summary of investments in held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading securities

December 31, 2014	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses		Fair Value		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position less than 12 Months		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position greater than 12 Months
Held-to-Maturity
Short-term:
Commercial paper	$	19,482	$	(2)	$	-	$	19,480	$	-	$	-
Municipal securities	744,542		105		-		744,647		-		-
U.S. Government Agencies	9,199		(1)		-		9,198		-		-
Lont-term:
Municipal securities	42,940		10		-		42,950		-		-
Available-for-sale
Short-term:
Variable rate demand notes	4,001		-		-		4,001		-		-
Total	$	820,164	$	112	$	-	820,276		$	-	$	-
Trading
Short-term:
Auction rate securities							3,910
Long-term:
Auction rate securities							-
Total							$	824,186

December 31, 2013	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses		Fair Value		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position less than 12 Months		Continuous Unrealized Loss Position greater than 12 Months
Held-to-Maturity
Short-term:
Certificates of deposit	$	22,045	$	-	$	-	$	22,045	$	-	$	-
Commercial paper	5,991		-		-		5,991		-		-
Municipal securities	367,819		48		-		367,867		-		-
Total	$	395,855	$	48	$	-	395,903		$	-	$	-
Trading
Short-term:
Auction rate securities							6,392
Long-term:
Auction rate securities							9,792
Total							$	412,087

Schedule of net gain (loss) recognized through earnings on trading securities

	2014		2013		2012
Gain (loss) on transfer from available-for-sale to trading	$	-	$	-	$	-
Gain on trading securities sold	978		255		1,130
(Loss) gain on trading securities held	(177)		816		753
Gain on trading securites	$	801	$	1,071	$	1,883

Summarizes the underlying contractual maturities of the Company's investments

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013

	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Less than 1 year:
U.S. Treasuries	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Certificates of deposit	-		-		22,045		22,045
Commercial paper	19,482		19,480		5,991		5,991
Municipal securities	744,542		744,647		367,819		367,867
U.S. government agency securities	9,199		9,198		-		-
Due 1 -10 years:
Municipal securities	42,940		42,950		-		-
Due 11 - 20 years:
Auction rate securities	3,910		3,910		11,102		11,102
Due 21 - 30 years:
Variable rate demand notes	4,001		4,001		-		-
Auction rate securities	-		-		5,082		5,082
Total	$	824,074	$	824,186	$	412,039	$	412,087

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Schedule of financial assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis

December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Cash	$	196,090	$	-		$	-	$	196,090
Money market funds	106,928		-			-		106,928
Certificates of deposit	-		-			-		-
Commercial paper	-		19,482			-		19,482
Municipal securities	-		854,787			-		854,787
U.S. government agency securities	-		9,199			-		9,199
Variable rate demand notes	-		4,001			-		4,001
Auction rate securities	-		-			3,910		3,910
Put option related to auction rate securities	-		-			250		250
Foreign currency derivatives	-		(252		)	-		(252		)
Total	$	303,018	$	887,217		$	4,160	$	1,194,395

Amounts included in:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	303,018	$	67,305		$	-	$	370,323
Short-term investments	-		777,224			3,910		781,134
Accounts receivable, net	-		83			-		83
Investments	-		42,940			-		42,940
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-			250		250
Other assets	-		-			-		-
Accrued liabilities	-		(335		)	-		(335		)
Total	$	303,018	$	887,217		$	4,160	$	1,194,395

December 31, 2013	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
Cash	$	139,300	$	-		$	-	$	139,300
Money market funds	60,102		-			-		60,102
Certificates of deposit	-		22,045			-		22,045
Commercial paper	-		5,991			-		5,991
Municipal securities	-		379,766			-		379,766
Auction rate securities	-		-			16,184		16,184
Put option related to auction rate securities	-		-			1,092		1,092
Total	$	199,402	$	407,802		$	17,276	$	624,480

Amounts included in:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	199,402	$	11,947		$	-	$	211,349
Short-term investments	-		395,855			6,392		402,247
Investments	-		-			9,792		9,792
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-			486		486
Other assets	-		-			606		606
Total	$	199,402	$	407,802		$	17,276	$	624,480

Schedule of quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the Company's Level 3 recurring fair value measurements

The following table presents quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the Company’s Level 3 recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2014.

	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted-Average)
Auction Rate Securities	Discounted cash flow	Maximum rate probability	1.37%-3.02% (2.58%)
		Principal returned probability	84.78%-94.07% (87.05%)
		Default probability	4.56%-12.21% (10.37%)
		Liquidity risk	2.50%-2.50% (2.50%)
		Recovery rate	60-60 (60)

Put Options	Discounted cash flow	Counterparty risk	0.73%-0.79% (0.74%)

Summary of changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial assets

	December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Auction Rate Securities		Put Options		Auction Rate Securities		Put Options
Opening Balance	$	16,184	$	1,092	$	23,156	$	1,929
Transfers into Level 3	-		-		-		-
Transfers out of Level 3	-		-		-		-
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	801		(842)		3,553		(837)
Included in other comprehensive income	-		-		(2,482)		-
Settlements	(13,075)		-		(8,043)		-
Closing Balance	$	3,910	$	250	$	16,184	$	1,092

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted

	2014	2013	2012
Dividend yield	0.0 %	0.0 %	0.0 %
Expected volatility	41.4 %	47.5 %	48.1 %
Risk-free interest rate	1.55 %	0.98 %	0.74 %
Expected term	5.8 Years	5.7 Years	5.4 Years

Summary of Company's activities with respect to its stock option plans

Options	Number of Shares (In thousands)	Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2014	12,973	$	15.70	3.7	$	675,595
Granted 01/01/14 - 03/31/14	689	$	70.06
Granted 04/01/14 - 06/30/14	104	$	69.15
Granted 07/01/14 - 09/30/14	-	$	-
Granted 10/01/14 - 12/31/14	195	$	111.30
Exercised	(767)	$	22.38
Cancelled or forfeited	(128)	$	45.49
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	13,066	$	19.73	3.1	$	1,158,412
Vested and expected to vest in the future at December 31, 2014	12,670	$	18.31	2.9	$	1,141,163
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	10,566	$	10.24	1.8	$	1,036,675

Summary of information about stock options outstanding and exercisable

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:

			Options Outstanding			Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices ($)			Number Outstanding (In Thousands)	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)	Number Exercisable (In Thousands)	Weighted Average Exercise Price ($)
$3.29	-	$3.29	4,400	0.2	$ 3.29	4,400	$ 3.29
$5.72	-	$6.21	13	0.5	$ 6.18	13	$ 6.18
$8.44	-	$8.44	2,445	0.9	$ 8.44	2,445	$ 8.44
$13.37	-	$15.60	111	3.7	$ 13.56	111	$ 13.56
$15.86	-	$15.86	1,700	3.4	$ 15.86	1,700	$ 15.86
$15.94	-	$19.20	1,307	4.8	$ 17.83	1,307	$ 17.83
$19.23	-	$53.96	1,700	7.1	$ 41.19	558	$ 34.33
$55.92	-	$71.05	1,190	8.7	$ 66.22	33	$ 63.85
$74.78	-	$74.78	4	7.5	$ 74.78	-	$ 0.00
$111.30	-	$111.30	196	9.9	$ 111.30	-	$ 0.00
			13,066	3.1	$ 19.73	10,567	$ 10.24

Summary of Company's activities with respect to non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units

	Number of Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2014	391		$	49.27
Granted 01/01/14 - 03/31/14	-		-
Granted 04/01/14 - 06/30/14	10		69.00
Granted 07/01/14 - 09/30/14	-		-
Granted 10/01/14 - 12/31/14	6		111.30
Vested	(241	)	44.16
Forfeited/cancelled	(17	)	51.79
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	149		$	61.09

Schedule of total compensation cost relating to incentive stock option, charged against income

	2014		2013		2012
Operating expenses	$	28,552	$	28,764	$	28,413
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax	28,552		28,764		28,413
Less: Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings	(2,932)		(7,730)		(8,933)
Amount charged against net income	$	25,620	$	21,034	$	19,480

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

INCOME TAXES

Schedule of domestic and foreign components of the Company's income (loss) before provision for income taxes

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013			2012
Domestic*	$	711,917	$	596,899		$	568,225
Foreign*	33,871		(33,005		)	(19,071		)
Income before provision for income taxes	$	745,788	$	563,894		$	549,154

Components of the provision for income taxes

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Current:
Federal	$	228,348		$	191,596		$	177,372
State	36,633			36,662			30,268
Foreign	7,467			4,052			3,951
	272,448			232,310			211,591

Deferred:
Federal	(8,473		)	(7,441		)	(743		)
State	(442		)	(1,443		)	(483		)
Foreign	3,476			(9,694		)	(7,373		)
	(5,439		)	(18,578		)	(8,599		)

Valuation allowance	(4,406		)	11,501			6,142
	$	262,603		$	225,233		$	209,134

Schedule of reconciliation of income taxes computed at statutory federal rate to total income taxes

	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
U.S. Federal tax expense at statutory rates	$	261,025		$	197,363		$	192,204
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	23,859			22,640			20,252
Permanent differences	4,816			936			5,968
Domestic production deduction	(20,607		)	(16,039		)	(15,469		)
Other	(1,267		)	266			(388		)
Foreign rate differential	(817		)	8,566			425
Valuation allowance	(4,406		)	11,501			6,142
	$	262,603		$	225,233		$	209,134

Components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities)

	2014			2013
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserve for sales returns	$	289		$	583
Reserve for doubtful accounts	36			62
Reserve for inventory obsolescence	3,030			2,060
Reserve for marketing development fund	9,118			9,470
Capitalization of inventory costs	2,527			1,949
State franchise tax	8,160			6,043
Accrued compensation	-			867
Accrued other liabilities	3,503			4,871
Deferred revenue	47,319			50,813
Stock-based compensation	25,268			21,963
Securities impairment	288			273
Foreign net operating loss carryforward	17,256			19,346
Prepaid supplies	4,195			4,639
Gain on intercompany transfer	8,347			-
Total gross deferred tax assets	$	129,336		$	122,939

Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Amortization of trademarks	$	(11,923	)	$	(10,393	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	-			-
Other deferred tax liabilities	(327		)	(94		)
Depreciation	(5,022		)	(5,828		)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(17,272		)	(16,315		)

Valuation Allowance	(17,683		)	(22,089		)

Net deferred tax assets	$	94,381		$	84,535

Schedule of roll-forward of the Company's total gross unrecognized tax benefits, not including interest and penalties

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits, not including interest and penalties, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

	Gross Unrealized Tax Benefits
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	1,910
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	-
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	520
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	(1,504)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	926
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	-
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	9
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	-
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	935
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	-
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	-
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	-
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	935

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Schedule of net revenues and other financial information by segment

	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	DSD		Warehouse		Corporate and Unallocated		Total
Net sales	$	2,369,208	$	95,659	$	-	$	2,464,867
Contribution margin*	908,781		3,003		-		911,784
Corporate & unallocated expenses	-		-		(164,279)		(164,279		)
Operating income							747,505
Interest and other income, net	664		(3)		(2,378)		(1,717		)
Income before provision for income taxes							745,788
Depreciation & amortization	(19,778)		(293)		(5,540)		(25,611		)
Trademark amortization	-		(33)		(8)		(41		)

	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	DSD		Warehouse		Corporate and Unallocated		Total
Net sales	$	2,147,355	$	99,073	$	-	$	2,246,428
Contribution margin*	726,826		(1,652)		-		725,174
Corporate & unallocated expenses	-		-		(152,258)		(152,258		)
Operating income							572,916
Interest and other income, net	755		(2)		(9,775)		(9,022		)
Income before provision for income taxes							563,894
Depreciation & amortization	(19,023)		(244)		(3,446)		(22,713		)
Trademark amortization	-		(44)		(5)		(49		)

	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	DSD		Warehouse		Corporate and Unallocated		Total
Net sales	$	1,966,481	$	94,221	$	-	$	2,060,702
Contribution margin*	660,607		3,496		-		664,103
Corporate & unallocated expenses	-		-		(113,480)		(113,480		)
Operating income							550,623
Interest and other income, net	494		(2)		(1,961)		(1,469		)
Income before provision for income taxes							549,154
Depreciation & amortization	(15,660)		(139)		(4,714)		(20,513		)
Trademark amortization	-		(44)		(5)		(49		)

Schedule of net sales by product line

Product Line	2014		2013		2012
Energy drinks	$	2,302,225	$	2,082,238	$	1,906,236

Non-carbonated (primarily juice based beverages)	119,204		120,145		110,217
Carbonated (primarily soda beverages)	28,425		29,245		31,044
Other	15,013		14,800		13,205
	$	2,464,867	$	2,246,428	$	2,060,702

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 14, 2014 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Intangibles
Impairment of intangible assets		$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.0
Estimated useful life of trademarks		17 years
Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions
Foreign currency transaction losses		$ 3.4	12.9	3.7
Income Taxes
Tax benefits recognized for income tax positions where there is less than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained		$ 0.0
Revenue Recognition
Distribution Agreement, Revenue Recognition Period		20 years
Freight-Out Costs
Freight-out costs		$ 92.7	84.0	76.1
Advertising and Promotional Expenses
Advertising and promotional expenses		$ 171.5	$ 181.8	$ 165.4
Maximum
Intangibles
Estimated useful life of trademarks		25 years
Income Taxes
Percentage of likelihood of realization of recognized tax benefit		50.00%
Minimum
Intangibles
Estimated useful life of trademarks		1 year
Income Taxes
Percentage of likelihood below which no tax benefit is recognized in the financial statements		50.00%
Sales \| Customer concentration \| Direct Store Delivery ("DSD") \| Coca-Cola Refreshments ("CCR")
Concentration of Risk
Percentage of net sales from major customer		29.00%	29.00%	28.00%
Property and Equipment \| Maximum
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Estimated useful lives of the assets		10 years
Property and Equipment \| Minimum
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Estimated useful lives of the assets		3 years
Coca-Cola Transaction Asset Transfer Agreement \| Forecast \| Coca-Cola
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Net cash payment	$ 2,150.0
Amount held in escrow	$ 625.0
Coca-Cola Transaction Asset Transfer Agreement \| Forecast \| NewCo \| Coca-Cola
Acquisitions and Divestitures
Ownership interest (as a percent)	16.70%
Number of individuals who can be nominated as Board of Directors by counterparty as right under agreement \| item	2
Reduced number of individuals who can be nominated as Board of Directors by counterparty under specific conditions \| item	1
Term in which number of individuals who can be nominated as Board of Directors by counterparty will be reduced	36 months
Minimum ownership interest held when number of individuals who can be nominated as Board of Directors by counterparty will be reduced (as a percent)	20.00%

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Held to Maturity and Available-for-sale
Held to maturity and available-for-sale securities, Amortized Cost	$ 820,164	$ 395,855
Held to maturity and available-for-sale securities, Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	112	48
Held to maturity and available-for-sale securities, Fair Value	820,276	395,903
Held to Maturity, Available-for-sale, and Trading
Total Fair Value	824,186	412,087
Short-term \| Certificates of deposit
Held-to-Maturity
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment		22,045
Fair Value		22,045
Short-term \| Commercial paper
Held-to-Maturity
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	19,482	5,991
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	(2)
Fair Value	19,480	5,991
Short-term \| Municipal securities
Held-to-Maturity
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	744,542	367,819
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	105	48
Fair Value	744,647	367,867
Short-term \| U.S. government Agencies
Held-to-Maturity
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	9,199
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	(1)
Fair Value	9,198
Short-term \| Variable rate demand notes
Available-for-sale
Amortized Cost	4,001
Fair Value	4,001
Short-term \| Auction rate securities
Trading
Fair Value	3,910	6,392
Long-term \| Municipal securities
Held-to-Maturity
Held-to-maturity Securities, Amortized Cost before Other than Temporary Impairment	42,940
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	10
Fair Value	$ 42,950
Long-term \| Auction rate securities
Trading
Fair Value		$ 9,792

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2) - Stock options - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-based compensation
Excess tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises and disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options					$ 11,900	$ 30,300	$ 19,700
Weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted
Dividend yield (as a percent)					0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)					41.40%	47.50%	48.10%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)					1.55%	0.98%	0.74%
Expected term					5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 4 months 24 days
Stock Options, Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)				12,973	12,973
Granted (in shares)	195	0	104	689
Exercised (in shares)					(767)
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)					(128)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	13,066				13,066	12,973
Vested and expected to vest in the future at the end of the period (in shares)	12,670				12,670
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	10,566				10,566
Stock options, Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)				$ 15.70	$ 15.70
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 111.30		$ 69.15	$ 70.06
Exercised (in dollars per share)					22.38
Cancelled or forfeited (in dollars per share)					45.49
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	19.73				19.73	$ 15.70
Vested and expected to vest in the future at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	18.31				18.31
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 10.24				$ 10.24
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2					3 years 1 month 6 days	3 years 8 months 12 days
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2					3 years 1 month 6 days	3 years 8 months 12 days
Vested and expected to vest in the future at the end of the period					2 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable at the end of the period					1 year 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Balance at the beginning of the period				$ 675,595	$ 675,595
Balance at the end of the period	$ 1,158,412				1,158,412	$ 675,595
Vested and expected to vest in the future at the end of the period	1,141,163				1,141,163
Exercisable at the end of the period	$ 1,036,675				$ 1,036,675

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 $ / shares shares
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	13,066
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.73
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	10,567
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 10.24
Range of Exercise Prices $3.29 - $3.29
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	3.29
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 3.29
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	4,400
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.29
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	4,400
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.29
Range of Exercise Prices $5.72 - $6.21
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	5.72
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 6.21
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	13
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	6 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.18
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	13
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.18
Range of Exercise Prices $8.44 - $8.44
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	8.44
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 8.44
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	2,445
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	10 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.44
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	2,445
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 8.44
Range of Exercise Prices $13.37 - $15.60
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	13.37
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 15.60
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	111
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years 8 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 13.56
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	111
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 13.56
Range of Exercise Prices $15.86 - $15.86
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	15.86
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 15.86
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,700
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	3 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.86
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	1,700
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 15.86
Range of Exercise Prices $15.94 - $19.20
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	15.94
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 19.20
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,307
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	4 years 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.83
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	1,307
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.83
Range of Exercise Prices $19.23 - $53.96
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	19.23
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 53.96
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,700
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	7 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 41.19
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	558
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 34.33
Range of Exercise Prices $55.92 - $71.05
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	55.92
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 71.05
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	1,190
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	8 years 8 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 66.22
Options Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	33
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 63.85
Range of Exercise Prices $74.78 - $74.78
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	74.78
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 74.78
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	4
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	7 years 6 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 74.78
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	0.00
Range of Exercise Prices $111.30 - $111.30
Stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable
Stock options, range of exercise prices, low end of range (in dollars per share)	111.30
Stock options, range of exercise prices, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 111.30
Stock options outstanding (in shares) \| shares	196
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	9 years 10 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 111.30
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detail 4) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation cost charged against income
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in operating expenses				$ 28,552	$ 28,764	$ 28,413
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax				28,552	28,764	28,413
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense				2,932	7,730	8,933
Amount charged against net income				25,620	21,034	19,480
Operating expense
Compensation cost charged against income
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax				$ 28,600	$ 28,800	$ 28,400
Stock options
Stock-based compensation
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share)				$ 31.49	$ 22.57	$ 25.21
Total intrinsic value of options exercised				$ 47,100	$ 91,600	$ 248,800
Cash received from option exercises				17,200	$ 21,300	$ 10,300
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested shares granted to employees	$ 48,500			$ 48,500
Cost expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period				2 years 9 months 18 days
Stock units and stock awards expected to vest (in shares)	12,670			12,670
Restricted stock units
Stock-based compensation
Total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested shares granted to employees	$ 6,200			$ 6,200
Cost expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period				2 years 2 months 12 days
Stock units and stock awards expected to vest (in shares)	100			100
Number of Shares
Non-vested at the beginning of the period (in shares)				391
Granted (in shares)	6	0	10
Vested (in shares)				(241)
Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)				(17)
Non-vested at the end of the period (in shares)	149			149	391
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)				$ 49.27
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 111.30		$ 69.00	84.38	$ 53.50	$ 61.73
Vested (in dollars per share)				44.16
Forfeited/cancelled (in dollars per share)				51.79
Non-vested at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 61.09			$ 61.09	$ 49.27
Incentive stock option
Compensation cost charged against income
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax				$ 4,800	$ 5,200	$ 5,100
Non-Qualified stock option
Compensation cost charged against income
Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax				$ 23,800	$ 23,600	$ 23,300

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Domestic and foreign components of company's income (loss) before income taxes
Domestic	$ 711,917	$ 596,899	$ 568,225
Foreign	33,871	(33,005)	(19,071)
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	745,788	563,894	549,154
Intercompany royalties, management fees and interest charges from the Company's domestic to foreign entities	34,900	25,900	22,900
Current:
Federal	228,348	191,596	177,372
State	36,633	36,662	30,268
Foreign	7,467	4,052	3,951
Total current provision	272,448	232,310	211,591
Deferred:
Federal	(8,473)	(7,441)	(743)
State	(442)	(1,443)	(483)
Foreign	3,476	(9,694)	(7,373)
Total deferred provision	(5,439)	(18,578)	(8,599)
Valuation allowance	(4,406)	11,501	6,142
Total provision for income taxes	$ 262,603	225,233	209,134
Federal statutory rate (as a percent)	35.00%
Reconciliation of income tax expense
U.S. Federal tax expense at statutory rates	$ 261,025	197,363	192,204
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	23,859	22,640	20,252
Permanent differences	4,816	936	5,968
Domestic production deduction	(20,607)	(16,039)	(15,469)
Other	(1,267)	266	(388)
Foreign rate differential	(817)	8,566	425
Valuation allowance	(4,406)	11,501	6,142
Total provision for income taxes	$ 262,603	$ 225,233	$ 209,134

INCOME TAXES (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets:
Reserve for sales returns	$ 289	$ 583
Reserve for doubtful accounts	36	62
Reserve for inventory obsolescence	3,030	2,060
Reserve for marketing development fund	9,118	9,470
Capitalization of inventory costs	2,527	1,949
State franchise tax	8,160	6,043
Accrued compensation		867
Accrued other liabilities	3,503	4,871
Deferred revenue	47,319	50,813
Stock-based compensation	25,268	21,963
Securities impairment	288	273
Foreign net operating loss carryforward	17,256	19,346
Prepaid supplies	4,195	4,639
Gain on intercompany transfer	8,347
Total gross deferred tax assets	129,336	122,939
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Amortization of trademarks	(11,923)	(10,393)
Other deferred tax liabilities	(327)	(94)
Depreciation	(5,022)	(5,828)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(17,272)	(16,315)
Valuation Allowance	(17,683)	(22,089)
Net deferred tax assets	94,381	84,535
Valuation Allowance	(4,400)	$ 10,800	$ 6,100
Net operating loss carryforwards	78,500
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to indefinite carryforward	65,000
Net operating loss carryforwards that begin to expire in 2017	$ 13,500

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Thousands				3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Segment information
Number of reportable segments \| item												2
Net sales				$ 605,567	$ 635,972	$ 687,199	$ 536,129	$ 540,849	$ 590,422	$ 630,934	$ 484,223	$ 2,464,867	$ 2,246,428	$ 2,060,702
Contribution margin												911,784	725,174	664,103
Corporate and unallocated expenses												(164,279)	(152,258)	(113,480)
Operating income												747,505	572,916	550,623
Interest and other income, net												(1,717)	(9,022)	(1,469)
Income before provision for income taxes												745,788	563,894	549,154
Depreciation and amortization	$ (25,651)	$ (22,713)	$ (20,513)									(25,651)	(22,762)	(20,562)
Trademark amortization												(41)	(49)	(49)
Stock-based compensation expense												28,600	28,800	28,400
Corporate and Unallocated
Segment information
Corporate and unallocated expenses												(164,279)	(152,258)	(113,480)
Interest and other income, net												(2,378)	(9,775)	(1,961)
Depreciation and amortization												(5,540)	(3,446)	(4,714)
Trademark amortization												(8)	(5)	(5)
Payroll cost												86,200	82,500	73,000
Stock-based compensation expense												28,600	28,800	28,400
Professional service expenses												43,800	38,700	19,700
Insurance costs												7,400
Depreciation														4,400
Other operating expenses												26,900	31,100	16,400
Direct Store Delivery ("DSD") \| Operating segment
Segment information
Net sales												2,369,208	2,147,355	1,966,481
Contribution margin												908,781	726,826	660,607
Interest and other income, net												664	755	494
Depreciation and amortization												(19,778)	(19,023)	(15,660)
Warehouse ("Warehouse") \| Operating segment
Segment information
Net sales												95,659	99,073	94,221
Contribution margin												3,003	(1,652)	3,496
Interest and other income, net												(3)	(2)	(2)
Depreciation and amortization												(293)	(244)	(139)
Trademark amortization												$ (33)	$ (44)	$ (44)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS NON-CASH SUPPLEMENTAL DATA - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS NON-CASH SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Capital leases for the acquisition of promotional vehicles	$ 0.8	$ 2.6	$ 1.5
Accounts payable for property and equipment purchases	$ 0.7	$ 0.1	0.4
Accounts payable for treasury stock purchases			$ 9.4

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS	12 Months Ended
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS	Dec. 31, 2014
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS	8.DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS Amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating agreements with the Company’s prior distributors, have been accounted for as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are recognized as revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreement, generally 20 years. Revenue recognized was $7.8 million, $8.4 million and $8.2 million for years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company incurred termination amounts (net of adjustments to estimated amounts previously accrued) to certain of its prior distributors amounting to a credit of ($0.2) million and an expense of $10.8 million and $1.5 million in aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Such termination amounts have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. As part of the TCCC Transaction, the amended distribution coordination agreements to be entered into with TCCC will provide for the transition of third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s products in most territories in the U.S. and Canada to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which consists of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling/distribution partners. On February 9, 2015 in accordance with its existing agreements with the applicable third-party distributors, the Company sent notices of termination to certain affected third-party distributors, including the majority of the Company’s Anheuser-Busch distributors (the “AB Distributors”) in the U.S., providing for the termination of their respective distribution agreements, to be effective at various dates beginning in March 2015. The associated distribution rights will be transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network in each applicable territory as of the effective date of the termination of the applicable third party’s rights in such territory. The Company estimates the termination costs associated with the transition of its distribution arrangements to be approximately $280.0 million, the majority of which will be recognized in the first quarter of 2015 in accordance with ASC No. 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Actual termination amounts may differ materially from those estimated, which could have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. The Company anticipates that approximately $38.2 million of deferred revenue will be recognized into income in the first quarter of 2015 associated with the terminated AB Distributors. As a result, this amount has been classified as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2014.

DEBT	12 Months Ended
DEBT	Dec. 31, 2014
DEBT
DEBT	9. DEBT The Company entered into a credit facility with Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) consisting of a revolving line of credit, which was amended in June 2013, under which the Company may borrow up to $10.0 million of non-collateralized debt. The revolving line of credit is effective through June 1, 2015. Interest on borrowings under the line of credit is based on Comerica’s base (prime) rate minus 1% to 1.5%, or London Interbank Offered Rates plus an additional percentage of 1.25% to 1.75%, depending upon certain financial ratios maintained by the Company. The Company had no outstanding borrowings on this line of credit at December 31, 2014. Under this revolving line of credit, the Company may also issue standby Letters of Credit with an aggregate amount of up to $4.0 million. The fee on the standby Letters of Credit ranges from 1.00% to 1.50% depending upon certain financial ratios maintained by the Company. The Company had no outstanding standby Letters of Credit at December 31, 2014. The Company’s debt of $0.4 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, consisted of capital leases, collateralized by vehicles, payable over 12 months in monthly installments at various effective interest rates, with final payments ending on or before December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the assets acquired under capital leases had a net book value of $3.7 million and $4.2 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $3.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Interest expense for capital lease obligations amounted to $0.03 million, $0.05 and $0.05 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE	12 Months Ended
TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE	Dec. 31, 2014
TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE
TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE	12. TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE On April 7, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “April 2013 Repurchase Plan”). During the year ended December 31, 2014, no shares of common stock were purchased under the April 2013 Repurchase Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company purchased 0.951 million shares of common stock under the April 2013 Repurchase Plan at an average purchase price of $56.98 per share for a total amount of $54.2 million (excluding broker commissions). During the year ended December 31, 2014, 0.09 million shares were purchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $8.2 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	12 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	Dec. 31, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN	16.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN Employees of the Company may participate in the Monster Beverage Corporation 401(k) Plan, a defined contribution plan, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees may contribute up to 15% of their pretax salary up to statutory limits. The Company contributes 25% of the employee contribution, up to 8% of each employee’s earnings, which vest 20% each year for five years after the first anniversary date. Matching contributions were $0.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.005	$ 0.005
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000	240,000
Common stock, shares issued	207,004	206,014
Common stock, shares outstanding	167,722	166,822
Common stock in treasury, shares	39,282	39,192

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	Dec. 31, 2014
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Two directors and officers of the Company and their families are principal owners of a company that provides promotional materials to the Company. Expenses incurred with such company in connection with promotional materials purchased during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $0.6 million, $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

INVESTMENTS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENTS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments
Realized gains on the sale of available-for-sale investments		$ 2,500
Auction rate securities
Investments
Gain on trading securities sold	$ 978	255	$ 1,130
(Loss) gain on trading securities held	(177)	816	753
Gain on trading securities	$ 801	$ 1,071	$ 1,883

INVESTMENTS (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments
Amortized Cost	$ 824,074	$ 412,039
Fair Value	824,186	412,087
Certificates of deposit \| Less than 1 year
Investments
Amortized Cost		22,045
Fair Value		22,045
Commercial paper \| Less than 1 year
Investments
Amortized Cost	19,482	5,991
Fair Value	19,480	5,991
Municipal securities \| Less than 1 year
Investments
Amortized Cost	744,542	367,819
Fair Value	744,647	367,867
Municipal securities \| Due 1 - 10 years
Investments
Amortized Cost	42,940
Fair Value	42,950
U.S. government Agencies \| Less than 1 year
Investments
Amortized Cost	9,199
Fair Value	9,198
Variable rate demand notes \| Due 21 - 30 years
Investments
Amortized Cost	4,001
Fair Value	4,001
Auction rate securities \| Due 11 - 20 years
Investments
Amortized Cost	3,910	11,102
Fair Value	$ 3,910	11,102
Auction rate securities \| Due 21 - 30 years
Investments
Amortized Cost		5,082
Fair Value		$ 5,082

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Level 1
Fair value of certain assets
Cash	$ 196,090	$ 139,300
Assets measured at fair value	303,018	199,402
Level 1 \| Money market funds
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	106,928	60,102
Level 2
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	887,217	407,802
Level 2 \| Certificates of deposit
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value		22,045
Level 2 \| Commercial paper
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	19,482	5,991
Level 2 \| Municipal securities
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	854,787	379,766
Level 2 \| U.S. government Agencies
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	9,199
Level 2 \| Variable rate demand notes
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	4,001
Level 2 \| Foreign currency exchange contracts
Fair value of certain assets
Foreign currency derivatives	(252)
Level 3
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	4,160	17,276
Level 3 \| Auction rate securities
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	3,910	16,184
Level 3 \| Put options
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	250	1,092
Total fair value
Fair value of certain assets
Cash	196,090	139,300
Assets measured at fair value	1,194,395	624,480
Total fair value \| Money market funds
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	106,928	60,102
Total fair value \| Certificates of deposit
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value		22,045
Total fair value \| Commercial paper
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	19,482	5,991
Total fair value \| Municipal securities
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	854,787	379,766
Total fair value \| U.S. government Agencies
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	9,199
Total fair value \| Variable rate demand notes
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	4,001
Total fair value \| Auction rate securities
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	3,910	16,184
Total fair value \| Put options
Fair value of certain assets
Assets measured at fair value	250	$ 1,092
Total fair value \| Foreign currency exchange contracts
Fair value of certain assets
Foreign currency derivatives	$ (252)

FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details 3) - Discounted cash flow - Level 3 - Assets at fair value on recurring basis	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Auction Rate Securities: Trading \| Minimum
Quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs
Maximum rate probability (as a percent)	1.37%
Principal returned probability (as a percent)	84.78%
Default probability (as a percent)	4.56%
Liquidity risk (as a percent)	2.50%
Recovery rate (as a percent)	60.00%
Auction Rate Securities: Trading \| Maximum
Quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs
Maximum rate probability (as a percent)	3.02%
Principal returned probability (as a percent)	94.07%
Default probability (as a percent)	12.21%
Liquidity risk (as a percent)	2.50%
Recovery rate (as a percent)	60.00%
Auction Rate Securities: Trading \| Weighted Average
Quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs
Maximum rate probability (as a percent)	2.58%
Principal returned probability (as a percent)	87.05%
Default probability (as a percent)	10.37%
Liquidity risk (as a percent)	2.50%
Recovery rate (as a percent)	60.00%
Put options \| Minimum
Quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs
Counterparty risk (as a percent)	0.73%
Put options \| Maximum
Quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs
Counterparty risk (as a percent)	0.79%
Put options \| Weighted Average
Quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs
Counterparty risk (as a percent)	0.74%

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Foreign currency exchange contracts \| Maximum
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Term of derivative instrument	1 month
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Foreign currency exchange contracts \| Interest and other income (expense), net
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Amount of loss recognized in income on derivatives	$ 1,424
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive CAD/pay USD \| Accounts receivables, net
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Assets	19,940
Fair Value, Assets	83
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive EUR/pay USD \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	13,265
Fair Value, Liabilities	(75)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive USD/pay AUD \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	8,343
Fair Value, Liabilities	(48)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive USD/pay JPY \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	10,620
Fair Value, Liabilities	(84)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive USD/pay ZAR \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	14,760
Fair Value, Liabilities	(105)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive USD/pay MXN \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	4,961
Fair Value, Liabilities	(11)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive USD/pay CLP \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	2,685
Fair Value, Liabilities	(10)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments \| Receive USD/pay COP \| Accrued liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Notional amount, Liabilities	2,845
Fair Value, Liabilities	$ (2)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
INVENTORIES
Raw materials	$ 59,938	$ 68,088
Finished goods	114,635	153,361
Inventories, net	$ 174,573	$ 221,449

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$ 173,735	$ 152,466
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(83,579)	(64,323)
Property and equipment, net	90,156	88,143
Land
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	6,792	5,382
Leasehold improvements
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	2,796	2,222
Furniture and fixtures
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	3,371	3,474
Office and computer equipment
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	10,072	14,135
Computer software
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	1,317	791
Equipment
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	84,263	62,552
Building
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	37,311	33,468
Vehicles
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, gross	$ 27,813	$ 30,442

INTANGIBLES, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INTANGIBLES, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangibles, Net
Amortizing intangibles	$ 233	$ 1,076
Accumulated amortization	(50)	(590)
Amortizing intangibles, net	183	486
Non-amortizing intangibles	50,565	65,288
Intangible, net	$ 50,748	65,774
Weighted-average useful life	17 years
Amortization expense	$ 400	$ 50	$ 50
Future estimated amortization expense related to amortizing intangibles	$ 10
Minimum
Intangibles, Net
Weighted-average useful life	1 year
Maximum
Intangibles, Net
Weighted-average useful life	25 years

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Distribution agreement, revenue recognition period	20 years
Revenue recognized	$ 7.8	$ 8.4	$ 8.2
Termination costs of distributors	(0.2)	$ 10.8	$ 1.5
AB Distributors
Amount recorded from distribution agreement	38.2
Coca-Cola Transaction Asset Transfer Agreement \| Forecast \| Coca-Cola
Termination costs of distributors	$ 280.0

DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
DEBT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
Line of credit
DEBT
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 10,000
Outstanding borrowings	$ 0
Line of credit \| Base (prime) rate
DEBT
Effective interest rate on borrowing	base (prime) rate
Line of credit \| Base (prime) rate \| Minimum
DEBT
Percentage to be subtracted to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument	1.00%
Line of credit \| Base (prime) rate \| Maximum
DEBT
Percentage to be subtracted to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument	1.50%
Line of credit \| London Interbank Offered Rates
DEBT
Effective interest rate on borrowing	London Interbank Offered Rates
Line of credit \| London Interbank Offered Rates \| Minimum
DEBT
Percentage that needs to be added to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument	1.25%
Line of credit \| London Interbank Offered Rates \| Maximum
DEBT
Percentage that needs to be added to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument	1.75%
Capital lease obligations
DEBT
Company debt consisting of capital leases	$ 400	$ 1,300
Period over which monthly installments are payable	12 months
Assets acquired under capital leases
Interest expenses for capital lease obligations	$ 30	50	$ 50
Capital lease obligations \| Assets acquired under capital leases
Assets acquired under capital leases
Net book value	3,700	4,200
Accumulated depreciation	3,500	$ 2,300
Standby letters of credit
DEBT
Maximum borrowing capacity	4,000
Amount outstanding	$ 0
Standby letters of credit \| Minimum
DEBT
Fee (as a percent)	1.00%
Standby letters of credit \| Maximum
DEBT
Fee (as a percent)	1.50%

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 3)	Oct. 17, 2012 USD ($) item oz	Sep. 17, 2008 item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Commitments and contingencies
Amount that Company has agreed to cause certain of its insurance carriers to pay into escrow account				$ 16,250,000
Accrued loss contingencies			$ 3,700,000		$ 17,000,000
Receivables for insurance reimbursements			$ 0		$ 16,250,000
Lawsuit in Superior Court by Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier
Commitments and contingencies
Age of the plaintiff's deceased daughter	14 years
Number of 24 ounce energy drinks \| item	2
Number of ounce energy drink \| oz	24
Number of days over which the energy drink was consumed	2 days
Minimum amount of plaintiff claims for general damages	$ 25,000
Securities Litigation
Commitments and contingencies
Number of actions consolidated \| item		2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 11,453	$ 1,233

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 04, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014 shares	Sep. 30, 2014 shares	Jun. 30, 2014 shares	Mar. 31, 2014 shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) item shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation plans \| item						2
Compensation expense on share-based plans \| $						$ 28.6	$ 28.8	$ 28.4
Stock options
Stock-based compensation
Common stock granted, net of cancellations (in shares)		195,000	0	104,000	689,000
2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Stock-based compensation
Aggregate amount of common stock authorized (in shares)		14,500,000				14,500,000
Reduction in number of shares for each share granted		2.16				2.16
Common stock granted, net of cancellations (in shares)						3,620,280
Shares available for grant		9,865,555				9,865,555
2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan \| Stock options
Stock-based compensation
Vesting period						5 years
2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan \| Stock options \| Maximum
Stock-based compensation
Tenure of award						10 years
2009 Directors Plan
Stock-based compensation
Aggregate amount of common stock authorized (in shares)		1,600,000				1,600,000
Percentage of award vesting on the last business day prior to the date of the annual meeting						100.00%
2009 Directors Plan \| Minimum
Stock-based compensation
Percentage of closing price of the company's common stock on the date an option is granted to determine the exercise price						100.00%
2009 Directors Plan \| Stock options, non-employee directors
Stock-based compensation
The period during which awards can be granted, effective June 4, 2009	10 years
Common stock granted, net of cancellations (in shares)						81,160
Shares available for grant		1,518,840				1,518,840

INCOME TAXES (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, roll forward
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 926	$ 1,910
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	9	520
Decreases for tax positions related to the prior years		(1,504)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 935	$ 926
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits			$ 400

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	167,257	166,679	173,712
Dilutive securities	7,028	6,708	9,371
Diluted	174,285	173,387	183,083
Options and awards outstanding excluded from the calculations as their effect would have been antidilutive (in shares)	700	1,300	300

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment information
Net sales	$ 605,567	$ 635,972	$ 687,199	$ 536,129	$ 540,849	$ 590,422	$ 630,934	$ 484,223	$ 2,464,867	$ 2,246,428	$ 2,060,702
Outside United States
Segment information
Net sales									$ 534,200	$ 467,200	$ 415,800
Percentage of net sales to customers									21.70%	20.80%	20.20%
Energy drinks
Segment information
Net sales									$ 2,302,225	$ 2,082,238	$ 1,906,236
Non-carbonated (primarily juice based beverages)
Segment information
Net sales									119,204	120,145	110,217
Carbonated (primarily soda beverages)
Segment information
Net sales									28,425	29,245	31,044
Other
Segment information
Net sales									$ 15,013	$ 14,800	$ 13,205
Coca-Cola Refreshments ("CCR") \| Direct Store Delivery ("DSD") \| Sales \| Customer concentration
Segment information
Percentage of net sales from major customer									29.00%	29.00%	28.00%