UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

[ X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

 

OR

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from _____ to _____

 

Commission File Number 0-18761

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

39-1679918

 

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

 

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

550 Monica Circle, Suite 201, Corona, California 92880

(Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (951) 739 - 6200

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Name of each exchange

 

Title of each class

on which registered

 

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Title of class

Common Stock, $0.005 par value per share

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yeso Nox

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes[ ] Nox

 

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X ] No [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer,” and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [ X ]

Accelerated filer [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Smaller reporting company [ ]

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes [ ] No x

 

The aggregate market value of the common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant was $3,206,994,305 computed by reference to the closing sale price for such stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market on June 30, 2007, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.005 par value per share (being the only class of common stock of the registrant), outstanding on February 7, 2008 was 93,292,791 shares.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed subsequent to the date hereof with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. Such Definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the conclusion of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

 

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HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-K

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Item Number

 

 

Page Number

 

PART I

 

 

 

1.

Business

 

4

1A.

Risk Factors

 

19

1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

26

2.

Properties

 

26

3.

Legal Proceedings

 

26

4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

29

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related

Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

29

6.

Selected Financial Data

 

31

7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

32

7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks

 

54

8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

55

9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on

Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

 

55

9A.

Controls and Procedures

 

55

9B.

Other Information

 

57

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

57

11.

Executive Compensation

 

57

12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

 

57

13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

 

58

14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

58

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

58

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

59

 

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Hansen Natural Corporation was incorporated in Delaware on April 25, 1990. Our principal place of business is at 550 Monica Circle, Suite 201, Corona, California 92880 and our telephone number is (951) 739-6200. When this report uses the words “Hansen”, “HBC”, “the Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”, these words refer to Hansen Natural Corporation and our subsidiaries other than Monster LDA Company (“MLDA”), unless the context otherwise requires.

 

We are a holding company and carry on no operating business except through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Hansen Beverage Company (“HBC”) which was incorporated in Delaware on June 8, 1992, MLDA, formerly known as Hard e Beverage Company, and previously known as Hard Energy Company and as CVI Ventures, Inc., which was incorporated in Delaware on April 30, 1990 and Monster Energy UK Limited (“Monster UK”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of HBC, which was incorporated in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2007. HBC generates all of our operating revenues.

 

We develop, market, sell and distribute “alternative” beverage category natural sodas, fruit juices and juice drinks, energy drinks and energy sports drinks, fruit juice smoothies and “functional drinks,” non-carbonated ready-to-drink iced teas, children’s multi-vitamin juice drinks, Junior Juice® juices and flavored sparkling beverages under the Hansen’s® brand name. We also develop, market, sell and distribute energy drinks under the following brand names: Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™, Joker Mad Energy™, Unbound Energy® and Ace™ brand names as well as Rumba™ brand energy juice. We also market, sell and distribute the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, natural sodas, premium natural sodas with supplements, organic natural sodas, seltzer waters, sports drinks and energy drinks under the Blue Sky® brand name. Our fruit juices for toddlers are marketed under the Junior Juice® brand name. We also market, sell and distribute vitamin and mineral drink mixes in powdered form under the Fizzit™ brand name.

 

We have two reportable segments, namely Direct Store Delivery (“DSD”), whose principal products comprise energy drinks, and Warehouse (“Warehouse”), whose principal products 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 directly to retailers.

 

Corporate History

 

In the 1930’s, Hubert Hansen and his three sons started a business to sell fresh non-pasteurized juices in Los Angeles, California. This business eventually became Hansen’s Juices, Inc., which subsequently became known as The Fresh Juice Company of California, Inc. (“FJC”). FJC retained the right to market and sell fresh non-pasteurized juices under the Hansen trademark. In 1977, Tim Hansen, one of the grandsons of Hubert Hansen, perceived a demand for pasteurized natural juices and juice blends that are shelf stable and formed Hansen Foods, Inc. (“HFI”). HFI expanded its product line from juices to include Hansen’s Natural Sodas®. California Co-Packers Corporation (d/b/a/ Hansen Beverage Company) (“CCC”) acquired certain assets of HFI, including the right to market the Hansen’s® brand name, in January 1990. On July 27, 1992, HBC acquired the Hansen’s® brand natural soda and apple juice business from CCC. Under our ownership, the Hansen beverage business has significantly expanded and includes a wide range of beverages within the growing “alternative” beverage category, including in particular, energy drinks. In September 1999, we acquired all of FJC’s rights to manufacture, sell and distribute fresh non-pasteurized juice products under the Hansen’s® trademark together with certain additional rights. In 2000, HBC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Blue Sky Natural Beverage Co. (“Blue Sky”), which was incorporated in Delaware on September 8, 2000, acquired the natural soda business previously conducted by Blue Sky Natural Beverage Co., a New Mexico

 

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corporation (“BSNBC”), under the Blue Sky® trademark. In 2001, HBC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Hansen Junior Juice Company, (“Junior Juice”), which was incorporated in Delaware on May 7, 2001, acquired the Junior Juice business previously conducted by Pasco Juices, Inc. (“Pasco”) under the Junior Juice® trademark.

 

Industry Overview

 

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. The alternative beverage category is the fastest growing segment of the beverage marketplace according to Beverage Marketing Corporation. According to Beverage Marketing Corporation, wholesale sales in 2007 for the alternative beverage category of the market are estimated at $25.5 billion representing a growth rate of approximately 11.4% over the estimated wholesale sales in 2006 of approximately $22.9 billion.

 

Reportable Segments

 

We have two reportable segments, namely DSD, whose principal products comprise energy drinks and Warehouse, whose principal products 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 the DSD or Warehouse segments specifically have been allocated to “Corporate & Unallocated.”

 

For financial information about our reporting segments and geographic areas, refer to Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this report, incorporated herein by reference. For certain risks with respect to our energy drinks see “Part I, Item 1A – “Risk Factors” below."

 

Products

 

Natural Sodas. Hansen’s Natural Sodas® have been a leading natural soda brand in Southern California for the past 25 years. In 2007, according to Information Resources, Inc.'s Analyzer Reports for California, our natural sodas recorded the highest sales among comparable carbonated new age category beverages measured by unit volume in the California market. Our natural sodas are available in eleven regular flavors consisting of mandarin lime, key lime, grapefruit, raspberry, ginger ale, creamy root beer, vanilla cola, cherry vanilla creme, orange mango, kiwi strawberry and pomegranate. In early 2001, we introduced a new line of diet sodas using Splenda® sweetener as the primary sweetener. We initially introduced this line in four flavors: peach, black cherry, tangerine lime, and kiwi strawberry, and have since added four additional flavors: ginger ale, creamy root beer, grapefruit and pomegranate. Our natural sodas contain no preservatives, sodium, caffeine or artificial coloring and are made with high quality natural flavors and citric acid. We are currently in the process of converting the sweeteners used in our natural sodas from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar. Our diet sodas are sweetened with Splenda® and Acesulfame-K. We package our natural sodas in 12-ounce aluminum cans. In 2002, we introduced a line of natural mixers in 8-ounce aluminum cans comprising club soda, tonic water and ginger ale.

 

In January 1999, we introduced a premium line of Signature Sodas in unique proprietary 14-ounce glass bottles. This line was marketed under the Hansen’s® brand name, primarily through our distributor network, in six flavors. In early 2003, we repositioned this line into lower cost 12-ounce glass packaging to market our repositioned Signature Soda line at lower price points directly to our retail customers such as grocery chains, club stores, specialty retail chains and mass merchandisers and to the health food sector through specialty and health food distributors (collectively referred to as our “direct

 

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retail customers”). Signature Soda was available in 12-ounce glass bottles in four flavors: orange crème, vanilla crème, ginger beer and sarsaparilla. We are in the process of discontinuing this product.

 

In September 2000, we acquired the Blue Sky® natural soda business from BSNBC. Our Blue Sky® product line comprises natural sodas, premium sodas, organic natural sodas, seltzer water, energy drinks, tea sodas and isotonic sports drinks. Blue Sky® natural sodas are available in twelve regular flavors consisting of lemon lime, grapefruit, cola, root beer, raspberry, cherry vanilla creme, Jamaican ginger ale, black cherry, orange creme, Dr. Becker, grape and cream soda. We also offer a premium line of Blue Sky® natural sodas which contain supplements such as ginseng. This line is available in four flavors consisting of ginseng cola, ginseng root beer, ginseng ginger ale and ginseng pomegranate. During 1999, Blue Sky® introduced a line of organic natural sodas, which are available in six flavors consisting of lemon lime, new century cola, orange divine, ginger ale, black cherry cherish, and root beer. We also market a seltzer water under the Blue Sky® label in three flavors: natural, lime and lemon. In 2002, we introduced a lightly carbonated Blue Sky® energy drink in an 8.3-ounce slim can. In 2006, we introduced a 16-ounce size of Blue Energy as well as both an 8.3-ounce and 16-ounce size of Blue Sky Juiced Energy, which is lightly carbonated and contains 50% juice. In 2004, we introduced a new line of Blue Sky® natural tea sodas in four flavors consisting of Imperial Lime Green Tea, Peach Mist Green Tea, Pomegranate White Tea and Raspberry Red Tea. We have since discontinued the Raspberry Red Tea flavor. The Blue Sky® products contain no preservatives, sodium or caffeine (other than the energy drink) or artificial coloring and are made with high quality natural flavors. Blue Sky® natural sodas, seltzer waters and tea sodas are all packaged in 12-ounce aluminum cans and are marketed primarily to direct retail customers. In March 2005, we introduced a new light line of Blue Sky® sodas using natural sweeteners in four flavors: cherry vanilla crème, creamy root beer, Jamaican ginger ale and wild raspberry in 12-ounce cans. We have since discontinued the wild raspberry flavor. In the third quarter of 2005, we introduced a new line of Blue Sky® natural sodas with real sugar in 12-ounce cans in four flavors: cherry vanilla crème, cola, ginger ale and root beer. In December 2005, we introduced a new line of Blue Sky® isotonic sports drinks in 16-ounce polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) plastic bottles in three flavors: orange, lemon lime, fruit punch and have subsequently added a fourth flavor, blue sky pomegranate. We are currently in the process of converting the sweeteners used in those Blue Sky® products that contain high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar.

 

In 2006, we introduced a new line of Hansen’s green tea sodas under the Hansen® brand name in 16-ounce aluminum cans that contain no preservatives, sodium, caffeine or artificial colors, in four flavors; ginger, lemon mint, tangerine and pomegranate. We also introduced a diet version that contains no carbohydrates or sugar in three flavors: tangerine, lemon mint, ginger and in 2007, introduced an additional diet flavor, pomegranate.

 

In 2007, we introduced a new line of Hansen’s natural flavored sparkling beverages under the Hansen® brand name in contemporary 10.5-ounce sleek cans in four flavors: blueberry pomegranate, cranberry grapefruit, valencia orange and dragonfruit. We also introduced a sparkling green tea line in contemporary 10.5-ounce sleek cans in two flavors: tangerine and pomegranate. These sparkling beverages are available in 90 calorie per can versions, sweetened with cane sugar; as well as in sugar free versions, sweetened with Splenda® and Acesulfame-K.

 

Hansen’s® Energy Drinks. In 1997, we introduced a lightly carbonated citrus flavored Hansen's® energy drink in 8.3-ounce cans in 4 packs. Our energy drink competes in the “functional” beverage category, namely, beverages that provide a real or perceived benefit in addition to simply delivering refreshment. We also offered additional functional energy drinks as well as other functional drinks including a ginger flavored d-stress® drink, an orange flavored b-well™ drink, a guarana berry flavored stamina® drink, a grape flavored power drink, and a berry flavored “slim-down” drink that contained no calories, in the same size cans. We have since discontinued sales of such additional functional products. Our energy drinks contain vitamins, minerals, nutrients, herbs and supplements (collectively “supplements”). In 2004, we offered our Hansen’s® energy drink in 16-ounce cans which has subsequently been discontinued. From 2006, we marketed our Hansen’s brand energy drinks through the Warehouse segment and introduced Hansen’s® Energy Pro™ 8.3-ounce cans in four packs. In 2001,

 

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we introduced Energade®, a non-carbonated energy sports drink in 23.5-ounce cans. We are currently reevaluating the Energade® line. In 2001, we also introduced E2O Energy Water®, a non-carbonated lightly flavored water, in 24-ounce blue PET plastic bottles which has subsequently been discontinued. At the end of 2002, we introduced a lightly carbonated diet energy drink in 8.3-ounce cans under the Hansen’s Diet Red Energy® brand name. Our Diet Red Energy® energy drink is sweetened with Splenda® and Acesulfame-K.

 

Monster Energy®Drinks. In 2002, we launched a new carbonated energy drink under the Monster Energy® brand name, in 16-ounce cans, which was almost double the size of our regular energy drinks in 8.3-ounce cans and of the vast majority of competitive energy drinks on the market at that time. Our Monster Energy® drink contains different types and levels of supplements than our Hansen’s® energy drinks and is marketed through our full service distributor network. In 2003, we introduced a low carbohydrate (“Lo-Carb”) version of our Monster Energy® energy drink. In 2004, we introduced 4-packs of our Monster Energy® energy drinks including our Lo-Carb version and, towards the end of 2004, we launched a new Monster Energy® Assault™ energy drink in 16-ounce cans. During the first half of 2005, we introduced our Monster Energy® drinks and Lo-Carb Monster Energy® in 24-ounce size cans as well as Monster Energy®, Lo-Carb Monster Energy® and Monster Energy® Assault™ in 8.3-ounce size cans. In September 2005, we introduced a new Monster Energy® Khaos™ energy drink in 16-ounce cans. Monster Energy® Khaos™ is lightly carbonated and contains 50% juice. In 2006, we introduced our Monster Energy® Assault™ and Monster Energy® Khaos™ energy drinks in 24-ounce size cans. Also in 2006, we introduced Monster Energy® Khaos™ energy drinks in 8.3-ounce size cans. During the first quarter 2007, we introduced Monster Energy® energy drinks in 8-packs and in September 2007, we introduced Monster Energy® energy drinks in 32-ounce cans. In March 2007 we introduced a new Monster M-80™ energy drink in 16-ounce size cans and added 8.3-ounce and 24-ounce sized cans of this drink in October 2007. Monster M-80™ energy drinks are lightly carbonated and contain 80% juice. In November 2007, we introduced a new Monster Heavy Metal™ energy drink in 32-ounce size cans. In December 2007, we introduced a new Monster MIXXD™ energy drink in 8.3-ounce, 16-ounce and 24-ounce size cans. Monster MIXXD™ energy drinks are lightly carbonated and contain 30% juice.

 

Lost®Energy™ Drinks. In 2004, we launched a new carbonated energy drink under the Lost® brand name, in 16-ounce cans and have subsequently added an 8.3-ounce version. Towards the end of 2005, we introduced a lo-carb version of Lost® under the Perfect 10™ brand name as well as a new Lost® Five-O™ energy drink, all in 16-ounce cans. Lost® Five-O™ contains 50% juice and is lightly carbonated. In December 2005, we introduced Lost® and Lost® Five-O™ in 24-ounce size cans. In November 2007, we introduced a new Lost® Cadillac™ energy drink in 16-ounce cans. The Lost® brand name is owned by Lost International LLC and the drinks are produced, sold and distributed by us under exclusive license from Lost International LLC.

 

Rumba™ Energy Juice. In December 2004, we launched a new non-carbonated energy juice under the Rumba™ brand name in 15.5-ounce cans. Rumba™ energy juice is a 100% juice product that targets male and female morning beverage consumers and is positioned as a substitute for coffee, caffeinated sodas and 100% orange or other juices.

 

Joker Mad Energy Drinks. In the first quarter of 2005, we introduced Joker Mad Energy™ energy drinks in 16-ounce cans. Joker Mad Energy™ energy drinks come in regular, lo-carb and juice versions in 16-ounce cans.

 

Ace™ Energy Drinks. In August 2006, we introduced Ace™ energy drinks in 16-ounce cans. Ace™ energy drinks come in regular, lo-carb and juice versions in 16-ounce cans.

 

Unbound Energy® Drinks. In October 2006, we acquired the Unbound Energy® trademark and assumed the production, marketing and sale of Unbound Energy® energy drinks in 16-ounce cans. We subsequently introduced lo-carb and juice versions in 16-ounce cans.

 

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Java Monster™ Coffee Drinks. In May 2007, we launched a new line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks under the Java Monster™ brand name in 15-ounce cans. We initially introduced this line in three flavors: Big Black™ (since renamed Originale), Loca Moca™ and Mean Bean™, and have since added five additional flavors: Russian™, Irish Blend™, Chai Hai™, Nut Up™ and Lo-Ball™.

 

Juice Products and Smoothies. Our fruit juice product line includes Hansen's® Natural Apple Juice, which is packaged in 64-ounce PET plastic bottles and 128-ounce polypropylene bottles and White Grape, White Grape Peach, Purple Grape, Orange, Pomegranate, Apple Strawberry and Apple Grape juice blends, in 64-ounce PET plastic bottles. These Hansen's® juice products contain 100% juice (except Pomegranate which contains 27% juice) as well as Vitamin C. Hansen's® juice products compete in the shelf-stable juice category. We also offer juice cocktails (cranberry raspberry, apple white grape, apple berry and apple) in 32-ounce PET plastic bottles.

 

In March 1995, we introduced a line of fruit juice smoothie drinks in 11.5-ounce aluminum cans. Certain flavors were subsequently offered in glass and PET plastic bottles. We have since discontinued offering smoothies in glass and PET plastic bottle packages. Hansen’s fruit juice smoothies have a smooth texture that is thick but lighter than a nectar. In 2006, we reformulated Hansen’s smoothies by adding more fruit purees. Hansen’s smoothies in 11.5-ounce aluminum cans now contain approximately 25% juice. Our fruit juice smoothies provide 100% of the recommended daily intake for adults of Vitamins A, C & E and represented Hansen's entry into what is commonly referred to as the “functional” beverage category. Hansen's® fruit juice smoothies are available in seven flavors: strawberry banana, peach berry, mango pineapple, guava strawberry, pineapple coconut, whipped orange and Island Energy Blast. We have discontinued our lo-carb smoothie line.

 

We market the above juice and smoothie products to our direct retail customers.

 

Iced Teas. In 2006, we introduced a new line of iced teas in sleek 16-ounce wide mouth PET plastic bottles. This line is sweetened with cane sugar and includes green tea, peach green tea, lychee black tea and pomegranate green tea. In addition, we offer sugar free peach green tea, pomegranate green tea and acai black tea which are all sweetened with sucralose as well as an unsweetened black tea.

 

Juices for Children. In 1999, we introduced two new lines of children's multi-vitamin juice drinks in 8.45-ounce aseptic boxes, which were subsequently transitioned to 6.75-ounce versions. Each drink contains eleven essential vitamins and six essential minerals. We introduce new flavors in place of existing flavors from time to time. One of these two lines is a dual-branded 100% juice line named Juice Blast® which was launched in conjunction with Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco”) and is sold through Costco stores. The other line was a 10% juice line named “Hansen’s Natural Multi-Vitamin Juice Slam®”, which was available to all of our customers. During 2000, we repositioned that latter line as a 100% juice line under the Juice Slam® name, which we market to grocery store chain customers, the health food trade, and other customers. Both the Juice Blast® and Juice Slam® lines are marketed in 6.75-ounce aseptic boxes. The Juice Slam® line has four flavors and the Juice Blast® line has three flavors.

 

In 2003, we further extended our fruit juice product line by introducing a 100% apple juice in 6.75-ounce aseptic pouches under the Apple Blasters™ brand. In 2006 we discontinued our Apple Blasters™ product and repositioned our pouch line by introducing two Juice Slam® organic pouches in organic apple and organic fruit punch flavors with 100% juice.

 

In May 2001, we acquired the Junior Juice® beverage business. The Junior Juice® product line is comprised of seven flavors of 100% juice in 4.23-ounce aseptic packages and is targeted at toddlers. Six flavors of the Junior Juice® line have calcium added and all flavors have vitamin C added. The current flavors in the Junior Juice® line are apple, apple berry, orange twist, apple grape, mixed fruit, fruit punch and white grape.

 

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In 2006, we extended the Junior Juice® line by adding organic apple and organic berry medley juice products in 4.23-ounce aseptic boxes. Each of our organic Junior Juice® products have 100% juice and contain 100% of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin C and 10% of the daily recommended allowance of calcium.

 

Bottled Water. Our still water products were introduced in 1993 and are primarily sold in 0.5-liter plastic bottles to the food service trade. Sales of this product line are very limited.

 

Fizzit™ Powdered Drink Mixes. In December 2005, we introduced a new line of vitamin and mineral drink mixes in powdered form under the Fizzit™ brand name in both functional and vitamin and mineral formulas. The functional formulas are offered in raspberry (joint formula), orange (immune support formula), strawberry (immune support formula) and cranberry (women’s health formula). The vitamin and mineral formula is offered in lemon lime and strawberry flavors.

 

During 2007, we continued to expand our existing product lines and further develop our markets. In particular, we continued to focus on developing and marketing beverages that fall within the category generally described as the “alternative” beverage category, with particular emphasis on energy type drinks.

 

Other Products

 

We continue to evaluate and, where considered appropriate, introduce additional flavors and other types of beverages to complement our existing product lines. We will also evaluate, and may, where considered appropriate, introduce functional foods/snack foods that utilize similar channels of distribution and/or are complementary to our existing products and/or to which our brand names are able to add value.

 

We also develop and supply, on a limited basis, selected beverages in different formats to a limited number of customers with the objective of solidifying our relationship with those customers.

 

Manufacture and Distribution

 

We do not directly manufacture our products but instead outsource the manufacturing process to third party bottlers and contract packers.

 

We purchase concentrates, juices, flavors, supplements, cans, bottles, aseptic boxes, aseptic pouches, caps, labels, trays, boxes and other ingredients for our beverage products which are delivered to our various third party bottlers and co-packers. Depending on the product, the third party bottlers or packers add filtered water and/or sucrose, or cane sugar, or high fructose corn syrup or Splenda® brand sweetener, Acesulfame-K and/or citric acid or other ingredients and supplements for the manufacture and packaging of the finished products into Hansen approved containers in accordance with our formulas. In the case of sodas and other carbonated beverages, the bottler/packer adds carbonation to the products as part of the production process.

 

We are generally responsible for arranging for the purchase of and delivery to our third party bottlers and co-packers of the containers in which our beverage products are packaged.

 

All of our beverage products are manufactured by various third party bottlers and co-packers situated throughout the United States under separate arrangements with each of such parties. The majority of our co-packaging arrangements are on a month-to-month basis. However, certain of our co-packing arrangements are described below:

 

(a) Our agreement with Gluek Brewing Company (“Gluek”) pursuant to which Gluek packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until May 2008 and is automatically renewed for

 

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one year periods thereafter. Either party is entitled at any time to terminate the agreement upon 180 days prior written notice to the other party.

 

(b) Our agreement with Seven-Up/RC Bottling Company of Southern California, Inc. (“Seven-Up”) pursuant to which Seven-Up packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until March 31, 2008. Upon termination prior to such time we are entitled to recover certain equipment we have purchased and installed at Seven-Up’s facility.

 

(c) Our agreement with Nor-Cal Beverage Co., Inc. (“Nor-Cal”) pursuant to which Nor-Cal packages certain of our Hansen’s® juices in PET plastic bottles. This contract continues until August 2008 and is automatically renewed for one year periods thereafter unless terminated by HBC not less than 90 days before the end of the then current term.

 

(d) Our agreement with Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. (“Dr. Pepper”) pursuant to which Dr. Pepper packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until December 31, 2009 and is automatically renewed for one year periods thereafter, unless terminated by either party with not less than 30 days notice.

 

(e) Our agreement with Lucerne Foods, Inc. (“Safeway-Norwalk”) pursuant to which Safeway-Norwalk packages certain of our energy drinks and Hansen’s Natural Sodas®. This contract continues until March 31, 2009 and is renewable annually thereafter unless terminated by either party on not less than 6 months notice.

 

(f) Our agreement with Pri-Pak, Inc. (“Pri-Pak”) pursuant to which Pri-Pak packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues indefinitely but may be terminated at any time by either party upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to the other.

 

(g) Our agreement with Carolina Beer & Beverage pursuant to which Carolina Beer & Beverage packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until April 10, 2009 and is automatically renewable for one year periods thereafter, unless terminated by either party on not less than 180 days notice.

 

(h) Our agreement with Southeast Atlantic Beverage Corporation (“Southeast”) pursuant to which Southeast packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until July 23, 2008 and is automatically renewable for one year periods thereafter, unless terminated by either party not less than 180 days prior to the end of the then current term.

 

(i) Our agreement with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (“DFA”) pursuant to which DFA packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until March 1, 2010 and is automatically renewable annually thereafter, unless either party provides notice of cancellation at least 90 calendar days prior to the end of the initial term.

 

(j) Our agreement with Portland Bottling Company (“Portland Bottling”) pursuant to which Portland Bottling packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until March 31, 2008 and is automatically renewable for one year periods. Either party is entitled, at any time, to terminate the agreement upon 90 days prior written notice to the other party.

 

(k) Our agreement with O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative (“O-AT-KA”) pursuant to which O-AT-KA packages certain of our energy drinks. This contract continues until September 30, 2010 and is automatically renewable annually thereafter, unless either party provides notice of cancellation at least 90 days prior to the end of the initial term.

 

(l) Our agreement with Giumarra & Associates Beverage Company (“Giumarra”) pursuant to which Giumarra packages certain of our energy drinks and in due course, juices. This contract continues

 

10

 

 

until June 28, 2009 and is automatically renewable annually thereafter, unless either party provides notice of cancellation at least 180 days prior to the end of the current term.

 

In certain instances, equipment is purchased by us and installed at the facilities of our co-packers to enable them to produce certain of our products. In general, such equipment remains our property and is to be returned to us upon termination of the packing arrangements with such co-packers or is amortized over a pre-determined number of cases that are to be produced at the facilities concerned.

 

We pack certain products outside of the West Coast region to enable us to produce products closer to the markets where they are sold and thereby reduce freight costs. As volumes in markets outside of California grow, we continue to secure additional packing arrangements closer to such markets to further reduce freight costs.

 

Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with new products, and may be less precise during periods of rapid growth, particularly in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products or are unable to secure sufficient ingredients or raw materials including, but not limited to, glass, PET/plastic bottles, aseptic boxes, cans, labels, flavors or supplement ingredients or certain sweeteners, or packing arrangements, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis.

 

Although our production arrangements are generally of short duration or are terminable upon request, we believe a short disruption or delay would not significantly affect our revenues since alternative packing facilities in the United States with adequate capacity can usually be obtained for many of our products at commercially reasonable rates and/or within a reasonably short time period. However, there are limited packing facilities in the United States with adequate capacity and/or suitable equipment for many of our products, including Hansen’s® brand energy drinks in 8.3-ounce cans, aseptic juice products, teas in 16-ounce PET/plastic bottles, Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy, RumbaTM, Joker Mad EnergyTM, Ace™, Unbound Energy® energy drinks in 8.3-ounce, 16-ounce, 24-ounce and 32-ounce cans and the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks in 15-ounce cans. A disruption or delay in production of any of such products could significantly affect our revenues from such products as alternative co-packing facilities in the United States with adequate capacity may not be available for such products either at commercially reasonable rates and/or within a reasonably short time period, if at all. Consequently, a disruption in production of such products could affect our revenues. We continue to seek alternative and/or additional co-packing facilities in the United States or Canada with adequate capacity for the production of our various products to minimize the risk of any disruption in production.

 

On April 28, 2006, HBC entered into a distribution agreement with Cadbury Bebidas, S.A. de C.V. (“Cadbury Bebidas”), for exclusive distribution by Cadbury Bebidas throughout Mexico, excluding Baja California, of our Monster Energy® and Lost® EnergyTM energy products.

 

On May 8, 2006, HBC entered into the Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement and the Allied Products Distribution Coordination Agreement (jointly, the “Off-Premise Agreements”) with Anheuser-Busch, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“AB”). Under the Off-Premise Agreements, select Anheuser-Busch distributors (the “AB Distributors”) distribute and sell, in markets designated by HBC, HBC’s Monster Energy® and Lost® EnergyTM brands non-alcoholic energy drinks, Rumba™ brand energy juice and Unbound Energy® brand energy drinks, as well as additional products that may be agreed between the parties. We intend to continue building our national distributor network primarily with select AB distributors as well as with our sales force throughout 2008 to support and grow the sales of our products.

 

Pursuant to the Anheuser-Busch Distribution Agreements (the “AB Distribution Agreements”) entered into with newly appointed AB Distributors, non-refundable amounts received totaling $21.0 million and $20.9 million were recorded by us related to such appointed AB Distributors for the costs of terminating our prior distributors for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Such

 

11

 

 

amounts have been accounted for as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and are recognized as revenue ratably over the anticipated 20 year life of the respective AB Distribution Agreements. Revenue recognized was $1.9 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Related distributor receivables of $5.4 million and $4.5 million are included in accounts receivable net, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, amounts totaling $0.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, were received by us from certain other AB Distributors in anticipation of executing AB Distribution Agreements with us. Such receipts have been accounted for as customer deposit liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

We incurred termination costs amounting to $15.3 million and $12.7 million in aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, to certain of our prior distributors. Such termination costs have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. Accrued distributor terminations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $4.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

 

On February 8, 2007, HBC entered into the On-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement (the “On-Premise Agreement”) with AB. Under the On-Premise Agreement, AB will manage and coordinate the sales, distribution and merchandising of Monster Energy® energy drinks to on-premise retailers including bars, nightclubs and restaurants in territories approved by HBC.

 

On March 1, 2007, HBC entered into a distribution agreement with Pepsi-QTG Canada, a division of PepsiCo Canada, ULC (“Pepsi Canada”), for the exclusive distribution by Pepsi Canada throughout Canada of our Monster Energy®, Lost® EnergyTM and Hansen’s® energy products.

 

Distribution levels vary from state to state and from product to product. Certain of our products are sold in Canada and Mexico. We also sell a limited range of our products to distributors outside of the United States, including in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

 

We continually seek to expand distribution of our products by entering into agreements with regional bottlers or other direct store delivery distributors having established sales, marketing and distribution organizations. Many of our bottlers and distributors are affiliated with and manufacture and/or distribute other soda and non-carbonated brands and other beverage products. In many cases, such products compete directly with our products.

 

We continue to endeavor to reduce our inventory levels.

 

During 2007, we continued to expand distribution of our natural sodas outside of California. We expanded our national sales force to support and grow sales, primarily of Monster Energy® drinks, Lost® EnergyTM, Joker Mad EnergyTM, Unbound Energy®, AceTM energy drinks, and RumbaTM energy juice and we intend to continue to build such sales force in 2008.

 

Our Blue Sky® products are sold primarily to the health food trade, natural food chains and mainstream grocery store chains, through specialty health food distributors.

 

During 2004, we entered into exclusive contracts with the State of California Department of Health Services, Women, Infant and Children (“WIC”) Supplemental Nutrition Branch (“DHS”), (the “WIC Contracts”) to supply 100% apple juice and 100% blended juice in 64-ounce PET plastic bottles. The WIC Contracts commenced on July 12, 2004 and were due to expire in July 2007. The parties mutually agreed to extend the WIC Contracts until July 11, 2008. WIC-approved items are stocked by the grocery trade and by WIC-only stores. Products are purchased by WIC consumers with vouchers

 

12

 

 

given by the DHS to qualified participants. Due to significant cost increases mainly for apple juice concentrate and PET plastic bottles, we are currently negotiating a mutually acceptable early termination of the WIC Contracts with the State of California. We have been informed that future WIC contracts will not be granted on an exclusive basis and that certain manufacturers (including HBC) will be eligible to sell certain qualifying products to WIC participants. The Company is informed and believes that the WIC program intends reducing the total quantity of fruit juice products that will be available to WIC participants. We anticipate that as a consequence of the above, our revenue from these products is likely to be lower in the future. However, we do not believe that such reduction in revenue will have a material impact on our future operations.

In September 2007, we relocated our corporate offices to newly leased offices in Corona, California. In October 2006, we also entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which we leased 346,495 square feet of warehouse and distribution space located in Corona, California. This lease commitment provides for minimum rental payments for 120 months commencing March 2007, excluding renewal options. The monthly rental payments are $167,586 at the commencement of the lease and increase over the lease term by 7.5% at the end of each 30 month period. The new warehouse and distribution space replaced our previous warehouse and distribution space located in Corona, California.

In October 2006, we entered into an agreement to acquire 1.8 acres of vacant land for a purchase price of $1.4 million. The property is located adjacent to the new leased warehouse and distribution space. We are reviewing the feasibility of constructing a new office building on such land, which will replace our existing office space.

 

We have sublet in excess of 50% of our previous office, warehouse and distribution space for the remainder of that lease term, which expires in October 2010. (See “Part I, Item 2 – Properties”).

 

Raw Materials and Suppliers

 

The principal raw materials used by us are aluminum cans, glass bottles and PET plastic bottles as well as juices, sucrose, cane sugar, sucralose, milk and cream, the costs of which are subject to fluctuations. Due to the consolidations that have taken place in the glass industry over the past few years, the prices of glass bottles continue to increase. The prices of PET plastic bottles and certain aluminum cans increased significantly in 2006 and again in 2007. The prices of glucose, high fructose corn syrup, milk, cream, and certain juice concentrates, particularly apple, increased significantly in 2007. These increased costs, together with increased costs primarily of energy, gas and freight, resulted in increases in certain product costs which are ongoing and are expected to continue to exert pressure on our gross margins in 2008. We are uncertain whether the prices of these or any other raw materials or ingredients will continue to rise in the future.

 

Generally, raw materials utilized by us in our business are readily available from numerous sources. However, certain raw materials are manufactured by only one company. Sucralose, which is used alone or in combination with Acesulfame-K in our low-calorie products, is purchased by us from a single manufacturer. Certain of our cans are only manufactured by a single company in the United States.

 

With regard to our Java MonsterTM coffee drinks, the dairy industry is subject to shortages and higher demand from time to time which may result in higher prices.

 

With regard to fruit juice and juice-drink products, the industry is subject to variability of weather conditions, which may result in higher prices and/or lower consumer demand for juices.

 

We purchase beverage flavors, concentrates, juices, supplements, cane sugar, sucrose, sucralose and other sweeteners as well as other ingredients from independent suppliers located in the United States and abroad.

 

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Generally, flavor suppliers hold the proprietary rights to their flavors. Consequently, we do not have the list of ingredients or formulae for our flavors and certain of our concentrates readily available to us and we may be unable to obtain these flavors or concentrates from alternative suppliers on short notice. We have identified alternative suppliers of many of the supplements contained in many of our beverages. However, industry-wide shortages of certain fruits and fruit juices, and supplements and sweeteners have been and could, from time to time in the future, be experienced, which could interfere with and/or delay production of certain of our products.

 

We continually endeavor to develop back-up sources of supply for certain of our flavors and concentrates from other suppliers as well as to conclude arrangements with suppliers which would enable us to obtain access to certain concentrates or flavor formulas in certain circumstances. We have been partially successful in these endeavors. Additionally, in a limited number of cases, contractual restrictions and/or the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals and licenses may limit our ability to enter into agreements with alternative suppliers and manufacturers and/or distributors.

 

In connection with the development of new products and flavors, independent suppliers bear a large portion of the expense of product development, thereby enabling us to develop new products and flavors at relatively low cost. We have historically developed and successfully introduced new products and flavors and packaging for our products and intend to continue developing and introducing additional new beverages and flavors.

 

Competition

 

The beverage industry is highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing, packaging, development of new products and flavors and marketing campaigns. Our products compete with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of manufacturers, most of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and distribution resources than we do.

 

Important factors affecting our ability to compete successfully include taste and flavor of products, trade and consumer promotions, rapid and effective development of new, unique cutting edge products, attractive and different packaging, branded product advertising and pricing. We also compete for distributors who will concentrate on selling our products ahead of those of our competitors, provide stable and reliable distribution and secure adequate shelf space in retail outlets. Competitive pressures in the alternative, energy, coffee and functional beverage categories could cause our products to be unable to gain or to lose market share or we could experience price erosion, which could have a material adverse affect on our business and results.

 

We have experienced substantial competition from new entrants in the energy drink category. A number of companies who market and distribute iced teas and juice cocktails in larger volume packages, such as 16- and 20-ounce glass bottles, including Sobe, Snapple Elements, Arizona and Fuse, have added supplements to their products with a view to marketing their products as “functional” or “energy” beverages or as having functional benefits. We believe that many of those products contain lower levels of supplements and principally deliver refreshment. In addition, many competitive products are positioned differently than our energy or functional drinks. Our smoothies and tea lines are positioned more closely against those products.

 

We compete not only for consumer acceptance, but also for maximum marketing efforts by multi-brand licensed bottlers, brokers and distributors, many of which have a principal affiliation with competing companies and brands. Our products compete with all liquid refreshments and with products of much larger and substantially better financed competitors, including the products of numerous nationally and internationally known producers such as The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Inc., Cadbury Schweppes plc, Red Bull Gmbh, Kraft Foods, Inc., Nestle Beverage Company, Tree Top and Ocean Spray. We also compete with companies that are smaller or primarily local in operation. Our products also compete with private label brands such as those carried by grocery store chains, convenience store chains and club stores.

 

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Our natural sodas compete directly with traditional soda products including those marketed by The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Inc. and Cadbury Schweppes plc, as well as with carbonated beverages marketed by smaller or primarily local companies such as Jones Soda Co., Clearly Canadian Beverage Company, Crystal Geyser, J.M. Smucker Company and with private label brands such as those carried by grocery store chains, convenience store chains and club stores.

 

Our fruit juice smoothies compete directly with Kern’s, Jumex, Jugos del Valle and Libby’s nectars, V8 Smoothies, as well as with single serve juice products produced by many competitors. Such competitive products are packaged in glass and PET bottles ranging from 8- to 48-ounces in size and in 11.5-ounce aluminum cans. The juice content of such competitive products ranges from 1% to 100%.

 

Our apple and other juice products compete directly with Tree Top, Mott’s, Martinelli’s, Welch’s, Ocean Spray, Tropicana, Minute Maid, Langers, Apple and Eve, Seneca, Northland and also with other brands of apple juice and juice blends, especially store brands.

 

Our energy drinks, including Hansen’s® energy, Diet Red, Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™, Joker Mad Energy™, Ace™ Energy, Unbound Energy® and Rumba™ energy juice in 8.3-, 16-, 24- and 32-ounce cans, compete directly with Red Bull, Rockstar, Full Throttle, No Fear, Amp, Adrenaline Rush, 180, Extreme Energy Shot, Red Devil, Rip It, NOS, Boo Koo, Vitaminenergy, and many other brands. The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc. also market and/or distribute additional products in that market segment such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew MDX and Vault.

 

Our Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks compete directly with Starbucks Frappuccino and other coffee drinks, Rockstar Roasted, Caribou Coffee, Cinnabon coffee drinks and Godiva dairy based drinks.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Our sales and marketing strategy is to focus our efforts on developing brand awareness and trial through sampling both in stores and at events in respect of all our beverages and drink mixes. We use our branded vehicles and other promotional vehicles at events at which we distribute our products to consumers for sampling. We utilize “push-pull” methods to achieve maximum shelf and display space exposure in sales outlets and maximum demand from consumers for our products including advertising, in store promotions and in store placement of point of sale materials and racks, prize promotions, price promotions, competitions, endorsements from selected public and extreme sports figures, coupons, sampling and sponsorship of selected causes such as cancer research and SPCA’s as well as of extreme sports teams such as the Pro Circuit – Kawasaki Motocross and Supercross teams, Kawasaki Factory Motocross and Supercross teams, Robby Gordon Racing Team, Kawasaki Factory International Moto GP Team, Kenny Bernstein Drag Racing Team, extreme sports figures and athletes, sporting events such as the Monster Energy® Supercross Series, Monster Energy® Pipeline Pro Surfing competition, Winter and Summer X-games, marathons, 10k runs, bicycle races, volleyball tournaments and other health and sports related activities, including extreme sports, particularly supercross, motocross, freestyle, surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, BMX, mountain biking, snowmobile racing, and also participate in product demonstrations, food tasting and other related events. In store posters, outdoor posters, print, radio and television advertising together with price promotions and coupons, may also be used to promote our brands.

 

Additionally, in 2003 we entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement to advertise on the new Las Vegas Monorail (“Monorail Agreement”) with the Las Vegas Monorail Company (“LVMC”) which includes the right to vend our Monster Energy® drinks and natural sodas on all stations. The initial term of the Monorail Agreement commenced on January 1, 2005 and has been renewed annually thereafter, with renewals at a lower annual rate. We have renewed the agreement for 2008.

 

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We believe that one of the keys to success in the beverage industry is differentiation such as making our products visually distinctive from other beverages on the shelves of retailers. We review our products and packaging on an ongoing basis and, where practical, endeavor to make them different, better and unique. The labels and graphics for many of our products are redesigned from time to time to maximize their visibility and identification, wherever they may be placed in stores and we will continue to reevaluate the same from time to time.

 

Where appropriate we partner with retailers to assist our marketing efforts. For example, while we retain responsibility for the marketing of the Juice Slam® line of children's multi-vitamin juice drinks, Costco has undertaken partial responsibility for the marketing of the Juice Blast® line.

 

We increased expenditures for our sales and marketing programs by approximately 48% in 2007 compared to 2006. As of December 31, 2007, we employed 713 employees in sales and marketing activities, of which 269 were employed on a full-time basis.

 

Customers

 

Our customers are typically retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, full service beverage distributors, health food distributors and food service customers. Gross sales to our various customer types for the years ended December 2007, 2006 and 2005 are reflected below. The allocations below reflect changes made by us to the categories historically reported.

 

 

2007

2006

2005

Retail Grocery, specialty chains and wholesalers

8%

12%

19%

Club stores, drug chains & mass merchandisers

14%

14%

11%

Full service distributors

73%

69%

65%

Health food distributors

2%

2%

3%

Other

3%

3%

2%

 

Our customers include Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group (formally known as Dr. Pepper Bottling/7UP Bottling Group), Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club), AB, Kalil Bottling Group, Trader Joe’s, John Lenore & Company, Pepsi Canada, Swire Coca-Cola, USA, Costco, The Kroger Co., Safeway Inc. and Albertsons. A decision by any large customer to decrease amounts purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and consolidated results of operations. Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group, a customer of the DSD division, accounted for approximately 16%, 19% and 18% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club), a customer of both the DSD and Warehouse divisions, accounted for approximately 12% of our net sales for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Seasonality

 

Sales of ready-to-drink beverages are somewhat seasonal, with the second and third calendar quarters accounting for the highest sales volumes. The volume of sales in the beverage business may be affected by weather conditions. Sales of our beverage products may become increasingly subject to seasonal fluctuations as more sales occur outside of California with respect to our products. However, the energy drink category appears to be less seasonal than traditional beverages. As the percentage of our sales that are represented by such products continues to increase, seasonal fluctuations will be further mitigated. Quarterly fluctuations may also be affected by other factors, including the introduction of new products, the opening of new markets where temperature fluctuations are more pronounced, the addition of new bottlers and distributors, changes in the mix of sales of our finished products and changes in and/or increased advertising, marketing and promotional expenses.

 

 

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Intellectual Property

 

We own numerous trademarks that are very important to our business. Depending upon the jurisdiction, trademarks are valid as long as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained and they have not been found to have become generic. Registrations of trademarks can generally be renewed as long as the trademarks are in use. We also own the copyright in and to numerous statements made and content appearing on the packaging of our products.

 

We own the Hansen’s®, Monster Energy®, M (stylized)® and the M Monster Energy® trademarks. These trademarks are crucial to our business and are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in various countries throughout the world. We own a number of other trademark registrations including, but not limited to, A New Kind a Buzz®, Unleash the Beast!®, Hansen’s Energy®, Blue Energy®, Energade®, Hansen’s E2O Energy Water®, Hansen’s Slim Down®, Power Formula®, The Real Deal®, Liquidfruit®, California’s Natural Choice®, Medicine Man®, Hansen’s Power®, BWell®, Anti-ox®, D-stress®, Stamina®, Immunejuice®, Hansen’s Natural Multi-Vitamin Juice Slam®, Juice Blast®, Red Rocker®, and Hansen’s Natural Soda® in the United States and, the Monster®, Monster Energy®, M(stylized)®, Hansen’s® and Smoothie® trademarks in a number of countries around the world.

 

We have applied to register a number of trademarks in the United States and elsewhere including, but not limited to, Monster™, Monster Energy™, M(stylized)™, Assault™, Khaos™, Monster M-80™, Predator™, M Monster Mutant™, Joker Mad Energy™, Ace™, Rumba™, Fizzit™ and Fizz Bomb™, Java Monster™, Mean Bean™, Java Monster Big Black™, Loca Moca™, Chai Hai™, Irish Blend™, Java Monster Russian™, Nut-Up™, Lo-Ball™, The Juice is Loose™, Monster MIXXD™, Monster Heavy Metal™ and Energy Pro™.

 

In September 2000, in connection with the acquisition of the Blue Sky Natural Beverage business, we acquired the Blue Sky® trademark which is registered in the United States and Canada, through our wholly owned subsidiary Blue Sky.

 

In May 2001, in connection with the acquisition of the Junior Juice beverage business, we acquired the Junior Juice® trademark, which is registered in the United States, through our wholly owned subsidiary Junior Juice.

 

In October 2006, we acquired the Unbound Energy® trademark which is registered in the United States.

 

Government Regulation

 

The production, distribution and sale in the United States of many of our products is subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; various environmental statutes; and various other federal, state and local statutes and regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, labeling and ingredients of such products. California law requires that a specific warning appear on any product that contains a component listed by the State of California as having been found to cause cancer or birth defects. The law exposes all food and beverage producers to the possibility of having to provide warnings on their products because the law recognizes no generally applicable quantitative thresholds below which a warning is not required. Consequently, even trace amounts of listed components can expose affected products to the prospect of warning labels. Products containing listed substances that occur naturally in the product or that are contributed to the product solely by a municipal water supply are generally exempt from the warning requirement. While none of our beverage products are required to display warnings under this law, we cannot predict whether an important component of any of our products might be added to the California list in the future. We also are unable to predict whether, or to what extent, a warning under this law would have an impact on costs or sales of our products.

 

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Measures have been enacted in various localities and states that require that a deposit be charged for certain non-refillable beverage containers. The precise requirements imposed by these measures vary. Other deposit, recycling or product stewardship proposals have been introduced in certain states and localities and in Congress, and we anticipate that similar legislation or regulations may be proposed in the future at the local, state and federal levels, both in the United States and elsewhere.

 

Our facilities in the United States are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with these provisions has not had, and we do not expect such compliance to have, any material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, net income or competitive position.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2007, we employed a total of 904 employees of which 448 were employed on a full-time basis. Of our 904 employees, we employ 191 in administrative and operational capacities and 713 persons in sales and marketing capacities. We have not experienced any work stoppages and we consider relations with our employees to be good.

 

Compliance with Environmental Laws

 

In California, we are required to collect redemption values from our customers and to remit such redemption values to the State of California Department of Conservation based upon the number of cans and bottles of certain carbonated and non-carbonated products sold. In certain other states and Canada where Hansen’s® products are sold, we are also required to collect deposits from our customers and to remit such deposits to the respective state agencies based upon the number of cans and bottles of certain carbonated and non-carbonated products sold in such states.

 

Available Information

 

Our Internet address is www.hansens.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K. Our annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q will be made available free of charge on www.hansens.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In addition, you may request a copy of these filings (excluding exhibits) at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

 

Hansen Natural Corporation

550 Monica Circle, Suite 201

Corona, CA 92880

(951) 739-6200

(800) HANSENS

(800) 426-7367

 

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ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS



In addition to the other information in this report, you should carefully consider the following risks. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and/or operating results could be materially adversely affected. The risk factors summarized below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Increased competition could hurt our business.

 

The beverage industry is highly competitive. The principal areas of competition are pricing, packaging, development of new products and flavors and marketing campaigns. Our products compete with a wide range of drinks produced by a relatively large number of manufacturers, most of which have substantially greater financial, marketing and distribution resources than we do.

 

Important factors affecting our ability to compete successfully include taste and flavor of products, trade and consumer promotions, rapid and effective development of new, unique cutting edge products, attractive and different packaging, branded product advertising and pricing. Our products compete with all liquid refreshments and with products of much larger and substantially better financed competitors, including the products of numerous nationally and internationally known producers such as The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo Inc., Cadbury Schweppes plc, Red Bull Gmbh, Kraft Foods Inc., Nestle Beverage Company, Tree Top and Ocean Spray. We also compete with companies that are smaller or primarily local in operation. Our products also compete with private label brands such as those carried by grocery store chains, convenience store chains, and club stores. Our Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks competes directly with Starbucks Frappuccino and other coffee drinks, Rockstar Roasted, Caribou Coffee, Cinnabon coffee drinks and Godiva dairy based drinks.

 

There can be no assurance that we will not encounter difficulties in maintaining our current revenues or market share or position due to competition in the beverage industry. If our revenues decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

We derive a substantial portion of revenues from our energy drinks and competitive pressure in the “energy drink” category could adversely affect our operating results.

 

A substantial portion of our sales are derived from our energy drinks, including in particular our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. Our DSD segment which comprises primarily energy drinks, represented 89.5% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007. Any decrease in the sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks could significantly adversely affect our future revenues and net income. Historically, we have experienced substantial competition from new entrants in the energy drink category. Our energy drinks compete directly with Red Bull, Rockstar, Full Throttle, No Fear, Amp, Adrenaline Rush, 180, Extreme Energy Shot, Red Devil, Rip It, Nos, Boo Koo, Vitaminenergy and many other brands. A number of companies who market and distribute iced teas and juice cocktails in different packages, such as 16- and 20-ounce glass bottles, including Sobe, Snapple Elements, Arizona, Fuse, and Vitamin Water, have added supplements to their products with a view to marketing their products as “functional” or “energy” beverages or as having functional benefits. In addition, certain large companies such as The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc. market and/or distribute products in that market segment such as Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, Mountain Dew MDX and Vault. Competitive pressures in the energy drink category could impact our revenues or we could experience price erosion or lower market share, any of which could have a material adverse affect on our business and results.

 

Change in consumer preferences may reduce demand for some of our products.

 

There is increasing awareness and concern for the health consequences of obesity. This may reduce demand for our non-diet beverages, which could affect our profitability.

 

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Consumers are seeking greater variety in their beverages. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our continued ability to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages. In order to retain and expand our market share, we must continue to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages and be competitive in the areas of quality and health, although there can be no assurance of our ability to do so. There is no assurance that consumers will continue to purchase our products in the future. Additionally, many of our products are considered premium products and to maintain market share during recessionary periods we may have to reduce profit margins which would adversely affect our results of operations. Product lifecycles for some beverage brands and/or products and/or packages may be limited to a few years before consumers' preferences change. The beverages we currently market are in varying stages of their lifecycles and there can be no assurance that such beverages will become or remain profitable for us. The beverage industry is subject to changing consumer preferences and shifts in consumer preferences may adversely affect us if we misjudge such preferences. We may be unable to achieve volume growth through product and packaging initiatives. We also may be unable to penetrate new markets. If our revenues decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.

 

We rely on bottlers and other contract packers to manufacture our products. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with our bottlers and contract packers and/or their ability to manufacture our products becomes constrained or unavailable to us, our business could suffer.

 

We do not directly manufacture our products, but instead outsource such manufacturing to bottlers and other contract packers. Although our production arrangements are generally of short duration or are terminable upon request, in the event of a disruption or delay, we may be unable to procure alternative packing facilities at commercially reasonable rates and/or within a reasonably short time period. In addition, there are limited packing facilities in the United States with adequate capacity and/or suitable equipment for many of our products, including Hansen’s® brand energy drinks in 8.3-ounce cans, our PET tea line, Hansens® Sparkling beverages in 10.5-ounce sleek cans, aseptic juice products, juices in 64-ounce PET plastic bottles, Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™, Ace™, Unbound Energy®, RumbaTM and Joker Mad EnergyTM energy drinks in 8.3-ounce, 16-ounce, 24-ounce and 32-ounce cans, our Java MonsterTM line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks in 15-ounce cans and other products. A disruption or delay in production of any of such products could significantly affect our revenues from such products as alternative co-packing facilities in the United States with adequate capacity may not be available for such products either at commercially reasonable rates, and/or within a reasonably short time period, if at all. Consequently, a disruption in production of such products could adversely affect our revenues.

 

We rely on bottlers and distributors to distribute our DSD products. If we are unable to secure such bottlers and distributors and/or we are unable to maintain good relationships with our existing bottlers and distributors, our business could suffer.

 

We continually seek to expand distribution of our products by entering into agreements with regional bottlers or other direct store delivery distributors having established sales, marketing and distribution organizations. Many of our bottlers and distributors are affiliated with and manufacture and/or distribute other soda and non-carbonated brands and other beverage products (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), including energy drinks. In many cases, such products compete directly with our products.

 

The marketing efforts of our distributors are important for our success. If our DSD brands prove to be less attractive to our existing bottlers and distributors and/or if we fail to attract additional bottlers and distributors, and/or our bottlers and/or distributors do not market and promote our products above the products of our competitors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

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Our customers are material to our success. If we are unable to maintain good relationships with our existing customers, our business could suffer.

 

Unilateral decisions could be taken by our distributors, and/or convenience chains, grocery chains, specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of the our products that they are carrying at any time, which could cause our business to suffer.

 

Two customers accounted for approximately 16% and 12%, and 19% and 12% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. One customer accounted for approximately 18% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005. A decision by either customer, or any other large customer, to decrease the amount purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

 

Increases in cost or shortages of raw materials or increases in costs of co-packing could harm our business.

 

The principal raw materials used by us comprise aluminum cans, glass bottles and PET plastic bottles as well as juices, sucrose, cane sugar, sucralose, milk and cream, the costs of which are subject to fluctuations. Due to the consolidations that have taken place in the glass industry over the past few years, the prices of glass bottles continue to increase. The prices of PET plastic bottles and certain aluminum cans increased in 2007. The prices of glucose, high fructose corn syrup, milk, cream and certain juice concentrates, including apple, increased significantly in 2007. These increased costs, together with increased costs primarily of energy and gas and freight resulted in increases in certain product costs, which are ongoing and are expected to continue to exert pressure on our gross margins in 2008. In addition, certain of our co-pack arrangements allow such co-packers to increase their charges based on certain of their own cost increases. We are uncertain whether the prices of any of the above or any other raw materials or ingredients will continue to rise in the future and whether we will be able to pass any of such increases on to our customers.

 

In addition, some of these raw materials, such as a sucralose and certain sizes of cans, are available from a limited number of suppliers. Sucralose, which is used in many of our products including our low-calorie products, is purchased by us from a single manufacturer. While we believe that our 2008 sucralose volume allocation will be sufficient to meet the demand for our products that contain sucralose, we may need to reformulate certain of those products that contain sucralose with alternative sweetener systems to avoid an interruption in supply of those products, should the need arise.

 

Due to significant cost increases mainly for apple juice concentrate and PET plastic bottles, we are currently negotiating a mutually acceptable early termination of the WIC Contracts with the State of California. We have been informed that future contracts will not be granted on an exclusive basis and that certain manufacturers (including HBC) will be eligible to sell certain qualifying products to WIC participants. The Company is informed and believes that the WIC program intends reducing the total quantity of fruit juice products that will be available to WIC participants. We anticipate that as a consequence of the above, our revenue from these products is likely to be lower in the future.

 

Our failure to accurately estimate demand for our products could adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

We may not correctly estimate demand for our products. Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly with new products, and may be less precise during periods of rapid growth, particularly in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products or are unable to secure sufficient ingredients or raw materials including, but not limited to, PET plastic bottles, cans, glass, labels, sucralose, flavors, supplements, certain sweeteners, or packing arrangements, we might not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. Moreover, industry-wide shortages of certain juice concentrates, supplements and sweeteners have been and could, from time to time in the future, be

 

21

 

 

experienced, which could interfere with and/or delay production of certain of our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results. We do not use hedging agreements or alternative instruments to manage this risk.

 

The costs of packaging supplies are subject to price increases from time to time and we may be unable to pass all or some of such increased costs on to our customers.

 

Many of our packaging supplies contracts allow our suppliers to alter the costs they charge us for packaging supplies based on changes in the costs of the underlying commodities that are used to produce those packaging supplies, such as resin for PET bottles, aluminum for cans, pulp for cartons and/or trays. These changes in the prices we pay for our packaging supplies occur at certain predetermined times that vary by product and supplier. Accordingly, we bear the risk of increases in the costs of these packaging supplies, including the underlying costs of the commodities that comprise these packaging supplies. We do not use derivative instruments to manage this risk. If the costs of these packaging supplies increase, we may be unable to pass these costs along to our customers through corresponding adjustments to the prices we charge, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

We rely upon our ongoing relationships with our key flavor suppliers. If we are unable to source our flavors on acceptable terms from our key suppliers, we could suffer disruptions in our business.

 

Generally, flavor suppliers hold the proprietary rights to their flavors. Consequently, we do not have the list of ingredients or formulae for our flavors and certain of our concentrates readily available to us and we may be unable to obtain these flavors or concentrates from alternative suppliers on short notice. Industry-wide shortages of certain juice concentrates, supplements and sweeteners have been and could, from time to time in the future, be experienced, which could interfere with and/or delay production of certain of our products. If we have to replace a flavor supplier, we could experience temporary disruptions in our ability to deliver products to our customers which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

Our intellectual property rights are critical to our success, the loss of such rights could materially adversely affect our business.

 

We own numerous trademarks that are very important to our business. We also own the copyright in and to portion of the content on the packaging of our products. We regard our trademarks, copyrights, and similar intellectual property as critical to our success and attempt to protect such property with registered and common law trademarks and copyrights, restrictions on disclosure and other actions to prevent infringement. Product packages, mechanical designs and artwork are important to our success and we take action to protect against imitation of our packaging and trade dress and to protect our trademarks and copyrights as necessary. However, there can be no assurance that other third parties will not infringe or misappropriate our trademarks and similar proprietary rights. If we lose some or all of our intellectual property rights, our business may be materially adversely affected.

 

Significant changes in government regulation may hinder sales.

 

The production, distribution and sale in the United States of many of our products is subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; various environmental statutes; and various other federal, state and local statutes and regulations applicable to the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, labeling and ingredients of such products. New statutes and regulations may also be instituted in the future. If a regulatory authority finds that a current or future product or production run is not in compliance with any of these regulations, we may be fined, or such products may have to be recalled and/or reformulated and/or packaging changed, thus adversely affecting our financial condition and operations. California law requires that a specific warning appear on any product that contains a component listed by the State of California as having been found to cause cancer or birth defects. While none of our beverage products are required to display warnings under this law, we cannot predict whether

 

22

 

 

an important component of any of our products might be added to the California list in the future. We also are unable to predict whether or to what extent a warning under this law would have an impact on costs or sales of our products.

 

If we are unable to maintain brand image or product quality, or if we encounter product recalls, our business may suffer.

 

Our success depends on our ability to maintain and build brand image for our existing products, new products and brand extensions. We have no assurance that our advertising, marketing and promotional programs will have the desired impact on our products' brand image and on consumer preferences. Product quality issues, real or imagined, or allegations of product contamination, even if fake or unfounded, could tarnish the image of the affected brands and may cause consumers to choose other products. We may be required from time to time to recall products entirely or from specific co-packers, markets or batches. Product recalls could adversely affect our profitability and our brand image. We do not maintain recall insurance.

 

While we have to date not experienced any credible product liability litigation, there is no assurance that we will not experience such litigation in the future. In the event we were to experience product liability claims or a product recall, our financial condition and business operations could be materially adversely effected.

 

If we do not maintain sufficient inventory levels or if we are unable to deliver our products to our customers in sufficient quantities, or if our retailer's inventory levels are too high, our operating results will be adversely affected.

 

If we do not accurately anticipate the future demand for a particular product or the time it will take to obtain new inventory, our inventory levels will not be appropriate and our results of operations may be negatively impacted. If we fail to meet our shipping schedules, we could damage our relationships with distributors and/or retailers, increase our shipping costs or cause sales opportunities to be delayed or lost. In order to be able to deliver our products on a timely basis, we need to maintain adequate inventory levels of the desired products. If the inventory of our products held by our distributors and/or retailers is too high, they will not place orders for additional products, which would unfavorably impact our future sales and adversely affect our operating results.

 

If we are not able to retain the full-time services of senior management there may be an adverse effect on our operations and/or our operating performance until we find suitable replacements.

 

Our business is dependent, to a large extent, upon the services of our senior management. We do not maintain key person life insurance for any members of our senior management. We currently have employment agreements with Mr. Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Schlosberg, President and Chief Financial Officer, which end on December 31, 2008. The loss of services of either of these persons or any other key members of our senior management could adversely affect our business until suitable replacements can be found. There may be a limited number of personnel with the requisite skills to serve in these positions and we may be unable to locate or employ such qualified personnel on acceptable terms.

 

Weather could adversely affect our supply chain and demand for our products.

 

With regard to fruit juice, fruit juice concentrates and natural flavors, the beverage industry is subject to variability of weather conditions, which may result in higher prices and/or the nonavailability of any of such items. Sales of our products may also be influenced to some extent by weather conditions in the markets in which we operate, particularly in areas outside of California. Weather conditions may influence consumer demand for certain of our beverages, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

 

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Potential changes in accounting practices and/or taxation may adversely affect our financial results.

 

We cannot predict the impact that future changes in accounting standards or practices may have on our financial results. New accounting standards could be issued that could change the way we record revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. These changes in accounting standards could adversely affect our reported earnings. Increases in direct and indirect income tax rates could affect after tax income. Equally, increases in indirect taxes (including environmental taxes pertaining to the disposal of beverage containers) could affect our products' affordability and reduce our sales.

 

Volatility of stock price may restrict sale opportunities.

 

Our stock price is affected by a number of factors, including stockholder expectations, financial results, the introduction of new products by us and our competitors, general economic and market conditions, estimates and projections by the investment community and public comments by other persons and many other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We may be unable to achieve analysts’ earnings forecasts, which may be based on projected volumes and sales of many product types and/or new products, certain of which are more profitable than others. There can be no assurance that the Company will achieve projected levels or mixes of product sales. As a result, our stock price is subject to significant volatility and stockholders may not be able to sell our stock at attractive prices. During our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, our stock price high was $68.40 and stock price low was $32.50.

 

Provisions in our organizational documents and control by insiders may prevent changes in control even if such changes would be beneficial to other stockholders.

 

Our organizational documents may limit changes in control. Furthermore, on February 7, 2008, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg together may be deemed to control a maximum of 20.9% of our outstanding common stock. Consequently, Mr. Sacks and Mr. Schlosberg could exercise significant control on matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, including electing directors, amending organizational documents and disapproving extraordinary transactions such as a takeover attempt, even though such actions may be favorable to the other common stockholders.

 

Our cash flow may not be sufficient to fund our long term goals.

 

We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to support our capital expenditure plans and general operating activities. In addition, the terms and/or availability of our credit facility and/or the activities of our creditors could affect the financing of our future growth.

 

Our investments in marketable securities are subject to risks which may cause losses and affect the liquidity of these investments.

 

At December 31, 2007, we had $12.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $290.2 million in short- and long-term investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. government agencies, municipal securities (which may have an auction reset feature), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds meeting certain criteria. Certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by U.S. sub-prime mortgage defaults that have affected various sectors of the financial markets and caused credit and liquidity issues. These market risks associated with our investment portfolio may have a negative adverse effect on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

 

Our long-term investments are comprised of municipal or educational related or other public body notes with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”). These notes carry a AAA credit rating and certain of the notes are additionally backed by various federal agencies and/or monoline insurance companies. Liquidity for these auction rate securities is typically provided by an auction process which

 

24

 

 

allows holders to sell their notes and resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, usually every 7 to 35 days. In February 2008, a large portion of the auctions for these auction rate securities failed. There is no assurance that auctions on the remaining auction rate securities in our investment portfolio will succeed. The auction failures appear to have been attributable to inadequate buyers and/or buying demand. In the event that there is a failed auction, the indenture governing the security generally requires the issuer to pay interest at a default rate that is above market rates for similar instruments. The securities for which auctions have failed will continue to accrue interest at the predetermined default rates and be auctioned every 7 to 35 days until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the securities, they mature or we are able to sell the securities to third parties. As a result, our ability to liquidate and fully recover the carrying value of our auction rate securities in the near term may be limited. Consequently, these securities have been classified as long-term investments in our consolidated financial statements. However, we anticipate that due to the higher interest rates now payable on certain of these securities and for other reasons, the issuers will take steps to refinance their notes to enable them to call and repay the securities and therefore avoid the higher interest rates now payable on such securities.

 

If the issuers of these auction rate securities are unable to refinance their debts and call the notes or successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, we may in the future be required to record an impairment charge on these investments. We may be required to wait until market stability is restored for these instruments or until the final maturity of the underlying notes (up to 40 years) to realize our investments’ recorded value. (See “Part II, Item 7A. - Qualitative And Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risks” and “Part II, Item 8, Note 2 – Short- and Long-Term Investments” in our consolidated financial statements).

 

If we fail to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting on a consolidated basis, our stock price and investor confidence in our Company could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We are required to maintain both disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting that are effective for the purposes described in Part II, Item 9A. If we fail to do so, our business, results of operations or financial condition and the value of our stock could be materially harmed.

 

Legal proceedings related to our historical stock option grant practices and other issues may significantly harm our business.

 

Several lawsuits have been filed against us and current officers and members of the Board of Directors in connection with our prior stock option practices. These lawsuits are described more fully in Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” and in Part II, Item 8, Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K. Defending these lawsuits will result in significant ongoing expenditures and the continued diversion of our management's time and attention from the operation of our business, which could have a negative effect on our business operations.

 

Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and thus negatively affect our financial results.

 

We are a party, from time to time, to various litigation claims and legal proceedings, which could adversely affect our financial results.

Our business may be negatively impacted by a slowing economy or by unfavorable economic conditions or developments in the United States and/or in other countries in which we operate.

 

A general slowdown in the economy in the United States or unfavorable economic conditions or other developments may result in decreased consumer demand, business disruption, supply constraints,

 

25

 

 

foreign currency devaluation, inflation or deflation. A slowdown in the economy or unstable economic conditions in the United States or in the countries in which we operate could have an adverse impact on our business results or financial condition. Our foreign sales accounted for 4.0%, 2.8% and 1.3% of our gross sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

 

In September 2007, we relocated our corporate offices to newly leased offices located in Corona, California. In October 2006, we also entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which we leased 346,495 square feet of warehouse and distribution space located in Corona, California. This lease commitment provides for minimum rental payments for 120 months commencing March 2007, excluding renewal options. The monthly rental payments are $167,586 at the commencement of the lease and increase over the lease term by 7.5% at the end of each 30 month period. The new warehouse and distribution space replaced our previous warehouse and distribution space also located in Corona, California.

 

In October 2006, we entered into an agreement to acquire 1.8 acres of vacant land for a purchase price of $1.4 million. The property is located adjacent to the new leased warehouse and distribution space. We are reviewing the feasibility of constructing a new office building on such land, which will replace the Company’s existing office space.

 

We have sublet in excess of 50% of our previous office, warehouse and distribution space for the remainder of that lease term, which expires in October 2010.

 

We also rent additional warehouse space on a short-term basis from time to time in public warehouses situated throughout the United States and Canada.

 

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Litigation – In August 2006, HBC filed a lawsuit against National Beverage Company, Shasta Beverages, Inc., Newbevco Inc. and Freek’N Beverage Corp. (collectively “National”) seeking an injunction and damages for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices based on National’s unauthorized use of HBC’s valuable and distinctive Monster Energy® trade dress in connection with a line of energy drinks it launched under the “Freek” brand name. In June 2007, the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving the parties’ disputes in the litigation. National subsequently repudiated the settlement agreement and HBC responded by filing a motion in the United States District Court for the Central District of California to enforce the terms of the confidential settlement agreement. On August 14, 2007, the United States District Court entered an Order enforcing the settlement agreement and permanently enjoining National from manufacturing, distributing, shipping, marketing, selling and offering to sell “Freek” energy drinks in containers using the original “Freek” trade dress that was subject to the District Court’s preliminary injunction. National filed a notice of appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States. National requested the District Court to stay this Order pending its appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which was subsequently denied by the District Court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet docketed National’s appeal.

 

In August 2006, HBC filed an action in the Federal Courts of Australia, Victoria District Registry against Bickfords Australia (Pty) Limited and Meak (Pty) Ltd. (collectively “Bickfords”), in which HBC is seeking an injunction restraining Bickfords from selling or offering for sale or promoting

 

26

 

 

for sale in Australia any energy drink or beverage under the Monster Energy or Monster marks or any similar marks and for damages and costs. The defendants cross-claimed seeking an order to restrain HBC from selling, or offering for sale, or promoting in Australia any drink product under the Monster Energy® or Monster® trademarks or any similar trademarks and for costs. The trial took place in February 2007 and closing oral submissions took place in June 2007. The Judge has not rendered his decision in the case to date.

 

In September 2006, Christopher Chavez purporting to act on behalf of himself and a class of consumers yet to be defined filed an action in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, against the Company and its subsidiaries for unfair business practices, false advertising, violation of California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, fraud, deceit and/or misrepresentation alleging that the Company misleadingly labels its Blue Sky beverages as originating in and/or being canned under the authority of a company located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. On June 11, 2007, the United States District Court, Northern District of California granted the Company’s motion to dismiss Chavez’s complaint with prejudice. In late June, Mr. Chavez noticed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Chavez, as the appellant, has filed his opening brief and Hansen’s response has also been filed. The appeal has not been scheduled for hearing.

 

During 2007, Gate City Beverage Company (“Gate City”), notified the Company of its intention to sell its business and requested that the Company consent to the assignment of the distribution agreement with the Company.  The Company declined its consent and exercised its contractual right to terminate the Gate City distribution agreement in accordance with its terms.  Gate City has disputed the Company’s right to refuse consent and to terminate the agreement and on February 6, 2008, filed arbitration proceedings to be held in Orange County, California against the Company for damages.  The Company disputes liability and is defending the claim.

 

We are subject to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business, including claims from terminated distributors. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of such litigation, based on the facts known to us and after consultation with counsel, management believes that such litigation in the aggregate will likely not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Derivative Litigation - From November 2006 through January 2007, purported derivative lawsuits relating to the Company’s past stock option grants were filed by parties identifying themselves as shareholders of Hansen. These lawsuits name as defendants certain of Hansen’s current and former employees, officers and directors, and name Hansen as a nominal defendant. Three of these cases, Chandler v. Sacks, et al. (No. RIC460186), Plotkin v. Sacks, et al. (No. RIC460485), and Alama v. Sacks, et al. (No. RIC463968), were filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. Two additional shareholder derivative lawsuits, Linan v. Sacks, et al. (No. ED CV 06-01393) and Cribbs v. Blower et al. (No. ED CV 07-00037), were filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On March 26, 2007, the Cribbs and Linan actions were consolidated for all purposes before the District Court, which appointed lead and local counsel and restyled the action as In re Hansen Natural Corporation Derivative Litigation (No. ED CV 07-37 JFW (PLAx)) (the “Federal Derivative Action”). On April 23, 2007, the Federal Derivative Action plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint. On April 16, 2007, the Alama v. Sacks, et al. lawsuit filed in California Superior Court was voluntarily dismissed. On May 23, 2007, Alama filed a substantially similar complaint in the Chancery Court of Delaware, New Castle County (No. 2978) (the “Delaware Derivative Action”). Pursuant to a stipulation among the parties that was so ordered by the Court on May 25, 2007, the Chandler and Plotkin actions filed in the Superior Court of California were consolidated (the “California Derivative Action”) and were stayed for all purposes until February 29, 2008.

 

Plaintiffs in each of the Federal Derivative Action, the Delaware Derivative Action and the California Derivative Action, who purport to bring suit on behalf of the Company, have made no demand on the Board of Directors and allege that such demand is excused. The complaints in the derivative actions generally allege, among other things, that by improperly dating certain Hansen stock option

 

27

 

 

grants, defendants breached their fiduciary duties, wasted corporate assets, unjustly enriched themselves and violated federal and California statutes. Plaintiffs seek, among other things, unspecified damages to be paid to Hansen, corporate governance reforms, an accounting, rescission, restitution and the creation of a constructive trust.

 

In the Summer of 2007, the Company and the individual defendants moved to dismiss the Federal Derivative Action and the Delaware Derivative Action. Thereafter, the parties to the Federal Derivative Action and the Delaware Derivative Action engaged in settlement negotiations, and have now entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement dated February 25, 2008 (the “Stipulation”) providing for the settlement and dismissal of the Federal Derivative Action and the Delaware Derivative Action (the “Settlement”). The Stipulation was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on February 25, 2008. The Settlement is subject to the U.S. District Court’s approval following a hearing at which shareholders will have the opportunity to object. The District Court will then decide whether to approve the Settlement as fair, adequate and in the best interest of Hansen’s shareholders. On February 28, 2008, the District Court preliminarily approved the Settlement and scheduled the settlement hearing for May 5, 2008. There can be no guarantee that the Settlement will be finalized and receive the required approval from the District Court.

 

As part of the Settlement, the Company has agreed to maintain certain previously adopted changes relating to its stock option granting procedures, and to adopt certain other changes in its procedures and corporate governance practices (the “Corporate Reforms”). Hansen has agreed to keep these Corporate Reforms in place for a period of at least two years, subject to certain conditions. The Settlement further provides for plaintiffs’ counsel to apply to the Court for an award of attorneys’ fees in the amount of $437,500. The Company has agreed not to object to this application. All attorneys’ fees will be paid exclusively by the Company’s insurance carrier. Aside from attorneys’ fees, the Settlement contemplates no payments by or to the Company or by the individual defendants.

 

Under the Settlement, plaintiffs will give a full release on behalf of the Company and its shareholders covering all claims that were or could have been brought in the Federal and Delaware Derivative Actions as well as all claims that arise out of or are based upon or relate to the allegations, transactions or facts involved in the complaints filed in those actions. The defendants make no admission of wrongdoing under the Settlement and expressly deny each and every claim and allegation made against them in the derivative actions, including, but not limited to, any allegation of manipulation or illegal backdating of stock options.

 

Securities Litigation - From November 2006 through December 2006, several plaintiffs filed shareholder class actions in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Hansen and certain of its employees, officers and directors, entitled Hutton v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-07599), Kingery v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-07771), Williams v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-01369), Ziolkowski v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. ED 06-01403), Walker v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-08229) (the “Class Actions”). On February 27, 2007, the Class Actions were consolidated by the District Court and styled as In re Hansen Natural Corporation Securities Litigation (CV06-07599 JFW (PLAx)). The Court appointed Jason E. Peltier as lead plaintiff (“Lead Plaintiff”) and approved lead counsel. Lead Plaintiff filed a consolidated class action complaint on April 30, 2007.

 

The consolidated class action complaint superseded all previously filed class action complaints and became the operative complaint to which the Company had to respond. Lead Plaintiff alleged, on behalf of all persons who purchased Hansen common stock during the period beginning November 12, 2001 through November 9, 2006 (the “Class Period”), that Hansen and the individual defendants (collectively, the “Defendants”) made misleading statements and omissions of material fact which artificially inflated the market price of Hansen common stock throughout the Class Period. Plaintiffs further allege that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by misrepresenting or

 

28

 

 

failing to disclose that defendants incorrectly dated stock option grants, that the Company’s internal controls were inadequate, and that, as a result, defendants engaged in improper accounting practices. Plaintiff sought an unspecified amount of damages.

 

On June 25, 2007, the Defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated class action complaint. On October 16, 2007, the District Court granted the Defendants’ motions to dismiss the consolidated class action complaint with prejudice and without leave to amend. The Court then entered final judgment in favor of the Defendants, and the time within which to appeal the judgment has expired.

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

The annual meeting of stockholders of the Company was held on November 9, 2007. At the meeting, the following individuals were elected as directors of the Company and received the number of votes set opposite their respective names:

 

Director

Votes For

Votes Withheld

Rodney C. Sacks

75,693,456

2,535,551

Hilton H. Schlosberg

73,522,426

4,706,581

Benjamin M. Polk

72,626,482

5,602,525

Norman C. Epstein

72,945,418

5,283,589

Harold C. Taber, Jr.

70,587,110

7,641,897

Mark S. Vidergauz

74,471,872

3,757,135

Sydney Selati

74,857,006

3,372,001

 

In addition, at the meeting our stockholders approved the Hansen Natural Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Amended Option Plan”) by a vote of 49,522,892 for, 17,115445 against, 71,059 abstaining and 11,489,813 broker non-votes. The Company informed Nasdaq that such stockholder approval was obtained.

 

In addition, at the meeting our stockholders ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2007, by a vote of 77,373,833 for, 604,319 against, 250,856 abstaining and zero broker non-votes.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 5.            MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Principal Market

 

The Company’s common stock began trading in the over-the-counter market on November 8, 1990 and was subsequently quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “HANS”. On July 5, 2007 the Company’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the same symbol, HANS. As of February 7, 2008, there were 93,292,791 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding held by approximately 409 holders of record.

 

29

 

 

Stock Price and Dividend Information

 

The following table sets forth high and low bid closing quotations of our common stock for the periods indicated (as adjusted for the stock split that occurred on July 7, 2006) (see Part II, Item 8, Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K):

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

High

 

Low

First Quarter

 

$

42.24

 

$

32.50

Second Quarter

 

$

46.44

 

$

36.04

Third Quarter

 

$

57.96

 

$

38.50

Fourth Quarter

 

$

68.40

 

$

38.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

High

 

Low

First Quarter

 

$

31.72

 

$

19.40

Second Quarter

 

$

50.53

 

$

30.29

Third Quarter

 

$

52.72

 

$

26.06

Fourth Quarter

 

$

35.57

 

$

24.75

 

The quotations for the common stock set forth above represent bid quotations between dealers, do not include retail markups, mark-downs or commissions and bid quotations may not necessarily represent actual transactions and “real time” sale prices. The source of the bid information is the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.

 

We have not paid cash dividends to our stockholders since our inception and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2007 with respect to shares of our common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans.

 

Plan category

Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)

Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
(c)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders

 

 

9,461,750

 

 

$7.91

 

 

6,815,700

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Total

 

9,461,750

 

$7.91

 

6,815,700

 

 

30

 

 

Performance Graph

 

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total returns:1

 

 

1 Annual return assumes reinvestment of dividends. Cumulative total return assumes an initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2002. The Company’s new self-selected peer group is comprised of National Beverage Corporation, Clearly Canadian Beverage Company, Leading Brands, Inc., Jones Soda Company and Cott Corporation.

 

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The consolidated statements of operations data set forth below with respect to each of the years ended December 31, 2003 through 2007 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, for the years indicated, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and notes thereto, and with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

31

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share information)

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Gross sales*

$        1,025,795

$           696,322

$         415,417

$          224,098

$        135,655

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$           904,465

$           605,774

$         348,886

$          180,341

$        110,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

$           468,013

$           316,594

$         182,543

$            83,466

$          43,775

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit as a percentage to net sales

51.7%

52.3%

 52.3%

46.3%

39.7%

Operating income

$           230,986

$           158,579

$         103,443

$            33,886

$             9,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$           149,406

$             97,949

$           62,775

$            20,387

$             5,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$                 1.64

$                 1.09

$               0.71

$                0.24

$               0.07

Diluted

$                 1.51

$                 0.99

$               0.65

$                0.22

$               0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$           544,603

$           308,372

$         163,890

$            82,022

$           47,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

$                  663

$                  303

$                525

$                 583

$                602

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

$           422,167

$           225,084

$         125,509

$            58,571

$           35,050

 

*Gross sales, although used internally by management as an indicator of operating performance, should not be considered as an alternative to net sales, which is determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principals in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and should not be used alone as an indicator of operating performance in place of net sales. Additionally, gross sales may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies as gross sales has been defined by the Company’s internal reporting requirements. However, gross sales is used by management to monitor operating performance including sales performance of particular products, salesperson performance, product growth or declines and overall Company performance. The use of gross sales allows evaluation of sales performance before the effect of any promotional items, which can mask certain performance issues. Management believes the presentation of gross sales allows a more comprehensive presentation of the Company’s operating performance. Gross sales may not be realized in the form of cash receipts as promotional payments and allowances may be deducted from payments received from customers (See “Part II, Item 7 - Results of Operations”).

 

ITEM 7.              MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to – and should be read in conjunction with – our financial statements and the accompanying notes (“Notes”) included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections about our business and operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated and expressed in such forward-looking statements.

 

This overview provides our perspective on the individual sections of MD&A. MD&A includes the following sections:

 

 

Our Business – a general description of our business; the value drivers of our business; and opportunities and risks;

 

Results of Operations – an analysis of our consolidated results of operations for the three years presented in our financial statements;

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources – an analysis of our cash flows, sources and uses of cash and contractual obligations;

 

32

 

 

 

Accounting Policies and Pronouncements – a discussion of accounting policies that require critical judgments and estimates including newly issued accounting pronouncements;

 

Sales – details of our sales measured on a quarterly basis in both dollars and cases;

 

Inflation – information about the impact that inflation may or may not have on our results;

 

Forward Looking Statements – cautionary information about forward looking statements and a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the company’s historical results or our current expectations or projections; and

 

Market Risks – Information about market risks and risk management. (See “Forward Looking Statements” and “Part II, Item 7A. - Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risks”).

 

Our Business

 

Overview

 

We develop, market, sell and distribute “alternative” beverage category natural sodas, fruit juices and juice drinks, energy drinks and energy sports drinks, fruit juice smoothies and “functional drinks,” non-carbonated ready-to-drink iced teas, children’s multi-vitamin juice drinks, Junior Juice® juices and flavored sparkling beverages under the Hansen’s® brand name. We also develop, market, sell and distribute energy drinks under the following brand names; Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™, Joker Mad Energy™, Unbound Energy® and Ace™ brand names as well as Rumba™ brand energy juice. We also market, sell and distribute the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, natural sodas, premium natural sodas with supplements, organic natural sodas, seltzer waters, sports drinks and energy drinks under the Blue Sky® brand name. Our fruit juices for toddlers are marketed under the Junior Juice® brand name. We also market, sell and distribute vitamin and mineral drink mixes in powdered form under the Fizzit™ brand name.

 

We have two reportable segments, namely DSD, whose principal products comprise energy drinks, and Warehouse, whose principal products 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.

 

Our sales and marketing strategy for all our beverages and drink mixes is to focus our efforts on developing brand awareness and trial through sampling both in stores and at events. We use our branded vehicles and other promotional vehicles at events where we sample our products to consumers. We utilize “push-pull” methods to achieve maximum shelf and display space exposure in sales outlets and maximum demand from consumers for our products, including advertising, in-store promotions and in-store placement of point-of-sale materials and racks, prize promotions, price promotions, competitions, endorsements from selected public and extreme sports figures, coupons, sampling and sponsorship of selected causes such as cancer research and SPCAs, as well as extreme sports teams such as the Pro Circuit – Kawasaki Motocross and Supercross teams, Kawasaki Factory Motocross and Supercross teams, Robby Gordon Racing Team, Kawasaki Factory International Moto GP Team, Kenny Bernstein Drag Racing Team, extreme sports figures and athletes, sporting events such as the Monster Energy® Supercross Series, the Monster Energy® Pro Pipeline surfing competition, Winter and Summer X-Games, marathons, 10k runs, bicycle races, volleyball tournaments and other health and sports related activities, including extreme sports, particularly supercross, motocross, freestyle, surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, BMX, mountain biking, snowmobile racing, etc., and we also participate in product demonstrations, food tasting and other related events. In store posters, outdoor posters, print, radio and television advertising, together with price promotions and coupons, may also be used to promote our brands.

 

 

33

 

 

We believe that one of the keys to success in the beverage industry is differentiation, such as making Hansen’s® products visually distinctive from other beverages on the shelves of retailers. We review our products and packaging on an ongoing basis and, where practical, endeavor to make them different, better and unique. The labels and graphics for many of our products are redesigned from time to time to maximize their visibility and identification, wherever they may be placed in stores, and we will continue to reevaluate the same from time to time.

 

During 2007, we continued to expand our existing product lines and further develop our markets. In particular, we continued to focus on developing and marketing beverages that fall within the category generally described as the “alternative” beverage category, with particular emphasis on energy type drinks.

 

During the second quarter of 2006, we entered into the Off-Premise Agreements with AB. Under the Off-Premise Agreements, select AB Distributors distribute and sell, in markets designated by HBC, HBC’s Monster Energy® and Lost® EnergyTM brands non-alcoholic energy drinks, Rumba™ brand energy juice and Unbound Energy® brand energy drinks, as well as additional products that may be agreed between the parties. We intend to continue building our national distributor network primarily with select AB distributors as well as with our sales force throughout 2007 to support and grow the sales of our products.

 

On April 28, 2006, HBC entered into a distribution agreement with Cadbury Bebidas for exclusive distribution by Cadbury Bebidas throughout Mexico, excluding Baja California, of our Monster Energy® and Lost® Energy™ energy products.

 

On February 8, 2007, HBC entered into the On-Premise Agreement with AB. Under the On-Premise Agreement, AB will manage and coordinate the sales, distribution and merchandising of Monster Energy® energy drinks to on-premise retailers including bars, nightclubs and restaurants in territories approved by HBC.

 

On March 1, 2007, HBC entered into a distribution agreement with Pepsi Canada for the exclusive distribution by Pepsi Canada throughout Canada of our Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™ and Hansen’s® energy products.

 

As discussed under Review of Historic Stock Option Granting Practices in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, a special committee of our Board of Directors concluded its review of our stock option grants and granting practices. In connection with this review, related litigation and other related matters, we incurred professional service fees of $9.8 million (net of $2.5 million insurance reimbursements) and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No related costs were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

The following table summarizes the selected items discussed above for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

(In Thousands)

Deferred Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

Receipts from newly appointed AB distributors

 

$                       21,029

 

$                     20,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized Revenue

 

$                         1,916

 

$                          411

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Termination payments to prior distributors

 

$                       15,266

 

$                     12,728

 

 

Professional fees associated with the review of stock option grants and granting practices, related litigation and other related matters

 

$                       9,760¹

 

$                       3,753

 

 

 

¹net of $2.5 million insurance reimbursements

 

As a result of the late filings of our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, and our Form 10-Q for the three-months ended March 31, 2007, we will be ineligible to register our securities on Form S-3 for sale by us or resale by others until we have been current in our reporting obligations for a period of approximately one year. We expect to be eligible to register our securities on Form S-3 after July 1, 2008. The inability to use Form S-3 could adversely affect our ability to raise capital during this period. However, we are still eligible to register our securities on Form S-1. If we fail to timely file a future periodic report with the SEC and our stock were to be delisted, it could severely impact our ability to raise future capital and could have an adverse impact on our overall future liquidity.

 

We again achieved record gross sales in 2007. The increase in gross sales in 2007 was primarily attributable to increased sales volume of certain of our existing products, particularly our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and to sales by volume or our Java Monster TM line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks. The percentage increase in gross sales was lower than the percentage increase in net sales, primarily due to a decrease in promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross sales, which decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%. The actual amount of promotional and other allowances increased to $121.3 million from $90.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

A substantial portion of our gross sales are derived from our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. Any decrease in sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks could significantly adversely affect our future revenues and net income. Competitive pressure in the “energy drink” category could adversely affect our operating results. (See “Part I, Item 1A. - Risk Factors”)

 

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we announced a price increase for our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and our Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, effective January 1, 2008. We estimate that approximately 7% to 8% of our gross sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 were attributable to purchases made by our customers in advance of such price increases. We did not limit the amount of purchases our customers could execute at our existing 2007 fourth quarter prices. As a result, our future sales and operating results may be negatively impacted as a result of higher than normal distribution channel inventory levels. (See “Part I, Item 1A. - Risk Factors”)

 

Gross sales shipped outside of California represented 72.0%, 67.8% and 61.5% of our gross sales, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Gross sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $41.0 million, $19.3 million and $5.6 million for the years ended

 

35

 

 

December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Such sales were approximately 4.0%, 2.8% and 1.3% of gross sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Our customers are typically retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, full service beverage distributors, health food distributors and food service customers. Gross sales to our various customer types for 2007, 2006 and 2005 are reflected below. The allocations below reflect changes made by the Company to the categories historically reported.

 

 

2007

2006

2005

Retail Grocery, specialty chains and wholesalers

8%

12%

19%

Club stores, drug chains & mass merchandisers

14%

14%

11%

Full service distributors

73%

69%

65%

Health food distributors

2%

2%

3%

Other

3%

3%

2%

 

Our customers include Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group (formally known as Dr. Pepper Bottling/7UP Bottling Group), Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club), AB, Kalil Bottling Group, Trader Joe’s, John Lenore & Company, Pepsi Canada, Swire Coca-Cola, USA, Costco, The Kroger Co., Safeway Inc. and Albertsons. A decision by any large customer to decrease amounts purchased from the Company or to cease carrying our products could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and consolidated results of operations. Cadbury Schweppes Bottling Group, a customer of the DSD division, accounted for approximately 16%, 19% and 18% of our net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club), a customer of both the DSD and Warehouse divisions, accounted for approximately 12% of the Company’s net sales for each of the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

In October 2006, we acquired the Unbound Energy® trademark and assumed the production, marketing and sale of Unbound Energy® energy drinks in 16-ounce cans. We subsequently introduced a lo-carb and juice version in 16-ounce cans.

 

During 2004, we entered into exclusive WIC Contracts with the State of California to supply 100% apple juice and 100% blended juice in 64-ounce PET plastic bottles. The WIC Contracts commenced on July 12, 2004 and were due to expire in July 2007. The parties mutually agreed to extend the WIC Contracts until July 11, 2008. WIC-approved items are stocked by the grocery trade and by WIC-only stores. Products are purchased by WIC consumers with vouchers given by the DHS to qualified participants. Due to significant cost increases mainly for apple juice concentrates and PET plastic bottles, we are currently negotiating a mutually acceptable earlier termination of the WIC Contracts with the State of California. We have been informed that future WIC contracts will not be granted on an exclusive basis and that certain manufacturers (including HBC) will be eligible to sell certain qualifying products to WIC participants. The Company is informed and believes that the WIC program intends reducing the total quantity of fruit juice products that will be available to WIC participants. We anticipate that as a consequence of the above, our revenue from these products is likely to be lower in the future. However, we do not believe that such reduction in revenue will have a material impact on our future operations. (See “Part I, Item 1. Business – Manufacture and Distribution”).

We continue to incur expenditures in connection with the development and introduction of new products and flavors.

 

Value Drivers of our Business

 

We believe that the key value drivers of our business include the following:

 

 

Profitable Growth – We believe functional, better for you brands properly supported by marketing and innovation, targeted to a broad consumer base, drive profitable growth. We

 

36

 

 

continue to broaden our family of brands. In particular, we are expanding and growing our specialty beverages and energy drinks to provide more alternatives to consumers. We are focused on maintaining profit margins. We believe that tailored brand, package, price and channel strategies help achieve profitable growth. We are implementing these strategies with a view to accelerating profitable growth.

 

 

Cost Management – The principal focus of cost management will continue to be on supplies and cost reduction. One key area of focus, for example, is to decrease raw material costs, co-packing fees and general and administrative costs as a percentage of net operating revenues. Another key area of focus is the reduction in inventory levels. However, due to the expansion in the number of our products, increased sales levels in 2007, and the conclusion of the agreements with AB, overall inventory levels increased. During 2007, the costs of PET plastic bottles and certain aluminum cans, as well as the costs of glucose, high fructose corn syrup, certain juice concentrates, including apple, and certain packaging and freight costs also increased.

 

 

Efficient Capital Structure – Our capital structure is intended to optimize our costs of capital. We believe our strong capital position, our ability to raise funds if necessary at low effective cost and overall low costs of borrowing provide a competitive advantage.

 

We believe that, subject to increases in the costs of certain raw materials being contained, these value drivers, when properly implemented, will result in (1) maintaining our gross profit margin; (2) providing additional leverage over time through reduced expenses as a percentage of net operating revenues; and (3) optimizing our cost of capital. The ultimate measure of success is and will be reflected in our current and future results of operations.

 

Gross and net sales, gross profits, operating income, and net income and net income per share represent key measurements of the above value drivers. In 2007, gross sales totaled $1,025.8 million, a 47.3% increase over 2006. Net sales totaled $904.5 million in 2007, an increase of 49.3% over 2006. Gross profit totaled $468.0 million in 2007, a 47.8% increase from 2006. Operating income totaled $231.0 million in 2007, an increase of 45.7% from 2006. Net income totaled $149.4 million in 2007, a 52.5% increase from 2006. Net income per diluted share was $1.51 as compared to net income per diluted share of $0.99 in 2006. These measurements will continue to be a key management focus in 2008 and beyond. See also “Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006.”

 

In 2007, the Company had working capital of $187.3 million compared to $212.3 million as of December 31, 2006. In 2007, our net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $135.5 million as compared to $76.4 million in 2006. Principal uses of cash flows are purchases of inventory, increases in accounts receivable and other assets, acquisition of property and equipment and trademarks. Payment of accounts payable and income taxes payable are expected to be and remain our principal recurring use of cash and working capital funds. (See also “Part II, Item 7. - Liquidity and Capital Resources”).

 

Opportunities, Challenges and Risks

 

Looking forward, our management has identified certain challenges and risks that demand the attention of the beverage industry and our Company. Increase in consumer and regulatory awareness of the health problems arising from obesity and inactive lifestyles represents a challenge. We recognize that obesity is a complex and serious public health problem. Our commitment to consumers begins with our broad product line and a wide selection of diet, light and lo-carb beverages, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks and waters and energy drinks. We continuously strive to meet changing consumer needs through beverage innovation, choice and variety.

 

37

 

 

 

Our historical success is attributable, in part, to our introduction of different and innovative beverages. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our continued ability to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages, although there can be no assurance of our ability to do so. In order to retain and expand our market share, we must continue to develop and introduce different and innovative beverages and be competitive in the areas of quality, health, method of distribution, brand image and intellectual property protection. The beverage industry is subject to changing consumer preferences and shifts in consumer preferences may adversely affect companies that misjudge such preferences.

 

In addition, other key challenges and risks that could impact our company’s future financial results include, but are not limited to:

 

 

the impact of the slowing economy in the United States and other countries in which we operate;

 

 

maintenance of our brand images and product quality;

 

 

profitable expansion and growth of our family of brands in the competitive market place (See also “Part I, Item 1. - Business - Competition and Sales and Marketing”);

 

 

restrictions on imports and sources of supply; duties or tariffs; changes in government regulations;

 

 

protection of our existing intellectual property portfolio of trademarks and the continuous pursuit of new and innovative trademarks for our expanding product lines;

 

 

limitations on available quantities of sucralose, a non-caloric sweetener that is used in many of our beverage products, due to demand for such sweetener exceeding the supplier’s production capacity, as well as limitations on available quantities of certain package containers such as the 24-ounce cap can, the 32-ounce can and copacking availability;

 

 

the imposition of additional restrictions.

 

 

 

(See also “Part I, Item 1A. - Risk Factors”) for additional information about risks and uncertainties facing our Company.

 

We believe that the following opportunities exist for us:

 

 

growth potential for the alternative beverage category including energy drinks, sparkling beverages, carbonated soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, sports drinks and water;

 

 

new product introductions intended to contribute to higher profitability;

 

 

premium packages intended to generate strong revenue growth;

 

 

significant package, pricing and channel opportunities to maximize profitable growth;

 

 

proper positioning to capture industry growth; and

 

 

broadening distribution/expansion opportunities.

 

 

 

38

 

Results of Operations

Percentage  Change

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

07 vs. 06

 

06 vs. 05

Gross sales, net of discounts & returns *

 

$             1,025,795

 

$                696,322

 

$               415,417

 

47.3%

 

67.6%

Less: Promotional and other allowances**

 

121,330

 

90,548

 

66,531

 

34.0%

 

36.1%

Net sales

 

904,465

 

605,774

 

348,886

 

49.3%

 

73.6%

Cost of sales

 

436,452

 

289,180

 

166,343

 

50.9%

 

73.8%

Gross profit

 

468,013

 

316,594

 

182,543

 

47.8%

 

73.4%

Gross profit margin as a percentage of net sales

 

51.7%

 

52.3%

 

52.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 

237,027

 

158,015

 

79,100

 

50.0%

 

99.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales

 

26.2%

 

26.1%

 

22.7%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

230,986

 

158,579

 

103,443

 

45.7%

 

53.3%

Operating income as a percent of net sales

 

25.5%

 

26.2%

 

29.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income, net

 

8,770

 

3,660

 

1,351

 

139.6%

 

170.9%

Income before provision for income taxes

 

239,756

 

162,239

 

104,794

 

47.8%

 

54.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

90,350

 

64,290

 

42,019

 

40.5%

 

53.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$                149,406

 

$                  97,949

 

$                 62,775

 

52.5%

 

56.0%

Net income as a percent of net sales

 

16.5%

 

16.2%

 

18.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$                     1.64

 

$                     1.09

 

$                    0.71

 

50.3%

 

53.0%

Diluted

 

$                     1.51

 

$                     0.99

 

$                    0.65

 

52.6%

 

52.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case sales (in thousands) (in 192-ounce case equivalents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98,453

 

72,740

 

48,214

 

35.3%

 

50.9%

 

* Gross sales, although used internally by management as an indicator of operating performance, should not be considered as an alternative to net sales, which is determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be used alone as an indicator of operating performance in place of net sales. Additionally, gross sales may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies as gross sales has been defined by our internal reporting requirements. However, gross sales is used by management to monitor operating performance including sales performance of particular products, salesperson performance, product growth or declines and our overall performance. The use of gross sales allows evaluation of sales performance before the effect of any promotional items, which can mask certain performance issues. Management believes the presentation of gross sales allows a more comprehensive presentation of our operating performance. Gross sales may not be realized in the form of cash receipts as promotional payments and allowances may be deducted from payments received from customers.

 

** Although the expenditures described in this line item are determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements, the disclosure thereof does not conform with GAAP presentation requirements. Additionally, the presentation of promotional and other allowances may not be comparable to similar items presented by other companies. The presentation of promotional and other allowances facilitates an evaluation of the impact thereof on the determination of net sales and illustrates the spending levels incurred to secure such sales. Promotional and other allowances constitute a material portion of our marketing activities.

 

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Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

Gross Sales.* Gross sales were $1,025.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $329.5 million or 47.3% higher than gross sales of $696.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in gross sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which include Monster Energy® drinks (introduced in April 2002), lo-carb Monster Energy® drinks (introduced in August 2003), Monster Energy® AssaultTM energy drinks (introduced in September 2004) and Monster Energy® KhaosTM energy drinks (introduced in August 2005), as well as sales of certain new products such as the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks (introduced in April 2007), Monster M-80TM energy drinks (introduced in March 2007), Monster MIXXD™ energy drinks (introduced in December 2007) and Monster Heavy Metal™ energy drinks (introduced in November 2007). To a lesser extent, the increase in gross sales was attributable to increased sales by volume of apple juice and juice blends, aseptic juices, Unbound Energy® energy drinks (introduced in October 2006) and Junior Juice® aseptic juices. The increase in gross sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume of Lost Energy® drinks (introduced in January 2004), iced teas, Joker Mad Energy™ drinks (introduced in January 2005) and Hansen's® fruit juice smoothies. Changes in pricing did not have a material impact on the increase in gross sales for the year ended December 31, 2007. However, during the fourth quarter of 2007, we announced a price increase for our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and our Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, effective January 1, 2008. We estimate that approximately 7% to 8% of our gross sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 were attributable to purchases made by our customers in advance of such price increases. Promotional and other allowances were $121.3 million for 2007, an increase of $30.8 million or 34.0% higher than promotional and other allowances of $90.5 million for 2006. Promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross sales decreased to 11.8% in 2007 from 13.0% in 2006. As a result, the percentage increase in gross sales in 2007 was lower than the percentage increase in net sales.

 

*Gross sales – see definition above.

Net Sales. Net sales were $904.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $298.7 million or 49.3% higher than net sales of $605.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which include Monster Energy® drinks, lo-carb Monster Energy® drinks, Monster Energy® Assault™ energy drinks and Monster Energy® Khaos™ energy drinks, as well as sales of certain new products such as the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, Monster M-80™ energy drinks, Monster MIXXD™ energy drinks and Monster Heavy Metal™ energy drinks. To a lesser extent, the increase in net sales was attributable to increased sales by volume of apple juice and juice blends, aseptic juices, sodas and Junior Juice® aseptic juices. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume of Lost Energy® drinks, iced teas, Joker Mad Energy™ drinks, smoothies in cans and Hansen’s® energy drinks. Changes in pricing did not have a material impact on the increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007. However, during the fourth quarter of 2007, we announced a price increase to our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and our Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, effective January 1, 2008. We estimate that approximately 7% to 8% of our net sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 were attributable to purchases made by our customers in advance of such  price increases.

 

Case sales, in 192-ounce case equivalents, were 98.5 million cases for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of 25.7 million cases or 35.3% higher than case sales of 72.7 million cases for the year ended December 31, 2006. The overall average net sales price per case increased to $9.19 for 2007 or 10.3% higher than the average net sales price per case of $8.33 for 2006. The increase in the average net sales prices per case was attributable to an increase in the proportion of case sales derived from higher priced products.

 

40

 

 

Net sales for the DSD segment were $809.8 million for year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $295.5 million or 57.5% higher than net sales of $514.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which include Monster Energy® drinks, lo-carb Monster Energy® drinks, Monster Energy® AssaultTM energy drinks and Monster Energy® KhaosTM energy drinks, as well as sales of certain new products such as the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks and Monster M-80TM energy drinks. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume of Lost Energy® drinks and Joker Mad Energy™ drinks. Changes in pricing within the DSD segment did not have a material impact on the increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007. However, during the fourth quarter of 2007, we announced a price increase to our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and our Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks, effective January 1, 2008. We estimate that approximately 7% to 8% of our net sales for the fourth quarter of 2007 were attributable to purchases made by our customers in advance of such price increases.

 

Net sales for the Warehouse segment were $94.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $3.2 million or 3.5% higher than net sales of $91.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of apple juice and juice blends, aseptic juices, sodas and Junior Juice® aseptic juices. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume primarily of iced teas, smoothies in cans and Hansen’s® energy drinks. Changes in pricing within the Warehouse segment did not have a material impact on the increase in net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Gross Profit.*** Gross profit was $468.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $151.4 million or 47.8% higher than the gross profit of $316.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 51.7% for 2007 as compared to 52.3% for 2006. Increases in sales volumes contributed to the increase in gross profit dollars. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to an increase in the percentage of sales within the DSD segment of certain packages that have lower gross profit margins. To a lesser extent, the decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was also attributable to an increase in the cost of certain raw materials including certain sweeteners, certain containers and packaging materials and certain juice concentrates and increased reserves for slow moving and obsolete inventory. Such decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was partially offset by increased sales of DSD segment products which have higher gross profit margins than those in the Warehouse segment, a decrease in promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross sales.

 

***Gross profit may not be comparable to that of other entities since some entities include all costs associated with their distribution process in cost of sales, whereas others exclude certain costs and instead include such costs within another line item such as operating expenses.

 

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses were $237.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $79.0 million or 50.0% higher than total operating expenses of $158.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Total operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was 26.2% for 2007, slightly higher than 26.1% for 2006. The increase in operating expenses in dollars was partially attributable to increased out-bound freight and warehouse costs of $8.7 million primarily due to increased volume of shipments, increased expenditures of $18.4 million for sponsorships and endorsements, increased expenditures of $10.3 million for commissions and royalties, increased expenditures of $4.9 million for sampling programs, increased payroll expenses of $12.1 million, increased expenditures of $8.6 million for professional services costs, including legal and accounting fees, and increased expenditures of $2.5 million relating to the costs associated with terminating existing distributors. Included in legal and accounting fees are costs of $9.8 million (net of $2.5 million insurance reimbursements) in connection with our special investigation of stock option grants and granting practices, related litigation and other related matters. Total operating expenses, exclusive of expenditures of $15.3 million and $12.7 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively, attributable to the costs associated with terminating existing distributor and exlcusive of expenditures of $9.8 million (net of 2.5 million in

 

41

 

 

insurance reimbursements) and $3.8 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively in connection with our special investigation of stock option grants and granting practices, related litigation and other related matters, as a percentage of net sales, were 23.4% for both 2007 and 2006.

 

Contribution Margin. Contribution margin for the DSD segment was $281.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $93.8 million or 49.9% higher than contribution margin of $187.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in contribution margin for the DSD segment was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales of Monster Energy® brand energy drinks as well as sales of certain new products such as the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks and Monster M-80TM energy drinks. Contribution margin for the Warehouse segment was $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, a decrease of approximately $2.2 million or 36.3% lower than contribution margin of $6.1 million for year ended December 31, 2006. The decrease in the contribution margin for the Warehouse segment was primarily attributable to a reduction in gross margin as a result of increased costs of raw materials and production.

 

Operating Income. Operating income was $231.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of approximately $72.4 million or 45.7% higher than operating income of $158.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 25.5% for 2007 from 26.2% for 2006. The increase in operating income was primarily due to an increase in gross profit of $151.4 million. The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to increased cost of sales as a percentage of net sales. Operating income, exclusive of recognition of deferred revenue of $1.9 million and $0.4 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively, attributable to the AB Distribution agreements entered into with newly appointed AB Distributors, exclusive of expenditures of $15.3 million and $12.7 million for 2007 and 2006, respectively, attributable to the costs associated with terminating existing distributors and exclusive of expenditures of $9.8 million (net of $2.5 million insurance reimbursements) and $3.8 for 2007 and 2006, respectively, in connection with our special investigation of stock option grants and granting practices, related litigation and other related matters, as a percentage of net sales, was 28.2% for 2007 as compared to 28.9% for 2006.

 

Interest and Other Income, net. Net interest and other income was $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of $5.1 million from net interest and other income of $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net interest and other income was primarily attributable to increased interest revenue earned on our cash balances and short- and long-term investments, which have increased significantly over the prior year.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $90.3 million, as compared to provision for income taxes of $64.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The effective combined federal and state tax rate for 2007 was 37.7%, which was lower than the effective tax rate of 39.6% for 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to certain interest income earned on securities that is exempt from federal income taxes and a reduction in federal taxes attributable to the domestic production tax deduction. This decrease was partially offset by stock-based compensation relating to incentive stock options that is not deducted for federal or state income tax purposes.

 

Net Income. Net income was $149.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of $51.5 million or 52.5% higher than net income of $97.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to an increase in gross profit of $151.4 million and, to a lesser extent, an increase in net interest and other income of approximately $5.1 million. This was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of $79.0 million and an increase in provision for income taxes of $26.1 million.

 

42

 

 

 

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

Gross Sales.* Gross sales were $696.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $280.9 million or 67.6% higher than the $415.4 million gross sales for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in gross sales for 2006 was primarily attributable to increased sales volumes of certain of our existing products, including the full year sales of Monster Energy® KhaosTM energy drinks which were introduced in August 2005. Promotional and other allowances were $90.5 million for 2006 an increase of $24.0 million or 36.1% higher than promotional and other allowances of $66.5 million for 2005. Promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross sales decreased from 16.0% in 2005 to 13.0% in 2006. As a result the percentage increase in gross sales in 2006 was lower than the percentage increase in net sales.

 

*Gross sales – see definition above.

 

Net Sales. Net sales were $605.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $256.9 million or 73.6% higher than net sales of $348.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which include Monster Energy® drinks, lo-carb Monster Energy® drinks, Monster Energy® AssaultTM energy drinks, as well as sales of Monster Energy® KhaosTM energy drinks. To a lesser extent, the increase in net sales was attributable to increased sales by volume of teas, lemonades and juice cocktails, Lost® Energy™ drinks, sports drinks, Rumba™ brand energy juice, Junior Juice®, Ace™ energy drinks and Unbound Energy® energy drinks. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume primarily of Hansen’s® energy drinks, smoothies in cans and Energade® energy sports drinks.

 

Case sales, in 192-ounce case equivalents were 72.7 million cases for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of 24.5 million cases or 50.9% higher than case sales of 48.2 million cases for the year ended December 31, 2005. The overall average net sales price per case increased to $8.33 for 2006 or 15% higher than the net sales price per case of $7.24 for 2005. The increase in the average net sales prices per case was attributable to an increase in the proportion of case sales derived from higher priced products.

 

Net sales for the DSD segment were $514.3 million for year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $251.4 million or 95.6% higher than net sales of $262.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, which include Monster Energy® drinks, lo-carb Monster Energy® drinks, Monster Energy® AssaultTM energy drinks, as well as sales of Monster Energy® KhaosTM energy drinks. To a lesser extent, the increase in net sales was attributable to increased sales by volume of Lost® Energy™ drinks, RumbaTM brand energy juice, AceTM energy drinks and Unbound Energy® energy drinks. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume primarily of Energade® energy sports drinks.

 

Net sales for the Warehouse segment were $91.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $5.5 million or 6.4% higher than net sales of $86.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in net sales was primarily attributable to increased sales by volume of teas, lemonades and juice cocktails, Junior Juice® and sports drinks. The increase in net sales was partially offset by decreased sales by volume primarily of Hansen’s® energy drinks and smoothies in cans.

 

Gross Profit.*** Gross profit was $316.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $134.1 million or 73.4% higher than the gross profit of $182.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 52.3% for both 2006 and 2005. Increases in sales volumes contributed to an increase in gross profit dollars. Gross profit as a

 

43

 

 

percentage of net sales was affected by an increase in the percentage of sales within the DSD segment of certain packages that have lower gross profit margins. In addition, gross profit as a percentage of net sales was also affected by a significant increase in certain freight-in costs due to the addition of new co-packers and warehouses and an increase in the cost of certain raw materials including sucrose, PET and aluminum cans and apple juice concentrate. These factors were offset by increased sales of DSD segment products which have higher gross profit margins than those in the Warehouse segment.

 

***Gross Profit – see definition above.

 

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses were $158.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $78.9 million or 99.8% higher than total operating expenses of $79.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Total operating expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 26.1% for 2006 from 22.6% for 2005. The increase in total operating expenses and total operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to increased selling and distribution, and general and administrative expenses.

 

Selling and distribution expenses were $95.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $44.5 million or 87.8% higher than selling and distribution expenses of $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. Selling and distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales for 2006 were 15.7%, which was higher than selling and distribution expenses as a percentage of net sales of 14.6% for 2005. The increase in selling and distribution expenses was partially attributable to increased out-bound freight and warehouse costs of $18.9 million primarily due to increased volumes of shipments and increased freight rates and fuel prices, as well as increased expenditures of $6.9 million for merchandise displays primarily in anticipation of the changeover to select AB distributors, $4.3 million for sponsorships and endorsements, $4.3 million for trade development activities with distributors and customers, $2.7 million for commissions and royalties, and $1.8 million for sampling programs.

 

General and administrative expenses were $62.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $34.4 million or 121.6% higher than general and administrative expenses of $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for 2006 were 10.4%, which was higher than general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales of 8.1% for 2005. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to the costs associated with terminating existing distributors of $12.7 million, stock compensation expense of $8.3 million as a result of our adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”) which was not expensed in the previous year including a cumulative adjustment of $1.3 million related to stock based compensation and related charges (See Part II, Item 8, Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies – Other”), an increase in payroll expenses of $5.3 million, and an increase of $5.2 million in professional services costs, including legal and accounting fees. Included in legal and accounting fees are costs of $3.8 million relating to the Company’s special investigation of stock option grants.

 

Contribution Margin. Contribution margin represents net sales by segment less the cost of sales and operating expenses which can be directly attributed to segment net sales. Contribution margin for the DSD segment was $187.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $78.9 million or 72.4% higher than contribution margin of $109.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in contribution margin for the DSD segment was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales of Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. Contribution margin for the Warehouse segment was $6.1 million for 2006, a decrease of approximately $4.3 million or 41.0% lower than contribution margin of $10.4 million for 2005. The decrease in the contribution margin for the Warehouse segment was primarily attributable to reduced sales of Hansen’s® energy drinks and a reduction in gross margin as a result of increased costs of raw materials and production.

 

Operating Income. Operating income was $158.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of approximately $55.2 million or 53.4% higher than operating income of $103.4 million for

 

44

 

 

the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in operating income was attributable to higher gross profit, which was offset by increased selling, distribution, general and administrative expenses. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 26.2% for 2006 from 29.6% for 2005. The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to increased general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales.

 

Interest and Other Income, net. Net interest and other income was $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $2.3 million from net interest income of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in net interest and other income was primarily attributable to increased interest revenue earned on the Company’s invested cash balances which have increased significantly over the year.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $64.3 million as compared to provision for income taxes of $42.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The effective combined federal and state tax rate for 2006 was 39.6%, which was lower than the effective tax rate of 40.1% for 2005. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to certain interest income earned on securities that are exempt from federal income taxes and certain federal tax credits relating to export sales, and to a lesser extent, a decrease in state taxes due to the apportionment of sales to various states outside of California which have lower state tax rates. This decrease was partially offset by stock-based compensation relating to incentive stock options for which we received no tax benefit.

 

Net Income. Net income was $97.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $35.1 million or 56.0% higher than net income of $62.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The increase in net income was attributable to the increase in gross profit of approximately $134.1 million and the increase in net interest income of approximately $2.3 million, which was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses of approximately $79.0 million and an increase in provision for income taxes of approximately $22.3 million.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities –Net cash provided by operating activities was $135.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $76.4 million in the comparable period in 2006. For 2007, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to net income earned of $149.4 million and adjustments for certain non-cash expenses consisting of $10.2 million of share-based compensation and $2.1 million of depreciation and other amortization. In 2007, cash provided by operations also increased due to a $31.8 million increase in income taxes payable, a $22.4 million increase in accounts payable, a $19.1 million increase in deferred revenue and a $1.5 million increase in accrued compensation. In 2007, cash provided by operating activities was reduced due to a $29.5 million increase in tax benefit from exercise of stock options, a $26.7 million increase in accounts receivable, a $21.1 million increase in inventories, a $14.2 million increase in deferred income taxes, a $0.1 million decrease in accrued liabilities and a $3.2 million decrease in customer deposit liabilities. The increase in accounts receivable was attributable to increased sales volumes as well as to increased sales to certain classes of customers who have longer payment terms. The increase in inventory is attributable to the addition of new copackers and warehouses, the introduction of new products and planned inventory levels to meet consumer demand.

 

Cash flows used in investing activities Net cash used in investing activities was $194.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to $95.2 million used in investing activities in the comparable period in 2006. For 2007, cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to purchases of short- and long-term investments, particularly available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments. Cash provided by investing activities was primarily attributable to sales and maturities of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investments. For both periods, cash used in investing activities included the acquisitions of fixed assets consisting of vans and promotional vehicles and other equipment to support our marketing and promotional activities, production equipment, computer and office furniture

 

45

 

 

and equipment used for sales and administrative activities, as wells as certain leasehold improvements. Management expects that it will continue to use a portion of its cash in excess of its requirements for operations, for purchasing short- and long-term investments and for other corporate purposes. Management, from time to time, considers the acquisition of capital equipment, specifically items of production equipment required to produce certain of our products, storage racks, vans and promotional vehicles, coolers and other promotional equipment as well as the introduction of new product lines and businesses compatible with the image of the Company’s brands.

 

At December 31, 2007, we had $12.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $290.2 million in short- and long-term investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. government agencies, municipal securities (which may have an auction reset feature), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds meeting certain criteria. Certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by U.S. sub-prime mortgage defaults that have affected various sectors of the financial markets and caused credit and liquidity issues. These market risks associated with our investment portfolio may have a negative adverse effect on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

 

Our short-term investments include variable rate demand notes. Although the underlying maturities of these securities are long-term in nature, the investments are classified as short-term because they contain a ‘put’ feature which allows the holder to tender the securities at par on seven days notice. The ‘put’ feature is supported by a letter of credit or standby purchase agreement provided by a highly-rated commercial bank. The notes are issued by municipalities and other tax-exempt entities and the interest rate payable on these investments resets on a weekly basis. All of our short-term investments are held by major financial institutions.

 

Our long-term investments are comprised of auction rate securities. These notes carry a AAA credit rating and certain of the notes are additionally backed by various federal agencies and/or monoline insurance companies. Liquidity for these auction rate securities is typically provided by an auction process which allows holders to sell their notes and resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, usually every 7 to 35 days. In February 2008, a large portion of the auctions for these auction rate securities failed. There is no assurance that auctions on the remaining auction rate securities in our investment portfolio will succeed. The auction failures appear to have been attributable to inadequate buyers and/or buying demand. In the event that there is a failed auction, the indenture governing the security generally requires the issuer to pay interest at a default rate that is above market rates for similar instruments. The securities for which auctions have failed will continue to accrue interest at the predetermined default rates and be auctioned every 7 to 35 days until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the securities, they mature or we are able to sell the securities to third parties. As a result, our ability to liquidate and fully recover the carrying value of our auction rate securities in the near term may be limited. Consequently these securities have been classified as long term investments in our consolidated financial statements. However, we anticipate that due to the higher interest rates now payable on certain of these securities and for other reasons, the issuers will take steps to refinance their notes to enable them to call and repay the securities and therefore avoid the higher interest rates now payable on such securities.

 

If the issuers of these auction rate securities are unable to refinance their debts and call the notes or successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, we may in the future be required to record an impairment charge on these investments. We may be required to wait until market stability is restored for these instruments or until the final maturity of the underlying notes (up to 40 years) to realize our investments’ recorded value. (See also “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors- Our investments in marketable debt securities are subject to risks which may cause losses and affect the liquidity of these investments and “Part I, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks”).

 

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Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities – Net cash provided by financing activities was $36.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $7.7 million for the comparable period in 2006. For 2007, cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to a $29.5 million tax benefit in connection with the exercise of certain stock options and proceeds of $8.2 million received from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of certain stock options.

 

Purchases of inventories, increases in accounts receivable and other assets, acquisition of property and equipment, acquisition of trademarks, payments of accounts payable and income taxes payable are expected to remain our principal recurring use of cash.

 

Debt and other obligations HBC has entered into a credit facility with Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) consisting of a revolving line of credit which was amended in May 2007. In accordance with the amended provisions of the credit facility, HBC increased its available borrowings under the revolving line of credit to $10.0 million of non-collateralized debt. The revolving line of credit is effective through June 1, 2008. Interest on borrowings under the line of credit is based on Comerica’s base (prime) rate minus up to 1.5%, or varying LIBOR rates up to 180 days, plus an additional percentage of up to 1.75%, depending upon certain financial ratios maintained by HBC. We had no outstanding borrowings on this line of credit at December 31, 2007. Letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company totaling $0.3 million under this credit facility were outstanding as of December 31, 2007.

 

The terms of the Company’s line of credit contain certain financial covenants, including certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with its covenants at December 31, 2007.

 

If any event of default shall occur for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Comerica may declare all or any portion outstanding on the line of credit immediately due and payable, exercise rights and remedies available to them, including instituting legal proceedings.

 

Noncancelable contractual obligations include our obligations related to sponsorships and other commitments. (See also “Part II, Item 8 - Note 9, Commitments & Contingencies”).

 

Purchase commitments include obligations made by the Company and its subsidiaries to various suppliers for raw materials used in the manufacturing and packaging of our products. These obligations vary in terms.

 

The following represents a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations and related scheduled maturities as of December 31, 2007:

 

 

Payments due by period (in thousands)

Obligations

Total

 

Less than 1 year

 

1-3

years

 

3-5

years

 

More than 5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncancelable Contracts

$                45,317

 

$        26,052

 

$                 17,552

 

$       1,713

 

$               -

Capital Leases

663

 

663

 

-

 

-

 

-

Operating Leases

23,482

 

3,338

 

8,024

 

4,533

 

7,587

Purchase Commitments

7,428

 

7,428

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

$                76,890

 

$        37,481

 

$                 25,576

 

$        6,246

 

$       7,587

 

In addition to the above obligations, pursuant to a can supply agreement between the Company and Rexam Beverage Can Company (“Rexam”), dated as of January 1, 2006, the Company has undertaken to purchase a minimum volume of 24-ounce resealable aluminum beverage cans over the four-year period commencing from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. Should the Company fail to purchase the minimum volume, the Company will be obligated to reimburse Rexam for certain

 

47

 

 

capital reimbursements on a pro-rated basis. The Company’s maximum liability under this agreement is $6.0 million, subject to compliance by Rexam with a number of conditions under this agreement.

 

Management believes that cash available from operations, including cash resources and the revolving line of credit, will be sufficient for our working capital needs, including purchase commitments for raw materials and inventory, increases in accounts receivable, payments of tax liabilities, debt servicing, expansion and development needs, purchases of shares of our common stock, as well as any purchases of capital assets or equipment, through at least the next twelve months. Based on the Company’s current plans, at this time the Company estimates that capital expenditures are likely to be less than $10.0 million through December 2008. However, future business opportunities may cause a change in this estimate.

 

In September 2007, we relocated our corporate offices to newly leased offices in Corona, California. In October 2006, we also entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which we leased 346,495 square feet of warehouse and distribution space located in Corona, California. This lease commitment provides for minimum rental payments for 120 months, commencing March 2007, excluding renewal options. The monthly rental payments are $167,586 at the commencement of the lease and increase over the lease term by 7.5% at the end of each 30 month period. The new warehouse and distribution space replaced our previous warehouse and distribution space also located in Corona, California.

 

In October 2006, we entered into an agreement to acquire 1.8 acres of vacant land for a purchase price of $1.4 million. The property is located adjacent to the newly leased warehouse and distribution space. We are reviewing the feasibility of constructing a new office building on such land, which will replace our existing office space.

 

We have sublet in excess of 50% of our previous office, warehouse and distribution space for the remainder of that lease term which expires in October 2010.

 

Accounting Policies and Pronouncements

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in our consolidated financial statements, including various allowances and reserves for accounts receivable and inventories, the estimated lives of long-lived assets and trademarks, as well as claims and contingencies arising out of litigation or other transactions that occur in the normal course of business. The following summarizes the most significant accounting and reporting policies and practices of the Company:

 

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 past loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding.

 

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost to purchase and/or manufacture the inventory or the current estimated market value of the inventory. The Company regularly reviews its inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on the Company's estimated forecast of product demand, production availability and/or its ability to sell the product(s) concerned. Demand for the Company's products can fluctuate significantly. Factors that could affect demand for the Company's products include unanticipated changes in consumer preferences, general market conditions or other factors that may result in

 

48

 

 

cancellations of advance orders or reductions in the rate of reorders placed by customers and/or continued weakening of economic conditions. Additionally, management's estimates of future product demand may be inaccurate, which could result in an understated or overstated provision required for excess and obsolete inventory.

 

Long-Lived Assets –Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including certain identifiable intangibles, 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 of property and equipment or amortizable intangible assets, then management 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 at the present value of the future cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with management’s estimates of the business risks. No impairments were identified as of December 31, 2007.

 

Management believes that the accounting estimate related to impairment of its long lived assets, including its trademarks, is a “critical accounting estimate” because: (1) the estimate is highly susceptible to change from period to period because it requires company management to make assumptions about cash flows and discount rates; and (2) the impact that recognizing an impairment would have on the assets reported on our consolidated balance sheet, as well as net income, could be material. Management’s assumptions about cash flows and discount rates require significant judgment because actual revenues and expenses have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to do so.

 

Intangibles – Intangibles are comprised primarily of trademarks that represent the Company’s exclusive ownership of the Hansen’s® trademark in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of beverages, water, non-beverage products and the Monster Energy® trademark 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. The Company also owns the Blue Sky® trademark, which was acquired in September 2000, and the Junior Juice® trademark, which was acquired in May 2001. During 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Under the provisions on SFAS No. 142, the Company discontinued amortization on indefinite-lived trademarks while continuing to amortize remaining trademarks over one to 25 years.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we evaluate our trademarks annually for impairment or earlier if there is an indication of impairment. If there is an indication of impairment of identified intangible assets not subject to amortization, management compares the estimated fair value with the carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss is recognized to write down the intangible asset to its fair value if it is less than the carrying amount. The fair value is calculated using the income approach. However, preparation of estimated expected future cash flows is inherently subjective and is based on management's best estimate of assumptions concerning expected future conditions. Based on management’s impairment analysis performed for the year ended December 31, 2007, the estimated fair values of trademarks exceeded the carrying value.

 

In estimating future revenues, we use internal budgets. Internal budgets are developed based on recent revenue data and future marketing plans for existing product lines and planned timing of future introductions of new products and their impact on our future cash flows.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions – The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are translated in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation”. The Company has determined that the functional currency of its subsidiary should be its local

 

49

 

 

currency. The accounts of this foreign subsidiary have been translated into United States dollars using the current exchange rate at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and at the average exchange rate for the period for revenues and expenses. Cumulative translation gains or losses are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in interest and other income, net, at the time they occur. Gains and losses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2007 were insignificant.

 

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 copacker on the Company’s behalf. In such cases, ownership of and title to the Company’s products that are copacked on the Company’s behalf by those copackers 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 Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 01-09, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products)”.

 

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, 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, commissions, 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 payroll costs, travel costs, professional service fees including legal fees, termination payments made to certain of the Company’s prior distributors, entertainment, insurance, postage, depreciation and other general and administrative costs.

 

Stock-Based Compensation – Beginning in fiscal year 2006, the Company accounts for share-based compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula to estimate the fair value of its stock options at the date of grant. The Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. The Company’s employee stock options, however, have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options. For example, employee stock options are generally subject to vesting restrictions and are generally not transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility, the expected life of an option and the number of awards ultimately expected to vest. Changes in subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates of an option. Furthermore, the estimated fair value of an option does not necessarily represent the value that will ultimately be realized by an employee. The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected price

 

50

 

 

volatility, the expected option life and the expected forfeiture rate. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the estimated life of the option. If actual results are not consistent with the Company’s assumptions and judgments used in estimating the key assumptions, the Company may be required to increase or decrease compensation expense or income tax expense, which could be material to its results of operations.

 

Income Taxes – Current income tax expense is the amount of income taxes expected to be payable for the current year. A deferred income tax asset or liability is established for the expected future consequences of temporary differences in the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing, prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the value of its deferred tax assets. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized, the Company will reduce the value of these assets to their expected realizable value, thereby decreasing net income. Evaluating the value of these assets is necessarily based on the Company's judgment. If the Company subsequently determines that the deferred tax assets, which had been written down, would be realized in the future, the value of the deferred tax assets would be increased, thereby increasing net income in the period when that determination was made.

 

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB has deferred the implementation of SFAS No. 157 by one year for certain non-financial assets and liabilities such that this will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting SFAS No. 157 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS No.159 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Sales

 

The table set forth below discloses selected quarterly data regarding sales for the past five years. Data from any one or more quarters is not necessarily indicative of annual results or continuing trends.

 

Sales of beverages are expressed in unit case volume. A “unit case” means a unit of measurement equal to 192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage (24 eight-ounce servings) or concentrate sold that will yield 192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage. Unit case volume of the Company means number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of beverages directly or indirectly sold by the Company. Sales of food bars and cereals, which have been discontinued and are not material, are expressed in actual cases.

 

The Company’s quarterly results of operations reflect seasonal trends that are primarily the result of increased demand in the warmer months of the year. It has been our experience that beverage sales tend to be lower during the first and fourth quarters of each fiscal year. Because the primary historical market for Hansen’s products is California, which has a year-long temperate climate, the effect of seasonal fluctuations on quarterly results may have been mitigated; however, such fluctuations may be more pronounced as the distribution of Hansen’s products expands outside of California. The Company’s experience with its energy drink products, suggests that they are less seasonal than traditional beverages. As the percentage of the Company’s sales that are represented by such products continues to increase,

 

51

 

 

seasonal fluctuations will be further mitigated. Quarterly fluctuations may also be affected by other factors including the introduction of new products, the opening of new markets where temperature fluctuations are more pronounced, the addition of new bottlers and distributors, changes in the mix of the sales of its finished products and changes in and/or increased advertising and promotional expenses. (See also “Part I, Item 1. – Business – Seasonality”).

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

Unit Case Volume / Case Sales (in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter 1

19,396

 

14,974

 

9,295

 

5,368

 

4,219

 

Quarter 2

26,950

 

19,136

 

12,368

 

7,605

 

5,356

 

Quarter 3

26,450

 

21,176

 

13,983

 

8,916

 

6,221

 

Quarter 4

25,657

 

17,454

 

12,568

 

7,871

 

4,625

 

Total

98,453

 

72,740

 

48,214

 

29,760

 

20,421

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Revenues (in Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter 1

$             165,853

 

$           119,746

 

$           60,014

 

$        31,299

 

$   22,086

 

Quarter 2

244,763

 

156,037

 

85,441

 

46,064

 

28,409

 

Quarter 3

247,211

 

178,647

 

105,421

 

52,641

 

33,291

 

Quarter 4

246,638

 

151,344

 

98,010

 

50,337

 

26,566

 

Total

$             904,465

 

$           605,774

 

$         348,886

 

$      180,341

 

$ 110,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Price per Case

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter 1

$                    8.55

 

$                  8.00

 

$               6.46

 

$            5.83

 

$       5.23

 

Quarter 2

9.08

 

8.15

 

6.91

 

6.06

 

5.30

 

Quarter 3

9.35

 

8.44

 

7.54

 

5.90

 

5.35

 

Quarter 4

9.61

 

8.67

 

7.80

 

6.40

 

5.74

 

Total

$                    9.19

 

$                   8.33

 

$                7.24

 

$            6.06

 

$       5.40

 

Inflation

 

The Company does not believe that inflation had a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations for the periods presented.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”) provides a safe harbor for forward looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Certain statements made in this report may constitute forward looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27.A of the Securities Act 1933, as amended, and Section 21.E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding the expectations of management with respect to revenues, profitability, adequacy of funds from operations and our existing credit facility, among other things. All statements which address operating performance, events or developments that management expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including statements related to new products, volume growth, revenues, profitability, adequacy of funds from operations, and/or the Company’s existing credit facility, earnings per share growth, statements expressing general optimism about future operating results and non historical information, are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “thinks,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Management cautions that these statements are qualified by their terms and/or important factors, many of which are outside our control, involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the statements made including, but not limited to, the following:

 

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Any proceedings which may be brought against the Company by the SEC or other governmental agencies;

The outcome of the shareholder derivative actions and shareholders securities litigation filed against certain of the Company’s officers and directors, and the possibility of other private litigation relating to stock option grants and related matters;

The outcome of future auctions of auction rate securities;

Our ability to address any significant deficiencies or material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting;

The Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to support capital expansion plans and general operating activities;

Decreased demand for our products resulting from changes in consumer preferences;

Changes in demand that are weather related, particularly in areas outside of California;

Competitive products and pricing pressures and the Company’s ability to gain or maintain its share of sales in the marketplace as a result of actions by competitors;

The introduction of new products;

An inability to achieve volume growth through product and packaging initiatives;

The Company’s ability to sustain the current level of sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks;

Laws and regulations and/or any changes therein, including changes in accounting standards, taxation requirements (including tax rate changes, new tax laws and revised tax law interpretations) and environmental laws, as well as the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, and regulations made thereunder or in connection therewith, as well as changes in any other food and drug laws, especially those that may affect the way in which the Company’s products are marketed, and/or labeled, and/or sold, including the contents thereof, as well as laws and regulations or rules made or enforced by the Food and Drug Administration, and/or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, and/or the Federal Trade Commission and/or certain state regulatory agencies;

Changes in the costs and availability of raw materials and the ability to maintain favorable supply arrangements and relationships and procure timely and/or adequate production of all or any of the Company’s products;

The Company’s ability to achieve earnings forecasts, which may be based on projected volumes and sales of many product types and/or new products, certain of which are more profitable than others; there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve projected levels or mixes of product sales;

The Company’s ability to penetrate new markets;

The marketing efforts of distributors of the Company’s products, most of which distribute products that are competitive with the products of the Company;

Unilateral decisions by distributors, convenience chains, grocery chains, specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of the Company’s products that they are carrying at any time;

The terms and/or availability of the Company’s credit facility and the actions of its creditors;

The effectiveness of the Company’s advertising, marketing and promotional programs;

Changes in product category consumption;

Unforeseen economic and political changes;

Possible recalls of the Company’s products;

Disruption in distribution or sales and/or decline in sales due to the termination of the distribution agreements with certain of the Company’s existing distributors or distribution networks and the appointment of selected AB wholesalers as distributors in their place for the territories of such terminated distributors;

The Company’s ability to make suitable arrangements for the co-packing of any of its products including, but not limited to, its energy and functional drinks in 8.3-ounce slim cans, 16-ounce cans, 24-ounce cans and 32-ounce cans, smoothies in 11.5-ounce cans, Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™ drinks, Joker Mad EnergyTM energy drinks, Ace™ energy drinks and Unbound Energy® energy drinks in 8.3-ounce and/or 16-ounce and/or 24-ounce and/or 32-ounce cans, RumbaTM energy juice in

 

53

 

 

16-ounce cans, the Java MonsterTM line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks in 15-ounce cans, juices in 64-ounce PET plastic bottles and aseptic packaging and other products;

Loss of the Company’s intellectual property rights;

Failure to retain the full-time services of senior management of the Company and inability to immediately find suitable replacements;

Volatility of stock prices which may restrict sales or other opportunities;

Provisions in the Company’s organizational documents and/or control by insiders which may prevent changes in control even if such changes would be beneficial to other stockholders;

Exposure to significant liabilities due to litigation or legal proceedings.

 

The foregoing list of important factors and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is not exhaustive. See “Part I, Item 1A. – Risk Factors,” for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. Those factors and the other risk factors described therein are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, our actual results could be materially different from the results described or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of estimates, forecasts and projections and may be better or worse than anticipated. Given these uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this report, in order to reflect changes in circumstances or expectations or the occurrence of unanticipated events except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

 

ITEM 7A.         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

In the normal course of business, our financial position is routinely subject to a variety of risks. The principal market risks (i.e., the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices) to which the Company is exposed are fluctuations in energy and fuel prices, commodity prices affecting the costs of juice concentrates and other raw materials (including, but not limited to, increases in the price of aluminum for cans, resin for PET plastic bottles, as well as cane sugar, glucose, sucrose, milk and cream, and high fructose corn syrup, which are used in many of the Company’s products), changes in interest rates on the Company’s long-term debt and limited availability of certain raw materials such as sucralose. We are also subject to market risks with respect to the cost of commodities because our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing is limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. In addition, we are subject to other risks associated with the business environment in which we operate, including the collectability of accounts receivable.

 

We do not use derivative financial instruments to protect ourselves from fluctuations in interest rates and do not hedge against fluctuations in commodity prices. We do not use hedging agreements or alternative instruments to manage the risks associated with securing sufficient ingredients or raw materials, including, but not limited to, cans, PET plastic bottles, glass, labels, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, glucose, sucralose, flavors, supplements, certain sweeteners or packaging arrangements, or protecting against shortages of such ingredients or raw materials.

 

We are primarily exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates and the effects of those fluctuations on the market values of our short term investments. Certain of our short term investments are subject to interest rate risk because these investments generally include a fixed interest rate. As a result, the market values of these investments are affected by changes in prevailing interest rates.

 

54

 

 

At December 31, 2007, we had $12.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $290.2 million in short- and long-term investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. government agencies, municipal securities or notes (which may have an auction reset feature), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds meeting certain criteria. Certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by U.S. sub-prime mortgage defaults that have affected various sectors of the financial markets and caused credit and liquidity issues. These market risks associated with our investment portfolio may have a negative adverse effect on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. (See also “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors – Our investments in marketable debt securities are subject to risks which may cause losses and affect the liquidity of these investments” and “Part I, Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”)

 

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The information required to be furnished in response to this ITEM 8 follows the signature page hereto at pages 65 through 95.

 

ITEM 9.           CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures –Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our management’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.

 

Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

55

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Hansen Natural Corporation

Corona, California

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Hansen Natural Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 of the Company and our report dated February  29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

 

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

 

Costa Mesa, California

February 29, 2008

 

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ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information required by this item regarding our directors is included under the caption “Proposal One – Election of Directors” in our Proxy Statement for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (the “2008 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is included under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our 2008 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Information concerning the Audit Committee and the Audit Committee Financial expert is reported under the caption “Audit Committee; Report of the Audit Committee; Duties and Responsibilities” in our 2008 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all our directors, officers (including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controllers) and employees and is available at http://www.hansens.com. The Code of Ethics and any amendment to the Code of Ethics, as well as any waivers that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC or NASDAQ may be obtained at no cost to you by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

 

Hansen Natural Corporation

550 Monica Circle, Suite 201

Corona, CA 92880

(951) 739-6200

(800) HANSENS

(800) 426-7367

 

ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Information concerning the compensation of our directors and executive officers and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation is reported under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” and “Compensation Committee,” respectively, in our 2008 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The disclosure set forth in Item 5, “Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities”, of this report is incorporated herein.

 

Information concerning the beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock of (a) those persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock; (b) each of the Company's directors and nominees for director; and (c) the Company's executive officers and all of the Company's current directors and executive officers as a group is reported under

 

57

 

 

“Principal Stockholders and Security Ownership of Management” in our 2008 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13.         CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions is reported under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence” in our 2008 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information concerning our accounting fees and our Audit Committee’s pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services of independent auditors is reported under “Principal Accounting Firm Fees” and “Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services,” respectively, in our 2008 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

65

 

 

 

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

66

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

67

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

68

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

69

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  71

 

 

 

 

Financial Statement Schedule:

 

 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

95

 

 

 

 

Exhibits:

 

 

The Exhibits listed in the Index of Exhibits, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated herein by reference, as filed as part of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

58

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION

 

/s/ RODNEY C. SACKS

Rodney C. Sacks

Date:

February 29, 2008

Chairman of the Board

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

Title

Date

 

/s/ RODNEY C. SACKS

Rodney C. Sacks

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

 

February 29, 2008

 

/s/ HILTON H. SCHLOSBERG

Hilton H. Schlosberg

 

 

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (principal financial officer, controller and principal accounting officer)

 

February 29, 2008

 

/s/ NORMAN C. EPSTEIN

Norman C. Epstein

 

 

 

Director

 

February 29, 2008

 

/s/ BENJAMIN M. POLK

Benjamin M. Polk

 

 

 

Director

 

February 29, 2008

 

/s/ SYDNEY SELATI

Sydney Selati

 

 

 

Director

 

February 29, 2008

 

/s/ HAROLD C. TABER, JR.

Harold C. Taber, Jr.

 

 

 

Director

 

February 29, 2008

 

/s/ MARK S. VIDERGAUZ

Mark S. Vidergauz

 

 

 

Director

 

February 29, 2008

 

 

59

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

The following designated exhibits, as indicated below, are either filed or furnished, as applicable herewith or have heretofore been filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as indicated by footnote.

 

 

2.1

Asset purchase agreement among Blue Sky Natural Beverage Co., a Delaware corporation, as Purchaser and Blue Sky Natural Beverage Co., a New Mexico corporation, as seller and Robert Black (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Form 8-K dated October 4, 2000).

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of Unipac Corporation (previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-35796)

3.2

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Unipac Corporation (previously filed as an exhibit to our Proxy Statement dated October 21, 1992)

3.3

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Hansen Natural Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our Proxy Statement dated April 19, 2006)

3.4

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hansen Natural Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 10-Q dated November 9, 2007).

10.1

Amended and Restated Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to our Form 8-K dated August 11, 2006).

10.2

On-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated February 12, 2007).

10.3+

Form of Amendment to Stock Option Agreement (relating to the amendment of certain stock option agreements between Hansen Natural Corporation and its executive officers and directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated January 8, 2007).

10.4

Form of Indemnification Agreement (to be provided by Hansen Natural Corporation to its directors) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K dated November 11, 2005).

10.5

Amended and Restated Allied Products Distribution Coordination Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 8-K dated August 11, 2006).

10.6

Asset Purchase Agreement among Hansen Junior Juice Company, as purchaser, Pasco Juices, Inc., as seller, and Hansen Beverage Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-K dated March 29, 2002).

10.7

Packaging Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and U.S. Continental Marketing, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.8

Proposal for Additional Storage from U.S. Continental (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.9

Advertising Display Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Las Vegas Monorail Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.10+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Kirk S. Blower (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.11+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.12+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.13+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

 

 

60

 

10.14+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Kirk S. Blower (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our form 10-K dated March 31, 2003).

10.15+

Employment Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to our form 8-K dated September 17, 2003).

10.16+

Employment Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our form 8-K dated September 17, 2003).

10.17+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of May 28, 2003) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our form 10-K dated March 30, 2004).

10.18+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of May 28, 2003) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to our form 10-K dated March 30, 2004).

10.19+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (made as of January 15, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.20+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Michael B. Schott (made as of January 15, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.21+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Kirk Blower (made as of January 15, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.22+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Thomas J. Kelly (made as of January 15, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.23

Contract Packaging Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Southwest Canning & Packaging, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.24

Contract Manufacturing and Packaging Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Nor-Cal Beverage Co., Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.25

Product Manufacture and Supply Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Seven-Up/RC Bottling Company of Southern California, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.26

Contract Packer Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Southeast Atlantic Beverage Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.27

Beverage Production and Packaging Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and City Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a Midwest Beverage Packers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.28

Manufacturing Contract between Hansen Beverage Company and Pri-Pak, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to our form 10-K dated March 16, 2005).

10.29+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Sydney Selati (made as of November 5, 2004) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.30+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of March 23, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.31+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of March 23, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.32+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (made as of March 23, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

 

 

61

 

10.33+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Michael B. Schott (made as of March 23, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.34+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (made as of September 28, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.35+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Kirk Blower (made as of November 1, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.36+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Harold Taber (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.37+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Norman Epstein (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.38+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark Vidergauz (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.39+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Benjamin Polk (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.40+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.41+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.42+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Mark J. Hall (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.43+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Michael B. Schott (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.49 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.44+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Thomas J. Kelly (made as of November 11, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to our form 10-K dated March 15, 2006).

10.45

Packaging Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and U.S. Continental Packaging, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(WW) to our form 10-Q dated November 12, 1997).

10.46+

Severance and Consulting Agreement by and among Hansen Beverage Company, Hansen Natural Corporation, and Harold C. Taber, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(YY) to our form 10-Q dated November 12, 1997).

10.47+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Harold C. Taber, Jr. (made as of June 20, 1997) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ZZ) to our form 10-Q dated November 12, 1997).

10.48+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (made as of January 30, 1998) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(BBB) to our form 10-Q dated May 13, 1998).

10.49+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (made as of January 30, 1998) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(CCC) to our form 10-Q dated May 13, 1998).

10.50+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (dated as of February 2, 1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(HHH) to our form 10-K dated March 31, 1999).

 

 

62

 

10.51+

Stock Option Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (dated as of February 2, 1999) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(III) to our form 10-K dated March 31, 1999).

10.52+

Stock Repurchase Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Rodney C. Sacks (dated as of August 3, 1998) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(JJJ) to our form 10-Q dated August 16, 1999).

10.53+

Stock Repurchase Agreement between Hansen Natural Corporation and Hilton H. Schlosberg (dated as of August 3, 1998) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(KKK) to our form 10-Q dated August 16, 1999).

10.54

Assignment and Agreement dated September 22, 1999 between Hansen Beverage Company and The Fresh Juice Company of California, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to our form 10-Q dated November 15, 1999).

10.55+

Settlement Agreement dated as of September 1999 between Hansen Beverage Company and Rodney C. Sacks as sole Trustee of the Hansen's Trust and Hansen Beverage Company, The Fresh Juice Company of California, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to our form 10-Q dated November 15, 1999).

10.56+

Settlement Agreement September 3, 1999 by and between The Fresh Juice Company of California, Inc., The Fresh Smoothie Company, LLC, Barry Lublin, Hansen's Juice Creations, LLC, Harvey Laderman and Hansen Beverage Company and Rodney C. Sacks, as Trustee of The Hansen's Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to our form 10-Q dated November 15, 1999).

10.57

Trademark Assignment September 24, 1999 by and between The Fresh Juice Company of California, Inc. (Assignor) and Rodney C. Sacks as sole Trustee of The Hansen's Trust (Assignee) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(nnn) to our form 10-Q dated November 15, 1999).

10.58

Single Tenant Industrial Lease, made and entered into as of October 13, 2006 by and between Watson Land Company, a California Corporation, and Hansen Beverage Company, a Delaware Corporation.

10.59+

Hansen Natural Corporation 2001 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to our Proxy Statement dated September 25, 2007).

10.60+

2005 Hansen Natural Corporation Stock Option Plan For Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Form S-8 dated January 31, 2006).

10.61

Business Loan Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Comerica Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q dated August 9, 2007).

10.62*

Letter Agreement between Anheuser-Bush, Inc. and Hansen Beverage Company, dated March 6, 2007, amending and clarifying certain terms of the Amended and Restated Allied Products Distribution Coordination Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Anheuser-Bush, Incorporated 

10.63*

Letter Agreement between Anheuser-Bush, Inc. and Hansen Beverage Company, dated March 6, 2007, amending and clarifying certain terms of the Amended and Restated Monster Beverage Off-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement between Hansen Beverage Company and Anheuser-Bush, Incorporated

21*

Subsidiaries

23*

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1*

Certification by CEO pursuant to Rule 13A-14(a) or 15D-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

31.2*

Certification by CFO pursuant to Rule 13A-14(a) or 15D-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

32.1*

Certification by CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

32.2*

Certification by CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

 

 

*

Filed herewith.

 

+

Management contract or compensatory plans or arrangements.

 

 

63

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

 

 

Page

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

65

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

 

66

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

67

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

68

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

69

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

71

 

Financial Statement Schedule – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

 

95

 

 

64

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Hansen Natural Corporation

Corona, California

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hansen Natural Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a).  These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for stock-based compensation during the year ended December 31, 2006 as a result of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-based Payment” in 2006.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 29, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Costa Mesa, California

February 29, 2008

 

 

65

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006 (In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$            12,440

 

$            35,129

Short-term investments

 

63,125

 

101,667

Accounts receivable, net

 

81,497

 

54,624

Inventories

 

98,140

 

77,013

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

3,755

 

771

Deferred income taxes

 

11,192

 

5,953

Total current assets

 

270,149

 

275,157

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS

 

227,085

 

-

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

8,567

 

5,565

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

14,006

 

5,001

INTANGIBLES, net

 

24,066

 

21,202

OTHER ASSETS

 

730

 

1,447

 

 

$          544,603

 

$          308,372

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$            56,766

 

$            34,362

Accrued liabilities

 

8,916

 

9,465

Accrued distributor terminations

 

4,312

 

7,024

Customer deposit liabilities

 

103

 

3,324

Accrued compensation

 

5,827

 

4,378

Current portion of debt

 

663

 

299

Income taxes payable

 

6,294

 

3,991

Total current liabilities

 

82,881

 

62,843

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion

 

-

 

4

DEFERRED REVENUE

 

39,555

 

20,441

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

Common stock - $0.005 par value; 120,000,000 shares authorized; 95,848,711 shares issued and 93,191,191outstanding as of December 31, 2007; 92,713,212 shares issued and 90,059,424 outstanding as of December 31, 2006

 

479

 

464

Additional paid-in capital

 

96,749

 

48,892

Retained earnings

 

353,648

 

204,242

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(47)

 

-

Common stock in treasury, at cost; 2,657,520 and 2,654,088 shares as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively

 

(28,662)

 

(28,514)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

422,167

 

225,084

 

 

$          544,603

 

$          308,372

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

66

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET SALES

 

$                 904,465

 

$                 605,774

 

$                 348,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COST OF SALES

 

436,452

 

289,180

 

166,343

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

468,013

 

316,594

 

182,543

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

237,027

 

158,015

 

79,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

230,986

 

158,579

 

103,443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, net

 

8,770

 

3,660

 

1,351

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

239,756

 

162,239

 

104,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

90,350

 

64,290

 

42,019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$                 149,406

 

$                   97,949

 

$                   62,775

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$                       1.64

 

$                       1.09

 

$                       0.71

Diluted

 

$                       1.51

 

$                       0.99

 

$                       0.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

91,178

 

89,936

 

88,224

Diluted

 

98,874

 

98,586

 

97,089

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

67

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts)

 

 

Common stock

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

Retained Earnings

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

Treasury Stock

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Balance, December 31, 2004

88,958,912

 

$

445

 

$

15,424

 

$

43,518

 

$

-

 

(1,654,088)

 

$

(815)

 

$

58,572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

1,469,600

 

 

7

 

 

1,161

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,168

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,994

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

62,775

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

62,775

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2005

90,428,512

 

$

452

 

$

19,579

 

$

106,293

 

$

-

 

(1,654,088)

 

$

(815)

 

$

125,509

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,346

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,346

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

2,284,700

 

 

12

 

 

3,871

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,883

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements

-

 

 

-

 

 

17,096

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

17,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

(1,000,000)

 

 

(27,699)

 

 

(27,699)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

97,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

97,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2006

92,713,212

 

$

464

 

$

48,892

 

$

204,242

 

$

-

 

(2,654,088)

 

$

(28,514)

 

$

225,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

-

 

 

-

 

 

10,227

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

10,227

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise of stock options

3,135,499

 

 

15

 

 

8,176

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excess tax benefits from share based payment arrangements

-

 

 

-

 

 

29,454

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

29,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,432)

 

 

(148)

 

 

(148)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

(47)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(47)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

149,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

149,406

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2007

95,848,711

 

$

479

 

$

96,749

 

$

353,648

 

$

(47)

 

(2,657,520)

 

$

(28,662)

 

$

422,167

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

68

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$         149,406

 

$           97,949

 

$           62,775

Adjustments to reconcile net income to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of trademark

 

56

 

56

 

70

 

Depreciation and other amortization

 

2,128

 

1,538

 

1,009

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

120

 

174

 

180

 

Stock-based compensation

 

10,246

 

8,346

 

-

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(14,244)

 

(10,863)

 

(946)

 

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

(29,454)

 

(17,284)

 

-

 

(Reversal of) provision for doubtful accounts

 

(120)

 

73

 

87

 

Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(26,753)

 

(25,945)

 

(16,188)

 

 

Inventories

 

(21,127)

 

(45,613)

 

(8,994)

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(3,049)

 

(294)

 

162

 

 

Prepaid income taxes

 

-

 

638

 

(638)

 

 

Accounts payable

 

22,404

 

7,748

 

12,071

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

(549)

 

6,983

 

899

 

 

Accrued distributor terminations

 

(2,712)

 

7,024

 

-

 

 

Customer deposit liabilities

 

(3,221)

 

3,324

 

-

 

 

Accrued compensation

 

1,449

 

1,032

 

1,515

 

 

Income taxes payable

 

31,757

 

21,087

 

2,647

 

 

Deferred revenue

 

19,114

 

20,441

 

-

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

135,451

 

76,414

 

54,649

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and maturities of held-to-maturity investments

 

3,528

 

26,489

 

4,482

Purchases of held-to-maturity investments

 

-

 

(24,857)

 

(9,643)

Sales of available-for-sale investments

 

169,529

 

132,719

 

23,600

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

 

(361,600)

 

(224,157)

 

(13,000)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(4,108)

 

(2,746)

 

(1,520)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

261

 

354

 

179

Additions to trademarks

 

(2,920)

 

(2,155)

 

(821)

Decrease (increase) in other assets

 

583

 

(878)

 

(61)

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(194,727)

 

(95,231)

 

3,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

(910)

 

(1,176)

 

(1,055)

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options

 

29,454

 

17,284

 

-

Issuance of common stock

 

8,191

 

3,883

 

1,168

Purchases of common stock held in treasury

 

(148)

 

(27,699)

 

-

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

36,587

 

(7,708)

 

113

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(22,689)

 

(26,525)

 

57,978

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year

 

35,129

 

61,654

 

3,676

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year

 

$           12,440

 

$           35,129

 

$            61,654

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$                 52

 

$                 52

 

$                  65

 

Income taxes

 

$           73,048

 

$           53,614

 

$             40,955

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

69

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005

(In Thousands)

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ITEMS:

 

During 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company entered into capital leases of $1.3 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, for the acquisition of promotional vehicles.

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

70

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

1.

ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Organization – Hansen Natural Corporation (the “Company” or “Hansen”) was incorporated in Delaware on April 25, 1990. The Company is a holding company and has no operating business except through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hansen Beverage Company (“HBC”) which was incorporated in Delaware on June 8, 1992, Monster LDA Company (“MLDA”) formally known as Hard e Beverage Company, and previously known as Hard Energy Company and CVI Ventures, Inc., which was incorporated in Delaware on April 30, 1990 and Monster Energy UK Limited (“Monster UK”), a direct wholly owned subsidiary of HBC, which was incorporated in the United Kingdom on October 9, 2007. HBC conducts the vast majority of the Company’s operating business and generates substantially all of the Company’s operating revenues. References herein to “Hansen” or the “Company” when used to describe the operating business of the Company are references to the business of HBC unless otherwise indicated, and references herein to MLDA when used to describe the operating business of MLDA, are to the business of MLDA unless otherwise indicated.

 

In addition, HBC, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Blue Sky Natural Beverage Co. (“Blue Sky”) and Hansen Junior Juice Company (“Junior Juice”) owns and operates the natural soda business under the Blue Sky® trademark and the Junior Juice beverage business under the Junior Juice® trademarks, respectively.

 

Nature of Operations The Company develops, markets, sells and distributes “alternative” beverage category natural sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks and energy sports drinks, fruit juice smoothies and “functional drinks,” non-carbonated ready-to-drink iced teas, lemonades, juice cocktails, children’s multi-vitamin juice drinks and Junior Juice® juices. The Company develops, markets, sells and distributes energy drinks under the following brand names; Monster Energy®, Lost® Energy™, Joker Mad Energy™, Unbound Energy® and Ace™ brand names as well as Rumba™ brand energy juice and develops, markets, sells and distributes the Java Monster™ line of non-carbonated dairy based coffee drinks. The Company also markets, sells and distributes natural sodas, premium natural sodas with supplements, organic natural sodas, seltzer waters, sports drinks and energy drinks under the Blue Sky® brand name. The Company’s fruit juices for toddlers are marketed under the Junior Juice® brand name. The Company also markets, sells and distributes vitamin and mineral drink mixes in powdered form under the Fizzit™ brand name.

 

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”).

 

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, HBC, MLDA, Monster UK, Blue Sky and Junior Juice since their respective dates of incorporation. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Stock Split and Amendment of Articles of Incorporation – On August 8, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock which was effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend. On June 1, 2006, the Company, after stockholder approval, increased the number of authorized shares of common stock to 120,000,000 shares. On June 7, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a four-for-one stock split of the Company’s common stock which was effected in the form of a 300% stock dividend. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the effects of the stock splits and the resulting increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock. All share and per-share amounts have been recast to reflect the individual stock splits.

 

71

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

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 – Those investments that have original maturities greater than three months but less than twelve months are included in short-term investments. The Company classifies debt securities in one of two categories: held-to-maturity or available-for-sale in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”). Held-to-maturity securities are those securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity. All other securities not included in the held-to-maturity category are classified as available-for-sale. No securities are held for speculative or trading purposes. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost which approximates fair market value. A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity security below cost that is deemed other than temporary, results in a reduction in its carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related held-to-maturity security as an adjustment to yield using the effective-interest method. 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 investee company’s financial condition. Realized and unrealized gains and losses were not material in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

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 past loss history and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding.

 

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market value (net realizable value).

 

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of furniture, office equipment, 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.

 

Intangibles – Intangibles are comprised of trademarks representing the Company’s exclusive ownership of the Hansen’s® trademark in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of beverages, water, non-beverage products and the Monster Energy® trademark in connection with the manufacture, sale and distribution of supplements and beverages. The Company also owns a number of other trademarks in the United States as well as in a number of countries around the world. In addition, the Company owns the Blue Sky® trademark, which was acquired in September 2000, and the Junior Juice® trademark, which was acquired in May 2001. In accordance with SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that an impairment exits. The

 

72

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

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.

 

Long-Lived Assets – Management regularly reviews property and equipment and other long-lived assets, including certain intangibles, 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, 2007, 2006 and 2005, there were no impairment losses recorded.

 

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions – The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiary are translated in accordance with SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation”. The Company has determined that the functional currency of its subsidiary should be its local currency. The accounts of this foreign subsidiary have been translated into United States dollars using the current exchange rate at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and at the average exchange rate for the period for revenues and expenses. Cumulative translation gains or losses are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in interest and other income, net, at the time they occur. Gains and losses incurred during the year ended December 31, 2007 were not significant.

 

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 copacker on the Company’s behalf. In such cases, ownership of and title to the Company’s products that are copacked on the Company’s behalf by those copackers 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 Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products)”.

 

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, 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

 

73

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

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 Costs – For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, freight-out costs amounted to $40.8 million, $36.2 million and $19.1 million, respectively, and have been recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Advertising Expenses – The Company accounts for advertising production costs by expensing such production costs the first time the related advertising takes place. Advertising expenses, including but not limited to production costs, amounted to $66.6 million, $35.7 and $18.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Advertising expenses are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. This statement requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Measurement of the deferred items is based on enacted tax laws. In the event the future consequences of differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities result in a deferred tax asset, SFAS No. 109 requires an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

Stock-Based Compensation – Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”(“APB No. 25”), and related interpretations, the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Related to Options Issued to Employees”, and SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123”. Under APB No. 25, the Company recognized stock-based compensation associated with stock options and awards under the intrinsic value method, whereby stock-based compensation was determined as the difference, if any, between the fair value of the related common stock on the measurement date and the price an employee had to pay to exercise the award.

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”) using the modified-prospective application method and therefore has not restated prior period results (See Note 11, “Stock-Based Compensation”). This Statement replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes APB No. 25. SFAS No. 123R requires the fair value of all stock option awards issued to employees to be recorded as an expense over the related vesting period. The Statement also requires the recognition of compensation expense for the fair value of any unvested stock option awards outstanding at the date of adoption. Generally, the Company recognizes these compensation costs net of an estimated forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the reward, which is typically the vesting term of five years. The Company estimated the forfeiture rate for fiscal 2007 based on historical experience with actual forfeitures during the preceding three fiscal years.

 

74

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share – In accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”, 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.

 

Two customers accounted for approximately 16% and 12%, and 19% and 12% of the Company’s net sales for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. One customer accounted for approximately 18% of the Company’s net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005. A decision by either customer, or any other large customer, to decrease the amount purchased from the Company or to cease carrying the Company’s products could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and consolidated results of operations.

 

Credit Risk – The Company sells its products nationally, primarily to retailers and beverage distributors. 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 – At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the carrying values of cash, investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. Long-term debt bears interest at a rate comparable to the prime rate; therefore, management believes the carrying amount for the outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, approximates fair value.

 

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.

 

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB has deferred the implementation of SFAS No. 157 by one year for certain non-financial assets and liabilities such that this will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting SFAS No. 157 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

75

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 are effective as of the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 159 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

2.

INVESTMENTS

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

December 31, 2007

Amortized Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Continuous
Unrealized
Loss
Position
less than 12 Months

Available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal securities:

$          63,125

 

$                    -

 

$                    -

 

$          63,125

 

$                     -

Long-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities:

227,085

 

4

 

-

 

        227,089

 

-

Total

 

$      290,210

 

$                  4

 

$                   -

 

$      290,214

 

$                     -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2006

Amortized Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Continuous
Unrealized
Loss
Position
less than 12 Months

Held-to-Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal securities:

$            3,528

 

$                 10

 

$                    -

 

$            3,538

 

$                     -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate bonds

$            4,010

 

$                    -

 

$                   4

 

$            4,006

 

$                     4

 

Municipal securities:

30,822

 

3

 

4

 

30,821

 

4

 

Auction rate securities:

63,307

 

-

 

-

 

63,307

 

-

 

 

 

 

$          98,139

 

$                   3

 

$                   8

 

$          98,134

 

$                     8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$      101,667

 

$                13

 

$                  8

 

$      101,672

 

$                    8

 

The Company’s short-term investments as of December 31, 2007 were comprised of variable rate demand notes. Although the underlying maturities of these securities are long-term in nature, the investments are classified as short-term because they contain a ‘put’ feature which allows the holder to tender the securities at par on seven days notice. The ‘put’ feature is supported by a letter of credit or standby purchase agreement provided by a highly-rated commercial bank. The notes are issued by municipalities and other tax-exempt entities and the interest rate payable on these investments resets on a weekly basis. All of the Company’s short-term investments are held by major financial institutions.

 

The Company’s long-term investments as of December 31, 2007 are comprised of municipal or educational related or other public body notes with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”). These notes carry a AAA credit rating and certain of the notes are additionally backed by various federal agencies and/or monoline insurance companies. Liquidity for these auction rate securities

 

76

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

is typically provided by an auction process which allows holders to sell their notes and resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined intervals, usually every 7 to 35 days. In February 2008, a large portion of the auctions for these auction rate securities failed. There is no assurance that auctions on the remaining auction rate securities in the Company’s investment portfolio will succeed. The auction failures appear to have been attributable to inadequate buyers and/or buying demand. In the event that there is a failed auction, the indenture governing the security generally requires the issuer to pay interest at a default rate that is generally above market rates for similar instruments. The securities for which auctions have failed will continue to accrue interest at the predetermined rates and be auctioned every 7 to 35 days until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the securities, they mature or we are able to sell the securities to third parties. As a result, the Company’s ability to liquidate and fully recover the carrying value of its auction rate securities in the near term may be limited. Consequently, these securities are classified as long term investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

 

If the issuers of these auction rate securities are unable to refinance their debts and call the notes or successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, the Company may in the future be required to record an impairment charge on these investments. The Company may be required to wait until market stability is restored for these instruments or until the final maturity of the underlying notes (up to 40 years) to realize its investments’ recorded value.

 

3.

INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following at December 31:

 

 

2007

 

2006

Raw materials

$             32,293

 

$              20,488

Finished goods

65,847

 

56,525

 

$             98,140

 

$              77,013

 

 

4.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31:

 

 

2007

 

2006

Leasehold improvements

$                2,027

 

$                   647

Furniture and office equipment

3,921

 

2,191

Equipment

1,937

 

1,941

Vehicles

5,333

 

3,797

 

13,218

 

8,576

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

(4,651)

 

(3,011)

 

$                8,567

 

$                5,565

 

 

77

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

5.

INTANGIBLES

 

The following provides additional information concerning the Company's intangibles as of December 31:

 

 

2007

 

2006

Amortizing trademarks

$                 1,169

 

$                  1,169

Accumulated amortization

(401)

 

(345)

 

768

 

824

Non-amortizing trademarks

23,298

 

20,378

 

$               24,066

 

$                21,202

 

All amortizing trademarks have been assigned an estimated finite useful life and such trademarks are amortized on a straight-line basis over the number of years that approximate their respective useful lives ranging from one to 25 years (weighted-average life of 19 years). Total amortization expense recorded was $0.06 million, $0.06 million and $0.07 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, future estimated amortization expense related to amortizing trademarks through the year ended December 31, 2012 is approximately $0.06 million per year.

 

6.

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

HBC has a credit facility from Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) consisting of a revolving line of credit which was amended in May 2007. In accordance with the amended provisions of the credit facility, HBC increased its available borrowing under the revolving line of credit from $7.5 million collateralized to $10.0 million non-collateralized. The revolving line of credit expires on June 1, 2008. Interest on borrowings under the line of credit is based on Comerica’s base (prime) rate minus up to 1.5%, or varying LIBOR rates up to 180 days, plus an additional percentage of up to 1.75%, depending upon certain financial ratios maintained by HBC. The Company had no outstanding borrowings on this line of credit at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

The terms of the Company’s line of credit contain certain financial covenants, including certain financial ratios. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2007.

 

If any event of default shall occur for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Comerica may declare all or any portion outstanding on the line of credit immediately due and payable, exercise rights and remedies available to them, including instituting legal proceedings.

 

Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31:

 

 

2007

 

2006

Capital leases, collateralized by vehicles and warehouse equipment, payable over 26 to 60 months in monthly installments at various effective interest rates ranging from 4.3% to 9.9%, with final payments ending from 2007 to 2008.

$                   663

 

$                  303

 

663

 

303

Less: current portion of long-term debt

(663)

 

(299)

 

$                        -

 

$                      4

 

 

78

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the assets acquired under capital leases had a net book value of $2.3 million and $1.6 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

Interest expense, including amounts for capital lease obligations, amounted to $0.05 million, $0.05 million and $0.06 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

7.

TREASURY STOCK PURCHASE

 

During the year ended December 31, 2006 the Company purchased 1.0 million shares of common stock at an average purchase price of $27.70 per share which the Company holds in treasury.

 

8.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations for the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 is presented below:

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

91,178

 

89,936

 

88,224

 

 

 

Dilutive securities

 

7,696

 

8,650

 

8,865

 

 

 

Diluted

 

98,874

 

98,586

 

97,089

 

For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, options outstanding totaling 0.2 million shares, 0.03 million shares and 2.0 million shares respectively, were excluded from the calculations as their effect would have been antidilutive.

 

9.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases – In October 2006, the Company entered into a lease agreement pursuant to which it leased 346,495 square feet of warehouse and distribution space located in Corona, California. This lease commitment provides for minimum rental payments for 120 months commencing March 2007, excluding renewal options. The monthly rental payments are $167,586 at the commencement of the lease and increase over the lease term by 7.5% at the end of each 30 month period. The new warehouse and distribution space replaced the Company’s previous warehouse and distribution space also located in Corona, California.

 

In October 2006, the Company also entered into an agreement to acquire 1.8 acres of vacant land for a purchase price of $1.4 million. The property is located adjacent to the newly leased warehouse and distribution space. The Company is reviewing the feasibility of constructing a new office building on such land, which will replace the Company’s existing office space. In the interim, the Company relocated its corporate offices in September 2007 to newly leased offices located in Corona, California.

 

The Company has sublet in excess of 50% of its previous office, warehouse and distribution space for the remainder of that lease term which expires in October 2010.

 

79

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

We also rent additional warehouse space on a short-term basis from time to time in public warehouses located throughout the United States and Canada.

 

Rent expense was $3.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

Future minimum rental payments at December 31, 2007 under the operating leases referred to above are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31:

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

$            3,338

2009

 

3,046

2010

 

2,838

2011

 

2,140

2012 and thereafter

 

12,120

 

 

$          23,482

 

Purchase Commitments The Company has purchase commitments aggregating approximately $7.4 million, which represent commitments made by the Company and its subsidiaries to various suppliers of raw materials for the manufacturing and packaging of its products. These obligations vary in terms.

 

In addition to the above obligations, pursuant to a can supply agreement between the Company and Rexam Beverage Can Company (“Rexam”) dated as of January 1, 2006, as amended, the Company has undertaken to purchase a minimum volume of 24-ounce resealable aluminum beverage cans over the four year period commencing from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. Should the Company fail to purchase the minimum volume, the Company will be obligated to reimburse Rexam for certain capital reimbursements on a pro-rated basis. The Company’s maximum liability under this agreement is $6.0 million subject to compliance by Rexam with a number of conditions under this agreement.

 

The Company purchases various raw material items, including, but not limited to, flavors, ingredients, containers, milk and cream 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 year ended December 31, 2007 was $107.1 million.

 

Noncancelable contractual obligations – The Company has noncancelable contractual obligations aggregating approximately $45.3 million related primarily to sponsorships and other commitments, payable over four years.

 

Licensing Agreements – The Company produces, sells and distributes Lost® Energy™ drinks under an exclusive license with Lost International LLC. The license agreement requires certain royalty payments to be made related to the sale of Lost® brand products. Royalty expense under this agreement for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $0.5 million, $0.7 million, and $0.6 million, respectively.

 

Litigation – In August 2006, HBC filed a lawsuit against National Beverage Company, Shasta Beverages, Inc., Newbevco Inc. and Freek’N Beverage Corp. (collectively “National”) seeking an injunction and damages for trademark infringement, trademark dilution, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices based on National’s unauthorized use of HBC’s valuable and distinctive Monster

 

80

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Energy® trade dress in connection with a line of energy drinks it launched under the “Freek” brand name. In June 2007, the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement resolving the parties’ disputes in the litigation. National subsequently repudiated the settlement agreement and HBC responded by filing a motion in the United States District Court for the Central District of California to enforce the terms of the confidential settlement agreement. On August 14, 2007, the United States District Court entered an Order enforcing the settlement agreement and permanently enjoining National from manufacturing, distributing, shipping, marketing, selling and offering to sell “Freek” energy drinks in containers using the original “Freek” trade dress that was subject to the District Court’s preliminary injunction. National filed a notice of appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals of the United States. National requested the District Court to stay this Order pending its appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which was subsequently denied by the District Court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet docketed National’s appeal.

 

In August 2006, HBC filed an action in the Federal Courts of Australia, Victoria District Registry against Bickfords Australia (Pty) Limited and Meak (Pty) Ltd. (collectively “Bickfords”), in which HBC is seeking an injunction restraining Bickfords from selling or offering for sale or promoting for sale in Australia any energy drink or beverage under the Monster Energy or Monster marks or any similar marks and for damages and costs. The defendants cross-claimed seeking an order to restrain HBC from selling, or offering for sale, or promoting in Australia any drink product under the Monster Energy® or Monster® trademarks or any similar trademarks and for costs. The trial took place in February 2007 and closing oral submissions took place in June 2007. The Judge has not rendered his decision in the case to date.

 

In September 2006, Christopher Chavez purporting to act on behalf of himself and a class of consumers yet to be defined filed an action in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, against the Company and its subsidiaries for unfair business practices, false advertising, violation of California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, fraud, deceit and/or misrepresentation alleging that the Company misleadingly labels its Blue Sky beverages as originating in and/or being canned under the authority of a company located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. On June 11, 2007, the United States District Court, Northern District of California granted the Company’s motion to dismiss Chavez’s complaint with prejudice. In late June, Mr. Chavez noticed an appeal in the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Chavez, as the appellant, has filed his opening brief and Hansen’s response has also been filed. The appeal has not been scheduled for hearing.

 

During 2007, Gate City Beverage Company (“Gate City”), notified the Company of its intention to sell its business and requested the Company consent to the assignment of the distribution agreement with the Company.  The Company declined its consent and exercised its contractual right to terminate the Gate City distribution agreement in accordance with its terms.  Gate City has disputed the Company’s right to refuse consent and to terminate the agreement and on February 6, 2008, filed arbitration proceedings to be held in Orange County, California against the Company for damages. The Company disputes liability and is defending the claim.

 

The Company is subject to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business, including claims from terminated distributors. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of such litigation, based on the facts known to the Company and after consultation with counsel, 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.

 

81

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Derivative Litigation - From November 2006 through January 2007, purported derivative lawsuits relating to the Company’s past stock option grants were filed by parties identifying themselves as shareholders of Hansen. These lawsuits name as defendants certain of Hansen’s current and former employees, officers and directors, and name Hansen as a nominal defendant. Three of these cases, Chandler v. Sacks, et al. (No. RIC460186), Plotkin v. Sacks, et al. (No. RIC460485), and Alama v. Sacks, et al. (No. RIC463968), were filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside. Two additional shareholder derivative lawsuits, Linan v. Sacks, et al. (No. ED CV 06-01393) and Cribbs v. Blower et al. (No. ED CV 07-00037), were filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On March 26, 2007, the Cribbs and Linan actions were consolidated for all purposes before the District Court, which appointed lead and local counsel and restyled the action as In re Hansen Natural Corporation Derivative Litigation (No. ED CV 07-37 JFW (PLAx)) (the “Federal Derivative Action”). On April 23, 2007, the Federal Derivative Action plaintiffs filed an amended consolidated complaint. On April 16, 2007, the Alama v. Sacks, et al. lawsuit filed in California Superior Court was voluntarily dismissed. On May 23, 2007, Alama filed a substantially similar complaint in the Chancery Court of Delaware, New Castle County (No. 2978) (the “Delaware Derivative Action”). Pursuant to a stipulation among the parties that was so ordered by the Court on May 25, 2007, the Chandler and Plotkin actions filed in the Superior Court of California were consolidated (the “California Derivative Action”) and were stayed for all purposes until February 29, 2008.

 

Plaintiffs in each of the Federal Derivative Action, the Delaware Derivative Action and the California Derivative Action, who purport to bring suit on behalf of the Company, have made no demand on the Board of Directors and allege that such demand is excused. The complaints in the derivative actions generally allege, among other things, that by improperly dating certain Hansen stock option grants, defendants breached their fiduciary duties, wasted corporate assets, unjustly enriched themselves and violated federal and California statutes. Plaintiffs seek, among other things, unspecified damages to be paid to Hansen, corporate governance reforms, an accounting, rescission, restitution and the creation of a constructive trust.

 

In the Summer of 2007, the Company and the individual defendants moved to dismiss the Federal Derivative Action and the Delaware Derivative Action. Thereafter, the parties to the Federal Derivative Action and the Delaware Derivative Action engaged in settlement negotiations, and have now entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement dated February 25, 2008 (the “Stipulation”) providing for the settlement and dismissal of the Federal Derivative Action and the Delaware Derivative Action (the “Settlement”). The Stipulation was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on February 25, 2008. The Settlement is subject to the U.S. District Court’s approval following a hearing at which shareholders will have the opportunity to object. The District Court will then decide whether to approve the Settlement as fair, adequate and in the best interest of Hansen’s shareholders. On February 28, 2008, the District Court preliminarily approved the Settlement and scheduled the settlement hearing for May 5, 2008. There can be no guarantee that the Settlement will be finalized and receive the required approval from the District Court.

 

As part of the Settlement, the Company has agreed to maintain certain previously adopted changes relating to its stock option granting procedures, and to adopt certain other changes in its procedures and corporate governance practices (the “Corporate Reforms”). Hansen has agreed to keep these Corporate Reforms in place for a period of at least two years, subject to certain conditions. The Settlement further provides for plaintiffs’ counsel to apply to the Court for an award of attorneys’ fees in the amount of $0.4 million. The Company has agreed not to object to this application. All attorneys’ fees will be paid exclusively by the Company’s insurance carrier. Aside from attorneys’ fees, the Settlement contemplates no payments by or to the Company or by the individual defendants.

 

82

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Under the Settlement, plaintiffs will give a full release on behalf of the Company and its shareholders covering all claims that were or could have been brought in the Federal and Delaware Derivative Actions as well as all claims that arise out of or are based upon or relate to the allegations, transactions or facts involved in the complaints filed in those actions. The defendants make no admission of wrongdoing under the Settlement and expressly deny each and every claim and allegation made against them in the derivative actions, including, but not limited to, any allegation of manipulation or illegal backdating of stock options.

 

Securities Litigation - From November 2006 through December 2006, several plaintiffs filed shareholder class actions in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against Hansen and certain of its employees, officers and directors, entitled Hutton v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-07599), Kingery v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-07771), Williams v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-01369), Ziolkowski v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. ED 06-01403), Walker v. Hansen Natural Corp., et al. (No. 06-08229) (the “Class Actions”). On February 27, 2007, the Class Actions were consolidated by the District Court and styled as In re Hansen Natural Corporation Securities Litigation (CV06-07599 JFW (PLAx)). The Court appointed Jason E. Peltier as lead plaintiff (“Lead Plaintiff”) and approved lead counsel. Lead Plaintiff filed a consolidated class action complaint on April 30, 2007.

 

The consolidated class action complaint superseded all previously filed class action complaints and became the operative complaint to which the Company had to respond. Lead Plaintiff alleged, on behalf of all persons who purchased Hansen common stock during the period beginning November 12, 2001 through November 9, 2006 (the “Class Period”), that Hansen and the individual defendants (collectively, the “Defendants”) made misleading statements and omissions of material fact which artificially inflated the market price of Hansen common stock throughout the Class Period. Plaintiffs further allege that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by misrepresenting or failing to disclose that defendants incorrectly dated stock option grants, that the Company’s internal controls were inadequate, and that, as a result, defendants engaged in improper accounting practices. Plaintiff sought an unspecified amount of damages.

 

On June 25, 2007, the Defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated class action complaint. On October 16, 2007, the District Court granted the Defendants’ motions to dismiss the consolidated class action complaint with prejudice and without leave to amend. The Court then entered final judgment in favor of the Defendants, and the time within which to appeal the judgment has expired.

 

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, 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 liabilities or claims arising out of such instances. Consequently, the Company does not believe the fair value of these guarantees is material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

83

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Other Matters – Commencing in fiscal 2006, a special committee (the “Special Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company, assisted by independent legal counsel and accounting advisors retained by the Special Committee, conducted an independent investigation of the Company’s stock option grants and stock option granting practices during the period January 1, 2001 through November 13, 2006, which resulted in a pre-tax compensation charge of approximately $1.3 million related to certain unintentional accounting errors. Such charge was recorded in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Company has elected to compensate employees with outstanding stock options that were affected by such errors for all additional taxes, interest and penalties payable by them pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, a charge of approximately $2.8 million has been recorded in operating expenses and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2007.

 

10.

INCOME TAXES

 

Components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$          83,990

 

$          61,291

 

$       35,274

 

State

 

20,604

 

13,862

 

7,691

 

 

 

104,594

 

75,153

 

42,965

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(11,674)

 

(9,147)

 

(1,080)

 

State

 

(2,473)

 

(1,716)

 

134

 

Foreign

 

(97)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

(14,244)

 

(10,863)

 

(946)

 

 

 

$            90,350

 

$         64,290

 

$       42,019

 

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,

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2005

U.S. Federal tax expense at statutory rates

 

$         83,915

 

$     56,784

 

$    36,678

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

11,790

 

7,895

 

5,086

Permanent differences

 

(881)

 

(553)

 

148

Domestic production deduction

 

(4,435)

 

-

 

-

Other

 

(39)

 

164

 

107

 

 

$        90,350

 

$    64,290

 

$      42,019

 

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

 

 

84

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

Reserve for sales returns

 

$               424

 

$               211

Reserve for doubtful accounts

 

62

 

113

Reserve for inventory obsolescence

 

1,335

 

483

Reserve for marketing development fund

 

3,136

 

1,208

Capitalization of inventory costs

 

889

 

445

State franchise tax

 

3,887

 

3,311

Accrued compensation

 

257

 

182

Accrued other liabilities

 

1,202

 

-

 

Total deferred tax asset - current

 

$          11,192

 

$            5,953

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of trademarks

 

$         (5,645)

 

$         (5,051)

Depreciation

 

(1,104)

 

(775)

Deferred revenue

 

16,787

 

8,662

Stock based compensation

 

3,951

 

2,301

Amortization of graphic design costs

 

(80)

 

(136)

Foreign net operating loss carryforward

 

97

 

-

 

Total deferred tax asset - non-current

 

14,006

 

5,001

 

Net deferred tax asset

 

$          25,198

 

$          10,954

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN No. 48”). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This pronouncement also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

 

Upon adoption of FIN No. 48 as of January 1, 2007, the Company’s reassessment of its tax positions did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. The following is a rollforward of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (in thousands):

 

 

Gross Unrealized Tax Benefits

Balance at December 31, 2006

$                                             -

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

1,291

Balance at December 31, 2007

$                                      1,291

 

The gross unrealized tax benefits, if recognized, would result in a reduction of the Company’s provision and effective tax rate. With the adoption of FIN No. 48, the Company has decided to classify interest and penalties as a component of tax expense. No interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits were accrued as of December 31, 2007. The Company believes that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2007 will be resolved within the next 12 months.

 

On August 9, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service began its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax return for the period ended December 31, 2005. The examination is expected to be completed by October 2008.

 

85

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

11.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. SFAS No. 123R supersedes the Company’s previous accounting methodology using the intrinsic value method under APB 25.

 

The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application method. Under this transition method, compensation expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2006 included: (a) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosure purposes and (b) compensation expense for all share-based awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. In accordance with the modified prospective application method, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123R.

 

On November 10, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 123R-3, Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards. The Company has elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in this FASB Staff Position for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation pursuant to SFAS 123R. The alternative transition method includes simplified methods to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the tax effects of employee and director share-based awards that were outstanding upon the adoption of SFAS 123R.

 

The Company has two stock option plans under which shares were available for grant at December 31, 2007: the Hansen Natural Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Option Plan”) and the 2005 Hansen Natural Corporation Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2005 Directors Plan”).

 

The 2001 Option Plan permits the granting of options to purchase up to 22,000,000 shares of the common stock of the Company to certain key employees or non-employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. Options granted under the 2001 Option Plan may be incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, non-qualified stock options or stock appreciation rights. Stock options are exercisable at such time and in such amounts as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company up to a ten-year period after their date of grant. As of December 31, 2007, options to purchase 9,052,150 shares of the Company’s common stock had been granted, net of cancellations, and options to purchase 6,092,500 shares of the Company’s common stock remain available for grant under the 2001 Option Plan.

 

The 2005 Directors Plan permits the granting of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 800,000 shares of common stock of the Company to non-employee directors of the Company. On the date of the annual meeting of stockholders at which an eligible director is initially elected, each eligible director is entitled to receive a one-time grant of an option to purchase 24,000 shares of the Company’s common stock exercisable at the closing price for a share of common stock on the date of grant. Additionally, on the fifth anniversary of the election of eligible directors elected or appointed to the Board of Directors, and each fifth anniversary thereafter, each eligible director shall receive an additional grant of an option to purchase 19,200 shares of the Company’s common stock. Options become

 

86

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

exercisable in four equal installments, with the grant immediately vested with respect to 25% of the grant and the remaining installments vesting on the three successive anniversaries of the date of grant; provided that all options held by an eligible director become fully and immediately exercisable upon a change in control of the Company. Options granted under the 2005 Directors Plan that are not exercised generally expire ten years after the date of grant. Option grants may be made under the 2005 Directors Plan for ten years from the effective date of the 2005 Directors Plan. The 2005 Directors Plan is a “formula plan” so that a non-employee director’s participation in the 2005 Directors Plan does not affect his status as a “disinterested person” (as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). As of December 31, 2007, options to purchase 57,600 shares of the Company’s common stock had been granted under the 2005 Directors Plan and options to purchase 723,200 shares of the Company’s common stock remained available for grant.

 

Under the Company’s stock option plans, all grants are made at prices based on the fair market value of the options on the date of grant. Outstanding options generally vest over five years from the grant date and generally expire up to ten years after the grant date. The Company recorded $10.2 million and $8.3 million of compensation expense relating to outstanding options during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No compensation expense was recorded related to outstanding options during the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

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 the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

 

2007

2006

2005

Dividend yield

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Expected volatility

60.7%

57.7%

62.0%

Risk free interest rate

4.3%

4.7%

4.4%

Expected lives

5.5 Years

6.0 Years

6.7 Years



 

87

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

The following table summarized 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

Balance at January 1, 2005

 

10,387

 

$                   0.76

 

6.9

$          39,342

 

Granted

 

6,185

 

$                   9.57

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(1,470)

 

$                   0.79

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or forfeited

 

(252)

 

$                   2.27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

14,850

 

$                   4.40

 

7.5

$         227,255

 

Granted

 

129

 

$                 30.41

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(2,285)

 

$                   1.70

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or forfeited

 

(160)

 

$                   3.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

12,534

 

$                   5.18

 

6.9

$         357,583

 

Granted

 

468

 

$                 42.52

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(3,135)

 

$                   2.61

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or forfeited

 

(405)

 

$                   4.86

 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

 

9,462

 

$                   7.91

 

6.5

$         344,589

Vested and expected to vest in the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

future at December 31, 2007

 

9,318

 

$                   7.84

 

6.5

$         340,000

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

 

3,997

 

$                   4.31

 

5.6

$         159,807

 

 

88

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2007:

 

 

 

 

 

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 ($)

$        0.45

-

$        0.45

 

975

 

4.5

 

$              0.45

 

975

 

$              0.45

$        0.53

-

$        0.53

 

2,041

 

4.7

 

$              0.53

 

1,561

 

$              0.53

$        0.61

-

$        3.13

 

952

 

5.9

 

$              1.42

 

16

 

$              1.03

$        3.23

-

$        5.41

 

280

 

6.5

 

$              4.28

 

40

 

$              3.41

$        6.59

-

$        6.59

 

2,680

 

7.2

 

$              6.59

 

760

 

$              6.59

$        6.66

-

$       12.43

 

581

 

7.6

 

$            11.33

 

80

 

$            11.93

$       16.87

-

$       16.87

 

1,346

 

7.9

 

$            16.87

 

542

 

$            16.87

$       20.03

-

$       44.77

 

579

 

9.1

 

$            38.49

 

23

 

$            30.00

$       45.97

-

$       45.97

 

8

 

9.7

 

$            45.97

 

-

 

$              0.00

$       57.35

-

$       57.35

 

20

 

9.8

 

$            57.35

 

-

 

$              0.00

 

 

 

 

9,462

 

6.5

 

$              7.91

 

3,997

 

$              4.31

 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $24.06 per share, $17.87 per share and $5.48 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $133.1 million, $84.0 million and $20.5 million, respectively.

 

Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $8.0 million, $3.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises and disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $29.4 million, $17.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2007, there was $25.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested shares granted to both employees and non-employees under the Company’s share-based payment plans. That cost 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 financial statements for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 for share-based compensation related to employees and non-employees. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 is comprised of $3.4 million that relates to incentive stock options and $6.8 million that relates to non-qualified stock options. Employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense of $8.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 is comprised of $2.5 million that relates to incentive stock options and $5.8 million that relates to non-qualified stock options. The portion of share-based compensation expense that relates to incentive stock options has not been

 

89

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

considered in the tax benefit computation below.

 

 

2007

 

2006

Operating expenses

$                10,246

 

$                   8,346

Total employee and non-employee share-based compensation expense included in income, before income tax

10,246

 

8,346

Less: Amount of income tax benefit recognized in earnings

(3,057)

 

(2,546)

Amount charged against net income

$                  7,189

 

$                   5,800

 

 

 

 

Impact on net income per common share:

 

 

 

Basic

$                    0.08

 

$                     0.06

Diluted

$                    0.07

 

$                     0.06

 

There were no amounts relating to employee share-based compensation capitalized in inventory during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

Pro Forma Employee and Non-Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense

 

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share-based employee and non-employee director compensation arrangements in accordance with the provisions and related interpretations of APB No. 25. Had compensation expense for share-based awards been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, net income and earnings per share would have been adjusted to the following pro forma amounts:

 

 

2005

Net income, as reported

$               62,775

Less: Total share-based employee and non-employee compensation expense, determined under fair value based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects

(2,683)

Pro forma net income

$               60,092

 

 

Earnings per common share:

 

Basic - as reported

$                   0.71

Basic - pro forma

$                   0.68

Diluted - as reported

$                   0.65

Diluted - pro forma

$                   0.62

 

12.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

 

Employees of the Company may participate in the Hansen Natural 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 $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

90

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

13.

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A director of the Company is a partner in a law firm that serves as counsel to the Company and was a partner in another law firm that previously served as counsel to the Company. Expenses incurred in connection with services rendered by such firms to the Company during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $5.5 million, $1.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

A director of the Company is a managing director and Chief Executive Officer of a company that provided investment banking services to the Company. There were no expenses incurred in connection with services rendered by the Sage Group, LLC to the Company during the year ended December 31, 2007. Expenses of $0.008 million and $0.02 million were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

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, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were $0.8 million, $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

14.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company has two reportable segments, namely Direct Store Delivery (“DSD”), whose principal products comprise energy drinks, and warehouse (“Warehouse”), whose principal products 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.”

 

The net revenues derived from DSD and Warehouse segments and other financial information related thereto for the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:

 

 

91

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2007

 

DSD

 

Warehouse

 

Corporate and
Unallocated

 

Total

Net sales

$         809,792

 

$            94,673

 

$                    -

 

$           904,465

Contribution margin

281,635

 

3,890

 

-

 

285,525

Corporate & unallocated expenses

-

 

-

 

(54,539)

 

(54,539)

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

230,986

Interest and other income, net

(30)

 

-

 

8,800

 

8,770

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

239,756

Depreciation & amortization

904

 

31

 

1,193

 

2,128

Trademark amortization

-

 

44

 

12

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2006

 

DSD

 

Warehouse

 

Corporate and
Unallocated

 

Total

Net sales

$        514,312

 

$           91,462

 

$                    -

 

$           605,774

Contribution margin

187,851

 

6,110

 

-

 

193,961

Corporate & unallocated expenses

-

 

-

 

(35,382)

 

(35,382)

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

158,579

Interest and other income, net

(48)

 

(3)

 

3,711

 

3,660

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

162,239

Depreciation & amortization

615

 

31

 

892

 

1,538

Trademark amortization

-

 

44

 

12

 

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

DSD

 

Warehouse

 

Corporate and
Unallocated

 

Total

Net sales

$        262,930

 

$           85,956

 

$                    -

 

$          348,886

Contribution margin

108,959

 

10,359

 

-

 

119,318

Corporate & unallocated expenses

-

 

-

 

(15,875)

 

(15,875)

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

103,443

Interest and other income, net

(34)

 

(11)

 

1,396

 

1,351

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

104,794

Depreciation & amortization

404

 

30

 

575

 

1,009

Trademark amortization

-

 

44

 

26

 

70

 

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

 

92

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

Corporate and unallocated expenses were $54.5 million for year ended December 31, 2007 and included $29.1 million of payroll costs, of which $10.2 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 11, “Stock-Based Compensation”), and $16.6 million attributable to professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs. Corporate and unallocated expenses were $35.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 and included $20.0 million of payroll costs, of which $8.3 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 11, “Stock-Based Compensation”), and $8.2 million attributable to professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs. Corporate and unallocated expenses were $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 and included $8.3 million of payroll costs and $2.5 million of professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs. Certain items, including operating assets and income taxes, are not allocated to individual segments and therefore are not presented above.

 

The Company’s net sales by product line for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, were as follows:

 

Product Line

2007

 

2006

 

2005

Energy drinks

$                 813,525

 

$             518,998

 

$                 271,845

Non-carbonated (primarily juice based beverages)

62,269

 

60,151

 

50,542

Carbonated (primarily soda beverages)

28,671

 

26,625

 

26,499

 

$               904,465

 

$             605,774

 

$                348,886

 

15.

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS

 

On May 8, 2006, HBC entered into the Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement and the Allied Products Distribution Coordination Agreement (jointly, the “Off-Premise Agreements”) with Anheuser-Busch, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“AB”). Under the Off-Premise Agreements, select Anheuser-Busch distributors (the “AB Distributors”) distribute and sell, in markets designated by HBC, HBC’s Monster Energy® and Lost® Energy™ brands non-alcoholic energy drinks, Rumba™ brand energy juice and Unbound Energy® brand energy drinks, as well as additional products that may be agreed between the parties.

 

Pursuant to the Anheuser-Busch Distribution Agreements (the “AB Distribution Agreements”) entered into with newly appointed AB Distributors, non-refundable amounts received totaling $21.0 million and $20.9 million were recorded by the Company related to such newly appointed AB Distributors for the costs of terminating the Company’s prior distributors for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Such amounts have been accounted for as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and will be recognized as revenue ratably over the anticipated 20 year life of the respective AB Distribution Agreements. Revenue recognized was $1.9 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Related distributor receivables of $5.4 million and $4.5 million are included in accounts receivable net, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, amounts totaling $0.1 and $3.3 million, respectively, were received by the Company from certain other AB Distributors in anticipation of executing AB Distribution Agreements with the Company. Such receipts have been accounted for as customer deposit liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

 

93

 

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

The Company incurred termination costs amounting to $15.3 million and $12.7 million in aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, to certain of its prior distributors. Such termination costs have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. Accrued distributor terminations in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $4.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

 

On February 8, 2007, HBC entered into an On-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement (the “On-Premise Agreement”) with AB. Under the On-Premise Agreement, AB will manage and coordinate the sales, distribution and merchandising of Monster Energy® energy drinks to on-premise retailers including bars, nightclubs and restaurants in territories approved by HBC.

 

16.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Gross Profit

 

Net Income

 

Basic

 

Diluted

Quarter ended:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2007

$       165,853

 

$        85,637

 

$        20,198

 

$          0.22

 

$         0.21

 

June 30, 2007

244,763

 

128,253

 

38,311

 

0.43

 

0.39

 

September 30, 2007

247,211

 

128,382

 

45,797

 

0.50

 

0.46

 

December 31, 2007

246,638

 

125,741

 

45,100

 

0.49

 

0.45

 

 

$       904,465

 

$     468,013

 

$     149,406

 

$          1.64

 

$         1.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2006

$      119,746

 

$         62,998

 

$       21,091

 

$          0.23

 

$          0.21

 

June 30, 2006

156,037

 

80,990

 

28,200

 

0.31

 

0.28

 

September 30, 2006

178,647

 

92,184

 

26,457

 

0.29

 

0.27

 

December 31, 2006

151,344

 

80,422

 

22,201

 

0.26

 

0.23

 

 

$       605,774

 

$        316,594

 

$         97,949

 

$          1.09

 

$          0.99

 

Certain of the figures reported above may differ from previously reported figures for individual quarters due to rounding.

 

94

 

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007, 2006 AND 2005 (Dollars in Thousands)



 

Description

 

Balance at
beginning
of period

 

Charged to
cost and
expenses

 

Deductions

 

Balance at
end of
period

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns and cash discounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

$                    902

 

8,723

 

(8,385)

 

$                1,240

2006

 

$                    968

 

4,671

 

(4,737)

 

$                   902

2005

 

$                 1,252

 

2,417

 

(2,701)

 

$                   968

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

$                 1,140

 

2,553

 

(548)

 

$                3,145

2006

 

$                    841

 

569

 

(270)

 

$                1,140

2005

 

$                    956

 

74

 

(189)

 

$                   841

 

 

95

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 23

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 33-92526, No. 333-41333, No. 333-89123, No. 333-112482, and No. 333-131467 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 29, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Hansen Natural Corporation and subsidiaries (which report on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” in 2006) and the effectiveness of Hansen Natural Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Costa Mesa, California

February 29, 2008

 

 

 

[Logo] Anheuser-Busch Inc.

Exhibit 10.62

 

March 1, 2007

Mr. Rodney C. Sacks

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Hansen Beverage Company

1010 Railroad Street

Corona, CA 92882

LETTER AGREEMENT

Re:

Amended and Restated Allied Products Distribution Coordination Agreement signed on August 10, 2006 and deemed effective May 8, 2006 (the "Allied Products Coordination Agreement") between Hansen Beverage Company ("Hansen") and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated ("AB")

Dear Mr. Sacks:

This Letter Agreement is intended to evidence Hansen's and AB's mutual agreement to amend and clarify certain terms of the Allied Products Coordination Agreement.

1.

The following is added as Section 27 to the Allied Products Coordination Agreement:

 

"27.

Insurance.

27.1.      Hansen records that as of September 30, 2006 it maintained the following types and amounts of insurance ("Current Insurance"):

A.)         Commercial General Liability insurance with Product Liability coverage for the sale of products in an amount of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate.

B.)         Umbrella Liability insurance which provides excess coverage to the insurance outlined in A above in an amount of $20,000,000 each occurrence and $40,000,000 in the aggregate.

27.2.      Hansen agrees that during the term of this Agreement it will use reasonable commercial efforts to maintain in effect policies of insurance with reasonably comparable terms and benefits to the Current Insurance provided, however, that Hansen is able to procure and maintain such insurance at comparable cost and premiums, and on terms and with benefits that are comparable to the Current Insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing and in addition thereto, Hansen shall be entitled to alter the types and/or terms and/or reduce the benefits of the insurance to such levels as Hansen reasonably determines are commercially reasonable or appropriate in the circumstances and which may include, without limitation, a drop in Hansen sales levels or a change in financial conditions but to no less Product Liability insurance coverage than

 

Mr. Rodney C. Sacks

Hansen Beverage Company

March 1, 2007

Page 2

 

$10,000,000 each occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate (the "Reduced Minimum Insurance"), provided that the insurance premium/s payable by Hansen for the Reduced Minimum Insurance at any time (including without limitation any additional premium/s that may be necessary to provide all material terms and benefits, including without limitation the applicable deductible and excess requirements and coverage benefits that are provided under the Current Insurance), do not exceed 50% of the premium/s payable with respect to the Current Insurance multiplied by a fraction of the nominator of which is Hansen's net income during the twelve (12) month period ended on the last day of the calendar month preceding the proposed insurance policy/ies effective date and the denominator is Hansen's net income for the 2006 calendar year.

27.3.      Hansen agrees to procure that the insurers of the policies of insurance maintained in accordance with this Section 27 shall issue to AB a certificate naming AB as an additional named insured thereunder, and Hansen shall, from time to time, provide AB with evidence of such insurance."

2.            Hansen and AB agree that the Hansen Beverage Company Allied Products Distribution Agreement attached to this Letter Agreement as Exhibit A (in each case, an "Allied Products Distribution Agreement") shall (a) replace the Hansen Beverage Company Allied Products Distribution Agreement attached to the Allied Products Coordination Agreement as Exhibit A, and (b)  each such Allied Products Distribution Agreement executed and delivered by Hansen and the applicable Accepted Distributor shall be treated as a Distribution Agreement for purposes of the Allied Products Coordination Agreement.

3.            Each Hansen Beverage Company Allied Products Distribution Agreement in affect between Hansen and any AB Distributor as of the date of this Letter Agreement (each an "Existing Allied Products Distribution Agreement") shall be amended pursuant to the terms of the form of amendment attached to this Letter Agreement as Exhibit B, subject in each case to the applicable AB Distributor's willingness to sign and deliver said amendment to Hansen. Each Existing Allied Products Distribution Agreement, whether or not amended as specified above, shall continue to be a "Distribution Agreement" for purposes of the Allied Products Coordination Agreement.

4.            Except as specifically provided, nothing contained in this Letter Agreement will be construed as amending, modifying or novating the Allied Products Coordination Agreement This Letter Agreement will be effective upon your signing and our countersigning below. Any capita1ized term not otherwise defined in this Letter Agreement shall have the same meaning given to such term in the Allied Products Coordination Agreement.

 

Mr. Rodney C. Sacks

Hansen Beverage Company

March 1, 2007

Page 3

 

Please execute this Letter Agreement in the space provided below if you agree with the terms and conditions set forth above.

Sincerely,

Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated

By:

­/s/ David A. Peacock

David A. Peacock

Vice President

Hansen agrees to be bound by the terms set forth above.

Hansen Beverage Company

By:

­/s/ Rodney C. Sacks

Date:

03/06/2007

 

Rodney C. Sacks

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Exhibit A

Form of Hansen Beverage Company Allied Products Distribution Agreement

[See Exhibit 10.5]

 

 

Exhibit 10.63

 

[LOGO] ANHEUSER-BUSCH, INC.

 

March 1, 2007

 

Mr. Rodney C. Sacks

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Hansen Beverage Company

1010 Railroad Street

Corona, CA 92882

 

LETTER AGREEMENT

 

Re:

Amended and Restated Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Coordination Agreement signed on August 10, 2006 and deemed effective May 8, 2006 (the "Monster Off- Premise Coordination Agreement") between Hansen Beverage Company ("Hansen") and Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated ("AB")

 

Dear Mr. Sacks:

 

This Letter Agreement is intended to evidence Hansen's and AB's mutual agreement to amend and clarify certain terms of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement.

 

 

1.

The following is added as Section 27 to the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement:

 

 

"27.

Insurance.

 

27.1.     Hansen records that as of September 30, 2006 it maintained the following types and amounts of insurance ("Current Insurance"):

 

A.) Commercial General Liability insurance with Product Liability coverage for the sale of products in an amount of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

B.) Umbrella Liability insurance which provides excess coverage to the insurance outlined in A above in an amount of $20,000,000 each occurrence and $40,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

27.2.     Hansen agrees that during the term of this Agreement it will use reasonable commercial efforts to maintain in effect policies of insurance with reasonably comparable terms and benefits to the Current Insurance provided, however, that Hansen is able to procure and maintain such insurance at comparable cost and premiums, and on terms and with benefits that are comparable to the Current Insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing and in addition thereto, Hansen shall be entitled to alter the types and/or terms and/or reduce the benefits of the insurance to such levels as Hansen reasonably determines are commercially reasonable or appropriate in the circumstances and which may include, without limitation, a drop in Hansen sales levels or a change in financial conditions but to no

 

Mr. Rodney C. Sacks

Hansen Beverage Company

March 1, 2007

Page 2

 

 

less Product Liability insurance coverage than $10,000,000 each occurrence and $20,000,000 in the aggregate (the "Reduced Minimum Insurance"), provided that the insurance premium/s payable by Hansen for the Reduced Minimum Insurance at any tune (including without limitation any additional premium/s that may be necessary to provide all material terms and benefits, including without limitation the applicable deductible and excess requirements and coverage benefits that are provided under the Current Insurance), do not exceed 50% of the premium/s payable with respect to the Current Insurance multiplied by a fraction of the nominator of which is Hansen's net income during the twelve (12) month period ended on the last day of the calendar month preceding the proposed insurance policy/ies effective date and the denominator is Hansen's net income for the 2006 calendar year.

 

27.3.     Hansen agrees to procure that the insurers of the policies of insurance maintained in accordance with this Section 27 shall issue to AB a certificate naming AB as an additional named insured thereunder, and Hansen shall, from time to time, provide AB with evidence of such insurance."

 

2.           Except as otherwise specified in Section 4 below, Hansen and AB agree that the Hansen Beverage Company Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Agreement attached to this Letter Agreement as Exhibit A (in each case, a "Buy-Out Distribution Agreement") shall (a) replace the Hansen Beverage Company Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Agreement attached to the Monster Off-Premises Coordination Agreement as Exhibit A, and (b) each such Buy-Out Distribution Agreement executed and delivered by Hansen and the applicable Accepted Distributor shall be treated as a Distribution Agreement for purposes of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement.

 

3.           Each Hansen Beverage Company Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Agreement in affect between Hansen and any AB Distributor as of the date of this Letter Agreement (each an "Existing Monster Off-Premise Distribution Agreement") shall be amended pursuant to the terms of the form of amendment attached to this Letter Agreement as Exhibit B, subject in each case to the applicable AB Distributor's willingness to sign and deliver said amendment to Hansen. Each Existing Monster Off-Premise Distribution Agreement, whether or not amended as specified above, shall continue to be a "Distribution Agreement" for purposes of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement.

 

4.            From time to time Hansen may reasonably determine, due to applicable Federal or State law, that the Accepted Distributor should be the assignee of an existing Hansen distributor's right to distribute some or all of the Products, in which event no Buy-Out Contribution is paid by the Accepted Distributor to Hansen. In those instances, AB and Hansen agree that promptly after any such assignment (a) Hansen shall terminate the assigned distribution agreement, (b) upon execution and delivery by the applicable Accepted Distributor, Hansen shall execute and deliver the form of Hansen Beverage Company Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Agreement (No Buy-Out Contribution) attached to this Letter Agreement as Exhibit C (in each case, a "No Buy-Out Distribution Agreement"), and (c) upon execution and delivery by both Hansen and the applicable Accepted Distributor, any such No Buy-Out Distribution Agreement shall be treated as a Distribution Agreement for purposes of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement. If any such No Buy-Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Rodney C. Sacks

Hansen Beverage Company

March 1, 2007

Page 3

 

 

Distribution Agreement is terminated by Hansen without cause, a termination fee will be payable to AB by Hansen pursuant to the terms of Section 18.6 of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement; provided, however, that for purposes of determining that termination fee, the following language found in Section 18.6(b)(i), Section 18.6(b)(ii), and Section 18.6(b)(iii) of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement: "the aggregate amount of all Buy-Out Contributions previously paid to Hansen by the applicable AB/Hansen Distributor with respect to the terminated Distribution Agreement" shall in each case be replaced with the following language:

"the Agreed Amount specified in the terminated Distribution Agreement."

 

5.            The defined term "Aggregate Buy-Out Contribution" referenced in Section 18.1 of the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement is amended to mean: "the aggregate amount of all Buy-Out Contributions previously paid by AB/Hansen Distributors and all Agreed Amounts specified in the Distribution Agreements that Hansen is obligated to terminate without cause pursuant to the terms of Section 14.3."

 

6.            Except as specifically provided, nothing contained in this Letter Agreement will be construed as amending, modifying or novating the Monster Off-Premises Coordination Agreement. This Letter Agreement will be effective upon your signing and our countersigning below. Any capitalized term not otherwise defined in this Letter Agreement shall have the same meaning given to such term in the Monster Off-Premise Coordination Agreement.

 

Please execute this Letter Agreement in the space provided below if you agree with the terms and conditions set forth above.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anheuser-Busch, Incorporated

 

 

By:

_/s/ David A. Peacock___

 

David A. Peacock

 

Vice President

 

Hansen agrees to be bound by the terms set forth above.

 

Hansen Beverage Company

 

 

By:

_/s/ Rodney C. Sack____

Date: __3/6/2007______

 

Rodney C. Sack

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of Hansen Beverage Company Monster Beverages Off-Premise Distribution Agreement (with Buy-Out Contribution)

 

[See Exhibit 10.1]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(a) OR 15D-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Hilton Schlosberg, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hansen Natural Corporation;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

a.

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

b.

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

c.

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

d.

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

 

a.

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

b.

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

February 29, 2008

/s/ Hilton H. Schlosberg

 

 

Hilton H. Schlosberg

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(a) OR 15D-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Rodney Sacks, certify that:

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hansen Natural Corporation;

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

a.

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

b.

designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

c.

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

d.

disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

 

a.

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

b.

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

February 29, 2008

/s/Rodney C. Sacks

 

 

Rodney C. Sacks

Chairman of the Board of Directors

and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the quarterly report of Hansen Natural Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), the undersigned, Hilton H. Schlosberg, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Date:

February 29, 2008

/s/ Hilton H. Schlosberg

 

 

Hilton H. Schlosberg

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 21

 

SUBSIDIARIES

OF

HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION

 

Hansen Beverage Company

Monster LDA Company

Hansen Junior Juice Company

Blue Sky Natural Beverage Co.

Monster Energy UK Limited

 

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the annual report of Hansen Natural Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Report"), the undersigned, Rodney C. Sacks, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Date:

February 29, 2008

/s/ Rodney C. Sacks

 

 

Rodney C. Sacks

Chairman of the Board of Directors

and Chief Executive Officer