Form 4: Monster Beverage CEO Boosts Holdings via Equity Awards
Insider Transaction Report
Monster Beverage Corp's Vice Chairman and CEO, Hilton H. Schlosberg, reported significant acquisitions of common stock through equity awards and new grants.
Summary
- Hilton H. Schlosberg, Vice Chairman and CEO of Monster Beverage Corp, acquired 270,400 shares of common stock on March 13, 2026, upon the vesting of performance share units.
- An additional 63,434 shares of common stock were acquired on March 14, 2026, through the settlement of restricted stock units.
- Schlosberg disposed of 137,580 shares at $77.11 and 32,277 shares at $77.05 on March 13 and March 14, 2026, respectively, primarily for tax withholding purposes related to the equity award vestings.
- He was granted 137,500 employee stock options on March 13, 2026, with an exercise price of $77.11 and an expiration date of March 13, 2036, vesting in three annual installments.
- An additional 49,000 restricted stock units were granted on March 13, 2026, also vesting in three annual installments.
- Following these transactions, Schlosberg directly beneficially owns 2,511,548 shares of common stock.
- Indirect beneficial ownership includes 11,291,136 shares via Brandon Limited Partnership No. 1 and 58,773,888 shares via Brandon Limited Partnership No. 2, with beneficial ownership disclaimed except for pecuniary interest.
Sentiment
Score: 7
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a positive signal of continued executive commitment and reward for past performance, with routine tax-related dispositions being an expected part of equity compensation.
Positives
- The acquisition of 270,400 shares from performance share units indicates the achievement of prior performance criteria, reflecting positively on company operations.
- New grants of 137,500 stock options and 49,000 restricted stock units align management's long-term interests with shareholder value.
- Continued significant direct and indirect equity ownership by the CEO demonstrates strong confidence in the company's future prospects.
Negatives
- Dispositions of 137,580 shares and 32,277 shares for tax withholding reduce the CEO's direct holdings, although this is a standard practice for equity compensation.
Future Outlook
The filing indicates a continued long-term incentive structure for the CEO, with significant equity awards scheduled to vest over the next several years, specifically through March 2029 for the most recent grants.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that executive compensation through a mix of performance share units, restricted stock units, and stock options is a standard practice across the consumer beverage industry. This structure is designed to align the interests of top management with long-term shareholder value creation, rewarding executives for achieving strategic and financial milestones.
Related Party Transactions
- Hilton H. Schlosberg is a general partner of Brandon Limited Partnership No. 1, Brandon Limited Partnership No. 2, Hilrod Holdings XVIII, L.P., Hilrod Holdings XXIII, L.P., and Hilrod Holdings XXVI, L.P., which hold significant indirect beneficial ownership of Monster Beverage common stock and derivative securities. He disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The CEO's continued accumulation of equity and long-term incentive awards aligns his financial interests with those of shareholders, potentially fostering long-term value creation.
- Employees: The CEO's compensation structure, tied to performance, sets a precedent for performance-based incentives within the company.
Next Steps
- Future vesting of stock options and restricted stock units on various dates through March 2029, as per the outlined vesting schedules.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 03/13/2026 | Acquisition of 270,400 common stock from performance share units, disposition of 137,580 common stock for tax withholding, grant of 137,500 employee stock options, and grant of 49,000 restricted stock units. |
| 03/14/2026 | Settlement of 22,534, 19,333, and 21,567 restricted stock units into common stock, and disposition of 32,277 common stock for tax withholding. |
| 03/14/2027 | Vesting of remaining options (102,334 shares from $60.3 options, 57,800 shares from $55.09 options), 45,834 shares from 03/13/2026 options, remaining 19,334 RSUs, 21,567 RSUs, and 16,334 RSUs. |
| 03/14/2028 | Vesting of remaining options (57,800 shares from $55.09 options), 45,833 shares from 03/13/2026 options, 21,566 RSUs, and 16,333 RSUs. |
| 03/13/2029 | Vesting of 45,833 shares from 03/13/2026 options and 16,333 RSUs. |
| 03/13/2030 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $31.2. |
| 03/12/2031 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $44.47. |
| 03/14/2032 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $36.62. |
| 03/14/2033 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $50.82. |
| 03/14/2034 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $60.3. |
| 03/14/2035 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $55.09. |
| 03/13/2036 | Expiration date for employee stock options with an exercise price of $77.11. |
Recommendation
holdThe filing details routine executive compensation activities, including the vesting of performance-based awards and new grants, alongside tax-related share dispositions. These transactions are expected and do not indicate a change in the company's fundamental outlook or the executive's confidence, thus supporting a 'hold' recommendation for existing investors.
Keywords
Monster Beverage, MNST, Hilton Schlosberg, insider transaction, Form 4, executive compensation, stock options, restricted stock units, performance share units, equity awards
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