Celsius Slides 2.7% as it Missed Wall Street Expectations

Celsius Holdings Inc. ( CELH ) shares fell by 2.7% in early trading on Tuesday after the energy-drink maker's quarterly sales reached a record, yet still missed Wall Street expectations. The company, which had more than doubled over the past year, dropped as much as 18% in trading before US markets opened. If that carries into regular hours, the company would be set for its biggest intraday loss in three years. Celsius ( CELH ) is in the midst of a global expansion with drinks touted to speed up the body's energy use while burning fat. Some concerns have emerged about ingredients such as caffeine, and the company has recommended that users drink no more than two cans of the product daily.

In the first quarter of 2024, revenue for the first quarter increased 37% to $355.7 million compared to $259.9 million for the prior year period. This increase was driven primarily by the North American business and the company's success in sustaining consumer demand growth, delivering unique innovation, and overall channel growth. However, inventory movements within the largest distributor led to an approximate $20 million impact in the first quarter 2024 versus the fourth quarter, while first quarter of 2023 revenue benefited from an inventory buildup of approximately $25 million. Ongoing inventory fluctuations may be expected in subsequent quarters because the largest distributor constituted 62% of Celsius' total North American sales during the first quarter of 2024.

International sales of $16.2 million increased 43% from $11.3 million for the prior-year period, driven by ongoing velocity improvements and product launches. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 increased 60% to $182.2 million compared to $113.8 million for the prior-year quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter increased 108% to $0.27 compared to $0.13 for the prior-year period, driven by improvements in gross margin and leverage across SG&A.

Celsius ( CELH ) held an 11.5% share in the energy drink category in total U.S. MULOC for the last four weeks ended April 14, 2024, a one-point increase over the prior quarter and approximately four points higher than one year ago. Sugar-free segment sales in the first quarter were approximately 50% of the energy drink category. Average SKUs per retailer increased in the first quarter of 2024 to 20.6 from 13.5 in the prior-year period.

Growth drivers for Celsius include club channel sales in the quarter ended March 31, 2024, sales on Amazon, case volume in the food service channel, and innovation and marketing. Sales of Celsius Essentials continue to exceed expectations, with 54.5% ACV and 4.1 average items sold per store.

International expansion plans include sales in Canada, Australia, France, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Sales in the UK and Ireland began in April through the fitness channel and in select gyms. Sales in Australia, France, and New Zealand are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year with broadening reach throughout 2025.