Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH) FY 2024 MD&A

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Report. This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PSLRA Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, about our expectations, beliefs, plans and intentions regarding our product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies and prospects. Readers can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that these statements do not relate to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied through forward-looking statements. Please refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors for a detailed discussion of these uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements reflect our views as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to revise or publicly release any updates to these forward-looking statements. This includes not updating the statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after they were made, or to address any differences between anticipated and actual results. We intend for all forward-looking statements to be subject to the safe harbor provisions of PSLRA.

The Management's Discussion and Analysis section aims to help the reader understand the Company's financial status and operational performance, guiding readers through our current business landscape and operational environment. Our analysis includes our results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and year-over-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023. For a detailed discussion of our results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023 and year-over-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022, please refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Our Business

Executive-Level Overview

Celsius is a functional energy drink company operating in the United States and internationally. This product is available in two convenient forms: ready-to-drink and an on-the-go portable powder form. Additionally, we offer our Celsius Essentials line, featuring 16-ounce cans enriched with aminos. In 2025, we introduced CELSIUS® Hydration, a line of zero-sugar hydration powders featuring electrolytes in a variety of fruit-forward flavors. Our product range is widely available across the U.S. and Canada in various retail outlets, including grocery stores, natural product stores, convenience stores, fitness centers, mass retailers, vitamin specialty stores, and through online e-commerce platforms. Moreover, our products are offered in select markets in Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region as we continue to expand our global presence.

We engage in various aspects of developing, manufacturing, processing, marketing, selling, and distributing Celsius, Celsius Essentials, and Celsius On-The-Go Powder, with products available to customers and consumers across the U.S. and in select territories in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Our operational model strategically relies primarily on co-packers for the manufacture and supply of our products, leveraging their specialized expertise and scalable production capabilities. Additionally, we utilize our in-house manufacturing facility to complement our strategic use of co-packers. This approach allows us to maintain flexibility in responding to market demands and to focus our resources on innovation, marketing, and expanding our distribution channels. We continually assess and work to optimize our supply chain to ensure quality, consistency and timely delivery to our customers.

On August 1, 2022, we entered into a long-term Distribution Agreement with Pepsi, making them our primary distributor in the U.S. and leveraging the right of first offer to facilitate our expansion into Canada. This agreement also helps to enable potential future international markets and new distribution channels with Pepsi. In connection with our relationship with Pepsi, we terminated certain previous distributor agreements and shifted certain distribution rights to Pepsi. Through our Transition Agreement with Pepsi, we received specific payments for transferring certain existing distribution rights to them.

Pending Acquisition of Alani Nutrition LLC

On February 20, 2025, we announced that we had entered into a membership interest purchase agreement to acquire Alani Nu for a total consideration comprising (i) $1,275.0 million in cash, subject to adjustment as set forth in the purchase agreement, (ii) an aggregate of 22,451,224 shares of our common stock and (iii) up to $25.0 million in additional cash consideration, payable only if net sales of Alani Nu’s products meet or exceed an agreed target for 2025. The closing of our pending acquisition of Alani Nu is currently expected to occur in the second quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period applicable to the transaction under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

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Company and Industry-Wide Factors

Energy Drink Market Trends - The energy drink industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for functional beverages that offer benefits beyond the larger carbonated soft drink market such as various health benefits, energy boosts, or other fitness-related advantages. While growth slowed during the year ended December 31, 2024, the overall industry has continued to expand, supported by a shift toward healthier lifestyles, a preference for more natural ingredients, and increased lower-calorie options.

Consumer Behavior Changes - There's a rising trend of consumers seeking products that align with personal wellness and fitness goals. Our product range caters to this demand, particularly among health-conscious consumers and fitness enthusiasts.

Technological Advancements and Digital Trends - The integration of technology in marketing and sales strategies is becoming increasingly important to our business. Leveraging digital marketing channels, e-commerce platforms, and data analytics are essential for reaching and understanding modern consumers. Adapting to these technological trends is vital for staying competitive and meeting evolving consumer expectations.

Pepsi Partnership - In August 2022, the Company issued approximately 1.5 million shares of non-voting Series A Preferred Stock to Pepsi for an aggregate purchase price of $550 million, and concurrently entered into the Distribution Agreement and Transition Agreement.

This partnership capitalizes on Pepsi's robust distribution channels to expand our reach into key market segments, including supermarkets, convenience stores, health clubs, and other retail outlets. The alliance enhances our market penetration and brand visibility, contributing to our long-term growth strategy. Additionally, this collaboration aligns with our mission to innovate and deliver high-quality products to a broader consumer base. Our reliance on Pepsi’s distribution expertise forms a cornerstone of our strategy to enhance accessibility and presence in diverse retail environments, further solidifying our position in the competitive energy drink market. In the U.S., we utilize Pepsi's distribution network to supply supermarkets, convenience stores, health clubs and other merchants where our products are sold to consumers. For more information refer to Item 1. Business, and Note 12. Mezzanine Equity to our consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this Report.

Key Drivers of our Financial Success and Market Presence - Much of our financial success is dependent on our ability to market and connect with a diverse consumer base, including wellness-focused consumers, fitness enthusiasts and consumers looking for more functionality in their beverage consumption. We believe that our strategic marketing initiatives, aimed at different demographics and lifestyle segments, contribute to revenue growth and market share expansion. We adapt our marketing mix to align with changing consumer preferences, leveraging digital and social media channels for broader reach and engagement. Furthermore, our focus on product innovation is designed to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers, while maintaining appeal to a general consumer base seeking quality and convenience, thereby enhancing our competitive position and financial performance. Our approach is to create a brand experience that is both inclusive and appealing to a wide range of consumers, fostering loyalty and driving sustainable growth. We believe that our multifaceted approach is crucial for driving enduring revenue growth and maintaining a strong market presence in the energy drink industry.

Our Business Risks

Our management has identified certain material opportunities, challenges and risks in the energy drink industry and the Company.

Brand Reputation and Consumer Trust Risks - Our success relies on maintaining a strong brand reputation and consumer trust. In the fast-paced consumer goods industry, public perception can shift rapidly due to various factors, including product quality issues, negative publicity, social media trends, and changing consumer preferences. A tarnished brand image, whether through real or perceived issues, can result in decreased customer loyalty, reduced sales, and ultimately, a negative impact on our financial performance.

To mitigate these risks, we are committed to maintaining high standards in product quality, engaging in responsible marketing practices, and actively managing public relations. We monitor consumer feedback continuously and respond swiftly to any concerns. Our management team is equipped to handle potential public relations challenges proactively to safeguard our brand image. However, despite these efforts, there is always a risk of unforeseen events that could harm our brand reputation.

Reliance on Key Partnership with Pepsi

Our business operations and financial health are significantly influenced by our strategic partnership with Pepsi, which plays a critical role not only in the distribution of our products but also in generating a substantial portion of our sales and accounts receivable. While this partnership has been instrumental in expanding our market reach and accelerating revenue growth, it also presents concentration risk. For more information, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements.

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The substantial portion of our sales attributed to Pepsi underscores our reliance on their distribution network. Any disruption in Pepsi's operations, shifts in their strategic focus, reduction in service levels or support for our products, or changes in the terms of our partnership could directly impact our sales performance and revenue streams. This dependency also extends to our accounts receivable, a significant portion of which is derived from Pepsi. Delays or defaults in these receivables could adversely affect our cash flow and financial planning. Although there is concentration risk with Pepsi as our partner, Pepsi is a premier public company across both consumer goods as well as beverages and has a strong balance sheet, thereby insulating us from some of the potential exposures that would exist with a smaller, less established partner. However, fluctuations in Pepsi's inventory management strategies, such as adjustments to quantities held on hand, have had and may continue to have the potential to reduce order volumes and impact our sales.

To address these risks, we are continuously engaged in strengthening our relationship with Pepsi, ensuring alignment in business strategies and operational goals. We actively monitor and manage our accounts receivable associated with Pepsi to maintain healthy cash flow. Additionally, we are exploring diversification strategies to reduce our reliance on a single partner. This includes seeking opportunities to expand our distribution channels and customer base, both domestically and internationally, to create a more balanced and resilient sales portfolio.

We recognize the critical importance of Pepsi to our current business model and are committed to an ongoing evaluation of this relationship. Our management team is focused on maintaining a balanced approach to our partnership, ensuring that it continues to support our growth objectives while actively managing the associated risks. We believe that by diversifying our market presence and continually assessing the partnership dynamics, we can sustainably grow our business and mitigate potential financial risks. In addition, we expect that continued growth and innovation, which increases our brand relevance within the energy drink category, will assist us in continuing to be an important component of the Pepsi energy drink portfolio.

Market Competition Risks

The energy drink industry is characterized by intense competition, involving a diverse array of competitors with varying market strategies and product offerings. This includes well-established companies with strong brand recognition, as well as emerging entities that may introduce innovative approaches or specialized products. The entry of new or strengthening competitors who employ aggressive pricing strategies, can significantly impact our market share and profitability. Additionally, continuing shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives or different beverage categories could intensify competition.

To address these challenges, we constantly innovate our product line, leveraging consumer insights through various channels, including customer feedback and social media trends, to ensure an understanding of our market and refine our marketing strategies. We also monitor the competitive landscape to anticipate and react to changes in competitor strategies, as the dynamic nature of our market means that we must constantly adapt to maintain our competitive edge. Changes in the competitive landscape could materially impact our results of operations and market position.

Market Expansion Risks

Our strategic growth plan includes expanding into new geographic markets and launching new product lines. These initiatives are key to increasing our market share and driving revenue growth. However, they also introduce inherent risks that could impact our business operations and financial health.

Successfully entering and thriving in new markets is contingent upon our understanding and adaptation to local consumer preferences, which may vary significantly from those in our current markets. A failure to accurately gauge these preferences could result in reduced product acceptance and lower sales in these regions.

Moreover, each new market presents unique regulatory challenges. Navigating varying regulatory landscapes and ensuring compliance is crucial. Non-compliance or changes in regulatory frameworks could lead to legal ramifications, increased operational costs, and potential delays in market entry.

Furthermore, as we venture into new territories, we encounter competition not only from well-established local brands but also from other global entities. This heightened competition can affect our market positioning, influence our pricing strategies, and ultimately impact our profitability in these new markets.

To mitigate these risks, we engage in market analysis to gain insights into local consumer trends and preferences. Collaborating closely with regulatory consultants, we aim to ensure full compliance with all regional legal and regulatory requirements. Additionally, we formulate and implement competitive strategies tailored to effectively contend with local and global competitors in these new markets.

Global Minimum Tax

Jurisdictions globally have implemented laws and policies from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (the "OECD") project to counteract base erosion and profit shifting. The OECD, representing the G20 and other nations, is advancing an initiative to redistribute taxing rights on multinational enterprises' profits to countries where their goods and services are sold.

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The OECD's framework implements a global minimum corporate tax of 15% for companies with global revenues and profits above certain thresholds (referred to as "Pillar Two"). Certain jurisdictions in which the Company operates have enacted their respective tax laws to comply with Pillar Two. Starting in 2025, we have come within the scope of the Pillar Two rules. As of now, we do not expect Pillar Two to have a material impact on our effective tax rate or our consolidated results of operation, financial position, and cash flows. We will continue to monitor pending legislation and implementation by individual countries.

Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2024 compared to year ended December 31, 2023

Revenue

For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenue was approximately $1,355.6 million, an increase of $37.6 million or 2.9% from $1,318.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Revenue growth in North America accounted for $17.6 million of the overall increase, up 1.4% from 2023. Slower industry-wide growth within the energy drink sector tempered our performance. Additionally, timing of orders by our largest distributor, Pepsi, along with increased promotional activity negatively impacted revenues compared to 2023. Despite these challenges, North America experienced continued gains in distribution points, shelf space, and SKUs per location, which we believe positions us for future growth as market conditions improve.

European revenues for 2024 were approximately $61.7 million, representing an increase of $18.0 million or 41.1% from 2023. The revenue increase in Europe was predominantly driven by successful innovation launches, increased brand awareness through our marketing campaigns and expansion into new markets. Other international markets generated approximately $7.4 million in revenue during 2024, with Asia-Pacific revenues contributing an additional $5.7 million in 2024.

The following table sets forth the amount of revenues by geographical location for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

Gross Profit

For the year ended December 31, 2024, gross profit increased by $47.1 million or 7.4% to $680.2 million from $633.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Gross profit margins increased to 50.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024 from 48.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023. Gross profit margin improvements resulted from decreases in raw and package material unit cost and reduced outbound freight cost as a percentage of revenue partially offset by increased promotional allowances as a percentage of revenue from the reduction in disproportionate distributor sell-in.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $524.5 million, an increase of $157.7 million or 43% from $366.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The changes within SG&A expenses included:

•a $61.5 million increase in marketing investments, driven by initiatives and events aimed at enhancing brand awareness to reflect our commitment to long-term growth, helping to ensure that our brand remains top-of-mind with consumers and well-positioned in an increasingly competitive market;

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•a $52.8 million increase in expenses related to a legal accrual in connection with ongoing litigation, refer to Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report;

•a $35.5 million increase in employee costs, reflecting our ongoing investments to support growth;

•a $20.3 million increase in SG&A expenses due to the write-off of receivables, restructuring, contractual co-packer obligations, acquisition related expenses and other project-related fees; and

•a $12.4 million decrease in other SG&A expenses.

Other Income (Expense)

Total other income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $39.3 million, which reflects an increase of $13.9 million versus $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to interest income earned on cash held in our money market accounts.

Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders

Net income attributable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $107.5 million, representing basic earnings per share of $0.46 based on a basic weighted average of 233.7 million shares outstanding. In comparison, for the year ended December 31, 2023 the Company had a net income attributable to common stockholders of $182.0 million, representing basic earnings per share of $0.79 based on a weighted average of 230.8 million shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share was $0.45 and $0.77 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

As of December 31, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $890.2 million and working capital of $959.0 million.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and our existing cash balances, which includes $542.0 million of net proceeds received from our issuance of Series A Preferred Stock to Pepsi in 2022. We believe that cash available from operations, including our cash resources, will be sufficient for our working capital needs, including purchase commitments for raw materials and inventory, increases in accounts receivable and other assets, and purchases of capital assets and equipment for the next twelve months and beyond.

Purchases of inventories, increases in accounts receivable and other assets, equipment purchases (including coolers), advances to certain co-packers and distributors, and payments of accounts payable and income taxes are expected to remain our principal recurring uses of cash and material cash requirements.

Pending acquisition of Alani Nu

In connection with the Alani Nu acquisition, the Company expects to pay a total consideration that ranges from $1,775.0 million to $1,800.0 million, consisting of:

•$1,275.0 million in cash, subject to adjustments to be funded through a combination of new debt and cash available;

•approximately 22.5 million shares of Celsius common stock, with an aggregate value of $500.0 million, based on the volume-weighted average price per share for the 10 trading days ended February 18, 2025; and

•up to $25.0 million in additional contingent cash consideration, dependent on Alani Nu’s 2025 revenue performance.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Failure to obtain necessary approvals could result in a $53.3 million termination fee payable by Celsius to Alani Nu.

The company believes its current liquidity position, cash flow from operations, and access to financing facilities will be sufficient to meet its near-term and long-term obligations, including the consummation of the pending acquisition of Alani Nu.

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Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

Cash flows provided by operating activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $262.9 million for 2024, which compares to $141.2 million net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $121.7 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities can be attributed to higher cash provided by operating income, as well as the timing of certain payments and strategic inventory management as a part of working capital initiatives.

Cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $101.7 million for 2024 compared to cash used in investing activities of $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to the $75.3 million acquisition of Big Beverages during the year. Additionally, purchases of property, plant and equipment increased to approximately $23.4 million versus $17.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Cash flows used in financing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities totaled $26.0 million for 2024, representing an $0.8 million increase from the $25.2 million cash used in financing activities in 2023. The increase was mainly due to the repurchase of common stock for tax withholdings, partially offset by increased proceeds from exercised stock options. Cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to the dividend payments related to the Series A Preferred Stock totaling $27.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had no off balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we are required to make judgments and estimates that significantly affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures. These estimates are based on historical experience, current trends and various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. It is important to note that these critical accounting estimates are essential in fairly portraying our financial condition and results, and involve complex, subjective judgements. We continually review the underlying factors used in our estimates, including reviewing the significant accounting policies impacting the estimates, to ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP. However, due to the inherently uncertain nature of estimates, and the dependence on a number of underlying variables and a range of possible outcomes, actual results may be materially different. We have identified the accounting estimate below as critical to understanding and evaluating the financial results reported in our consolidated financial statements.

The following accounting policy and estimate should be read in conjunction with the descriptions of our significant accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements, contained in Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our consolidated financial statements set forth elsewhere in this Report.

Revenue Recognition - Promotional (Billbacks) Allowance

The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its distributors or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements provide for one or more arrangements that are of varying durations. The Company’s billbacks are calculated based on various programs with distributors and retail customers, and accruals are established for the Company’s anticipated liabilities. These accruals are based on agreed upon terms as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar programs. Differences between such estimated expenses and actual expenses for promotional and other allowance are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined.

The Company conducts regular reviews of promotional activities and related financial data, including final invoicing for previous periods. Such reviews are essential for ensuring the accuracy of accounting estimates related to accrued promotional allowances for the Company's customers.

Promotional allowances are recorded as reductions to revenue and primarily include consideration given to the Company’s distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following:

•discounts from list prices to support price promotions to end-consumers by retailers;

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•reimbursements given to the Company’s distributors for agreed portions of their promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products;

•the Company’s agreed share of fees given to distributors and/or directly to retailers for advertising, in-store marketing and promotional activities;

•the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers, club stores and/or wholesalers;

•incentives given to the Company’s distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined volume goals;

•discounted products;

•contractual fees given to the Company’s distributors related to sales made directly by the Company to certain customers that fall within the distributors’ sales territories; and

•contractual fees given to distributors for items sold below defined pricing targets.

For more information on our promotional allowance policies, including changes to the estimate, see Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4. Revenue to our consolidated financial statements.