Stifel analyst Mark Astrachan examined the hypothetical impact on Monster Beverage (MNST) should a larger beverages competitor acquire Bang, though he noted he has no knowledge of M&A negotiations or discussions with the energy drink competitor. He ultimately concluded a potential acquisition of Bang would be more negative than positive for Monster, though he also noted that risks of an acquisition include potential disruption of Bang's recent momentum, especially if it were to be acquired by PepsiCo (PEP) and transition distribution most likely in-house from the AB InBev (BUD) system. Additionally, a theoretical Bang deal could accelerate a decision by Coca-Cola (KO) regarding acquiring, or not, the remaining shares in Monster it does not currently own, said Astrachan, who keeps a Buy rating and $67 price target on Monster Beverage shares.

Truist downgraded Monster Beverage to Sell from Buy with a price target of $46, down from $65.

JPMorgan analyst Andrea Teixeira downgraded Monster Beverage to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $59, down from $66, ahead of the company's Q1 earnings report on May 8. While the shares have already sold off, there are limited catalysts to the upside at this point as "long-hoped for potential price increases somehow lost their attractiveness" due to the latest run up in aluminum prices and an already-stretched lower income consumer, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Moreover, the firm says Monster's tracked and untracked channel trends are still challenged and it appears that household penetration and buy rates are pressured.

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