Stifel analyst Mark Astrachan noted that Monster Beverage (MNST) reported a sales and EPS beat in Q3 and disclosed strong month of October gross sales growth, but this was all marred by Monster disclosing that Coca-Cola (KO) has developed two energy products it may market under two Coke-brand trademarks. While he was surprised by the disclosure, Astrachan believes even if introduced Coke's energy drinks are unlikely to gain meaningful share from Monster or other mainstream energy offerings. Citing the strong Q3 results and indications Monster continues to gain share of the global energy drink market, Astrachan raised his 2018-2019 EPS estimates by about 1% and recommends buying Monster shares on any Coca-Cola energy news related weakness. He keeps a Buy rating and $66 price target on Monster shares.

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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.