Hansen Natural 3Q profit rises 15 percent

CORONA, Calif. - Hansen Natural Corp., the maker of natural sodas and energy drinks, said profit in the third quarter rose about 15 percent as sales of its Monster brand held up even as consumers cut back overall on purchases of ready-to-drink beverages.

Net income increased to $52.4 million, or 54 cents per share, from $45.8 million, or 46 cents per share, a year ago.

Sales rose to $285 million from $247.2 million, as sales of Monster and Java Monster energy drinks grew by 17 percent. By comparison, sales of Monster drinks had risen about 22 percent in the second quarter.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected Hansen to post earnings of 53 cents per share on sales of $283.7 million.

Rodney C. Sacks, chairman and chief executive officer, said sales of the Monster brand were strong considering that overall sales of ready-to-drink beverages have slowed with the downturn in the economy, particularly at convenience stores where the majority of energy drink sales occur.

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