Celsius Appointed as PepsiCo's Lead Energy Drink Brand in Significant Portfolio Agreement
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 29 2025
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Should l Buy CELH?
Source: Benzinga
Celsius Holdings and PepsiCo Partnership
- New Agreement: Celsius Holdings, Inc. has entered a significant agreement with PepsiCo, reshaping the energy drink market in North America. This deal enhances Celsius' control over brands and expands PepsiCo's distribution role.
- Brand Management: Under the new arrangement, Celsius will manage its flagship CELSIUS line, Alani Nu, and Rockstar Energy in the U.S. and Canada, while PepsiCo will increase its investment and distribution capabilities.
Strategic Implications
- Rockstar Energy Addition: Celsius has added the Rockstar Energy brand to its portfolio, which complements its performance-focused beverages and Alani Nu's lifestyle offerings. PepsiCo will maintain ownership of Rockstar outside North America but will manage domestic distribution for Celsius.
- Investment and Board Influence: PepsiCo invested $585 million in new convertible preferred shares, acquiring approximately 11% of Celsius. This investment allows PepsiCo to appoint an additional board member, solidifying its influence in Celsius' strategic direction.
Market Performance
- Stock Movements: Following the announcement, CELH shares rose by 8.81% to $64.92 in premarket trading, while PEP shares increased by 0.25%. Over the past year, CELH stock has appreciated by over 58%, contrasting with a 14% decline in PEP stock.
- Growth Strategy: Celsius aims to leverage PepsiCo's distribution network to attract health-conscious consumers, particularly women, through Alani Nu, while Rockstar will appeal to traditional energy drink consumers, enhancing Celsius' market share potential.
Leadership Insights
- Executive Statements: Celsius CEO John Fieldly highlighted the opportunity to drive innovation as the "strategic energy drink captain," while PepsiCo's Ram Krishnan noted the alignment of their portfolio to capture a broader consumer base in the growing energy drink category.
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Analyst Views on CELH
Wall Street analysts forecast CELH stock price to rise
17 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
2 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 35.280
Low
45.00
Averages
62.85
High
80.00
Current: 35.280
Low
45.00
Averages
62.85
High
80.00
About CELH
Celsius Holdings, Inc. is engaged in the development, processing, marketing, sale, and distribution of functional energy drinks to a range of consumers. The Company's flagship asset, CELSIUS, is marketed as a lifestyle and energy drink. This product line comes in two versions: a ready-to-drink form and an on-the-go powder form. It also offers a new CELSIUS Essentials line, available in 16-ounce cans and a Hydration line of zero-sugar powders that are infused with electrolytes and are available in a variety of fruit-forward flavors. Celsius products are offered in retail channels across the United States, including conventional grocery, natural, convenience, fitness, mass market, vitamin specialty and e-commerce platforms. Its product's formulation includes ingredients and supplements such as green tea (EGCG), ginger (from the root), calcium, chromium, B vitamins and vitamin C. The Company's product portfolio also includes the health and wellness brand Alani Nu.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Increased Competition: Costco's launch of new energy drinks under its Kirkland Signature brand, priced at $19.99 for a 24-pack, significantly undercuts Celsius's $37.99 price, raising shareholder concerns about intensified market competition that could erode Celsius's market share.
- Sales Dependency: With Costco accounting for approximately 11% of Celsius's sales, the introduction of competing products poses a direct threat to Celsius's revenue, highlighting the company's vulnerable position in the market as shareholders express their worries.
- Brand Loyalty: Costco's Kirkland Signature products enjoy high customer loyalty, evidenced by membership renewal rates of about 92% in the U.S. and Canada and nearly 90% worldwide, underscoring the retailer's strong branding power.
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- Significant Revenue Growth: Celsius Holdings reported a 117% year-over-year revenue increase to $722 million in Q4 2025, primarily driven by the acquisitions of Alani Nu and Rockstar Energy, although overall earnings dropped 44% to $0.25 per share due to acquisition costs.
- Negative Market Reaction: Despite exceeding earnings expectations, the stock price declined due to high valuation and short-term integration uncertainties, with a P/E ratio reaching 381 by the end of 2025, prompting profit-taking by investors.
- Future Growth Potential: The energy drink market is projected to grow at an 8% CAGR through 2033, with Celsius holding a 20% market share, and the acquisitions are expected to strengthen its market position.
- Investment Opportunity Emerges: Although integration may cause short-term volatility, Celsius's forward P/E of 22 and a PEG ratio of just 0.34 indicate long-term investment value, with Wall Street's price target of $69 suggesting a 102% upside.
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- Acquisition Impact: Celsius Holdings' acquisition of Rockstar Energy and Alani Nu resulted in a 117% year-over-year revenue increase to $722 million in 2025, demonstrating the positive revenue impact of the acquisitions, although full-year earnings per share dropped 44% to $0.25 due to acquisition costs, highlighting short-term integration challenges.
- Market Reaction: Despite Celsius exceeding expectations in its Q4 2025 earnings report, its stock price fell 25% due to high valuation and integration uncertainties, with the P/E ratio soaring to 381 by the end of 2025, intensifying investor concerns about future profitability.
- Earnings Outlook: Management anticipates that gross profit margins will rebound to the low 50% range after the integration is completed in the first half of 2026, with the current margin at 47.4%, indicating a potential recovery in profitability that could attract long-term investor interest.
- Market Share and Growth Potential: Following the acquisitions, Celsius holds a 20% market share and is expected to benefit from an 8% compound annual growth rate in the energy drink market over the coming years, suggesting a favorable long-term outlook despite short-term integration and geopolitical risks.
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