Analyst Report
Analyst Report
Energy drinks stormed the U.S. beverage market last year, outperforming all other
categories. With energy drink sales rising 52.1 percent higher than last year,
according to market researcher Information Resources Inc. (IRI), niche-marketed
energy brands targeting specific consumer interests or demographics continue to
expand.
Energy drinks entered the market 10 years ago. Since then the energy drinks
category has enjoyed tremendous success, displaying a staggering 516 percent sales
growth between 2001–2006, according to market research firm Mintel. In fact,
energy drinks, led by the Red Bull and Monster brands, grew by more than 49
percent in 2006. With growing consumer demand and increased profit margins, it's
projected to exceed $10 billion by 2010.
"Energy drinks are an interesting category because there are a ton of new product
launches," explained Tom Vierhile, director of Productscan Online. "We're seeing a
lot of product innovation, a lot of smaller companies have chosen to attack the energy
drink market as opposed to coming out with a soft drink to compete against PepsiCo
and Coca-Cola. It's a category with a melting pot of different influences."
In 2006 in the U.S. alone, ProductScan Online reported 321 new sports or energy
drinks, compared to only 149 introductions in 2003. "The long-term trend is
definitely up," Vierhile said.
Breaking it Down
Energy drinks tend to break down into a few distinct categories that target specific
consumer interests or demographics. According to Vierhile, there are celebrity-
oriented energy drinks that appeal to the younger generation. "Here it's all about
creativity and pushing the boundaries. There's a bit of a hip-hop, urban element that's
provocative." Havoc energy drink leverages this strategy through key relationships
with major sports franchises and entertainment venues. There are energy drinks that
are more functional; and finally, there are the all-natural and organic energy drinks
that appeal to those seeking health and wellness.
The segment has been dominated by carbonated options that contain added sugar and
synthetic ingredients such as taurine – including Havoc.
There is now more of a focus on lower calorie products. That's definitely a trend to
watch. Part of the reason energy drinks give that buzz is because they are loaded
with sugar. We're definitely seeing more products that are getting the sugar content
under control a bit. Havoc has announced its new sugar-free product as well.
Energy Drinks
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
BY
CHET GUTOWSKY
CHARTERED
FINANCIAL ANALYST
In short, Havoc has taken the innovative approach of co-branding with major
brand names from college and professional sports franchises and has used the
leverage of those established brands to open doors to new markets.
We believe that Havoc has established a strong foundation with its current
marketing relationships that will allow it to grow geometrically in the next 18
months not unlike the growth earlier experienced by both Red Bull and
Monster energy drinks. Growth must be driven by increased distribution
HAVOC the official energy drink combined with the financing necessary to support expansion.
of the arenafootball2.
Energy Drinks
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
BY
CHET GUTOWSKY
CHARTERED
FINANCIAL ANALYST
The energy drink industry is a smart industry that is continually developing, Hanson Natural, Inc., Nasdaq, HANS,
expanding, and using innovative marketing techniques. The energy drink $56.60, with sales of $605 million.
industry is not dominated by large, giant companies like the soft-drink Hanson made its mark with the popular
industry, but instead characterized by stiff competition between an increasing Monster energy drink. The company
number of smaller companies, all catering to a very select consumer base. expanded its line of drinks to include other
Havoc is a small company with a good marketing foundation in place. The products like fruit juice, smoothies, iced
primary target for the majority of energy drink companies is male teenagers tea, and dry juice mixes -- most of which
are sold under the Hansen's brand name.
and young people, mostly in the 20s age bracket. It is a small segment of Hanson’s stock is up 6,000% since
society and seemingly a very tight market, but these potential consumers have Monsters introduction.
so far been exceptionally receptive to energy drink products.
Jones Soda, Nasdaq, JSDA, $12.06, with
Energy drinks provide a far larger profit margin than most soft drinks.
sales of $39.7 million. The company
Havoc’s per case economics will provide $7-10 in contribution margin per bottles and distributes brightly colored
case depending on the volume of production (24 cans per case). Havoc out- beverages with wacky flavors like Twisted
sources the manufacturing, mixing and distribution of its product – as do Lime and Fufu Berry. The company sells a
nearly all energy drink manufacturers. This means that operating overhead is line of noncarbonated beverages (Jones
not front loaded or capital intensive. Costs will scale up in direct proportion Naturals), with added ginseng, zinc, and
to growth allowing the company to grow without the need for major capital other ingredients, and citrus-flavored
expenditures. energy drinks under the Jones Energy and
WhoopAss labels.
The primary challenge to growth in the crowded energy drink market is brand
differentiation and effective distribution. Havoc has achieved effective brand Leading Brands, Inc., NASDAQ, LBIX,
development through its sports licensing agreements. It is now beginning to $2.75, with sales of $50 million. LBIX
gain traction in its distribution efforts through independent distributors and launched its “Stoked” energy drink in
through its captive distributor, Dynamic Distribution, Inc. 2007. It’s stock has underperformed due
to capital costs related to operating its
Valuation bottling operations. This Canadian
company claims to be the only fully
integrated beverage company in America.
The following companies were used for our peer group analysis: Jones Soda,
[JSDA], $12.06; Hanson Natural, Inc. [HANS]; $56.60; Leading Brands, Sweet Success, Inc., NASDAQ, OTCBB,
[LBIX], $2.75; Sweet Success, Inc., [SWTS], $0.23 and Reed’s, Inc. [REED], SWTS, $0.23, with annual sales of only
$7.05. The average share price for the peer group is $15.74. We believe $79,000, engages in the production,
Havoc, although under the radar of the market, has laid the foundation distribution, and marketing of ready-to-
necessary to perform well against its peer group in price appreciation over the drink functional health beverages in the
next 18 months. United States.
Distribution
Energy drinks penetrate new markets through convenience stores and clubs.
As a brand becomes established, it then expands into grocery and big-box
stores. Marketing and distribution must be coordinated to drive new
customers to the product as distribution rolls out in new markets.
Havoc has taken the creative step of acquiring a 35% ownership stake in a
captive distributor – Dynamic Distribution, Inc. that focuses on distribution
to convenience stores and clubs. This gives the company dedicated,
product specific distribution and marketing in a single package as jobbers
call on stores and clubs specifically selling the Havoc product.
History:
Although there is currently an energy drinks craze in the United States and
other parts of the world, energy drink history begins many years earlier.
Energy drinks contain a variety of ingredients, but the primary ones are
energy-producing elements like caffeine or guarana and vitamins. Energy
drinks were developed in response to the public demand for a dietary addition
or supplement that would give a boost of energy and provide vitamins, all in
one. The increasing demands of daily schedules have not only made people
more tired but also left less time for important tasks like sleeping and eating.
Energy drinks, therefore, quickly found a very receptive market because they
offer stimulant energy, vitamins and have a nutritional value.
Energy drink history really begins in Europe and Asia where these popular
drinks were first developed. Although there are many different varieties in
countries throughout the world, RedBull was the first to be introduced in the
United States and still remains one of the most popular choices. Most energy
drinks, especially the initial ones, are non-alcoholic and offer a combination “With the inception of the Havoc Fanatics
during the 2006-2007 hockey season,
of energy and vitamins, primarily B vitamins. These drinks were first
came a rebirth at the American Airlines
accepted mostly by athletes in the United States who would use the drinks to Center. A burst of energy infused Stars
give them extra energy before and during workouts or competitions and games and the entire fan population
games. However, as word spread about the effects of energy drinks, the witnessed a new level of hockey
general public entered into the energy drink craze, as well. fanaticism” –www.StarsFanatics.com
Because energy drinks are still relatively new, despite being nearly twenty
years old, new products are continually emerging. The choices and exact
effects of energy drinks are becoming more diverse as more people seek out
energy drinks for a myriad of reasons. Now, in addition to the well-known
RedBull, and Monster other drinks such as Havoc are becoming popular
choices.
Energy Drinks
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
BY
CHET GUTOWSKY
CHARTERED
FINANCIAL ANALYST
Breaking it Down
Energy drinks tend to break down into a few distinct categories that target
specific consumer interests or demographics. There are the energy drinks
that are more functional and sports-oriented and there are the all-natural and
organic energy drinks that appeal to those seeking health and wellness.
As more people seek out energy drinks for a myriad of reasons — a quick
energy fix, improved mental clarity, health and wellness — the choices are
becoming broader every day.
Though the segment has been dominated by carbonated options that contain
added sugar and synthetic ingredients such as taurine, only recently have
healthier energy drink versions come to market. The variety of options
continues to grow in this category. Havoc applies this healthy stance to
their formula by adding several Vitamin B’s.
To meet the needs of consumers seeking an energy drink with the nutrition
HAVOC Energy Drink was proud to present of real juice, PepsiCo's SoBe brand developed SoBe Essential Energy, a line
Bill Edler the World Poker Tour Champion of juice-based energy drinks made with ginseng, guarana, real fruit juice
event winner with the “Best All Around and buzzworthy yerba mate. The drink, available in two flavors — orange
Player” award at the Gulf Coast Poker and berry pomegranate — also contains vitamins B-6, B-12, C and zinc.
Championship held at the Beau Rivage Another introduction from PepsiCo, Fuelosophy High Protein Energy
Casino & Resort.. Drink, wants customers to "Rethink your energy source." The beverage is
said to be a longer energy source that is high in protein, B vitamins and
complex carbs. On-trend flavors include Pomegranate Berry, Pineapple
Mango and Citrus Blend.
Energy Drinks
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
BY
CHET GUTOWSKY
CHARTERED
FINANCIAL ANALYST
Management
Analyst Certification Chet Gutowsky is a Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) with over 30 years
experience in banking, business and investment evaluation. The views
expressed in this report are those of the analyst and are based upon publicly
available information on which the analyst has relied as true in the formation of
his opinions. No part of my compensation is, or will be, directly or indirectly,
related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this research
report.
Compensation for the preparation of this report was made on a flat rate basis
and was not conditioned in any form on the nature or content of the analysts
recommendations or conclusions. The Analyst does not own shares in the
company and is not allowed to trade in its shares or securities. No
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completeness or correctness of its research. Opinions and estimates expressed
in this report represent the analysts judgment as of the date of this report and
are subject to change without notice. This research report is not an offer to sell
or a solicitation to by any securities. The securities discussed may not be
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