What happened
Shares of Monster Beverage (MNST -2.17%) jumped as much as 6.8% higher on Wednesday following the energy drink maker's renewal and increase of an exhausted share buyback policy. As of 1:50 p.m. EDT, the stock had settled down to a 5.8% gain.
So what
Having used up the old $250 million share repurchase authorization, Monster's board of directors doubled up with a new $500 million policy. The previous buyback program was announced as recently as March 1, 2018. Looking one step further back, another $500 million plan was launched in 2015 and lasted all the way up to this spring.
Image source: Getty Images.
Now what
If Monster immediately used up the new buyback program, the $500 million action would only retire roughly 2% of the company's outstanding stock. The market reaction today is about three times larger because Monster's leadership is signaling a firm conviction that its stock is undervalued and a great investment at current prices. Therefore, a rapid buyback program is seen as a good use of the company's own cash.
Due to a couple of disappointing earnings reports, the stock is trading just 9% above its 52-week lows today but 26% below yearly highs. Generous buybacks can make sense at these low prices, but only if management sees positive trends behind the scenes that could support a higher valuation. That's what investors are betting on today.
