1318 ET - Investors are looking past Celsius Holdings' hiccups last year, as well as its slow start to 2025, focusing instead on the long-term benefits of its acquisition of Alani Ni, Truist analysts say in a research note. Unlike Monster and Red Bull--which focus on a stagnate, if not declining, male customer base--both Celsius and Alani are highly indexed toward women, who are generating growth in the category, the analysts say. At the same time, both brands are expanding distribution. And the company recently appointed former Pepsi executive Eric Hanson as its chief operating officer, who the analysts believe will be able to navigate any volatility and growing pains related to the acquisition. Truist upgrades the stock to buy from hold and raises its price target to $45 from $35. Celsius shares rise 7.5% to $36.15. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 31, 2025 13:18 ET (17:18 GMT)

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