The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased selling and marketing expenses of $19.6 million (primarily sponsorships and endorsements), increased payroll expenses of $12.0 million and increased distribution expenses (including storage and warehouse) of $5.4 million. Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 were 25.9% as compared to 24.3% for the three-months ended June 30, 2023.
Operating Income
Operating income was $527.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately $3.4 million, or 0.6% higher than operating income of $523.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 27.7% for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 from 28.2% for the three-months ended June 30, 2023.
Operating income was $145.8 million and $114.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, for our operations in EMEA, Asia Pacific (including Oceania), Latin America and the Caribbean.
Operating income for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment, exclusive of corporate and unallocated expenses, was $612.3 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately $14.3 million, or 2.4% higher than operating income of $597.9 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in operating income for the Monster Energy® Drinks segment was primarily the result of an increase in net sales as well as an increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales.
Operating income for the Strategic Brands segment, exclusive of corporate and unallocated expenses, was $61.7 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately $6.5 million, or 11.8% higher than operating income of $55.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in operating income for the Strategic Brands segment was primarily the result of an increase in net sales.
Operating loss for the Alcohol Brands segment, exclusive of corporate and unallocated expenses, was $22.6 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately $16.0 million, or 243.0% higher than the operating loss of $6.6 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in operating losses for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily due to a decrease in net sales as well as an $8.1 million loss on impairment and disposal of property and equipment.
Operating income for the Other segment, exclusive of corporate and unallocated expenses, was $1.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to operating income of $1.7 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in operating income for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily the result of a decrease in net sales.
Interest and Other Income, net
Interest and other non-operating income, net, was $24.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to interest and other non-operating income, net, of $15.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. Foreign currency transaction losses were $8.0 million and $14.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest income was $38.2 million and $29.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest expense was $4.9 million and $0.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Provision for Income Taxes
Provision for income taxes was $126.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $1.1 million, or 0.9% higher than the provision for income taxes of $125.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. The effective combined federal, state and foreign tax rate decreased to 22.9% from 23.2% for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to an increase in deductible interest expense in the three-months ended June 30, 2024 as compared to the three-months ended June 30, 2023.
Net Income
Net income was $425.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $11.5 million, or 2.8% higher than net income of $413.9 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2023. The increase in net income for the three-months ended June 30, 2024 was primarily due to the increase in net sales and the increase in the gross profit percentage of net sales, which was partially offset by the increase in operating expenses.