1st Quarter 2019 Summary of Results
Depletions increased 11% from the comparable13-week period in the prior year. Shipment volume was approximately 1.1 million barrels, a 32.5% increase from the comparable13-week period in the prior year.
Shipments for the quarter increased at a significantly higher rate than depletions and resulted in significantly higher distributor inventory as of March 30, 2019 when compared to March 31, 2018. The Company believes distributor inventory as of March 30, 2019 averaged approximately 6 weeks on hand and was at an appropriate level based on the supply chain capacity constraints and inventory requirements to support the forecasted growth of Truly and Twisted Tea brands over the summer. The Company expects wholesaler inventory levels in terms of weeks on hand to return to more normal levels of approximately 3 to 4 weeks on hand later in the year.
Gross margin at 49.5% decreased from the 50.5% margin realized in the first quarter of 2018, primarily as a result of higher processing costs due to increased production at third party breweries, higher temporary labor at Company-owned breweries and higher packaging costs, partially offset by price increases and cost saving initiatives at Company-owned breweries.
Advertising, promotional and selling expenses increased $4.2 million compared to the first quarter of 2018, primarily due to increased investments in media and production, higher salaries and benefits costs and increased freight to distributors due to higher volumes.
General and administrative expenses increased by $4.0 million from the first quarter of 2018, primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits costs and consulting costs.
During the first quarter, the Company recorded a net income tax expense of $6.1 million or 20.6%, which consists of income tax expenses of $7.9 million partially offset by a $1.8 million tax benefit related to stock option exercises in accordance with ASU2016-09. The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter, excluding the impact of ASU2016-09, decreased to 26.5% from 28.0% in the first quarter of 2018.
The Company expects that its March 30, 2019 cash balance of $102.9 million, together with its future operating cash flows and its available $150.0 million line of credit, will be sufficient to fund future cash requirements.
During the first quarter and the period from March 31, 2019 through April 20, 2019, the Company did not repurchase any shares. As of April 20, 2019, the Company had approximately $90.3 million remaining on the $931.0 million share buyback expenditure limit set by the Board of Directors.