EXHIBIT 99.1
COTT CORPORATION REPORTS RECORD BREAKING RESULTS FOR 2003
o SALES RISE 18% TO $1.4 BILLION
o EARNINGS PER SHARE UP 31% TO $1.09
o COMPANY CONFIRMS 2004 GUIDANCE
(All information in US dollars)
TORONTO - JANUARY 29, 2004 - Cott Corporation (NYSE:COT;TSX:BCB) today reported
sales of $1.4 billion and earnings per diluted share of $1.09 for the full year
2003, driven by strong fourth quarter results which included an extra week as
compared to the same quarter last year. Completing its fifth consecutive year of
increasing profitable performance, the Company saw improved results in all
business units.
"We are seizing the future," said Frank E. Weise, chairman, and chief executive
officer. "Thanks to superb performances by Cott employees in each of our
businesses, 2003 has been a year of outstanding growth for our Company. As we
look ahead we see even more opportunities: to win new customers, to develop new
products and to make new acquisitions."
FOURTH QUARTER
For the quarter ended January 3, 2004, sales totaled a record $344.6 million,
23% better than for the same period last year and up 18% excluding the impact of
foreign exchange. This increase was led by the Company's UK/Europe business unit
where sales rose 37%, up 25% excluding foreign exchange. Sales in the US
business unit were up 21%; Canada saw a 12% increase, down 6% when the impact of
foreign exchange is included; and sales for the International business unit
doubled to $12.4 million, of which sales in Mexico amounted to $8.4 million.
Operating income for the fourth quarter increased 25% to $32.9 million,
including a one-time charge of $2.6 million as a result of assets impairments.
Net income for the quarter rose 42% to $16.6 million as compared to $11.7
million in the fourth quarter 2002. Earnings per diluted share increased 35% to
$0.23 versus $0.17 for the same period last year.
The additional week in the fourth quarter added $20 million in sales and $0.01
in diluted earnings per share.
YEAR 2003
For the full year 2003, sales reached $1.4 billion, an 18% gain over 2002, 16%
better than last year excluding acquisitions (13% if foreign exchange is also
excluded.) The UK/Europe business unit led the Company's sales growth with a 24%
improvement over prior year, 14% better excluding foreign exchange. The US
business unit was up 17% and Canada was up 12%, but down 1% when foreign
exchange is excluded.
Gross margin for the year rose from 19.4% to 19.5% while operating income was up
21% to $148.9 million. Productivity gains, increased scale, and the integration
of recent acquisitions all
4
contributed to this improvement. Excluding $1.8 million in one-time charges
incurred during the year, operating income was up 23%. Net income for the year
reached $77.4 million, an improvement of 33% as compared to income from
continuing operations, as reported, in 2002 of $58.3 million. Earnings per
diluted share increased 31% to $1.09 versus the $0.83 reported in 2002 as income
from continuing operations (see exhibit 2 for additional details.) Excluding the
impact of one-time charges, net income was $79.2 million ($1.12 per diluted
share).
Leading the company's earnings improvement, the UK/Europe business unit recorded
a better than four fold improvement as compared to prior year bringing its
operating earnings to $7.7 million. In the US, the Company's business unit
reported a 13% improvement in operating earnings, while in Canada, earnings rose
by 11% excluding one-time costs.
MANAGEMENT COMMENTS
"These strong results set a new benchmark for our management team," said Weise,
"and I believe that 2004 is bursting with opportunities for the Company to
achieve new heights in the year ahead."
Weise also discussed the recently announced acquisition of certain of the assets
of North Carolina's Quality Beverage Brands, L.L.C., a move expected to enhance
Cott's capabilities and expand its customer base in the Mid Atlantic region, he
said. The acquisition, which includes long-term manufacturing agreements with
QBB's related company, Independent Beverage Corporation, is expected to add new
customers to Cott as well as approximately $45 million in annual sales.
John K. Sheppard, named president and chief operating officer in July 2003,
added, "As our 2003 results indicate, opportunities beckon in the United Kingdom
and Mexico, and in North America where we are strengthening the coordination of
plants and marketing programs that link the United States and Canada. Cott
people can take pride in special recognition of the Company over the past year.
Noteworthy was the Canadian CEO of the Year award presented to Frank Weise which
honors the achievements of everyone who works for Cott."
Last year, at Weise's request, Cott's Board of Directors agreed to reduce his
base salary to $1 for 2004 and redirected his pay to a scholarship fund for
dependents of Cott employees.
Commenting further on the year ahead, Weise repeated the Company's previously
announced guidance. Sales growth of 10% to 12% is anticipated, with EBITDA
expected to be between $218 and $222 million (see below for discussion of
EBITDA) and earnings per diluted share expected to be in the range of $1.18 to
$1.22. Capital spending is expected to be approximately $55 million.
***
CONFERENCE CALL
Cott will host a conference call today, Thursday, January 29th 2004, at
approximately 12:00 pm ET to discuss fourth quarter and year-end financial
results.
5
For those who wish to listen to the presentation, there is a listen-only dial-in
telephone line, which can be accessed as follows:
North America: 800-814-4861
International: 416-640-1907
WEBCAST
To access the conference call over the Internet, investors, analysts and the
public in general are invited to visit Cott's website at http://www.cott.com at
least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install any necessary
audio/video software. For those who are unable to access the live broadcasts, a
replay will be available at Cott's website following the Conference Call through
12:00 noon ET on Thursday February 5, 2004. Fourth quarter and year end 2003
supplementary financial information for the conference call is available in
Investor Relations/Financial Reports section of Cott's website.
ABOUT COTT CORPORATION
Cott Corporation is the world's largest retailer brand soft drink supplier, with
the leading take home carbonated soft drink market shares in this segment in its
core markets of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
NON-GAAP MEASURE
EBITDA is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest, income
taxes, depreciation, amortization and unusual items. Although it is not a
recognized measure of performance under U.S. GAAP, EBITDA is presented because
it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to incur and
service indebtedness. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to
income from continuing operations, net income, cash flows from operations or any
other indicator of Cott's performance or liquidity, determined in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. A table reconciling EBITDA with appropriate GAAP financial
statement measures is included as an exhibit to this release.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting management's
current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic
performance, financial condition and achievements of the Company.
Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance,
are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ
materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the
Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions, and include,
without limitation, stability of procurement costs for raw and packaging
materials, adverse weather conditions, competitive activities by national,
regional and retailer brand beverage manufacturers, the Company's ability to
develop new products that appeal to consumer tastes, the Company's ability to
identify acquisition candidates, successfully consummate acquisitions and
integrate acquired businesses into its operations, fluctuations in currency
versus the U.S. dollar, the uncertainties of litigation, loss of key customers
and retailers' continued commitment to their retailer brand beverage programs.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
COTT CONTACTS
Media Relations
Michelle Farley Tel: (416) 203-5613
Investor Relations
Edmund O'Keeffe Tel: (416) 203-5617
6
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS, US GAAP)
UNAUDITED
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- --------------------------
JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28,
2004 2002 2004 2002(1)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
SALES $ 344.6 $ 280.3 $ 1,417.8 $ 1,198.6
Cost of sales 276.2 227.3 1,141.0 965.7
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
GROSS PROFIT 68.4 53.0 276.8 232.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses 32.9 26.6 126.1 110.2
Unusual items 2.6 -- 1.8 --
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 32.9 26.4 148.9 122.7
Other expense (income), net (0.3) 0.8 0.5 14.0
Interest expense, net 6.4 7.5 27.5 32.9
Minority interest 1.1 0.5 3.2 2.1
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY LOSS 25.7 17.6 117.7 73.7
Income taxes (9.0) (5.7) (40.1) (24.4)
Equity loss (0.1) (0.2) (0.2) (0.6)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 16.6 11.7 77.4 48.7
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle -- -- -- (44.8)
--------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET INCOME $ 16.6 $ 11.7 $ 77.4 $ 3.9
========= ========== ========== ===========
VOLUME - 8 OZ EQUIVALENT CASES 244.1 191.9 1,012.5 814.9
INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC
Income from continuing operations $ 0.24 $ 0.17 $ 1.12 $ 0.75
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (0.69)
Net income $ 0.24 $ 0.17 $ 1.12 $ 0.06
INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED
Income from continuing operations $ 0.23 $ 0.17 $ 1.09 $ 0.69
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (0.64)
Net income $ 0.23 $ 0.17 $ 1.09 $ 0.06
- ------------
(1) Revised to reflect the implementation of SFAS 145, which no longer allows
early debt redemption costs to be recorded as extraordinary items.
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 2
SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME INFORMATION
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS, US GAAP)
UNAUDITED
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- -------------------------------------------
REVISED AS REPORTED
JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, DECEMBER 28,
2004 2002 2004 2002(1) 2002(2)
---------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
SALES $ 344.6 $ 280.3 $ 1,417.8 $ 1,198.6 $ 1,198.6
Cost of sales 276.2 227.3 1,141.0 965.7 965.7
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
GROSS PROFIT 68.4 53.0 276.8 232.9 232.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses 32.9 26.6 126.1 110.2 110.2
Unusual items 2.6 -- 1.8 -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
OPERATING INCOME 32.9 26.4 148.9 122.7 122.7
Other expense (income), net (0.3) 0.8 0.5 14.0(3) (0.1)(3)
Interest expense, net 6.4 7.5 27.5 32.9 32.9
Minority interest 1.1 0.5 3.2 2.1 2.1
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY LOSS 25.7 17.6 117.7 73.7 87.8
Income taxes (9.0) (5.7) (40.1) (24.4)(3) (28.9)(3)
Equity loss (0.1) (0.2) (0.2) (0.6) (0.6)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 16.6 11.7 77.4 48.7 58.3
Extraordinary item -- -- -- -- (9.6)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle -- -- -- (44.8) (44.8)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
NET INCOME $ 16.6 $ 11.7 $ 77.4 $ 3.9 $ 3.9
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
VOLUME - 8 OZ EQUIVALENT CASES 244.1 191.9 1,012.5 814.9 814.9
INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC
Income from continuing operations $ 0.24 $ 0.17 $ 1.12 $ 0.75 $ 0.89
Extraordinary item $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (0.15)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (0.69) $ (0.69)
Net income $ 0.24 $ 0.17 $ 1.12 $ 0.06 $ 0.06
INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - DILUTED
Income from continuing operations $ 0.23 $ 0.17 $ 1.09 $ 0.69 $ 0.83
Extraordinary item $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (0.14)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle $ -- $ -- $ -- $ (0.64) $ (0.64)
Net income $ 0.23 $ 0.17 $ 1.09 $ 0.06 $ 0.06
- ------------
(1) Revised to reflect the implementation of SFAS 145, which no longer allows
early debt redemption costs to be recorded as extraordinary items.
(2) As reported in January 2003 and based on U.S. GAAP in effect at that time.
(3) As a result of SFAS 145, other expense has been increased by $14.1 million
and income taxes have been reduced by $4.5 million, decreasing income from
continuing operations by $9.6 million or $0.14 per diluted share.
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS, US GAAP)
UNAUDITED
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- --------------------------
JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28,
2004 2002 2004 2002(1)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Income from continuing operations $ 16.6 $ 11.7 $ 77.4 $ 48.7
Depreciation and amortization 13.1 11.8 51.0 44.1
Amortization of financing fees 0.2 0.4 1.7 1.7
Deferred income taxes (0.5) 1.5 9.6 5.3
Minority interest 1.1 0.5 3.2 2.1
Equity loss 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.6
Gain on disposal of investment -- -- -- (1.3)
Other non-cash items 3.2 0.9 3.4 5.9
Net change in non-cash working capital from
continuing operations 0.7 2.6 (3.8) (16.5)
------- ------- -------- --------
Cash provided by operating activities 34.5 29.6 142.7 90.6
------- ------- -------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment (14.2) (14.1) (49.1) (41.2)
Acquisitions and equity investments (50.3) -- (49.8) (30.6)
Notes receivable -- -- (2.5) --
Other -- (2.6) (0.4) (0.5)
------- ------- -------- --------
Cash used in investing activities (64.5) (16.7) (101.8) (72.3)
------- ------- -------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments of long-term debt (2.0) (8.6) (90.2) (287.2)
Payment of deferred consideration on acquisition -- (19.5) -- (19.5)
Issue of long-term debt -- 0.5 -- 1.0
Short-term borrowings 36.1 4.7 55.8 (12.9)
Decrease in cash in trust -- -- -- 297.3
Distributions to subsidiary minority shareowner (1.3) (0.5) (4.1) (3.9)
Issue of common shares 5.6 0.6 12.3 5.8
Other (0.1) (0.2) (0.4) (0.2)
------- ------- -------- --------
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 38.3 (23.0) (26.6) (19.6)
------- ------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 0.7 0.2 0.8 0.7
------- ------- -------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 9.0 (9.9) 15.1 (0.6)
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 9.4 13.2 3.3 3.9
------- ------- -------- --------
CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 18.4 $ 3.3 $ 18.4 $ 3.3
======= ======= ======== ========
- ------------
(1) Revised to reflect the implementation of SFAS 145, which no longer allows
early debt redemption costs to be recorded as extraordinary items.
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 4
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS, US GAAP)
UNAUDITED
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- ------------------------------------------
REVISED AS REPORTED
JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, DECEMBER 28,
2004 2002 2004 2002(1) 2002(2)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Income from continuing operations $ 16.6 $ 11.7 $ 77.4 $ 48.7 $ 58.3
Depreciation and amortization 13.1 11.8 51.0 44.1 44.1
Amortization of financing fees 0.2 0.4 1.7 1.7 1.7
Deferred income taxes (0.5) 1.5 9.6 5.3 9.8
Minority interest 1.1 0.5 3.2 2.1 2.1
Equity loss 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.6
Gain on disposal of investment -- -- -- (1.3) (1.3)
Other non-cash items 3.2 0.9 3.4 5.9 2.4
Net change in non-cash working capital from
continuing operations 0.7 2.6 (3.8) (16.5) (16.5)
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Cash provided by continuing operations 34.5 29.6 142.7 90.6 101.2
Cash cost of redemption of long-term debt -- -- -- -- (10.6)
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Cash provided by operating activities 34.5 29.6 142.7 90.6 90.6
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment (14.2) (14.1) (49.1) (41.2) (41.2)
Acquisitions and equity investments (50.3) -- (49.8) (30.6) (30.6)
Notes receivable -- -- (2.5) -- --
Other -- (2.6) (0.4) (0.5) (0.5)
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Cash used in investing activities (64.5) (16.7) (101.8) (72.3) (72.3)
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments of long-term debt (2.0) (8.6) (90.2) (287.2) (287.2)
Payment of deferred consideration on acquisition -- (19.5) -- (19.5) (19.5)
Issue of long-term debt -- 0.5 -- 1.0 1.0
Short-term borrowings 36.1 4.7 55.8 (12.9) (12.9)
Decrease in cash in trust -- -- -- 297.3 297.3
Distributions to subsidiary minority shareowner (1.3) (0.5) (4.1) (3.9) (3.9)
Issue of common shares 5.6 0.6 12.3 5.8 5.8
Other (0.1) (0.2) (0.4) (0.2) (0.2)
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities 38.3 (23.0) (26.6) (19.6) (19.6)
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 0.7 0.2 0.8 0.7 0.7
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 9.0 (9.9) 15.1 (0.6) (0.6)
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 9.4 13.2 3.3 3.9 3.9
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
CASH, END OF PERIOD $ 18.4 $ 3.3 $ 18.4 $ 3.3 $ 3.3
======= ======= ======== ======== ========
- ------------
(1) Revised to reflect the implementation of SFAS 145, which no longer allows
early debt redemption costs to be recorded as extraordinary items.
(2) As reported in January 2003 and based on U.S. GAAP in effect at that time.
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 5
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS, US GAAP)
UNAUDITED AUDITED
JANUARY 3, 2004 DECEMBER 28, 2002(1)
--------------- --------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash $ 18.4 $ 3.3
Accounts receivable 148.8 136.2
Inventories 94.4 78.0
Prepaid expenses and other 5.5 7.2
-------- --------
267.1 224.7
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 314.3 273.0
GOODWILL 81.6 77.0
INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS 245.8 210.7
-------- --------
$ 908.8 $ 785.4
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Short-term borrowings $ 78.1 $ 21.3
Current maturities of long-term debt 3.3 16.5
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 140.5 130.0
-------- --------
221.9 167.8
LONG-TERM DEBT 275.7 339.3
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 40.5 33.5
-------- --------
538.1 540.6
MINORITY INTEREST 25.6 26.6
SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
Capital stock 267.9 248.1
Retained earnings 83.3 5.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income (6.1) (35.8)
-------- --------
345.1 218.2
-------- --------
$ 908.8 $ 785.4
======== ========
- ------------
(1) Comparative amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to
the financial statement presentation adopted in the current year.
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 6
SEGMENT INFORMATION
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS, US GAAP)
UNAUDITED
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- --------------------------
JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28,
2004 2002(1) 2004 2002(1)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
SALES
USA $ 237.6 $ 197.1 $1,016.6 $ 872.2
Canada 48.2 42.9 191.0 171.2
UK & Europe 45.9 33.6 166.6 134.3
International 12.4 6.4 42.1 20.3
Corporate & Other 0.5 0.3 1.5 0.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 344.6 $ 280.3 $1,417.8 $1,198.6
======== ======== ======== ========
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
USA $ 29.0 $ 23.8 $ 124.8 $ 110.2
Canada 4.7 5.0 17.8 17.9
UK & Europe 1.1 1.7 7.7 1.8
International 1.2 (1.2) 5.7 1.1
Corporate & Other (3.1) (2.9) (7.1) (8.3)
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 32.9 $ 26.4 $ 148.9 $ 122.7
======== ======== ======== ========
- ------------
(1) Comparative amounts in the prior year have been reclassified to conform to
the segment presentation adopted in the current year.
COTT CORPORATION EXHIBIT 7
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - NON GAAP MEASURES
(IN MILLIONS OF US DOLLARS)
UNAUDITED
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED FOR THE YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- --------------------------
JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28, JANUARY 3, DECEMBER 28,
2004 2002 2004 2002
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $ 16.6 $ 11.7 $ 77.4 $ 48.7
Depreciation and amortization 13.1 11.8 51.0 44.1
Interest expense, net 6.4 7.5 27.5 32.9
Income taxes 9.0 5.7 40.1 24.4
Debt redemption costs -- -- -- 14.1
Unusual items 2.6 -- 1.8 --
-------- -------- -------- --------
EBITDA $ 47.7 $ 36.7 $ 197.8 $ 164.2
======== ======== ======== ========
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 2005 -- GUIDANCE
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS $85 - $88
Depreciation and amortization $58
Interest expense, net $30
Income taxes $45 - $46
-----------
EBITDA $218 - $222
===========
EBITDA is defined as earnings from continuing operations before interest, income
taxes, depreciation, amortization and unusual items. Although it is not a
recognized measure of performance under U.S. GAAP, EBITDA is presented because
it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's ability to incur and
service indebtedness. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to
income from continuing operations, net income, cash flows from operations or any
other indicator of Cott's performance or liquidity, determined in accordance
with U.S. GAAP. Cott's method of calculating EBITDA may differ from methods used
by other companies and, accordingly, Cott's EBITDA may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures used by other companies.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS
This document contains forward-looking statements reflecting management's
current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic
performance, financial condition and achievements of the Company.
Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance,
are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ
materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the
Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions, and include,
without limitation, stability of procurement costs for raw and packaging
materials, adverse weather conditions, competitive activities by national,
regional and retailer brand beverage manufacturers, the Company's ability to
develop new products that appeal to consumer tastes, the Company's ability to
identify acquisition candidates, successfully consummate acquisitions and
integrate acquired businesses into its operations, fluctuations in currency
versus the U.S. dollar, the uncertainties of litigation, loss of key customers
and retailers' continued commitment to their retailer brand beverage programs.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.