Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Corp. Reports First Quarter Profits
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 2003--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today announced results for its first
quarter ended August 2, 2003. For the quarter, sales were $145.7
million with earnings of $8.5 million, or $.46 per share. This
compares to sales of $142.9 million with earnings of $8.1 million, or
$.44 per share, for the prior year.
Additional revenue growth for the quarter was curtailed by cooler
temperatures and inclement conditions, along with delayed new product
introductions.
"BRAND DICHOTOMIZATION/DEMOGRAPHICS will be a new revolutionary
description for National Beverage's future," stated Nick A. Caporella,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Witness what is occurring
relative to Shasta's new...'Shasta Shortz', a kids' beverage in a
kid can(TM) created by kids. We are very fortunate that our brands,
with their flavor -- quality heritage as family hallmarks, can stretch
across the age spectrum," he continued.
"Bad Shasta Rita, our new lime soda for the Hispanic mom to
entertain the family at dinner...is another example of our brand
dichotomization opportunity," concluded Caporella.
National Beverage produces soft drinks, bottled waters, juices and
juice products and is highly recognized for a line of refreshing
flavors through its popular brands: Shasta(R), Faygo(R), Ritz(R),
Everfresh(R), Mr. Pure(R) and LaCroix(R).
Fun & Flavor...the National Beverage Way
National Beverage Corp.
Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended
August 2, 2003 and July 27, 2002
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
-------------------
August 2, July 27,
2003 2002
--------- ---------
Net Sales $145,665 $142,877
========= =========
Net Income $8,450 $8,051
========= =========
Net Income Per Share:
Basic $.46 $.44
========= =========
Diluted $.44 $.42
========= =========
Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic 18,417 18,395
========= =========
Diluted 19,069 19,059
========= =========
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different
from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include
fluctuations in costs, changes in consumer preferences and other items
described in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings
and the Company undertakes no obligations to update the
forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: National Beverage Corp., Fort Lauderdale
Grace A. Keene, 954/581-0922