Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Corp. Reports Positive Results
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 2003--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today announced results for its second
quarter ended November 1, 2003. For the quarter, the Company reported
earnings of $4.0 million, or $.22 per share, as compared to earnings
of $3.8 million, or $.21 per share, for the prior year. Revenues for
the second quarter ended November 1, 2003 were $129.4 million.
Earnings for the six-month period ended November 1, 2003 were
$12.5 million on revenues of $275.0 million, with earnings of $.68 per
share as compared to earnings of $.65 per share for the prior year.
"Often in public company disclosures, the revenues and profits do
not reveal the corporation's actual performance and real growth,"
stated Nick A. Caporella, chairman and chief executive officer. "This
is the case for us as our brands have actually grown considerably this
year...enough to 'make-up' all the discarded revenues of
non-branded sales in past comparative periods," continued Mr.
Caporella.
"BRAND DICHOTIMIZATION relative to flagship Shasta brand has
positively impacted this period with new distribution of 'Shasta
Shortz' and the forthcoming alternative no-calorie Shasta product line
will 'marquee' the term...DICHOTIMIZATION," continued Caporella.
"I am pleased to disclose that the steadfast strength of our
flavored soft-drink brands grant us advantage and opportunity to
'overcome' the challenges of the past several reporting periods,"
concluded Mr. 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 and Six Months Ended
November 1, 2003 and October 26, 2002
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
------------------- -------------------
Nov. 1, Oct. 26, Nov. 1, Oct. 26,
2003 2002 2003 2002
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Net Sales $129,373 $127,348 $275,038 $270,225
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Net Income $4,021 $3,843 $12,471 $11,894
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Net Income Per Share:
Basic $.22 $.21 $.68 $.65
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Diluted $.21 $.20 $.65 $.62
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Average Common Shares
Outstanding:
Basic 18,427 18,396 18,422 18,396
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted 19,069 19,033 19,069 19,046
========= ========= ========= =========
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