Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Corp. Reports FY2004 Earnings; Anticipates FY2005 Results
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 20, 2004--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today announced sales of $512.1 million and
earnings of $18.7 million, or $.51 per share, for the fiscal year
ended May 1, 2004. For the prior year, which included 53 weeks, sales
were $500.4 million, with earnings of $17.6 million or $.48 per share.
"If one could measure our Company's prognosis, as a master chef
professionally monitors delicately prepared cuisine, the instrument
would read ...OPPORTUNISTICALLY PERFECT!" stated Nick A. Caporella,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are at the most prospective
time of our existence and the anticipated performance resulting from
Team National's conditioning, beverage basket contents, market/trade
response and corporate philosophy, will generate opportunities
producing more significant revenue and margin growth," continued
Caporella.
"We agree that the moderate growth of the last couple of years was
the cost of preparation and now...a new organic growth is underway.
The brand dichotomization/demographic strategy has produced Oooh
Shasta, a 0-carb, 0-sugar, 0-calorie beverage, Shasta Shortz, made
just for kids, and the recently announced 'Rip-It', an energy fuel
that has no rival in taste, size and boost," Caporella stated.
"The dynamics for our future results are now in motion and FY2005
will surely provide our best year's performance since the Company was
formed," he continued. "Additionally, our most recent stock and cash
dividends attest to our long-proclaimed commitment to serve, protect
and provide to our shareholders," 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), LaCroix(R) and Rip-It(R).
Fun & Flavor...the National Beverage Way
National Beverage Corp.
Consolidated Results for the Fiscal Year Ended
May 1, 2004 and May 3, 2003
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Fiscal Year Ended
-------------------
May 1, May 3,
2004 2003
--------- ---------
Net Sales $512,061 $500,430
========= =========
Net Income $18,691 $17,589
========= =========
Net Income Per Share:
Basic $.51 $.48
========= =========
Diluted $.49 $.46
========= =========
Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic 36,937 36,800
========= =========
Diluted 38,166 38,120
========= =========
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 obligation to update the forward-looking
statements.
CONTACT: National Beverage Corp., Fort Lauderdale
Grace A. Keene, 954-581-0922