Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Corp. Reports Mid-Year Results
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 14, 2004--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today announced results for its second
quarter and six-month period ended October 30, 2004. For the six
months, sales were $271.4 million with earnings of $13.0 million, or
$.35 per share. For the comparable period in the prior year, sales
were $275.0 million and earnings were $12.5 million, or $.34 per
share. For the second quarter ended October 30, 2004, sales totaled
$124.9 million with earnings of $4.1 million or $.11 per share.
"The extreme challenges over the past year with war - economic
uncertainties, hurricanes and the general state of consumer anxiety
has produced a softness in the traditional carbonated soft drink
industry," stated Nick A. Caporella, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer.
"Our Company, while affected, has more agility at its disposal due
to the hybrid makeup of its operations. We are not totally dependent
on cola, dominant packaging or one soft-drink brand and thus...
have the distinctive advantage of diversification within our TOTAL
BEVERAGE COMPANY to sustain us during this 'soft' period," Caporella
continued.
"Comments previously made concerning our 'performance' for FY 2005
as the possible best in our Company's history... in many ways still
stands, but 'never before circumstances' and historically high oil
prices did and will affect financial results," Caporella stated.
"Performance of the Company's brands and the Rip It(R) energy-fuel
product introduction are very much on track, but did not offset
'allied branded' declines. We will focus on additional pricing
initiatives, new higher-margin product launches and more stringent
criteria on the 'allied branded' business. 'Opportunistically sound'
and armed for the challenges ahead is our 'mission call today',"
concluded Caporella.
National Beverage is a TOTAL BEVERAGE COMPANY that 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 Three Months and Six Months Ended
October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
----------------------- -----------------------
October 30, November 1, October 30, November 1,
2004 2003 2004 2003
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Sales $124,858 $129,373 $271,370 $275,038
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Net Income $4,120 $4,021 $12,976 $12,471
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Net Income Per Share:
Basic $.11 $.11 $.35 $.34
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted $.11 $.11 $.34 $.33
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Average Common
Shares Outstanding:
Basic 37,574 36,854 37,567 36,844
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted 38,240 38,138 38,252 38,138
=========== =========== =========== ===========
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