Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Corp. Reports 'Winter' Results
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2005--National Beverage
Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today announced results for its third quarter and nine-month
period ended January 29, 2005. For the nine months, sales were $374.9 million
with earnings of $13.6 million, or $.35 per share. For the comparable period in
the prior year, sales were $382.1 million and earnings were $13.8 million, or
$.36 per share. For the third quarter ended January 29, 2005, sales totaled
$103.5 million with earnings of $.6 million or $.02 per share.
"Revenues did not meet the target and, further, decreased by 1.9% for the
like nine-month period in FY2004. This was the result of a significant decline
in the allied branded portion of our business and the volume shortfall due to
pricing to recapture cost increases. The performance of our flavored soft-drink
brands was strong enough to almost totally offset the allied brand decline,"
stated Nick A. Caporella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"This allied branded decline was the result of circumstances not related to
any responsibility of our Company," Caporella continued.
"Our third quarter is always affected by weather. This one had cold
weather, high-energy costs, raw material increases and consumer spending
woes...certainly not the most ideal conditions. Notwithstanding the 132
continuous months of sustained profitability...and the current war, with its
collateral effects, we certainly are not pleased with these results," Caporella
continued.
"Our excellent balance sheet and our recognized flavored soft-drink
presence will continue to enhance our future and the future of our employees and
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 Three Months and Nine Months Ended
January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
----------------------- -----------------------
January 29, January 31, January 29, January 31,
2005 2004 2005 2004
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Sales $103,511 $107,026 $374,881 $382,064
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Net Income $586 $1,356 $13,562 $13,827
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Net Income Per Share:
Basic $.02 $.04 $.36 $.38
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted $.02 $.04 $.35 $.36
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Average Common Shares
Outstanding:
Basic 37,578 36,876 37,571 36,855
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted 38,266 38,163 38,257 38,146
=========== =========== =========== ===========
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