Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Corp. Posts Largest Third Quarter Results
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2006--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today reported its financial results for the
third quarter ended January 28, 2006. Compared to the third quarter of
the prior year:
-- Revenues grew 6% to $109.6 million;
-- Earnings per Share increased to $.06 from $.02;
-- Cash Dividend of $1.00 was paid January 27, 2006;
-- Common Stock 5-year yield return of 124%, includes $2.00 in
cash dividends.(a)
"I am pleased to announce one of the strongest winter quarters in
our company's history. Even excluding the $.02 per share effect of the
previously disclosed sweetener settlement, significant growth of our
Rip It energy beverage line and strong results for our LaCroix premium
waters plus our flagship Shasta flavor line growth...drove impressive
top line and operating income performance," stated Nick A. Caporella,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"Our recently introduced Rip It and PowerBlast energy powders have
created much excitement in the industry," continued Mr. Caporella.
"National Beverage will be first with coast-to-coast distribution of
these unique --'to go' powdered energy fuel and vitamin enhancers!"
"Our strategy to develop higher-margin products marketed within
special distribution channels, and maintaining pricing discipline
within our core carbonated-soft-drink business...is working,"
concluded Mr. Caporella.
National Beverage is a TOTAL BEVERAGE COMPANY that produces energy
drinks and powders, 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 and Vitality . . . the National Beverage Way
National Beverage Corp.
Consolidated Results for the Three Months and Nine Months Ended
January 28, 2006 and January 29, 2005
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
----------------------- -----------------------
January 28, January 29, January 28, January 29,
2006 2005 2006 2005
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Sales $109,587 $103,511 $383,452 $374,881
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Net Income $ 2,297 $ 586 $ 16,554 $ 13,562
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Net Income Per Share:
Basic $ .06 $ .02 $ .44 $ .36
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Diluted $ .06 $ .02 $ .43 $ .35
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Average Common Shares
Outstanding:
Basic 37,860 37,578 37,728 37,571
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted 38,325 38,266 38,283 38,257
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(a) Based on closing stock price on January 31, 2006 vs. January 31,
2001.
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