Exhibit 99.1
National Beverage Reports Strong Mid-Year
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2006--National
Beverage Corp. (AMEX:FIZ) today reported financial results for its
second quarter ended October 28, 2006.
Compared to the second quarter of the prior year:
-- Revenues grew to $135.8 million;
-- Operating income increased 24% to $8.6 million;
-- Earnings per share improved 25% to $.15, up from $.12.
For the six months ended October 28, 2006:
-- Revenues grew $12.1 million to $286.0 million;
-- Excluding the sweetener settlement received in the prior year,
operating income increased 54% to $23.4 million;(a)
-- Comparable earnings per share increased to $.41 from $.26.(a)
"The second quarter was again led by the explosive growth of Rip
It energy drinks and continued gains by our LaCroix premium water line
and portfolio of juice products," stated Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, Nick A. Caporella. "The softness for traditional carbonated
soft drinks, although quite challenging, has the whole industry
refocused on 'real value' for the consumer's preferences."
"Our enthusiasm is particularly 'fueled' by a number of innovative
products that we will soon make available to provide energy and
nutrition to active consumers throughout the country," continued Mr.
Caporella. "Several new innovative products are set to roll out in
early calendar 2007. The new NutraFizz line of effervescent tablets
will certainly excite the consumer."
"With industry experts expecting energy drink sales to triple over
the next five years, we are optimistic that Chic, our newest energy
drink developed by women for women, and FREEK, the 'evil' energy fuel
recently introduced exclusively for direct-store-distribution
channels, will follow the growth trajectory of Rip It," concluded Mr.
Caporella.
National Beverage is a UNIQUE BEVERAGE COMPANY that innovates and
produces energy drinks, 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), Rip It(R) , Rip It Chic(TM) and
FREEK (TM) .
Fun, Flavor and Vitality . . . the National Beverage Way
National Beverage Corp.
Consolidated Results for the Three Months and Six Months Ended
October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
----------------------- -----------------------
October 28, October 29, October 28, October 29,
2006 2005 2006 2005
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Sales $135,818 $131,502 $285,954 $273,865
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Net Income $5,749 $4,574 $15,508 $14,257
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Comparable Net
Income $15,508 $9,809 (a)
=========== ===========
Comparable Net
Income Per Share:
Basic $.41 $.26 (a)
=========== ===========
Diluted $.40 $.26 (a)
=========== ===========
Net Income Per
Share:
Basic $.15 $.12 $.41 $.38
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted $.15 $.12 $.40 $.37
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Average Common
Shares
Outstanding:
Basic 38,131 37,705 38,121 37,662
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted 38,385 38,266 38,382 38,263
=========== =========== =========== ===========
(a) Comparable Net Income and Comparable Net Income per Share are non-
GAAP measures which exclude the previously disclosed sweetener
litigation settlement of $7.162 million ($4.448 million after tax
benefit, or $.12 per basic share) that was received in the first
quarter of fiscal year 2006. This non-GAAP financial information is
provided to assist investors in understanding business trends and
items that are not necessarily indicative of ongoing results. Non-
GAAP measures are used by management to evaluate performance, but are
supplements to, and not alternatives for, results reported in
accordance with GAAP.
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
and risk factors 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