FIZZ National Beverage Corporation

National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: FIZZ) today announced progress of its recently adopted ‘Stimulus’ action plan and released financial results for its third quarter ended January 25, 2020:

• Net sales were $223 million, an increase of 1% from the prior year;
• Gross margin was 36.8% of sales, also improved from the prior year;
• Earnings per share was $ .57, an increase of 7% from the prior year; and

Cash was $262 million, an increase of $105 million for the nine months.

Stimulus Action Results:

“The numbers reflect the effects of a strategy that generated increased momentum of brand LaCroix. LaCroix has returned to positive growth in a much different sparkling water category that existed prior to October 2018, when litigation slowed the growth of LaCroix, which also affected the growth of the total sparkling water category.

These third quarter financial results clearly state that LaCroix retained its distinction as the leader of the premium sparkling water category in North America. While sparkling water category growth has slowed from October 2018, the vitality of LaCroix as the masthead of the sparkling water category remains ‘authentic’.

Components of our Stimulus Action:

• Volume
• Operating Margin
• Capacity
• Innovation
• Cash Flow
• Healthy Functionality

Recent Information:

• February 19, 2020 – LaCroix Victorious in Litigation . . . Claims Retracted http://ir.nationalbeverage.com/static-files/921b1264-8d34-4859-ad6a-995f3443119e

• March 4, 2020 – LaCroix’s Spring Taste Is . . . UP!! http://ir.nationalbeverage.com/static-files/439dcdbf-9f79-4b71-9a4d-69ec321e1d42

Our stimulus action is producing similar positive results all across our brands of carbonated soft drinks, juices and sparkling waters. Two new LaCroix flavors, LimonCello and Pastèque (Watermelon), are currently being launched nationwide. We are excited about these two new flavors and, according to early indications, so are our consumers. We remain extremely passionate about our future and strongly believe progress is rapidly advancing toward innovative growth opportunities for functional, healthier, hydration beverages,” stated a company spokesperson.

National Beverage Corp. Consolidated Results for the Periods Ended January 25, 2020 and January 26, 2019   (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Jan. 25, 2020 Jan. 26, 2019 Jan. 25, 2020 Jan. 26, 2019   Net Sales

$

222,814

$

220,891

$

737,993

$

774,190

  Net Income

$

26,563

$

24,809

$

93,759

$

114,717

  Earnings Per Common Share Basic

$

.57

$

.53

$

2.01

$

2.46

Diluted

$

.57

$

.53

$

2.00

$

2.44

  Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic

 

46,600

 

46,638

 

46,633

 

46,628

Diluted

 

46,802

 

46,934

 

46,853

 

46,927

    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the Company's Securities and ExchangeCommission filings which may cause actual results or achievements to differ from the results or achievements expressed or implied bysuch statements. The Company disclaims an obligation to update or announce revisions to any forward-looking statements.

 

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Office of the Chairman Grace Keene 877-NBC-FIZZ