BREW Craft Brew Alliance Inc

Building on strong year-to-date financial performance, CBA tightens guidance and updates SG&A spend

Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. (“CBA”) (Nasdaq: BREW), a leading craft brewing company, today announced financial results for the third quarter and year-to-date ended September 30, 2018. Third quarter results include 9% depletions growth for Kona, as well as continued progress leveraging our improved business fundamentals to develop a strong portfolio for tomorrow as evidenced by the recently announced acquisitions of our three regional partner brands, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Cisco Brewers, and Wynwood Brewing Co.

As a result of strong year-to-date financial performance in line with management’s expectations, including accelerated depletions growth for Kona, a 200-basis-point expansion in gross margin, and a $0.15 increase in EPS, we are tightening full-year guidance and updating our selling, general & administrative (SG&A) expense and income tax rate. We now anticipate higher SG&A spend to reflect incremental marketing programs to fuel Kona’s momentum and ongoing innovation initiatives, as well as costs related to our partner acquisitions.

Accelerating Kona’s Growth in the Third Quarter

Kona delivered robust 9% depletions growth in the third quarter, after growing 7% in the second quarter and 3% in the first quarter, improving the year-to-date trend to a 7% increase in depletions. Kona’s momentum was driven by flagship Big Wave Golden Ale, which grew total depletions by 30% in the third quarter, and is particularly remarkable amidst increased headwinds in today’s fast-changing market. Successful testing of incremental marketing programming in key mainland markets, including Florida, also drove Kona’s accelerated performance in the third quarter.

Reshaping our Portfolio for Tomorrow

As part of our Kona Plus strategy to support Kona with strong regional brands in key markets, we took steps to round out our portfolio, culminating with the October 10, 2018 announcement that we are acquiring our three partner brands, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Cisco Brewers, and Wynwood Brewing Co. Year-to-date, these brands have achieved a combined 18% increase in depletions over the same period last year. Looking forward, we plan to increase investment behind these brands to further bolster their contribution and overall value to CBA.

Unlocking Kona’s Potential in Brazil with Local Production and Marketing

Building on a successful 18-month ecommerce pilot with Ambev in Brazil, we committed to a comprehensive business plan to grow Kona in the world’s third largest beer market with an initial focus in Rio de Janeiro. The plan includes dedicated local commercial resources and increased marketing, as well as local production of Kona to ensure reliability of supply, freshness of beer, and improved sustainability throughout the value chain. With this plan, Rio will become the lead market in Brazil, serving as a template for future international markets.

Investing in the Future through Innovation

In the third quarter, we continued to invest in exploring new opportunities for future topline growth through our ongoing consumer research projects with the Yale Center for Consumer Insights and global consultancy Prophet, as well as our test-and-learn beverage initiative called the pH Experiment. While the research projects are ongoing, our initial learnings continue to broaden our view of today’s changing consumer landscape and inform potential evolution of our business model and portfolio in 2019 and beyond.

Third quarter and year-to-date 2018 financial highlights:

• Third quarter net sales decreased by 6.6% to $52.9 million, primarily driven by lower shipment volume compared to the third quarter in 2017.
  • Year-to-date net sales increased slightly to $162.2 million due to improvements in pricing, alternating proprietorship fees, and lower excise tax rates. The increase was partially offset by lower mainland brewpub sales and the absence of a one-time $1.7 million contract brewing shortfall fee that occurred in the first part of 2017.
• Third quarter total CBA depletions decreased by 1%, improving the year-to-date trend to a decrease of 2% compared to the same period a year ago. The decrease in total depletions for the third quarter and year-to-date primarily reflects declines in Widmer Brothers and Redhook, offset by continued accelerated growth for Kona.
  • Third quarter depletions for portfolio cornerstone Kona grew 9% compared to the third quarter in 2017, driving an improved 7% depletions increase year-to-date, over the same period a year ago.
• Third quarter shipments decreased by 5.8% and increased slightly by 0.2% year-to-date.
  • The evolution in year-to-date shipments was anticipated and reflects our supply chain team’s continued work to better align shipments with depletions while maintaining optimal inventory levels.
• Third quarter gross profit decreased by 14% to $16.7 million, while year-to-date gross profit increased by 7%, to $53.9 million, over the comparable periods last year. The year-to-date increase was primarily driven by improved revenue rates and cost of goods sold per barrel, partially offset by decreases in brewpub performance.
  • Beer gross margin was 34.8% in the third quarter, a decrease of 330 basis points compared to the third quarter in 2017, primarily due to lower fixed cost absorption as a result of lower shipment volumes. Gross margin for the quarter was also negatively impacted by a change in mix of shipments from more profitable owned brands to less profitable alternating proprietorship and contract brewing volume. These factors were partially offset by a reduction in beer loss and the removal of fixed costs associated with the closure of our Woodinville facility.
    • Year-to-date beer gross margin was 36.8%, an expansion of 220 basis points over the comparable 2017 period, primarily reflecting an increase in net sales and a reduction in cost of goods sold due to increased shipments out of Fort Collins and improved brewery operations, including the elimination of Woodinville as a fixed cost, partially off-set by an increase in contract shipments and higher fuel costs.
  • Total CBA gross margin was 31.6% in the third quarter, a decrease of 260 basis points, compared to the third quarter in 2017. The third quarter gross margin decrease reflects higher cost of goods sold due to lower fixed cost absorption from lower shipment volumes, and lower brewpub gross margins as a result of lower sales in our mainland brewpubs.
    • Year-to-date gross margin was 33.2%, an increase of 200 basis points over the comparable nine-month period in 2017, reflecting improved beer gross margins, offset by lower brewpub gross margins.
• Third quarter SG&A was $16.7 million, a slight increase over the third quarter of 2017, primarily reflecting increased creative and media investments and initial legal and transaction costs related to our partner acquisitions, partially offset by a decrease in administrative costs.
  • Year-to-date SG&A was $47.3 million, essentially flat compared to the same period last year, as we actively reallocated funds away from general and administrative towards market-facing initiatives.
• Diluted net income per share was $0.00 for the third quarter, a decrease of $0.09 compared to the third quarter in 2017.
  • Year to date, diluted net income per share was $0.24, an increase of $0.15 over the same period last year.

“We accomplished a lot in the third quarter – from continuing to accelerate Kona, to bringing our partner acquisitions to the finish line, to maintaining close control of our operations – and I’m proud of our team for their continued focus on achieving these milestones,” said Andy Thomas, chief executive officer, CBA. “While our third quarter results were largely in line with our expectations, they nevertheless reflect the increasing costs and challenges of competing in today’s crowded market.”

Tightened Year-End Financial Guidance

Based on our solid year-to-date performance, we are updating and tightening our guidance as follows:

• Total depletions and shipments ranging between a decline of 1% and an increase of 1%, reflecting continued progress in harmonizing our supply chain.
• Average price increases of 2% to 3%, reflecting improvements in revenue management and lower federal excise taxes.
• Total gross margin rate of 33.0% to 34.0%, reflecting increases in net revenue per barrel, continued improvements in brewery operations, lower fixed overhead, and ongoing efforts to stabilize pub operations.
• SG&A expense ranging from $62 million to $63 million, as we continue to reinvest cost savings into our brands and expand our consumer and trade marketing programming.
• Capital expenditures of $16 million to $17 million. Due to variability in the timing of certain significant progress payments related to construction of the new 100,000-barrel Kona brewery, there could be a shift of up to $6 million from this year into 2019.
• Effective tax rate of 25.5%, a decrease of 250 basis points from the previously communicated tax rate guidance, primarily as a result of the IRS’s clarification that certain business expenses continue to qualify for a 50% deduction for income tax purposes.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release that state the Company’s or management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future, including depletions, shipments and sales growth, price increases, and gross margin rate improvement, the level and effect of SG&A expense and business development, anticipated capital spending, our effective income tax rate, and the benefits or improvements to be realized from strategic initiatives and capital projects, are forward-looking statements. It is important to note that the Company’s actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the Company’s report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Copies of these documents may be found on the Company’s website, www.craftbrew.com, or obtained by contacting the Company or the SEC.

About Craft Brew Alliance

CBA is an independent craft brewing company that brews, brands, and brings to market world-class American craft beers.

Our distinctive portfolio combines the power of Kona Brewing Company, a dynamic, fast-growing national craft beer brand, with strong regional breweries and innovative lifestyle brands Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Cisco Brewers, Omission Brewing Co., Redhook Brewery, Square Mile Cider Co., Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Wynwood Brewing Co. CBA nurtures the growth and development of its brands in today’s increasingly competitive beer market through our state-of-the-art brewing and distribution capability, integrated sales and marketing infrastructure, and strong focus on partnerships, local community and sustainability.

Formed in 2008, CBA is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and operates breweries and brewpubs across the U.S. CBA beers are available in all 50 U.S. states and 30 different countries around the world. For more information about CBA and our brands, please visit www.craftbrew.com.

            Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)  

Three Months EndedSeptember 30,

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,

  2018     2017     2018     2017     Sales $ 55,639 $ 60,040 $ 170,977 $ 171,010 Less excise taxes   2,750     3,402     8,778     9,520   Net sales 52,889 56,638 162,199 161,490 Cost of sales   36,190     37,254     108,302     111,108   Gross profit 16,699 19,384 53,897 50,382 As percentage of net sales 31.6 % 34.2 % 33.2 % 31.2 % Selling, general and administrative expenses   16,712     16,328     47,317     47,357   Operating income (loss) (13 ) 3,056 6,580 3,025 Interest expense (107 ) (179 ) (348 ) (533 ) Other income (expense), net   (13 )   (59 )   42     (46 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (133 ) 2,818 6,274 2,446 Income tax provision (benefit)   (194 )   1,067     1,600     758   Net income $ 61   $ 1,751   $ 4,674   $ 1,688     Basic and diluted net income per share: $ —   $ 0.09   $ 0.24   $ 0.09     Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic   19,370     19,296     19,338     19,278   Diluted   19,545     19,443     19,525     19,401     Total shipments (in barrels): Core Brands 186,800 205,200 566,100 572,600 Contract Brewing   9,000     2,700     21,300     13,700   Total shipments   195,800     207,900     587,400     586,300     Change in depletions (1)   -1 %   -2 %   -2 %   -1 %   (1) Change in depletions reflects the period-over-period change in barrel volume sales of beer by wholesalers to retailers.       Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (Unaudited)   September 30, 2018 2017   Current assets: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 12,156 $ 405 Accounts receivable, net 28,460 28,894 Inventory, net 17,271 17,659 Assets held for sale - 23,462 Other current assets   1,275   1,372 Total current assets 59,162 71,792 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 104,225 106,380 Goodwill 12,917 12,917 Intangible, equity method investment and other assets, net   20,244   20,925 Total assets $ 196,548 $ 212,014   Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 18,899 $ 25,088 Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes 4,749 6,170 Refundable deposits 4,029 5,477 Deferred revenue 5,335 2,985 Other accrued expenses 2,415 4,602 Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations   816   1,731 Total current liabilities 36,243 46,053 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion 9,763 23,527 Other long-term liabilities 13,910 19,996 Total common shareholders' equity   136,632   122,438 Total liabilities and common shareholders' equity $ 196,548 $ 212,014         Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited)  

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,

  2018     2017     Cash Flows From operating activities: Net income $ 4,674 $ 1,688 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 7,985 7,904 (Gain) loss on sale or disposal of Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (549 ) 164 Deferred income taxes (673 ) (168 ) Other, including stock-based compensation and impairment of assets held for sale 1,264 1,851 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net (676 ) (4,886 ) Inventories (2,905 ) 1,371 Other current assets 2,360 1,124 Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 6,872 13,096 Accrued salaries, wages and payroll taxes (1,128 ) 1,203 Refundable deposits   (560 )   (884 ) Net cash provided by operating activities 16,664 22,463 Cash Flows from investing activities: Expenditures for Property, equipment and leasehold improvements (6,216 ) (16,170 ) Proceeds from sale of Property, equipment and leasehold improvements 22,998 95 Investment in Wynwood - (2,101 ) Restricted cash from sale of Property, equipment and leasehold improvements   515     -   Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 17,297 (18,176 ) Cash Flows from financing activities: Principal payments on debt and capital lease obligations (520 ) (483 ) Net repayments under revolving line of credit (22,199 ) (3,922 ) Proceeds from issuances of common stock 427 98 Tax payments related to stock-based awards   (92 )   (17 ) Net cash used in financing activities   (22,384 )   (4,324 ) Increase (decrease) in Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 11,577 (37 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   579     442   Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 12,156   $ 405             Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. Select Financial Information on a Trailing Twelve Month Basis (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)  

Twelve Months EndedSeptember 30,

  2018     2017   Change % Change   Net sales $ 208,165 $ 207,294 $ 871 0.4 %   Gross profit $ 68,773 $ 63,792 $ 4,981 7.8 % As percentage of net sales 33.0 % 30.8 % 220 bps   Selling, general and administrative expenses   60,423     60,233     190   0.3 % Operating income $ 8,350   $ 3,559   $ 4,791   134.6 %   Net income $ 12,509   $ 1,764   $ 10,745   609.1 %   Income per share: Basic $ 0.65   $ 0.09   $ 0.56   622.2 % Diluted $ 0.64   $ 0.09   $ 0.55   611.1 %   Total shipments (in barrels): Core Brands 724,100 738,000 (13,900 ) (1.9 )% Contract Brewing   25,300     19,900     5,400   27.1 % Total shipments   749,400     757,900     (8,500 ) (1.1 )%   Change in depletions (1)   -2 %   -2 %   (1) Change in depletions reflects the period-over-period change in barrel volume sales of beer by wholesalers to retailers.  

Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Information

              Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (In thousands) (Unaudited)    

Three Months EndedSeptember 30,

Nine Months EndedSeptember 30,

  2018   2017   2018   2017     Net income $ 61 $ 1,751 $ 4,674 $ 1,688 Interest expense 107 179 348 533 Income tax provision (benefit) (194 ) 1,067 1,600 758 Depreciation expense 2,521 2,371 7,713 7,709 Amortization expense 77 65 272 195 Stock-based compensation 371 391 1,058 945 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets   (55 )   18   (549 )   164 Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,888   $ 5,842 $ 15,116   $ 11,992   CBA has presented Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) in these tables to provide investors with additional information to evaluate our operating performance on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by management. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation and other non-cash charges, including net gain or loss on disposal of property, equipment and leasehold improvements. We use Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, to evaluate operating performance, to plan and forecast future periods’ operating performance, and as an incentive compensation target for certain management personnel.   As Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of operating performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), this measure should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance, or net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as an indicator of liquidity. The use of Adjusted EBITDA instead of net income (loss) has limitations as an analytical tool, including the inability to determine profitability; the exclusion of interest expense and associated cash requirements, given the level of our indebtedness; and the exclusion of depreciation and amortization which represent significant and unavoidable operating costs, given the capital expenditures needed to maintain our operations. We compensate for these limitations by relying on GAAP results. Our computation of Adjusted EBITDA may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. As Adjusted EBITDA excludes certain financial information compared with net income (loss) and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are excluded. The table above shows a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss).

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Craft Brew AllianceJenny McLean, 503-331-7248Director of Communicationsjenny.mclean@craftbrew.com