National Beverage - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

 

For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2008

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

8100 SW Tenth Street, Suite 4000, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33324
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(954) 581-0922
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

One North University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33324
(Former address, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of December 8, 2008 was 46,002,894.

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2008 AND MAY 3, 2008
(In thousands, except share amounts)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2008
AND OCTOBER 27, 2007
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2008 AND OCTOBER 27, 2007
(In thousands)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

National Beverage Corp. develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a complete portfolio of multi-flavored soft drinks, juice drinks, water and specialty beverages throughout the United States. Incorporated in Delaware in 1985, National Beverage Corp. is a holding company for various operating subsidiaries. When used in this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “National Beverage” mean National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. The financial statements do not include all information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results which might be expected for the entire fiscal year.

These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008.

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Inventories at November 1, 2008 are comprised of finished goods of $22,951,000 and raw materials of $19,393,000. Inventories at May 3, 2008 are comprised of finished goods of $20,913,000 and raw materials of $17,841,000.

Property consists of the following:

Depreciation expense was $2,534,000 and $4,985,000 for the three-month and six-month periods ended November 1, 2008, respectively, and $2,468,000 and $4,820,000 for the three-month and six-month periods ended October 27, 2007, respectively.

A subsidiary maintains unsecured revolving credit facilities aggregating $75 million (the “Credit Facilities”) with banks which expire through April 2013. The Credit Facilities bear interest at rates based, in part, on the amount borrowed and the earnings of the subsidiary. At November 1, 2008, interest rates ranged from LIBOR plus .3% to LIBOR plus .6% or, at the subsidiary’s election,¹/2% below the banks’ reference rate. At November 1, 2008, $2.3 million of the Credit Facilities was used for standby letters of credit and $72.7 million was available for future borrowings.

The Credit Facilities require the subsidiary to maintain certain financial ratios and contain other restrictions, none of which are expected to have a material impact on our operations or financial position. Significant financial ratios and restrictions include: fixed charge coverage; net worth ratio; and limitations on incurrence of debt. At November 1, 2008, we were in compliance with all loan covenants and approximately $25 million of retained earnings were restricted from distribution.

During the six months ended November 1, 2008, there were no options granted and options for 51,840 shares were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $4.10. At November 1, 2008, options to purchase 611,279 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $4.00 were outstanding and stock-based awards to purchase 3,239,086 shares of common stock were available for grant.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 was effective at the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year for all financial assets and liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For all other nonfinancial assets and liabilities, SFAS 157 is effective at the beginning of our 2010 fiscal year. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact related to our nonfinancial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 was effective at the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We did not apply the fair value option to any of our financial instruments; therefore, SFAS 159 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

On September 18, 2008, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with Broward County, a political subdivision of the state of Florida, regarding the continued use of leased office facilities (“Leased Premises”) owned by Broward County. The Settlement Agreement required the Company to vacate the Leased Premises on or before January 31, 2009 in exchange for monetary consideration not to exceed $1.375 million. The Company recently vacated the Leased Premises and expects to record a gain, net of expenses, from the settlement of $.5 million to $.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

National Beverage Corp. develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a complete portfolio of quality beverage products throughout the United States. Incorporated in Delaware in 1985, National Beverage Corp. is a holding company for various operating subsidiaries. In this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “National Beverage” mean National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries.

We consider ourselves to be a leader in the development and sale of flavored beverage products in the United States, offering the widest selection of flavored soft drinks, juices, sparkling waters and energy drinks. Our flavor development spans over 100 years originating with our flagship brands, Shasta^® and Faygo^®, each of which has over 50 flavor varieties. We also maintain a diverse line of flavored beverage products geared to the health-conscious consumer, including Everfresh^®,Home Juice^®, and Mr. Pure^® 100% juice and juice-based products; and LaCroix^®, Mt. Shasta^®, Crystal Bay^® and ClearFruit^® flavored, sparkling, and spring water products; and ÀSanté™ nutritionally-enhanced waters. In addition, we produce Rip It^® energy drinks, Ohana^®fruit-flavored drinks and St. Nick’s^® holiday soft drinks. Substantially all of our brands are produced in thirteen manufacturing facilities that are strategically located in major metropolitan markets throughout the continental United States. To a lesser extent, we develop and produce soft drinks for certain retailers and beverage companies (“allied brands”).

Our strategy emphasizes the growth of our products by offering a branded beverage portfolio of proprietary flavors; by supporting the franchise value of regional brands and expanding those brands with distinctive packaging and broader demographic emphasis; by developing and acquiring innovative products tailored toward healthy lifestyles; and by appealing to the “quality-price” expectations of the family consumer. We believe that the “regional share dynamics” of our brands perpetuate consumer loyalty within local regional markets, resulting in more retailer sponsored promotional activities.

Over the last several years, we have focused on increasing penetration of our brands in the convenience channel through Company-owned and independent distributors. The convenience channel consists of convenience stores, gas stations, and other smaller “up-and-down-the-street” accounts. Because of the higher retail prices and margins that typically prevail, we have undertaken several measures to expand convenience channel distribution in recent years. These include development of products specifically targeted to this market, such as ClearFruit, Crystal Bay, Rip It, ÀSanté and Sundance^®. Additionally, we have created proprietary and specialized packaging with distinctive graphics for these products. We intend to continue our focus on enhancing growth in the convenience channel through both specialized packaging and innovative product development.

Beverage industry sales are seasonal with the highest volume typically realized during the summer months. Additionally, our operating results are subject to numerous factors, including fluctuations in the costs of raw materials, changes in consumer preference for beverage products and competitive pricing in the marketplace.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 increased .6% to $144.4 million compared to $143.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The net sales increase reflects case volume growth of (i) 2.3% for the Company’s energy drinks, juices and waters and (ii) 2.1% for branded carbonated soft drinks. In addition, unit pricing increased 4.0% due to product mix and price increases instituted to recover higher raw material costs. This improvement was partially offset by a decline in allied-branded volume.

Gross profit approximated 29.4% of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 31.0% of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Gross profit was affected by higher raw material costs and lower allied-branded volume. Gross profit last year included a $.9 million business interruption insurance recovery. Cost of goods sold per unit increased approximately 6.3%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $32.9 million or 22.8% of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $34.8 million or 24.3% of net sales for last year. The decline in expenses is due to lower marketing and administrative expenses.

Other income includes interest income of $247,000 (fiscal 2009) and $378,000 (fiscal 2008). The decline in interest income is due to lower rates and a decline in average investment balances as a result of the $36.7 million cash dividend paid in August 2007.

The Company’s effective rate for income taxes, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, approximated 35.9% of income before taxes for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 and 35.5% for the comparable period in fiscal 2008. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes, nondeductible expenses and nontaxable interest income.

Net income was $6.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, which was comparable to last year.

Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2009 increased .7% to $297.3 million compared to $295.3 million for the first six months of fiscal 2008. The net sales increase reflects case volume growth of 3.8% for the Company’s energy drinks, juices and waters along with the effect of a 4.4% improvement in unit pricing due to product mix and price increases instituted to recover higher raw material costs. This improvement was partially offset by a decline in carbonated soft drink volume.

Gross profit approximated 29.8% of net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2009 compared to 30.8% of net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2008. Gross profit was affected by higher raw material costs and lower carbonated soft drink volume. Gross profit last year included a $.9 million business interruption insurance recovery. Cost of goods sold per unit increased approximately 5.9%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $67.1 million or 22.6% of net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2009 compared to $70.4 million or 23.9% of net sales for last year. The decline in expenses is due to lower marketing and administrative expenses.

Other income includes interest income of $449,000 (fiscal 2009) and $740,000 (fiscal 2008). The decline in interest income is due to lower rates and a decline in average investment balances as a result of the $36.7 million cash dividend paid in August 2007.

The Company’s effective rate for income taxes, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, approximated 35.9% of income before taxes for the first six months of fiscal 2009 and 35.5% for the comparable period in fiscal 2008. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes, nondeductible expenses and nontaxable interest income.

Net income was $14.2 million for the first six months of fiscal 2009 compared to $13.7 million for the first six months of fiscal 2008.

Our current sources of capital are cash flows from operations and borrowings under existing credit facilities. We maintain unsecured revolving credit facilities aggregating $75 million of which $2.3 million was used for standby letters of credit at November 1, 2008. There was no debt outstanding under the credit facilities. We believe that our capital resources are sufficient to fund our capital expenditures, dividends and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

During the first six months of fiscal 2009, $12.1 million was provided by operating activities, $302,000 was provided by investing activities and $258,000 was provided by financing activities. Cash provided by operating activities decreased $4.2 million due primarily to an increase in inventory. The improvement in cash provided by investing activities is due to an increase in net marketable securities sold and a decline in property additions. The improvement in cash provided by financing activities is due to the effect of the cash dividend paid last year.

During the first six months of fiscal 2009, our working capital increased $17.7 million to $107.1 million primarily due to cash provided by operating activities. Trade receivables and accounts payable decreased due to lower volume related to seasonality. Prepaid and other assets decreased primarily due to a decline in income tax refund receivables. The current ratio was 2.8 to 1 at November 1, 2008 and 2.3 to 1 at May 3, 2008.

See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about recently adopted accounting standards.

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) constitute “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 the 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, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and business conditions; pricing of competitive products; success in acquiring other beverage businesses; success of new product and flavor introductions; fluctuations in the costs of raw materials; our ability to increase prices; continued retailer support for our products; changes in consumer preferences; success of implementing business strategies; changes in business strategy or development plans; government regulations; regional weather conditions; and other factors referenced in this Form 10-Q. We disclaim an obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

There are no material changes to the disclosures made on this matter in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our “disclosure controls and procedures”, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held October 3, 2008, Mr. Nick A. Caporella was re-elected to the Board of Directors for a three-year term. Of the 44,965,031 shares voted, 42,156,125 shares were voted for the election (2,808,906 shares were withheld).

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: December 11, 2008