NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP - Quarter Report: 2016 January (Form 10-Q)

fizz20160131_10q.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended January 30, 2016

Commission file number 1-14170

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	59-2605822
(State of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8100 SW Tenth Street, Suite 4000, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(954) 581-0922

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

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 (✔) No ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes (✔) No ( )

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. Large accelerated filer ( ) Accelerated filer (✔) Non-accelerated filer ( ) Smaller reporting company ( )

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

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 4, 2016 was 46,549,150.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

INDEX

		Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015	3

	Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015	4

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015	5

	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015	6

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015	7

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	12

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	15

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	15

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	16

Item 6.	Exhibits	16

Signature		17

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except share data)

	January 30,			May 2,
	2016			2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	86,101		$	52,456
Trade receivables - net		59,553			59,951
Inventories		44,322			42,924
Deferred income taxes - net		4,870			4,348
Prepaid and other assets		6,819			8,050
Total current assets		201,665			167,729
Property, plant and equipment - net		60,230			60,182
Goodwill		13,145			13,145
Intangible assets		1,615			1,615
Other assets		4,977			5,079
Total assets	$	281,632		$	247,750

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	37,665		$	44,896
Accrued liabilities		27,721			21,257
Income taxes payable		31			98
Total current liabilities		65,417			66,251
Long-term debt		-			10,000
Deferred income taxes - net		15,584			15,245
Other liabilities		7,683			8,472
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1 par value - 1,000,000 shares authorized:
Series C - 150,000 shares issued		150			150
Series D - 120,000 shares issued, aggregate liquidation preference of $6,000		120			120
Common stock, $.01 par value - 75,000,000 shares authorized; 50,533,934 shares issued (50,418,019 shares at May 2)		505			504
Additional paid-in capital		39,649			37,759
Retained earnings		173,322			129,773
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2,798	)		(2,524	)
Treasury stock - at cost:
Series C preferred stock - 150,000 shares		(5,100	)		(5,100	)
Common stock - 4,032,784 shares		(12,900	)		(12,900	)
Total shareholders' equity		192,948			147,782
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	281,632		$	247,750

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	January 30,			January 31,			January 30,			January 31,
	2016			2015			2016			2015

Net sales	$	161,687		$	143,021		$	525,751		$	481,233

Cost of sales		109,135			96,931			349,679			317,569

Gross profit		52,552			46,090			176,072			163,664

Selling, general and administrative expenses		35,434			32,593			109,489			108,201

Interest expense		40			81			153			311

Other (expense) income - net		(2	)		(70	)		(76	)		1,104

Income before income taxes		17,076			13,346			66,354			56,256

Provision for income taxes		5,840			4,538			22,693			19,127

Net income		11,236			8,808			43,661			37,129

Less preferred dividends and accretion		(37	)		(38	)		(112	)		(238	)

Earnings available to common shareholders	$	11,199		$	8,770		$	43,549		$	36,891

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	.24		$	.19		$	.94		$	.80
Diluted	$	.24		$	.19		$	.93		$	.79

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		46,448			46,358			46,420			46,345
Diluted		46,707			46,580			46,648			46,550

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	January 30,		January 31,			January 30,			January 31,
	2016		2015			2016			2015

Net income	$	11,236	$	8,808		$	43,661		$	37,129

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Cash flow hedges		1,755		(846	)		(274	)		(235	)

Comprehensive income	$	12,991	$	7,962		$	43,387		$	36,894

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	January 30,			January 31,
	2016			2015
Series C Preferred Stock
Beginning and end of period	$	150		$	150

Series D Preferred Stock
Beginning of period		120			240
Series D preferred redeemed		-			(120	)
End of period		120			120

Common Stock
Beginning of period		504			504
Stock options exercised		1			-
End of period		505			504

Additional Paid-In Capital
Beginning of period		37,759			42,775
Series D preferred redeemed		-			(5,791	)
Stock options exercised		681			144
Stock-based compensation		182			212
Stock-based tax benefits		1,027			171
End of period		39,649			37,511

Retained Earnings
Beginning of period		129,773			80,737
Net income		43,661			37,129
Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(112	)		(238	)
End of period		173,322			117,628

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Beginning of period		(2,524	)		(205	)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax		(274	)		(235	)
End of period		(2,798	)		(440	)

Treasury Stock - Series C Preferred
Beginning and end of period		(5,100	)		(5,100	)

Treasury Stock - Common
Beginning and end of period		(12,900	)		(12,900	)

Total Shareholders' Equity	$	192,948		$	137,473

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	January 30,			January 31,
	2016			2015
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	43,661		$	37,129
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		9,071			8,873
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision		(21	)		350
Gain on sale of property, net		(36	)		(1,255	)
Stock-based compensation		182			212
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables		398			6,904
Inventories		(1,398	)		(2,579	)
Prepaid and other assets		(194	)		(301	)
Accounts payable		(7,231	)		(12,128	)
Accrued and other liabilities		5,390			(491	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		49,822			36,714

Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(7,817	)		(7,161	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		43			1,848
Net cash used in investing activities		(7,774	)		(5,313	)

Financing Activities:
Dividends paid on preferred stock		(112	)		(201	)
Repayments under credit facilities		(10,000	)		(15,000	)
Redemption of preferred stock		-			(6,000	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		682			144
Stock-based tax benefits		1,027			171
Net cash used in financing activities		(8,403	)		(20,886	)

Net Increase in Cash and Equivalents		33,645			10,515

Cash and Equivalents - Beginning of Period		52,456			29,932

Cash and Equivalents - End of Period	$	86,101		$	40,447

Other Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	$	91		$	320
Income taxes paid	$	21,761		$	18,744

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

National Beverage Corp. develops, manufactures, markets and sells a diverse portfolio of flavored beverage products primarily in North America. 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.

1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all information and notes presented in the annual consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015. The accounting policies used in these interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those used in the annual consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 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.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative financial instruments to partially mitigate our exposure to changes in raw material costs. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments is calculated based on market rates to settle the instruments. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Credit risk related to derivative financial instruments is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and frequent cash settlements. See Note 5.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated in a similar manner, but includes the dilutive effect of stock options.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Inventories at January 30, 2016 are comprised of finished goods of $25.1 million and raw materials of $19.2 million. Inventories at May 2, 2015 are comprised of finished goods of $24.9 million and raw materials of $18 million.

2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property consists of the following:

	(In thousands)
	January 30, 2016			May 2, 2015
Land	$	9,500		$	9,500
Buildings and improvements		50,816			50,405
Machinery and equipment		163,833			156,702
Total		224,149			216,607
Less accumulated depreciation		(163,919	)		(156,425	)
Property, plant and equipment – net	$	60,230		$	60,182

Depreciation expense was $2.5 million and $7.8 million for the three and nine months ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively.

3. DEBT

At January 30, 2016, a subsidiary of the Company maintained unsecured revolving credit facilities with banks aggregating $100 million (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities expire from October 10, 2017 to June 18, 2018 and, currently, any borrowings would bear interest at .9% above one-month LIBOR. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities at January 30, 2016 and $10 million was outstanding at May 2, 2015. At January 30, 2016, $2.2 million of the Credit Facilities were reserved for standby letters of credit and $97.8 million were available for borrowings.

The Credit Facilities require the subsidiary to maintain certain financial ratios, including debt to net worth and debt to EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facilities), and contain other restrictions, none of which are expected to have a material effect on our operations or financial position. At January 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all loan covenants.

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

During the nine months ended January 30, 2016, options to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock were granted (weighted average exercise price of $9.59 per share), options to purchase 115,915 shares were exercised (weighted average exercise price of $5.89 per share) and options to purchase 17,725 shares were cancelled (weighted average exercise price of $16.02). At January 30, 2016, options to purchase 482,495 shares (weighted average exercise price of $11.45 per share) were outstanding and stock-based awards to purchase 2,793,814 shares of common stock were available for grant.

5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

From time to time, we enter into aluminum swap contracts to partially mitigate our exposure to changes in the cost of aluminum cans. Such financial instruments are designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, gains or losses attributable to the effective portion of the cash flow hedge are reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (“AOCI”) and reclassified into earnings through cost of sales in the period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of our cash flow hedges were immaterial. The following summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and AOCI relative to cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:

	(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	2016			2015			2016			2015
Recognized in AOCI:
Gain (loss) before income taxes	$	620		$	(1,096	)	$	(6,444	)	$	152
Less income tax provision (benefit)		230			(407	)		(2,391	)		56
Net	$	390		$	(689	)	$	(4,053	)	$	96
Reclassified from AOCI to cost of sales:
(Loss) gain before income taxes	$	(2,171	)	$	249		$	(6,008	)	$	526
Less income tax (benefit) provision		(806	)		92			(2,229	)		195
Net	$	(1,365	)	$	157		$	(3,779	)	$	331
Net change to AOCI	$	1,755		$	(846	)	$	(274	)	$	(235	)

As of January 30, 2016, the notional amount of our outstanding aluminum swap contracts was $18.6 million and, assuming no change in the commodity prices, $4.2 million of unrealized loss before tax will be reclassified from AOCI and recognized in earnings over the next twelve months. See Note 1.

As of January 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, the fair value of the derivative liability was $4.2 million and $3 million, respectively, which was included in accrued liabilities. At May 2, 2015, the fair value of the derivative long-term liability was $751,000, which was included in other liabilities. Such valuation does not entail a significant amount of judgment and the inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement are Level 2 as defined by the fair value hierarchy as they are observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires the lease rights and obligations arising from lease contracts, including existing and new arrangements, to be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for our fiscal year beginning April 28, 2019. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 requires companies to classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for our fiscal year beginning April 30, 2017. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity” (“ASU 2014-16”). The amendments in ASU 2014-16 do not change the current criteria for determining when separation of certain embedded derivative features in a hybrid financial instrument is required. Rather, ASU 2014-16 clarifies how current U.S. GAAP should be interpreted in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 is effective for our fiscal year beginning May 1, 2016. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for goods or services. On August 12, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year and is effective for our fiscal year beginning April 29, 2018. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As of January 30, 2016, we guaranteed the residual value of certain leased equipment in the amount of $4.5 million. If the proceeds from the sale of such equipment are less than the balance required by the lease when the lease terminates on August 1, 2017, the Company shall be required to pay the difference up to such guaranteed amount. The Company expects to have no loss on such guarantee.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

National Beverage Corp. is an acknowledged leader in the development, manufacturing, marketing and sale of a diverse portfolio of flavored beverage products. Our primary market focus is the United States, but our products are also distributed in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Pacific Rim, Asia and Europe. A holding company for various operating subsidiaries, National Beverage Corp. was incorporated in Delaware in 1985 and began trading as a public company on the NASDAQ Stock Market in 1991. In this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” and “National Beverage” mean National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries unless indicated otherwise.

Our brands consist of (i) beverages geared toward the active and health-conscious consumer (“Power+ Brands”), including sparkling waters, energy drinks and shots, juices, and enhanced beverages, and (ii) Carbonated Soft Drinks in a variety of flavors including regular, sugar-free and reduced-calorie options. In addition, we produce soft drinks for certain retailers (“Allied Brands”) that endorse the “Strategic Alliance” concept of having our brands and Allied Brands marketed to effectuate enhanced growth of both. We employ a philosophy that emphasizes vertical integration; our manufacturing model integrates the procurement of raw materials and production of concentrates with the manufacture of finished products in our twelve manufacturing facilities. To service a diverse customer base that includes numerous national retailers as well as thousands of smaller “up-and-down-the-street” accounts, we have developed a hybrid distribution system that promotes and utilizes customer warehouse distribution facilities and our own direct-store delivery fleet plus the direct-store delivery systems of independent distributors and wholesalers.

We consider ourselves to be a leader in the development and sale of flavored beverage products. The National Beverage Corp. brand portfolio contains a wide variety of beverages to meet consumer needs in a multitude of market segments. Our portfolio of Power+ Brands is targeted to consumers seeking healthier and functional alternatives to complement their active lifestyles, and includes LaCroix®, LaCroix Cúrate™ and LaCroix NiCola™ sparkling water products; Rip It® energy drinks and shots; and Everfresh® and Everfresh Premier Varietals™, 100% juice and juice-based products. Our carbonated soft drink flavor development spans more than 125 years originating with our flagship brands, Shasta® and Faygo®.

Our strategy emphasizes the growth of our products by (i) expanding our focus on healthier and functional beverages tailored toward healthy, active lifestyles, (ii) offering a beverage portfolio of proprietary flavors with distinctive packaging and broad demographic appeal, (iii) supporting the franchise value of regional brands, (iv) appealing to the “quality-value” expectations of the family consumer, and (v) responding to demographic trends by developing innovative products designed to expand distribution.

The majority of our sales are seasonal with the highest volume typically realized during the summer months. As a result, our operating results from one fiscal quarter to the next may not be comparable. Additionally, our operating results are affected by numerous factors, including fluctuations in the costs of raw materials, changes in consumer preference for beverage products, competitive pricing in the marketplace and weather conditions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended January 30, 2016 (third quarter of fiscal 2016) compared to Three Months Ended January 31, 2015 (third quarter of fiscal 2015)

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 13.1% to $161.7 million compared to $143 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The higher sales resulted from a 12.3% increase in case volume and a .6% increase in average selling price. The volume increase includes 34.9% growth of our Power+ Brands. The increase in average selling price is primarily related to changes in product mix.

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 14% to $52.6 million compared to $46.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to higher sales and average selling price mentioned above, as cost of sales per case was approximately the same for both quarters. As a result, the gross margin improved to 32.5%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $35.4 million or 21.9% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to $32.6 million or 22.8% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in expenses was primarily due to higher selling, administrative and marketing costs.

Interest expense decreased to $40,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016, primarily due to a decline in average borrowings outstanding under credit facilities. Other expense includes interest income of $25,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and $8,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

The Company’s effective income tax rate, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, was 34.2% for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and 34.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the effect of state income taxes and the manufacturing deduction.

Nine Months Ended January 30, 2016 (first nine months of fiscal 2016) compared to Nine Months Ended January 31, 2015 (first nine months of fiscal 2015)

Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 increased 9.3% to $525.8 million compared to $481.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The higher sales resulted from an 8.3% increase in case volume and a .9% increase in average selling price. The volume increase includes 29% growth of our Power+ Brands partially offset by a decline in branded carbonated soft drinks and Allied Brands. The increase in average selling price is related to changes in product mix.

Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 increased 7.6% to $176.1 million compared to $163.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to higher sales, partially offset by an increase in cost of sales per case of 1.6%. The increase in cost of sales per case was due to changes in product mix, which also resulted in a gross margin decline to 33.5%.

Selling, general & administrative expenses were $109.5 million or 20.8% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to $108.2 million or 22.5% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The increase in expenses was primarily due to higher selling and administrative costs, partially offset by lower marketing costs.

Interest expense decreased to $153,000 for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, primarily due to a decline in average borrowings outstanding under credit facilities. Other income includes a $1.3 million gain on sale of property in the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

The Company’s effective income tax rate, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, was 34.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and 34.0% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the effect of state income taxes and the manufacturing deduction.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal source of funds is cash generated from operations and borrowings available under our credit facilities. At January 30, 2016, we maintained $100 million unsecured revolving credit facilities of which $2.2 million was reserved for standby letters of credit. We believe that existing capital resources will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the next twelve months.

Cash Flows

The Company’s cash position for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 increased $33.6 million from May 2, 2015, which compares to an increase of $10.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 amounted to $49.8 million compared to $36.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. For the first nine months of fiscal 2016, cash flow was principally provided by net income of $43.7 million and depreciation and amortization aggregating $9.1 million, offset in part by a decrease in accounts payable.

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 reflects capital expenditures of $7.8 million, compared to capital expenditures of $7.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The first nine months of fiscal 2015 includes proceeds of $1.8 million from sale of property.

Net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 amounted to $8.4 million, which included $10 million in principal repayments under credit facilities. In the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the Company redeemed 120,000 shares of Series D Preferred for an aggregate price of $6 million and repaid $15 million in principal repayments under credit facilities.

Financial Position

During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, working capital increased to $136.2 million from $101.5 at May 2, 2015. The increase in working capital resulted from higher cash and inventories and a decline in payables, partially offset by higher accrued liabilities balance. Trade receivables decreased $398,000 while days sales outstanding increased slightly from 33.1 days at May 2, 2015 to 33.5 days at January 30, 2016. Inventories increased approximately $1.4 million as a result of the Company maintaining higher stock levels to support increases in sales and new product introductions. The current ratio was 3.1 to 1 at January 30, 2016 and 2.5 to 1 at May 2, 2015.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risks from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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 were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “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 selling 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. For a further list and description of various risks, relevant factors and uncertainties that could cause future results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements, see the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in risk factors from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2015.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.	Description

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101

The following financial information from National Beverage Corp. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SIGNATURE

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: March 10, 2016

	National Beverage Corp. (Registrant)


	By:	/s/ Gregory P. Cook
		Gregory P. Cook
		Vice President – Controller and Chief Accounting Officer