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NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP - Quarter Report: 2019 January (Form 10-Q)

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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 26, 2019

 

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).   Yes (✔) No (  )

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer (✔) Accelerated filer ( ) Non-accelerated filer (  ) Smaller reporting company (  ) Emerging growth company (  )

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) 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 (  ) No (✔)

 

The number of shares of registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 3, 2019 was 46,642,540.

 



 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Page

     

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 26, 2019 and April 28, 2018

  3
     

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018

  4
     

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018

  5
     

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018

  6
     

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018

  7
     

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  8
     

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

  11
     

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 26,

   

April 28,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Assets

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and equivalents

  $ 269,853     $ 189,864  

Trade receivables - net

    76,339       84,360  

Inventories

    72,163       60,920  

Prepaid and other assets

    11,440       17,823  

Total current assets

    429,795       352,967  

Property, plant and equipment - net

    103,725       85,807  

Goodwill

    13,145       13,145  

Intangible assets

    1,615       1,615  

Other assets

    4,393       5,298  

Total assets

  $ 552,673     $ 458,832  
                 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 58,940     $ 74,853  

Accrued liabilities

    29,057       29,718  

Income taxes payable

    25       99  

Dividends payable

    135,247       -  

Total current liabilities

    223,269       104,670  

Deferred income taxes - net

    16,819       14,502  

Other liabilities

    7,091       8,220  

Shareholders' equity:

               

Preferred stock, $1 par value - 1,000,000 shares authorized: Series C - 150,000 shares issued

    150       150  

Common stock, $.01 par value - 200,000,000 shares authorized; 50,675,084 shares issued (50,650,784 shares at April 28)

    507       507  

Additional paid-in capital

    36,940       36,358  

Retained earnings

    287,294       307,824  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

    (1,397 )     4,601  

Treasury stock - at cost:

               

Series C preferred stock - 150,000 shares

    (5,100 )     (5,100 )

Common stock - 4,032,544 shares

    (12,900 )     (12,900 )

Total shareholders' equity

    305,494       331,440  

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 552,673     $ 458,832  

 

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 26,

   

January 27,

   

January 26,

   

January 27,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 
                                 

Net sales

  $ 220,891     $ 227,477     $ 774,190     $ 731,428  
                                 

Cost of sales

    140,338       136,284       474,418       439,652  
                                 

Gross profit

    80,553       91,193       299,772       291,776  
                                 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    49,535       45,443       153,591       137,589  
                                 

Interest expense

    51       50       151       151  
                                 

Other income - net

    1,235       426       3,276       1,043  
                                 

Income before income taxes

    32,202       46,126       149,306       155,079  
                                 

Provision for income taxes

    7,393       5,046       34,589       41,747  
                                 

Net income

  $ 24,809     $ 41,080     $ 114,717     $ 113,332  
                                 

Earnings per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ .53     $ .88     $ 2.46     $ 2.43  

Diluted

  $ .53     $ .88     $ 2.44     $ 2.42  
                                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    46,638       46,603       46,628       46,594  

Diluted

    46,934       46,923       46,927       46,921  

 

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 26,

   

January 27,

   

January 26,

   

January 27,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 
                                 

Net income

  $ 24,809     $ 41,080     $ 114,717     $ 113,332  
                                 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

                               

Cash flow hedges

    (1,242 )     1,296       (5,998 )     3,915  
                                 

Comprehensive income

  $ 23,567     $ 42,376     $ 108,719     $ 117,247  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands)

 
   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

January 26,

   

January 27,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Series C Preferred Stock

               

Beginning and end of period

  $ 150     $ 150  
                 

Common Stock

               

Beginning and end of period

    507       506  
                 

Additional Paid-In Capital

               

Beginning of period

    36,358       35,638  

Stock options exercised

    403       399  

Stock-based compensation

    179       119  

End of period

    36,940       36,156  
                 

Retained Earnings

               

Beginning of period

    307,824       227,928  

Net income

    114,717       113,332  

Common stock cash dividend

    (135,247 )     (69,878 )

End of period

    287,294       271,382  
                 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)

               

Beginning of period

    4,601       (604 )

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

    (5,998 )     3,915  

End of period

    (1,397 )     3,311  
                 

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

  $ 305,494     $ 293,505  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands)

 
   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

January 26,

   

January 27,

 
   

2019

   

2018

 

Operating Activities:

               

Net income

  $ 114,717     $ 113,332  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

               

Depreciation and amortization

    11,525       10,273  

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

    4,057       (5,806 )

Loss (Gain) on sale of property, net

    2       (9 )

Stock-based compensation

    179       119  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

               

Trade receivables

    8,021       (4,623 )

Inventories

    (11,243 )     (7,477 )

Prepaid and other assets

    (3,181 )     (1,840 )

Accounts payable

    (15,913 )     399  

Accrued and other liabilities

    (1,132 )     2,390  

Net cash provided by operating activities

    107,032       106,758  
                 

Investing Activities:

               

Additions to property, plant and equipment

    (27,456 )     (18,686 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

    10       58  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (27,446 )     (18,628 )
                 

Financing Activities:

               

Dividends paid on common stock

    -       (69,878 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised

    403       399  

Net cash provided  by (used in) financing activities

    403       (69,479 )
                 

Net Increase in Cash and Equivalents

    79,989       18,651  
                 

Cash and Equivalents - Beginning of Period

    189,864       136,372  
                 

Cash and Equivalents - End of Period

  $ 269,853     $ 155,023  
                 

Other Cash Flow Information:

               

Interest paid

  $ 38     $ 76  

Income taxes paid

  $ 30,908     $ 48,848  

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

National Beverage Corp. develops, produces, 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 April 28, 2018. Excluding the adoption of the recently issued accounting pronouncements disclosed in Note 6, 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 26, 2019 were comprised of finished goods of $46.0 million and raw materials of $26.2 million. Inventories at April 28, 2018 were comprised of finished goods of $37.6 million and raw materials of $23.3 million.

 

 

 

2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

   

(In thousands)

 
   

January 26,

2019

   

April 28,

2018

 

Land

  $ 9,835     $ 9,500  

Buildings and improvements

    57,090       56,947  

Machinery and equipment

    220,609       194,241  

Total

    287,534       260,688  

Less accumulated depreciation

    (183,809 )     (174,881 )

Property, plant and equipment – net

  $ 103,725     $ 85,807  

 

Depreciation expense was $3.2 million and $9.5 million for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2019, respectively, and $2.7 million and $8.8 million for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2018, respectively.

 

 

3. DEBT

 

At January 26, 2019, a subsidiary of the Company maintained unsecured revolving credit facilities with banks aggregating $100 million (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities expire from October 3, 2020 to June 18, 2021 and any borrowings would currently bear interest at .9% above one-month LIBOR. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities at January 26, 2019 or April 28, 2018. At January 26, 2019, $2.1 million of the Credit Facilities was reserved for standby letters of credit and $97.9 million was 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 26, 2019, we were in compliance with all loan covenants.

 

 

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

During the nine months ended January 26, 2019, options to purchase 5,800 shares were exercised (weighted average exercise price of $13.40 per share). At January 26, 2019, options to purchase 322,645 shares (weighted average exercise price of $10.64 per share) were outstanding and stock-based awards to purchase 2,814,413 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 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 hedge was immaterial. The following summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and AOCI relative to the cash flow hedge for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018:

 

   

(In thousands)

 
   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2019

   

2018

 

Recognized in AOCI:

                               

(Loss) gain before income taxes

  $ (1,937 )   $ 2,067     $ 5,487     $ 6,623  

Less income tax (benefit) provision

    (463 )     731       1,313       2,421  

Net

  $ (1,474 )   $ 1,336     $ 4,174     $ 4,202  

Reclassified from AOCI to cost of sales:

                               

(Loss) gain before income taxes

  $ (305 )   $ 844     $ 13,225     $ 1,237  

Less income tax (benefit) provision

    (73 )     289       3,053       435  

Net

  $ (232 )   $ 555     $ 10,172     $ 802  

Reclassified tax effects to provision for income taxes 

  $ 0     $ 515     $ 0     $ 515  

Net change to AOCI

  $ (1,242 )   $ 1,296     $ (5,998 )   $ 3,915  

 

 

As of January 26, 2019, the notional amount of our outstanding aluminum swap contracts was $57.6 million and, assuming no change in commodity prices, $1.6 million of unrealized loss before tax will be reclassified from AOCI and recognized in earnings over the next 12 months. See Note 1.

 

As of January 26, 2019, the fair value of the derivative liability was $1.5 million which was included in accrued liabilities. At April 28, 2018, the fair value of the derivative asset was $6.2 million, which was included in prepaid and other assets. 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. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

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 annual and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted the revenue recognition standard as of April 29, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach for all contracts at the date of initial adoption. Upon adoption of the guidance, there was no material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the 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. In March 2018, the FASB approved a new optional transition method that will give companies the option to use the effective date as the date of initial application on transition. We plan to elect this transition method, and as a result, we intend to adjust our financial information prospectively as of the effective date. ASU 2016-02 is effective for our fiscal year beginning April 28, 2019. We anticipate the adoption of this standard will result in an increase in lease-related assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. We continue to evaluate the impact on the consolidated statement of income. As the impact of this standard is non-cash in nature, we do not anticipate its adoption having an impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

 

In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedge Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). This amendment simplifies the application of hedge accounting and enables companies to better portray the economics of risk management activities in their financial statements. ASU 2017-12 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.

 

 

7. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company has been named a defendant in certain legal proceedings, including derivative and class action complaints. The Company believes each complaint is without merit and is pursuing vigorous defenses. These complaints include allegations that the Company’s LaCroix branded products contain synthetic ingredients and thereby violate specific state consumer protection statutes as well as other laws with respect to marketing and labeling. The Company believes the litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

 

 

8. CASH DIVIDEND

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company declared a special cash dividend of $2.90 per share payable to shareholders of record on November 30, 2018. The cash dividend totaling $135.2 million was paid on January 29, 2019. The cash dividend is reported as a current liability in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.    

 

 

 

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

 

Overview

 

National Beverage Corp. innovatively refreshes America with a distinctive portfolio of sparkling waters, juices and, to a lesser degree, energy drinks. Over the past few years, our carbonated soft drink brands continue to be modified as we endeavor to make them more adaptable to our consumers. We believe our ingenious product designs, innovative packaging and imaginative flavors, along with our corporate culture and philosophy, make National Beverage unique as a stand-alone entity in the beverage industry. 

 

Our strategy seeks the profitable growth of our products by (i) developing healthier beverages in response to the global shift in consumer buying habits and tailoring our beverage portfolio to the preferences of a diverse mix of ‘crossover consumers’ – a growing group desiring a healthier alternative to artificially sweetened and high-caloric beverages; (ii) emphasizing unique flavor development and variety throughout our brands that appeal to multiple demographic groups; (iii) maintaining points of difference through innovative marketing, packaging and consumer engagement and (iv) responding faster and more creatively to changing consumer trends that larger competitors who are burdened by legacy production, distribution complexity and costs cannot quickly comply with.

 

 

Our brands consist of beverages geared to the active and health-conscious consumer (“Power+ Brands”) including sparkling waters, energy drinks, and juices. Our portfolio of Power+ Brands includes LaCroix®, LaCroix Cúrate®, LaCroix NiCola® and Shasta® Sparkling Water products; Rip It® energy drinks and shots; and Everfresh®, Everfresh Premier Varietals™ and Mr. Pure® 100% juice and juice-based products. Additionally, we produce and distribute carbonated soft drinks including Shasta® and Faygo®, iconic brands whose consumer loyalty spans more than 125 years.

 

Presently, our primary market focus is the United States and Canada. Certain of our products are also distributed on a limited basis in other countries and expanding distribution to other regions is being considered. To service a diverse customer base that includes numerous national retailers, as well as thousands of smaller “up-and-down-the-street” accounts, we utilize a hybrid distribution system to deliver our products primarily through the warehouse delivery system and distributors.

 

National Beverage Corp. is incorporated in Delaware 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 operating results are affected by numerous factors, including fluctuations in the costs of raw materials, holiday and seasonal programming and weather conditions. While yesteryear we witnessed more seasonality, we continue to see higher sales during the summer when outdoor activities are more prevalent.

 

Our highly innovative business, where new beverages are developed and produced for selective holidays and ceremonial dates, should not be analyzed on the common three-month (quarterly) periods, traditionally found acceptable. Today, costly development projects and seasonal weather periods plus promotional packaging, make quarter-to-quarter comparisons unworthy statistics and forcing companies into decision making for that purpose is not truly beneficial for investors and shareholders alike.

 

Traditional and typical are not a part of an innovator’s vocabulary.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Three Months Ended January 26, 2019 (third quarter of fiscal 2019) compared to Three Months Ended January 27, 2018 (third quarter of fiscal 2018)

 

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased 2.8% to $220.9 million compared to $227.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in sales resulted primarily from a 4.1% decline in branded case volume partially offset by a higher average selling price. The volume decrease includes a 5.8% decline in volume of Power+ Brands and flat volume of Carbonated Soft Drinks. Management believes the decline in Power+ Brands is principally due to widespread media coverage of litigation regarding the marketing and labeling of LaCroix. (See Footnote 7.) The net sales decline also reflects the discontinuance of lower-margin, private-label carbonated soft drink business in the third quarter of Fiscal 2018.   Average selling price per case increased 3.7% due to pricing increases and changes in product mix.

 

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 decreased 11.7% to $80.5 million compared to $91.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The decrease in gross profit is due to the decline in volume primarily in the November period. Cost of sales per case increased 9.7% primarily due to higher  manufacturing fixed costs,  aluminum, and freight costs. Gross margin was 36.5% compared to 40.1% for the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 increased $4.1 million to $49.5 million from $45.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase was primarily due to increased marketing investment including the expansion of MerchMx resources focused on retailer execution and higher distribution costs.  As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 22.4% from 20.0%.

 

Other income - net includes interest income of $1.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and $402 thousand for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase in interest income is due to increased invested balances and returns on investments.

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”) which was signed into law on December 22, 2017 reduced the applicable federal statutory rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.  The Company’s effective income tax rate, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, was 23% for the third quarter of fiscal 2019. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes.

 

The federal statutory rate for fiscal 2018 was 30.4%.  The Company’s effective tax rate was 10.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 which includes a one-time adjustment to remeasure previous deferred tax liabilities of $4.3 million and adjust prior year-to-date income tax to the estimated effective tax rate for the full year resulting in a $7 million reduction in tax expense in that quarter.

 

 

Nine Months Ended January 26, 2019 (first nine months of fiscal 2019) compared to Nine Months Ended January 27, 2018 (first nine months of fiscal 2018)

 

Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 increased 5.8% to $774.2 million compared to $731.4 million for the nine months of fiscal 2018. The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 7.9% increase in branded case volume and, to a lesser extent, a higher average selling price. The volume increase includes 13.5% growth in volume of Power+ Brands, partially offset by a decline in volume of Carbonated Soft Drinks.  Net sales reflect the discontinuance of lower-margin, private-label carbonated soft drink business in the third quarter of Fiscal 2018.  Average selling price per case increased 3.4% due to pricing increases and changes in product mix.

 

Gross profit for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 increased 2.7% to $299.8 million compared to $291.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The increase in gross profit is due to increased volume and growth in higher margin Power+ Brands. Cost of sales per case increased 5.4% primarily due to higher aluminum, fixed manufacturing and freight costs. As a result, gross margin declined to 38.7% compared to 39.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2018.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 increased $16.0 million to $153.6 million from $137.6 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The increase was primarily due to distribution and marketing spending. As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 19.8% from 18.8%.

 

Other income - net includes interest income of $3.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 and $998 thousand for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The increase in interest income is due to increased invested balances and returns on investments.

 

 

The Tax Act which was signed into law on December 22, 2017 reduced the applicable federal statutory rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.  The Company’s effective income tax rate, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, was 23.2% for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 and 26.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes.

 

The federal statutory rate for fiscal 2018 was 30.4%.  The Company’s effective tax rate was 26.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2018, which includes a one-time adjustment to remeasure previous deferred tax liabilities of $4.3 million. The difference between the effective tax rate in 2018 and the federal statutory rate of 30.4% relates primarily to the remeasurement of deferred taxes and the effects of state income taxes.

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal source of funds is cash generated from operations. At January 26, 2019, we maintained $100 million unsecured revolving credit facilities, under which no borrowings were outstanding and $2.1 million was reserved for standby letters of credit. We believe existing capital resources will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the next twelve months.

 

On November 20, 2018, the Company declared a special cash dividend of $2.90 per share payable to shareholders of record on November 30, 2018. The cash dividend totaling $135.2 million was paid on January 29, 2019.    

 

 

Cash Flows

The Company’s cash position increased $19.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019, which compares to an increase of $26.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 amounted to $107.0 million compared to $106.8 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. For the first nine months of fiscal 2019, cash flow was principally provided by net income of $114.7 million, a decrease in accounts receivable of $8.0 million and depreciation and amortization aggregating $11.5 million, offset in part by increases in inventory and decreases in accounts payable and accruals.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2019 reflects capital expenditures of $27.5 million compared to capital expenditures of $18.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The Company expects increased capital expenditures primarily to expand production capacity.   

 

Financial Position

During the first nine months of fiscal 2019, our working capital decreased to $206.5 million from $248.3 million at April 28, 2018. The decrease in working capital was due to the accrual of $135.2 million cash dividends declared in November 2018 and lower trade receivables, partially offset by higher cash and inventory. Trade receivables declined, with days sales outstanding flat at 31.4 days. Inventories increased $11.2 million in anticipation of future sales growth. Inventory turns declined to 7.8 from 9.5 times. At January 26, 2019, the current ratio was to 1.9 to 1 compared to 3.4 to 1 at April 29, 2018, primarily due to the effect of the accrued cash dividend.

 

 

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 April 28, 2018.

 

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934). 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 forms 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 risk, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of our 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 of new product and flavor introductions, fluctuations in the costs of raw materials and packaging supplies, ability to pass along cost increases to our customers, labor strikes or work stoppages or other interruptions in the employment of labor, continued retailer support for our products, changes in brand image, consumer preferences and our success in creating products geared toward consumers’ tastes, success in implementing business strategies, changes in business strategy or development plans, government regulations, taxes or fees imposed on the sale of our products, unfavorable 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 April 28, 2018 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 April 28, 2018.

 

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 26, 2019, 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 7, 2019

 

 

National Beverage Corp.

(Registrant)

   
 

By: /s/ George R. Bracken

        George R. Bracken

        Executive Vice President – Finance

        (Principal Financial Officer)

 

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