National Beverage Corp. Updates Shareholders and Consumers

Business Wire 26-Jun-2019 4:30 PM

National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ:FIZZ) today announced results for its Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190626005791/en/

HI-Biscus by LaCroix. (Photo: Business Wire)

Key Facts - FY 2019

• Net Sales of branded products grew 6.2% in Fiscal Year 2019.
• Power+ Brands volume increased 8.9%.
• LaCroix is the #1 brand of Sparkling Water in the United States and is the #1 brand in 41 of 52 Nielsen Metropolitan Statistical Areas.
• LaCroix innovation continued with:
  • Three inspiring new additions to the LaCroix NiCola theme;
  • Expanded variety pack offerings for distribution to the club store channel; and
  • Expansion of LaCroix products in Canada.

• Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, one of the nation's leading health authorities, was named the national dietitian representing LaCroix Sparkling Water.
• Net income for FY 2019 was impacted by:
  • Increased aluminum costs primarily due to tariffs;
  • Increased manufacturing costs;
  • Shipping and marketing spending increases; and
  • A $4.3 million ($.09 per share) one-time reduction of FY 2018 income tax expense resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Key Themes – Early FY 2020

• The new and innovative LaCroix flavor, Hi-Biscus, is now being launched from coast-to-coast.
• LaCroix is introduced into the United Kingdom.
• LaCroix summer marketing campaign is underway in cities across the entire U.S.
• LaCroix is launching new social media and consumer experience programs.
• Nutrition panels on LaCroix labels are changing to comply with new federal regulations - indicating that LaCroix is Whole30, non-GMO, and produced without BPA liners.

LaCroix uniquely defined the Sparkling Water category to improve consumers' health consciousness. LaCroix's commitment to improved beverage health resulted in an expansion of significant retail space for the category – bringing more choice to consumers. LaCroix was the original beneficiary of such expansion with many less-nimble competitors recently gaining distribution. LaCroix is the category leader bringing consumers a feeling of joy, natural zest and delightful gratification. We will always remain true to these virtues.

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