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                                    Form 10-Q
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                         -------------------------------

          [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                 For the quarterly period ended January 31, 1998

                                       or

          [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         Commission file number 1-14170

                             NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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


One North University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL                 33324
- ----------------------------------------------                --------
  (Address of principal executive offices)                    (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 ( X ) No ( )

The number of shares of Registrant's common stock outstanding as of March 9,
1998 was 18,488,488.


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                             NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998

                                      INDEX

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page Item 1. Financial Statements Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 1998 and May 3, 1997...................................... 3 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months and nine months ended January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997.......................... 4 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the nine months ended January 31, 1998.................................. 5 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997....................................... 6 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements........................ 7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ............................. 12 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings....................................................... 17 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K........................................ 17
2 3 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JANUARY 31, 1998 AND MAY 3, 1997 (In thousands, except share amounts) ================================================================================ (Unaudited) January 31, May 3, 1998 1997 --------- --------- ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents $ 30,189 $ 37,257 Trade receivables (net of allowance of $563 at January 31, 1998 and $608 at May 3, 1997) 25,838 27,344 Inventories 22,684 23,590 Deferred income taxes 1,926 1,759 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 5,560 6,214 --------- --------- Total current assets 86,197 96,164 PROPERTY - NET 53,017 55,436 INTANGIBLE ASSETS - NET 15,106 15,503 OTHER ASSETS 3,749 3,794 --------- --------- TOTAL $ 158,069 $ 170,897 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $ 21,074 $ 28,544 Accrued liabilities 15,659 17,880 Income taxes payable 1,492 1,391 Current portion of long-term debt 442 725 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 38,667 48,540 LONG-TERM DEBT 41,600 55,026 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 7,522 7,245 ACCRUED INSURANCE - NONCURRENT 3,273 3,383 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, 7% cumulative, $1 par value, aggregate liquidation preference of $15,000 (1,000,000 shares authorized; 150,000 shares issued; no shares outstanding) 150 150 Common stock, $.01 par value (Authorized: 50,000,000 shares; Issued: 22,019,212 shares in January 1998 and 21,990,492 shares in May 1997; Outstanding: 18,488,488 shares in January 1998 and 18,459,768 shares in May 1997) 220 220 Additional paid-in capital 15,089 14,943 Retained earnings 65,029 54,871 Treasury stock - at cost: Preferred stock (150,000 shares) (5,100) (5,100) Common stock (3,530,724 shares) (8,381) (8,381) --------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 67,007 56,703 --------- --------- TOTAL $ 158,069 $ 170,897 ========= ========= See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 3 4 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 AND JANUARY 25, 1997 (In thousands, except per share amounts) ================================================================================
(Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 1998 1997 1998 1997 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net sales $ 78,673 $ 75,113 $ 294,919 $ 280,285 Cost of sales 55,320 53,232 202,359 198,707 --------- --------- --------- --------- Gross profit 23,353 21,881 92,560 81,578 Selling, general and administrative expenses 21,295 19,912 74,299 65,307 Interest expense 955 1,118 3,225 3,834 Other income - net (381) (145) (1,191) (745) --------- --------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes 1,484 996 16,227 13,182 Provision for income taxes 555 368 6,069 4,877 --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income $ 929 $ 628 $ 10,158 $ 8,305 ========= ========= ========= ========= Earnings per common share - Basic $ 0.05 $ 0.03 $ 0.55 $ 0.45 ========= ========= ========= ========= Diluted $ 0.05 $ 0.03 $ 0.53 $ 0.44 ========= ========= ========= =========
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 4 5 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 (In thousands, except share amounts) ================================================================================ (Unaudited) Shares Amount ---------- --------- PREFERRED STOCK Beginning and end of period 150,000 $ 150 ========== ========= COMMON STOCK Beginning of period 21,990,492 $ 220 Stock options exercised 28,720 0 ---------- --------- End of period 22,019,212 $ 220 ========== ========= ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL Beginning of period $ 14,943 Stock options exercised 146 --------- End of period $ 15,089 ========= RETAINED EARNINGS Beginning of period $ 54,871 Net income 10,158 --------- End of period $ 65,029 ========= TREASURY STOCK-PREFERRED Beginning and end of period 150,000 $ (5,100) ========== ========= TREASURY STOCK-COMMON Beginning and end of period 3,530,724 $ (8,381) ========== ========= TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 67,007 ========= See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 5 6 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 AND JANUARY 25, 1997 (IN THOUSANDS) ================================================================================
(Unaudited) 1998 1997 -------- -------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 10,158 $ 8,305 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 6,661 5,576 Deferred income tax provision 110 1,029 Loss on sale of property 55 73 Changes in: Trade receivables 1,506 741 Inventories 906 (285) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2,145) (1,700) Accounts payable (7,470) (5,886) Other liabilities (755) (2,929) -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 9,026 4,924 -------- -------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Property additions (2,642) (4,220) Proceeds from disposal of property 196 387 Other, net -- 152 -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (2,446) (3,681) -------- -------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Debt borrowings 8,300 20,200 Debt repayments (22,009) (33,400) Repurchase of common stock -- (1,205) Proceeds from stock options exercised 61 38 -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities (13,648) (14,367) -------- -------- NET DECREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS (7,068) (13,124) CASH AND EQUIVALENTS-BEGINNING OF YEAR 37,257 35,231 -------- -------- CASH AND EQUIVALENTS-END OF PERIOD $ 30,189 $ 22,107 ======== ======== OTHER CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Interest paid $ 3,436 $ 4,118 Income taxes paid 4,430 2,861
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 6 7 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED) ================================================================================ 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries ("NBC" or the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. The financial statements do not include all information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Except for the matters disclosed, however, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 3, 1997. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) 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. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. 2. INVENTORIES Inventories, which are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market, are comprised of the following: (In thousands) January 31, 1998 May 3, 1997 ---------------- -------------- Finished goods $10,954 $12,189 Raw materials and packaging supplies 11,730 11,401 ------- ------- Total $22,684 $23,590 ======= ======= 7 8 3. PROPERTY Property consists of the following: (In thousands) January 31, 1998 May 3, 1997 ---------------- ----------- Land $ 8,897 $ 8,897 Buildings and improvements 31,325 31,213 Machinery and equipment 73,523 71,972 --------- --------- Total 113,745 112,082 Less accumulated depreciation (60,728) (56,646) --------- --------- Property-net $ 53,017 $ 55,436 ========= ========= Depreciation expense was $1,613,000 and $4,810,000 for the three and nine month periods ended January 31, 1998, respectively, and $1,511,000 and $4,545,000 for the three and nine month periods ended January 25, 1997, respectively. 4. DEBT Debt consists of the following: (In thousands) January 31, 1998 May 3, 1997 ---------------- ----------- Senior Notes (see below) $ 25,000 $ 33,333 Credit Facilities (see below) 0 13,000 Term Loan Facility (see below) 16,600 8,300 Other (including capital leases) 442 1,118 -------- --------- Total 42,042 55,751 Less current portion (442) (725) -------- --------- Long-term portion $ 41,600 $ 55,026 ======== ========= A subsidiary of NBC has outstanding 9.95% unsecured senior notes in the original principal amount of $50 million (the "Senior Notes") payable in annual principal installments of $8.3 million through November 1, 2000. Additionally, the subsidiary has $35 million unsecured revolving credit facilities (the "Credit Facilities") and a $16.6 million unsecured term loan facility ("Term Loan Facility") with banks. The Credit Facilities expire through August 31, 1999, and bear interest at 1/2% below the banks' reference rate or 1% above LIBOR, 8 9 at the subsidiary's election. The Term Loan Facility is repayable in installments from May 1999 through November 1999, and bears interest at the bank's reference rate or 1 1/4% above LIBOR, at the subsidiary's election. The Company intends to utilize its existing long-term Credit Facilities to fund the next principal payment due on its Senior Notes. Certain of the Company's debt agreements contain restrictions which require the subsidiary to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum net worth, and limit the subsidiary with respect to incurring certain additional indebtedness, paying cash dividends and making certain loans, advances or other investments. At January 31, 1998, net assets of the subsidiary totaling approximately $48 million were restricted from distribution. The Company was in compliance with all loan covenants and restrictions, and such restrictions are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Company. 5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Albert H. Kahn v. Nick A. Caporella, et al., Civil Action No. 11890 was filed in December 1990 by a shareholder of Burnup & Sims Inc. ("BSI"), now MasTec, Inc., in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle County against NBC, the members of the Board of Directors of BSI and against BSI. In May 1993, plaintiff amended its class action and shareholder derivative complaint (the "Amended Complaint"). The class action claims allege, among other things, that the Board of Directors of BSI, and NBC, as its largest shareholder, breached their respective fiduciary duties in approving (i) the dividend by BSI of its shares of NBC common stock (the "Distribution") and (ii) the exchange of certain shares of BSI's common stock held by NBC for certain indebtedness of NBC held by BSI (the "Exchange"; the Distribution and the Exchange are hereafter referred to as the "1991 Transaction"), in allegedly placing the interests of NBC ahead of the interests of other shareholders of BSI. The derivative action claims allege, among other things, that the Board of Directors of BSI breached their fiduciary duties by approving executive officer compensation arrangements, by financing NBC's operations on a current basis, and by permitting the interests of BSI to be subordinated to those of NBC. In the lawsuit, plaintiff seeks to rescind the 1991 Transaction and to recover unspecified damages. The defendants, including the Company, have moved to dismiss the actions for failure to make a demand and state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The motion is still pending. In November 1993, plaintiff filed a class action and derivative complaint, Civil Action No. 13248 (the "1993 Complaint") against the Company, BSI, the members of the Board of Directors of BSI, and certain other defendants (referred to as "Other Defendants"). In December 1993, plaintiff amended the 1993 Complaint (the "1993 Amended Complaint"). The 1993 Amended Complaint alleges, among other things, that the Board of Directors of BSI, and NBC, as BSI's largest shareholder, breached their respective fiduciary duties by approving an agreement dated October 15, 1993, as amended, between BSI and the Other Defendants (the "Acquisition Agreement") and the exchange of 3,153,847 shares of BSI common stock owned by the Company for certain indebtedness owed to BSI by the Company (the "Redemption") which, according to the allegations of the 1993 Complaint, benefits the President and Chief Executive Officer of NBC at the expense of BSI's shareholders. On November 29, 1993, plaintiff filed a motion for an order preliminary and permanently enjoining the transactions under the Acquisition Agreement and the Redemption. On March 7, 1994, the court heard oral arguments with respect to plaintiff's motion to enjoin the transactions and, on March 10, 1994, 9 10 the court denied plaintiff's request for injunctive relief finding that plaintiff had not established a likelihood of success on the merits and that, in any event, the equities did not favor the imposition of injunctive relief. The Company believes that the allegations in the complaint, the Amended Complaint, the 1993 Complaint and the 1993 Amended Complaint are without merit, and intends to vigorously defend these actions. The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of the foregoing lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. In the ordinary course of its business, the Company enters into commitments for the supply of certain raw materials, none of which are material to the Company's financial position. 6. CAPITAL STOCK In June 1996, the Company repurchased 100,000 shares of its common stock on the open market. Such shares have been classified as held in treasury. On October 25, 1996, the Company paid a 100% stock dividend to its shareholders of record on September 9, 1996 effected as a 2 for 1 stock split. Average shares outstanding, stock option data, and per share data presented in these financial statements have been adjusted for the effects of the stock dividend. During the nine months ended January 31, 1998, options for 28,720 shares were exercised at prices ranging from $.63 to $5.00 per share. At January 31, 1998, options to purchase 1,118,026 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $2.44 (ranging from $.13 to $10.00 per share) were outstanding and stock-based awards to purchase 508,214 shares of common stock were available for grant. 10 11 7. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Earnings per common share is calculated pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS No. 128") which was adopted effective for the fiscal period ended January 31, 1998. Earnings per share for prior periods have been restated to give effect for the application of SFAS No. 128. The following data show the amounts used in computing earnings per common share:
(In thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 1998 1997 1998 1997 -------- ------- ------- ------- Net income $ 929 $ 628 $10,158 $ 8,305 ======== ======= ======= ======= Weighted average shares outstanding 18,486 18,452 18,473 18,271 Dilutive stock options 822 802 850 770 -------- ------- ------- ------- Weighted average shares outstanding and dilutive potential stock 19,308 19,254 19,323 19,041 ======== ======= ======= ======= Earnings per common share- Basic $ .05 $ .03 $ .55 $ .45 ======== ======= ======= ======= Diluted $ .05 $ .03 $ .53 $ .44 ======== ======= ======= =======
8. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130") and No. 131 "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. SFAS 131 specifies revised guidelines for determining an entity's operating segments and the type and level of financial information to be disclosed. SFAS 130 and SFAS 131 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company has not yet determined the impact of the implementation of SFAS 130 and SFAS 131. 11 12 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries ("NBC" or the "Company") develop, manufacture, market and distribute a full line of beverage products: Shasta (r), Faygo (r) and Big Shot (r) , multi-favored and cola soft drinks; Everfresh (r), a full line of 100% juice and juice-enriched products; LaCROIX (r) , a Sante (r) , Spree (r) and nuAnce (r) , flavored carbonated and spring water products; and specialty items, St. Nick's (tm) and Creepy Coolers (tm). Substantially all of NBC's brands are produced in its fourteen manufacturing facilities which are strategically located throughout the continental United States. NBC also develops and produces soft drinks for retail grocery chains, warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers and wholesalers ("allied brands") as well as soft drinks for other beverage companies. The Company emphasizes the growth of its branded products by offering a beverage portfolio of proprietary, unique flavors; by supporting the franchise value of regional brands; by developing and acquiring innovative products tailored toward healthy lifestyles; and by appealing to the "quality-price" sensitivity factor of the family consumer. The Company's strategies include increasing its brand awareness through greater retailer sponsorship by entering into long-term alliances with national and regional retailers to supply both Company branded and allied branded soft drinks ("Strategic Alliances"). The Company believes that the strength of its regional brands and the location of its manufacturing facilities position it as one of the leading single-source suppliers of high-quality, high-value soft drinks, such as Shasta and Faygo, as well as allied branded soft drinks, in multiple flavors and packaging throughout the continental United States. The Company intends to continue its "regional share dynamics" strategy by acquiring brands and expanding its product line in response to changes in lifestyles and demographics. During the 1996 and 1997 fiscal years, the Company successfully added Everfresh and LaCROIX products to its portfolio of regional brands. These acquisitions also expanded the Company's product line to juice and additional water products. The Company plans to grow its revenues and brands by acquiring other regional beverage businesses that meet its strategic and financial objectives. Industry soft drink sales are seasonal with the highest volume typically realized during the summer months. Additionally, the Company's 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. 12 13 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended January 31, 1998 (third quarter of fiscal 1998) compared to Three Months Ended January 25, 1997 (third quarter of fiscal 1997) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales for the quarter ended January 31, 1998 increased approximately $3.6 million, or 4.7 %, over the third quarter of the prior year. This increase was attributable to an increase in volume and average net selling prices of the Company's brands due to favorable changes in package and product mix and the effects of Strategic Alliances. As part of the Company's Strategic Alliance program, sales of branded products are supported by expanded in-store advertising and merchandising which had the effect of increasing volume and net selling prices. These increases were partially offset by reduced sales of certain low-margin products. Gross profit increased to approximately 29.7% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 from 29.1% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1997. This increase was due to higher selling prices and favorable changes in product mix as noted above. The Company believes that inflationary trends do not have a significant impact on operating results since fluctuations in raw material costs are typically influenced more by commodity market conditions than inflation. Although there can be no assurances as to future predictability, the Company does not expect increases in raw material costs to materially impact the results of operations for the remainder of fiscal 1998. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $1.4 million to 27.1% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 from 26.5% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1997. This increase is primarily due to higher marketing and advertising costs, including expanded in-store advertising and other merchandising programs related to Strategic Alliances, and increased costs associated with the addition of marketing and direct sales personnel. Interest expense declined during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to the prior year due to a reduction in debt outstanding and a lower weighted average interest rate. See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Other income increased during the third quarter of fiscal 1998 compared to the prior year primarily due to increased interest income on higher average cash balances. The effective rate for income taxes, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, approximated 37% of income before taxes for both the third quarter of fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% included amortization of non-deductible goodwill and other intangibles, state income taxes and other non-deductible expenses. Net income increased 47.9% to $929 thousand, or $.05 per share, for the quarter ended January 31, 1998, from $628 thousand, or $.03 per share, for the quarter ended January 25, 1997. 13 14 Nine Months Ended January 31, 1998 (first nine months of fiscal 1998) compared to Nine Months Ended January 25, 1997 (first nine months of fiscal 1997) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales for the nine months ended January 31, 1998 increased approximately $14.6 million, or 5.2%, over the first nine months of the prior year. This was primarily the result of volume and price increases for the Company's brands, expansion of manufacturing services and the effects of the Strategic Alliance program. Gross profit increased to 31.4% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1998 from 29.1% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1997. This increase was due to the factors which contributed to the gross profit improvement for the third quarter of fiscal 1998 discussed above. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $9 million to 25.2% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1998 from 23.3% of net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1997. This increase was primarily due to the increased marketing and other merchandising programs noted above, as well as new regionally targeted advertising focused on the Company's brands. Also contributing to the increase were higher selling costs, related principally to an increase in marketing and direct sales personnel. Interest expense declined during the first nine months of fiscal 1998 compared to the prior year due to a reduction in debt outstanding and a lower weighted average interest rate. See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Other income increased during the first nine months of fiscal 1998 compared to the prior year primarily due to increased interest income on higher average cash balances. The effective rate for income taxes, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, approximated 37% of income before taxes for both the first nine months of fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% included amortization of non-deductible goodwill and other intangibles, state income taxes and other non-deductible expenses. Net income increased 22.3% to $10.2 million, or $.53 per share (diluted), for the nine months ended January 31, 1998, from $8.3 million, or $.44 per share (diluted), for the nine months ended January 25, 1997. 14 15 FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES January 31, 1998 compared to May 3, 1997 - ---------------------------------------------------- Management views earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as a key indicator of the Company's operating performance and enterprise value, although not as a substitute for cash flow from operations or operating income. During the nine months ended January 31, 1998, the Company generated EBITDA of $26.1 million, which represents a 15.6% increase from EBITDA of $22.6 million for the same period last year. EBITDA for the twelve month period ended January 31, 1998 was $33.2 million, representing a 14.8% increase over EBITDA of $29.0 million for the prior twelve month period. For the nine months ended January 31, 1998, net cash provided by operating activities of $9.0 million was comprised of net income of $10.2 million plus non-cash charges of $6.8 million less cash used for seasonal working capital requirements of $8.0 million. Cash of $2.4 million was used for net capital expenditures and cash of $13.7 million was used for net debt repayments. At January 31, 1998, the Company's ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 2.2 to 1 and the Company had approximately $33 million available under its credit agreements. The Company believes that its cash and equivalents, together with funds generated from operations and borrowing capabilities, will be sufficient to meet its operating cash requirements in the foreseeable future. The Company is evaluating various capital projects to expand capacity at certain manufacturing facilities, but, at the present time, has no material commitments for capital expenditures requiring cash outlays. On January 23, 1998, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to 800,000 shares of its common stock. The Company expects to make such purchases from existing cash balances from time to time through open market purchases, block trades and/or privately negotiated transactions. At January 31, 1998, the Company had outstanding long-term debt of $41.6 million. Certain debt agreements contain restrictions which require a subsidiary to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum net worth, and limit the subsidiary with respect to incurring certain additional indebtedness, paying cash dividends and making certain loans, advances or other investments. At January 31, 1998, net assets of the subsidiary of approximately $48 million were restricted from distribution. Cash balances of the Registrant, when combined with funds available from its subsidiary, provide sufficient liquidity to allow the Registrant to meet its current and expected cash obligations. The Company was in compliance with all loan covenants and restrictions at January 31, 1998, and such restrictions are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Company. See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 15 16 CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS 130") and No. 131 "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"). SFAS 130 establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components. SFAS 131 specifies revised guidelines for determining an entity's operating segments and the type and level of financial information to be disclosed. SFAS 130 and SFAS 131 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company has not yet determined the impact of the implementation of SFAS 130 and SFAS 131. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Form 10-Q"), including statements under "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," 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; competition; success of the Company's Strategic Alliance objective; fluctuations in the costs of raw materials; continued retailer support of the Company's brands; changes in consumer preferences; changes in business strategy or development plans; government regulations; regional weather conditions; and other factors referenced in this Form 10-Q. The Company will not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. 16 17 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits: Exhibit Number Description ----------- --------------- 27 Financial Data Schedule (For SEC Use Only) (b) Reports on Form 8-K: None 17 18 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 17, 1998 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. (Registrant) By: \s\ Dean A. McCoy ------------------------ Dean A. McCoy Vice President - Controller (On behalf of the Registrant and as Principal Accounting Officer) 18
 

5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE FILER FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 INCLUDED IN ITS QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 9-MOS MAY-02-1998 JAN-31-1998 30,189 0 26,401 563 22,684 86,197 113,745 60,728 158,069 38,667 41,600 0 150 220 66,637 158,069 294,919 294,919 202,359 202,359 0 0 3,225 16,227 6,069 10,158 0 0 0 10,158 .55 .53