Table of Contents

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 July 27, 2002	
 	 	 	
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
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)	 	 	 	59-2605822
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)	
 	 	 	 	 	
One North University Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
(Address of principal executive offices)	 	 	 	33324
(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 September 3, 2002 was 18,214,768.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	
 	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	
 	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	
 	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	
 	 	NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	
 	ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	
 	ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	
 	ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K	
SIGNATURE	
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER	
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER	
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER	

Table of Contents

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JULY 27, 2002

INDEX
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Page	

	
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	
Item 1.	 	Financial Statements	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of July 27, 2002 and April 27, 2002	 	 	3	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
for the three months ended July 27, 2002 and July 28, 2001	 	 	4	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the three months ended July 27, 2002 and July 28, 2001	 	 	5	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	 	 	6	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Item 2.	 	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations	 	 	8	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Item 3.	 	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	 	 	11	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Item 6.	 	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K	 	 	12	 	
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF JULY 27, 2002 AND APRIL 27, 2002
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	(Unaudited)	
 	 	 	 	 	July 27,	 	April 27,	
 	 	 	 	 	2002	 	2002	

	 	

	
Assets	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current assets:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Cash and equivalents	 	$	49,482	 	 	$	42,646	 	
 	 	Trade receivables – net of allowances of $584 ($593 at April 27, 2002)	 	 	48,938	 	 	 	42,955	 	
 	 	Inventories	 	 	29,899	 	 	 	31,040	 	
 	 	Deferred income taxes	 	 	1,686	 	 	 	1,616	 	
 	 	Prepaid and other	 	 	3,296	 	 	 	5,621	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	 	Total current assets	 	 	133,301	 	 	 	123,878	 	
Property – net	 	 	59,819	 	 	 	60,658	 	
Goodwill	 	 	13,145	 	 	 	13,145	 	
Intangible assets – net	 	 	2,029	 	 	 	2,043	 	
Other assets	 	 	6,405	 	 	 	5,961	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	 	$	214,699	 	 	$	205,685	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Current liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Accounts payable	 	$	26,354	 	 	$	30,819	 	
 	 	Accrued liabilities	 	 	24,918	 	 	 	21,020	 	
 	 	Income taxes payable	 	 	3,356	 	 	 	1,875	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	 	Total current liabilities	 	 	54,628	 	 	 	53,714	 	
Long-term debt	 	 	10,781	 	 	 	10,981	 	
Deferred income taxes	 	 	12,362	 	 	 	12,072	 	
Other liabilities	 	 	3,178	 	 	 	3,241	 	
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 22,211,302 (22,209,312 shares at April 27, 2002)	 	 	222	 	 	 	222	 	
 	 	Additional paid-in capital	 	 	16,548	 	 	 	16,526	 	
 	 	Retained earnings	 	 	134,308	 	 	 	126,257	 	
 	 	Treasury stock – at cost:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	   Preferred stock – 150,000 shares	 	 	(5,100	)	 	 	(5,100	)	
 	 	   Common stock – 3,996,534 shares	 	 	(12,378	)	 	 	(12,378	)	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	 	      Total shareholders’ equity	 	 	133,750	 	 	 	125,677	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	 	$	214,699	 	 	$	205,685	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 27, 2002 AND JULY 28, 2001
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	(Unaudited)	
 	 	 	2002	 	2001	

	 	

	
Net sales	 	$	142,877	 	 	$	152,385	 	
Cost of sales	 	 	95,404	 	 	 	102,259	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Gross profit	 	 	47,473	 	 	 	50,126	 	
Selling, general and administrative expenses	 	 	34,551	 	 	 	37,689	 	
Interest expense	 	 	120	 	 	 	315	 	
Other income – net	 	 	225	 	 	 	221	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Income before income taxes	 	 	13,027	 	 	 	12,343	 	
Provision for income taxes	 	 	4,976	 	 	 	4,727	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net income	 	$	8,051	 	 	$	7,616	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net income per share –	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Basic	 	$	.44	 	 	$	.42	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	Diluted	 	$	.42	 	 	$	.40	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Average common shares outstanding –	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Basic	 	 	18,395	 	 	 	18,162	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
 	Diluted	 	 	19,059	 	 	 	18,957	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 27, 2002 AND JULY 28, 2001
(In thousands)
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	(Unaudited)	
 	 	 	 	2002	 	2001	

	 	

	
Operating Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income	 	$	8,051	 	 	$	7,616	 	
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	Depreciation and amortization	 	 	2,773	 	 	 	2,886	 	
 	Deferred income tax provision	 	 	220	 	 	 	649	 	
 	(Gain) loss on sale of property	 	 	(6	)	 	 	61	 	
 	Changes in assets and liabilities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	Trade receivables	 	 	(5,983	)	 	 	(7,596	)	
 	 	Inventories	 	 	1,141	 	 	 	(3,187	)	
 	 	Prepaid and other assets	 	 	1,286	 	 	 	1,301	 	
 	 	Accounts payable	 	 	(4,465	)	 	 	(3,044	)	
 	 	Other liabilities, net	 	 	5,319	 	 	 	4,973	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net cash provided by operating activities	 	 	8,336	 	 	 	3,659	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Investing Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Property additions	 	 	(1,356	)	 	 	(1,318	)	
Proceeds from sale of assets	 	 	56	 	 	 	6	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net cash used in investing activities	 	 	(1,300	)	 	 	(1,312	)	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Financing Activities:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Debt repayments	 	 	(200	)	 	 	(150	)	
Borrowings (payments) on line of credit, net	 	 	—	 	 	 	(4,000	)	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net cash used in financing activities	 	 	(200	)	 	 	(4,150	)	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents	 	 	6,836	 	 	 	(1,803	)	
Cash and Equivalents – Beginning of Year	 	 	42,646	 	 	 	39,625	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Cash and Equivalents – End of Period	 	$	49,482	 	 	$	37,822	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Other Cash Flow Information:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Interest paid	 	$	120	 	 	$	415	 	
Income taxes paid	 	 	1,698	 	 	 	174	 	
See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JULY 27, 2002
(UNAUDITED)
1.	 	BASIS OF PRESENTATION	
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of National Beverage Corp. and its subsidiaries (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 herein, there has been no material change in the information disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2002. 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.
2.	 	CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS	
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” in the three-month period ended July 27, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or operating results.
3.	 	INVENTORIES	
Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Inventories at July 27, 2002 are comprised of finished goods of $16,172,000 and raw materials of $13,727,000. Inventories at April 27, 2002 are comprised of finished goods of $17,531,000 and raw materials of $13,509,000.
4.	 	PROPERTY	
Property consists of the following:
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	(In thousands)	
 	 	July 27,	 	April 27,	
 	 	2002	 	2002	

	 	

	
Land	 	$	10,625	 	 	$	10,625	 	
Buildings and improvements	 	 	35,560	 	 	 	35,437	 	
Machinery and equipment	 	 	98,699	 	 	 	98,195	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Total	 	 	144,884	 	 	 	144,257	 	
Less accumulated depreciation	 	 	(85,065	)	 	 	(83,599	)	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Property – net	 	$	59,819	 	 	$	60,658	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Depreciation expense was $2,145,000 and $2,127,000 for the three-month periods ended July 27, 2002 and July 28, 2001, respectively.

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5.	 	INTANGIBLE ASSETS	
Intangible assets consist of the following:
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	(In thousands)	
 	 	July 27,	 	April 27,	
 	 	2002	 	2002	

	 	

	
Unamortized trademarks	 	$	1,587	 	 	$	1,587	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Amortizable distribution rights	 	 	855	 	 	 	855	 	
Less accumulated amortization	 	 	(413	)	 	 	(399	)	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Net	 	 	442	 	 	 	456	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Total	 	$	2,029	 	 	$	2,043	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $14,000 for the three-month periods ended July 27, 2002 and July 28, 2001, respectively.
6.	 	DEBT	
Debt consists of the following:
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	(In thousands)	
 	 	July 27,	 	April 27,	
 	 	2002	 	2002	

	 	

	
Term Loan Facilities	 	$	10,700	 	 	$	10,900	 	
Other	 	 	81	 	 	 	81	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Total	 	$	10,781	 	 	$	10,981	 	

	 	 	 	

	 	
Certain subsidiaries of the Company maintain unsecured revolving credit facilities aggregating $45 million (the “Credit Facilities”) and unsecured term loan facilities (“Term Loan Facilities”) with banks. The Credit Facilities expire through December 10, 2003 and bear interest at 1/2% below the banks’ reference rate or 1% above LIBOR, at the subsidiaries’ election. The Term Loan Facilities are repayable in installments through July 31, 2004, and bear interest at the banks’ reference rate or 1 1/4% above LIBOR, at the subsidiaries’ election. The Company intends to utilize its existing long-term Credit Facilities to fund the current principal payments due on its Term Loan Facilities.

Debt agreements require subsidiaries to maintain certain financial ratios and contain other restrictions, none of which are expected to have a material impact on the operations or financial position of the Company. At July 27, 2002, retained earnings of approximately $28 million were restricted from distribution and the Company was in compliance with all loan covenants.
7.	 	CAPITAL STOCK	
At July 27, 2002, options to purchase 972,901 shares at a weighted average exercise price of $4.58 (ranging from $2.09 to $9.88 per share) were outstanding and stock-based awards to purchase 1,176,049 shares of common stock were available for grant.

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

National Beverage Corp. (the “Company”) is a holding company for various operating subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute a complete portfolio of quality beverage products throughout the United States. The Company’s brands emphasize distinctive flavor variety, including its flagship brands Shasta® and Faygo®, complete lines of multi-flavored and cola soft drinks. In addition, the Company offers an assortment of premium beverages geared toward the health-conscious consumer, including Everfresh®, Home Juice® and Mr. Pure® 100% juice and juice-based products; and LaCROIX®, Mt. Shasta™, Crystal Bay® and ClearFruit® flavored and spring water products. The Company also provides specialty products, including VooDoo Rain®, a line of alternative beverages geared toward young consumers, Ohana® fruit-flavored drinks, and St. Nick’s® holiday soft drinks. Substantially all of the Company’s brands are produced in its fourteen manufacturing facilities, which are strategically located in major metropolitan markets throughout the continental United States. The Company 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’s strategy emphasizes the growth of its branded products by offering a diverse beverage portfolio of proprietary 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. Management believes that the “regional share dynamics” of its brands have a consumer loyalty within local markets that generates more aggressive retailer sponsored promotional activities.

The Company occupies a unique position in the industry as a vertically integrated national company delivering branded and allied branded products through a hybrid distribution network to multiple beverage channels. The Company utilizes a variety of techniques to obtain retail support and sponsorship of its products, which vary based on the distribution channel, customer and product. These include agreements for specific promotional activities for the Company’s brands, such as special event pricing, in-store displays and external advertising, as well as long-term contractual agreements which may also provide for integrated manufacturing and distribution services for the retailers’ brands. The Company’s revenue and expenses tend to fluctuate based on the type and effectiveness of the promotions employed.

Over the last several years, the Company has focused on increasing penetration of its brands in the convenience channel through company-owned and independent distributors. The convenience channel is composed of convenience stores, gas stations and other smaller “up-and-down-the-street” accounts. Because of the higher retail prices and margins that typically prevail, the Company has undertaken specific measures to expand its distribution in this channel. These include the development of products and proprietary packaging specifically targeted to this market, as well as the acquisition of businesses engaged in this channel of distribution. Management intends to continue its focus on enhancing growth in the convenience channel through specialized packaging, innovative product development and acquisitions.

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Beverage industry 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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended July 27, 2002 (first quarter of fiscal 2003) compared to
Three Months Ended July 28, 2001 (first quarter of fiscal 2002)

Net sales for the three months ended July 27, 2002 decreased approximately $9.5 million, or 6.2%, as compared to the three-month period ended July 28, 2001. This change was primarily due to a decline in allied brand volume related to the Company’s decision to improve its margins by discontinuing certain lower margin business and the effect of unfavorable weather conditions in certain markets. This decline was partially offset by volume growth of the Company’s branded carbonated soft drinks.

Gross profit approximated 33.2% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 and 32.9% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2002. This improvement was due to the favorable effect of eliminating lower margin business as described above and the implementation of cost saving initiatives, including the phasing out of two less-efficient leased production facilities. Such improvement was partially offset by the effect of lower volume on fixed manufacturing costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $34.6 million or 24.2% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2003, compared to $37.7 million or 24.7% of net sales for last year. The decrease was primarily due to lower distribution and selling costs related to the decline in allied brand volume and a decrease in retailer supported marketing activity.

Interest expense declined during the first quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to the prior year due to reductions in average debt outstanding and interest rates. Other income, which is comprised primarily of interest income, increased slightly to $225,000.

The Company’s effective rate for income taxes, based upon estimated annual income tax rates, approximated 38.2% of income before taxes for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 and 38.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2002. The difference between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 35% was primarily due to the effects of state income taxes and non-deductible expenses.

Net income amounted to $8,051,000 or $.44 per share for the three months ended July 27, 2002, compared to $7,616,000 or $.42 per share for the three months ended July 28, 2001.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s current sources of capital are cash flow from operations and borrowings under existing credit facilities. The Company maintains unsecured revolving credit facilities of which approximately $43 million was available for future borrowings at July 27, 2002. Management believes that existing capital resources are sufficient to meet the Company’s and the parent company’s capital requirements for the foreseeable future.

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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. The Company’s EBITDA increased to $15.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 from $15.5 million last year. Management believes that EBITDA is sufficient to support additional growth and debt capacity.

SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS

The Company’s principal source of cash during the first quarter of fiscal 2003 was $8.3 million provided by operating activities. The Company’s primary use of cash was capital expenditures of $1.4 million.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $8.3 million from $3.7 million due to a decrease in working capital requirements and an increase in net income. Net cash used in investing activities was flat with last year, reflecting net capital expenditures of $1.3 million in both periods. Net cash used in financing activities decreased approximately $4.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 due to a decline in debt repayments.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

During the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company’s working capital improved to $78.7 million from $70.2 million primarily due to cash generated from operations and an increase in current assets. Trade receivables and accrued liabilities increased as a result of a seasonal increase in sales. Prepaid and other assets decreased due to a decline in income tax refunds receivable. At July 27, 2002, the current ratio was 2.4 and the debt-to-equity ratio was .1 to 1.

LIQUIDITY

The Company continually evaluates capital projects designed to expand capacity and improve efficiency at its manufacturing facilities. The Company presently has no material commitments for capital expenditures and expects that fiscal 2003 capital expenditures will be comparable to fiscal 2002.

Debt agreements require subsidiaries to maintain certain financial ratios and contain other restrictions, none of which are expected to have a material impact on the operations or financial position of the Company. At July 27, 2002, retained earnings of approximately $28 million were restricted from distribution and the Company was in compliance with all loan covenants. See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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,

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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 the Company’s Strategic Alliance objective; success in acquiring and integrating other beverage businesses; success of new product and flavor introductions; fluctuations in the costs and availability of raw materials; the Company’s ability to increase prices; continued retailer support for the Company’s products; changes in consumer preferences and demand for new and different products; 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. The Company disclaims 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.

ITEM 3.      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There are no material changes to the disclosures made on this matter in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2002.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.      EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 	(a)	 	Exhibits:	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Exhibit 99.1      Certification of Chief Executive Officer	
 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	Exhibit 99.2      Certification of Principal Financial Officer	
 	 	 	 	
 	(b)	 	Reports on Form 8-K: None	
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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: September 10, 2002	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	National Beverage Corp.
(Registrant)	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	By:	 	/s/ Dean A. McCoy	 	

	 	
 	 	 	 	Dean A. McCoy
Senior Vice President – Controller
and Principal Accounting Officer	 	
13

Table of Contents

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Nick A. Caporella, certify that:
1.	 	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Beverage Corp.;	
 	 	 	
2.	 	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and	
 	 	 	
3.	 	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Date: September 10, 2002	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	National Beverage Corp.	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	By:	 	/s/ Nick A. Caporella	 	

	 	
 	 	 	 	Nick A. Caporella
Chief Executive Officer	 	
14

Table of Contents

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, George R. Bracken, certify that:
1.	 	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of National Beverage Corp.;	
 	 	 	
2.	 	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and	
 	 	 	
3.	 	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
Date: September 10, 2002	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	National Beverage Corp.
(Registrant)	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	By:	 	/s/ George R. Bracken	 	

	 	
 	 	 	 	George R. Bracken
Senior Vice President – Finance
(Principal Financial Officer)	 	
15

EXHIBIT 99.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Beverage Corp. (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 27, 2002 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Nick A.
Caporella, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18
U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)      The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)      The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all 
material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the 
Company.

Date: September 10, 2002

National Beverage Corp.

By: /s/ Nick A. Caporella
---------------------------
Nick A Caporella
Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 99.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of National Beverage Corp. (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 27, 2002 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, George
R. Bracken, Senior Vice President - Finance of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)      The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)      The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all 
material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the 
Company.

Date: September 10, 2002

National Beverage Corp.

By: /s/ George R. Bracken
-----------------------------------
George R. Bracken
Senior Vice President - Finance
(Principal Financial Officer)