Biggest changeRECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies – Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and expected effects on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. 16 Table of Contents FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS National Beverage Corp. and its representatives may make written or oral statements relating to future events or results relative to our financial, operational and business performance, achievements, objectives and strategies.
Biggest changeWe estimate and reserve for credit losses based on our experience with past due accounts, collectability and our analysis of customer data. 14 Table of Contents RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS See Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for a complete description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and expected effects on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Presently, our primary market focus is the United States and Canada. Certain of our beverages are also distributed on a limited basis in other countries and options to expand distribution to other regions are being pursued.
Presently, our primary market focus is the United States. Certain of our beverages are also distributed on a limited basis in other countries and options to expand distribution to other regions are being pursued.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
The differences between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the effects of state income taxes. 14 Table of Contents LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Liquidity and Capital Resources Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash and cash-equivalents, cash generated from operations and borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facilities.
The differences between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate of 21% were primarily due to the effects of state income taxes. LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Liquidity and Capital Resources Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash and cash-equivalents, cash generated from operations and borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facilities.
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 and availability 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 demand and preferences and our success in creating products geared toward consumers’ tastes, success in implementing business strategies, changes in business strategy or development plans, technology failures or cyberattacks on our technology systems or our effective response to technology failures or cyberattacks on our customers’, suppliers’ or other third parties’ technology systems, government regulations, taxes or fees imposed on the sale of our products, unfavorable weather conditions, changing weather patterns and natural disasters, climate change or legislative or regulatory responses to such change and other factors referenced in this report, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other reports to our stockholders.
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 and availability of raw materials and packaging supplies, including effects of potential tariffs, ability to recover cost increases, labor strikes or work stoppages or other interruptions in the employment of labor, continued retailer support for our products, changes in brand image, consumer demand and preferences and our success in creating products geared toward consumers’ tastes, success in implementing business strategies, changes in business strategy or development plans, technology failures or cyberattacks on our technology systems or our effective response to technology failures or cyberattacks on our customers’, suppliers’ or other third parties’ technology systems, government regulations, taxes or fees imposed on the sale of our products, unfavorable weather conditions, changing weather patterns and natural disasters, climate change or legislative or regulatory responses to such change and other factors referenced in this report, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other reports to our stockholders.
Standby letters of credit aggregating $2.2 million have been issued in connection with our self-insurance programs. These standby letters of credit expire through March 2025 and are expected to be renewed.
Standby letters of credit aggregating $2.7 million have been issued in connection with our self-insurance programs. These standby letters of credit expire through March 2026 and are expected to be renewed.
Discussions of fiscal year ended April 30, 2022 (“Fiscal 2022”) results and year-to-year comparisons between Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 29, 2023, which is available free of charge on our website at www.nationalbeverage.com.
Discussions of fiscal year ended April 29, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”) results and year-to-year comparisons between Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2024, which is available free of charge on our website at www.nationalbeverage.com.
See Note 5 - Debt, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Pursuant to a management agreement, we incurred fees to Corporate Management Advisors, Inc. (“CMA”) of $11.9 million and $11.7 million for Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, respectively.
See Note 5 - Debt, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Pursuant to a management agreement, we incurred fees to Corporate Management Advisors, Inc. (“CMA”) of $12.0 million and $11.9 million for Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024, respectively.
At April 27, 2024 and April 29, 2023, current liabilities included amounts due to CMA of $3.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively. See Note 6 - Capital Stock and Transactions with Related Parties, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At May 3, 2025 and April 27, 2024, current liabilities included amounts due to CMA of $2.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively. See Note 6 - Capital Stock and Transactions with Related Parties, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Annual contributions were $3.8 million for Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, respectively. See Note 11- Pension Plans, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 15 Table of Contents We maintain self-insured and deductible programs for certain liability, medical and workers’ compensation exposures.
Annual contributions were $4.2 million and $3.8 million for Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024, respectively. See Note 11- Pension Plans, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We maintain self-insured and deductible programs for certain liability, medical and workers’ compensation exposures.
At April 27, 2024, we had $327.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and maintained unsecured revolving credit facilities totaling $150 million, under which no borrowings were outstanding and $2.2 million was reserved for standby letters of credit. We believe that existing capital resources will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the next twelve months.
At May 3, 2025, we had $193.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and maintained unsecured revolving credit facilities totaling $150 million, under which no borrowings were outstanding and $2.7 million was reserved for standby letters of credit. We believe that existing capital resources will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the next twelve months.
National Beverage Corp., in recent years, has transformed into an innovative, healthier refreshment company. From our corporate philosophy, development of products and marketing to manufacturing, we are converting consumers to a ‘Better for You’ thirst quencher that compassionately cares for their nutritional health.
National Beverage Corp., in recent years, has transformed into an innovative, healthier refreshment company. From our corporate philosophy to product development and marketing, we are converting consumers to a ‘Better for You’ thirst quencher that cares compassionately for their nutritional health. We are committed to our quest to innovate for the joy, benefit and enjoyment of our consumers’ healthier lifestyle.
Our portfolio of Power+ Brands includes LaCroix®, LaCroix Cúrate® and LaCroix NiCola® sparkling water products; Clear Fruit® non-carbonated water beverages enhanced with fruit flavor; Rip It® energy drinks and shots; and Everfresh®, Everfresh Premier Varietals™ and Mr. Pure® 100% juice and juice-based products.
The majority of our brands are geared to the active and health-conscious consumer including sparkling waters, energy drinks and juices. Our portfolio of Power+ Brands includes LaCroix® sparkling water; Clear Fruit® non-carbonated water beverages enhanced with fruit flavor; Rip It® energy drinks and shots; and Everfresh®, Everfresh Premier Varietals™ and Mr. Pure® 100% juice and juice-based products.
Shipping and handling costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, the classification of which is consistent with many beverage companies. However, our gross margin may not be comparable to companies that include shipping and handling costs in cost of sales. See Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
However, our gross margin may not be comparable to companies that include shipping and handling costs in cost of sales. See Note 1-Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal 2025 decreased $1.4 million to $208.5 million from $209.9 million for Fiscal 2024.
Net Sales Net sales for Fiscal 2024 increased 1.6% to $1,191.7 million compared to $1,172.9 million for Fiscal 2023. The increase in sales resulted from a 1.8% increase in average selling price per case, partially offset by a 0.2% decline in case volume. The volume decline primarily impacted Power+Brands, partially offset by an increase in carbonated soft drink brands.
The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 1.7% increase in average selling price per case and an additional selling week, partially offset by a 0.9% decrease in case volume. The decrease in case volume primarily impacted Power+ Brands, partially offset by an increase in carbonated soft drink brands .
Gross Profit Gross profit for Fiscal 2024 increased to $428.5 million compared to $396.8 million for Fiscal 2023. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to the increased average selling price per case and a decline in packaging costs. The cost of sales per case decreased 1.7% and gross margin increased to 36.0% compared to 33.8% for Fiscal 2023.
Gross Profit Gross profit for Fiscal 2025 increased to $443.9 million compared to $428.5 million for Fiscal 2024. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to a decline in packaging costs and the increase in average selling price per case, partially offset by the decrease in case volume.
Inventories decreased $9.0 million as a result of the reduced quantities of finished goods and raw materials. Annual inventory turns increased to 8.6 times from 7.9 times. At April 27, 2024, the current ratio was 3.9 to 1 compared to 2.5 to 1 at April 29, 2023.
Annual inventory turns increased to 8.7 times from 8.6 times. At May 3, 2025, the current ratio was 2.9 to 1 compared to 3.9 to 1 at April 27, 2024.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS Contractual obligations at April 27, 2024 are payable as follows: (In thousands) Total 1 Year Or less 2 to 3 Years 4 to 5 Years More Than 5 Years Operating leases $ 61,169 $ 15,068 $ 25,229 $ 12,716 $ 8,156 Purchase commitments 39,106 39,007 99 - - Total $ 100,275 $ 54,075 $ 25,328 $ 12,716 $ 8,156 We contribute to certain pension plans under collective bargaining agreements and to a discretionary profit-sharing plan.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS Contractual obligations at May 3, 2025 are payable as follows: (In thousands) Total 1 Year Or less 2 to 3 Years 4 to 5 Years More Than 5 Years Operating leases $ 82,856 $ 17,388 $ 28,010 $ 20,441 $ 17,017 Purchase commitments 14,618 14,618 - - - Total $ 97,474 $ 32,006 $ 28,010 $ 20,441 $ 17,017 We contribute to certain pension plans under collective bargaining agreements and to a discretionary profit-sharing plan.
Sales incentives are accrued over the period of benefit or expected sales. When the incentive is paid in advance, the aggregate incentive is recorded as a prepaid asset and amortized over the period of benefit.
When the incentive is paid in advance, the aggregate incentive is recorded as a prepaid asset and amortized over the period of benefit. The recognition of these incentives involves the use of judgment related to performance and sales volume estimates that are made based on historical experience and other factors.
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 17.6% compared to 17.9% in Fiscal 2023. Other Income (Expense), net Other income (expense), net includes primarily interest income of $12.2 million for Fiscal 2024 and $2.3 million for Fiscal 2023. The increase in interest income is due to increased average invested balances and higher yields.
Other Income (Expense), net Other income (expense), net includes primarily interest income of $9.3 million for Fiscal 2025 and $12.2 million for Fiscal 2024. The decrease in interest income is due to decreased average invested balances. Income Taxes For Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024, our effective tax rates were 23.6% and 23.1%, respectively.
Net cash used in investing activities for Fiscal 2024 reflects capital expenditures of $30.2 million, compared to capital expenditures of $22.0 million for Fiscal 2023. Expenditures for property, plant and equipment in Fiscal 2024 were primarily for capital projects to expand our capacity, enhance sustainability and packaging capabilities and improve efficiencies at our production facilities.
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment in Fiscal 2025 were primarily for capital projects to expand our capacity, enhance sustainability and packaging capabilities and improve efficiencies at our production facilities. We intend to continue such projects in Fiscal 2026 and anticipate Fiscal 2026 capital expenditures will not exceed Fiscal 2025 capital spending.
The recognition of these incentives involves the use of judgment related to performance and sales volume estimates that are made based on historical experience and other factors. Sales incentives are accounted for as a reduction of sales and actual amounts ultimately realized may vary from accrued amounts. Such differences are recorded once determined and have historically not been significant.
Sales incentives are accounted for as a reduction of sales and actual amounts ultimately realized may vary from accrued amounts. Such differences are recorded once determined and have historically not been significant. We sell products to a variety of customers and extend credit based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral.
Cash Flows The Company’s cash position increased $169.0 million for Fiscal 2024 compared to an increase of $110.0 million for Fiscal 2023. Net cash provided by operating activities for Fiscal 2024 was $197.9 million compared to $161.7 million for Fiscal 2023.
Cash Flows The Company’s cash position decreased $133.2 million in Fiscal 2025 primarily due to the payment of a special cash dividend of $304.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Net cash provided by operating activities for Fiscal 2025 was $206.7 million compared to $197.9 million for Fiscal 2024.
For Fiscal 2024, cash flow provided by operating activities was principally provided by an increase in operating income, a reduction in working capital other than cash, an increase in net interest income, partially offset by an increase in tax and lease payments.
For Fiscal 2025, cash flow provided by operating activities was principally provided by an increase in net income, partially offset by an increase in working capital excluding cash. Net cash used in investing activities for Fiscal 2025 reflects capital expenditures of $36.3 million, compared to capital expenditures of $30.2 million for Fiscal 2024.
The increase in working capital primarily resulted from increased cash and cash equivalents generated by operations of $169.0 million and other net working capital increases of $7.9 million. Trade receivables decreased $2.1 million and days sales outstanding was 31.5 days at April 27, 2024 compared to 33.3 days at April 29, 2023.
The decrease in working capital and current ratio was primarily due to the payment of the $304.1 million cash dividend. Trade receivables increased $1.3 million and days sales outstanding was 32.5 days at May 3, 2025 compared to 31.5 days at April 27, 2024. Inventories increased $0.5 million as a result of increased quantities of finished goods and raw materials.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses for Fiscal 2024 decreased $0.2 million to $209.9 million from $210.1 million for Fiscal 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in shipping costs, partially offset by an increase in marketing and selling costs.
The decrease was primarily due to reduced marketing spending and a decline in shipping and handling costs. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 17.4% compared to 17.6% in Fiscal 2024 .
For these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as estimated and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. Credit Risk We sell products to a variety of customers and extend credit based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral.
For these policies, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as estimated and the best estimates routinely require adjustment. See Note 1- Significant Accounting Policies, of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete description of our significant accounting policies. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied.
Risk Factors” in Part I of this report for additional information about risks and uncertainties facing our Company. Also, see Note 14 - Restatements for certain cash flow restatements.
Risk Factors” in Part I of this report for additional information about risks and uncertainties facing our Company. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following section generally discusses the fiscal years ended May 3, 2025 (“Fiscal 2025”) and April 27, 2024 (“Fiscal 2024”) results and year-to-year comparisons between Fiscal 2025 and Fiscal 2024.
Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue upon delivery to our customers, based on written sales terms that do not allow a right of return except in rare instances. Our products are typically sold on credit; however smaller direct-store delivery accounts may be sold on a cash basis.
Exposure to credit losses varies by customer principally due to the financial condition of each customer. Our products are typically sold on credit; however smaller direct-store delivery accounts may be sold on a cash on delivery basis. Our credit terms normally require payment within 30 days of delivery and may allow discounts for early payment.