National Beverage Corp.
Annual Report 2019

Plain-text annual report

2019 ANNUAL REPORT on Form 10K United States Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [✓] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 or [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from __________ to _________ Commission file number 1-14170 (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State of incorporation) 59-2605822 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 8100 SW Tenth Street, Suite 4000, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33324 (Address of principal executive offices including zip code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (954) 581-0922 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $.01 per share The NASDAQ Global Select Market Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ( ) No (✓) Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ( ) No (✓) 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 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 during the preceding 12 months. 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 aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of Registrant computed by reference to the closing sale price of $98.87 on October 26, 2018 was approximately $1.2 billion. The number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of June 24, 2019 was 46,645,540. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this report. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Item 1. Business Item 1A. Risk Factors Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments Item 2. Properties Item 3. Legal Proceedings Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Item 6. Selected Financial Data Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information PART III Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Item 11. Executive Compensation Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services PART IV Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 1 7 8 8 8 8 9 10 11 16 17 33 33 33 34 34 34 34 34 35 SIGNATURES 38 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS GENERAL National Beverage Corp. innovatively refreshes America with a distinctive portfolio of sparkling waters, juices, energy drinks (“Power+ Brands”), and to a lesser extent, carbonated soft drinks. We believe our creative 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. Points of differentiation include the following: Healthy Transformation – We focus on developing and delighting consumers with healthier beverages in response to the global shift in consumer buying habits and lifestyles. We are committed to tailoring the variety and types of beverages in our portfolio to satisfy the preferences of a diverse mix of consumers including ‘crossover consumers’ – a growing group desiring a healthier alternative to artificially sweetened or high- calorie beverages. Flavor Innovation – Building on a rich tradition of flavor and brand innovation with more than a 130-year history of development with iconic brands such as Shasta® and Faygo®, we have extended our flavor and essence leadership and technical expertise to the sparkling water category. Proprietary flavors and our naturally-essenced beverages are developed and tested in-house and only made commercially available after extensive concept and sensory evaluation. Our variety of distinctive flavors provides us a unique advantage with today’s consumers who demand variety and refreshing beverage alternatives. Innovation Ethic – We believe that innovative marketing, packaging and consumer engagement is more effective in today’s marketplace than traditional higher-cost national advertising. In addition to our cost-effective social media platforms, we utilize regionally-focused marketing programs and in-store “brand ambassadors” to interact and obtain feedback from our consumers. We also believe the design of our packages and the overall optical effect of their placement on the shelf (“shelf marketing”) has become more important as millennials and younger generations become increasingly influential consumers, and are now influencing baby boomers and older generations. Creative Dynamics – In a beverage industry that is dominated by the “cola giants”, we pride ourselves on being smaller, faster and stronger. We believe we are able to respond faster and more creatively to consumer trends than competitors who are burdened by legacy production and distribution complexity and costs. The ability to identify consumer trends and create new product concepts to lead the market defines our new product development model. Speed to market with the appropriate concept, unique flavor creation and trend-forward ‘better-for- you’ ingredients continues to be our goal. Internal development teams are responsible for concept creation, packaging and design, which allow for rapid ‘go to market’ timing and reduced development costs. Presently, our primary market focus is the United and Canada. States Certain of our products are also distributed on a limited basis in other countries and options to expand distribution to other regions are being considered. 1 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.NiCola® by LaCroix, an innovative sparkling water, captures the ‘crossover’ cola consumers with its ‘innocent’ effect of no calories, sodium, sweetener or any other ingredient that the health-conscious consumer avoids. NiCola is designed for those cola and diet cola consumers within the $82 billion U.S. carbonated soft drink market that are looking to continue to quench their cola-craving taste without negative health consequences. In late fiscal year 2019, we introduced three new additions to our LaCroix NiCola theme − Coconut Cola, Cubana (Mojito), and Coffea Exotica (Sumatra coffee and cola). Additional LaCroix themes are in development and feature unique packaging, ground-breaking flavor concepts, and a go-to-market strategy designed to maximize cultural demographic concepts. Shasta Sparkling Shasta® Sparkling Water duplicates the iconic flavors that have charmed loyal Shasta consumers over the past 130 years with the first genuine soft-drink alternative (SDA). Shasta Sparkling is naturally-essenced without calories, sodium and sweeteners. ‘Simply Natural and Smartly Healthy,’ Shasta Sparkling complements a healthier lifestyle with its eloquent design and packaging in tall 10.5 ounce cans with an industry-first “clean” label. 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. BRANDS 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 130 years. Power+ Brands – LaCroix LaCroix® Sparkling Water, our most significant brand, has uniquely redefined the Sparkling Water category that is rapidly becoming the alternative to traditional carbonated soda. With zero calories, zero sweeteners and zero sodium, the innocence of LaCroix has propelled it to the top-selling domestic sparkling water. Naturally essenced, LaCroix has gained the support of national retailers in multiple channels, including mass-merchandisers, club stores, drug stores, mainstream supermarkets and natural and specialty food retailers. LaCroix’s dynamic ‘theme’ LaCroix Cúrate® (‘Cure Yourself’) celebrates French sophistication with Spanish zest and bold flavors. Cúrate naturally refreshes in tall 12 oz. consumer-favored cans. Eloquent graphics, robust aroma, naturally ‘essenced’ and premium-priced, Cúrate is an innovative addition to a brand that is the healthy alternative for today’s consumers. 2 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Everfresh and Mr. Pure flavored lemonades Everfresh® and Mr. Pure® 100% juice and juice drinks are available in a variety of flavors, from such classics as Orange, Cranberry and to include Premium exotics that Papaya, Pineapple Mango, Peach Watermelon and Island Punch. Distributed primarily the brands’ in signature package is a hot-filled, 16 oz. glass bottle primarily for single-serve consumption. the Midwest, Everfresh Premier Varietals™, a unique theme from Everfresh, is positioned as a stand-alone brand for display in the produce section of supermarkets. Everfresh Premier Varietals is a premium line of natural apple juice derived from a variety of apples specific to the taste of the varietal, such as Granny Smith, McIntosh, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Fuji and Pink Lady. Rip It RIP IT® Energy Fuel continues as a “Mission Tradition®” by proudly supporting our troops at home and abroad with 14 unique flavors and six sugar-free options. With its unique positioning, Rip It also continues to energize its growing fan base of gamers and athletes. Building on the flavor tradition of original Rip It, a 2 oz. sugar-free shot version in eight flavors is marketed through our distribution system in displayable package configurations. Carbonated Soft Drinks – its 130th year, Shasta® Celebrating is recognized as a bottling industry pioneer and innovator. Shasta features multiple flavors, including products targeted to the growing Hispanic and other ethnic markets, and has earned consumer loyalty by delivering value and convenience with such unique tastes as Raspberry Crème, Tiki Punch, and California Dreamin’. More than 110 years old, Faygo® products are primarily distributed east of the Mississippi River and include numerous unique flavors including Red Pop®, Moon Mist®, and Rock’n’Rye®. We tailor our marketing and promotion programs by geographic area; many of our carbonated soft drink brands enjoy a regional identification that fosters long- term consumer loyalty and makes them more competitive as a consumer choice. In addition, products produced locally may generate retailer-sponsored promotional activities and receive media exposure through community activities rather than costly national advertising. In recent years we reformulated many of our brands to reduce caloric content while still preserving their time- tested flavor profiles. Our brands, optically and ingredient- wise, are always a work in process. We continually strive to make all our drinks healthier while maintaining their iconic taste profiles. PRODUCTION Our philosophy emphasizes vertical integration; our production model integrates the procurement of raw materials and crafting flavors and concentrates with the production of finished products. Our twelve strategically- located production facilities are near major metropolitan markets across the continental United States. 3 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.The locations of our facilities enable us to efficiently produce and distribute beverages to substantially all geographic markets in the United States, including the top 25 metropolitan statistical areas. Each facility is generally equipped to produce both canned and bottled beverage products in a variety of package sizes. the innovative and controlled vertical We believe integration of our production facilities provides an advantage over certain of our competitors that rely on independent third-party bottlers to manufacture and market their products. Since we control all national production, distribution and marketing of our brands, we believe we can more effectively manage quality control and consumer appeal while responding quickly to changing market conditions. By controlling our own We craft a substantial portion of our flavors and formulas concentrates. throughout our bottling network, we are able to produce beverages in accordance with uniform quality standards while innovating flavors to meet changing consumer preferences. We believe the combination of a Company- owned bottling network, together with uniform standards for packaging, formulations and customer service, provides us with a strategic advantage in servicing national retailers and mass-merchandisers. We also maintain research and development laboratories at multiple locations. These laboratories continually test products for compliance with our strict quality control standards as well as conduct research for new products and flavors. merchandisers, wholesalers, drug stores and dollar stores. We distribute our products to this channel primarily through the warehouse distribution system and, to a lesser extent, the direct-store delivery system. Under the warehouse distribution system, products are shipped from our production facilities to the retailer’s centralized distribution centers and then distributed by the retailer to each of its store locations with other goods. This method allows our retail partners to further maximize their assets by utilizing their ability to pick-up product at our warehouses, thus lowering their/our product costs. Products sold through the direct-store delivery system are distributed directly to the customer’s retail outlets by our direct-store delivery fleet and by independent distributors. We distribute our products to the convenience channel through our own direct-store delivery fleet and those of independent distributors. The convenience channel convenience consists of stores, gas stations and other “up-and- down-the-street” accounts. Because of the higher retail prices and margins that typically prevail, we have developed packaging and graphics specifically targeted to this market. smaller DISTRIBUTION To service a diverse customer base that includes numerous national retailers, as well as thousands of smaller “up-and- accounts, down-the-street” we utilize a hybrid distribution system to deliver our products through three primary distribution channels: take-home, convenience and food-service. The take-home distribution channel consists of national regional grocery stores, club stores, mass- and to Our food-service division distributes products independent, specialized distributors who sell to hospitals, schools, military bases, airlines, hotels and food-service wholesalers. Also, our Company-owned direct-store delivery fleet distributes products to certain schools and other food-service customers. Our take-home, convenience and food-service operations use vending machines and glass-door coolers as marketing and promotional tools for our brands. We provide vending machines and coolers on a placement or purchase basis to our customers. We believe vending and cooler equipment expands on-site visual trial, thereby increasing sales and enhancing brand awareness. 4 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.SALES AND MARKETING We sell and market our products through an internal sales force as well as specialized broker networks. Our sales force is organized to serve a specific market, focusing on one or more geographic territories, distribution channels or product lines. We believe this focus allows our sales group to provide high level, responsive service and support to our customers and markets. Our marketing emphasizes programs designed to reach consumers directly through innovative digital marketing, digital social marketing, social media engagement, sponsorships and creative content. We are focused on increasing our digital presence and capabilities to further enhance the consumer experience across our brands. We may retain agencies to assist with social media content creative and platform selection for our brands. Additionally, we maintain and enhance consumer brand recognition and loyalty through a combination of participation in regional events, special event marketing, endorsements, consumer coupon distribution and product sampling. We also offer numerous promotional programs to retail customers, including cooperative advertising support, ‘BrandED’ ambassadors, in-store promotional activities and other incentives. These elements allow marketing and other consumer programs to be tailored to meet local and regional demographics. RAW MATERIALS centralized Our group maintains procurement relationships with numerous suppliers of ingredients and packaging. By consolidating the purchasing function for our production facilities, we believe we are able to procure more competitive arrangements with our suppliers, thereby enhancing our ability to compete as an efficient producer of beverages. The products we produce and sell are made from various materials including aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, water, carbon dioxide, juice and flavor concentrates, sweeteners, cartons and closures. We craft a substantial portion of our flavors and concentrates while purchasing the remaining raw materials from multiple suppliers. the materials and ingredients Substantially all of we purchase are presently available from several suppliers, although strikes, weather conditions, utility shortages, governmental control or regulations, national emergencies, quality, price or supply fluctuations or other events outside our control could adversely affect the supply of specific materials. A significant portion of our raw material purchases, including aluminum cans, plastic bottles, high fructose corn syrup, corrugated packaging and juice concentrates, are derived from commodities. Therefore, pricing and availability tend to fluctuate based upon worldwide commodity market conditions. In certain cases, we may elect to enter into multi-year agreements for the supply of these materials with one or more suppliers, the terms of which may include variable or fixed pricing, minimum purchase quantities and/or the requirement to purchase all supplies for specified locations. Additionally, we use derivative financial instruments to partially mitigate our exposure to changes in certain raw material costs. SEASONALITY Our operating results are affected by numerous factors, including fluctuations in costs raw materials, holiday of and seasonal programming and weather conditions. Beverage sales are seasonal with higher volume realized during summer months when outdoor activities are more prevalent. 5 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.COMPETITION TRADEMARKS While LaCroix® Sparkling Water is the brand of choice as the number one sparkling water in 41 of the 52 Nielsen metropolitan statistical areas, the beverage industry is highly competitive and our competitive position may vary by market area. Our products compete with many varieties of liquid refreshment, including water products, soft drinks, juices, fruit drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks, as well as powdered drinks, coffees, teas, dairy- based drinks, functional beverages and various other nonalcoholic beverages. We compete with bottlers and distributors of national, regional and private label products. Several competitors, including those that dominate the beverage industry, such as Nestlé S.A., PepsiCo and The Coca-Cola Company, have greater financial resources than we have and aggressive promotion of their products may adversely affect sales of our brands. Principal methods of competition in the beverage industry are price and promotional activity, advertising and marketing programs, point-of-sale merchandising, retail space management, customer service, product differentiation, packaging innovations and distribution methods. We believe our Company differentiates itself through novel methods of innovation, key brand recognition, focused social media, innovative flavor variety, attractive packaging, efficient distribution methods, and, for some product lines, value pricing. We own numerous trademarks for our brands that are significant to our business. We intend to continue to maintain all registrations of our significant trademarks and use the trademarks in the operation of our businesses. GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION The production, distribution and sale of our products in the United States are subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Lanham Act; various environmental statutes; and various other federal, state and local statutes regulating the production, transportation, sale, safety, advertising, labeling and ingredients of such products. We believe that we are in compliance, in all material respects, with such existing legislation. Certain states and localities require a deposit or tax on the sale of certain beverages. These requirements vary by each jurisdiction. Similar legislation has been proposed in certain other states and localities, as well as by Congress. We are unable to predict whether such legislation will be enacted or what impact its enactment would have on our business, financial condition or results of operations. All of our facilities in the United States are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with these provisions has not had any material adverse effect on our financial or competitive position. We believe our current practices and procedures for the control and disposition of toxic or hazardous substances comply in all material respects with applicable law. EMPLOYEES As of April 27, 2019, we employed approximately 1,640 people, of which 380 are covered by collective bargaining agreements. We believe we maintain good relations with our employees. 6 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.AVAILABLE INFORMATION Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website at www.nationalbeverage.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, our Code of Ethics is available on our website. The information on the Company’s website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other report that we file with, or furnish to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS In addition to other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating the Company’s business. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. Additional risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company, or that the Company currently deems immaterial, may also impair our business and results of operations. Brand image and consumer preferences Our beverage portfolio is comprised of a number of unique brands with time-tested reputations and consumer loyalty that have been built over time. Our investments in social media and marketing as well as our strong commitment to product quality are intended to have a favorable impact on brand image and consumer preferences. Unfavorable publicity, or allegations of quality issues, even if false or unfounded, may tarnish our reputation and brand image and cause consumers to choose other products. In addition, if we do not adequately anticipate and react to changing demographics, consumer trends, health concerns and product preferences, our financial results could be adversely affected. Competition The beverage is extremely competitive. Our products compete with a broad range of beverage products, most of which are manufactured industry and distributed by companies with substantially greater financial, marketing and distribution resources. In order to generate future revenues and profits, we must continue to sell products that appeal to our customers and consumers. Discounting and other actions by our competitors could adversely affect our ability to sustain revenues and profits. Customer relationships Our retail customer base has been consolidating over the last several years resulting in fewer customers with increased purchasing power. This increased purchasing power can limit our ability to increase pricing for our products with certain of our customers. Additionally, e-commerce transactions and value stores are experiencing rapid growth. Our inability to adapt to customer requirements could lead to a loss of business and adversely affect our financial results. Raw materials and energy The production of our products is dependent on certain raw materials, including aluminum, resin, corn, linerboard, water and fruit juice. In addition, the production and distribution of our products is dependent on energy sources, including natural gas, fuel and electricity. These items are subject to price volatility caused by numerous factors. Commodity price increases ultimately result in a corresponding increase in the cost of raw materials and energy. We may be limited in our ability to pass these increases on to our customers or may incur a loss in sales volume to the extent price In addition, strikes, weather increases are taken. conditions, governmental controls, tariffs, national emergencies, natural disasters, supply shortages or other events could affect our continued supply and cost of raw materials and energy. If raw materials or energy costs increase, or the availability is limited, our financial results could be adversely affected. Governmental regulation Our business and properties are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those governing the production, packaging, quality, labeling and distribution of beverage products. In addition, various governmental agencies have enacted or are considering additional taxes on soft drinks and other sweetened beverages. Compliance with or changes in existing laws or regulations could require material expenses and negatively affect our financial results through lower sales or higher costs. 7 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Sustained increases in the cost of employee benefits Our profitability is affected by the cost of medical and retirement benefits provided to employees, including employees covered under collective bargaining agreements and multi-employer pension plans. In recent years, we have experienced increases in these costs. Although we seek to limit these cost increases, continued upward pressure in these costs could reduce our profitability. Unfavorable weather conditions Unfavorable weather conditions could have an adverse impact on our revenue and profitability. Unusually cold or rainy weather may temporarily reduce demand for our products and contribute to lower sales, which could adversely affect our profitability for such periods. Prolonged drought conditions in the geographic regions in which we do business could lead to restrictions on the use of water, which could adversely affect our ability to produce and distribute products. Dependence on key personnel Our performance significantly depends upon the continued contributions of our executive officers and key employees, both individually and as a group, and our ability to retain and motivate them. Our officers and key personnel have many years of experience with us and in our industry and it may be difficult to replace them. If we lose key personnel or are unable to recruit qualified personnel, our operations and ability to manage our business may be adversely affected. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES Michigan (2), Ohio, Texas, Utah and Washington. Two production facilities, located in Maryland and Florida, are leased subject to agreements that expire through 2020. We believe our facilities are generally in good condition and sufficient to meet our present needs. The production of beverages is capital intensive but is not characterized by rapid technological change. The technological advances that have occurred have generally been of an incremental cost-saving nature, such as the industry’s conversion to lighter weight containers or improved blending processes that enhance ingredient yields. Although we are continually investing in more efficient equipment, we are not aware of any anticipated industry-wide changes in technology that would adversely impact our current physical production capacity or cost of production. We own and lease trucks, vans and automobiles used in the sale, delivery and distribution of our products. In addition, we lease warehouse and office space, transportation equipment, office equipment and certain manufacturing equipment. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company has been named a defendant in certain legal proceedings, including derivative and class action complaints. Company counsel has asserted various meritorious defenses and is vigorously defending these matters. Certain of these complaints include allegations that the Company’s LaCroix branded products contain synthetic ingredients and thereby violate specific state consumer protection statutes and other laws. The Company believes the litigation is without merit and will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Our principal properties include twelve production facilities located in ten states, which aggregate approximately two million square feet. We own ten production facilities in the following states: California (2), Georgia, Kansas, ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 8 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES The common stock of National Beverage Corp., par value $.01 per share, (“Common Stock”) is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FIZZ”. At June 14, 2019, there were approximately 27,500 holders of our Common Stock, the majority of which hold their shares in the names of banks, brokers and other financial institutions. The Company paid special cash dividends on Common Stock of $135.2 million ($2.90 per share) on January 29, 2019 and $69.9 million ($1.50 per share) on August 4, 2017. Performance Graph The following graph shows a comparison of the five-year cumulative returns of an investment of $100 cash on May 3, 2014, assuming reinvestment of dividends, in (i) Common Stock, (ii) the NASDAQ Composite Index, (iii) the S&P 500 Index, and (iv) a Company-constructed peer group consisting of Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated and Cott Corporation. Comparison of 5 - Year Cumulative Total Return among National Beverage Corp., the NASDAQ Composite Index, S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group $550 $500 $450 $400 $350 $300 $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 5/3/2014 5/2/2015 4/30/2016 4/29/2017 4/28/2018 4/27/2019 National Beverage Corp. NASDAQ Composite - Total Return S&P 500 - Total Return Peer Group National Beverage Corp. $ 100.00 $ 116.71 $ 243.31 $ 474.75 $ 488.79 $ 323.66 5/3/2014 5/2/2015 4/30/2016 4/29/2017 4/28/2018 4/27/2019 NASDAQ Composite – Total Return 100.00 122.81 118.58 152.01 180.85 S&P 500 – Total Return Peer Group 100.00 100.00 114.38 123.98 114.50 182.37 135.02 212.98 154.19 202.45 208.87 173.21 298.97 9 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES (In thousands, except per share and footnote amounts) SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018 April 29, 2017 April 30, 2016 May 2, 2015 Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit $ 1,014,105 $ 975,734 $ 826,918 $ 704,785 $ 645,825 629,755 584,599 500,841 463,348 426,685 384,350 391,135 326,077 241,437 219,140 Selling, general and administrative expenses 204,415 186,947 163,600 148,384 145,157 Interest expense Other (income) expense - net Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income PER SHARE DATA 202 201 (4,144) (1,502) 189 (537) 203 145 371 (1,101) 183,877 205,489 162,825 92,705 74,713 43,024 55,715 55,780 31,507 25,402 $ 140,853 $ 149,774 $ 107,045 $ 61,198 $ 49,311 Basic earnings per common share(1) $ 3.02 $ 3.21 $ 2.30 $ 1.31 $ 1.06 Diluted earnings per common share(1) Closing stock price Dividends paid on common stock(2) BALANCE SHEET DATA Cash and equivalents(2) Working capital(2) 3.00 57.50 2.90 3.19 89.78 1.50 2.29 88.59 1.50 1.31 46.74 - 1.05 22.42 - $ 156,200 $ 189,864 $ 136,372 $ 105,577 $ 52,456 224,420 248,297 181,115 143,603 97,130 Property, plant and equipment - net 111,316 85,807 65,150 61,932 60,182 Total assets(2) Long-term debt Deferred income tax liability Shareholders' equity(2) 452,193 458,832 353,983 301,044 243,402 - - - - 10,000 15,987 14,502 12,087 10,020 10,897 331,609 331,440 245,618 206,152 147,782 Dividends paid on common stock(2) 135,247 69,878 69,850 - - (1) Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options. (2) The Company paid special cash dividends on Common Stock of $135.2 million ($2.90 per share) on January 29, 2019 and $69.9 million ($1.50 per share) on August 4, 2017 and January 27, 2017. 10 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.ITEM 7. 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, energy drinks (“Power+ Brands”) and, to a lesser extent, carbonated soft drinks. Our carbonated soft drink brands continue to be modified as we endeavor to make them more adaptable to changing consumer preferences. We believe our creative 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. National Beverage Corp., in recent years, has transformed to 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. We are committed to our quest to innovate for the joy, benefit and enjoyment of our consumers’ healthier lifestyle! Presently, National Beverage Corp. is uniquely positioned in three distinctive ways: (1) The retail grocery industry is in revolution. In prior years, each retailer induced their consumer with a proprietary brand (especially soft drinks), but today understands that the well-informed, smart consumer is demanding that retailers provide recognizable brands that have earned their respective consumer standing on their merits. (2) The retail grocer today is in the most competitive- indexed service industry, without exception. Innovation, plus the urgent time demands on the consumer, is requiring quick, expedient shopping and home delivery is even more of a current shoppers’ choice. Retailers cannot carry slower- moving items that home delivery will not support. (3) The new consumer the most competent/ is knowledgeable product analyzer ever, and personal mental/physical lifestyles demand that healthier is their preferred choice. Calories must qualify as worthy; sugar being enemy #1 in the life of the Millennial and younger consumers. 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 innovative marketing, through 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. 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 options to expand distribution to other regions are 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 consisting of warehouse and direct- store delivery. The warehouse delivery system allows our retail partners to further maximize their assets by utilizing their ability to pick up product at our warehouses, further lowering their/our product costs. 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 prior years witnessed more seasonality, higher sales are realized during the summer when outdoor activities are more prevalent. 11 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.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 forces companies to decision making for that purpose, not truly beneficial for investors and shareholders alike. Traditional and typical are not a part of an innovator’s vocabulary. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net Sales Net sales for fiscal year ended April 27, 2019 (“Fiscal 2019”) increased 3.9% to $1,014 million compared to $975.7 million for fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 (“Fiscal 2018”). Adjusted for private label carbonated soft drinks no longer produced, net sales increased 6.2%. The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 5.0% increase in branded case volume and a higher average selling price. Power+ Brands volume increased 8.9%; branded carbonated soft drinks volume declined 3.0%. Net sales for Fiscal 2018 increased 18.0% to $975.7 million compared to $826.9 million for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 (“Fiscal 2017”). The increase in sales resulted primarily from a 19.8% increase in branded case volume and, to a lesser extent, a higher average selling price. Power+ Brands volume increased 38.9%; branded carbonated soft drinks volume declined 6.2%. The Company concluded production of lower-margin, private- label carbonated soft drinks in the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, allowing greater focus on brand equity appreciation. Gross Profit Gross profit for Fiscal 2019 decreased 1.7% to $384.4 million compared to $391.1 million for Fiscal 2018. The decrease in gross profit is due to increased costs per case offset in part by volume growth in higher- margin Power+ Brands. Cost of sales per case increased 7.7% primarily due to higher aluminum and manufacturing costs. Manufacturing costs were temporarily impacted by production disruptions as a result of capital projects designed to increase production capacity and efficiency. Gross margin declined to 37.9%. 12 Gross profit for Fiscal 2018 increased 20.0% to $391.1 million compared to $326.1 million for Fiscal 2017. The increase in gross profit is due to increased volume and growth in higher-margin Power+ Brands, offset in part by increased cost of sales per case. Cost of sales per case increased 1.0% primarily due to higher aluminum costs. Gross margin expanded to 40.1%. 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 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses were $204.4 million or 20.2% of net sales for Fiscal 2019, increasing $17.5 million from Fiscal 2018. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in total and as a percent of net sales primarily due to increased shipping costs and marketing spending increases. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $186.9 million or 19.2% of net sales for Fiscal 2018, increasing $23.3 million from Fiscal 2017. The increase was primarily due to shipping and other volume-related expenses and marketing spending increases. As a percent of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to the leveraging effects of higher volume on fixed costs. Interest Expense and Other Expense (Income) - Net Interest expense is comprised of fees related to maintaining lines of credit. Interest expense was essentially flat for all years presented. Other income is primarily interest income of $4.1 million for Fiscal 2019, $1.6 million for Fiscal 2018 and $.6 million for Fiscal 2017. The change in interest income is due to changes in average invested balances and increased return on investments. Income Taxes Our effective tax rate was 23.4% for Fiscal 2019, 27.1% for Fiscal 2018 and 34.3% for Fiscal 2017. The reduction in the effective tax rate was due to the statutory rate decreases set forth in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) enacted into law on December 22, 2017. Under the Tax Act, the applicable federal statutory rate was 21.0% for Fiscal 2019. Included in the effective NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. tax rate for Fiscal 2018 is a one-time adjustment reducing income tax expense to remeasure previous deferred tax liabilities of $4.3 million. The differences between the effective rate and the federal statutory rate were primarily due to the effects of state income taxes, and for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017, the domestic manufacturing deduction. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION Liquidity and Capital Resources At April 27, 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. Cash generated from operations is our principal source of funds. We believe that existing capital resources will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital requirements for the next twelve months. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We continually evaluate capital projects to expand our production capacity, enhance packaging capabilities or improve efficiencies at our production facilities. Expenditures for property, plant and equipment amounted to $38.3 million for Fiscal 2019 primarily to expand production capacity. We intend to continue production capacity expansion projects in Fiscal 2020, but expect capital expenditures will decline from Fiscal 2019 levels in the near term. The Company paid special cash dividends on Common Stock of $135.2 million ($2.90 per share) on January 29, 2019 and $69.9 million ($1.50 per share) on August 4, 2017 and January 27, 2017. Pursuant to a management agreement, we incurred a fee to Corporate Management Advisors, Inc. (“CMA”) of $10.2 million for Fiscal 2019, $9.8 million for Fiscal 2018 and $8.3 million for Fiscal 2017. At April 27, 2019, management fees payable to CMA were $2.4 million. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash Flows During Fiscal 2019, $139.4 million was provided by operating activities, $38.3 million was used in investing activities and $134.8 million was used in financing activities. Cash provided by operating activities decreased $15.3 million primarily due to lower net income and increased working capital. Cash used in investing activities increased due to increased capital expenditures to support volume growth. Cash used in financing activities includes the $135.2 million ($2.90 per share) special cash dividend paid on January 29, 2019. During Fiscal 2018, $154.7 million was provided by operating activities, $31.9 million was used in investing activities and $69.3 million was used in financing activities. Cash provided by operating activities increased $40.5 million primarily due to increased earnings offset in part by increased working capital. Cash used in investing activities increased due to increased capital expenditures. Spending on property, plant and equipment exceeded depreciation expense, our typical investment level, in order to support volume growth. Cash used in financing activities includes the $69.9 million ($1.50 per share) special cash dividend paid on August 4, 2017. Financial Position During Fiscal 2019, our working capital decreased to $224.4 million from $248.3 million at April 29, 2018. The decrease in working capital resulted from lower cash and equivalents due to the January 2019 cash dividend, primarily offset by higher inventory and lower accounts payable. Trade receivables increased $500,000 and days sales outstanding increased to 32.2 days from 31.4 days. Inventories increased $9.8 million or 16.1% as a result of increased finished goods and raw materials. Annual inventory turns decreased to 8.8 from 9.5 times. As of April 27, 2019, the current ratio was 3.3 to 1 compared to 3.4 to 1 at April 28, 2018. During Fiscal 2018, our working capital increased to $248.3 million from $181.1 million at April 29, 2017. The increase in working capital resulted from higher cash, trade receivables and inventory, partially offset by higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Trade receivables increased $13.0 million or 18.3% due to increased sales, and days sales outstanding increased to 31.4 days from 30.6 days. Inventories increased $7.6 million or 14.2% as a result of increased finished goods and raw materials to support sales increases. Annual inventory turns remained unchanged at 9.5 times. As of April 28, 2018, the current ratio was 3.4 to 1 compared to 3.1 to 1 at April 29, 2017. 13 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS Contractual obligations at April 27, 2019 are payable as follows: (In thousands) Total Less Than 1 Year 1 to 3 Years 3 to 5 Years More Than 5 Years Operating leases $ 52,037 $ 16,105 $ 21,978 $ 12,251 $ 1,703 Purchase commitments 19,874 17,485 2,060 329 - Total $ 71,911 $ 33,590 $ 24,038 $ 12,580 $ 1,703 We contribute to certain pension plans under collective bargaining agreements and to a discretionary profit sharing plan. Annual contributions were $3.8 million for Fiscal 2019, $3.4 million for Fiscal 2018 and $3.1 million for Fiscal 2017. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We maintain self-insured and deductible programs for certain liability, medical and workers’ compensation exposures. Other long-term liabilities include known claims and estimated incurred but not reported claims not otherwise covered by insurance, based on actuarial assumptions and historical claims experience. Since the timing and amount of claim payments vary significantly, we are not able to reasonably estimate future payments for specific periods and therefore such payments have not been included in the table above. Standby letters of credit aggregating $2.1 million have been issued in connection with our self-insurance programs. These standby letters of credit expire through June 2020 and are expected to be renewed. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 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 14 the financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results. We believe that the critical accounting policies described in the following paragraphs comprise the most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. 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. Exposure to credit losses varies by customer principally due to the financial condition of each customer. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for anticipated losses based on specific customer circumstances, credit conditions and historical write-offs. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets All long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization, are evaluated for impairment on the basis of undiscounted cash flows whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair value based on the best information available. Estimated fair value is generally measured by discounting future cash flows. Goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment annually or sooner if we believe such assets may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount or, for goodwill, the carrying amount of its reporting unit, is greater than its fair value. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Income Taxes Our effective income tax rate is based on estimates of taxes which will ultimately be payable. Deferred taxes are recorded to give recognition to temporary differences between the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Valuation allowances are established to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets when it is deemed, more likely than not, that the benefit of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Insurance Programs We maintain self-insured and deductible programs for certain liability, medical and workers’ compensation exposures. Accordingly, we accrue for known claims and estimated incurred but not reported claims not otherwise covered by insurance based on actuarial assumptions and historical claims experience. 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. Our credit terms normally require payment within 30 days of delivery and may allow discounts for early payment. We estimate and reserve for bad debt exposure based on our experience with past due accounts, collectability and our analysis of customer data. that We offer various sales incentive arrangements to our customers require customer performance or achievement of certain sales volume targets. 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 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. 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 adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and its amendments on April 29, 2018. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS including, without National Beverage 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. These statements are “forward-looking” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include statements contained in this report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in reports to our stockholders. Certain limitation, statements statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “expects,” and “estimates” constitute “forward- looking statements” and 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, litigation risks and other factors referenced in this report, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other reports to our stockholders. 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. 15 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Commodities We purchase various raw materials, including aluminum cans, plastic bottles, high fructose corn syrup, corrugated packaging and juice concentrates, the prices of which fluctuate based on commodity market conditions. Our ability to recover increased costs through higher pricing may be limited by the competitive environment in which we operate. At times, we manage our exposure to this risk through the use of supplier pricing agreements that enable us to establish all, or a portion of, the purchase prices for certain raw materials. Additionally, we use derivative financial instruments to partially mitigate our exposure to changes in certain raw material costs. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Interest Rates At April 27, 2019, the Company had no borrowings outstanding. We had no debt-related interest rate exposure during Fiscal 2019. 16 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and equivalents Trade receivables - net Inventories - net Prepaid and other assets Total current assets Property, plant and equipment - net Goodwill Intangible assets Other assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Total current liabilities Deferred income taxes - net Other liabilities Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock, $1 par value - 1,000,000 shares authorized Series C - 150,000 shares issued Common stock, $.01 par value - 200,000,000 shares authorized; 50,678,084 shares (2019) and 50,650,784 shares (2018) issued Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Treasury stock - at cost: Series C preferred stock - 150,000 shares Common stock - 4,032,544 shares Total shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018 $ 156,200 $ 189,864 84,841 70,702 9,714 321,457 111,316 13,145 1,615 4,660 84,360 60,920 17,823 352,967 85,807 13,145 1,615 5,298 $ 452,193 $ 458,832 $ 66,202 $ 30,433 402 97,037 15,987 7,560 74,853 29,718 99 104,670 14,502 8,220 150 150 507 37,065 313,430 (1,543) (5,100) (12,900) 331,609 $ 452,193 $ 507 36,358 307,824 4,601 (5,100) (12,900) 331,440 458,832 17 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales Cost of sales Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Interest expense Other (income) expense - net Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Earnings per common share: Basic Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018 April 29, 2017 $ 1,014,105 $ 975,734 $ 826,918 629,755 384,350 204,415 202 (4,144) 183,877 43,024 584,599 391,135 186,947 201 (1,502) 205,489 55,715 500,841 326,077 163,600 189 (537) 162,825 55,780 $ 140,853 $ 149,774 $ 107,045 $ $ 3.02 3.00 $ $ 3.21 $ 3.19 $ 2.30 2.29 46,633 46,917 46,598 46,921 46,564 46,770 18 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands) Net income Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Cash flow hedges Other Total Comprehensive income See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018 April 29, 2017 $ 140,853 $ 149,774 $ 107,045 (6,318) 174 (6,144) 5,227 (22) 5,205 1,110 93 1,203 $ 134,709 $ 154,979 $ 108,248 19 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In thousands) SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK Beginning and end of year SERIES D PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK Beginning of year Stock options exercised End of year ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL Beginning of year Stock options exercised Stock-based compensation Stock-based tax benefits End of year RETAINED EARNINGS Beginning of year Net income Common stock cash dividend End of year ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME Beginning of year Cash flow hedges Other End of year Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018 April 29, 2017 Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount 150 $ 150 150 $ 150 150 $ 150 50,651 27 50,678 507 50,616 506 50,589 - 35 1 27 507 50,651 507 50,616 506 - 506 36,358 35,638 34,570 456 251 - 559 161 - 365 208 495 37,065 36,358 35,638 307,824 140,853 (135,247) 313,430 4,601 (6,318) 174 (1,543) 227,928 149,774 (69,878) 307,824 (604) 5,227 (22) 4,601 190,733 107,045 (69,850) 227,928 (1,807) 1,110 93 (604) TREASURY STOCK - SERIES C PREFERRED Beginning and end of year TREASURY STOCK - COMMON Beginning and end of year 150 (5,100) 150 (5,100) 150 (5,100) 4,033 (12,900) 4,033 (12,900) 4,033 (12,900) TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 331,609 $ 331,440 $ 245,618 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 20 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Deferred income tax provision Loss on disposal of property, net Stock-based compensation Stock-based tax benefits Changes in assets and liabilities: Trade receivables Inventories Prepaid and other assets Accounts payable Accrued and other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Additions to property, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Net cash used in investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Dividends paid on common stock Proceeds from stock options exercised Net cash used in financing activities Fiscal Year Ended April 27, 2019 April 28, 2018 April 29, 2017 $ 140,853 $ 149,774 $ 107,045 15,439 3,351 12 251 - (481) (9,782) (2,806) (8,651) 1,256 13,226 676 149 161 - (13,041) (7,565) (5,437) 16,753 25 12,834 1,358 72 208 495 (10,273) (5,433) (2,205) 8,709 1,457 139,442 154,721 114,267 (38,333) 18 (38,315) (31,974) (14,015) 63 28 (31,911) (13,987) (135,247) (69,878) (69,850) 456 (134,791) 560 (69,318) 365 (69,485) NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS (33,664) 53,492 30,795 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS - BEGINNING OF YEAR 189,864 136,372 105,577 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS - END OF YEAR $ 156,200 $ 189,864 $ 136,372 OTHER CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Interest paid Income taxes paid $ $ 51 36,833 $ $ 101 $ 202 56,737 $ 55,901 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 21 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements effect of stock options amounting to 284,000 shares in Fiscal 2019, 323,000 shares in Fiscal 2018 and 206,000 shares in Fiscal 2017. National Beverage Corp. innovatively develops, produces, markets and sells a distinctive portfolio of sparkling waters, juices, energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks primarily in the United States and Canada. 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 have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of National Beverage Corp. and all subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Our fiscal year ends the Saturday closest to April 30 and, as a result, an additional week is added every five or six years. All fiscal years presented consisted of 52 weeks. Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents are comprised of cash and highly liquid securities (consisting primarily of short-term money-market investments) with an original maturity of three months or less. Derivative Financial Instruments We use derivative financial instruments to partially mitigate our exposure to changes in certain raw material costs. All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 6. 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 22 Fair Value The estimated fair values of derivative financial instruments are calculated based on market rates to settle the instruments. These values represent the estimated amounts we would receive upon sale, taking into consideration current market prices and credit worthiness. See Note 6. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets All long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization, are evaluated for impairment on the basis of undiscounted cash flows whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impaired asset is written down to its estimated fair market value based on the best information available. Estimated fair value is generally measured by discounting future cash flows. Goodwill and intangible assets not subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment annually or sooner if we believe such assets may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount or, for goodwill, the carrying amount of its reporting unit, is greater than its fair value. Income Taxes Our effective income tax rate is based on estimates of taxes which will ultimately be payable. Deferred taxes are recorded to give recognition to temporary differences between the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Valuation allowances are established to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets when it is deemed, more likely than not, that the benefit of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Insurance Programs We maintain self-insured and deductible programs for certain liability, medical and workers’ compensation exposures. Accordingly, we accrue for known claims and estimated incurred but not reported claims not otherwise covered by insurance based on actuarial assumptions and historical claims experience. At April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018, other liabilities included accruals of $5.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively, for estimated non-current risk retention exposures, of which $4.3 million and $5.0 million were covered by insurance. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Intangible Assets Intangible assets as of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018 consisted of non-amortizable trademarks. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of first- in, first-out cost or market. Inventories at April 27, 2019 were comprised of finished goods of $48.7 million and raw materials of $22.0 million. Inventories at April 28, 2018 were comprised of finished goods of $37.6 million and raw materials of $23.3 million. Marketing Costs We utilize a variety of marketing programs, including cooperative advertising programs with customers, to advertise and promote our products to consumers. Marketing costs are expensed when incurred, except for prepaid advertising and production costs which are expensed when the advertising takes place. Marketing costs, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses, totaled $55.3 million in Fiscal 2019, $49.7 million in Fiscal 2018 and $44.9 million in Fiscal 2017. New Accounting Pronouncements - adopted issued Accounting the FASB In February 2018, Standards Update 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2018-02”). This update permits the impact of lower corporate income tax rates related to items classified in accumulated other comprehensive income to be reclassified directly to retained earnings. We adopted ASU 2018-02 effective for our third quarter ended January 27, 2018. We elected not to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. 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. 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. New Accounting Pronouncements – not yet adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards (“ASU 2016-02”). Update No. 2016-02, “Leases” 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 provided 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 recognize the new accounting standard prospectively as of the effective date. ASU 2016-02 is effective for our fiscal year beginning April 28, 2019. While we are substantially complete with the process of quantifying the impacts that will result from applying the new guidance, our assessment will be finalized during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020. We anticipate that the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 will result in the recognition in our Consolidated Balance Sheet of right to use assets, and liabilities for operating lease obligations approximating 10% of total assets, subject to completion of our assessment. We do not expect the new standard to have a material impact on the Company’s 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 Company’s 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. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Additions, replacements and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of an asset are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 30 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the 23 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized. 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 accounts are sold on a cash basis. Our credit terms typically require payment within 30 days of delivery and may allow discounts for early payment. We estimate and reserve for bad debt exposure based on our experience with past due accounts, collectability and our analysis of customer data. that We offer various sales incentive arrangements to our customers require customer performance or achievement of certain sales volume targets. Sales incentives are accrued over the period of benefit or expected sales volume. When the incentive is paid in advance, the aggregate incentive is recorded as a prepaid 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. 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 adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and its amendments on April 29, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, with no material impact to the consolidated financial statements. Segment Reporting We operate as a single operating segment for purposes of presenting financial information and evaluating performance. As such, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present financial information in a format that is consistent with the internal financial information used by management. We do not accumulate revenues by product classification and, therefore, it is impractical to present such information. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements 24 of income. Such costs aggregated $72.4 million in Fiscal 2019, $63.3 million in Fiscal 2018 and $50.0 million in Fiscal 2017. Although our classification is consistent with many beverage companies, our gross margin may not be comparable to companies that include shipping and handling costs in cost of sales. Stock-Based Compensation Compensation expense for stock-based compensation awards is recognized over the vesting period based on the grant-date fair value estimated using the Black-Scholes model. See Note 9. Trade Receivables We record trade receivables at net realizable value, which includes an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. We extend credit based on an evaluation of each customer’s financial condition, generally without requiring collateral. Exposure to credit losses varies by customer principally due to the financial condition of each customer. We monitor our exposure to credit losses and maintain allowances for anticipated losses based on our experience with past due accounts, collectability and our analysis of customer data. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 452 $ 468 $ 484 Net charge to expense Net charge-off 87 (23) 34 (50) 74 (90) Balance at end of year $ 516 $ 452 $ 468 As of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018, we did not have any customer that comprised more than 10% of trade receivables. No one customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales during any of the last three fiscal years. Use of 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. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and anticipated future actions, actual results may vary from reported amounts. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. 2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT of the Credit Facilities was reserved for standby letters of credit and $97.9 million was available for borrowings. Property, plant and equipment as of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018 consisted of the following: (In thousands) Land 2019 2018 $ 9,835 $ 9,500 Buildings and improvements 58,291 56,947 Machinery and equipment 222,243 194,241 Total 290,369 260,688 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 April 27, 2019, we were in compliance with all loan covenants. Less accumulated depreciation (179,053) (174,881) Property, plant and equipment – net $111,316 $ 85,807 5. CAPITAL STOCK AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES Depreciation expense was $12.8 million for Fiscal 2019, $11.1 million for Fiscal 2018 and $10.7 million for Fiscal 2017. The Company paid a special cash dividend on Common Stock of $135.2 million ($2.90 per share) on January 29, 2019 and $69.9 million ($1.50 per share) on August 4, 2017 and January 27, 2017. 3. ACCRUED LIABILITIES Accrued liabilities as of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018 consisted of the following: (In thousands) 2019 2018 Accrued compensation $ 9,506 $ 9,790 Accrued promotions Accrued freight Accrued Insurance Other Total 4. DEBT 6,449 4,387 3,780 6,311 7,011 5,984 2,256 4,677 $30,433 $29,718 At April 27, 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 April 27, 2019 or April 28, 2018. At April 27, 2019, $2.1 million The Company is authorized under its stock buyback program to repurchase 1.6 million shares of Common Stock. As of April 27, 2019, 502,060 shares were purchased under the program and 1,097,940 shares were available for purchase. No shares of Common Stock have been repurchased during the last three fiscal years. The Company is a party to a management agreement with Corporate Management Advisors, Inc. (“CMA”), a corporation owned by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. This agreement was originated in 1991 for the efficient use of management of two public companies at the time. In 1994, one of those public entities, through a merger, no longer was managed in this manner. Under the terms of the agreement, CMA provides, subject to the direction and supervision of the Board of Directors of the Company, (i) senior corporate functions (including supervision of the Company’s financial, legal, executive recruitment, internal audit and information systems departments) as well as the services of a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and (ii) services in connection with acquisitions, dispositions and financings by the Company, including identifying and profiling acquisition candidates, negotiating and structuring potential transactions and arranging financing for any such transaction. CMA, through its personnel, also provides, to the extent possible, the stimulus and creativity to develop an innovative and dynamic persona 25 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. for the Company, its products and corporate image. In order to fulfill its obligations under the management agreement, CMA employs numerous individuals, who, acting as a unit, provide management, administrative and creative functions for the Company. The management agreement provides that the Company will pay CMA an annual base fee equal to one percent of the consolidated net sales of the Company, and further provides that the Compensation and Stock Option Committee and the Board of Directors may from time to time award additional incentive compensation to CMA or its personnel. The Board of Directors on numerous occasions contemplated incentive compensation and since the inception of this agreement, no incentive compensation has been paid. We incurred management fees to CMA of $10.2 million for Fiscal 2019, $9.8 million for Fiscal 2018 and $8.3 million for Fiscal 2017. Included in accounts payable were amounts due CMA of $2.4 million at April 27, 2019 and $2.4 million at April 28, 2018. 6. 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 cash flow hedges. Accordingly, gains or losses attributable to the effective portion of the cash flow hedges 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 hedges for Fiscal 2019, Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017: (In thousands) Recognized in AOCI- Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 (Loss) gain before income taxes Less income tax (benefit) provision $ (6,138) $ 9,498 $ (984) (1,468) 3,085 (365) Net (4,670) 6,413 (619) Reclassified from AOCI to cost of sales- Gain (loss) before income taxes Less income tax provision (benefit) 2,100 2,569 (2,749) 452 1,383 (1,020) Net 1,648 1,186 (1,729) Net change to AOCI $ (6,318) $ 5,227 $ 1,110 As of April 27, 2019, the notional amount of our outstanding aluminum swap contracts was $41.5 million and, assuming no change in the commodity prices, $2.0 million of unrealized loss before tax will be reclassified from AOCI and recognized in cost of sales over the next 12 months. See Note 1. As of April 27, 2019, the fair value of the derivative liability was $2.0 million, which was included in accrued liabilities. As of 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. 7. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes consisted of the following: (In thousands) Current Deferred Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 $ 39,673 $ 55,039 $ 54,422 3,351 676 1,358 Total $ 43,024 $ 55,715 $ 55,780 26 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. Deferred taxes are recorded to give recognition to temporary differences between the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Valuation allowances are established to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that the benefit of deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018 consisted of the following: (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: 2019 2018 A reconciliation of the changes in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which amounts are included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 Beginning balance $1,733 $1,743 $1,678 Increases due to current period tax positions Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations and audit resolutions 139 204 150 (4) (214) (85) Accrued expenses and other $ 3,705 $ 2,900 Ending balance $1,868 $1,733 $1,743 Inventory and amortizable assets 265 331 Total deferred tax assets 3,970 3,231 Deferred tax liabilities: Property 18,505 14,858 Intangibles and other 1,452 2,875 Total deferred tax liabilities 19,957 17,733 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 15,987 $ 14,502 The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to our effective tax rate is as follows: Statutory federal income tax rate State income taxes, net of federal benefit Domestic manufacturing deduction benefit Remeasurement of deferred taxes Other differences Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 21.0% 30.4% 35.0% 2.9 2.4 2.2 - - (2.4) (3.0) (2.9) (.5) (.4) - .1 Effective income tax rate 23.4% 27.1% 34.3% As of April 27, 2019, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $1.9 million and $116,000 was recognized as tax expense in Fiscal 2019. If we were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the net effect would be to reduce our tax expense by approximately $1.5 million. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of April 27, 2019, unrecognized tax benefits included accrued interest of $253,000, of which approximately $15,000 was recognized as tax expense in Fiscal 2019. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted into law. The Tax Act made changes to the U.S. tax code, including reducing the U.S. federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The phasing in of the lower corporate income tax rate results in a blended federal statutory rate of 30.4% for our fiscal 2018, compared with the previous 35% rate. Included in the effective tax rate for Fiscal 2018 is a one-time adjustment reducing income tax expense to remeasure previous deferred tax liabilities of $4.3 million. We file annual income tax returns in the United States and in various state and local jurisdictions. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position, for which we have unrecognized tax benefits, is resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our unrecognized tax benefits reflect the most probable outcome. We adjust these unrecognized tax benefits, as well as the related interest, in light of changing facts and circumstances. The resolution of any particular uncertain tax position could require the use of cash and an adjustment to our provision for income taxes in the period of resolution. Federal income tax returns for fiscal years subsequent to 2016 are subject to examination. Generally, the income tax returns for the various state jurisdictions are subject to examination for fiscal years ending after fiscal 2012. 27 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.8. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company has been named a defendant in certain legal proceedings, including derivative and class action complaints. Company counsel has asserted various meritorious defenses and is vigorously defending these matters. Certain of these complaints include allegations that the Company’s LaCroix branded products contain synthetic ingredients and thereby violate specific state consumer protection statutes and other laws. The Company believes the litigation is without merit and will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. 9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Our stock-based compensation program is a broad- based program designed to attract and retain personnel while also aligning participants’ interests with the interests of the shareholders. The 1991 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) provides for compensatory awards consisting of (i) stock options or stock awards for up to 4,800,000 shares of common stock, (ii) stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, other stock-based awards in amounts up to 4,800,000 shares of common stock and (iii) performance awards consisting of any combination of the above. The Omnibus Plan is designed to provide an incentive to officers and certain other key employees and consultants by making available to them an opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest or to increase such interest in National Beverage. The number of shares or options which may be issued under stock-based awards to an individual is limited to 1,680,000 during any year. Awards may be granted for no cash consideration or such minimal cash consideration as may be required by law. Options generally have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, vest over a five-year period and expire after ten years. The Special Stock Option Plan provides for the issuance of stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of common stock. Options may be granted for such consideration as determined by the Board of Directors. The vesting schedule and exercise price of these options are tied to the recipient’s ownership 28 level of common stock and the terms generally allow for the reduction in exercise price upon each vesting period. Also, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of options to purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock to be issued at the direction of the Chairman. The Key Employee Equity Partnership Program (“KEEP Program”) provides for the granting of stock options to purchase up to 240,000 shares of common stock to key employees, consultants, directors and officers. Participants who purchase shares of stock in the open market receive grants of stock options equal to 50% of the number of shares purchased, up to a maximum of 6,000 shares in any two-year period. Options under the KEEP Program are forfeited in the event of the sale of shares used to acquire such options. Options are granted at an initial exercise price of 60% of the purchase price paid for the shares acquired and the exercise price reduces to the stock par value at the end of the six-year vesting period. We account for stock options under the fair value method of accounting using a Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the stock option fair value at date of grant. The fair value of stock options is amortized to expense over the vesting period. Stock options for 9,000 shares were granted in Fiscal 2019, 500 shares in Fiscal 2018 and no shares in Fiscal 2017. The weighted average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions for stock options granted are as follows: weighted average expected life of 8.0 years for Fiscal 2019 and 8.0 years for Fiscal 2018; weighted average expected volatility of 21.7% for Fiscal 2019 and 23.8% for Fiscal 2018; weighted average risk free interest rates of 2.6% for Fiscal 2019 and 2.4% for Fiscal 2018; and expected dividend yield of 1.6% for Fiscal 2019 and 1.6% for Fiscal 2018. The expected life of stock options was estimated based on historical experience. The expected volatility was estimated based on historical stock prices for a period consistent with the expected life of stock options. The risk free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of stock options. There were no forfeitures estimated in Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2018. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.The following is a summary of stock option activity for Fiscal 2019: 10. PENSION PLANS Number of Shares Price(a) Options outstanding, beginning of year 344,945 $10.84 Granted Exercised 9,000 40.03 (27,300) 16.70 Cancelled (4,200) 14.17 Options outstanding, end of year 322,445 11.14 Options exercisable, end of year 230,259 9.16 (a) Weighted average exercise price. Stock-based compensation expense was $251,000 for Fiscal 2019, $161,000 for Fiscal 2018 and $208,000 for Fiscal 2017. The total fair value of shares vested was $127,000 for Fiscal 2019, $140,000 for Fiscal 2018 and $362,000 for Fiscal 2017. The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised was $2.2 million for Fiscal 2019, $3.0 million for Fiscal 2018 and $1.5 million for Fiscal 2017. Net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $456,000 for Fiscal 2019, $560,000 for Fiscal 2018 and $365,000 for Fiscal 2017. Stock based income tax benefits aggregated $443,000 for Fiscal 2019, $886,000 for Fiscal 2018 and $495 million for Fiscal 2017. The weighted average fair value for stock options granted was $63.71 for Fiscal 2019. As of April 27, 2019, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of our stock options was $591,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.6 years. The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding as of April 27, 2019 was 3.3 years and $14.9 million, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual term and the aggregate intrinsic value for options exercisable as of April 28, 2018 was 4.4 years and $27.3 million, respectively. We have a stock purchase plan which provides for the purchase of up to 1,536,000 shares of common stock by employees who (i) have been employed for at least two years, (ii) are not part-time employees and (iii) are not owners of five percent or more of our common stock. As of April 27, 2019, no shares have been issued under the plan. The Company contributes to certain pension plans under collective bargaining agreements and to a discretionary profit sharing plan. Annual contributions (including contributions to multi-employer plans reflected below) were $3.8 million for Fiscal 2019, $3.4 million for Fiscal 2018 and $3.1 million for Fiscal 2017. The Company participates in three multi-employer defined benefit pension plans with respect to certain collective bargaining agreements. If the Company chooses to stop participating in the multi-employer plan or if other employers choose to withdraw to the extent that a mass withdrawal occurs, the Company could be required to pay the plan a withdrawal liability based on the underfunded status of the plan. During Fiscal 2017, a subsidiary of the Company reached a settlement with respect to a notification of withdrawal liability by one of the multi-employer pension plans not considered significant. The settlement did not have a material effect on financial position, cash flows or results of operations. Summarized below is certain information regarding the Company’s participation in significant multi-employer pension plans including the financial improvement plan or rehabilitation plan status (“FIP/RP Status”) and the zone status under the Pension Protection Act (“PPA”). The most recent PPA zone status available in Fiscal 2019 and Fiscal 2018 is for the plans’ years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 29 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Pension Fund Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Plan (EIN no. 36-6044243) (the “CSSS Fund”) Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund (EIN no. 91-6145047) (the “WCT Fund”) PPA Zone Status Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 FIP/RP Status Surcharge Imposed Red Red Implemented Yes Green Green Not applicable No For the plan years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was not listed in the Form 5500 Annual Returns as providing more than 5% of the total contributions for the above plans. The collective bargaining agreements for employees in the CSSS Fund and the WCT Fund expire on October 18, 2021 and May 14, 2021, respectively. The Company’s contributions for all multi-employer pension plans for the last three fiscal years are as follow: (In thousands) Pension Fund CSSS Fund WCT Fund Other multi-employer pension funds Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 $1,465 $1,370 $1,262 769 222 619 228 477 201 Total $2,456 $2,217 $1,940 Our minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of April 27, 2019 were as follows: (In thousands) Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2021 Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2023 Fiscal 2024 Thereafter Total minimum lease payments $ 16,105 12,084 9,894 7,741 4,510 1,703 $ 52,037 We enter into various agreements with suppliers for the purchase of raw materials, the terms of which may include variable or fixed pricing and minimum purchase quantities. As of April 27, 2019, we had purchase commitments for raw materials of $ 12.7 million through 2022. 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES As of April 27, 2019, we had purchase commitments for plant and equipment of $ 7.1 million for Fiscal 2020. From time to time, we are a party to various litigation matters and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not expect the ultimate disposition of such matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. We lease buildings, machinery and equipment under various non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2029. Certain of these leases contain scheduled rent increases and/or renewal options. Contractual rent increases are taken into account when calculating the minimum lease payment and recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rent expense under operating lease agreements totaled $18.2 million for Fiscal 2019, $13.3 million for Fiscal 2018 and $12.0 million for Fiscal 2017. 30 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.12. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share amounts) First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter FISCAL 2019 Net sales Gross profit Net income Earnings per common share – basic $292,590 115,694 48,830 $ 1.05 $260,709 103,524 41,077 $ .88 $220,892 $239,914 80,554 84,578 24,811 26,135 $ .53 $ .56 Earnings per common share – diluted $ 1.04 $ .88 $ .53 $ .56 FISCAL 2018 Net sales Gross profit Net income Earnings per common share – basic Earnings per common share – diluted $259,832 $244,119 $227,477 $244,306 104,503 96,080 91,193 99,359 38,272 $ .82 $ .82 33,980 41,080 36,442 $ .73 $ .88 $ .78 $ .72 $ .88 $ .78 31 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of National Beverage Corp. Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Beverage Corp. (the Company) as of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 27, 2019, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. issued by In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of April 27, 2019 and April 28, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 27, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of April 27, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated the Committee of Sponsoring Framework Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. issued by for maintaining effective Basis for Opinions The Company’s management is responsible for these internal financial statements, control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement 32 of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ RSM US LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006. Fort Lauderdale, Florida June 26, 2019 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not applicable. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). 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. Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 27, 2019. that there are recognizes Management inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time. independent RSM US LLP, an registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued their report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended April 27, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION Not applicable. 33 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by Item 11 will be included under the captions “Executive Compensation and Other Information” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information required by Item 12 will be included under the captions “Security Ownership” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by Item 13 will be included under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Information Regarding Meetings and Committees of the Board” in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by Item 14 will be included under the caption “Independent Auditors” in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The information required by Item 10 will be included under the captions “Election of Directors”, “Information as to Nominees and Other Directors”, “Information Regarding Meetings and Committees of the Board” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the officers of the Registrant as of April 27, 2019: Name Age Position with Company Nick A. Caporella(1) 83 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Joseph G. Caporella(2) 59 President George R. Bracken(3) 73 Executive Vice President – Finance (1) Mr. Nick A. Caporella has served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director since the Company’s inception in 1985. Also, he serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee. Since 1992, Mr. Caporella’s services have been provided to the Company by Corporate Management Advisors, Inc., a company he owns. (2) Mr. Joseph G. Caporella has served as President since September 2002 and, prior to that, as Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary since January 1991. Also, he has served as a Director since January 1987. Joseph G. Caporella is the son of Nick A. Caporella. (3) Mr. George R. Bracken has served as Executive Vice President - Finance since July 2012. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President – Finance from October 2000 to July 2012 and Vice President and Treasurer from October 1996 to October 2000. Since 1992, Mr. Bracken’s services have been provided to the Company by Corporate Management Advisors, Inc. All officers serve until their successors are chosen and may be removed at any time by the Board of Directors. Officers are normally appointed each year at the first meeting of the Board of Directors after the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. 34 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) The following documents are filed as part of this report: 1. Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Income Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Page 17 18 19 20 21 22 32 2. 3. Financial Statement Schedules Not applicable Exhibits See Exhibit Index which follows. 35 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation(1) 3.2 Amended and Restated By-Laws(2) 3.3 Certificate of Designation of the Special Series D Preferred Stock of the Company(3) 10.1 Management Agreement between the Company and Corporate Management Advisors, Inc.(4)* 10.2 National Beverage Corp. Investment and Profit Sharing Plan(5)* 10.3 National Beverage Corp. 1991 Omnibus Incentive Plan(4)* 10.4 National Beverage Corp. 1991 Stock Purchase Plan(4)* 10.5 Amendment No. 1 to the National Beverage Corp. Omnibus Incentive Plan(6)* 10.6 National Beverage Corp. Special Stock Option Plan(7)* 10.7 Amendment No. 2 to the National Beverage Corp. Omnibus Incentive Plan(8)* 10.8 National Beverage Corp. Key Employee Equity Partnership Program(8)* 10.9 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 2008, between NewBevCo, Inc. and lender therein(9) 10.10 Amendment to National Beverage Corp. Special Stock Option Plan(10)* 10.11 Amendment to National Beverage Corp. Key Employee Equity Partnership Program(10)* 10.12 First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated January 16, 2013, between NewBevCo, Inc. and lender therein(11) 10.13 Credit Agreement, dated June 18, 2015, between NewBevCo, Inc. and lender therein(12) 10.14 10.15 10.16 Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 7, 2015, between NewBevCo, Inc. and lender therein(12) Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 29, 2017, between NewBevCo, Inc. and lender therein(13) Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated October 4, 2017 between NewBevCo. and lender therein(14) 10.17 Credit Facility Renewal Agreement, dated April 26, 2018 between NewBevCo and lender therein(15) 36 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Exhibit No. Description 21 23 Subsidiaries of Registrant(16) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm(16) 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(16) 31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(16) 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(16) 32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(16) 101 The following financial information from National Beverage Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 2019 is 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. * Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. (1) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Schedule 14C Information Statement dated June 26, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference. (2) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Form 8-K Current Report dated July 23, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference. (3) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Form 8-K Current Report dated January 31, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference. (4) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 Registration Statement (File No. 33-38986) on July 26, 1991 and is incorporated herein by reference. (5) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form S-1 Registration Statement (File No. 33-38986) on February 19, 1991 and is incorporated herein by reference. (6) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 27, 1996 and is incorporated herein by reference. (7) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-95308) on August 1, 1995 and is incorporated herein by reference. (8) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 3, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference. (9) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended January 29, 2011 and is incorporated herein by reference. (10) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended January 31, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference. (11) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended January 26, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference. (12) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended August 1, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference. (13) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 29, 2017 and is incorporated herein by reference. (14) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended October 28, 2017 and is incorporated herein by reference. (15) Previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2018 and is incorporated herein by reference. (16) Filed herewith. 37 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. By: /s/ George R. Bracken George R. Bracken Executive Vice President – Finance (Principal Financial Officer) Date: June 26, 2019 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on June 26, 2019. /s/ Nick A. Caporella Nick A. Caporella Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer /s/ Joseph G. Caporella Joseph G. Caporella President and Director /s/ George R. Bracken George R. Bracken Executive Vice President – Finance (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ Cecil D. Conlee Cecil D. Conlee Director /s/ Samuel C. Hathorn, Jr. Samuel C. Hathorn, Jr. Director /s/ Stanley M. Sheridan Stanley M. Sheridan Director 38 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP. Exhibit 21 SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT Name of Subsidiary BevCo Sales, Inc. Beverage Corporation International, Inc. Big Shot Beverages, Inc. Everfresh Beverages, Inc. Faygo Beverages, Inc. LaCroix Beverages, Inc. National Beverage Vending Company National Retail Brands, Inc. NewBevCo, Inc. NutraFizz Products Corp. PACO, Inc. Shasta Beverages, Inc. Shasta Beverages International, Inc. Shasta Sales, Inc. Shasta Sweetener Corp. Shasta West, Inc. Sundance Beverage Company Jurisdiction of Incorporation Percentage of Voting Stock Owned Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Michigan Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 39 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement No. 333-97415 on Form S-8 of National Beverage Corp. of our report dated June 26, 2019 related to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of National Beverage Corp. which appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of National Beverage Corp. for the year ended April 27, 2019. /s/ RSM US LLP Fort Lauderdale, Florida June 26, 2019 40 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Exhibit 31.1 CERTIFICATION I, Nick A. Caporella, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of National Beverage Corp.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: June 26, 2019 /s/ Nick A. Caporella Nick A. Caporella Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 41 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Exhibit 31.2 CERTIFICATION I, George R. Bracken, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of National Beverage Corp.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: June 26, 2019 /s/ George R. Bracken George R. Bracken Executive Vice President - Finance (Principal Financial Officer) 42 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.Exhibit 32.1 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 Annual Report of National Beverage Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended April 27, 2019 (the “Report”), I, Nick A. Caporella, Chairman of the Board and 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 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 results of operations of the Company. Date: June 26, 2019 /s/ Nick A. Caporella Nick A. Caporella Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 32.2 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 Annual Report of National Beverage Corp. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended April 27, 2019 (the “Report”), I, George R. Bracken, Executive 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 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: June 26, 2019 /s/ George R. Bracken George R. Bracken Executive Vice President – Finance (Principal Financial Officer) 43 NATIONAL BEVERAGE CORP.2019 ANNUAL REPORT CORPORATE DATA SUBSIDIARY MANAGEMENT Alan A. Chittaro President Faygo Beverages Michael J. Bahr Executive Vice President Shasta West James C.T. Bolton Executive Vice President PACO Alan D. Domzalski Executive Vice President Sundance Beverages James H. Erwin III Executive Vice President LaCroix Beverages Stephen E. Flis Executive Vice President Shasta Sweetener Arthur D. Hanrehan Executive Vice President National BevPak James M. Jones Executive Vice President Foodservice Division Tammera K. Atkins Vice President Rip It Energy Fuel John F. Hlebica Vice President International Division SUBSIDIARIES BevCo Sales, Inc. Beverage Corporation Intl., Inc. Big Shot Beverages, Inc. Everfresh Beverages, Inc. Faygo Beverages, Inc. LaCroix Beverages, Inc. National Beverage Vending Co. National Retail Brands, Inc. NewBevCo, Inc. NutraFizz Products Corp. PACO, Inc. Shasta Beverages, Inc. Shasta Beverages Intl., Inc. Shasta Sales, Inc. Shasta Sweetener Corp. Shasta West, Inc. Sundance Beverage Company CORPORATE OFFICES 8100 Southwest Tenth Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 954-581-0922 ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. local time at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel, 9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827. FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION A copy of National Beverage Corp.’s Annual Report, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other financial information can be found on the company’s website (www.nationalbeverage.com) or may be obtained without charge by writing or calling: National Beverage Corp. Shareholder Relations, 8100 Southwest Tenth Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324. Telephone: 877-NBC-FIZZ (877-622-3499). STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING Common Stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market – symbol FIZZ. TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Computershare 462 South 4th Street Suite 1600 Louisville, KY 40202 888-313-1476 www.computershare.com/investor INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM RSM US LLP Fort Lauderdale, FL DIRECTORS Nick A. Caporella Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer National Beverage Corp. Joseph G. Caporella President National Beverage Corp. Cecil D. Conlee* Founder & Chairman The Conlee Company Samuel C. Hathorn, Jr.* Retired Chief Executive Officer Trendmaker Development Co. Stanley M. Sheridan* Retired President Faygo Beverages, Inc. *Member Audit Committee CORPORATE MANAGEMENT Nick A. Caporella Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer Joseph G. Caporella President George R. Bracken Executive Vice President- Finance Timothy C. Barker Executive Director- Strategic IT Brent R. Bott Executive Director- Consumer Marketing Gregory J. Kwederis Executive Director- Beverage Analyst Dominic H. Angelina Director-Internal Audit Richard S. Berkes Director-Risk Management Glenn G. Bryan Director-Tax Michael M. King Special Corporate Counsel 8100 Southwest Tenth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33324 954.581.0922 www.nationalbeverage.com 

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