NASDAQ:FIZZ

National Beverage (FIZZ) Stock Soars After Special Dividend and Fiscal 2026 Results

National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: FIZZ) shares surged approximately 13% on Thursday after the company announced a $3.25 per share special cash dividend alongside its fiscal 2026 financial results, boosting investor sentiment despite relatively flat earnings.

The special dividend, payable on or before July 30 to shareholders of record as of July 13, marks the company's thirteenth special cash dividend over the past 22 years. National Beverage said it has returned more than $1.8 billion to shareholders through special dividends during that period.

For fiscal 2026, the maker of LaCroix sparkling water reported net sales of $1.18 billion, compared with $1.20 billion in the prior fiscal year. Net income slipped slightly to $183.6 million from $186.8 million, while diluted earnings per share declined to $1.96 from $1.99.

Despite the modest year-over-year declines, management expressed confidence in the company's outlook, pointing to continued product innovation, a strong balance sheet, and improving market conditions. Cash increased by $156 million during the year to $350 million, providing significant financial flexibility.

The company also highlighted strong momentum from newer LaCroix flavors, including PineApple CocoNut and Strawberry Peach, while noting that easing commodity costs and improving consumer spending trends could support future growth.

# Why FIZZ Stock Rose

Several developments fueled Thursday's rally:

* National Beverage declared a special cash dividend of $3.25 per share.
* The company ended fiscal 2026 with $350 million in cash, up $156 million from the prior year.
* Management expressed confidence in future growth, citing improving market conditions and continued product innovation.
* Investors welcomed the company's long history of returning capital to shareholders through special dividends.

While fiscal 2026 earnings were largely stable compared with the prior year, the sizeable special dividend and upbeat outlook significantly boosted investor sentiment, sending National Beverage shares approximately 13% higher during Thursday's trading session.
National Beverage Corp. reported higher net income and improved margins for its fiscal third quarter ended January 31, 2026, despite softer sales and tariff-related cost pressures.

The beverage maker posted net sales of $265 million for the quarter, while gross profit reached $100 million, reflecting a 60-basis-point year-on-year improvement in margin. Earnings per share rose 5% to $0.44, and operating cash flow totaled $136 million, with cash on hand increasing to $314 million.

The company said shipment volumes improved in January, rising 7% despite disruptions caused by winter storms. National Beverage highlighted continued product innovation, including new LaCroix flavors such as Strawberry Peach and PineApple CocoNut, alongside new Shasta and Faygo zero-sugar beverages. Management added that it will monitor tariff-related cost increases and may adjust prices if necessary while aiming to limit the impact on consumers. Source: National Beverage Corp.
National Beverage Corp. Reports Strong Q3 Performance Amid Market Challenges
Fort Lauderdale, FL – March 6, 2025 – National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: FIZZ) announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended January 25, 2025, showcasing a 5% increase in operating profit despite challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and regional disruptions.

Third Quarter Highlights (Q3 2025)
Net Sales: $267 million
Operating Profit: $51 million (up 5% year-over-year)
Earnings Per Share (EPS): $0.42
Cash Position: $149 million
Trailing Twelve-Month Performance (TTM)
Net Sales: $1.2 billion, reflecting steady growth
Operating Profit: $231 million (an 8% increase over the prior year)
Net Income: $186 million, up 10%
Earnings Per Share: $1.99 (an increase of $0.18)
Business Resilience & Market Strategy
Despite significant weather-related impacts in California, the Midwest, and the Northeast, National Beverage Corp. leveraged its strategic marketing efforts to maintain momentum. The company continues to prioritize brand awareness through in-store displays, retail partnerships, and social media engagement.

"Our innovative approach to brand engagement and consumer interaction continues to strengthen LaCroix’s market presence," a company spokesperson noted. "We remain committed to hydrating and invigorating consumers with our healthy and refreshing beverage choices."

Innovation & Future Outlook
National Beverage Corp. hinted at an industry-changing innovation in the sparkling water category, currently being tested at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California.

"This new concept has the potential to redefine sparkling water consumption, similar to how aluminum cans revolutionized the beverage industry," the spokesperson added.

Commitment to Community & Patriotism
As part of its corporate ethos, National Beverage Corp. emphasized its continued support for local and national women’s soccer teams, youth sports, and health-focused initiatives.

"If only we could bottle patriotism!" the company remarked, reinforcing its dedication to American values.
National Beverage Corp. has announced its financial results for the third quarter ended January 25, 2025. The company reported net sales of $267 million for the quarter, with a 5% increase in operating profit to $51 million. Earnings per share remained steady at $0.42, and cash holdings stood at $149 million.

For the trailing twelve months, net sales increased to $1.2 billion, operating profit rose by 8% to $231 million, and net income climbed 10% to $186 million. Earnings per share grew by $0.18 to $1.99.

The company acknowledged challenges in the quarter due to severe winter weather in key markets and the impact of wildfires in Southern California. Despite these factors, its marketing initiatives, including in-store displays, social media engagement, and sponsorship of women’s soccer teams, contributed to brand awareness and growth.

Additionally, National Beverage hinted at a potential innovation in the sparkling water segment, which is currently being tested at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. The company expressed optimism that this new development could significantly impact the category.