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News Release
CORONA, Calif., May 7, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Hansen Natural Corporation (Nasdaq:HANS) today reported record sales and profits for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.
Gross sales for the 2008 first quarter increased 28.4 percent to $244.0 million, from $190.1 million a year earlier. Net sales for the first quarter increased 27.9 percent to $212.2 million from $165.9 million a year ago. Gross and net sales for the quarter were impacted by purchases made by customers in the fourth quarter of 2007 in advance of the price increase, effective January 1, 2008 for Monster Energy(r) brand energy drinks in 16-ounce cans and for the Java Monster(tm) line of non-carbonated dairy-based coffee drinks.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the 2008 first quarter decreased to 49.4 percent, from 51.6 percent in the comparable 2007 quarter, largely as a result of product mix, increased costs of chain marketing agreements and increases in certain raw material costs, mainly in the Warehouse division.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2008 first quarter, excluding the identified items below, increased from $40.7 million to $61.7 million. Certain sponsorship expenditures, costs of coolers and other merchandising materials, commissions, in-store demonstrations, as well as costs relating to the Monster launch in the United Kingdom contributed in part to the increase in such expenses over the prior year.
Operating income for the first quarter increased 34.2 percent to $42.8 million from $31.9 million a year ago.
Net income for the 2008 first quarter increased 42.6 percent to $28.8 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, compared with $20.2 million, or $0.21 per diluted share for the first quarter last year.
Rodney C. Sacks, chairman and chief executive officer, said that the record revenues reflected continued strong sales of Monster Energy(r) brand energy drinks as well as the Java Monster(tm) line of non-carbonated dairy-based coffee drinks (introduced in April 2007).
"The recent product introductions of five new Java Monster(tm) line extensions, Monster Heavy Metal(tm) and Monster MIXXD(tm) are proceeding according to plan and we remain extremely pleased by the reception both from the trade and consumers to these new products."
"Despite the slow down in general economic activity, the energy drink category continues to show good growth and the Monster Energy(r) brand continues to grow well in excess of the overall category growth," Sacks said. "The launch of the Monster Energy(r) brand in the United Kingdom is proceeding according to plan." Sacks noted that costs incurred by the Company in the first quarter of 2008 relating to those activities amounted to $2.0 million.
Certain Identified Items
In connection with the transition of certain of the Company's distribution arrangements, the Company incurred termination costs amounting to $6.3 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2007, to certain of its prior distributors, who have been replaced by newly appointed Anheuser-Busch distributors. No such termination costs were incurred during the three-months ended March 31, 2008. Such termination costs have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the three-months ended March 31, 2007.
Non-refundable amounts totaling $0.05 million and $13.3 million were recorded by the Company related to such newly appointed Anheuser-Busch distributors for the costs of terminating its prior distributors in the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such payments and commitments have been accounted for as deferred revenue, and are being recognized as revenue ratably over the anticipated 20-year life of the respective Anheuser-Busch distribution agreements. Revenue recognized was $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
In connection with the Company's special investigation of stock option grants and granting practices, related litigation and other related matters, the Company incurred professional service fees of $0.2 million and $6.7 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2008, and 2007 respectively, which have also been fully expensed in the respective periods.
The following table summarizes the identified items discussed above for the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:
Three-Months Ended
March 31,
-------------------------
2008 2007
--------- ---------
(In Thousands) (In Thousands)
Deferred Revenue:
Receipts from newly
appointed Anheuser-Busch
distributors $ 50 $ 13,350
========== =========
Recognition of deferred revenue $ 523 $ 428
Operating Expenses:
Termination payments to
prior distributors $ -- $ 6,347
Professional fees associated
with the review of stock
option grants and granting
practices, related litigation
and other related matters $ 230 $ 6,684
Auction Rate Securities
With the liquidity issues experienced in the global credit capital markets, certain of the Company's holdings of auction rate securities having a face value of $207.5 million as of March 31, 2008 ($169.8 million as of April 30, 2008 after redemptions during the month) have experienced failed auctions. The Company determined that a temporary impairment of $5.4 million had occurred at March 31, 2008 and therefore, has recorded a charge of $3.2 million, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These securities will continue to accrue interest at their contractual rates until their respective auctions succeed or are redeemed. "Based on our ability to access cash and other short-term investments, our expected operating cash flows and other sources of cash, we do not anticipate the current lack of liquidity of these investments will have a material effect on our liquidity or working capital," Sacks said.
The Company will host an investor conference call on May 7, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). The conference call will be open to all interested investors through a live audio web broadcast via the internet at www.hansens.com and www.opencompany.info. For those who are not able to listen to the live broadcast, the call will be archived for approximately one year on both websites.
Hansen Natural Corporation
Based in Corona, California, Hansen Natural Corporation markets and distributes Hansen's(r) Natural Sodas and Sparkling beverages, Signature Sodas, fruit juice Smoothies, Energy drinks, multi-vitamin juice drinks in aseptic packaging, Junior Juice(r) juice, iced teas, apple juice and juice blends, Blue Sky(r) brand beverages, Monster Energy(r) brand energy drinks, Java Monster(tm) line of non-carbonated dairy-based coffee drinks, Lost(r) Energy(tm) brand energy drinks, Joker Mad Energy(tm), Unbound Energy(r) and Ace(tm) Energy brand energy drinks, Rumba(tm) brand energy juice, and Fizzit(tm) brand powdered drink mixes. For more information visit www.hansens.com and www.monsterenergy.com.
Gross sales, although used internally by management as an indicator of operating performance, should not be considered as an alternative to net sales, which is determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), and should not be used alone as an indicator of operating performance in place of net sales. Additionally, gross sales may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies as gross sales has been defined by our internal reporting requirements. However, gross sales is used by management to monitor operating performance including sales performance of particular products, salesperson performance, product growth or declines and our overall performance. The use of gross sales allows evaluation of sales performance before the effect of any promotional items, which can mask certain performance issues. Management believes the presentation of gross sales allows a more comprehensive presentation of our operating performance. Gross sales may not be realized in the form of cash receipts as promotional payments and allowances may be deducted from payments received from customers.
Certain statements made in this announcement may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding the expectations of management with respect to revenues and profitability. Management cautions that these statements are qualified by their terms or important factors, many of which are outside of the control of the Company, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the statements made herein, including, but not limited to, the following: changes in consumer preferences; changes in demand that are weather related, particularly in areas outside of California; competitive pricing and/or marketing pressures; activities and strategies of competitors; changes in the price and/or availability of raw materials for the Company's products; the availability of production and/or suitable facilities; the marketing efforts of the distributors of the Company's products, most of which distribute products that are competitive with the products of the Company; the introduction of new products, as well as unilateral decisions that may be made by grocery and/or convenience chain stores, specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of the Company's products that they are carrying at any time; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Three Months End March 31, 2008 and 2007
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)
Three-Months Ended
March 31,
------------------------
2008 2007
----------- ----------
GROSS SALES, net of
discounts and returns* $ 243,999 $ 190,070
LESS: PROMOTIONAL AND
OTHER ALLOWANCES** 31,821 24,217
----------- ----------
NET SALES 212,178 165,853
COST OF SALES 107,459 80,216
----------- ----------
GROSS PROFIT 104,719 85,637
OPERATING EXPENSES 61,891 53,727
----------- ----------
OPERATING INCOME 42,828 31,910
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, net 3,626 1,526
----------- ----------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR
INCOME TAXES 46,454 33,436
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 17,643 13,238
------------ -----------
NET INCOME $ 28,811 $ 20,198
============ ===========
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic $ 0.31 $ 0.22
============ ===========
Diluted $ 0.29 $ 0.21
============ ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OF COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
EQUIVALENTS:
Basic 93,314 90,059
============ ===========
Diluted 99,007 98,301
============ ===========
* Gross sales, although used internally by management as an
indicator of operating performance, should not be considered as
an alternative to net sales, which is determined in accordance
with GAAP, and should not be used alone as an indicator of
operating performance in place of net sales. Additionally, gross
sales may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by
other companies as gross sales has been defined by our internal
reporting requirements. However, gross sales is used by
management to monitor operating performance including sales
performance of particular products, salesperson performance,
product growth or declines and our overall performance. The use
of gross sales allows evaluation of sales performance before the
effect of any promotional items, which can mask certain
performance issues. Management believes the presentation of gross
sales allows a more comprehensive presentation of our operating
performance. Gross sales may not be realized in the form of cash
receipts as promotional payments and allowances may be deducted
from payments received from customers.
** Although the expenditures described in this line item are
determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements,
the disclosure thereof does not conform with GAAP presentation
requirements. Additionally, the presentation of promotional and
other allowances may not be comparable to similar items presented
by other companies. The presentation of promotional and other
allowances facilitates an evaluation of the impact thereof on the
determination of net sales and illustrates the spending levels
incurred to secure such sales. Promotional and other allowances
constitute a material portion of our marketing activities.
HANSEN NATURAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
(In Thousands, Except Share Amounts) (Unaudited)
-------------------------------------------------
March 31, December 31,
2008 2007
----------- -----------
ASSETS
------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 51,175 $ 12,440
Short-term investments 107,933 63,125
Accounts receivable, net 81,758 81,497
Inventories 109,784 98,140
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets 7,507 3,755
Deferred income taxes 11,247 11,192
----------- -----------
Total current assets 369,404 270,149
INVESTMENTS 164,419 227,085
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 8,833 8,567
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 16,143 14,006
INTANGIBLES, net 24,375 24,066
OTHER ASSETS 725 730
----------- -----------
$ 583,899 $ 544,603
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
-------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 60,667 $ 56,766
Accrued liabilities 12,219 8,916
Accrued distributor terminations 4,052 4,312
Customer deposit liabilities 103 103
Accrued compensation 2,726 5,827
Current portion of capital leases 438 663
Income taxes payable 12,935 6,294
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 93,140 82,881
DEFERRED REVENUE 39,080 39,555
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock - $0.005 par value;
120,000,000 shares authorized;
96,098,261 shares issued and
93,440,741 outstanding as of
March 31, 2008; 95,848,711 shares
issued and 93,191,191 outstanding
as of December 31, 2007 480 479
Additional paid-in capital 100,676 96,749
Retained earnings 382,459 353,648
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,274) (47)
Common stock in treasury, at cost;
2,657,520 shares as of March 31,
2008 and December 31, 2007,
respectively (28,662) (28,662)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 451,679 422,167
----------- -----------
$ 583,899 $ 544,603
=========== ===========
This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com
SOURCE: Hansen Natural Corporation
Hansen Natural Corporation
Rodney C. Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(951) 739-6200
Hilton H. Schlosberg, Vice Chairman
(951) 739-6200
PondelWilkinson Inc.
Roger S. Pondel / Judy Lin Sfetcu
(310) 279-5980
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