National Beverage (US:FIZZ)2024-12-06 22:00Financial Performance - Net sales for the second quarter were $291 million, a 3% decline compared to the prior year due to volume shortfalls in August and September[3][5] - Gross margin improved to 38% of net sales in the second quarter[3] - Operating income grew 7% to $58 million in the second quarter[3] - Earnings per share increased to $0.49 from $0.47 in the second quarter[3] - Net sales for the six-month period were $621 million[4] - Operating income for the six-month period grew $10 million to $127 million[4] - Net income for the six-month period increased 10% to $102 million, or $1.09 per share[4] - Second quarter operating margins improved for the 8th consecutive quarter, with operating profit per case increasing 12%[6] Product and Market Expansion - LaCroix's new product, Strawberry Peach, launched at the beginning of the quarter, received an exceptionally positive consumer response and is anticipated to be available nationwide by the end of the year[6] - The company expanded its in-store merchandising teams to new cities and increased its staff of in-store sampling ambassadors to promote its beverages[6]