National Beverage Corp. (FIZZ) Posts Record Q1 2026 Sales of $331M, EPS $0.60 Amid Margin Pressures

Group 1: Financial Performance - National Beverage Corp. reported record net sales of $331 million for Q1 fiscal 2026, slightly above last year's $329 million [2] - Earnings per share for the quarter ending August 2, 2025, were $0.60, with operating income rising to $71 million and operating cash flow reaching $59 million [2] - Cash reserves increased to $250 million, driven by improved pricing and product mix despite a slight decline in case volume [2] Group 2: Market Challenges - The stock hit a 52-week low near $37 in late September 2025, influenced by rising marketing costs, softer margins, and slower volume growth [3] - Revenue of $330.52 million fell short of analyst expectations of $354.18 million, leading to cautious sentiment in the market [3] - UBS downgraded the stock to a "Moderate sell" with a $39 price target, citing ongoing margin pressures despite investments in brand building and product innovation [3] Group 3: Investment Potential - National Beverage Corp. is considered a turnaround opportunity due to its strong brand presence, consistent innovation, and solid cash flow [4] - The company is increasingly discussed among the best bear market stocks due to its strong cash flow and potential for recovery [3]