National Beverage Profit Climbs

For the quarter ended Jan. 26, net income climbed to $3.3 million, or 7 cents per share, from $3 million, or 7 cents per share in the prior year quarter. The per share results were based on slightly more shares outstanding in the most recent quarter.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected earnings of 6 cents per share.

Revenue rose 5 percent to $123.2 million, from $117.1 million in last year's third quarter. Analysts predicted revenue of $122.1 million.

National Beverage said its Rip It energy drinks and LaCroix water brands performed well and helped the company overcome cost pressures and softness in the carbonated soft drink market.

Soft drink companies have been battling higher costs for sweetener, aluminum and resin as well as a switch by many consumers to healthier juices and waters.

National Beverage shares were flat in electronic after-hours trading with their regular trading close, down 30 cents, or 4.1 percent, at $7.09.