Hansen Reports Strong 1Q02 Sales in Core Brands

Hansen Reports Strong 1Q02 Sales in Core Brands

CORONA, Calif.--Hansen Natural Corp. (NASDAQ:HANS) reportedincreased sales May 9 for its first quarter (1Q02), ended March 31, due tostrong performances in its core brands.

Revenues for the quarter were up 10 percent from $16.9 million to $18.6million, which included approximately $4 million in discounts, allowances andpromotional payments. Gross margin dipped to 36.6 percent of sales from 37.3percent because of a change in the company's product and customer mix, whileoperating expenses rose to $6.0 million from $5.4 million. Earnings for thequarter were up to $410,000, or $.04 per share earned, from $325,000, or $.03per share earned.

Rodney Sacks, chairman and chief executive officer, reported that thecompany's sales performance reflected the continued strength of Hansen'sbrands, particularly its natural sodas in cans, apple juices and children'smultivitamin juice drinks in 8.4-ounce aseptic packages. Sales in diet sodasalso remained strong, and Sacks announced that Hansen is currently launchingEnergade, E20 Energy Water, Sparkling Lemonades and Orangeades in 1-literproprietary glass bottles. The company also reported decreased sales inSmoothies, Signature Sodas, Hard e and the discontinued Healthy Start.