Drinks Americas Reports Record Revenue of $6.1 Million, an Increase of 278% in Fiscal Year-End 2007
Market Wire, August, 2007
Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTCBB: DKAM), an owner, developer and marketer of premium beverages associated with renowned icons, reported results for fiscal fourth quarter and year ended April 30, 2007. Reflecting the second year of operations, the year-end results include the commencement of shipments of Trump Super Premium Vodka, which was launched in mid-October 2006, and the national expansion of the sales of Newman's Own Sparkling Fruit Juices, which commenced in April 2007.
Revenue for the 2007 fiscal year was $6.1 million, a 278% increase over the $1.6 million in revenues for the year ended April 30, 2006. The Company is on track to ship 100,000 cases of Trump Super Premium Vodka in the first 12-month period ending in November 2007. As of the end of the fiscal fourth quarter, the Company shipped $5.2 million, or 46,000 cases of Trump Super Premium Vodka. Subsequently, the Company has shipped new 50 ml and 1.75 liter sizes. Drinks Americas is extending the line with Trump Super Premium Vodka flavors in the second fiscal quarter. These flavors will include lemon, orange, raspberry, grape and one to be determined. The Company is waiting on governmental approvals for product formulation and labels.
Gross margin increased for the year to 41.1% compared with 28.2% for the same time last year. This was driven by a higher sales mix of alcoholic products, mainly Trump Super Premium Vodka, as well as cost of goods improvements across the entire portfolio.
SG&A expenses increased 109% to $10.0 million compared with $4.8 million for the same period last year. These expenses include a one-time $4 million investment in the launch of Trump Super Premium Vodka.
Net loss for the 2007 fiscal year was $9.4 million, or $0.14 per basic and diluted share, compared with a net loss of $5.8 million, or $0.10 per basic and diluted share for the fiscal year ended 2006. In addition to the impact of the Company's investment in the third quarter launch of Trump Vodka, there were additional one-time non-cash charges of $1.8 million related to the retirement of debt as well as the conversion of debt into equity.
Revenue for the fiscal 2007 fourth quarter increased 65% to $826,000 compared with $502,000 for the fourth quarter of last year. The fourth quarter reflects the seasonal shift from alcoholic to non-alcoholic beverages, with higher shipments of Newman's Own Sparkling Fruit Juices and Waters as the result of a national marketing expansion.
Shipments of Trump Super Premium Vodka's new 1.75 liter product were delayed as a result of production issues related to the complexities of bottle engineering and design. The Company has since produced 12,000 cases of inventory, and is now shipping to the U.S. market.
J. Patrick Kenny, President & Chief Executive Officer of Drinks Americas, stated, "Our fiscal 2007 was a year of transition from a development stage to commercialization phase of our business. Our strategic positioning in 2006 to strengthen our balance sheet, develop national distribution for Trump Super Premium Vodka and Newman's Own, and launch a national sales and marketing campaign, all laid the groundwork for several promising initiatives announced in the first two quarters of 2007, including our Trump Super Premium Vodka flavor extensions and our landmark partnership with Interscope Geffen A&M Records."
Mr. Kenny continued, "Our goal is to build a major beverage company with an enormous collection of premium beverages with global distribution and marketing resources, creating highly valuable brand assets in a well-balanced product portfolio. Trump Super Premium Vodka and Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon are already very valuable by industry metrics."
Gross margin in the fourth quarter 2007 was 18.7% compared with 34.0% in the fourth quarter of 2006. The decline is attributed to a change in the sales mix, as Newman's Own products are sold at significantly lower margins compared with the Company's alcoholic brands.
SG&A expenses in the fourth quarter 2007 were $2.5 million compared with $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. The increase is mainly due to marketing and advertising expenditures related to Trump Super Premium Vodka.
Net loss for the fourth quarter was $1.8 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share, compared with a net loss of $2.4 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2006.
First quarter and early second quarter 2008 highlights include:
-- Signed joint venture with Interscope Geffen A&M Records, part of
Universal Music Group, the largest record company in the world.
-- Announced the upcoming launch of Trump Super Premium Vodka flavors in
fiscal second quarter.
-- Trump Super Premium Vodka awarded a four-star rating from pre-eminent
reviewer F. Paul Pacult's Spirits Journal, one of the most respected and
independent authorities in evaluating spirits products.
-- Commenced shipping Trump Super Premium Vodka 1.75 liter size to all
major markets.
-- Trump Super Premium Vodka sold to over 50,000 outlets, including both
retail chains and on-premises accounts. All distributors in key markets
have reordered.
-- Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River Bourbon marketing program in Florida
driving $150,000 in incremental sales 50% ahead of last year.
-- Newman's Own Sparkling Fruit Juices & Waters growing at 150% versus
last year.
-- Drinks Americas premium wine business shipped $350,000 or 203%
increase from last year.
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