Jones Soda reports Q4 net loss of US$2M, compared with net loss of US$1.8M in year-ago period; revenue up 9% to US$3.4M

Nevin Barich

SEATTLE , March 8, 2012 (press release) – Jones Soda Co. (the Company) (NASDAQ: JSDA), a leader in the premium soda category and known for its unique branding and innovative marketing, today announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011. Revenue for the fourth quarter 2011 increased 9% to $3.4 million compared to revenue of $3.1 million for the fourth quarter 2010. For the year, revenue decreased 1% to $17.4 million, compared to revenue of $17.5 million in 2010. The Company reported a net loss of $2.0 million, or $(0.06) per share, for the fourth quarter of 2011, compared to a net loss of $1.8 million, or $(0.06) per share, for the fourth quarter of 2010. The Company reported a net loss of $7.2 million, or $(0.22) per share, for 2011, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million, or $(0.22) per share for 2010.

“The past year was a very busy and productive period for Jones Soda,” commented William Meissner, Jones Soda Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategy of shedding underperforming product lines and brand extensions, and exiting expensive, unproductive sponsorship agreements, has allowed us to reposition our resources behind growing our core business. The initial results from our efforts can be witnessed in the performance of our Jones Soda and WhoopAss Energy Drink, which combined, generated sales gains of 13% and 10% in the fourth quarter and full year, respectively. This was driven by improved retail availability for our products throughout North America following meaningful investments in expanding our sales and distribution platforms. Current sales trends indicate that we are on the right strategic course toward creating a sustainable business. Moving forward we are committed to building on our momentum in order to generate better expense leverage and improved bottom line results.”

Fourth Quarter Review — Comparison of Quarters Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

* Revenue increased 9% to $3.4 million, compared to $3.1 million last year, and included an increase in core product revenue in North America of $406,000 compared to the fourth quarter a year ago. This overall revenue increase was net of a decline of approximately $129,000 of total revenue compared to the prior year period, resulting from the discontinuation of underperforming product lines and certain Jones Soda SKU offerings (stock keeping units), initiated in the second half of 2010. Core products include continuing Jones Soda SKU offerings and WhoopAss Energy Drink.
* Gross profit increased 24% to $693,000, or 20% of revenue, compared to $557,000, or 18% of revenue, last year. Gross profit for the 2010 period was negatively impacted by the write-down of excess GABA inventory.
* Operating expenses increased 7% to $2.7 million compared to $2.6 million last year, mostly driven by increased selling expenses due to investments in added sales personnel to support our growth strategy, offsetting decreases in general and administrative expenses.
* Net loss was $2.0 million, or $(0.06) per share, compared to a net loss of $1.8 million, or $(0.06) per share, last year. The prior year period was benefited by non-recurring licensing proceeds of $125,000 relating to the sale of our patents, which reduced the net loss for the prior year.

Full Year Review – Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

* Revenue decreased 1% to $17.4 million, compared to $17.5 million in the prior year. Total revenues reflect both an increase in core product revenue in North America of approximately $1.8 million compared to the prior year and a related decrease of $1.3 million resulting from the discontinuation, in the second half of 2010, of underperforming product lines and certain Jones Soda SKU offerings.
* Gross profit increased 6% to $4.3 million, or 25% of revenue, compared to $4.0 million, or 23% of revenue, last year. Gross profit for 2010 was negatively impacted by the write-down of excess GABA inventory.
* Operating expenses increased 8% to $11.5 million compared to $10.7 million in the prior year and included a $350,000 charge accrued to the second quarter of 2011 in connection with the termination of our New Jersey Nets sponsorship agreement in August 2011. Operating expenses for 2011 also included increased selling expenses due to investments in added sales personnel to support our growth strategy, offsetting decreases in general and administrative expenses.
* Net loss was $7.2 million, or $(0.22) per share, compared to a net loss of $6.1 million, or $(0.22) per share, in the prior year. The Company benefited in 2010 by a tax refund of $392,000 resulting from our Canadian operations and by non-recurring licensing proceeds of $125,000 relating to the sale of our patents, which reduced the net loss for that year.

Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.7 million and working capital of approximately $3.6 million. Cash used by operations during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 totaled $1.1 million.

On February 7, 2012, the Company closed the registered direct offering it announced on February 2, 2012, issuing 6,415,000 shares and warrants to purchase 3,207,500 shares. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $2.8 million.

Conference Call

The Company will discuss its results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and its business outlook on its scheduled conference call today, March 8, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., Pacific time (4:30 p.m. ET). This call is being webcast and can be accessed by visiting the Webcasts section of our website at www.jonessoda.com. Investors may also listen to the call via telephone by dialing (719) 955-1566 (confirmation code: 2492028). In addition, a telephone replay will be available by dialing (858) 384-5517 (confirmation code: 2492028) through March 15, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

About Jones Soda Co.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Jones Soda Co.® markets and distributes premium beverages under the Jones Soda, Jones Pure Cane Soda® and WhoopAss Energy Drink® brands and sells through its distribution network, in markets primarily across North America. A leader in the premium soda category, Jones is known for its variety of flavors and innovative labeling technique that incorporates always-changing photos sent in from its consumers. Jones Soda is sold through traditional beverage retailers. For more information, visit www.jonessoda.com or www.myjones.com.

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