Naturade Increases Net Sales by $1.9 Million; Reduces Net Loss by $1.5 Million; Weight Loss Positioning Drives Profitable 4th Quarter Growth
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IRVINE, Calif., Mar 19, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Naturade, Inc. (OTCBB:NRDC), a leading marketer of heart health and weight management products under the brand names Naturade Total Soy(R) and Diet Lean(TM), today reported net sales for 2003 of $16,326,296, up $1,909,945, or 13.2%, from 2002. Significantly, net loss for the year was reduced by $1,494,903, or 78.8%, to $401,715, reflecting reduced overhead and promotional expenditures combined with increased gross margin generated through manufacturing efficiencies.

The continuing trend of bottom line improvement resulted in a fourth quarter 2003 profit, with net income of $261,756, compared to a net loss of $89,951 for the fourth quarter a year ago.

Fourth quarter 2003 net sales of $4,609,790 increased by 16.5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2002, due principally to strong seasonal purchases by club store accounts, such as Costco and Sam's Club. According to Naturade CEO Bill Stewart, this significant profit turnaround was accomplished through a reduction in operating costs coupled with increased revenues.

Highlights for the year 2003 include the following:

1. Naturade(R) continued to be a leading brand name in soy protein
meal replacement powders in both the mass market and health
food classes of trade;
2. Health food channel revenues increased 2.9%, reversing a
declining revenue trend; this was driven by increased sales of
protein boosters used by low-carb dieters;
3. Shipped Naturade Total Soy(R) powders with a new,
better-tasting formula and a combined heart health and weight
loss message, continuing a transition begun in the second half
of 2002;
4. Repositioned Naturade Protein Boosters for low-carbohydrate
dieters;
5. Reaped benefits from the 2002 elimination of unprofitable
accounts where minimum profit standards were not met; and,
6. Recorded a significant decrease of $1,895,800 in pretax loss,
resulting from increased revenues, improved gross margin,
reduced overhead and a decrease in brand expenses as a
percentage of net sales.

Stewart says, "Raging obesity in the United States has increased consumer focus on weight loss and dominates today's health news. The demise of ephedra-based products is driving retailers and consumers to search for weight loss brands such as Naturade Total Soy(R) and Diet Lean(TM) that are safe and effective.

"Repositioning our Naturade Total Soy(R) brand 'to help reduce cholesterol and manage your weight' has led to a substantial broadening of our consumer appeal," Stewart explains. "In addition, the introduction of Diet Lean(TM) Carb Blocker in the fourth quarter of 2003 has provided Naturade with a platform to capitalize on skyrocketing consumer interest in low carb diets."

Stewart adds, "Naturade continues to focus on its core health food store business while gaining ground with our strategic initiative in the mass market. Mass market net sales grew 24.1% in 2003 and now represent 53.6% of total company volume, up from 48.9% in 2002."

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Naturade provides healthy solutions for weight loss consistent with its commitment -- since 1926 -- to improve the health and well-being of consumers, with innovative, natural products. Its premier product, Naturade Total Soy(R), is a complete line of meal replacement products for weight loss and cholesterol reduction, which is sold at major supermarket and club, health food, drug and mass merchandise stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. Well-known for over 50 years of leadership in soy protein, Naturade also markets a complete line of protein boosters for low carbohydrate dieters.

The Company recently expanded its weight loss offerings with a new line including products for low-carb dieters under the name Diet Lean(TM). Naturade's other products include Calcium Shake(TM), Naturade Total Soy Menopause Relief(TM), Power Shake(R), Quick Fizz(TM) and Aloe Vera 80(R). For more information, visit www.naturade.com