Buda Juice, Inc., an innovator in fresh beverages, announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, ended March 31, 2026, on Wednesday. The report indicated that the company's revenue for the quarter increased by nearly 18% year-over-year, with non-GAAP earnings per share exceeding market expectations.
Key financial highlights: Revenue exceeded forecasts, while non-GAAP profits remained stable.
Buda Juice achieved first-quarter revenue of $3.5 million, representing a 17.7% increase compared to the same period last year and surpassing market expectations by $300,000. Non-GAAP earnings per share were $0.05, while GAAP earnings per share were $0.03, compared to $0.06 in the prior-year period.
Gross profit for the quarter was $1.4 million, up 3.5% year-over-year. Operating profit was $600,000, down from $800,000 in the same quarter last year. Net profit was $400,000, compared to $800,000 in the prior-year period. Free cash flow reached $1.1 million, a 37% increase year-over-year.
The company's Chief Executive Officer stated that the first quarter of fiscal 2026 marked its first full quarter as a public company, with revenue growing nearly 18% year-over-year, meeting previously stated growth expectations.
Profit pressure factors: Surge in lime prices.
Gross margin for the quarter faced some pressure, primarily due to a temporary spike in lime costs caused by supply chain disruptions in western Mexico during March. The company offset this impact through improved labor efficiency, with labor costs as a percentage of revenue decreasing by more than 150 basis points year-over-year. Management noted that conditions had stabilized by the end of the quarter.
Strategic progress: Entry into Walmart distribution network.
Following the earnings release, the company announced a significant strategic expansion: its products are now available in 246 Walmart stores across nine U.S. states. This expansion increases the company's distribution footprint by over 75%, marking its successful expansion beyond Texas and the beginning of its move toward a multi-state distribution network.