Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. Reports 2018 Q4 and Year-End Earnings
Q4 revenue increases 21% QoQ to US$21.5 million
Full year revenue grew 74% to US$69.5M with 30% Adjusted EBITDA and US$0.14 EPS
BOULDER, CO, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. ("Charlotte's Web" or the "Company") (CSE:CWEB, OTCQX:CWBHF), the market share leader in hemp-derived CBD extract products, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018. All amounts are expressed in United States dollars. Certain metrics, including those expressed on an adjusted basis, are non-IFRS measures.
Highlights of Fourth Quarter 2018 Results versus Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
-- Organic consolidated revenue growth of 71% to $21.5 million (up 21% QoQ) -- Gross profit increased 63% to $16.3 million, or 76% of consolidated revenue -- Adjusted EBITDA decreased from 37% to 20% of consolidated revenue, due to extraordinary items -- Retail doors increased more than 80% to 3,680 at December 31, 2018 -- 57% of revenue from eCommerce -- 2018 Farm Bill passed on December 20, 2018 removing hemp from the Federal CSA and designating it as an agricultural commodity governed by the USDA and FDA
Highlights of 2018 Full Year Results versus Full Year 2017 Results
-- Organic revenue growth of 74% to $69.5 million -- Gross profit increased 75% to $52.3 million, or 75% of consolidated revenue -- Adjusted EBITDA decreased from 36% to 30% of consolidated revenue
Highlights Subsequent to December 31, 2018
-- Executive leadership expansion with COO and CGO additions -- Record harvest of 675,000 pounds securing inventory to meet future demand -- Hemp Authority Certification received -- FDA commits to working with hemp industry on hemp product regulations -- First product orders shipped to three national retail grocery and drug chains in select locations
At the end of the fourth quarter the 2018 Farm Bill was successfully passed by U.S. Congress, providing the needed clarity and catalyst for expansion of the hemp industry. "We believe this important legislation will have a positive impact on consumer access to hemp-derived CBD products and for our valuable farming communities throughout the country," said Hess Moallem, President and Chief Executive Officer.
"During the fourth quarter we concentrated our efforts on completing the 2018 harvest and building product inventory to support growing consumer demand," said Mr. Moallem. "Our 2018 harvest resulted in 675,000 pounds of raw hemp compared to 63,000 pounds in 2017. The record harvest benefited from excellent growing conditions and the unique expertise we've accumulated over the past five years of cultivating the complex hemp plant. This inventory build ensures we are able to meet growing demand and supply the large national retail chains that are beginning to carry our products."
Product sales increased year-over-year with human nutrition products, topicals and animal nutrition products growing by 76%, 1085% and 189%, respectively. (The canine line is growing from a smaller base as it was launched in February of 2018.) "In general, broader consumer awareness of the benefits of cannabinoids, namely cannabidiol (CBD) from hemp extract, is driving increased uptake in all product categories in our retail channels and e-commerce platform," added Mr. Moallem.
The Company has been actively adding additional retail distribution customers and locations. Initially available in natural health stores throughout the United States, increased education and understanding of hemp extract has been driving demand for Charlotte's Web products through ever larger retail chains. The Company recently surpassed 4,000 locations after national retail chains began carrying Charlotte's Web products. Today, Charlotte's Web can be found on the shelves at a growing number of national brand grocery and drug chains in select stores and states.
Charlotte's Web is the market leader in the rapidly expanding hemp-derived CBD wellness markets, dedicated to producing the highest quality products and efficacy. Several new products and formats are planned for 2019 in animal nutrition, wellness topicals and human consumables.
Fourth Quarter and Year-to-Date 2018 Results
The following table sets forth selected financial information for the periods indicated.
Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, December 31, U.S. $ millions, except per share data 2018 2017 2018 2017 --- Revenue $ 21.5 $ 12.6 $ 69.5 $ 40.0 --- Gross profit before biological assets adjustment 15.4 10.2 52.5 30.8 --- Net impact, fair value of biological assets 0.8 (0.2) (0.2) (1.0) --- Gross profit 16.3 10.0 52.3 29.9 --- Operating 13.0 6.0 36.0 17.9 expenses --- IPO related costs expensed 1.3 --- Income before taxes 3.6 3.9 15.5 11.8 --- Net income $ 3.2 $ 2.4 $ 11.8 $ 7.5 --- EPS basic $ 0.03 $ 0.03 $ 0.14 $ 0.09 --- EPS diluted $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ 0.12 $ 0.09 --- Adjusted EBITDA $ 4.3 $ 4.7 $ 21.1 $ 14.3 --- Assets: Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017 --- Cash and cash equivalents $ 73.4 $ 7.1 --- Total assets $ 139.1 $ 19.5 --- Liabilities: --- Long-term liabilities $ 3.5 $ 0.5 --- Total liabilities $ 17.6 $ 6.8 ---
The following information sets forth selected quarterly revenue information for the Company's eight most recent fiscal quarters.
Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 U.S. $ millions 2018 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017 Total revenue $ 21.5 $ 17.7 $ 17.2 $ 13.1 $ 12.5 $ 11.3 $ 9.1 $ 7.1 ---
Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 (Q4-2018) totaled $21.5 million, compared to $12.6 million for the same period in 2017, representing a 71% increase. On a year-over-year basis for Q4-2018, e-commerce revenue grew by 58% and wholesale, distributor and retail revenue grew by 76%. During Q4 2018 and 2017, e-commerce sales accounted for 57% and 59% of total sales, respectively. Revenue from human nutrition products, topicals and animal nutrition products grew by 73%, 373% and 126%, respectively (the Company's canine products were introduced in February of 2017).
Revenue for the year 2018 totaled $69.5 million, compared to $40.0 million for 2017, representing a 74% increase. On a year-over-year basis for 2018, e-commerce revenue grew by 51% and wholesale, distributor and retail revenue grew by 126%. For 2018, revenue from human nutrition, topical and canine products grew by 76%, 1085% and 189%, respectively. The Company's topical and canine products each accounted for approximately 4% of total revenue during 2018.
Gross profit totaled $16.3 million for Q4- 2018, compared to $10.0 million for the same period in 2017, a year-over-year increase of 63%. As a percent of total revenue, gross profit in Q4-2018 was 76%, compared to 80% for the same period in 2017.
Gross profit totaled $52.3 million for 2018, compared to $29.9 million for the same period in 2017, a year-over-year increase of 75%. As a percent of total revenue, gross profit for 2018 and 2017 was 75%.
For Q4-2018 and Q4-2017, sales and marketing expenses were $4.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively (year-to-date $12.8 million and $5.9 million, respectively). As a percent of revenue, sales and marketing expenses for the quarters ending Q4-2018 and Q4-2017 were 20.6% and 13.5%, respectively (year-to-date 18.4% and 14.8%, respectively).
For Q4-2018 and Q4-2017, general and administrative expenses were $8.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively (year-to-date $22.3 million and $11.5 million, respectively). As a percent of revenue, general and administrative expenses for the quarters ending Q4-2018 and Q4-2017 were 37.7% and 33.4%, respectively (year-to-date 32.1% and 28.7%, respectively). General and administrative expenses during Q4-2018 included non-recurring expenses for legal related expenditures associated with regulatory activities (both domestic and international), governance and securities related activities associated with its recent public company status. Combined, these extraordinary expenses resulted in Adjusted EBITDA margins for the quarter below the Company's historical average. While growth and margins may vary quarterly, management anticipates Adjusted EBITDA to generally be within 30% to 35% of revenue on an annualized basis, in line with its historical norms.
Net Income for Q4-2018 was $3.2 million, or $0.03 per share, (year-to-date $11.8 million or $0.14 per share) compared to $2.4 million, or $0.03 per share, (year-to-date $7.5 million or $0.09 per share) during the same period in 2017. Excluding IPO related costs of $1.3 million in 2018, net income for the year was $13.1 million, or $0.16 per share, a 76% year-over-year increase.
Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31, December 31, U.S. $ millions 2018 2017 2018 2017 --- Net income (loss) $ 3.2 $ 2.4 $ 11.8 $ 7.5 Depreciation of property and equipment 0.6 0.2 1.5 0.7 Financing costs 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 Income taxes 0.5 1.6 3.7 4.3 EBITDA 4.2 4.2 17.2 12.7 --- Share-based compensation 0.2 0.2 0.9 0.5 IPO related costs 1.3 Impairment of assets 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 Net impact, fair value of biological assets (0.3) 0.3 1.3 1.0 Adjusted EBITDA $ 4.3 $ 4.7 $ 21.1 $ 14.3 ---
Adjusted EBITDA(1) as a percentage of consolidated revenue for Q4-2018 and Q4-2017 was 20% and 37%, respectively. For the year 2018 and 2017, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of consolidated revenue was 30% and 36%, respectively.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
The Company used $2.4 million of cash in operations during Q4-2018 compared to $2.7 million of cash provided from operations during Q4-2017. The reduction in cash flows from operations primarily reflects the investment in inventory associated with the 2018 hemp crop and other raw materials used in the production process in anticipation of materially increasing revenue opportunities. The Company's cash at December 31, 2018 was $73.4 million compared to $7.1 million on December 31, 2017. Working capital at December 31, 2018 was $93.8 million.
Three months ended December 31 2018 2017 $ Change % Change Cash beginning of period $ 79,359 $ 4,907 $ 74,452 1517% Cash flows from (used in): Operating activities (2,413) 2,701 (5,114) -189% Investing activities (2,560) (467) (2,093) 448% Financing activities (982) (85) (897) n/a Cash, end of period $ 73,404 $ 7,056 $ 66,348 940%
Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company's audited consolidated annual financial statements and accompanying notes for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and related management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations ("MD&A") are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at https://investors.cwhemp.com.
Conference Call
Management will host a conference call to discuss the Company's fourth quarter and annual 2018 results at 8:30 am ET on Friday, March 29, 2019. To participate in the call, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or 1-888-231-8191 approximately 10 minutes before the conference call and provide conference ID 3092088. A recording of the call will be available through April 5, 2019. To listen to the rebroadcast please dial 1-416-849-0833 and provide the same conference ID.
A webcast of the call can be accessed through the investor relations section of the Charlotte's Web website.
About Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.
Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. is the market leader in the production and distribution of innovative hemp-derived cannabidiol ("CBD") wellness products. Founded by the Stanley Brothers, the Company's premium quality products start with proprietary hemp genetics that are responsibly manufactured into hemp-derived CBD extracts naturally containing a full spectrum of phytocannabinoids, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids and other beneficial hemp compounds. Industrial hemp products are non-intoxicating. Charlotte's Web product categories include CBD Oil tinctures (liquid products), CBD capsules, CBD topicals, as well as CBD pet products. Charlotte's Web hemp-derived CBD extracts are sold through select distributors, brick and mortar retailers, and online through the Company's website at www.CharlottesWeb.com. The rate the Company pays for agricultural products reflects a fair and sustainable rate driving higher quality yield, encouraging good farming practices, and supporting U.S. farming communities.
Charlotte's Web is a socially conscious company and is committed to using business as a force for good and a catalyst for innovation. The Company weighs sound business decisions with consideration for how its efforts affect its employees, customers, the environment, and the communities where its employees live and where it does business, while maximizing profits and strengthening its brands. The Company's management believes that socially oriented actions have a positive impact on the Company, its employees and its shareholders. Charlotte's Web donates a portion of its pre-tax earnings to charitable organizations.
Shares of Charlotte's Web trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "CWEB" and in the United States on the OTCQX under the symbol "CWBHF". Charlotte's Web has 24,095,294 Common Shares outstanding and 172,896.15 Proportionate Voting Shares convertible at 400:1, for an effective equivalent of 93,253,754 Common Shares outstanding.
1. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) is not a recognized performance measure under IFRS. The term EBITDA consists of net income (loss) and excludes interest (financing costs), taxes and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes share-based compensation, IPO related costs, impairment of assets and adjustments for fair valuing of biological assets. Adjusted EBITDA is included as a supplemental disclosure because Management believes that such measurement provides a better assessment of the Company's operations on a continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash charges and charges or gains that are nonrecurring. The most directly comparable measure to adjusted EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net income (loss). The following is a reconciliation of the Company's net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. In the interest of providing the shareholders and potential investors of Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. with information about the Company and its subsidiaries, including management's assessment of the Company and its subsidiaries' future plans and operations, certain information provided in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements or information (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "anticipate", "expect", "project", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "intend", "target", "believe" and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Although these forward-looking statements are based on assumptions the Company considers to be reasonable based on the information available on the date such statements are made, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, levels of activity, and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on certain assumptions and analysis by management of the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future development and other factors that it believes are appropriate.
The Company's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties pertaining to, among other things, revenue fluctuations, nature of government regulations, economic conditions, loss of key customers, retention and availability of executive talent, competing products, common share price volatility, loss of proprietary information, product acceptance, internet and system infrastructure functionality, information technology security, cash available to fund operations, availability of capital and, international and political considerations, including but not limited to those risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the MD&A and the Company's other filings with securities regulators. The impact of any one risk, uncertainty, or factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as these are interdependent, and the Company's future course of action depends on Management's assessment of all information available at the relevant time. Except to the extent required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (In thousands of United States dollars) === December 31, 2017 December 31, 2018 --- ASSETS Current assets: $ 73,404 $ 7,056 Cash 4,874 2,129 Trade and other receivables 23,969 4,808 Inventories 3,917 436 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,787 Income taxes receivable --- 107,951 14,429 Non-current assets: 6,806 3,196 Property and equipment, net 619 177 Intangibles 23,449 549 Deferred tax assets 128 107 Loan due from related parties Other long-term assets 181 996 --- --- $ 139,134 $ 19,454 --- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: $ 3,379 $ 948 Accounts payable 10,014 3,343 Accrued liabilities 467 490 Deferred revenue - 157 Income taxes payable - 1,040 Convertible note 9 15 Current portion of notes payable 283 299 Current portion of finance lease obligations --- 14,152 6,292 Non-current liabilities: 12 28 Long-term note payable 113 397 Long-term finance lease obligations 73 98 Deferred rent 3,286 Other long-term liabilities 17,636 6,815 Shareholders' equity: 101,175 5,835 Share capital 2,498 787 Contributed surplus 17,825 6,017 Retained earnings --- --- 121,498 12,639 Commitments $ 139,134 $ 19,454 ===
CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands of United States dollars) === Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 --- Revenue $ 69,501 $ 40,007 Cost of sales 17,010 9,248 --- --- Gross profit before loss on fair value of biological assets 52,491 30,759 Realized fair value amounts included in inventory sold (1,133) (224) Unrealized fair value loss on growth of biological assets 1,324 1,040 --- --- Gross profit 52,300 29,943 Expenses: General and administrative 22,337 11,472 Sales and marketing 12,808 5,941 Research and development 837 508 Initial public offering related costs 1,332 --- --- 37,314 17,921 --- Operating income 14,986 12,022 --- --- Financing costs (185) (247) Interest income 547 20 Other income 194 --- --- Income before taxes 15,542 11,795 --- --- Income taxes (3,734) (4,320) --- --- Net income and comprehensive income $ 11,808 $ 7,475 === === Weighted average number of common shares -basic 83,902,648 79,247,803 Weighted average number of common shares - diluted 95,029,844 84,435,586 === === Earnings per share - basic $ 0.14 $ 0.09 Earnings per share - diluted $ 0.12 $ 0.09 === ===
CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands of United States dollars) === Year ended December 31, 2017 Share Contributed Retained Total capital surplus earnings (deficit) --- Balance - December 31, 2016 $ 5,835 $327 $ (1,458) $ 4,704 Share-based compensation expense 460 460 Net income 7,475 7,475 Balance - December 31, 2017 $ 5,835 $787 $ 6,017 $ 12,639 === Year ended December 31, 2018 Share Contributed Retained Total capital surplus earnings --- Balance - December 31, 2017 $ 5,835 $787 $ 6,017 $ 12,639 Initial public offering 71,958 71,958 Private placement 4,256 4,256 Exercise of stock options 42 42 Issuance of broker stock warrants (845) 845 Exercise of broker stock warrants 2,128 2,128 Income tax benefit from stock options 22,859 22,859 Share-based compensation expense 866 866 Share issuance costs (5,058) (5,058) Net income 11,808 11,808 Balance - December 31, 2018 $ 101,175 $ 2,498 $ 17,825 $ 121,498 ===
CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands of United States dollars) === Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 11,808 $ 7,475 Items not involving cash: Depreciation and amortization 1,501 696 Loss from change in fair value of biological assets 191 816 Accretion on convertible note 71 145 Loss from change in fair value of convertible note (66) (90) Allowance for doubtful accounts 43 50 Write down obsolete inventory 324 76 Deferred rent (25) 10 Share-based compensation 866 460 Gain on sale of assets (26) 4 Deferred income taxes (40) (146) Changes in working capital: Trade and other receivables (2,809) (1,330) Inventories (19,676) (2,377) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (3,481) (230) Accounts payable 2,431 504 Accrued liabilities 6,670 1,999 Income taxes (1,944) (573) Deferred revenue (23) 60 Other long-term liabilities 3,286 (899) 7,549 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, equipment and intangibles (5,564) (1,922) Proceeds from sale of assets 37 (445) Other long-term assets 815 (4,712) (2,367) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from initial public offering 71,958 Proceeds from private placement 4,256 Proceeds from stock warrant exercise 2,128 Proceeds from convertible note Payments on notes payable (22) (14) Payments on finance lease obligations (300) (240) Payments on convertible note (1,000) Debt settlement (45) Share issuance costs (5,058) Proceeds from sale of common stock 42 Proceeds from notes payable 1,038 71,959 784 Increase in cash 66,348 5,966 Cash, beginning of period 7,056 1,090 Cash, end of period $ 73,404 $ 7,056 === Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest $ 25 $ 133 ===
View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/charlottes-web-holdings-inc-reports-2018-q4-and-year-end-earnings-300820788.html
SOURCE Charlotte''s Web Holdings, Inc.