Charlotte's Web Holdings Reports 2019 Q2 Earnings

Q2 revenue increases 45% YoY to US$25.0 million

Adjusted EBITDA of $3.9 million and US$0.02 EPS

BOULDER, CO, Aug. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - (TSX:CWEB, OTCQX:CWBHF), Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc. ("Charlotte's Web" or the "Company") the market share leader in whole-plant CBD hemp extract products, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019. All amounts are expressed in United States dollars. Certain metrics, including those expressed on an adjusted basis, are non-IFRS measures.

Second Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights

    --  Organic consolidated year-over-year revenue growth of 45% to $25.0
        million
    --  75% gross margin produced gross profit of $18.8 million
    --  Adjusted EBITDA of $3.9 million, 16% of consolidated revenue
    --  Net income of $2.2 million, 9% of consolidated revenue
    --  53% of revenue from retail outlets
    --  Earnings per share of $0.02 basic and diluted

Second Quarter 2019 Business Highlights

    --  Multiple national retailers commenced carrying Charlotte's Web products
    --  Total retail locations carrying Charlotte's Web products increased by
        1926 to 7871
    --  Distribution and sales gains in both natural health and national mass
        retailers
    --  New pet line launched with twelve new SKU's
    --  New line of CBD gummies launched with three SKU's
    --  Hemp acreage planted for 2019 increased by 187% from 2018 to 862 acres
    --  FDA commits to working with hemp industry on hemp product regulations
    --  Commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)

Subsequent to the close of the second quarter, Charlotte's Web filled top executive positions including Tony True as Chief Customer Officer to build and lead a CPG sales organization; Paul Lanham as Chief Information Officer, and most recently, Russ Hammer as the Company's Chief Financial Officer who brings substantial international as well as retail experience.

"We have been experiencing increased sales through both our e-commerce and retail sales channels," said Deanie Elsner, Charlotte's Web Chief Executive Officer. "Top tier mass retailers are entering the market as several national grocery and drugstore brands have announced their CBD plans. The majority of these are now carrying Charlotte's Web products. This is a significant development for the hemp CBD category. To effectively service projected growth, we have been building our executive leadership with experienced consumer-packaged goods (CPG) executives in sales, marketing, finance, data and operations. Similarly, we are expanding our capabilities in cultivation, R&D, production and distribution."

Q2-2019 Business Review

Retail uptake in the natural health channel increased during the second quarter, along with a marked entry of large national brand chains within the food, drug and mass (FDM) retail segment. Five leading national retailers such as CVS and Kroger are selling Charlotte's Web products, adding significantly to the Company's brick and mortar presence in the United States. There are well over 8,000 retail locations carrying Charlotte's Web products today.

To support the growing product portfolio and projected retailer demand, Charlotte's Web increased the total acres planted for 2019 to 862, an 187% increase from 300 acres planted in 2018. The hemp harvested from 300 acres in 2018 totalled 675,000 pounds.

During the quarter, Charlotte's Web introduced new products including new hemp extract infused CBD gummies in three flavors, and a new twelve SKU pet product line including functionally focused chews with synergistic ingredients to support specific health functions - Calming, Hips & Joints and Cognition. Subsequent to the second quarter, the Company signed two distribution partners for its pet line; Pacific Pet in California, one of the largest distributors of pet food and pet products on the west coast, servicing 1,000 independent pet stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii; and "Pet Food Experts", servicing over 4,000 retailers in 33 states out of five distribution centers located in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington and Colorado.

"We are experiencing increased momentum with large retailers as consumer awareness and interest in CBD grows," said Deanie Elsner. "We believe we'll continue to see additional large retailers coming onboard and expect an increase in the number of states and locations with our existing retail partners throughout the year. Kroger is the most recent example as they added four new states to their distribution in July, including Texas, which is the latest state to approve hemp CBD products."

Q2-2019 Financial Review

Second Quarter 2019 Results

The following table sets forth selected financial information for the periods indicated.


                                                      
           Three months ended                     
       Six months ended


                                                           
           June 30,                            
         June 30,



       U.S. $ millions, except per share data         2019                                     2018                 2019 2018

    ---


       Revenue                                               $
            
             25.0                    $
            17.2       $
      
         46.7 $
      30.3

    ---


       Gross profit before biological



       assets adjustment                                     $
            
             18.5                    $
            12.9       $
      
         34.3 $
      23.3

    ---


       Net impact, fair value of



       biological assets                                      $
            
             0.3                     $
            0.3        $
      
         0.5  $
      0.5

    ---


       Gross profit                                          $
            
             18.8                    $
            13.2       $
      
         34.8 $
      23.7

    ---


       Operating expenses                                    $
            
             16.2                     $
            8.2       $
      
         29.5 $
      14.6

    ---


       Income before taxes                                    $
            
             2.8                     $
            5.0        $
      
         5.9  $
      9.1

    ---


       Net income                                             $
            
             2.2                     $
            3.7        $
      
         4.5  $
      6.8

    ---


       EPS basic                                             $
            
             0.02                    $
            0.05       $
      
         0.05 $
      0.09

    ---


       EPS diluted                                           $
            
             0.02                    $
            0.04       $
      
         0.04 $
      0.08

    ---


       Adjusted EBITDA                                        $
            
             3.9                     $
            6.1        $
      
         8.5 $
      10.7

    ---




       
              Assets:                     Jun 30, 2019                            Mar 31, 2019        Dec 31, 2018

    ---


       Cash and cash equivalents                             $
            
             51.4                    $
            69.1            $
       73.4

    ---


       Total assets                                         $
            
             157.2                   $
            171.7           $
       139.1

    ---


       
              Liabilities:

    ---


       Long-term liabilities                                  $
            
             8.3                     $
            4.6             $
       3.5

    ---


       Total liabilities                                     $
            
             22.3                    $
            20.1            $
       17.6

    ===

The following information sets forth selected quarterly revenue information for the Company's nine most recent fiscal quarters.


                          Q2      Q1       Q4      Q3     Q2        Q1       Q4        Q3         Q2


        U.S. $ millions 2019          2019 2018      2018   2018        2018    2017         2017    2017

    ---

        Total revenue        $
     
        25.0       $
     21.7          $
      21.5           $
       17.7           $
     17.2 $
     13.1 $
     12.5 $
     11.3 $
     9.1

    ===

Second quarter revenue increased 45% year-over-year to $25.0 million as broader demand for CBD based products continues to drive increased usage in all product categories. Human nutrition products, topicals and animal nutrition products growing by 32%, 493% and 91%, respectively year-over-year. Retail channel growth increased as large mass retailers began carrying Charlotte's Web products. During the second quarter 2019, total retail channel revenue accounted for approximately 53% of total revenue.

Gross margin was 75.3%, compared to 76.7% for the same period in 2018. Gross margin prior to biological asset adjustments was 73.9% and 75.2% for the same period in 2018. Second quarter operating expenses increased 98% year-over-year to $16.2 million to support its expansion, including senior management additions to the leadership team. Employee headcount was 320 at June 30, 2019, a 41.6% increase from 226 at June 30, 2018.

Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $3.9 million or 16% of consolidated revenue compared to $6.1 million and 35% of consolidated revenue for the same period in the previous year. The Adjusted EBITDA ratio during the second quarter reflects continued investment in infrastructure and personnel as the Company builds its internal capabilities to support expected revenue growth for the remainder of 2019 and beyond.

"We forecast revenue growing at a faster pace than operating expenses in the back half of the year," stated Rich Mohr, Chief Financial Officer of Charlotte's Web. "This supports our financial forecast for increases in adjusted EBITDA percentages in future periods. As product volumes shipped continue to increase on a quarterly basis, we're expecting continued top-line revenue growth during the last half of the year. Our previously communicated revenue guidance for 2019 of between $120 million and $170 million remains in place. Where we fall within this range will substantially be determined by future developments with the FDA, associated retailer response, and the timeline of these events."

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

The Company used $15.2 million of cash in operations during the first six months of 2019 compared to $6.1 million of cash provided from operations during the same period in 2018. Cash used in operations during the first six months of 2019 primarily reflects the investment in inventory required to supply increasing retail and consumer demand. Cash was also used for the 2019 hemp crop that was increased to 862 acres from 300 acres planted in 2018. The Company's cash at June 30, 2019 was $51.4 million compared to $73.4 million on December 31, 2018. Working capital at June 30, 2019 grew to $97.0 million compared to $93.8 million at December 31, 2018.


                                                     Six months ended June 30,



       (in millions US $)                      2019                                  2018     
       $ Change       
        % Change

    ---



                     Cash beginning of period         $
              
                73.4         $
       
         7.1          $
         
        66.3 934%



       Cash flows from (used in):



       Operating activities                  (15.2)                                  6.1           (21.3)  -349%



       Investing activities                   (6.2)                                (1.1)           (5.1)   464%



       Financing activities                   (0.6)                                (1.3)             0.7    -54%




       
                Cash end of period               $
              
                51.4        $
       
         10.8          $
         
        40.6 376%

Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis

The Company's unaudited interim condensed financial statements and accompanying notes for the periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 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.charlottesweb.com.

Conference Call

Management will host a conference call to discuss the Company's second quarter 2019 results at 10:00 am ET on Wednesday, August 14, 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 8685806. A recording of the call will be available through August 21, 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-based 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 whole-plant hemp extracts naturally containing a full spectrum of phytocannabinoids, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids and other beneficial hemp compounds. 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-based whole plant 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 Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol "CWEB" and are quoted in U.S. Dollars in the United States on the OTCQX under the symbol "CWBHF". As at August 12, 2019 Charlotte's Web had 49,253,934 Common Shares outstanding and 120,529.07 Proportional Voting Shares convertible at 400:1, for an effective equivalent of 97,565,562 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



       UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION



       (In thousands of United States dollars)






                                                                                  June 30,      December 31,


                                                                                      2019               2018



       ASSETS



       Current assets:



       Cash                                                                                $
            51,431   $
       73,404



       Trade and other receivables                                                  7,430              4,874



       Note receivable                                                              1,400



       Inventories                                                                 34,534             23,969



       Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                    9,528              3,917



       Income taxes receivable                                                      6,642              1,787

    ---                                                                                                  ---

                                                                                   110,965            107,951



       Non-current assets:



       Property and equipment, net                                                 18,264              6,806



       Intangibles                                                                    665                619



       Deferred tax assets                                                         26,221             23,449



       Loan due from related parties                                                  114                128



       Other long-term assets                                                         993                181

    ---                                                                                                  ---

                                                                                           $
            157,222  $
       139,134

                                                                                                                      ===




       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



       Current liabilities:



       Accounts payable                                                                     $
            2,077    $
       3,379



       Accrued liabilities                                                          9,108             10,014



       Deferred revenue                                                               638                467



       Income taxes payable                                                             -



       Current portion of notes payable                                                 9                  9



       Current portion of lease obligations                                         2,161                283

    ---                                                                                                  ---

                                                                                    13,993             14,152



       Non-current liabilities:



       Long-term note payable                                                           7                 12



       Long-term lease obligations                                                  6,495                113



       Deferred rent                                                                    -                73



       Other long-term liabilities                                                  1,819              3,286

    ---                                                                                                  ---

                                                                                    22,314             17,636



       Shareholders' equity:



       Share capital                                                              111,411            101,175



       Contributed surplus                                                          1,147              2,498



       Retained earnings                                                           22,350             17,825

    ---                                                                                                  ---

                                                                                   134,908            121,498


                                                                                           $
            157,222  $
       139,134

                                                                                                                      ===



       
                CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC



       UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



       (In thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)






                                                                                                                Three months ended June
                                                                                                                                30,             Six months ended June 30,


                                                                                                            2019                  2018         2019                  2018

                                                                                                                                                                   ---




       Revenue                                                                                                    $
              25,020                $
              17,217   $
       46,720 $
       30,309



       Cost of sales                                                                                      6,526                 4,277       12,431                 7,021

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---


       Gross profit before loss on fair value of biological assets                                       18,494                12,940       34,289                23,288



       Realized fair value amounts included in inventory sold                                             (354)                (264)       (496)                (453)



       Unrealized fair value loss on growth of biological assets                                              -

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---


       Gross profit                                                                                      18,848                13,204       34,785                23,741





       Expenses:



       General and administrative                                                                         9,060                 4,915       17,519                 8,981



       Sales and marketing                                                                                6,527                 2,411       11,087                 4,474



       Research and development                                                                             654                   129          845                   255



       Initial public offering related costs                                                                  -                  752                               859

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---

                                                                                                          16,241                 8,207       29,451                14,569

                                                                                                                                                                   ---


       Operating income                                                                                   2,607                 4,997        5,334                 9,172

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---


       Financing costs                                                                                     (77)                 (66)       (134)                (130)



       Interest income                                                                                      310                    33          666                    54



       Other income                                                                                         (4)                              (7)

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---


       Income before taxes                                                                                2,836                 4,964        5,859                 9,096

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---


       Income taxes                                                                                       (648)              (1,234)     (1,334)              (2,263)

    ---                                                                                                                                                            ---


       Net income and comprehensive income                                                                         $
              2,188                 $
              3,730    $
       4,525  $
       6,833

    ===                                                                                                                                                                                    ===




       Weighted average number of common shares - basic                                              94,986,784            79,307,281   94,105,280            79,430,438



       Weighted average number of common shares - diluted                                           106,272,945            84,495,194  106,245,283            84,618,351

    ===                                                                                                                                                            ===




       Earnings per share - basic                                                                                   $
              0.02                  $
              0.05     $
       0.05   $
       0.09



       Earnings per share - diluted                                                                                 $
              0.02                  $
              0.04     $
       0.04   $
       0.08

    ===                                                                                                                                                                                    ===



       
                CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC



       UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



       (In thousands of United States dollars)




                                                                                                                  Contributed    Retained



       Six months ended June 30, 2018                                                         Share capital            surplus    earnings 
        Total

    ---                                                                                                                                            ---




       Balance - December 31, 2017                                                                            $
             5,835               $
        787  $
      6,017  $
      12,639





       Exercise of common stock options                                                                  42                                         42





       Share-based compensation expense                                                                   -                421                     421





       Share issuance costs                                                                           (104)                                     (104)





       Net income                                                                                         -                          6,833       6,833





       Balance - June 30, 2018                                                                                $
             5,773             $
        1,208 $
      12,850  $
      19,831

    ===                                                                                                                                                                 ===



                                                                                                                  Contributed    Retained



       Six months ended June 30, 2019                                                         Share capital            surplus    earnings 
        Total

    ---                                                                                                                                            ---




       Balance - December 31, 2018                                                                          $
             101,175             $
        2,498 $
      17,825 $
      121,498





       Exercise of common stock options                                                               1,663             (1,266)                    397





       Exercise of broker stock warrants                                                              1,295               (834)                    461





       Income tax benefit from stock options                                                          7,278                                      7,278





       Share-based compensation expense                                                                   -                749                     749





       Net income                                                                                         -                          4,525       4,525





       Balance - June 30, 2019                                                                              $
             111,411             $
        1,147 $
      22,350 $
      134,908

    ===                                                                                                                                                                 ===



       
                CHARLOTTE'S WEB HOLDINGS, INC



       UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



       (In thousands of United States dollars)






                                                                                   Six months ended June 30,


                                                                              2019                  2018

                                                                                                    ---


       Cash flows from operating activities:



       Net income                                                                    $
              4,525       $
        6,833





       Items not involving cash:



       Depreciation and amortization                                        1,406                   576



       Change in fair value of biological assets                            (496)                (453)



       Accretion on convertible note                                            -                   71



       Change in fair value of convertible note                                 -                 (66)



       Allowance for doubtful accounts                                        136                   152



       Inventory reserve                                                      953                   115



       Deferred rent                                                         (73)                 (11)



       Share-based compensation                                               749                   421



       (Gain)/Loss on disposal of fixed assets                                  8                  (28)



       Deferred income taxes                                                (182)                (184)





       Changes in working capital:



       Trade and other receivables                                        (2,693)                (827)



       Inventories                                                       (10,296)              (1,118)



       Prepaid expenses and other current assets                          (5,611)                (829)



       Accounts payable                                                   (1,302)                  465



       Accrued liabilities                                                (2,373)                1,909



       Income taxes                                                         (166)                (844)



       Deferred revenue                                                       171                  (87)

    ---                                                                                             ---

                                                                          (15,244)                6,095





       Cash flows from investing activities:



       Funding of note receivable                                         (1,400)



       Purchases of property and equipment and intangibles                (4,059)              (1,324)



       Proceeds from sale of assets                                            53                    38



       Proceeds from related party                                             14



       Other long-term assets                                               (812)                  197

    ---                                                                                             ---

                                                                           (6,204)              (1,089)





       Cash flows from financing activities:



       Proceeds from common stock option exercise                             397                    42



       Proceeds from stock warrant exercise                                   461



       Payments on notes payable                                              (5)                 (18)



       Payments on lease obligations                                      (1,378)                (153)

    ---                                                                                             ---

                                                                             (525)              (1,278)

                                                                                                    ---




       Increase (decrease) in cash                                       (21,973)                3,728



       Cash, beginning of year                                             73,404                 7,056

    ===                                                                                             ===


       Cash, end of period                                                          $
              51,431      $
        10,784

    ===                                                                                                              ===




       Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:



       Cash paid for interest                                                          $
              134         $
        130

    ===                                                                                                              ===

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SOURCE Charlotte's Web Holdings, Inc.