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Replies to post #65238 on CV Sciences Inc (CVSI)
CV SCIENCES, INC. REPORTS FISCAL YEAR-END 2019 FINANCIAL RESULTS
SAN DIEGO, March 16, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB:CVSI) (the “Company”, “CV Sciences”, “our”, “us” or “we”), a preeminent supplier and manufacturer of hemp cannabidiol (CBD) products, today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Fiscal 2019 and Recent Operating Highlights
Revenue of $53.7 million for fiscal year 2019;
Total retail distribution increased to more than 5,500 stores as of December 31, 2019, a 148% increase from December 31, 2018 including new and/or expanded partnerships with national retail chains;
Broadened retail presence in the food, drug and mass channel (FDM) and in active discussions for further expansion of the PlusCBD™ Oil brand;
Expanded e-commerce sales to 19% of total net revenue, up from 14% for 2018;
Launched updated +PlusCBD™ Oil website in January 2020 to enhance customer experience and drive increased e-commerce sales;
Launched 18 new products during fiscal 2019;
Gross margin of 65% for fiscal year 2019; and
Maintained strong total cash balance of $9.6 million at year end.
“During 2019, revenue grew by 11% to $53.7 million driven by our expansion into new sales channels and distributions gains that produced a 148% increase in retail locations, including a strong presence in multiple national retailers. It was a year of significant business development, including distribution and product offering expansions, our first entry into the national food, drug and mass channel and establishing the foundation and infrastructure in anticipation of long-term growth of the hemp-derived CBD market.
This past year demonstrated great progress and promise for the hemp CBD industry and CV Sciences, although the industry also faced challenging external forces. In the face of near-term headwinds, including regulatory ambiguities, heightened competition aided by a lack of regulatory clarity, and occasional unfavorable media attention as the regulatory environment develops, CV Sciences managed to achieve the highest annual sales in our company history. We are focused on further strengthening our brand, product offerings and adding new categories as we monitor the ongoing development of the market and position ourselves for future opportunities,” stated Joseph Dowling, Chief Executive Officer of CV Sciences.
“We continue to work with the FDA to support market development and ensure CV Sciences is leading the industry in quality and safety. We are confident that FDA regulatory clarity will lead to a ‘flight to quality’ among both retailers and consumers and believe that CV Sciences is best positioned to secure long-term brand loyalty and trust due to our proven track record and relentless focus on quality, safety and regulatory compliance,” Mr. Dowling continued.
Operating Results - Full Year 2019 Compared to Full Year 2018
Sales for 2019 were $53.7 million, an increase of 11% from $48.2 million in 2018. Sales growth reflected the Company's continued organic expansion into all sales channels, including food drug and mass, natural product retail, specialty retail and direct-to-consumer channels. The second half of 2019 was impacted by increased market competition across all sales channels and the continued impact on retail customers as a result of the uncertain regulatory environment for CBD. The Company's retail store count increased to 5,567 stores nationwide as of December 31, 2019, up from 2,238 stores as of December 31, 2018.
The Company recognized an operating loss of $17.2 million in 2019, compared to an operating income of $10.2 million in the prior year. The decline in operating income is primarily related to additional stock-based compensation and payroll expense associated with the separation of the Company's founders of $11.1 million, and additional investment in sales, marketing and R&D activities.
Adjusted EBITDA for 2019 was $0.2 million, compared to $14.0 million in 2018.
Fourth Quarter 2019 - Sales
During the fourth quarter of 2019, sales declined 34% to $9.4 million compared to $14.2 million in the prior year period. Fourth quarter sales were impacted by increased market competition in the natural product category, and the continued impact on retail customers as a result of the uncertain regulatory environment for CBD.
