SAN DIEGO, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS) (the “Company” or “Cibus”), a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies, today announced that it intends to offer shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”) and, in lieu of common stock to certain investors that so elect, pre-funded warrants to purchase additional shares of its Class A Common Stock in an underwritten public offering (t ...

Management repeatedly pointed to rice as the company’s clearest near-term royalty opportunity. Beetham said Cibus has seven rice customers across the U.S. and Latin America representing “over $200 million in potential annual royalty opportunity” tied to herbicide-tolerant traits. The company said it remains on track for initial market entry in Latin America in 2027, potential U.S. expansion in 2028, and entry into India and Asia “closer to 2030.”Beetham said Cibus can now take a customer’s elite genetics, m ...

Financial Performance - Cibus reported a quarterly loss of $0.42 per share, slightly better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.43, and an improvement from a loss of $0.87 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of +2.33% [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.06 million for the quarter ended December 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 27.85%, and down from $1.21 million in the same quarter last year [2] Stock Performance - Cibus shares have increased by approximately 104.6% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 2.1% decline in the S&P 500 [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.36 on revenues of $1.92 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$1.30 on revenues of $7.78 million [7] Industry Outlook - The Agriculture - Operations industry, to which Cibus belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 18% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a challenging environment for stock performance [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact Cibus's stock performance [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, 2025, the company's cash and cash equivalents were $9.9 million, and in January 2026, it raised $22.3 million in gross proceeds from a public offering, extending its runway for operations [24][25] - The net loss for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $31.9 million, compared to $25.8 million in the same period the previous year [27] - Research and development expenses decreased to $9.4 million from $12.4 million year-over-year, while selling, general, and administrative expenses fell to $5.1 million from $6.8 million [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The rice program remains a core revenue generator, with seven rice customers representing a potential annual royalty opportunity of over $200 million [9][48] - The sustainable ingredients program has completed pre-commercial pilot runs for two biofragrance products, leading to the first customer payment in Q4 2025, with potential annual royalties estimated between $20 million and $40 million [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is targeting 5-7 million acres in the Americas for its rice traits, with potential expansion into India, which has approximately 120 million acres of rice cultivation [46][48] - The EU's recent political agreement on New Genomic Techniques legislation opens up approximately 100 million acres of greenfield opportunity in Europe, which has historically restricted GMO technologies [17][35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a commercially driven model, focusing on gene editing as a core technology for agricultural innovation [4][5] - Cibus aims to build long-term shareholder value through a licensing and royalty framework tied to its gene editing capabilities, emphasizing ongoing relationships with seed companies [8][9] - The company is expanding its partnerships in Latin America and India, with plans for commercial launches in 2027 and 2030, respectively [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views 2026 as a pivotal year focused on execution and momentum, with expectations for significant advancements in rice commercialization and sustainable ingredients [29][30] - The regulatory landscape is evolving positively, with the EU's new legislation expected to catalyze commercial opportunities and partnerships [17][30] Other Important Information - The company has streamlined operations, reducing annual net cash usage to approximately $30 million or less in 2026, which supports its focus on near-term revenue [27][66] - The company has consolidated operations from its Oberlin facility into its San Diego headquarters, which is part of its cost-saving initiatives [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of EU NGT framework on CapEx for canola WOSR program - Management highlighted that the EU regulatory progress opens up significant opportunities for gene editing in Europe, particularly for winter oilseed rape, which is a major crop [34][35] Question: Next steps for rice commercialization in Latin America - Management outlined the process of editing elite genetics and the partnership with Interoc for commercialization in Ecuador and Colombia, with a focus on chemical registration and trait work [38][40] Question: Trend line for acres touched by technology - Management indicated a target of 5-7 million acres in the Americas, with potential for an additional 200 million acres in India by the end of the decade [46][48] Question: Maximum throughput for gene edits as a service - Management discussed the scalability of their gene editing platform, emphasizing the efficiency gained through automation and AI, which allows for managing multiple crops and lines [50][53] Question: Royalty rates for gene edits as a service - Management noted that the speed and scalability of their gene editing process allow for favorable negotiations on trait royalties, as customers can see value added quickly [56] Question: Scale of fragrance projects - Management mentioned the potential to work on approximately 17 fragrances, with plans to accelerate the process once the initial products are commercialized [57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $9.9 million, with a subsequent capital raise of $22.3 million in January 2026, extending the company's runway [22][23] - Operating expenses were reduced by approximately $10 million across R&D and SG&A for the full year of 2025, with R&D expenses at $9.4 million and SG&A at $5.1 million for Q4 2025, down from $12.4 million and $6.8 million respectively in the prior year [23][24] - The net loss for Q4 2025 was $31.9 million, compared to $25.8 million in the same period last year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The rice program is projected to generate $200 million in potential annual royalty opportunities through herbicide-tolerant traits, with initial market entry in Latin America expected in 2027 [9][10] - The sustainable ingredients program has completed pre-commercial pilot runs for two biofragrance products, leading to the first payment in Q4 2025, with potential annual royalties estimated between $20 million and $40 million [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The EU's political agreement on New Genomic Techniques legislation opens up approximately 100 million acres of greenfield opportunity, significantly impacting the gene editing market [16] - The company is targeting 5-7 million acres in the Americas for its rice traits, with potential expansion into the Indian market, which encompasses around 120 million acres [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning to a commercially driven model, focusing on gene editing as a core technology for agricultural innovation [5][6] - Cibus aims to serve as a gene editing engine for plant breeding capabilities, moving beyond traditional trait licensing to establish ongoing genomic editing relationships with seed companies [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management views 2026 as a year focused on execution and momentum, with plans to expand customer relationships and advance commercialization agreements [27] - The regulatory landscape is evolving positively, with significant developments in Europe and the Americas that are expected to accelerate commercial conversations globally [16][27] Other Important Information - The company has consolidated operations from its Oberlin facility into its San Diego headquarters, which is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce cash usage [24][25] - The advancements in gene editing technology have led to improved efficiency and scalability, enabling the company to respond to market demands more effectively [18][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of EU NGT framework on CapEx and canola program - Management highlighted the EU regulatory progress as a watershed moment, opening up significant opportunities for crops like winter oilseed rape, which is a major crop in Europe [32][33] Question: Next steps for rice commercialization in Latin America - The company outlined the process of editing elite genetics and the partnership with Interoc for commercialization in Ecuador and Colombia, with a focus on chemical registration and trait work [36][38] Question: Trend line for acres touched by technology - Management indicated a target of 5-7 million acres in the Americas, with potential for additional revenue from the Indian market in the future [44] Question: Scale of gene editing services - The company emphasized its efficient production system and automation, which allows for rapid scaling of gene editing services without significant increases in R&D expenses [46][49] Question: Royalty rates for gene edits as a service - Management noted that the speed and scalability of their gene editing process allow for favorable negotiations on trait royalties, as customers can see value added quickly [51][52] Question: Scale of fragrance projects - The company is currently focused on a few fragrances but sees potential to scale quickly, targeting around 17 fragrances for future development [53]

Financial Outlook - Cibus anticipates significant losses will continue for several years, relying on additional near-term financing to maintain operations[16]. - The company expects to reduce annual net cash usage to approximately $30 million or less in 2026 due to workforce reductions and streamlining efforts[30]. - Cibus estimates one-time cash payments of approximately $0.4 million related to workforce reductions in Q1 2026, alongside a non-cash stock compensation expense of about $0.5 million[30]. - Cibus' financial statements include goodwill, which may become impaired under certain conditions, affecting financial results[17]. Market Potential - The global seed market's aggregate trait value is estimated at approximately $12.0 billion, with Cibus focusing on plant traits that enhance productivity and sustainability[25][26]. - Cibus' Rice herbicide tolerance traits have an estimated potential annual addressable royalty of over $200.0 million upon full commercialization in target markets[26]. - Cibus estimates potential annual addressable royalties for its Sclerotinia resistance trait in Soybean could exceed $500 million, with a peak addressable market of 50 million acres[31]. - The global fragrance market is valued at over $65 billion, presenting significant long-term opportunities for Cibus' biofragrance products developed through gene editing[72]. Research and Development - Cibus has successfully completed greenhouse trials for its gene-edited traits in Rice, Canola, and Soybean, with ongoing progress in field trials for Soybean[37]. - Cibus' R&D is focused on developing crop-specific platforms and gene editing technologies, integral to its Trait Machine process[193]. - Cibus' Trait Machine process enables rapid prototyping and commercialization of new traits, significantly reducing the time to market compared to conventional breeding methods[87]. - Cibus' RTDS technology platform allows for rapid and efficient gene editing, significantly changing the scale and speed of trait development and commercialization[131]. Regulatory Environment - Regulatory changes regarding gene editing could significantly impact Cibus' ability to develop and commercialize its products[17]. - The EU's new regulatory framework for gene-edited plants is expected to be published in 2026, potentially constraining access to European acres for Cibus' weed management traits[50]. - The FDA has cleared Cibus' altered lignin alfalfa trait for commercialization in the US, expected to launch the first two commercial gene edited varieties in the next few years[81]. - Cibus has received regulatory opinions confirming that certain early products developed using RTDS technologies will be regulated similarly to conventional breeding in both North and South America[143]. Competitive Landscape - The company faces significant competition, with many competitors possessing greater financial and technical resources[16]. - Cibus faces significant competition from major agricultural chemical companies and smaller biotechnology firms, which have greater financial resources and R&D expertise[180]. - Cibus' proprietary technologies are protected by over 500 patents across 26 patent families, with issued patents expected to expire between 2027 and 2040, providing a competitive advantage[138]. Business Model - Cibus' business model involves licensing plant traits to seed companies for royalties, which is a well-established practice in the industry[26]. - The agricultural trait business is driven by productivity traits, addressable acreage, and trait fees, with royalties paid for each unit sold or acre used[92]. - Cibus operates a capital-efficient and highly scalable business model, focusing on R&D and trait development while partnering with leading seed companies for commercialization[186]. Workforce and Culture - As of December 31, 2025, Cibus had 118 full-time employees, with 29 holding Ph.D. degrees, and approximately 89 employees engaged in R&D[189]. - Cibus aims to maintain a diverse workforce, with approximately 57% of its employees holding advanced degrees and nearly half being women[191]. - The company emphasizes employee well-being through competitive compensation and benefits programs, including healthcare and retirement planning[190]. - Cibus' management team has over 300 years of cumulative industry experience, contributing to its scientific breakthroughs and product development[188]. Strategic Partnerships - The company is exploring alternative customer partnerships in high-potential markets such as India, Asia (excluding China), and Latin America[27]. - Cibus is pursuing partner-funded projects in its productivity trait portfolio until it has sufficient capital resources for a more robust development effort[29]. Trait Development - Cibus' gene editing process, RTDS, is designed to produce non-transgenic traits, ensuring that the final products are indistinguishable from those occurring in nature[125]. - Cibus' productivity traits are classified as non-transgenic and are not subject to heightened GMO regulations in key markets including the United States, Canada, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador[184]. - Cibus' Trait Machine Process significantly accelerates the development and commercialization of new productivity traits, allowing for quick prototyping and scaling into elite germplasm[185].

Cibus Reports Fourth Quarter Financial Results and Provides Business Update SAN DIEGO, March 17, 2026 – Cibus, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBUS) (the "Company"), a leading agricultural technology company that develops and licenses plant traits to seed companies, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, and provided a business update. Management will host a conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET. Management Commentary Peter Beetham, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Cibus, ...

Core Viewpoint - Cibus, Inc. is set to report its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on March 17, 2026, and will host a conference call to discuss these results and other updates [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - Cibus will announce its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on March 17, 2026 [1]. - The management team will conduct a conference call and audio webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on the same day [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - Participants can join the conference call using the numbers +1-800-343-5172 (U.S.) and +1-203-518-9856 (International) [2]. - A replay of the call will be available until March 31, 2026, accessible via +1-844-512-2921 (U.S.) and +1-412-317-6671 (International) with the passcode 11160915 [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Cibus is a leader in developing plant traits that address productivity, yield, and sustainability challenges [4]. - The company utilizes proprietary high-throughput gene-editing technologies to develop traits more efficiently than conventional breeding methods [4]. - Cibus operates as a technology company, licensing its developed traits to seed companies in exchange for royalties [4].

Core Insights - Cibus is participating in a significant research project funded by the UK Government to develop durable resistance to Light Leaf Spot disease in oilseed rape, which has caused yield losses of up to £300 million in recent years [1][3][5] Group 1: Project Overview - The project is part of the Farming Innovation Programme, with Defra investing in mid-stage precision breeding projects to enhance the resilience and productivity of UK agriculture [2][5] - Cibus will utilize its proprietary Rapid Trait Development System™ to create precise gene edits in elite oilseed rape breeding lines, aiming to combat Light Leaf Spot disease [3][4] Group 2: Collaboration and Goals - The LLS-ERASED project involves a consortium of 12 industry and academic partners, targeting the UK's most destructive oilseed rape disease to deliver high-yielding varieties with durable, multi-disease resistance [3][4] - The project aligns with the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023, positioning England as a global hub for gene-edited crop development [4] Group 3: Funding and Support - The Defra Farming Innovation Programme, in partnership with Innovate UK, will provide at least £21.5 million in funding for 15 innovation projects aimed at developing sustainable crops and supporting farmers [5]

Core Viewpoint - Cibus, Inc. has announced a public offering of 13,333,333 shares of its Class A Common Stock at a price of $1.50 per share, aiming to raise approximately $20 million for working capital and corporate purposes [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The public offering price is set at $1.50 per share, with members of Cibus' Board of Directors purchasing 1,000,000 shares at this price [1]. - The underwriter has a 30-day option to purchase an additional 1,999,999 shares to cover over-allotments [2]. - Gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be around $20 million, potentially increasing to $23 million if the underwriter fully exercises its option [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized for working capital and general corporate purposes, including funding the development of weed management traits in rice and covering accrued professional expenses for advisory services [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Cibus is a leading agricultural technology company focused on developing and licensing plant traits to seed companies, utilizing high-throughput gene-editing technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability in major global row crops [7].