ChromaDex(CDXC) - 2020 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company sales grew 9% sequentially and 18% year-over-year, with total net sales nearly $60 million and Tru Niagen net sales at $47 million for the year [10][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2020 was a loss of $1.1 million, improving by $1 million year-over-year, with a full-year loss of $1 million compared to $8.8 million in 2019 [11][41] - Gross margins increased to 61%, up approximately 400 basis points year-over-year [28][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tru Niagen net sales grew 31% year-over-year, with e-commerce sales up 20% [27][38] - Niagen ingredient sales more than doubled in Q4 to $2.2 million compared to $0.9 million in the previous quarter [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Tru Niagen will soon be available in 3,000 Walmart stores across the U.S., expanding the distribution footprint significantly [14] - The company has established partnerships with major players like A.S. Watson Group and Nestlé Health Science, enhancing market presence [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve cash flow break-even while expanding scientific research on Niagen and increasing marketing investments [11][17] - Focus on building a global brand and exploring new retail partnerships while maintaining a careful and selective approach to collaborations [83] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, highlighting strong scientific research and a growing body of evidence supporting Niagen's health benefits [12][26] - The addressable market for Niagen is large, with increasing consumer awareness and a commitment to long-term value creation [17][29] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with $16.7 million in cash and raised an additional $25 million in February 2021 [29][42] - Significant investments in R&D are planned to develop new formulations and delivery mechanisms for existing products [68][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on Walmart partnership and stocking - The company plans to offer a lower dose and price point for Walmart, with a focus on creating awareness through marketing [47] Question: COVID-19 trial in Turkey - Management discussed ongoing studies related to COVID-19 and the potential of Tru Niagen, noting the differences in standard of care between Turkey and the U.S. [50][51] Question: Changes in marketing strategy for 2021 - The company will continue using influencers while targeting different customer cohorts with tailored marketing channels [65][66] Question: Future retail partnerships - While there are no immediate plans for additional retail partnerships, the company remains open to opportunities that align with its strategic goals [83]