Celsius Holdings reports Q1 net loss of US$703,000, compared to year-ago loss of US$405,000; revenues rise 65% to US$3.9M

Nevin Barich

BOCA RATON, Florida , April 24, 2014 (press release) – Revenues Increased 65% to a Record $3.9 Million for the First Quarter

Celsius Holdings, Inc., (Other OTC:CELH) the creator and marketer of Celsius(R), the world's first and only negative calorie drink backed by clinical science, today reported its results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Recent company highlights:

First Quarter Highlights -- Comparison of Quarters Ended March 31, 2014 and 2013

Revenue increased 65% to $3.9 million.

Gross Profit increased 61% to $1.4 million.

Net Loss increased $298 thousand to $0.7 million; excluding one-time charges net loss decreased $79 thousand.

Revenue from International sales increased 133% to $2.3 million.

Revenue from Domestic sales increased 16% to $1.6 million.

"We are very pleased to report continued strong financial results and a record first quarter as revenues grew to $3.9 million. The quarter was highlighted by the growth in existing international accounts and receipt of our initial orders from Brazil and Dubai. We also received our import and distribution certificate from the People's Republic of China. Domestically, we continued our sales growth even though retailers and distributers were negatively impacted by the harsh record winter. We are making excellent progress and our products are resonating well with consumers. I am very encouraged that we continue to deliver revenue growth. In addition, as a result of our marketing initiatives we are attracting new daily consumers and industry-wide brand recognition. Celsius Public Relations efforts have generated over 200 million impressions in the first quarter of 2014 while our digital radio campaign continues to deliver 9 million ads each month that are focused in our 'Drill Deep' markets," said Mr. Gerry David, Chief Executive Officer. "In addition, we signed worldwide endorsement agreements with;

Music industry superstar and fitness enthusiast Flo Rida, which will provide a connection to the 18-35 year old demographic including his 23 million social media followers

NASCAR race team, Tri-Star Motor Sports, as an Associate Sponsor on three race cars which provides Celsius a platform to the 71 million avid NASCAR fans

NASCAR driver and Tri-athlete, Blake Koch, who races in the Sprint and Nationwide Series

"Celsius product positioning places it in the three fastest growing categories in all of Health and Beauty, Weight Loss, Energy and Fitness beverages," David continued. "The demand for our unique beverage, is being driven by consumers wanting healthier options that are backed by science, to add to their healthy lifestyles."

First Quarter 2014 Financial Results:

Revenue: Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $3.87 million as compared to $2.34 million for the same period in 2013, a 65% increase. This increase was driven primarily by increases in international sales totaling $1.30 million or 133% and increases in domestic sales totaling $225 thousand or 16%. Domestically, we are seeing continued growth in key segments. Domestic retail sales increased 21% versus the prior year and Health & Fitness sales increased 97%, off-set by domestic internet sales decrease of 12% as a result of out of stock replenishment system errors at Amazon which have been corrected. In addition liquidator sales decreased $70 thousand or 100% versus the prior year.

Gross Profit: Gross profits for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $1,383 thousand or 36% of sales as compared to $870 thousand or 37% of sales for the same period in 2013. The Company continues to focus on cost saving initiatives and efficiencies to improve gross profit margins.

Operating Expenses: Operating Expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $1,940 thousand as compared to $1,246 thousand for the same period in 2013, a 56% increase. A significant portion of the increases are associated with increases in marketing programs. $596 thousand related to increased digital radio marketing programs, sampling programs, and celebrity endorsement licensing agreements. In addition, option expense increased $50 thousand, warehousing increased $33 thousand, broker and contractor increased $8 thousand, and additional investments in human resources totaled $33 thousand, off-set by savings from other sales & admin expense $25 thousand.

Net Loss: The Company recorded a net loss of $703 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to a net loss of $405 thousand for the same quarter a year ago, or ($0.03) and ($0.02) per share, respectively. A significant portion of the increases in loss are associated with 2014 one-time charges relating to celebrity endorsements totaling $303 thousand which includes endorsement licensing fees of $105 thousand and $198 thousand in common stock and a decrease in positive changes in a fair value derivative totaling $74 thousand from 2013 associated with the termination of an option derivative agreement. Excluding one-time charges adjusted net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 totals $401 thousand compared to an adjusted net loss of $480 thousand for the same quarter a year ago.

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