Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTHR), a globally recognized lab created gemstone company specializing in fine jewelry, reported financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, with net sales of $12.1 million and net income of $2.5 million, or $0.09 earnings per diluted share.

"We executed with purpose and precision during the critical holiday quarter, leveraging the changes that we implemented in Q1, including streamlined efficiencies, revised vendor agreements, elevated brand positioning, an expanded product line and a focused digital marketing strategy," said Don O'Connell, President and CEO of Charles & Colvard.

"These changes allowed us to deliver a record-breaking quarter with significant net sales growth and profitability all the while maintaining a strong gross margin and disciplined operating expense levels," continued Mr. O'Connell. "This enabled us to achieve an EPS growth of 200%."

"We're extremely proud of these accomplishments and what we've achieved in the short term," said O'Connell. "We were able to maintain our Traditional segment in the midst of a global pandemic and grow our Online Channels segment by 25%. As we look ahead, we are focused on fueling sustainable, long-term growth and profitability as we continue to execute on our strategic initiatives. We believe there is significant opportunity for Charles & Colvard to continue to grow its business in new and meaningful ways, thus capturing greater market share."

Recent Corporate Highlights

• Expanded the product assortment of bridal and fine jewelry styles including engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, necklaces and bracelets and launched personalized jewelry pieces set with Caydia™ lab grown diamonds;
• Hosted a lab created gemstones workshop with more than 30 notable media editors;
• Deployed awareness-building social media campaigns and marketing collaborations, that included Charles & Colvard jewelry being featured on the ABC network's hit television series The Bachelorette;
• Featured in multiple media articles from top digital publications, including Forbes.com, Yahoo.com, Brides.com, The Knot.com and JCK;
• Presented at the LD Micro Virtual Investor Conference; and
• Regained compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price listing requirements.

Financial Summary for Second Quarter Fiscal 2021
(Quarter Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Quarter Ended December 31, 2019)

• Net sales increased 14%, to $12.1 million for the quarter, compared with $10.7 million in the year-ago quarter.
• In the Online Channels segment, which consists of e-commerce outlets including charlesandcolvard.com, third-party online marketplaces, drop-ship retail and other pure-play e-commerce outlets, net sales increased 25% year over year, totaling $7.6 million, representing 62% of total net sales for the quarter, compared to $6.1 million, or 57% of total net sales in the year-ago quarter.
• In the Traditional segment, which consists of wholesale and brick and mortar customers, net sales totaled $4.6 million, flat to last year, representing 38% of total net sales for the quarter, compared to $4.6 million, or 43% of total net sales, in the year-ago quarter.
• Finished jewelry net sales increased 28% to $8.3 million for the quarter, compared to $6.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
• Loose jewel net sales were $3.9 million for the quarter, a decrease of 8%, compared with $4.2 million in the year-ago quarter.
• Operating expenses decreased 21% to $3.5 million for the quarter, compared to $4.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
• Net income increased 209% to $2.5 million, or $0.09 earnings per diluted share for the quarter, compared to net income of $814,000, or $0.03 earnings per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter.

Financial Summary for the First Six Months of Fiscal 2021
(Six Months Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Six Months Ended December 31, 2019)

• Net sales increased 10% to $20.1 million for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $18.3 million in the year-ago period.
• Online Channels segment net sales increased 23% year over year to $12.1 million, representing 60% of total net sales, for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $9.8 million, or 54% of total net sales in the year-ago period.
• Traditional segment net sales totaled $8.0 million, a year over year decrease of 5%, representing 40% of total net sales, for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $8.5 million, or 46% of total net sales, in the year-ago period.
• Finished jewelry net sales increased 22% to $12.6 million for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $10.3 million in the year-ago period.
• Loose jewel net sales were $7.5 million for the six months ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of 6%, compared to $8.0 million in the year-ago period.
• Operating expenses decreased 21% to $6.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to $7.9 million in the year-ago period.
• Net income increased 232% to $3.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the six months ended December 31, 2020, compared to net income of $1.0 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the year-ago period.

Financial Position

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $16.9 million as of December 31, 2020, representing an increase of $2.3 million from $14.6 million as of June 30, 2020. Total inventory decreased to $28.7 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to $30.6 million as of June 30, 2020. Total debt outstanding relating to the Company's loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP Loan, was $1.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020.

About Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CTHR) believes fine jewelry can be accessible, beautiful and conscientious. Charles & Colvard is the original pioneer of lab-created moissanite, a rare gemstone formed from silicon carbide. The Company brings revolutionary gemstones and jewelry to market through its pinnacle Forever OneTM moissanite brand and its premium CaydiaTM lab grown diamond brand. Consumers seek Charles & Colvard fashion, bridal and fine jewelry because of its exceptional quality, incredible value and shared beliefs in environmental and social responsibility. Charles & Colvard was founded in 1995 and is based in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park. For more information, please visit www.charlesandcolvard.com.