Charles & Colvard (NASDAQ: CTHR) has received an interim arbitration award in its dispute with Wolfspeed, Inc. The arbitrators significantly reduced Wolfspeed's original damage claims of $28 million to $3.3 million, consisting of $1.3 million for previously purchased inventory and $2.0 million for consigned inventory. The ruling requires CTHR to pay 8% annual interest from April 24, 2023, arbitration fees, and attorney's fees, excluding costs related to expectation damages claims.
The company views this as a significant victory, as it eliminates a long-term purchase commitment that management believed was hampering growth and profitability. The $2.0 million consigned inventory payment will be recorded as an asset on the company's balance sheet as of June 30, 2024. Wolfspeed must submit its attorney's fees petition by January 4, 2025, with CTHR having 15 days to respond.