Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
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Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ( KPMG LLP , Vaughan, Ontario, Canada , Auditor Firm ID: 85 )
74
Consolidated Balance Sheets 77
Consolidated Statements of Net Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
78
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
79
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
80
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
82
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Cronos Group Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cronos Group Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 28, 2023 expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Valuation of an option to purchase equity securities without a readily determinable fair value
As disclosed in note 1(g) of the consolidated financial statements, the Company records its other investments without a readily determinable fair value using the cost method, and assesses such investments for observable price changes and other than temporary impairment on a periodic basis. Changes in the reported value of other investments are reported in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). As disclosed in note 3(b) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s investment in an option to purchase equity securities of PharmaCann, Inc. (the “PharmaCann Option”) is accounted for as an other investment without a readily determinable fair value. To estimate the fair value of the PharmaCann Option, management uses a combination of the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow method that require the use of judgment are the discount rate, terminal growth rate, cash flow projections, and the timing of federal legalization of cannabis in the United States. Under the market valuation approach, the key assumptions which require judgment under the Guideline Public Companies method are cash flow projections, selected multiples and the discount for lack of marketability. As disclosed in note 14(a) of the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s other investment in PharmaCann Option amounted to $49,000 thousand as of December 31, 2022.
We identified the evaluation of the impairment assessment of PharmaCann Option as a critical audit matter. As the original cash flow projections of the investee were not prepared by management, a high degree of challenging auditor judgement was required to evaluate fair value of the investment. These assumptions were challenging to test as they represented subjective determinations of future market, economic, and legal conditions that are sensitive to variation. Minor changes to these assumptions could have had a significant
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impact on the Company’s assessment of the fair value of the PharmaCann Option. Additionally, the audit effort associated with this estimate required specialized skills and knowledge.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of an internal control related to the critical audit matter. We compared the historical cash flow projections of PharmaCann to actual results to assess the Company’s ability to accurately project PharmaCann cash flows. We evaluated the reasonableness of the cash flow projections by comparing them to historical actual results, planned business initiatives, external industry reports, and peer data. We evaluated the reasonableness of the timing of federal legalization of cannabis in the United States by comparing management’s estimated timing with external industry reports and market information. In addition, we involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:
• assessing the discount rate used in the income approach and the multiples used in the market approach against ranges that were independently developed using peer data
• evaluating the terminal growth rate used in the income approach by comparing management’s assumption against external market information
• independently developing a discount for lack of marketability and comparing to management’s assumption used in the market approach.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.
Vaughan, Canada
February 28, 2023
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Cronos Group Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Cronos Group Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness, described below, on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A material weakness related to the design and maintenance of effective controls over Information Technology General Controls, pertaining to user access management and the provisioning and monitoring of user access, including privileged access was identified by management. This material weakness did not impact any information derived from information systems and did not result in any identified misstatements in the financial statements. The material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2022 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants
Vaughan, Canada
February 28, 2023
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CRONOS GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 AND 2021
Cronos Group Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
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As of December 31,
2022 2021
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 764,644 $ 886,973
Short-term investments 113,077 117,684
Accounts receivable, net 23,113 22,067
Other receivables 5,767 5,765
Current portion of loans receivable, net 8,890 5,460
Inventory, net 37,559 32,802
Prepaids and other current assets 7,106 8,967
Total current assets 960,156 1,079,718
Equity method investments, net 18,755 16,764
Other investments 70,993 118,392
Non-current portion of loans receivable, net 72,345 80,635
Property, plant and equipment, net 60,557 74,070
Right-of-use assets 2,273 8,882
Goodwill 1,033 1,098
Intangible assets, net 26,704 18,079
Other 193 100
Total assets $ 1,213,009 $ 1,397,738
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 11,163 $ 11,113
Income taxes payable 32,956 105
Accrued liabilities 22,268 25,636
Current portion of lease obligation 1,330 2,711
Derivative liabilities 15 14,375
Current portion due to non-controlling interests 384 433
Total current liabilities 68,116 54,373
Non-current portion due to non-controlling interests 1,383 1,913
Non-current portion of lease obligation 2,546 7,095
Deferred income tax liability — 81
Total liabilities 72,045 63,462
Shareholders’ equity
Share capital (authorized for issue as of December 31, 2022 and 2021: unlimited; shares outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and 2021: 380,575,403 and 374,952,693 , respectively)
611,318 595,497
Additional paid-in capital 42,682 32,465
Retained earnings 490,682 659,416
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ( 797 ) 49,865
Total equity attributable to shareholders of Cronos Group 1,143,885 1,337,243
Non-controlling interests ( 2,921 ) ( 2,967 )
Total shareholders’ equity 1,140,964 1,334,276
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,213,009 $ 1,397,738
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Cronos Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Net Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S dollars, except share and per share amounts)
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Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Net revenue, before excise taxes $ 114,456 $ 89,486 $ 54,353
Excise taxes ( 22,552 ) ( 15,051 ) ( 7,634 )
Net revenue 91,904 74,435 46,719
Cost of sales 79,935 80,008 46,497
Inventory write-down — 11,961 26,055
Gross profit 11,969 ( 17,534 ) ( 25,833 )
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing 22,282 44,937 34,386
Research and development 13,381 23,331 20,366
General and administrative 71,178 96,482 80,569
Restructuring costs 5,333 — —
Share-based compensation 15,115 10,151 15,361
Depreciation and amortization 6,025 4,484 2,872
Impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets — 236,056 40,000
Impairment loss on long-lived assets 3,493 127,619 —
Total operating expenses 136,807 543,060 193,554
Operating loss ( 124,838 ) ( 560,594 ) ( 219,387 )
Other income (expense)
Interest income, net 22,537 9,071 18,415
Gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities 14,060 151,360 129,254
Share of income (loss) from equity method investments 3,114 ( 6,313 ) ( 4,510 )
Gain (loss) on revaluation of financial instruments 14,739 8,611 ( 9 )
Impairment loss on other investments ( 61,392 ) — —
Foreign currency transaction loss ( 2,286 ) — —
Gain on disposal of investments — — 4,789
Other, net ( 493 ) 730 ( 1,825 )
Total other income (expense) ( 9,721 ) 163,459 146,114
Loss before income taxes ( 134,559 ) ( 397,135 ) ( 73,273 )
Income tax expense (benefit) 34,175 ( 431 ) 1,347
Loss from continuing operations ( 168,734 ) ( 396,704 ) ( 74,620 )
Loss from discontinued operations — ( 500 ) ( 650 )
Net loss ( 168,734 ) ( 397,204 ) ( 75,270 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest — ( 1,097 ) ( 2,133 )
Net loss attributable to Cronos Group $ ( 168,734 ) $ ( 396,107 ) $ ( 73,137 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net loss $ ( 168,734 ) $ ( 397,204 ) $ ( 75,270 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation ( 50,616 ) 8,192 14,951
Comprehensive loss ( 219,350 ) ( 389,012 ) ( 60,319 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 46 229 ( 2,343 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to Cronos Group $ ( 219,396 ) $ ( 389,241 ) $ ( 57,976 )
Net loss from continuing operations per share
Basic $ ( 0.45 ) $ ( 1.07 ) $ ( 0.21 )
Diluted $ ( 0.45 ) $ ( 1.07 ) $ ( 0.21 )
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Cronos Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S dollars, except number of share amounts)
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Number of shares Share capital Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Non-controlling interests Total shareholders’ equity
Balance as of January 1, 2020 348,817,472 $ 561,165 $ 23,234 $ 1,137,646 $ 27,838 $ ( 853 ) $ 1,749,030
Shares issued — — — — — — —
Share issuance costs — — — — — — —
Activities relating to share-based compensation 11,435,860 8,095 11,362 — — — 19,457
Net loss — — — ( 73,137 ) — ( 2,133 ) ( 75,270 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation — — — — 15,161 ( 210 ) 14,951
Balance as of December 31, 2020 360,253,332 569,260 34,596 1,064,509 42,999 ( 3,196 ) 1,708,168
Shares issued — — — — — — —
Share issuance costs — — — — — — —
Activities relating to share-based compensation 11,764,381 7,288 2,671 ( 12,213 ) — — ( 2,254 )
Share issuance pursuant to research and development milestones 2,934,980 17,374 — — — — 17,374
Accelerated restricted share units vesting out-of-period adjustment 4,802 ( 4,802 ) — — — —
Top-up rights out-of-period adjustment — ( 3,227 ) — 3,227 — — —
Net loss — — — ( 396,107 ) — ( 1,097 ) ( 397,204 )
Foreign exchange gain on translation — — — — 6,866 1,326 8,192
Balance as of December 31, 2021 374,952,693 595,497 32,465 659,416 49,865 ( 2,967 ) 1,334,276
Activities relating to share-based compensation 1,464,822 4,617 10,217 — — — 14,834
Share issuance pursuant to research and development milestones 4,157,888 11,204 — — — — 11,204
Net loss — — — ( 168,734 ) — — ( 168,734 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation — — — — ( 50,662 ) 46 ( 50,616 )
Balance as of December 31, 2022 380,575,403 $ 611,318 $ 42,682 $ 490,682 $ ( 797 ) $ ( 2,921 ) $ 1,140,964
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Cronos Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S dollars)
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Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Operating activities
Net loss $ ( 168,734 ) $ ( 397,204 ) $ ( 75,270 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation 15,115 10,151 15,361
Depreciation and amortization 13,122 15,402 7,045
Impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets — 236,056 40,000
Impairment loss on long-lived assets 3,493 127,619 —
Impairment loss on other investments 61,392 — —
(Income) loss from investments ( 17,853 ) ( 1,974 ) 4,510
Gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities ( 14,060 ) ( 151,360 ) ( 129,254 )
Changes in expected credit losses on long-term financial assets ( 662 ) 12,202 2,437
Gain on disposal of investments — — ( 4,789 )
Non-cash sales and marketing 341 1,383 2,863
Foreign currency transaction loss 2,286 — —
Other non-cash operating activities, net ( 4,051 ) ( 3,886 ) ( 123 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net ( 2,711 ) ( 13,163 ) ( 4,724 )
Other receivables ( 833 ) 3,838 ( 5,300 )
Prepaids and other current assets 996 3,102 —
Inventory, net ( 7,217 ) 11,565 ( 735 )
Accounts payable ( 863 ) ( 1,597 ) ( 2,784 )
Income taxes payable 34,212 ( 776 ) 839
Accrued liabilities ( 2,921 ) ( 4,974 ) 5,053
Net cash used in operating activities ( 88,948 ) ( 153,616 ) ( 144,871 )
Investing activities
Proceeds from short-term investments 268,870 215,303 296,730
Purchase of short-term investments ( 271,378 ) ( 119,610 ) ( 201,326 )
Purchase of investments — ( 110,392 ) —
Dividend proceeds 384 — —
Repayments (advances) on loan receivables 5,246 ( 4,967 ) ( 44,652 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net of disposals ( 3,451 ) ( 11,144 ) ( 31,412 )
Purchase of intangible assets, net of disposals ( 1,581 ) ( 1,118 ) ( 3,979 )
Other investing activities 68 3,030 4,789
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities ( 1,842 ) ( 28,898 ) 20,150
Cronos Group Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S dollars)
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Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Financing activities
Advance to non-controlling interests — — ( 1,019 )
Withholding taxes paid on equity awards ( 2,829 ) ( 13,458 ) ( 2,148 )
Other financing activities, net ( 68 ) 16 116
Net cash used in financing activities ( 2,897 ) ( 13,442 ) ( 3,051 )
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents ( 28,642 ) 4,906 6,102
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ( 122,329 ) ( 191,050 ) ( 121,670 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 886,973 1,078,023 1,199,693
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 764,644 $ 886,973 $ 1,078,023
Supplementary cash flow information:
Interest received 15,548 8,988 18,105
Taxes paid 177 892 —
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
1. Background, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Background
Cronos Group Inc. (“Cronos” or the “Company”) is incorporated in the province of British Columbia and under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with principal executive offices at 111 Peter St., Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1. The Company’s common shares are currently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “CRON.”
Cronos is an innovative global cannabinoid company committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology and product development. With a passion to responsibly elevate the consumer experience, Cronos is building an iconic brand portfolio. Cronos’ diverse international brand portfolio includes Spinach ® , PEACE NATURALS ® and Lord Jones ® .
(b) Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of our consolidated financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on reported results of operations and ending shareholders’ equity.
(c) Basis of consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, and all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest or is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest as of and for the reporting periods. The Company assesses control under the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of that entity’s operations. If an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company consolidates the entity if the Company has a controlling voting interest. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, but does not have control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company consolidates the financial results of the following entities, which the Company controls but does not wholly own:
Subsidiaries Jurisdiction of incorporation Incorporation date Ownership interest (ii)
Cronos Israel G.S. Cultivation Ltd. (i)
Israel February 4, 2018 70 %
Cronos Israel G.S. Manufacturing Ltd. (i)
Israel September 4, 2018 90 %
Cronos Israel G.S. Store Ltd. (i)
Israel June 28, 2018 90 %
Cronos Israel G.S. Pharmacy Ltd. (i)
Israel February 15, 2018 90 %
(i) These Israeli entities are collectively referred to as “Cronos Israel.”
(ii) “Ownership interest” is defined as the proportionate share of net income to which the Company is entitled; equity interest may differ from ownership interest as described herein.
In the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are attributed to the equity holders of the Company and to the non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests in the equity of Cronos Israel are presented separately in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.
(d) Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and assumptions include, among other things, valuation of derivative liabilities, expected credit losses on long-term financial assets, impairment losses on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment losses on long-lived assets,
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
inventory write-downs, share-bared payments, valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets and uncertain tax liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(e) Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and highly liquid short-term investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, generally with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents include amounts held in dollars, C$ and ILS and security deposits. Short-term investments consist of debt securities that (i) generally have original maturities of greater than three months and (ii) the Company has the ability to convert into cash within one year.
Short-term investments are classified as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity and recorded at cost. Interest earned on short-term investments is recorded in other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets and interest income, net on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Cash inflows and outflows related to the purchase and maturity of short-term investments are classified as investing activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.
(f) Inventory
Inventory is comprised of raw materials, finished goods and work-in-progress, such as pre-harvested cannabis plants, dried cannabis flower, by-products to be extracted, cannabis extracts and by-products, dry cannabis and cannabis extract containers, and boxes. When the Company cultivated cannabis, costs capitalized into inventory until the time of harvest included, but were not limited to, labor, utilities, nutrition and irrigation.
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, determined using weighted average cost. Cost includes expenditures directly related to manufacturing and distribution of the products. Primary costs include consumables (insect control, fertilizers, soil), packaging, shipping, direct labor, contract manufacturer fees, overhead, supplies and small tools, and the depreciation of manufacturing equipment and production facilities determined at normal capacity. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, rent, utilities, security, and property taxes. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. At the end of each reporting period, the Company performs an assessment to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Factors considered in the determination of net realizable value include slow-moving or non-marketable products.
(g) Investments
Variable interest entities
A variable interest entity is an entity having either a total equity investment that is insufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or equity investors at risk that lack the ability to control the entity’s activities. Variable interests are investments or other interests that will absorb portions of a VIE’s expected losses or receive portions of the VIE’s expected residual returns. The Company evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of each VIE it identifies on a periodic basis and considers the impact of any reconsideration events. The primary beneficiary is the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE and holds a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To make this determination, the Company considers both quantitative and qualitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of its involvement with the VIE. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
Equity method investments
The Company accounts for investments in companies over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not hold a controlling financial interest using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss in share of income (loss) from equity method investments within the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments or expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as income earned and payments from equity method investees such as dividends and distributions are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. If the current fair value of an investment falls below its carrying amount, this may indicate that an impairment loss should be recorded. Any impairment losses recognized in one period cannot be reversed in subsequent periods.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Other investments
Other investments include common stock and options in third party entities in which the Company’s influence is deemed non-significant. The Company holds other investments with and without readily determinable fair values. Other investments with readily determinable fair values are recorded using the fair value method of accounting as of period-end on the consolidated balance sheets. Other investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded using the cost method of accounting on the consolidated balance sheets. Other investments without readily determinable fair values are assessed for observable price changes and other than temporary impairment on a periodic basis. Changes in the reported value of other investments are reported in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
(h) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Rate
Building and leasehold improvements 15 to 20 years
Machinery and equipment 5 to 7 years
Furniture and fixtures 5 years
When assets are disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant expenditures, which increase productivity or extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized.
Available for use is defined as the point at which the related property, plant and equipment is operational, including the possession of any requisite licenses. Depreciation commences at the point the assets are available for use.
(i) Definite-lived intangible assets
Intangible assets are recorded at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired through a business combination are measured at fair value at the acquisition date.
The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with its enterprise software, which include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the development of the software for the function intended. All other costs are expensed as incurred.
Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the following methods and rates:
Method Rate
Software Straight-line 5 years
Health Canada licenses Straight-line Useful life of corresponding facilities
Ginkgo exclusive licenses Straight-line 10 years
Israeli codes (i)
Straight-line Useful life of corresponding facilities
(i) The preliminary licenses granted to Kibbutz Gan Shmuel (the Cronos Israel joint venture partner) by the Medical Cannabis Unit of the Israeli Ministry of Health in early 2017 (the “Israeli codes”) were transferred by non-controlling interests to Cronos Israel in exchange for equity interests in the Cronos Israel entities specified above.
Amortization begins when assets become available for use. The estimated useful life, amortization method, and rate are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis.
Intangible assets originating from the strategic partnership (the “Ginkgo Strategic Partnership”) with Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (“Ginkgo”) are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. Equity interests issued in exchange for an asset are initially recognized and measured at the date of acquisition at fair value. We estimate fair value using the relief-from-royalty method and key assumptions include the discount rate and estimated life. Definite-lived intangible assets, including intangible assets originating from the Ginkgo Strategic Partnership, are subject to amortization and reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that fair value has been reduced to less than its carrying amount.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(j) Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Accrued payroll and related expenses $ 11,492 $ 12,875
Accrued professional fees 2,414 8,337
Accrued taxes 4,132 3,488
Other accrued expenses 4,230 936
Total accrued liabilities $ 22,268 $ 25,636
Accrued payroll and related expenses include salaries and wages, bonuses, and other related payroll expenses associated with the Company’s employees. Accrued professional fees include fees for legal expenses, litigation, consulting, marketing, and other related expenses. Accrued taxes include sales, excise and other taxes owed. Other accrued expenses include the fair value of deferred share units outstanding to directors and other general expenses.
(k) Leases
The Company enters into leases in the normal course of business, primarily for the land-use rights, office premises, and equipment used in the production of its products. At the inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company performs an analysis over the classification of the lease agreement as either an operating lease or finance lease.
A right-of-use asset and the related lease obligation associated with the lease are recorded at the inception of the lease. The right-of-use asset’s recorded amount is based on the present value of future lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date plus any initial direct costs incurred. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable for the Company’s operating leases, an incremental borrowing rate is generally used based on information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Subsequent changes to these lease payments due to rate updates are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet as a lease.
The right-of-use asset is subject to impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The leased asset is amortized over the shorter of the lease term or its estimated useful life if title does not transfer to the Company, while the leased asset is depreciated in accordance with the Company’s depreciation policy if the title is to eventually transfer to the Company.
The Company’s lease agreements generally exclude non-lease components. As a result, non-lease components are accounted for separately for all classes of assets and expensed as incurred. In addition, the Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. For finance leases, from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term, the right-of-use asset is amortized on a straight-line basis and the interest expense is recognized on the lease liability using the effective interest method. For operating leases, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and presented as a single charge in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
(l) Derivative liabilities
For financial instruments classified as derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments or do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recorded in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) each period. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative liabilities are initially recognized at fair value at the date on which the derivative contract was entered into. Any attributable transaction costs are recognized in net income (loss) as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative liabilities are measured at fair value at each reporting date until settlement with the re-measurement gain or loss being recognized immediately in net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). For more details on derivative liabilities consisting of the Altria Warrant, Pre-emptive Rights, and certain Top-up Rights, see Note 8 “Derivative Liabilities.”
(m) Capital stock
Capital stock is presented at the fair value at the time of issuance of the shares issued. Costs related to the issuance of shares are reported in equity, net of tax, as a deduction from the issuance proceeds.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(n) Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Company’s contracts with customers for the sale of dried cannabis, cannabis oil, cannabinoid-derived products and “hemp” (as defined in the U.S. Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 “U.S. hemp”) derived products consist of a single performance obligation.
The Company has concluded that revenue from the sale of these products should be recognized at the point in time when control is transferred to the customer, depending on the specific contractual terms. The Company has determined that the most definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer is physical shipment or delivery, depending on the contractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where the Company transfers product to a customer or third-party location but retains ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer’s usage.
Revenue is recognized at the transaction price, which is the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods to a customer. Net revenue before excise taxes from sale of goods, as presented in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), represents revenue from the sale of goods less expected price discounts, allowances for customer returns and other forms of variable consideration. Within the Company’s Rest of World segment (the “ROW segment”), dried cannabis sales outside of Canada may include commission arrangements with distributors that give rise to variable consideration. If the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the Company estimates the amount of consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods to the customer. The variable consideration is estimated using the expected value method, based on the Company’s historical information, at contract inception. The Company’s payment terms vary by customer and product type. Refer to Note 12 “ Segment Information and Disaggregated Revenue ” for information on disaggregated revenue.
The Company treats shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost, classified as cost of sales. Accordingly, the Company accrues all fulfillment costs related to the shipping and handling of consumer goods at the time of shipment.
(o) Research and development
The Company has a research and development center in Canada that performs scientific research on the interaction of cannabinoids as well as strain development, growing conditions, extraction technology, and biosynthesis. Fermentation and production related research is performed to further strategic initiatives around rare cannabinoids. In addition, the Company has a collaboration and license agreement with Ginkgo (the “Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement”) to research, produce, and commercialize cultured cannabinoids. Technological feasibility is considered to be established once productivity targets or commercialization are achieved, at which point the exclusive license is recognized at cost less impairment charges. As of the acquisition date of each exclusive license, cost less impairment charges is equal to the fair value. Refer to Note 6 “ Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net ” for more information on the Ginkgo Collaboration Arrangement. Research and development costs associated with these collective efforts are expensed as incurred as part of operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
(p) Advertising costs
Advertising costs include costs to sell the Company’s products and are expensed as incurred through sales and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Advertising costs were $ 928 , $ 11,514 and $ 6,087 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
(q) Share-based compensation
As described in more detail below, the Company has five share-based compensation plans under which awards have been made: the 2020 Omnibus Plan, the 2018 Stock Option Plan, the 2015 Stock Option Plan, the Employment Inducement Award Plan and the DSU Plan (each as defined below).
Share-based awards consists of equity-settled share-based awards such as stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) that are issued to eligible employees, non-executive directors, and non-employees. Cash-settled deferred share units (“DSUs”) that are issued to non-executive directors under the DSU Plan are recorded in accrued liabilities with the fair value adjustment recorded in other income.
Equity instruments granted are initially measured at fair value on the grant date. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of RSUs and DSUs are determined using the market price of the Company’s common shares. This is recognized on a straight-line basis in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
income (loss) over the vesting period for employees, and over the contractual term for non-employees. The fair value of the payout of cash-settled DSUs is determined at each reporting date based on the fair value of the Company’s common shares at the reporting date and is recorded within other liabilities. The related costs for all equity-settled share-based awards are reflected in additional paid-in capital until the awards are settled or exercised. Upon settlement or exercise, shares are issued and the amount previously reflected in additional paid-in capital is, along with any proceeds paid upon settlement or exercise, credited to a combination of share capital and additional paid-in capital. Forfeitures of share-based compensation awards are accounted for as reductions to share-based compensation and additional paid-in capital as they occur.
(r) Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment . In accordance with ASC Topic 360, long-lived assets to be held are reviewed for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company periodically reviews for indicators and, if indicators are present, tests the carrying amount of long-lived assets, assessing their fair values based on estimated undiscounted cash flows over their remaining estimated useful lives. The Company groups assets at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable, referred to as an asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset group, based on discounted cash flows.
(s) Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that fair value of the reporting unit has been reduced to less than its carrying amount in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other . The Company performs an impairment test annually in the fourth quarter by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value.
(t) Income taxes
The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the year that includes the enactment date. The Company determines deferred tax assets including net operating losses and liabilities, based on temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities.
A valuation allowance is established to reduce some or all net deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
A valuation allowance against some or all of the net deferred tax assets does not in any way impact the Company’s ability to use future tax deductions such as the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards; rather, the valuation allowance indicates, according to the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes , it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance that was established will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company’s income tax expense for future periods will be reduced to the extent of corresponding decreases in our valuation allowance. There is uncertainty regarding any future realization of the benefit by the Company of all or part of our net deferred tax assets.
Judgment is required to determine the recognition and measurement attributes prescribed in the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. The Company uses a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Step one, recognition, requires us to determine whether the weight of available evidence indicates that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If a tax position is not considered “more likely than not” to be sustained, no benefits of the position are recognized. If we determine that a position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, then we proceed to step two, measurement, which is based on the largest amount of benefit which is more likely than not to be realized on effective settlement. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure, including assessing the risks associated with income tax audits, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. If actual results differ from our estimates, our net operating loss and credit carryforwards, to the extent not covered by a valuation allowance, could be materially impacted in the period which such determination is made.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Recognition or measurement is reflected in the period in which the likelihood changes. Any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax liabilities are presented within income tax expense in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). Accrued interest and penalties are included in accounts payable and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
(u) Foreign currency
The Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar (“C$”) and its reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Functional currencies for the entities in these consolidated financial statements are their respective local currencies, including C$, U.S. dollar and Israeli New Shekel (“ILS”). All assets and liabilities of operations with a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar are translated into Canadian dollars at the period-end currency exchange rates and subsequently translated into U.S. dollars at period-end currency exchange rates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Revenues and expenses of operations, as well as all cash flows, with a functional currency other than the Canadian dollar are translated into Canadian dollars at the average exchange rates for the period and subsequently translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates for the period. Transaction gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates are recorded in either cost of sales, general and administrative expenses, or foreign currency transaction gain (loss) in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
(v) Segments
Cronos reports through two segments: the U.S. segment and the ROW segment. These two segments represent the geographic regions in which the Company operates and the different product offerings within each geographic region. Refer to Note 12 “Segment Information and Disaggregated Revenue ” for additional information.
(w) Earnings (loss) per share
The Company presents basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share data for its common shares. Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the effects of all potentially dilutive common shares.
(x) Fair value measurements
The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables, loans receivable, account payables and other liabilities approximate fair value, given their short-term nature. Cronos uses a fair value hierarchy, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, noted as Level 1 measurements, and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs, noted as Level 3 measurements.
The following are the three levels of inputs used to measure fair value:
• Level 1 – valuation based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
• Level 2 – valuation techniques based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
• Level 3 – valuation techniques using the inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.
The Company’s policy for determining when transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy occur is based on the date of the event or changes in circumstances that caused the transfer.
(y) Assets held for sale and discontinued operations
In accordance with ASC 205-20 Presentation of Financial Statements: Discontinued Operations , a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the components of an entity meet the criteria in paragraph ASC 205-20-45-10. In the period in which the component meets held-for-sale or discontinued operations criteria the major current assets, other assets, current liabilities, and other liabilities are reported as components of total assets and liabilities separate from those balances of the continuing operations. At the same time, the results of all discontinued operations, less applicable income taxes (benefit), are reported as components of net income (loss) separate from the net income (loss) of continuing operations.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(z) Adoption of new accounting pronouncements
On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU No. 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815–40) (“ASU No. 2020-06”). ASU No. 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. ASU No. 2020-06 is part of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) simplification initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary complexity in U.S. GAAP. The adoption of ASU No. 2020-06 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
(aa) New accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU No. 2022-02”). ASU No. 2022-02 eliminates the existing troubled debt restructuring recognition and measurement guidance, and instead aligns the accounting treatment to that of other loan modifications. The amendments enhance existing disclosure requirements and introduce new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. ASU No. 2022-02 also requires that entities disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases. ASU No. 2022-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be adopted prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2022-02 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU No. 2022-03”). ASU No. 2022-03 clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also require additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be adopted prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2022-03 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
2. Inventory, net
Inventory, net is comprised of the following items:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Raw materials $ 7,421 $ $ 9,211
Work-in-progress 15,646 12,405
Finished goods 13,503 10,778
Supplies and consumables 989 408
Total $ 37,559 $ 32,802
3. Investments
(a) Variable interest entities and investments in equity method investments, net
The Company holds variable interests in Cronos Growing Company Inc. (“Cronos GrowCo”), NatuEra S.à.r.l. (“Natuera”) and Cannasoul Lab Services Ltd. (“CLS”). The Company’s investments in Cronos GrowCo and Natuera are exposed to economic variability from each entity’s performance; however, the Company does not consolidate the entities as it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact each entity’s economic performance. Thus, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of either entity. The investment in Cronos GrowCo is accounted for as an equity method investment classified as “Investments in equity method investments, net” in the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022, the investment in Natuera is accounted for as an equity security without a readily determinable fair value classified as “Other Investments” in the consolidated balance sheets.
Cronos GrowCo
Cronos GrowCo is a joint venture incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act on June 14, 2018 with the objective of cultivating and commercializing cannabis and cannabis products. Cronos GrowCo’s economic performance is driven by the day-to-day operations of Cronos GrowCo, which are controlled by 2645485 Ontario Inc. (“Mucci”), the Company’s joint venture partner.
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company concluded that lower than expected sales forecasts combined with the increase to the aggregate principal amount of the GrowCo Credit Facility (as defined below) were indicators of impairment for the Company’s equity method investment in Cronos GrowCo. Accordingly, the Company performed a quantitative impairment assessment in the third quarter of 2021 to compare the fair value of the investment in Cronos GrowCo to its carrying amount. The fair value was estimated using the discounted cash flow method. Significant inputs included discount rate, growth rates, and cash flow projections. As a result of this analysis, the Company concluded that as of September 30, 2021, the estimated fair value was higher than the carrying amount and no impairment charges were recorded. There were no such indicators of impairment present for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Natuera
Upon formation, Natuera was a joint venture registered in Luxembourg with the objective of cultivating and commercializing hemp and cannabis products, and its economic performance is driven by the quantity and strains of cannabis grown. Until December 2022, the Company held variable interests in Natuera through its ownership of 50 % of Natuera’s common shares. An affiliate of Agroidea SAS, a Colombian agricultural services provider, owned the remaining 50 % of Natuera’s common shares (such affiliate, the “Natuera JV Partner”). In December 2022, Natuera entered into a $ 9.5 million convertible bridge loan with the Natuera JV Partner and a new investment group, whereby the Natuera JV Partner and the new investment group provided $ 9.5 million in exchange for convertible notes that were converted into equity immediately following the closing of the loan. Post-closing, the Company’s ownership share was diluted to approximately 13.7 % and the Company will no longer have any members on the board of directors of Natuera. Given these changes in ownership and board representation, the Company believes it no longer exerts significant influence over Natuera, has discontinued accounting for the investment under the equity method and has reclassified its investment in Natuera as an investment in equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, presented in Other Investments on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company concluded that lower than expected sales forecasts as of December 31, 2021 were an other than temporary indicator of impairment for the Company’s equity method investment in Natuera. Accordingly, the Company performed a qualitative assessment to determine whether there was any value remaining in the investment. As a result of this analysis, the Company concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, the estimated fair value was zero , and $ 167 was recorded as an impairment loss on equity method investments on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
CLS
CLS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cannasoul Analytics Ltd., incorporated with the purpose of establishing a commercial cannabis analytical testing laboratory located on the premises of Cronos Israel (the “Cannasoul Collaboration”). Cronos Israel agreed to advance up to ILS 8,297 ($ 2,664 ) by a non-recourse loan (the “Cannasoul Collaboration Loan”) to CLS over a period of two years from April 1, 2020 for the capital and operating expenditures of the laboratory. The loan bears interest at 3.5 % annually. Cronos Israel will receive 70 % of the profits of the laboratory until such time as it has recovered 150 % of the amounts advanced to CLS, after which time it will receive 50 % of the laboratory profits. As a result, the Company is exposed to economic variability from CLS’s performance. The Company does not consolidate CLS as it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; thus, the Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the entity. The carrying amount of the non-recourse loan is recorded under loans receivable and the full loan amount, ILS 8,297 , represents the Company’s maximum potential exposure to losses through the Cannasoul Collaboration. See Note 4 “Loans Receivable, net” for further information regarding loans receivable.
A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the investments in equity method investments, net is as follows:
Ownership interest As of December 31,
2022 2021
Cronos GrowCo 50 % $ 18,755 $ 16,764
Natuera (i, ii, iii)
13.7 % / 50 % (iii)
N/A —
$ 18,755 $ 16,764
(i) On April 1, 2021, the Company and the Natuera JV Partner, converted all advances made to Natuera under the master loan agreement entered into with Natuera on September 27, 2019 (the “Natuera Series A Loan”), plus accrued interest, into equity of Natuera (“Natuera Debt Conversion”). Total aggregate gross advances to Natuera under the Natuera Series A Loan were $ 15,500 , of which the Company advanced 50 % and the Natuera JV Partner advanced the remaining 50 %, or $ 7,750 each. As a result, the Company transferred the carrying amount of the Natuera Series A Loan of approximately $ 2,013 plus accrued interest of $ 540 , for a total investment value of $ 2,553 , which approximated the then fair value, to investments in equity accounted investees in respect of Natuera. See Note 4 “Loans Receivable, net.”
90
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(ii) As of December 31, 2021, the Company concluded that the estimated fair value of the investment in Natuera was lower than the carrying amount resulting in an impairment charge of $ 167 being recorded as an impairment loss on equity method investments in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
(iii) As of December 31, 2022, the Company classifies its investment in Natuera as an investment in equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, presented in Other Investments on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s ownership interest in Natuera was approximately 13.7 %.
The following is a summary of the Company’s share of net income (losses) from equity investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Vitura (i)
N/A $ ( 48 ) $ ( 363 )
Cronos GrowCo 3,114 ( 2,518 ) ( 1,537 )
Natuera (ii)(iii)
N/A ( 3,747 ) ( 2,610 )
$ 3,114 $ ( 6,313 ) $ ( 4,510 )
(i) As of December 31, 2022, the Company held a 10 % ownership interest in Vitura, and Vitura is no longer considered an equity-method investment. As of December 31, 2020, and up to December 16, 2021, the Company held a 31 % ownership interest in Vitura and was considered an equity-method investment. The gross investment balance in Vitura was offset by equity losses as of December 31, 2020.
(ii) As of December 31, 2021, the combination of the Company’s share of accumulated net losses and impairment charges was in excess of its equity investment in Natuera, and the net book value of the investment was zero.
(iii) As of December 31, 2022, the Company classifies its investment in Natuera as an investment in equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, presented in Other Investments on the consolidated balance sheet.
The following is a summary of financial information for the Company’s equity method investments:
As of December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Current assets $ 21,158 $ 5,660 $ 19,126
Non-current assets 104,227 125,777 122,099
Current liabilities 5,593 13,457 24,223
Non-current liabilities 73,779 81,594 76,313
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Revenue $ 39,110 $ 8,186 $ 367
Gross profit 24,379 ( 5,059 ) ( 631 )
Net income (loss) 6,569 ( 12,603 ) ( 11,453 )
The following is a summary of the maximum exposure to loss from the Company’s investments in equity method investments:
Ownership interest Other Net Assets (Liabilities) Maximum Exposure to Loss
Cronos GrowCo 50 % $ 62,368 $ 19,866
Balance as of December 31, 2022 $ 62,368 $ 19,866
Ownership interest Other Net Assets (Liabilities) Maximum Exposure to Loss
Cronos GrowCo 50 % $ 33,674 $ 21,125
Natuera 50 % 2,712 7,826
Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 36,386 $ 28,951
91
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(b) Other investments
Other investments consist of investments in common shares and options of two companies in the cannabis industry.
PharmaCann Option
On June 14, 2021, the Company purchased an option (the “PharmaCann Option”) to acquire 473,787 shares of Class A Common Stock of PharmaCann, Inc. (“PharmaCann”), a vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States, at an exercise price of $ 0.0001 per share, representing approximately 10.5 % of PharmaCann’s issued and outstanding capital stock on a fully diluted basis as of the date of the PharmaCann Option, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $ 110,392 . The option exercise will be based upon various factors, including the status of U.S. federal cannabis legalization, as well as regulatory approvals, including in the states where PharmaCann operates that may be required upon exercise. The Company has deemed its influence in PharmaCann to be non-significant. The PharmaCann Option is classified as an investment in an equity security without a readily determinable fair value. The Company measures the PharmaCann Option at cost less accumulated impairment charges, if any, and subsequently adjusted for observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The PharmaCann Option is reported as other investments on the consolidated balance sheet for the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
On February 28, 2022, PharmaCann closed its previously announced transaction with LivWell Holdings, Inc. (“LivWell”) pursuant to which PharmaCann acquired LivWell (the “LivWell Transaction”). LivWell is a multi-state cannabis cultivation and retail leader based in Colorado. As a result of the LivWell Transaction, the Company’s ownership percentage in PharmaCann on a fully diluted basis decreased to approximately 6.4 %. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s ownership percentage in PharmaCann on a fully diluted basis was approximately 6.3 %. Under the terms of the Company’s investment in PharmaCann, the Company’s rights to nominate an observer or a director to the PharmaCann board of directors could be lost if the Company’s ownership drops below 6 % on a fully diluted basis and it sells or transfer all or any portion of the option (subject to certain exceptions). As a result, further dilution could adversely affect the Company’s rights under the PharmaCann Option. The decrease in the Company’s ownership percentage since acquisition does not materially affect the Company’s rights under the PharmaCann Option.
During the first, third and fourth quarters of 2022, the Company identified adverse forecast changes in the financial performance of PharmaCann as indicators of impairment related to the PharmaCann Option and conducted analyses comparing the PharmaCann Option’s carrying amount to its estimated fair value. The fair value was estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, significant inputs used in the discounted cash flow method include discount rate, growth rates, and cash flow projections. Under the market valuation approach, the key assumptions are the selected multiples and the discount for lack of marketability. As a result of these analyses, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of $ 11,238 . $ 28,972 and $ 21,182 in the first, third and fourth quarters of 2022, respectively, as the difference between the carrying amount of the PharmaCann Option and its estimated fair value, in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
As of December 31, 2021, the Company performed an assessment on the existence of impairment indicators on the PharmaCann Option and noted no indicators of impairment existed. As such, no impairment loss on the investment was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Vitura (formerly known as Cronos Australia)
On September 14, 2021, Cronos Australia (now, Vitura Health Limited) entered into a merger agreement to acquire 100% of the issued shares of CDA Health Pty Ltd, an Australian medicinal cannabis company, subject to customary closing conditions, including shareholder approval (the “Cronos Australia Merger”). The Cronos Australia Merger closed on December 16, 2021. In connection with the closing of the Cronos Australia Merger, all advances made under the Company’s A$ 1,500 unsecured loan to Cronos Australia, plus accrued interest and certain royalties payable, were converted into ordinary shares of Cronos Australia. In addition, the Company’s ownership interest in Cronos Australia decreased to approximately 10 % and the Company’s number of Cronos Australia board seats was reduced from two to zero . On November 29, 2022, the shareholders of Cronos Australia approved the proposal to change the name of the company to “Vitura Health Limited” (the “CAU Name Change”). On December 2, 2022, in connection with the CAU Name Change, Vitura and the Company mutually agreed to terminate the intellectual property license that granted Vitura the right to use certain intellectual property of the Company, including, but not limited to, the “Cronos” name and the PEACE NATURALS ® brand. Vitura has 180 days following the date of termination to cease all usage of the Company’s intellectual property. The reduction in ownership interest and loss of all board seats constituted a loss of significant influence and resulted in a reclassification on the consolidated balance sheet from investments in equity method investments using the equity method of accounting to other investments using the fair value method of accounting, with unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income (loss) on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
92
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
The Company recorded a gain on revaluation of other investments of $ 14,739 and $ 8,287 , included in the gain on revaluation of financial instruments on the statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company’s investment in Vitura was $ 21,993 and $ 8,000 , included in other investments on the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The following table summarizes the Company’s other investments activity:
As of January 1, 2022 Unrealized gain Impairment charges Foreign exchange effect As of December 31, 2022
PharmaCann $ 110,392 $ — $ ( 61,392 ) $ — $ 49,000
Vitura 8,000 14,739 — ( 746 ) 21,993
$ 118,392 $ 14,739 $ ( 61,392 ) $ ( 746 ) $ 70,993
(c) Disposal of investments
The following is a summary of the Company’s gain from disposals of investments:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Aurora (i)
— — 4,789
(i) During the year ended December 31, 2020, in connection with the achievement of certain milestones related to the Whistler Transaction, the Company received 980,662 common shares of Aurora Cannabis Inc. (“Aurora”). The Company sold all 980,662 of the Aurora common shares during the year ended December 31, 2020, for gross proceeds of approximately $ 4,789 , resulting in a $ 4,789 gain on disposal of investments being recorded on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
4. Loans Receivable, net
Loans receivable, net consists of the following:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
GrowCo Credit Facility $ 4,427 $ 3,138
Add: Accrued interest 4,463 2,322
Total current portion of loans receivable 8,890 5,460
GrowCo Credit Facility
56,898 64,367
Mucci Promissory Note
13,438 14,019
Cannasoul Collaboration loan 1,837 2,249
Add: Long-term portion of accrued interest 172 —
Total long-term portion of loans receivable 72,345 80,635
Total loans receivable $ 81,235 $ 86,095
Cronos GrowCo Credit Facility
On August 23, 2019, the Company, as lender, and Cronos GrowCo, as borrower, entered into a senior secured credit agreement for an aggregate principal amount of C$ 100,000 (the “GrowCo Credit Facility”). In August 2021, the GrowCo Credit Facility was amended to increase the aggregate principal amount available to C$ 105,000 . As a result of the increase in the aggregate principal amount of the GrowCo Credit Facility and lower than expected sales forecasts from Cronos GrowCo, the Company revalued its allowance for credit loss on the GrowCo Credit Facility resulting in an increase in the allowance of $ 12,748 , which was recorded in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021. In conjunction with the aforementioned revaluation, the Company changed its expected credit loss valuation methodology from the historical credit loss method to the probability of default method. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, Cronos GrowCo had drawn C$ 104,000 ($ 76,730 ) and C$ 104,000 ($ 81,598 ), respectively, from the GrowCo Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2022, Cronos GrowCo had repaid C$ 4,000 ($ 3,073 ) in principal under the terms of the GrowCo Credit Facility.
93
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Mucci Promissory Note
On June 28, 2019, the Company entered into a promissory note receivable agreement (the “Mucci Promissory Note”) for C$ 16,350 (approximately $ 12,063 ) with Mucci. The Mucci Promissory Note is secured by a general security agreement covering all the assets of Mucci. On September 30, 2022, the Mucci Promissory Note was amended and restated to increase the interest rate from 3.95 % to the Canadian Prime Rate plus 1.25 %, change the interest payments from quarterly to annual, and defer Mucci’s initial cash interest payment from September 30, 2022 to July 1, 2023. This debt modification resulted in an increase of approximately C$ 180 ($ 140 ) in interest income.
Cannasoul Collaboration Loan
As of both December 31, 2022 and 2021, CLS has received ILS 8,297 (approximately $ 2,359 and $ 2,664 , respectively), from the Cannasoul Collaboration Loan. See Note 3 “Investments” for further information regarding the Cannasoul Collaboration Loan.
Expected credit loss allowances on the Company’s long-term financial assets were comprised of the following items:
As of January 1, 2022 Increase (decrease) (i)
Foreign exchange effect As of December 31, 2022
GrowCo Credit Facility $ 14,089 $ ( 827 ) $ ( 807 ) $ 12,455
Mucci Promissory Note 90 4 ( 5 ) 89
Cannasoul Collaboration Loan 415 161 ( 54 ) 522
$ 14,594 $ ( 662 ) $ ( 866 ) $ 13,066
As of January 1, 2021 Increase (decrease) (i)
Foreign exchange effect As of December 31, 2021
GrowCo Credit Facility $ 1,546 $ 12,748 $ ( 205 ) $ 14,089
Natuera Series A Loan 721 ( 737 ) 16 —
Mucci Promissory Note 270 ( 183 ) 3 90
Cannasoul Collaboration Loan 26 374 15 415
$ 2,563 $ 12,202 $ ( 171 ) $ 14,594
(i) During the year ended December 31, 2021, $ 737 of expected credit losses on long-term financial assets was transferred to investments in equity method investments in relation to the Natuera Debt Conversion, as the carrying amount of the loan receivable, net, approximated fair value as of the date of transfer. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, $( 662 ) and $ 12,939 , respectively, were recorded to general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as a result of adjustments to our expected credit losses.
5. Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Cost
Land $ 2,556 $ 2,822
Building and leasehold improvements 177,095 188,522
Machinery and equipment 19,130 18,894
Furniture and fixtures 5,345 5,937
Construction in progress 841 2,502
Less: accumulated depreciation ( 35,347 ) ( 30,306 )
Less: accumulated impairment charges ( 109,063 ) ( 114,301 )
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 60,557 $ 74,070
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $ 8,667 , $ 11,668 and $ 9,052 , respectively, and was included in cost of sales as well as depreciation and amortization in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
94
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $ 1,507 related to leasehold improvements and other office equipment that it plans to include in any potential sublease agreement of the Company’s corporate headquarters, encompassing approximately 29,000 square feet, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The determination to seek a sublease of the property and include leasehold improvements and other office equipment in any potential sublease agreement triggered the impairment charges. The impairment charge was recognized as impairment loss on long-lived assets on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
During the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company concluded that indicators of impairment were present with respect to its Canadian asset group in connection with the previously anticipated wind-down and closure of the Company’s facility in Stayner, Ontario. As a result, the Company compared the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the Canadian asset group to their respective carrying amounts and recorded a non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets of $ 113,917 as the difference between the carrying amount of the asset group and its estimated fair value for the year ended December 31, 2021, in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
During the third quarter of 2021, in connection with the Company’s reassessment of indicators of impairment relating to the U.S. segment’s property, plant and equipment asset group for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, the Company concluded that triggers were present that indicated that the carrying amounts of those assets were not recoverable. Accordingly, the Company compared the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the U.S. asset group (the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available) to their respective carrying amount and recorded a non-cash impairment charge on long-lived assets of $ 1,214 for the difference between the carrying amount of the asset group and its estimated fair values in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
During the second quarter of 2021, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $ 1,039 related to leasehold improvements located within leased premises, encompassing approximately 6,000 square feet, in Los Angeles, California, which the Company determined it no longer had plans to use. The significant change in the extent and manner in which the leasehold improvements are being used and the expectation that, more likely than not, the leasehold improvements will be disposed of before the end of their useful life triggered an impairment. The impairment charges were recognized in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as an impairment loss on long-lived assets.
There were no impairment charges on property, plant and equipment during the year ended December 31, 2020.
6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
(a) Goodwill
Goodwill is comprised of the following items:
As of December 31, 2022
Cost Accumulated impairment charges Net
Peace Naturals
$ 1,033 $ — $ 1,033
Redwood 213,414 ( 213,414 ) —
$ 214,447 $ ( 213,414 ) $ 1,033
As of December 31, 2021
Cost Accumulated impairment charges Net
Peace Naturals $ 1,098 $ — $ 1,098
Redwood 213,414 ( 213,414 ) —
$ 214,512 $ ( 213,414 ) $ 1,098
Impairment of Goodwill
Accumulated impairment charges on goodwill consist of:
As of January 1, 2022 Impairment charges Foreign exchange effect As of December 31, 2022
Redwood $ ( 213,414 ) $ — $ — $ ( 213,414 )
95
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
As of January 1, 2021 Impairment charges Foreign exchange effect As of December 31, 2021
Redwood $ ( 35,000 ) ( 178,414 ) — $ ( 213,414 )
In 2019, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of each of the four Redwood operating subsidiaries (collectively “Redwood”) for an aggregate consideration of $ 283,300 (the “Redwood Acquisition”), which included $ 227,191 in cash and 5,086,586 common shares of the Company with a fair value of $ 56,109 . Goodwill attributable to the acquisition was $ 213,414 . The Company is required to perform a quantitative analysis of goodwill to test for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that fair value of the reporting unit may be less than its carrying amount. Under ASC 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , the qualitative assessment requires the consideration of factors such as recent market transactions, macroeconomic conditions, and changes in projected future cash flows or planned revenue or earnings of the reporting unit as indicators of impairment when determining the need for a quantitative assessment of impairment.
During the third quarter of 2021, the Company reassessed the existence of impairment indicators on goodwill associated with the U.S. reporting unit, derived from the Redwood Acquisition, and the Lord Jones ® brand indefinite-lived intangible asset as of June 30, 2021, and determined that quantitative impairment analyses were required as of June 30, 2021 due to slower actual revenue growth as compared to previous revenue growth forecasts and significant pricing pressures brought about by increased competition and aggressive discounting in the U.S. reporting unit and associated with the Lord Jones ® brand indefinite-lived intangible asset. As such, the Company reassessed its estimates and forecasts as of June 30, 2021, to determine the fair values of the reporting unit and intangible asset using a discounted cash flow method on the reporting unit and the relief-from-royalty method on the Lord Jones ® brand. Significant inputs include discount rates, growth rates, and cash flow projections, and, for the Lord Jones ® brand, royalty rate. These valuation inputs are considered Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement . As a result of the analysis as of June 30, 2021, the Company concluded that the carrying amount of the U.S. reporting unit exceeded its fair value, which resulted in the recognition of an impairment charge of $ 178,414 on goodwill associated with its U.S. reporting unit on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
In June 2020, the Company concluded that the projected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its sales and revenues in the near term, together with the volatility in the market conditions during the second quarter, represented indicators of impairment for the Company’s U.S. reporting unit. Accordingly, the Company performed an interim impairment analysis as of June 30, 2020, which revealed the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $ 35,000 on goodwill associated with its U.S. reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(b) Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, net are comprised of the following items:
As of December 31, 2022
Cost Accumulated amortization Accumulated impairment charges Net
Software $ 6,037 $ ( 2,388 ) $ ( 76 ) $ 3,573
Health Canada licenses 8,269 ( 1,771 ) ( 6,498 ) —
Ginkgo exclusive licenses 27,676 ( 1,854 ) ( 4,434 ) 21,388
Israeli codes (i)
292 ( 49 ) — 243
Total definite-lived intangible assets 42,274 ( 6,062 ) ( 11,008 ) 25,204
Lord Jones ® brand
64,000 — ( 62,500 ) 1,500
Trademarks 142 — ( 142 ) —
Total intangible assets $ 106,416 $ ( 6,062 ) $ ( 73,650 ) $ 26,704
96
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
As of December 31, 2021
Cost Accumulated amortization Accumulated impairment charges Net
Software $ 5,644 $ ( 1,595 ) $ ( 4 ) $ 4,045
Health Canada licenses 8,793 ( 1,883 ) ( 6,910 ) —
Ginkgo exclusive licenses 17,330 ( 335 ) ( 4,752 ) 12,243
Israeli codes (i)
330 ( 39 ) — 291
Total definite-lived intangible assets 32,097 ( 3,852 ) ( 11,666 ) 16,579
Lord Jones ® brand
64,000 — ( 62,500 ) 1,500
Trademarks 142 — ( 142 ) —
Total intangible assets $ 96,239 $ ( 3,852 ) $ ( 74,308 ) $ 18,079
(i) The Israeli codes were transferred by non-controlling interests to Cronos Israel in exchange for their equity interests in the Cronos Israel entities.
Ginkgo Exclusive Licenses
CBGA
In August 2021, the Company achieved the final productivity target in respect of cannabigerolic acid (“CBGA”), under the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. As a result, on August 21, 2021, the Company issued 1,467,490 common shares at a share price of C$ 7.90 for total consideration given of C$ 11,593 ($ 9,042 ) to Ginkgo through the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement for the achievement of commercialization and productivity milestones for CBGA. The estimated fair value of the exclusive license for CBGA (the “CBGA Exclusive License”) was $ 7,300 determined using a variation of the income approach called the relief-from-royalty method, which requires an estimate or forecast of the expected future cash flows. The definite-lived intangible asset is being amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life of 10 years. The difference between the consideration paid to Ginkgo and the fair value of the exclusive license intangible asset of $ 1,784 was recognized as an impairment charge on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
CBGVA
In November, 2021, the Company achieved the final productivity target in respect of cannabigerovarinic acid (“CBGVA”). As a result, on November 12, 2021, the Company issued 1,467,490 common shares at a share price of C$ 7.12 for total consideration given of C$ 10,449 ($ 8,150 ) to Ginkgo. The estimated fair value of the exclusive license for CBGVA (the “CBGVA Exclusive License”) was $ 5,300 determined using a variation of the income approach called the relief-from-royalty method, which requires an estimate or forecast of the expected future cash flows. The definite-lived intangible asset is being amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life of 10 years. The difference between the consideration paid to Ginkgo and the fair value of the exclusive license intangible asset of $ 3,008 was recognized as an impairment charge on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
THCVA
In June 2022, the Company achieved the final productivity target in respect of tetrahydrocannabivaric acid (“THCVA”) under the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. As a result, the Company issued 2,201,236 common shares at a share price of C$ 3.47 , and made a cash payment of $ 600 , for total consideration of C$ 8,412 ($ 6,522 ) to Ginkgo through the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. The definite-lived intangible asset is being amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life of 10 years.
CBCA
In November 2022, the Company achieved the early commercialization milestone in respect of cannabichromenic acid (“CBCA”) under the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. As a result, the Company issued 489,163 common shares at a share price of C$ 4.11 for total consideration of C$ 2,010 ($ 1,473 ) to Ginkgo through the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. The definite-lived intangible asset is being amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life of 10 years.
CBCVA
In December 2022, the Company achieved the final productivity target in respect of cannabichromevarinic acid (“CBCVA”) under the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. As a result, the Company issued 1,467,490 common shares at a share price of C$ 3.44 for total consideration of C$ 5,048 ($ 3,724 ) to Ginkgo through the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement. The definite-lived intangible asset is being amortized using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life of 10 years.
97
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $ 2,751 , $ 1,800 and $ 814 , respectively, and was included in depreciation and amortization in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
The estimated future amortization of definite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
As of December 31, 2022
2023 $ 3,498
2024 3,483
2025 3,207
2026 2,643
2027 2,435
Thereafter 9,938
$ 25,204
Impairment of Intangible Assets
Accumulated impairment charges on intangible assets, net consist of:
As of January 1, 2022 Impairment charges Foreign exchange effect As of December 31, 2022
Software $ ( 4 ) $ ( 76 ) $ 4 $ ( 76 )
Health Canada licenses ( 6,910 ) — 412 ( 6,498 )
Ginkgo exclusive licenses ( 4,752 ) — 318 ( 4,434 )
Lord Jones ® brand
( 62,500 ) — — ( 62,500 )
Trademarks ( 142 ) — — ( 142 )
$ ( 74,308 ) $ ( 76 ) $ 734 $ ( 73,650 )
As at January 1, 2021 Impairment charges Foreign exchange effect As at December 31, 2021
Software $ — $ ( 4 ) $ — $ ( 4 )
Health Canada licenses ( 1,053 ) ( 5,951 ) 94 ( 6,910 )
Ginkgo exclusive licenses — ( 4,792 ) 40 ( 4,752 )
Lord Jones® brand ( 5,000 ) ( 57,500 ) — ( 62,500 )
Trademarks — ( 142 ) — ( 142 )
$ ( 6,053 ) $ ( 68,389 ) $ 134 $ ( 74,308 )
During the fourth quarter of 2021, in connection with the previously anticipated wind-down and closure of the Company’s facility in Stayner, Ontario, the Company determined that the Peace Naturals Health Canada license associated with ongoing use of the Peace Naturals Campus for cannabis cultivation and production was also impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment loss on long-lived assets in its ROW segment of $ 5,951 in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
As mentioned above, during third and fourth quarter of 2021, the fair value of each of the Company’s Ginkgo exclusive licenses for two cannabinoids that achieved productivity milestones in 2021 were deemed to be lower than the consideration paid for each of those licenses. As a result, the Company recorded an aggregate impairment loss of $ 4,792 on long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2021 in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
During the third quarter of 2021, the Company concluded the carrying amount of the Lord Jones ® brand exceeded its fair value, which resulted in impairment charges of $ 56,500 on its Lord Jones ® brand in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2021, due to the U.S. segment’s sustained operating losses and lack of revenue growth, the Company performed an additional impairment test on Lord Jones ® brand intangible asset. As a result, the Company concluded the carrying amount of the Lord Jones ® brand exceeded its fair value, which resulted in an additional impairment charge of $ 1,000 on its Lord Jones ® brand for the year ended December 31, 2021 in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
98
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
In June 2020, the Company concluded that the projected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its sales and revenues in the near term, together with the volatility in the market conditions during the quarter, represented indicators of impairment for the U.S. reporting unit’s Lord Jones ® brand. Accordingly, the Company performed an interim impairment analysis as of June 30, 2020, which concluded the carrying amount of the brand exceeded its fair value. As a result of the analysis, the Company recorded an impairment loss on indefinite-lived intangible assets of $ 5,000 on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Impairment charges on the Company’s Health Canada licenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 are related to the discontinuation of Original B.C. Ltd. (“OGBC”).
7. Leases
The Company has entered into leases primarily for the land-use rights, office premises and equipment used in the production of cannabis, U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoids and other related products. The Company’s leases have terms that range from three years to six years , excluding land use rights, which generally extend to 15 years. These leases often include options to extend the term of the lease for up to 10 years. When it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised, the impact of the option is included in the lease term for purposes of determining total future lease payments.
Operating leases greater than one year are included in right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s finance leases were not material for any of the periods presented.
As of December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Lease cost
Operating lease cost $ 2,209 $ 2,530 $ 2,479
Short-term lease cost — 10 60
Total lease cost $ 2,209 $ 2,540 $ 2,539
Supplemental cash flow and other information
Operating cash flows - cash paid for operating lease obligations $ 2,491 $ 2,458 $ 2,414
Non-cash activity - right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations 443 3,277 5,332
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) – operating leases 4.0 4.3 5.5
Weighted-average discount rate – operating leases 7.19 % 7.65 % 8.86 %
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the aggregate depreciation expense on right-of-use assets was $ 1,704 , $ 1,934 and $ 1,310 , respectively, and was included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $ 1,986 related to the right-of-use lease asset associated with the Company’s corporate headquarters, encompassing approximately 29,000 square feet, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for which the Company determined it would seek a sublease.
During the year ended, December 31, 2021, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $ 702 related to the right-of-use asset associated with leased premises, encompassing approximately 6,000 square feet, in Los Angeles, California, which the Company determined it no longer had plans to use. The significant change in the extent and manner in which the leased asset was being used and the expectation that, more likely than not, the leased asset would be abandoned before the end of the lease term triggered an impairment.
99
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
The following is a summary of the Company’s future minimum lease payments under operating leases for its premises due in future fiscal years:
As of December 31, 2022
2023 $ 1,648
2024 1,186
2025 1,049
2026 262
2027 104
Thereafter 556
Total lease payments 4,805
Less: imputed interest ( 929 )
Present value of lease liabilities $ 3,876
In addition to the minimum lease payments, the Company is required to pay realty taxes and other occupancy costs in accordance with the terms of the lease agreements.
8. Derivative Liabilities
On March 8, 2019, the Company closed the previously announced investment in the Company (the “Altria Investment”) by Altria Group Inc. (“Altria”), pursuant to a subscription agreement dated December 7, 2018. As of the closing date of the Altria Investment, the Altria Investment consisted of 149,831,154 common shares of the Company and one warrant of the Company (the “Altria Warrant”), issued to a wholly owned subsidiary of Altria. As of the closing date of the Altria Investment, Altria beneficially held an approximate 45 % ownership interest in the Company (calculated on a non-diluted basis). As summarized in this note, if exercised in full on such date, the exercise of the Altria Warrant would have resulted in Altria holding a total ownership interest in the Company of approximately 55 % (calculated on a non-diluted basis). On December 16, 2022, Altria notified the Company that it was irrevocably relinquishing all of its rights, title and interest in the Altria Warrant, effective immediately. As a result, the Company’s liability associated with the Altria Warrant was reduced to nil , with the change recorded to gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Pursuant to the investor rights agreement between the Company and Altria, entered into in connection with the closing of the Altria Investment (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), the Company granted Altria certain rights, among others, summarized in this note.
The summaries below are qualified entirely by the terms and conditions fully set out in the Investor Rights Agreement and the Altria Warrant, as applicable.
a. The Altria Warrant entitled the holder, subject to certain qualifications and limitations, to subscribe for and purchase up to an additional 10 % of the common shares of Cronos at a per share exercise price of C$ 19.00 , which was set to expire on March 8, 2023. The Altria Warrant was irrevocably relinquished by Altria on December 16, 2022.
b. The Company granted to Altria, subject to certain qualifications and limitations, upon the occurrence of certain issuances of common shares of the Company executed by the Company (including issuances pursuant to the research and development (“R&D”) partnership with Ginkgo, (refer to Note 9 “ Commitments and Contingencies ”), the right to purchase up to such number of common shares of the Company in order to maintain their ownership percentage of issued and outstanding common shares of the Company immediately preceding any issuance of shares by the Company (“Pre-emptive Rights”), at the same price per common share of the Company at which the common shares are sold in the relevant issuance; provided that if the consideration paid in connection with any such issuance is non-cash, the price per common share of the Company that would have been received had such common shares been issued for cash consideration will be determined by an independent committee (acting reasonably and in good faith); provided further that the price per common share of the Company to be paid by Altria pursuant to its exercise of its Pre-emptive Rights related to the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement will be C$ 16.25 per common share. These rights may not be exercised if Altria’s ownership percentage of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company falls below 20 %.
100
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
c. In addition to (and without duplication of) the Pre-emptive Rights, the Company granted to Altria, subject to certain qualifications and limitations, the right to subscribe for common shares of the Company issuable in connection with the exercise, conversion or exchange of convertible securities of the Company issued prior to March 8, 2019 or thereafter (excluding any convertible securities of the Company owned by Altria or any of its subsidiaries), a share incentive plan of the Company, the exercise of any right granted by the Company pro rata to all shareholders of the Company to purchase additional common shares and/or securities of the Company, bona fide bank debt, equipment financing or non-equity interim financing transactions that contemplate an equity component or bona fide acquisitions (including acquisitions of assets or rights under a license or otherwise), mergers or similar business combination transactions or joint ventures involving the Company in order to maintain their ownership percentage of issued and outstanding common shares of the Company immediately preceding any such transactions (“Top-up Rights”).
The price per common share to be paid by Altria pursuant to the exercise of its Top-up Rights will be, subject to certain limited exceptions, the 10 -day volume-weighted average price of the common shares of the Company on the TSX for the 10 full days preceding such exercise by Altria; provided that the price per common share of the Company to be paid by Altria pursuant to the exercise of its Top-up Rights in connection with the issuance of common shares of the Company pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants that were outstanding as of March 8, 2019 will be C$ 16.25 per common share without any set off, counterclaim, deduction, or withholding. These rights may not be exercised if Altria’s ownership percentage of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company falls below 20 %. The Altria Warrant, Pre-emptive Rights, and fixed price Top-up Rights have been classified as derivative liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
As of December 31, 2022, Altria beneficially held 156,573,537 of the Company’s common shares, an approximate 41 % ownership interest in the Company (calculated on a non-diluted basis).
Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of the derivative liability are presented below:
As of January 1, 2022 Gain on revaluation Foreign exchange effect
As of December 31, 2022
(a) Altria Warrant $ 13,720 $ ( 13,431 ) $ ( 289 ) $ —
(b) Pre-emptive Rights 180 ( 179 ) ( 1 ) —
(c) Top-up Rights 475 ( 450 ) ( 10 ) 15
$ 14,375 $ ( 14,060 ) $ ( 300 ) $ 15
As of January 1, 2021 Gain on revaluation Foreign exchange effect
As of December 31, 2021
(a) Altria Warrant $ 138,858 $ ( 127,099 ) $ 1,961 $ 13,720
(b) Pre-emptive Rights 12,095 ( 12,102 ) 187 180
(c) Top-up Rights 12,457 ( 12,159 ) 177 475
$ 163,410 $ ( 151,360 ) $ 2,325 $ 14,375
Fluctuations in the expected life of the derivative instruments and the Company’s share price are primary drivers for the changes in the derivative valuations during each reporting period. As the period of time the derivative liability is expected to be outstanding decreases and the share price decreases, the fair value typically decreases for each related derivative instrument. Weighted-average expected life and share price are two of the significant observable inputs used in the fair value measurement of each of the Company’s derivative instruments.
The fair values of the derivative liabilities were determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model using the following inputs:
As of December 31, 2022
Pre-emptive Rights Top-up Rights
Share price at valuation date (per share in C$) $ 3.44 $ 3.44
Subscription price (per share in C$) $ 16.25 $ 16.25
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (i)
4.14 % 4.28 %
Weight average expected life (in years) (ii)
0.25 0.59
Expected annualized volatility (iii)
73 % 73 %
Expected dividend yield — % — %
101
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
As of December 31, 2021
Altria Warrant Pre-emptive Rights Top-up Rights
Share price at valuation date (per share in C$) $ 4.98 $ 4.98 $ 4.98
Subscription price (per share in C$) $ 19.00 $ 16.25 $ 16.25
Weighted average risk-free interest rate (i)
0.79 % 0.39 % 0.50 %
Weight average expected life (in years) (ii)
1.18 0.50 0.80
Expected annualized volatility (iii)
80 % 80 % 80 %
Expected dividend yield — % — % — %
(i) The risk-free interest rate was based on Bank of Canada government treasury bills and bonds with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the derivative liabilities. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the risk-free interest rate uses a range of approximately 3.81 % to 4.37 % and 0.16 % to 1.10 %, respectively, for the Pre-emptive Rights and Top-up Rights.
(ii) The expected life represents the period of time, in years, that the derivative liabilities are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of the Pre-emptive Rights and Top-up Rights is determined based on the expected term of the underlying options, warrants, and shares, to which the Pre-emptive Rights and Top-up Rights are linked. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the expected life uses a range of approximately 0.25 years to 2.75 years and 0.25 years to 3.75 years, respectively.
(iii) Volatility was based on an equally weighted blended historical and implied volatility level of the underlying equity securities of the Company.
The following table quantifies each of the significant inputs described above and provides a sensitivity analysis of the impact on the reported values of the derivative liabilities. The sensitivity analysis for each significant input is performed by assuming a 10% decrease in the input while other significant inputs remain constant at management’s best estimate as of the respective dates. While a decrease in the inputs noted below would cause a decrease in the carrying amount of the derivative liability, there would also be an equal and opposite impact on net income (loss).
10% decrease as of December 31, 2022
Pre-emptive Rights Top-up Rights
Share price at issuance date $ — $ 4
Weighted average expected life — 5
Expected annualized volatility — 6
10% decrease as of December 31, 2021
Altria Warrant Pre-emptive Rights Top-up Rights
Share price at issuance date $ 3,970 $ 80 $ 123
Weighted average expected life 2,971 171 133
Expected annualized volatility 5,402 96 155
These inputs are classified in Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy and are subject to volatility and several factors outside the Company’s control, which could significantly affect the fair value of these derivative liabilities in future periods.
102
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
9. Commitments and Contingencies
(a) Commitments
R&D commitments
(i) Ginkgo. On September 4, 2018, the Company announced an R&D partnership with Ginkgo to develop scalable and consistent production of a variety of certain common and lesser-known cannabinoids. As part of this partnership, Cronos agreed to issue up to 14,674,903 common shares of the Company (aggregate value of approximately $ 100,000 as of July 17, 2018 assuming all milestones are met, collectively the “Ginkgo Equity Milestones”) in tranches and $ 22,000 in cash subject to Ginkgo’s achievement of certain milestones and to fund certain R&D expenses, including foundry access fees. During the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, 4,157,888 shares and 2,934,980 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were issued in conjunction with this partnership. No shares were issued for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(ii) Technion. On October 15, 2018, the Company entered into a sponsored research agreement with the Technion Research and Development Foundation of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (“Technion”). Research was focused on the use of cannabinoids and their role in regulating skin health and skin disorders. This research was conducted by Technion over a three-year period and concluded during the fourth quarter of 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company funded $ 60 of cash payments related to this agreement. The Company had no further funding requirements as of both December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
On February 18, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Altria (which agreement was subsequently amended and restated to substitute Altria Pinnacle as a party thereto), to receive strategic advisory and project management services from Altria Pinnacle (the “Services Agreement”). Pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company will pay Altria Pinnacle a monthly fee equal to the product of 105 % and the sum of: (i) all costs directly associated with the services incurred during the monthly period, and (ii) a reasonable and appropriate allocation of indirect costs incurred during the monthly period. The Company will also pay all third-party direct charges incurred during the monthly period in connection with the services, including any reasonable and documented costs, fees and expenses associated with obtaining any consent, license or permit. The Services Agreement will remain in effect until terminated by either party. See Note 15 “ Related Party Transactions .”
(b) Contingencies
The Company is subject to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its business and in connection with its marketing, distribution and sale of its products. Many of these legal proceedings are in the early stages of litigation and seek damages that are unspecified or not quantified. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe these legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition but could be material to its results of operations for any particular reporting period depending, in part, on its results for that period.
(i) Class action complaints relating to restatement of 2019 interim financial statements
On March 11 and 12, 2020, two alleged shareholders of the Company separately filed two putative class action complaints in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against the Company and its Chief Executive Officer and now former Chief Financial Officer. The court has consolidated the cases, and the consolidated amended complaint alleges violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder against all defendants, and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the individual defendants. The consolidated amended complaint generally alleges that certain of the Company’s prior public statements about revenues and internal control were incorrect based on the Company’s disclosures relating to the Audit Committee of the Board of Director’s review of the appropriateness of revenue recognized in connection with certain bulk resin purchases and sales of products through the wholesale channel. The consolidated amended complaint does not quantify a damage request. Defendants moved to dismiss on February 8, 2021.
103
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
On June 3, 2020, an alleged shareholder filed a Statement of Claim, as amended on August 12, 2020, in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, seeking, among other things, an order certifying the action as a class action on behalf of a putative class of shareholders and damages of an unspecified amount. The Amended Statement of Claim names (i) the Company, (ii) its Chief Executive Officer, (iii) now former Chief Financial Officer, (iv) former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, and (v) current and former members of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) as defendants and alleges breaches of the Ontario Securities Act, oppression under the Ontario Business Corporations Act and common law misrepresentation. The Amended Statement of Claim generally alleges that certain of the Company’s prior public statements about revenues and internal controls were misrepresentations based on the Company’s March 2, 2020 disclosure that the Audit Committee of the Board was conducting a review of the appropriateness of revenue recognized in connection with certain bulk resin purchases and sales of products through the wholesale channel, and the Company’s subsequent restatement. The Amended Statement of Claim does not quantify a damage request. On June 28, 2021, the Court dismissed motions brought by the plaintiff for leave to commence a claim for misrepresentation under the Ontario Securities Act and for certification of the action as a class action. The plaintiff appealed the Court’s dismissal of the motions only with respect to the Company, the Chief Executive Officer, and the now former Chief Financial Officer; the remaining defendants were dismissed from the matter with prejudice, and the Company and all individual defendants agreed not to seek costs from plaintiff in connection with the dismissal of the motions. On September 26, 2022, the Court of Appeal for Ontario reversed the Superior Court’s dismissal of the leave and certification motions, granted the plaintiff leave to proceed to bring a claim for misrepresentation under the Ontario Securities Act, and remitted the certification motion back to the Superior Court.
(ii) Regulatory reviews relating to restatements
The Company has been responding to requests for information from various regulatory authorities relating to its previously disclosed restatement of its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2019 as well as the previously disclosed restatement of the second quarter of 2021 interim financial statements (collectively, the “Restatements”). The Company has been responding to all such requests for information and cooperating with all regulatory authorities.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Settlement
On October 24, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an Order Instituting Cease-and-Desist Proceedings Pursuant to Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21(c) of the Exchange Act, Making Findings, and Imposing a Cease-and-Desist Order (the “SEC Order”) resolving the Restatements.
The Company has agreed to settle with the SEC, without admitting or denying the allegations described in the SEC Order. The SEC Order fully and finally disposes of the investigation of the Company by the SEC into the Restatements without the payment of any civil penalty or other amount.
The SEC Order required the Company to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act, Sections 10(b), 13(a), 13(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act and Rules 10b-5, 13a-13, 13a-15(a), 13a-16 and 12b-20 thereunder. Additionally, the Company agreed to certain undertakings, which include, among other things, retaining a qualified independent consultant (the “Consultant”) to engage in a review of, and make recommendations with respect to, certain of the Company’s internal accounting controls and internal control over financing reporting.
As a result of the SEC Order, the Company (i) lost its status as a well-known seasoned issuer for a period of three years, (ii) is unable to rely on the private offering exemptions provided by Regulations A and D under the Securities Act for a period of five years and (iii) is unable to rely on the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for a period of three years.
OSC Settlement
On October 24, 2022, the Ontario Capital Markets Tribunal approved a settlement agreement (the “OSC Settlement”) between the Company and the staff of the Ontario Securities Commission (the “OSC”), resolving the Restatements.
Pursuant to the terms of the OSC Settlement, which fully and finally disposes the investigation of the Company by the OSC, Cronos agreed to pay a total of C$ 1.34 million to fully settle the matter, and acknowledged that it had failed to comply with the requirement under Section 77 of the Securities Act (Ontario) to file interim financial reports in the manner set out therein and had acted in a manner contrary to the public interest. Additionally, the Company agreed to retain the Consultant to engage in a review of, and make recommendations with respect to, certain of the Company’s internal accounting controls and internal control over financing reporting, on substantially the same terms as were required by the SEC pursuant the SEC Order.
104
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(iii) Litigation relating to marketing, distribution and sale of products
On June 16, 2020, an alleged consumer filed a Statement of Claim on behalf of a class in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in Alberta, Canada, against the Company and other Canadian cannabis manufacturers and/or distributors. On December 4, 2020, a Third Amended Statement of Claim was filed, which added a second alleged consumer. The Third Amended Statement of Claim alleges claims related to the defendants’ advertised content of cannabinoids in cannabis products for medicinal use on or after June 16, 2010 and cannabis products for adult use on or after October 17, 2018. The Third Amended Statement of Claim seeks a total of C$ 500 million for breach of contract, compensatory damages, and unjust enrichment or such other amount as may be proven in trial and C$ 5 million in punitive damages against each defendant, including the Company. The Third Amended Statement of Claim also seeks interest and costs associated with the action. The Company has not responded to the Third Amended Statement of Claim. On January 31, 2022, upon consent of the Company and the plaintiffs, the court dismissed the case in its entirety as to the Company.
A number of claims, including purported class actions, have been brought in the U.S. against companies engaged in the U.S. hemp business alleging, among other things, violations of state consumer protection, health and advertising laws. On April 8, 2020, a putative class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Redwood, alleging violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and breaches of the California Commercial Code for breach of express warranties and implied warranty of merchantability with respect to Redwood’s marketing and sale of U.S. hemp products. The complaint did not quantify a damage request. On April 10, 2020, the class action complaint was dismissed for certain pleading deficiencies and the plaintiff was granted leave until April 24, 2020 to amend the complaint to establish federal subject matter jurisdiction. On April 28, 2020, the action was dismissed without prejudice for failure to prosecute and for failure to comply with a court order. As of the date of this Annual Report, the plaintiff has not refiled the complaint.
The Company expects litigation and regulatory proceedings relating to the marketing, distribution and sale of its products to increase.
10. Share-based Compensation
(a) Share-based award plans
The Company has granted stock options, RSUs and DSUs to employees and non-employee directors under the Stock Option Plan dated May 26, 2015 (the “2015 Stock Option Plan”), the 2018 Stock Option Plan dated June 28, 2018 (the “2018 Stock Option Plan” and, together with the 2015 Stock Option Plan, the “Prior Option Plans”), the Employment Inducement Award Plan #1 (the “Employment Inducement Award Plan”), the 2020 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan dated March 29, 2020 (the “2020 Omnibus Plan”) and the DSU plan dated August 10, 2019 (the “DSU Plan”). The Company can no longer make grants under the Prior Option Plans or the Employment Inducement Award Plan.
The following table summarizes the total share-based compensation associated with the Company’s stock options and RSUs:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Stock options $ 6,778 $ 7,604 $ 7,185
RSUs 7,740 2,547 8,176
Liability-classified awards (i)
597 — —
Total share-based compensation $ 15,115 $ 10,151 $ 15,361
(i) Represents share-based compensation awards conditionally approved for grant to one of the Company’s former executives for a fixed monetary value, but a variable number of shares. These awards were liability-classified until the number of shares was determined.
(b) Stock options
The Company adopted the 2015 Stock Option Plan, which was approved by shareholders of the Company at the annual general meeting of shareholders held on June 28, 2017. The 2015 Stock Option Plan allowed the Board to award options to purchase shares to directors, officers, key employees and service providers of the Company. As of June 28, 2018, no further awards will be granted under the 2015 Stock Option Plan; however, shares may be purchased via option exercise by the holders of any outstanding options previously issued under the 2015 Stock Option Plan.
On June 28, 2018, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2018 Stock Option Plan, which replaced the 2015 Stock Option Plan. The 2018 Stock Option Plan terminated the Company’s ability to grant equity under the 2015 Stock Option Plan. As of June 25,
105
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
2020, the date on which the 2020 Omnibus Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Company, no further awards will be granted under the 2018 Stock Option Plan; however, shares may be purchased via option exercise by the holders of any outstanding options previously issued under the 2018 Stock Option Plan.
On March 29, 2020, the Board adopted the 2020 Omnibus Plan, which was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on June 25, 2020. The 2020 Omnibus Plan provides for grants of stock options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, RSUs and other share-based or cash-based awards, which are subject to terms as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), and awards may be granted to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The 2020 Omnibus Plan terminated the Company’s ability to grant equity awards under the 2018 Stock Option Plan and RSUs under the Employment Inducement Award Plan.
Options represent the right to purchase Company common shares on the date of exercise at a stated exercise price. The exercise price of an option generally must be at least equal to the fair market value of the Company common shares on the date of grant. Vesting conditions for grants of options are determined by the Compensation Committee. The typical vesting for stock option grants is quarterly vesting over three to five years . The maximum term of options granted under the 2020 Omnibus Plan is seven years . Participants under the 2020 Omnibus Plan are eligible to be granted options to purchase shares at an exercise price established upon approval of the grant by the Compensation Committee. When options are granted, the exercise price is, with respect to a particular date, the closing price as reported by the TSX or the Nasdaq and, if the shares are not traded on the TSX or the Nasdaq, any other stock exchange on which the Company’s common shares are traded (as selected by the Compensation Committee in good faith taking into account applicable legal and tax requirements) on the immediately preceding trading day (the “Fair Market Value”). The 2020 Omnibus Plan does not authorize grants of options with an exercise price below the Fair Market Value.
The following is a summary of the changes in options:
Weighted average exercise price (C$) (i)
Number of options Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Balance as of January 1, 2022 $ 7.75 8,939,330 2.70
Issuance of options 4.20 113,947
Exercise of options 2.79 ( 2,735,985 )
Cancellation, forfeiture and expiry of options 5.74 ( 966,692 )
Balance as of December 31, 2022 $ 10.57 5,350,600 0.73
Exercisable at December 31, 2022 $ 11.48 3,867,887 0.66
Weighted average exercise price (C$) (i)
Number of options Weighted average remaining contractual term (years)
Balance as of January 1, 2021 $ 5.40 13,755,148 2.30
Issuance of options 9.19 900,000
Exercise of options 2.11 ( 5,598,695 )
Cancellation, forfeiture and expiry of options 12.37 ( 117,123 )
Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ 7.75 8,939,330 2.70
Exercisable at December 31, 2021 $ 6.69 5,836,616 1.37
(i) The weighted average exercise price reflects the conversion of foreign currency-denominated stock options translated into C$ using the average foreign exchange rate as of the date of issuance.
106
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the fair value per option at grant date was C$ 2.94 and C$ 6.39 , respectively. The fair value of the options issued during the year was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the following inputs:
2022 2021
Share price at grant date (per share) C$ 4.20 C$ 9.19
Exercise price (per option) C$ 4.20 C$ 9.19
Risk-free interest rate 3.14 % 1.39 %
Expected life of options (in years) (i)
7 7
Expected annualized volatility 73 % 75 %
Expected dividend yield — —
Weighted average Black-Scholes value at grant date (per option) C$ 2.94 C$ 6.39
Forfeiture rate — —
(i) The expected life of the awards represents the period of time options are expected to be outstanding and is estimated considering vesting terms and employees’ and non-employees’ historical exercise and, where relevant, post-vesting employment termination behavior. Volatility was estimated by using the historical volatility of the Company’s share price, adjusted for the Company’s expectation of volatility going forward. The risk-free interest rate was based on the Bank of Canada government bonds with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options at the grant date.
The following table summarizes stock options outstanding:
Options outstanding as of December 31,
2022 2021 2020
2020 Omnibus Plan 2,788,947 2,900,000 2,000,000
2018 Stock Option Plan 1,422,069 1,550,074 1,627,715
2015 Stock Option Plan 1,139,584 4,489,256 10,127,433
Total stock options outstanding 5,350,600 8,939,330 13,755,148
(c) Restricted share units
RSUs are granted under the 2020 Omnibus Plan. RSUs represent an equivalent amount of Company common shares on the date of issuance at fair value. Fair value is determined using the closing price of the trading day immediately preceding the date of grant. RSUs issued under the 2020 Omnibus Plan typically vest over a three-year period following the grant date and have no performance requirements.
The following is a summary of the changes in RSUs:
Weighted average grant date fair value (C$) (iii)
Number of RSUs
Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 9.22 1,225,870
Granted (i)(ii)
4.27 6,140,492
Vested and issued 7.40 ( 1,151,292 )
Cancellation and forfeitures 5.08 ( 489,600 )
Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 4.63 5,725,470
Weighted average grant date fair value (C$) (ii)
Number of RSUs
Balance at January 1, 2021 $ 7.66 948,357
Granted (i)
11.06 576,876
Vested and issued 7.57 ( 158,178 )
Cancellation and forfeitures 8.03 ( 141,185 )
Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 9.22 1,225,870
(i) RSUs granted in the period vest annually in equal installments over a three-year period from either the grant date or after a three or five year “cliff-period.” All RSUs are subject to such holder’s continued employment through each vesting date. The vesting of such RSUs is not subject to the achievement of any performance criteria.
(ii) Equity grants for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were held back for certain executives of the Company in connection with ongoing investigations by the SEC and the OSC, which were subsequently settled on October 24, 2022. On August 5, 2022, the Compensation Committee approved the release of these held-back equity grants conditioned upon settlement of the SEC and OSC investigations. These RSUs vest in equal installments over a period of three years from what would have been their original grant dates had the grants not been withheld.
(iii) The weighted-average grant date fair value reflects the conversion of foreign currency-denominated RSUs translated into C$ using the foreign exchange rate as of the date of issuance.
107
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(d) Deferred share units
On August 10, 2019, the Company established the DSU Plan pursuant to which its non-executive directors receive DSUs for Board services. The DSU Plan is designed to promote a greater alignment of long-term interests between non-executive directors and shareholders. The number of DSUs granted under the DSU Plan (including fractional DSUs) is determined by dividing the amount of remuneration payable by the closing price as reported by the TSX for awards made prior to 2022 and as reported by Nasdaq for awards made in 2022 on the trading day immediately preceding the date of grant. DSUs are payable at the time a non-executive director ceases to hold the office of director for any reason and are settled by a lump-sum cash payment, in accordance with the terms of the DSU Plan, based on the fair value of the DSUs at such time. The fair value of the cash payout is determined by multiplying the number of DSUs vested at the payout date by the closing price as reported by the TSX for awards made prior to 2022 and as reported by Nasdaq for awards made in 2022 on the trading day immediately preceding the payout date. The fair value of the cash payout is determined at each reporting date based on the fair value of the Company’s common shares at the reporting date and is recorded within other liabilities.
The following is a summary of the changes in DSUs:
Financial liability Number of DSUs
Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 408 104,442
Granting and vesting of DSUs 443 161,290
Gain on revaluation ( 177 ) —
Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 674 265,732
Financial liability Number of DSUs
Balance at January 1, 2021 $ 577 $ 83,293
Granting and vesting of DSUs 354 48,913
Liabilities settled ( 203 ) ( 27,764 )
Loss on revaluation ( 320 ) —
Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 408 $ 104,442
(e) Warrants
The following is a summary of the changes in warrants:
Weighted average exercise price (C$) Number of warrants
Balance as of January 1, 2021 $ 0.25 7,987,349
Exercise of warrants 0.25 ( 7,987,349 )
Balance as of December 31, 2021 $ — —
As of December 31, 2022, there were no warrants outstanding.
(f) Liability-classified awards
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee conditionally approved the grant to one of the Company’s former executives of share-based compensation awards for a fixed monetary amount, but a variable number of common shares. These awards were liability-classified until the number of common shares was determined.
Financial liability
Balance as of January 1, 2022 $ —
Grants 597
Transfers to equity awards ( 597 )
Balance as of December 31, 2022 $ —
As of December 31, 2021, there were no liability-classified awards outstanding.
108
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
11. Income Taxes
For financial reporting purposes, loss from continuing operations before income taxes includes the following components:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Rest of World $ ( 55,502 ) $ ( 116,267 ) $ 12,679
United States ( 79,057 ) ( 280,868 ) ( 85,952 )
Total $ ( 134,559 ) $ ( 397,135 ) $ ( 73,273 )
The loss before income taxes above excludes losses from discontinued operations of $ nil , $ 500 and $ 650 for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following components:
Year Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Current:
Rest of World $ 34,416 $ ( 382 ) $ 1,024
United States — ( 89 ) 323
Total $ 34,416 $ ( 471 ) $ 1,347
Deferred:
Rest of World $ ( 241 ) $ 40 $ —
United States — — —
Total $ ( 241 ) $ 40 $ —
As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s current income taxes payable were $ 32,956 , $ 105 and $ 865 , respectively, related to current income tax expense. Included in other receivables as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is $ 40 , $ 543 and $ nil , respectively, related to current income tax benefits.
109
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Income tax differs from that computed using the combined Canadian federal and provincial statutory income tax rate of 26.5%. Reconciliation of the expected income tax to the effective tax rate in continuing operations is as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Loss before income taxes $ ( 134,559 ) $ ( 397,135 ) $ $ ( 73,273 )
Effective income tax rate 26.5 % 26.5 % 26.5 %
Expected income tax benefit $ ( 35,658 ) $ ( 105,241 ) $ ( 19,417 )
Non-taxable income (loss) ( 2,140 ) 39 ( 711 )
Non-deductible share-based compensation 1,198 1,667 2,498
Non-deductible expenses 836 53 1,364
Non-deductible transaction costs 1,625 2,917 3,146
Effect of provincial tax rate difference ( 15 ) ( 1 ) ( 15 )
Effect of tax rates outside of Canada 1,848 ( 1,869 ) ( 362 )
Effect of change in tax rates 11,041 — —
Fair value gain on financial liabilities ( 3,726 ) ( 40,111 ) ( 34,250 )
Changes in valuation allowance ( 6,873 ) 141,639 48,227
Capital gain on financial liabilities 66,193 — —
Other ( 154 ) 476 867
Income tax expense (benefit), net $ 34,175 $ ( 431 ) $ 1,347
The valuation allowance recorded against the loss on discontinued operations is not reflected in the effective tax rate reconciliation presented above for continuing operations.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company realized a capital gain for tax purposes of $ 479,800 as a result of Altria’s irrevocable relinquishment of the Altria Warrant on December 16, 2022, resulting in an increase in the total income tax expense reported for the year ended December 31, 2022.
110
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
The following table summarizes the significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Deferred assets:
Tax loss carryforwards $ 98,074 $ 111,373
Interest expense carryforwards 2,533 1,047
Deferred financing costs 1,311 2,788
Share issuance cost 196 834
Finance lease obligation 690 1,847
Plant and equipment 37,662 38,119
Investment 13,359 900
Intangible asset 53,365 65,088
Inventory 1,287 —
Reserve 2,972 3,633
R&D investment tax credits 293 —
Other 3,099 1,450
Total deferred tax assets 214,841 227,079
Less valuation allowance ( 214,199 ) ( 224,776 )
Net deferred tax assets 642 2,303
Deferred tax liabilities:
Right-of-use assets ( 365 ) ( 1,860 )
Unrealized foreign exchange ( 84 ) ( 483 )
Total deferred tax liabilities ( 449 ) ( 2,343 )
Net deferred tax asset (liability) (i)
$ 193 $ ( 40 )
(i) Net deferred tax asset (liability) is reported as Other assets within our consolidated balance sheet.
The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company’s generating sufficient taxable income in the years that the temporary differences become deductible. A valuation allowance has been provided for the deferred tax assets that the Company determined did not meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold under U.S. GAAP.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s valuation allowance was $ 214,199 and $ 224,776 , respectively. The valuation allowance decreased by $ 10,577 during the year ended December 31, 2022, and increased by $ 138,841 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in the valuation allowance during the year ended December 31, 2022, was primarily due to the recognition of a portion of deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance was recorded in the prior year.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had net operating losses in Canada, the U.S., and Israel available to offset future years’ taxable income of approximately $ 216,120 , $ 134,593 , $ 18,739 , respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had net operating losses in Canada, the U.S., and Israel available to offset future years’ taxable income of approximately $ 276,497 , $ 117,983 , and $ 24,843 , respectively. The net operating losses in Canada will begin to expire, for purposes of carryforward, in fiscal year 2033. The net operating losses in the U.S. can be carried forward indefinitely for federal purposes. The net operating losses in Israel can be carried forward indefinitely. The decrease in net operating loss carry-forward balance reported in Canada was primarily due to the Company utilizing a portion of its net operating loss carry-forward balance in Canada to offset a portion of the capital gain realized as a result of Altria’s irrevocable relinquishment of the Altria Warrant on December 16, 2022.
Utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to limitations under the tax laws applicable in each tax jurisdiction due to ownership changes that could occur in the future. These ownership changes could limit the amount of net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets that can be utilized to offset future taxable income and tax expense. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, limitations created by ownership changes, if any, will not impact the Company’s effective tax rate.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has various scientific research and experimental development investment tax credit carryforwards of $ 293 related to Canadian operations, which, if not utilized, will begin to expire in 2040. Investment tax credits are recognized when realization of the tax credits is more likely than not.
The Company files federal income tax returns in Canada, Israel and the U.S. The Company has open tax years with the taxation jurisdictions. These open years contain certain matters that could be subject to differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and
111
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
regulations and tax treaties, as they relate to the amount, timing, or inclusion of revenue and expense. As of December 31, 2022, Peace Naturals is under examination with the Canadian Reserve Agency for tax years 2019 and 2020.
Jurisdiction Open Years
Canada 2018 – 2022
United States 2019 – 2022
Israel 2019 – 2022
Accounting guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertain tax positions and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Additionally, the authoritative guidance addresses the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. Only tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold may be recognized. There were no identified unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, deferred income taxes have not been provided for any undistributed earnings from operations outside of Canada. The foreign subsidiaries have accumulated losses and as such the amount of undistributed earnings upon which income taxes have not been provided is immaterial to these consolidated financial statements.
12. Segment Information and Disaggregated Revenue
Segment reporting is prepared on the same basis that the Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) manage the business, make operating decisions and assess the Company’s performance. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company determined that it has the following two reportable segments: United States and Rest of World. The United States operating segment consists of the manufacture and distribution of U.S. hemp-derived products. The Rest of World operating segment is involved in the cultivation, manufacture, and marketing of cannabis-derived products for the medical and adult-use markets . These two segments represent the geographic regions in which the Company operates and the different product offerings within each geographic region. The results of each segment are regularly reviewed by the CODM to assess the performance of the segment and make decisions regarding the allocation of resources. The CODM reviews adjusted earnings (loss) before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) as the measure of segment profit or loss to evaluate performance of and allocate resources for its reportable segments. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, non-cash items and items that do not reflect management’s assessment of ongoing business performance.
The tables below set forth our consolidated results of operations by segment:
Year ended December 31, 2022
United States Rest of World Corporate Total
Cannabis flower $ — $ 63,593 $ — $ 63,593
Cannabis extracts 5,155 22,522 — 27,677
Other — 634 — 634
Net revenue 5,155 86,749 — 91,904
Share of income from equity method investments — 3,114 — 3,114
Interest income 4,519 18,031 — 22,550
Interest expense ( 1 ) ( 12 ) — ( 13 )
Interest income (expense), net 4,518 18,019 — 22,537
Total assets 368,588 290,799 553,622 1,213,009
Depreciation and amortization 344 5,681 — 6,025
Impairment loss on long-lived assets — 3,493 — 3,493
Adjusted EBITDA ( 20,134 ) ( 37,230 ) ( 23,244 ) ( 80,608 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net 183 3,268 — 3,451
112
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Year ended December 31, 2021
United States Rest of World Corporate Total
Cannabis flower $ — $ 55,194 $ — $ 55,194
Cannabis extracts 9,874 8,807 — 18,681
Other — 560 — 560
Net revenue 9,874 64,561 — 74,435
Share of loss from equity method investments — ( 6,313 ) — ( 6,313 )
Interest income 40 9,058 — 9,098
Interest expense — ( 27 ) — ( 27 )
Interest income, net 40 9,031 — 9,071
Total assets 462,830 273,484 661,424 1,397,738
Depreciation and amortization 295 4,189 — 4,484
Impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived assets 236,019 37 — 236,056
Impairment loss on long-lived assets 2,955 124,664 — 127,619
Loss from discontinued operations — ( 500 ) — ( 500 )
Adjusted EBITDA ( 40,717 ) ( 99,139 ) ( 20,607 ) ( 160,463 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net 776 10,368 — 11,144
Year ended December 31, 2020
United States Rest of World Corporate Total
Cannabis flower $ — $ 27,932 $ — $ 27,932
Cannabis extracts 9,495 8,759 — 18,254
Other — 533 — 533
Net revenue 9,495 37,224 — 46,719
Share of loss from equity method investments — ( 4,510 ) — ( 4,510 )
Interest income 16 18,585 — 18,601
Interest expense ( 34 ) ( 152 ) — ( 186 )
Interest income, net ( 18 ) 18,433 — 18,415
Total assets 253,745 388,351 1,283,586 1,925,682
Depreciation and amortization 234 2,638 — 2,872
Impairment loss on indefinite-lived assets 40,000 — — 40,000
Loss from discontinued operations — ( 650 ) — ( 650 )
Adjusted EBITDA ( 28,019 ) ( 98,349 ) ( 20,885 ) ( 147,253 )
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, net 385 31,027 — 31,412
113
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
The following tables set forth a reconciliation of net income (loss) as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated:
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) Year ended December 31, 2022
US ROW Corporate Total
Net loss $ ( 84,194 ) $ ( 54,129 ) $ ( 30,411 ) $ ( 168,734 )
Interest income, net ( 4,518 ) ( 18,019 ) — ( 22,537 )
Income tax expense — 34,175 — 34,175
Depreciation and amortization 1,485 11,637 — 13,122
EBITDA ( 87,227 ) ( 26,336 ) ( 30,411 ) ( 143,974 )
Share of income from equity accounted investments — ( 3,114 ) — ( 3,114 )
Impairment loss on long-lived assets (ii)
— 3,493 — 3,493
Gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities (iii)
— ( 14,060 ) — ( 14,060 )
Gain on revaluation of financial instruments (iv)
— ( 14,739 ) — ( 14,739 )
Impairment loss on other investments (vi)
61,392 — — 61,392
Foreign currency transaction loss — 2,286 — 2,286
Other, net (vii)
169 324 — 493
Restructuring costs (ix)
1,788 3,545 — 5,333
Share-based compensation (x)
3,744 11,371 — 15,115
Financial statement review costs (xi)
— — 7,167 7,167
Adjusted EBITDA $ ( 20,134 ) $ ( 37,230 ) $ ( 23,244 ) $ ( 80,608 )
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) Year ended December 31, 2021
US ROW Corporate Total
Net loss $ ( 283,883 ) $ ( 81,811 ) $ ( 31,510 ) $ ( 397,204 )
Interest income, net ( 40 ) ( 9,031 ) — ( 9,071 )
Income tax benefit ( 89 ) ( 342 ) — ( 431 )
Depreciation and amortization 917 14,485 — 15,402
EBITDA ( 283,095 ) ( 76,699 ) ( 31,510 ) ( 391,304 )
Share of loss from equity method investments — 6,313 — 6,313
Impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (i)
236,019 37 — 236,056
Impairment loss on long-lived assets (ii)
2,955 124,664 — 127,619
Gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities (iii)
— ( 151,360 ) — ( 151,360 )
Gain on revaluation of financial instruments (iv)
— ( 8,611 ) — ( 8,611 )
Transaction costs (v)
— — 3,801 3,801
Other, net (vii)
3 ( 733 ) — ( 730 )
Loss from discontinued operations (viii)
— 500 — 500
Share-based compensation (x)
3,401 6,750 — 10,151
Financial statement review costs (xi)
— — 7,102 7,102
Adjusted EBITDA $ ( 40,717 ) $ ( 99,139 ) $ ( 20,607 ) $ ( 160,463 )
114
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) Year ended December 31, 2020
US ROW Corporate Total
Net income (loss) $ ( 77,368 ) $ 32,671 $ ( 30,573 ) $ ( 75,270 )
Interest expense (income), net 18 ( 18,433 ) — ( 18,415 )
Income tax expense 323 1,024 — 1,347
Depreciation and amortization 234 6,811 — 7,045
EBITDA ( 76,793 ) 22,073 ( 30,573 ) ( 85,293 )
Share of loss from equity accounted investments — 4,510 — 4,510
Impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (i)
40,000 — — 40,000
Gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities (iii)
— ( 129,254 ) — ( 129,254 )
Loss on revaluation of financial instruments (iv)
— 9 — 9
Transaction costs (v)
40 — — 40
Other, net (vii)
20 1,805 — 1,825
Loss from discontinued operations (viii)
— 650 — 650
Share-based compensation (x)
8,714 6,647 — 15,361
Financial statement review costs (xi)
— — 9,688 9,688
Gain on disposal of investments (xii)
— ( 4,789 ) — ( 4,789 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ ( 28,019 ) $ ( 98,349 ) $ ( 20,885 ) $ ( 147,253 )
(i) For the year ended December 31, 2021, impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets relates to impairment on goodwill and intangible assets related to our U.S. segment and impairment on an indefinite-lived trademark related to the ROW segment. For the year ended December 31, 2020, impairment loss on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets relates to impairment on goodwill and intangible assets related to the U.S. segment. See Note 6 “ Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net .”
(ii) For the year ended December 31, 2022, impairment loss on long-lived assets relates to the Company’s decision to seek a sublease for leased office space in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the first quarter of 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2021, impairment loss on long-lived assets relates to impairment charges on property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets in the Canadian asset group, impairment charges for the differences between the consideration paid to Ginkgo for the achievement of two equity milestones in connection with the Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement and the fair values of the CBGA Exclusive License and CBGVA Exclusive License as well as impairment on leased premises in the U.S. segment. See Note 5 “ Property, Plant and Equipment, net ” and Note 6 “ Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net .”
(iii) For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the gain on revaluation of derivative liabilities represents the fair value changes on the derivative liabilities. See Note 8 “ Derivative Liabilities .”
(iv) For the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, gain on revaluation of financial instruments relates primarily to the Company’s unrealized holding gain on its mark-to-market investment in Vitura as well as revaluations of financial liabilities resulting from DSUs. For the year ended December 31, 2020, (gain) loss on revaluation of financial instruments relates to revaluations of financial liabilities resulting from DSUs. See Note 3 “ Investments .”
(v) For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, transaction costs represent legal, financial and other advisory fees and expenses incurred in connection with various strategic investments. These costs are included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss).
(vi) For the year ended December 31, 2022, impairment loss on other investments related to the PharmaCann Option for the difference between its fair value and carrying amount. See Note 3 “ Investments .”
(vii) For the year ended December 31, 2022, other, net primarily related to $ 877 loss on disposal of assets and $ 384 of dividends declared by Vitura on the Company’s 55,176,065 ordinary shares in the capital of Vitura. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, other, net is primarily related to (gain) loss on reclassification of held-for-sale assets and (gain) loss on disposal of assets.
(viii) For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, loss from discontinued operations relates to the discontinuance of OGBC.
(ix) For the year ended December 31, 2022, restructuring costs related to the employee-related severance costs and other restructuring costs associated with the Realignment, including the change in the nature of operations at the Peace Naturals Campus. See Note 16 “ Restructuring. ”
(x) For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, share-based compensation relates to the vesting expenses of share-based compensation awarded to employees under the Company’s share-based award plans as described in Note 10. “ Share-based Compensation .”
(xi) For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, financial statement review costs include costs related to the restatements of the Company’s 2019 interim financial statements and second quarter 2021 interim financial statements, costs related to the Company’s responses to requests for information from various regulatory authorities relating to such restatements and legal costs defending shareholder class action complaints brought against the Company as a result of the 2019 restatement.
(xii) For the year ended December 31, 2020, gain on disposal of investments is primarily comprised of the gain recorded related to the sale of common shares of Aurora, which were received in connection with the achievement of a milestone related to the Whistler Transaction in 2020 and as a result of the closing of the Whistler Transaction in 2019. See Note 3 “ Investments .”
115
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Net revenue attributed to a geographic region based on the location of the customer was as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Canada $ 56,233 $ 50,294 $ 34,538
Israel 30,516 13,376 2,539
United States 5,155 9,874 9,495
Other countries — 891 147
Net revenue $ 91,904 $ 74,435 $ 46,719
Property, plant and equipment, net were physically located in the following geographic regions:
As of December 31,
2022 2021
Canada $ 40,052 $ 49,117
United States 20,251 24,473
Israel 254 480
Total $ 60,557 $ 74,070
13. Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share from continued and discontinued operations are calculated as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Basic loss per share computation
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to the shareholders of Cronos Group $ ( 168,734 ) $ ( 395,607 ) $ ( 72,487 )
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for computation for basic earnings per share (i)
376,961,797 370,390,965 351,576,848
Basic loss from continuing operations per share $ ( 0.45 ) $ ( 1.07 ) $ ( 0.21 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the shareholders of Cronos Group $ — $ ( 500 ) $ ( 650 )
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding from computation for basic earnings per share 376,961,797 370,390,965 351,576,848
Basic loss from discontinued operations per share $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
116
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Diluted loss per share computation
Net loss used in the computation of basic loss from continuing operations per share $ ( 168,734 ) $ ( 395,607 ) $ ( 72,487 )
Adjustment for exercise of rights on derivative liabilities — — —
Net loss used in the computation of diluted loss from continuing operations per share $ ( 168,734 ) $ ( 395,607 ) $ ( 72,487 )
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used in the computation of basic loss per share 376,961,797 370,390,965 351,576,848
Dilutive effect of stock options — — —
Dilutive effect of RSUs — — —
Dilutive effect of Altria Warrant — — —
Dilutive effect of Top-up Rights – market price — — —
Weighted-average number of common shares for computation of diluted loss from continuing operations per share (i)
376,961,797 370,390,965 351,576,848
Diluted loss per share from continuing operations $ ( 0.45 ) $ ( 1.07 ) $ ( 0.21 )
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to the shareholders of Cronos Group $ — $ ( 500 ) $ ( 650 )
Weighted-average number of common shares for computation of diluted loss from discontinued operations per share 376,961,797 370,390,965 351,576,848
Diluted loss from discontinued operations per share $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
(i) In computing diluted earnings per share, incremental common shares are not considered in periods in which a net loss is reported, as the inclusion of the common share equivalents would be anti-dilutive.
Total securities of 112,612,579 , 125,195,001 and 151,338,762 were not included in the computation of diluted shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
14. Financial Instruments
(a) Fair value measurement
The Company complies with ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually. In general, fair values are determined by:
• Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
• Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable such as quoted prices, interest rates and yield curves.
• Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
117
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
The following tables present information about the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value:
As of December 31, 2022
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Cash and cash equivalents $ 764,644 $ — $ — $ 764,644
Short-term investments 113,077 — — 113,077
Other investments (i)
21,993 — — 21,993
Derivative liabilities — — 15 15
As of December 31, 2021
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Cash and cash equivalents $ 886,973 $ — $ — $ 886,973
Short-term investments 117,684 — — 117,684
Other investments (i)
8,000 — — 8,000
Derivative liabilities — — 14,375 14,375
(i) On December 16, 2021, Cronos Australia (now, Vitura) closed their merger agreement to acquire CDA Health Pty Ltd, an Australian medicinal cannabis company. In connection with the closing of the Cronos Australia Merger, the Company’s ownership interest in Cronos Australia decreased to approximately 10 % and the Company’s number of Cronos Australia board seats was reduced from two to zero which constituted a loss of significant influence. As such, the Company reclassified the investment from an investment in equity method investments under the equity method of accounting to other investments under the fair value method of accounting. See Note 3 “ Investments .”
There were no transfers between fair value categories during the periods presented.
The following tables present information about the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques the Company utilized to determine such fair value:
As of December 31, 2022
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Other investments (i)
— — 49,000 49,000
(i) On June 14, 2021, the Company purchased an option to acquire 473,787 shares of Class A Common Stock of PharmaCann, a vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States, at an exercise price of $ 0.0001 per share, representing approximately 10.5 % of PharmaCann’s issued and outstanding capital stock on a fully diluted basis as of the date of the PharmaCann Option, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $ 110,392 . On February 28, 2022, PharmaCann closed its previously announced transaction with LivWell pursuant to which PharmaCann acquired LivWell. LivWell is a multi-state cannabis cultivation and retail leader based in Colorado. As a result of the LivWell Transaction, the Company’s ownership percentage in PharmaCann on a fully diluted basis decreased to approximately 6.4 %. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s ownership percentage in PharmaCann on a fully diluted basis was approximately 6.3 %. See Note 3 “ Investments .”
There were no transfers between fair value categories during the periods presented.
(b) Financial risks
The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, interest rate risk, and foreign currency rate risk.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Company is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities, primarily accounts receivable and other receivables, and its investing activities, including cash held with banks and financial institutions, short term investments, loans receivable, and advances to joint ventures. The Company’s maximum exposure to this risk is equal to the carrying amount of these financial assets, which amounted to $ 987,442 and $ 1,118,684 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
118
Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(i) Accounts receivable
The Company had accounts receivable of $ 23,113 and $ 22,067 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. An impairment analysis is performed at each reporting date using a provision matrix to measure expected credit losses. The provision rates are based on the days past due for groupings of various customer segments with similar loss patterns. The calculation reflects the probability-weighted outcome, the time value of money and reasonable and supportable information that is available at the reporting date about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. Accounts receivable are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery include, amongst others, the failure of a debtor to engage in a repayment plan, and a failure to make contractual payments for a period of greater than 120 days past due. As of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company had $ 2 , $ 8 and $ 9 , respectively, in expected credit losses on receivables from contracts with customers in the ROW segment and $ 217 , $ 104 and $ 65 , respectively, in expected credit losses on receivables from contracts with customers in the U.S. segment.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company has assessed that there is a concentration of credit risk as 55 % of the Company’s accounts receivable were due from three customers with an established credit history with the Company. As of December 31, 2021, 88 % of the Company’s accounts receivable were due from four customers with an established credit history with the Company.
The Company sells products through a limited number of major customers. Major customers are defined as customers that each individually accounted for greater than 10% of the Company’s revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company earned a total net revenue before excise taxes of $ 63,509 from three major customers in the ROW segment, together accounting for 55 % of the Company’s total net revenue before excise taxes. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the ROW segment earned a total net revenue before excise taxes of $ 41,603 from three major customers, together accounting for 56 % of the Company’s total net revenue before excise taxes. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the ROW segment earned a total net revenue before excise taxes of $ 34,295 from four major customers, accounting for 63 % of the Company’s total net revenues before excise taxes. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 the U.S. segment had no major customers.
(ii) Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and other receivables
The Company held cash and cash equivalents of $ 764,644 and $ 886,973 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The short-term investments and related interest receivable of $ 113,077 and $ 117,684 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, represent short-term investments with a maturity of less than a year and accrued interest. The cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, including guaranteed investment certificates and bankers’ acceptances, are held with central banks and financial institutions that are highly rated. In addition to interest receivable, other receivables include sales taxes receivable from the government. As such, the Company has assessed an insignificant loss allowance on these financial instruments.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they become due and arises principally from the Company’s accounts payable. The Company had trade accounts payable of $ 8,599 and $ 8,395 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s policy is to review liquidity resources and ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet financial obligations as they become due. Further, the Company’s management is responsible for ensuring funds exist and are readily accessible to support business opportunities as they arise. The Company’s funding has primarily been provided in the form of capital raised through the issuance of common shares and warrants. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has assessed a concentration of risk of vendors as 27 % of accounts payable were due to one vendor. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has assessed a concentration risk of vendors as 19 % of accounts payable due to one vendor.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of, or future cash flows from, the Company’s financial instruments will significantly fluctuate due to changes in market prices. The value of financial instruments can be affected by changes in interest rates, market and economic conditions, and equity and commodity prices. The Company is exposed to market risk in divesting its investments, such that unfavorable market conditions could result in dispositions of investments at less than their carrying amounts. Further, the revaluation of securities classified as fair value through net income could result in significant write-downs of the Company’s investments, which would have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, unless these would flow through other comprehensive income.
The Company manages risk by having a portfolio of securities from multiple issuers, such that the Company was not materially exposed to any one issuer.
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Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the value or yield of fixed-income investments may decline if interest rates change. Fluctuations in interest rates may impact the level of income and expense recorded on the cash equivalents and short-term investments, and the market value of all interest-earning assets, other than those that possess a short term to maturity. A 10% change in the interest rate in effect on December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, would not have a material effect on (i) fair value of the cash equivalents and short-term investments as the majority of the portfolio has a maturity date of three months or less, or (ii) interest income. Management continues to monitor external interest rates and revise the Company’s investment strategy as a result.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had net interest income of $ 22,537 and $ 9,071 , respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s average variable interest rate increased approximately 3.5 %. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company’s average variable interest rate did not change materially.
Foreign currency risk
Currency rate risk is the risk that the fair value of, or future cash flows from, the Company’s financial instruments will significantly fluctuate due to changes in foreign exchange rates. The Company is exposed to this risk on investments in equity investments denominated in A$ and C$, and other assets and liabilities denominated in A$ and C$. The Company is further exposed to this risk through subsidiaries operating in Israel and the U.S. as the Company’s functional currency is in Canadian dollars. The Company does not currently use foreign exchange contracts to hedge its exposure to currency rate risk. As such, the Company’s financial position and financial results may be adversely affected by the unfavorable fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had foreign currency gain (loss) on translation of $( 50,616 ) and $ 8,192 , respectively. A 10% change in the exchange rates for the foreign currencies would affect the carrying amounts of net assets by approximately $ 77,414 and $ 87,705 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
15. Related Party Transactions
(a) Altria
On March 8, 2019, in connection with the Altria Investment, Altria, through certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, purchased a 45 % equity interest in the Company. As of December 31, 2022, Altria beneficially held an approximately 41 % ownership interest in the Company (calculated on a non-diluted basis).
The Company incurred the following expenses for consulting services from Altria Pinnacle LLC, a subsidiary of Altria (“Altria Pinnacle”):
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Altria Pinnacle – expense
$ — $ 436 $ 1,199
There were no amounts payable related to the consulting services with Altria Pinnacle as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Refer to Note 8 “ Derivative Liabilities ” for further information on the derivative liabilities related to the Altria Investment.
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Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
(b) Cronos GrowCo
The Company holds a variable interest in Cronos GrowCo through its ownership of 50 % of Cronos GrowCo’s common shares and senior secured debt in Cronos GrowCo. See Note 3 “ Investments ” for further discussion.
The Company made the following purchases of cannabis products from Cronos GrowCo:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Cronos GrowCo – purchases
$ 18,144 $ 4,820 $ —
The Company’s outstanding payable balance to Cronos GrowCo was $ 2,519 and $ 82 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Additionally, on August 23, 2019, the Company, as lender, and Cronos GrowCo, as borrower, entered into the GrowCo Credit Facility. See additional information in Note 4 “ Loans Receivable, net .”
(c) Vendor Agreement
In November 2022, the Company entered into an agreement with an external vendor whereby the vendor would provide certain manufacturing services to the Company. The vendor then subcontracted out a portion of those services to another company whose chief executive officer is an immediate family member of an executive of the Company. The Company has no direct contractual relationship with the related party.
During the year-ended 2022, the Company purchased $ 645 of products and services under this agreement and had no outstanding accounts payable related to the agreement as of December 31, 2022.
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Cronos Group Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except for share amounts)
Table of Conte nts
16. Restructuring
In the first quarter of 2022, the Company initiated a strategic plan to realign the business around its brands, centralize functions and evaluate the Company’s supply chain (the “Realignment”). As part of the Realignment, on February 28, 2022, the Board approved plans to leverage the Company’s strategic partnerships to improve supply chain efficiencies and reduce manufacturing overhead by exiting its production facility in Stayner, Ontario, Canada (the “Peace Naturals Campus”). On February 27, 2023, the Board approved revisions to the Realignment, which are expected to result in the Company maintaining select components of its operations at the Peace Naturals Campus, namely distribution warehousing, certain R&D activities and manufacturing of certain of the Company’s proprietary innovation products, while seeking to lease the remaining portions of the Peace Naturals Campus to third parties. The Realignment initiatives were intended to position the Company to drive profitable and sustainable growth over time.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $ 5,333 of restructuring costs in connection with the Realignment, including the change in the nature of operations at the Peace Naturals Campus. Charges related thereto include employee-related costs such as severance, relocation and other termination benefits, as well as contract termination and other related costs.
The Company incurred the following restructuring costs by reportable segment:
Year ended December 31,
2022 2021
Rest of World $ 3,544 $ —
United States 1,789 —
Total $ 5,333 $ —
The following table summarizes the Company’s restructuring activity for the year ended December 31, 2022:
As of January 1, 2022 Expenses Payments/Write-offs As of December 31, 2022
Employee termination benefits $ — $ 3,671 $ ( 3,268 ) $ 403
Other restructuring costs — 1,662 ( 1,641 ) 21
Total $ — $ 5,333 $ ( 4,909 ) $ 424
17. Subsequent Events
In March 2022, following the evaluation of our global supply chain, we announced the planned exit of our Peace Naturals Campus as part of the Realignment. Given the constantly evolving operating landscape Cronos participates in and our continued work towards building an efficient global supply chain, we continue to remain agile in our evaluation of our footprint and the market’s capabilities. To that end, in February 2023, the Board approved plans to maintain select components of the Company’s operations at the Peace Naturals Campus, namely distribution and warehousing, certain R&D activities and manufacturing of certain of the Company’s proprietary innovation products.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.