Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis should be read together with other information, including Cronos Group’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements and the related notes to those statements, included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024 (this “Quarterly Report”), consolidated financial statements appearing in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Annual Report”), Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the Annual Report and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Quarterly Report.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report, the documents incorporated into this Quarterly Report by reference, other reports we file with, or furnish to, the SEC and other regulatory agencies, and statements by our directors, officers, other employees and other persons authorized to speak on our behalf contain information that may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws and court decisions (collectively, “Forward-Looking Statements”), which are based upon our current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. All information that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute Forward-Looking Statements. In some cases, Forward-Looking Statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “expect”, “likely”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “potential”, “proposed”, “estimate” and other similar words, expressions and phrases, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” happen, or by discussion of strategy. Forward-Looking Statements include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of historical fact.
Forward-Looking Statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
• expectations related to the conflict involving Israel, Hamas, Iran and other stakeholders in the region (the “Middle East Conflict”) and its impact on our operations in Israel, the supply of product in the market and the demand for product by medical patients in Israel, as well as any regional or global escalations and their impact to global commerce and stability;
• expectations related to the German, Australian and United Kingdom (the “UK”) markets, including our strategic partnerships with Cansativa GmbH (“Cansativa”), Vitura Health Limited (“Vitura”) and GROW ® Pharma, respectively, and our plans to distribute the PEACE NATURALS® brand in Germany and the UK;
• expectations related to our announcement of cost-cutting measures, including our decision to wind-down operations at our Winnipeg, Manitoba facility and list the facility for sale, the expected costs and benefits from the wind-down of production activities at the facility, challenges and effects related thereto as well as changes in strategy, metrics, investments, costs, operating expenses, employee turnover and other changes with respect thereto;
• expectations related to the impact of our decision to exit our U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoid product operations, including the costs, expenses and write-offs associated therewith, the impact on our operations and our financial statements and any future plans to re-enter the U.S. market;
• expectations related to our announced realignment (the “Realignment”) and any progress, challenges and effects related thereto as well as changes in strategy, metrics, investments, reporting structure, costs, operating expenses, employee turnover and other changes with respect thereto;
• the timing of the change in the nature of operations at, and the announced sale-leaseback of, our facility in Stayner, Ontario (the “Peace Naturals Campus”) and the expected costs and benefits from the wind-down of certain production activities at the Peace Naturals Campus;
• our ability to complete the sale and leaseback of the Peace Naturals Campus pursuant to the agreement with Future Farmco Canada Inc. (“Future Farmco”);
• our ability to acquire raw materials from suppliers, including Cronos Growing Company Inc. (“Cronos GrowCo”), and the costs and timing associated therewith;
• expectations regarding the potential success of, and the costs and benefits associated with, our joint ventures, strategic alliances and equity investments, including the strategic partnership (the “Ginkgo Strategic Partnership”) with Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (“Ginkgo”);
• our ability or plans to identify, develop, commercialize or expand our technology and research and development (“R&D”) initiatives in cannabinoids, or the success thereof;
• expectations regarding revenues, expenses, gross margins and capital expenditures;
• expectations regarding our future production and manufacturing strategy and operations, the costs and timing associated therewith and the receipt of applicable production and sale licenses;
22
Table of Contents
• the ongoing impact of the legalization of additional cannabis product types and forms for adult-use in Canada, including federal, provincial, territorial and municipal regulations pertaining thereto, the related timing and impact thereof and our intentions to participate in such markets;
• the legalization of the use of cannabis for medical or adult-use in jurisdictions outside of Canada, including the United States and Germany, the related timing and impact thereof and our intentions to participate in such markets, if and when such use is legalized;
• the grant, renewal, withdrawal, suspension, delay and impact of any license or supplemental license to conduct activities with cannabis or any amendments thereof;
• our ability to successfully create and launch brands and cannabis products;
• expectations related to the differentiation of our products, including through the utilization of rare cannabinoids;
• the benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis, including CBD and other cannabinoids;
• laws and regulations and any amendments thereto applicable to our business and the impact thereof, including uncertainty regarding the application of United States (“U.S.”) state and federal law to cannabis and U.S. hemp (including CBD and other U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoids) products and the scope of any regulations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (the “DEA”), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “PTO”) and any state equivalent regulatory agencies over cannabis and U.S. hemp (including CBD and other U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoids) products, including the possibility marijuana is moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act;
• the anticipated benefits and impact of Altria Group Inc.’s investment in the Company (the “Altria Investment”), pursuant to a subscription agreement dated December 7, 2018;
• uncertainties as to our ability to exercise our option (the “PharmaCann Option”) in PharmaCann Inc. (“PharmaCann”), in the near term or the future, in full or in part, including the uncertainties as to the status and future development of federal legalization of cannabis in the U.S. and our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction with PharmaCann;
• expectations regarding the implementation and effectiveness of key personnel changes;
• expectations regarding acquisitions and dispositions and the anticipated benefits therefrom;
• expectations of the amount or frequency of impairment losses, including as a result of the write-down of intangible assets, including goodwill;
• the impact of the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine (and resulting sanctions) on our business, financial condition and results of operations or cash flows;
• our compliance with the terms of the settlement with the SEC (the “Settlement Order”) and the settlement agreement with the Ontario Securities Commission (the “Settlement Agreement”); and
• the impact of the loss of our ability to rely on private offering exemptions under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the loss of our status as a well-known seasoned issuer, each as a result of the Settlement Order.
Certain of the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein concerning the industries in which we conduct our business are based on estimates prepared by us using data from publicly available governmental sources, market research, industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of these industries, which we believe to be reasonable. However, although generally indicative of relative market positions, market shares and performance characteristics, such data is inherently imprecise. The industries in which we conduct our business involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors, which are described further below.
23
Table of Contents
The Forward-Looking Statements contained herein are based upon certain material assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including: (i) our ability to effectively navigate developments related to the Middle East Conflict and its impact on our employees and operations in Israel, the supply of product in the market and demand for product by medical patients in Israel; (ii) our ability to efficiently and effectively distribute our PEACE NATURALS ® brand in Germany with our strategic partner Cansativa and in the UK with our strategic partner GROW ® Pharma and our ability to efficiently and effectively distribute products in Australia with our strategic partner Vitura; (iii) our ability to realize the expected cost-savings and other benefits related to the wind-down of our operations at our Winnipeg, Manitoba facility, (iv) our ability to realize the expected cost-savings, efficiencies and other benefits of our Realignment and other announced cost-cutting measures and employee turnover related thereto; (v) our ability to efficiently and effectively wind down certain production activities at the Peace Naturals Campus, receive the benefits of the change in the nature of our operations at, and the announced sale-leaseback of, our Peace Naturals Campus and acquire raw materials on a timely and cost-effective basis from third parties, including Cronos GrowCo; (vi) our ability to satisfy all conditions for the sale and leaseback of the Peace Naturals Campus; (vii) our ability to realize anticipated benefits, synergies or generate revenue, profits or value from our acquisitions and strategic investments; (viii) the production and manufacturing capabilities and output from our facilities and our joint ventures, strategic alliances and equity investments; (ix) government regulation of our activities and products including, but not limited to, the areas of cannabis taxation and environmental protection; (x) the timely receipt of any required regulatory authorizations, approvals, consents, permits and/or licenses; (xi) consumer interest in our products; (xii) our ability to differentiate our products, including through the utilization of rare cannabinoids; (xiii) competition; (xiv) anticipated and unanticipated costs; (xv) our ability to generate cash flow from operations; (xvi) our ability to conduct operations in a safe, efficient and effective manner; (xvii) our ability to hire and retain qualified staff, and acquire equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; (xviii) our ability to exercise the PharmaCann Option and realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction with PharmaCann; (xix) our ability to complete planned dispositions, and, if completed, obtain our anticipated sales price; (xx) general economic, financial market, regulatory and political conditions in which we operate; (xxi) management’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments; and (xxii) other considerations that management believes to be appropriate in the circumstances. While our management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
By their nature, Forward-Looking Statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the Forward-Looking Statements in this Quarterly Report and other reports we file with, or furnish to, the SEC and other regulatory agencies and made by our directors, officers, other employees and other persons authorized to speak on our behalf. Such factors include, without limitation, negative impacts on our employees, business and operations in Israel due to the Middle East Conflict, including that we may not be able to produce, import or sell our products or protect our people or facilities in Israel during the Middle East Conflict, the supply of product in the market and the demand for product by medical patients in Israel; that we may not be able to successfully continue to distribute our products in Germany, Australia and the UK or generate material revenue from sales in those markets; that we may not be able to achieve the anticipated benefits of the wind-down of our operations at our Winnipeg, Manitoba facility or be able to access raw materials on a timely and cost-effective basis from third-parties; that we may be unable to further streamline our operations and reduce expenses; that we may not be able to effectively and efficiently re-enter the U.S. market in the future; that we may not be able to wind-down certain production activities at, and complete the sale-leaseback of, the Peace Naturals Campus in a disciplined manner or achieve the anticipated benefits of the change in the nature of our operations or be able to access raw materials on a timely and cost-effective basis from third-parties, including Cronos GrowCo; the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine may disrupt our operations and those of our suppliers and distribution channels and negatively impact the demand for and use of our products; the risk that cost savings and any other synergies from the Altria Investment may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; failure to execute key personnel changes; the risks that our Realignment, the change in the nature of our operations at the Peace Naturals Campus and our further leveraging of our strategic partnerships will not result in the expected cost-savings, efficiencies and other benefits or will result in greater than anticipated turnover in personnel; lower levels of revenues; the lack of consumer demand for our products; our inability to reduce expenses at the level needed to meet our projected net change in cash and cash equivalents; our inability to manage disruptions in credit markets; unanticipated future levels of capital, environmental or maintenance expenditures, general and administrative and other expenses; growth opportunities not turning out as expected; the lack of cash flow necessary to execute our business plan (either within the expected timeframe or at all); difficulty raising capital; the potential adverse effects of judicial, regulatory or other proceedings, or threatened litigation or proceedings, on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows; volatility in and/or degradation of general economic, market, industry or business conditions; compliance with applicable environmental, economic, health and safety, energy and other policies and regulations and in particular health concerns with respect to vaping and the use of cannabis and U.S. hemp products in vaping devices; the unexpected effects of actions of third parties such as competitors, activist investors or federal (including U.S. federal), state, provincial, territorial or local regulatory authorities or self-regulatory organizations; adverse changes in regulatory requirements in relation to our business and products; legal or regulatory obstacles that could prevent us from being able to exercise the PharmaCann Option and thereby realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction with PharmaCann; dilution of our fully diluted ownership of PharmaCann and the loss of our rights as a result of that dilution; our failure to improve our internal control environment and our systems, processes and procedures; and the factors discussed under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Annual Report and under Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Reports. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements.
24
Table of Contents
Forward-Looking Statements are provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding our financial performance, financial position and cash flows as of and for periods ended on certain dates and to present information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future, and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these Forward-Looking Statements because of their inherent uncertainty and to appreciate the limited purposes for which they are being used by management. While we believe that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-Looking Statements are made as of the date they are made and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on that date. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any Forward-Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such Forward-Looking Statements. The Forward-Looking Statements contained in this Quarterly Report and other reports we file with, or furnish to, the SEC and other regulatory agencies and made by our directors, officers, other employees and other persons authorized to speak on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
Foreign currency exchange rates
All currency amounts in this Quarterly Report are stated in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency, unless otherwise noted. All references to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations are translated into dollars at the exchange rate in effect as of March 31, 2024, March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2023. Transactions affecting the shareholders’ equity (deficit) are translated at historical foreign exchange rates. The condensed consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows of our foreign operations are translated into dollars by applying the average foreign exchange rate in effect for the reporting period as reported on Bloomberg.
The exchange rates used to translate from Canadian dollars (“C$”) to dollars is shown below:
(Exchange rates are shown as C$ per $) As of
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 December 31, 2023
Spot rate 1.3532 1.3516 1.3243
Year-to-date average rate 1.3479 1.3520 N/A
The exchange rates used to translate from New Israeli Shekels (“ILS”) to dollars is shown below:
(Exchange rates are shown as ILS per $) As of
March 31, 2024 March 31, 2023 December 31, 2023
Spot rate 3.6887 3.5966 3.6163
Year-to-date average rate 3.6617 3.5319 N/A
Business Overview
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 ® .
Strategy
Cronos seeks to create value for shareholders by focusing on four core strategic priorities:
• growing a portfolio of iconic brands that responsibly elevate the consumer experience;
• developing a diversified global sales and distribution network;
• establishing an efficient global supply chain; and
• creating and monetizing disruptive intellectual property.
25
Table of Contents
Discontinued Operations
In the second quarter of 2023, Cronos exited its U.S. hemp-derived cannabinoid product operations. The exit of the U.S. operations represented a strategic shift that has a major effect on Cronos’ operations and financial results, and as such, qualifies for reporting as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to reflect the discontinued operations classification of the U.S. operations. For further detail on the discontinuation of the U.S. operations, see Note 2 “Discontinued Operations” to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
Business Segments
Beginning in the second quarter of 2023, following the exit of our U.S. operations, Cronos is reporting through one consolidated segment, which includes operations in both Canada and Israel. In Canada, Cronos operates one wholly owned license holder under the Cannabis Act (Canada) (the “Cannabis Act”), Peace Naturals Project Inc. (“Peace Naturals”), which has production facilities near Stayner, Ontario. In Israel, the Company operates under the IMC-GAP, IMC-GMP and IMC-GDP certifications required for the cultivation, production and marketing of dried flower, pre-rolls and oils in the Israeli medical market.
Recent Developments
Middle East Conflict
Cronos continues to monitor the Middle East Conflict and potential impacts the Middle East Conflict could have on the Company’s personnel and business in Israel and the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities related to the Company’s operations in Israel. The extent to which the Middle East Conflict may impact the Company’s personnel, business and activities will depend on future developments which remain highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. It is possible that the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities related to the Company’s operations in Israel could change materially in the near term.
Brand and Product Portfolio
Throughout the first quarter of 2024, the Company expanded its brand and product portfolio in Canada with the following select new products:
• Lord Jones ® Live Resin vapes, offered in both all-in-one and 510 thread formats, offering flavorful full spectrum 100% pure live resin
• Lord Jones ® Chocolate Fusions edibles, a multi-dimensional cannabis experience with three layers of creamy chocolate, crunchy inclusions and a chewy core
• Spinach ® Fully Charged Party Pack infused pre-rolls infused with cold-filtered cannabis extract and coated in kief
• Spinach ® Stix pre-rolls, Cronos’ new cylindrical style pre-roll, offered in a 10-pack
• Spinach ® all-in-one disposable vapes, Spinach Hitz, which offer convenience and sampling ease
• Spinach ® Atomic Sour Grapefruit 28g flower
• SOURZ by Spinach ® Fully Blasted edibles, featuring 10mg of THC in one piece, launched in three flavors, Cherry Lime, Pink Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Watermelon
In May, Cronos entered the UK, with its first shipment of cannabis flower under the PEACE NATURALS ® medical brand. The Company has partnered with GROW ® Pharma, a leading distributor of prescribed cannabis medicinal products in Europe and the UK. Cronos expects to provide cannabis products to patients in the UK through its partnership with GROW ® Pharma.
Appointments
On April 2, 2024, Adam Wagner was appointed Senior Vice President, Head of Cronos Israel. Mr. Wagner will oversee the business and strategy of Cronos Israel. Before becoming Head of Cronos Israel, he was the Vice President of Finance at Cronos Israel managing Cronos Israel finance department. Before joining Cronos, Adam worked as a Director of Finance at Motus GI, a publicly traded medical device company, where he oversaw the Israel-based finance department. Prior to Motus GI, Adam was a Finance Manager at Medtronic, a publicly traded medical equipment manufacturer, where he oversaw the Israel-based finance department. Prior to Medtronic’s acquisitions, Adam was the Corporate Controller for Mazor Robotics, a dual listed public medical device company. Adam began his career as a Senior Auditor at EY managing a team that performed audits for various publicly traded and private companies. Adam is a Certified Public Accountant (Israel).
26
Table of Contents
Consolidated Results of Operations
The tables below set forth our condensed consolidated results of operations, expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars for the periods presented. Our condensed consolidated financial results for these periods are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated financial results that we will achieve in future periods .
(in thousands of USD) Three months ended March 31,
2024 2023
Net revenue, before excise taxes $ 35,367 $ 26,554
Excise taxes (10,079) (7,059)
Net revenue 25,288 19,495
Cost of sales 20,805 16,568
Gross profit 4,483 2,927
Operating expenses
Sales and marketing 5,332 5,741
Research and development 997 2,039
General and administrative 8,907 11,856
Restructuring costs 83 —
Share-based compensation 2,015 2,535
Depreciation and amortization 1,123 1,525
Impairment loss on long-lived assets 1,974 —
Total operating expenses 20,431 23,696
Operating loss (15,948) (20,769)
Other income 12,906 1,298
Income tax benefit
558 1,436
Loss from discontinued operations — (1,222)
Net loss (2,484) (19,257)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest (243) (88)
Net loss attributable to Cronos Group $ (2,241) $ (19,169)
Summary of select financial results
(in thousands of USD) Three months ended March 31, Change
2024 2023 $ %
Net revenue $ 25,288 $ 19,495 $ 5,793 30 %
Cost of sales 20,805 16,568 4,237 26 %
Gross profit 4,483 2,927 1,556 53 %
Gross margin (i)
18 % 15 % N/A 3 pp
(i) Gross margin is defined as gross profit divided by net revenue.
Net revenue
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we reported consolidated net revenue of $25.3 million, representing an increase of $5.8 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher cannabis flower and extract sales in the Canadian adult-use market and higher cannabis flower sales in Israel, partially offset by an adverse price/mix in the Canadian cannabis flower category driving increased excise tax payments as a percentage of revenue.
Cost of sales
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we reported consolidated cost of sales of $20.8 million, representing an increase of $4.2 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher cannabis flower and extract sales in the Canadian adult-use market and higher cannabis flower sales in Israel, partially offset by favorable labor, overhead and inventory variances.
27
Table of Contents
Gross profit
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we reported gross profit of $4.5 million, representing an increase of $1.6 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher cannabis flower and extract sales in the Canadian adult-use market, higher cannabis flower sales in Israel and favorable labor, overhead and inventory variances, partially offset by an adverse price/mix in the Canadian cannabis flower category driving increased excise tax payments as a percentage of revenue.
Operating expenses
Three months ended March 31, Change
2024 2023 $ %
Sales and marketing $ 5,332 $ 5,741 $ (409) (7) %
Research and development 997 2,039 (1,042) (51) %
General and administrative 8,907 11,856 (2,949) (25) %
Restructuring costs 83 — 83 N/M
Share-based payments 2,015 2,535 (520) (21) %
Depreciation and amortization 1,123 1,525 (402) (26) %
Impairment loss on long-lived assets 1,974 — 1,974 N/A
Total operating expenses $ 20,431 $ 23,696 $ (3,265) (14) %
Sales and marketing
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, sales and marketing expenses were $5.3 million, representing a decrease of $0.4 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower advertising and marketing spend.
Research and development
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, research and development expenses were $1.0 million, representing a decrease of $1.0 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower costs associated with the collaboration and license agreement between Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (“Ginkgo”) and the Company.
General and administrative
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, general and administrative expenses were $8.9 million, representing a decrease of $2.9 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower professional fees, largely related to financial statement review costs, and lower bonus, payroll and insurance costs.
Restructuring costs
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, restructuring costs were $0.1 million, compared to zero for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For further information, see Note 6 “ Restructuring ” to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
Share-based compensation
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, share-based compensation expense was $2.0 million, representing a decrease of $0.5 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to headcount reductions that occurred in the prior year.
Depreciation and amortization
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, depreciation and amortization expenses were $1.1 million, representing a decrease of $0.4 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower amortization on Ginkgo-related intangible assets and lower depreciation on property, plant and equipment.
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, impairment loss on long-lived assets was $2.0 million and was primarily due to the cessation of operations at Cronos Fermentation during Q1 2024. There was no such impairment loss on long-lived assets for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For further information, see Note 6 “ Restructuring ” to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
28
Table of Contents
Other income and income tax benefit
Three months ended March 31, Change
2024 2023 $ %
Interest income, net $ 14,245 $ 11,175 $ 3,070 27 %
Loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities (18) (65) 47 72 %
Share of income (loss) from equity method investments 1,448 (496) 1,944 N/M
Loss on revaluation of financial instruments (2,642) (7,758) 5,116 66 %
Impairment loss on other investments (12,734) — (12,734) N/M
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) 13,259 (1,643) 14,902 N/M
Other, net (652) 85 (737) N/M
Total other income 12,906 1,298 11,608 894 %
Income tax benefit 558 1,436 (878) (61) %
Loss from continuing operations (2,484) (18,035) 15,551 86 %
Loss from discontinued operations — (1,222) 1,222 N/M
Net loss
$ (2,484) $ (19,257) $ 16,773 87 %
(i) “N/M” is defined as not meaningful.
Interest income, net
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, interest income, net was $14.2 million, representing an increase of $3.1 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to higher interest rates in the current period compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities was $18 thousand, representing a decreased loss of $47 thousand from the three months ended March 31, 2023. We expect continued changes in derivative valuations as our share price fluctuates period to period and the remaining expected terms of our derivative instruments change over time.
Share of income (loss) from equity method investments
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, our share of income from equity method investments was $1.4 million, representing an increase of $1.9 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was due to higher income pick-ups from our equity method investment in Cronos GrowCo. Periodic income and loss pickups from our equity method investment in Cronos GrowCo are impacted both by the profitability of Cronos GrowCo and any unsold inventory remaining at Cronos that originated from Cronos GrowCo.
Loss on revaluation of financial instruments
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the loss on revaluation of financial instruments was $2.6 million, representing an improvement of $5.1 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The change was primarily related to the change in fair value of our investment in Vitura Health Limited (“Vitura”). For further information, see Note 4 “ Investments ” to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
Impairment loss on other investments
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we recognized $12.7 million of impairment loss on other investments, driven by an impairment charge recorded on our PharmaCann Option for the difference between its estimated fair value and its carrying amount. There was no such impairment loss on other investments for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For further information, see Note 4 “ Investments ” to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, foreign currency translation gain was $13.3 million, representing an improvement of $14.9 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The change was primarily due to certain foreign currency-denominated cash equivalents and certain foreign currency-denominated intercompany loans anticipated to be settled in the foreseeable future.
Other, net
Other, net primarily includes gains and losses on the disposal of assets.
29
Table of Contents
Income tax benefit
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, income tax benefit was $0.6 million, compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decreased benefit was driven by lower current income tax benefits recorded on the losses that will be carried back to recover taxes paid in prior years.
Loss from discontinued operations
There was no activity in discontinued operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, loss from discontinued operations was due to the exit of U.S. operations. For more information, see Note 2 “ Discontinued Operations ” in our condensed consolidated interim financial statements under Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
Non-GAAP Measures
Cronos Group reports its financial results in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). This Quarterly Report refers to measures not recognized under U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP measures”). These non-GAAP measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these non-GAAP measures are provided as a supplement to corresponding U.S. GAAP measures to provide additional information regarding the results of operations from management’s perspective. Accordingly, non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All non-GAAP measures presented in this Quarterly Report are reconciled to their closest reported U.S. GAAP measure. Reconciliations of historical adjusted financial measures to corresponding U.S. GAAP measures are provided below.
Adjusted EBITDA
Management reviews Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, which excludes non-cash items and items that do not reflect management’s assessment of ongoing business performance. Management defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization adjusted for: share of (income) loss from equity method investments; impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets; impairment loss on long-lived assets; (gain) loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities; (gain) loss on revaluation of financial instruments; transaction costs related to strategic projects; impairment loss on other investments; foreign currency transaction loss; other, net; loss from discontinued operations; restructuring costs; inventory write-downs resulting from restructuring actions; share-based compensation; and financial statement review costs and reserves related to the restatements of our 2019 and 2021 interim financial statements (the “Restatements”), including the costs related to the settlement of the SEC’s and the Ontario Securities Commission’s (“OSC”) investigations of the Restatements and legal costs defending shareholder class action complaints brought against us as a result of the 2019 restatement (see Part II, Item 1 “Legal Proceedings” of this Quarterly Report for a discussion of the shareholder class action complaints relating to the restatement of the 2019 interim financial statements and the settlement of the SEC’s and the OSC’s investigations of the Restatements). Results are reported as total consolidated results, reflecting our reporting structure of one reportable segment.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides the most useful insight into underlying business trends and results and provides a more meaningful comparison of period-over-period results. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA for planning, forecasting and evaluating business and financial performance, including allocating resources and evaluating results relative to employee compensation targets.
30
Table of Contents
Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to net income (loss) as follows:
Three months ended March 31, 2024
Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Total
Net loss
$ (2,484) $ — $ (2,484)
Interest income, net (14,245) — (14,245)
Income tax benefit (558) — (558)
Depreciation and amortization 1,731 — 1,731
EBITDA (15,556) — (15,556)
Share of income from equity method investments
(1,448) — (1,448)
Impairment loss on long-lived assets
1,974 — 1,974
Loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities (i)
18 — 18
Loss on revaluation of financial instruments (ii)
2,642 — 2,642
Impairment loss on other investments (iii)
12,734 — 12,734
Foreign currency transaction gain (13,259) — (13,259)
Other, net (iv)
652 — 652
Restructuring costs (v)
83 — 83
Share-based compensation (vi)
2,015 — 2,015
Financial statement review costs (vii)
(524) — (524)
Adjusted EBITDA $ (10,669) $ — $ (10,669)
Three months ended March 31, 2023
Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Total
Net loss $ (18,035) $ (1,222) $ (19,257)
Interest income, net (11,175) (5) (11,180)
Income tax benefit (1,436) — (1,436)
Depreciation and amortization 2,276 129 2,405
EBITDA (28,370) (1,098) (29,468)
Share of loss from equity method investments 496 — 496
Loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities (i)
65 — 65
Loss on revaluation of financial instruments (ii)
7,758 — 7,758
Foreign currency transaction loss 1,643 — 1,643
Other, net (iv)
(85) — (85)
Share-based compensation (vi)
2,535 16 2,551
Financial statement review costs (vii)
276 — 276
Adjusted EBITDA $ (15,682) $ (1,082) $ (16,764)
(i) For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, loss on revaluation of derivative liabilities represents the fair value changes on the derivative liabilities.
(ii) For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, loss on revaluation of financial instruments related primarily to the Company’s equity securities in Vitura.
(iii) For the three months ended March 31, 2024, loss on other investments represents the fair value change on the PharmaCann Option.
(iv) For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, other, net related to (gain) loss on disposal of assets.
(v) For the three months ended March 31, 2024, restructuring costs from continuing operations related to employee-related severance costs and other restructuring costs associated with the Realignment, as described in Note 6 “ Restructuring.
(vi) For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, share-based compensation related to the non-cash expenses of share-based compensation awarded to employees under the Company’s share-based award plans as described in Note 7 “ Share-based Compensation. ”
(vii) For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, financial statement review costs include costs and reserves taken related to the Restatements, costs related to the Company’s responses to requests for information from various regulatory authorities relating to the Restatements and legal costs incurred defending shareholder class action complaints brought against the Company as a result of the 2019 restatement. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, a credit balance is presented due to an insurance recovery.
31
Table of Contents
Constant Currency
To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we have presented constant currency adjusted financial measures for net revenues, gross profit, gross profit margin, operating expenses, net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as well as cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment balances as of March 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023, which are considered non-GAAP financial measures. We present constant currency information to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying operations performed excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations. To present this information, current and comparative prior period income statement results in currencies other than U.S. dollars are converted into U.S. dollars using the average exchange rates from the three month comparative period in 2023 rather than the actual average exchange rates in effect during the respective current periods; constant currency current and prior comparative balance sheet information is translated at the prior year-end spot rate rather than the current period spot rate. All growth comparisons relate to the corresponding period in 2023. We have provided this non-GAAP financial information to aid investors in better understanding the performance of our operations. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this Quarterly Report should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. See further discussion on foreign currency risk as noted in Item 3 “ Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”
The table below sets forth certain measures of consolidated results from continuing operations on a constant currency basis for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 as well as cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, both on an as-reported and constant currency basis (in thousands):
As Reported As Adjusted for Constant Currency
Three months ended March 31, As Reported Change Three months ended March 31, Constant Currency Change
2024 2023 $ % 2024 $ %
Net revenue $ 25,288 $ 19,495 $ 5,793 30 % $ 25,505 $ 6,010 31 %
Gross profit 4,483 2,927 1,556 53 % 4,549 1,622 55 %
Gross margin 18 % 15 % N/A 3 pp 18 % N/A 3 pp
Operating expenses 20,431 23,696 (3,265) (14) % 20,475 (3,221) (14) %
Net loss from continuing operations
(2,484) (18,035) 15,551 86 % (2,481) 15,554 86 %
Adjusted EBITDA (10,669) (15,682) 5,013 32 % (10,645) 5,037 32 %
As of March 31, 2024 As of December 31, As Reported Change As of December 31, Constant Currency Change
2024 2023 $ % 2024 $ %
Cash and cash equivalents $ 855,114 $ 669,291 $ 185,823 28 % $ 856,236 $ 186,945 28 %
Short-term investments — 192,237 (192,237) (100) % — (192,237) (100) %
Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 855,114 $ 861,528 $ (6,414) (1) % $ 856,236 $ (5,292) (1) %
32
Table of Contents
Net revenue
As Reported As Adjusted for Constant Currency
Three months ended March 31, As Reported Change Three months ended March 31, Constant Currency Change
2024 2023 $ % 2024 $ %
Cannabis flower $ 17,525 $ 13,128 $ 4,397 33 % $ 17,755 $ 4,627 35 %
Cannabis extracts 7,727 6,301 1,426 23 % 7,714 1,413 22 %
Other 36 66 (30) (45) % 36 (30) (45) %
Net revenue $ 25,288 $ 19,495 $ 5,793 30 % $ 25,505 $ 6,010 31 %
As Reported As Adjusted for Constant Currency
Three months ended March 31, As Reported Change Three months ended March 31, Constant Currency Change
2024 2023 $ % 2024 $ %
Canada $ 18,871 $ 14,434 $ 4,437 31 % $ 18,835 $ 4,401 30 %
Israel 6,417 5,061 1,356 27 % 6,670 1,609 32 %
Net revenue $ 25,288 $ 19,495 $ 5,793 30 % $ 25,505 $ 6,010 31 %
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net revenue on a constant currency basis was $25.5 million, representing a 31% increase from the three months ended March 31, 2023. On a constant currency basis, net revenue increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to higher cannabis flower and extract sales in the Canadian adult-use market and higher cannabis flower sales in Israel, partially offset by an adverse price/mix in the Canadian cannabis flower category driving increased excise tax payments as a percentage of revenue.
Gross profit
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, gross profit on a constant currency basis was $4.5 million, representing a 55% increase from the three months ended March 31, 2023. On a constant currency basis, gross profit increased for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to higher cannabis flower and extract sales in the Canadian adult-use market and higher cannabis flower sales in Israel and favorable labor, overhead and inventory variances, partially offset by an adverse price/mix in the Canadian cannabis flower category driving increased excise tax payments as a percentage of revenue.
Operating expenses
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, operating expenses on a constant currency basis were $20.5 million, representing a 14% decrease from the three months ended March 31, 2023. On a constant currency basis, operating expenses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to lower advertising and marketing spend, lower costs associated with the achievement of Ginkgo milestones, lower professional fees, largely related to financial statement review costs, and lower bonus, payroll and insurance costs.
Net income (loss)
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net income on a constant currency basis was $2.5 million, representing an improvement of $15.6 million from the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA on a constant currency basis was $(10.6) million, representing a 32% improvement from the three months ended March 31, 2023. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 on a constant currency basis was driven by higher cannabis flower and extract sales in the Canadian adult-use market, higher cannabis flower sales in Israel, decreases in general and administrative expenses and lower costs associated with the achievement of Ginkgo milestones, partially offset by an adverse price/mix in Canada in the cannabis flower category driving increased excise tax payments as a percentage of revenue.
Cash and cash equivalents & short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments on a constant currency basis decreased 1% to $856.2 million as of March 31, 2024 from $861.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments is primarily due to cash flows used in operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
33
Table of Contents
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2024, we had $855.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and no short-term investments. We believe that the existing cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund the business operations and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. The following table summarizes the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
(In thousands of U.S. dollars) Three months ended March 31, 2024
2024 2023
Cash flows used in operating activities $ (2,204) $ (47,693)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
189,556 (303,812)
Cash flows used in financing activities (645) (743)
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents (884) 1,271
Net change in cash $ 185,823 $ (350,977)
Comparison of cash flows between the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the three months ended March 31, 2023
Operating activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we used $2.2 million of cash in operating activities as compared to cash used of $47.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2023, representing a decrease in cash used of $45.5 million. This change is primarily driven by a $12.3 million increase in net income after adjusting for non-cash items during the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023, a $32.8 million decrease in income taxes payable in the prior period as a result of a tax payment connected to the previously disclosed relinquishment by Altria of its warrant to purchase additional shares of the Company, higher interest received and lower increases in inventory, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable, net and a decrease in accounts payable.
Investing activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we generated $189.6 million of cash in investing activities, compared to $303.8 million of cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023, representing a change of $493.4 million. This change is primarily driven by the maturity of certain short-term investments, which were reinvested as cash equivalents upon maturity in the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Financing activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, cash used in financing activities was $0.6 million, compared to $0.7 million of cash used in financing activities during three months ended March 31, 2023, representing a decrease of $0.1 million in cash used in financing activities. This change is primarily driven by a decrease of $0.1 million in withholding taxes paid on share-based awards during three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to three months ended March 31, 2023.
Cash Requirements
The Company’s cash requirements have not changed significantly since the filing of the Annual Report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report. Our critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed significantly since the filing of the Annual Report.
34
Table of Contents
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.