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EDMONTON, AB, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Aurora Cannabis Inc. (the "Company" or "Aurora") (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the future of cannabinoids worldwide, today announced its financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.
"We continue to enhance the long-term value of our differentiated global cannabis business by quickly identifying highly profitable growth opportunities, deploying capital in a disciplined manner, and continuing to rationalize our cost structure. We remain the #1 Canadian LP in global medical cannabis revenues and expect this high margin, high growth segment to be a key driver for future profitability. We continue to expect a positive adjusted EBITDA run rate by December 31, 2022 and remain on track with our previously announced cost saving targets of up to $170 million in annualized savings. Furthermore, our strengthened balance sheet enabled an early repurchase of $155.3 million in convertible debt during Q4 2022, while providing us with the ability to pursue strategic and accretive acquisitions. These include our purchase of a controlling interest in Bevo Farms, one of the largest suppliers of propagated vegetables and ornamental plants in North America, and Thrive Cannabis, which is widely known for its award-winning recreational brand, Greybeard," stated Miguel Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Aurora.
"During fiscal 2022, our international medical cannabis net revenues increased by over 70%; our leadership in key markets such as Germany, UK, Australia and Poland demonstrates our unique, portable and profitable international medical program. We are beginning to see signs of stabilization in our Canadian adult recreational segment and are excited about the contributions from the Thrive acquisition which continues to advance our premiumization strategy. Finally, our investment in science is beginning to pay dividends; we delivered nine new proprietary cultivars to market during the year, providing rotation and variety to consumers and driving meaningful improvements in yield," he concluded.
Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights
(Unless otherwise stated, comparisons are made between fiscal Q4 2022, Q3 2022, and Q4 2021 results and are in Canadian dollars)
Medical Cannabis:
Consumer Cannabis:
Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A"):
Consolidated:
Net loss for Q4 2022 was $618.8 million compared to $134.0 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in net loss was primarily due to non-cash impairment charges of $505.1 million recorded in other income (expense) during the current quarter to write-down goodwill, intangibles assets and property, plant and equipment. The impairment charges were triggered by changes in cannabis market conditions, and in the current capital market environment including higher rates of borrowing and lower foreign exchange rates.
Operational Efficiency Plan, Balance Sheet Strength, & Cash Use:Aurora has previously identified annualized cash savings of up to $170 million in cash savings under this transformation program by the end December 2022, split approximately evenly between costs of goods sold ("COGS") and SG&A. Projected COGS savings include the repurposing of the Aurora Sky facility in Edmonton, in keeping with our diversified business portfolio, a prudent approach to capital allocation, and focusing on higher margin categories in the Canadian adult-use market. These cash savings will be reflected in our P&L either as they occur within SG&A savings, or as inventory is drawn down for production-related savings.
At June 30, 2022, the Company had $488.8 million of cash, including $51.0 million in restricted cash, and no secured term debt.
During Q4 2022, the Company completed an offering of 70,408,750 units of the Company ("June 2022 Offering") for gross proceeds of approximately US$172.5 million. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant ("June 2022 Offering Warrant") of the Company. Each June 2022 Offering Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of US$2.45 per warrant share until June 1, 2025. The Company issued an additional 488,639 Common Shares of the Company during Q4 2022 for gross proceeds of US$1.5 million under the ATM Program.
As of June 30, 2022, the Company has access to US$713.7 million under the 2021 Shelf Prospectus, including the balance of US$186.2 million pursuant to the ATM Program. At management's discretion, Aurora may sell shares under the ATM Program from time to time to be utilized for strategic purposes.
Fiscal 2023 will comprise of three quarters, with the new fiscal year end being March 31, 2023.
The Company continues to materially improve cash use, as outlined in the following table:
($ thousands) | Q4 2022 | Q3 2022 | Q4 2021 |
Cash, Opening (1) | $480,552 | $383,753 | $520,238 |
Cash used in operations, including working capital | -$22,491 | -$39,303 | -$7,840 |
Capital expenditures and investments, net of disposals and | -$7,168 | $9,879 | $6,230 |
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired | -$24,467 | - | - |
Debt and interest payments | -$147,580 | -$12,947 | -$90,141 |
Cash use | -$201,706 | -$42,371 | -$91,751 |
Proceeds raised from sale of marketable securities and | - | - | $11,929 |
Proceeds raised through debt | - | - | - |
Proceeds raised through equity financing | $209,933 | $139,170 | $435 |
Cash raised | $209,933 | $139,170 | $12,364 |
Cash, Ending (1) | $488,779 | $480,552 | $440,851 |
(1) | Includes restricted cash of $50M at Q4 2022, $50.7M at Q3 2022, and $19.4M at Q4 2021. |
Key Quarterly Financial and Operating Results
($ thousands, except Operational Results) | Q4 2022 | Q4 2021 | $ Change | % Change | Q3 2022 | $ Change | % Change |
Financial Results | |||||||
Total net revenue (1)(2) | $50,215 | $54,825 | ($4,610) | (8 %) | $50,434 | ($219) | 0 % |
Medical cannabis net revenue (1)(2) | $36,570 | $35,022 | $1,548 | 4 % | $39,359 | ($2,789) | (7 %) |
Consumer cannabis net revenue (1)(2) | $12,638 | $19,514 | ($6,876) | (35 %) | $10,339 | $2,299 | 22 % |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments on | 47 % | 54 % | N/A | (7 %) | 54 % | N/A | (7 %) |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments on | 52 % | 54 % | N/A | (2 %) | 57 % | N/A | (5 %) |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments on | 62 % | 68 % | N/A | (6 %) | 64 % | N/A | (2 %) |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments on | 26 % | 31 % | N/A | (5 %) | 29 % | N/A | (3 %) |
SG&A expense(5) | $46,890 | $46,902 | ($12) | 0 % | $39,630 | $7,260 | 18 % |
R&D expense | $2,456 | $3,034 | ($578) | (19 %) | $2,637 | ($181) | (7 %) |
Adjusted EBITDA (2)(6) | ($12,852) | ($21,821) | $8,969 | 41 % | ($11,367) | ($1,485) | (13 %) |
Balance Sheet | |||||||
Working capital | $599,893 | $549,517 | $50,376 | 9 % | $577,566 | $22,327 | 4 % |
Cannabis inventory and biological assets (3) | $127,836 | $120,297 | $7,539 | 6 % | $118,729 | $9,107 | 8 % |
Total assets | $1,084,356 | $2,604,731 | ($1,520,375) | (58 %) | $1,570,252 | ($485,896) | (31) % |
Operational Results – Cannabis | |||||||
Average net selling price of dried cannabis | $5.10 | $5.11 | ($0.01) | 0 % | $5.41 | ($0.31) | (6) % |
Kilograms sold (4) | 13,130 | 11,346 | 1,784 | 16 % | 9,722 | 3,408 | 35 % |
(1) | Includes the impact of actual and expected product returns and price adjustments (Q4 2022 - $1.8 million; Q3 2022 - $0.4 million; Q4 2021 - $0.7 million). |
(2) | This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, which are intended to supplement, not substitute for, comparable GAAP financial measures. See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. |
(3) | Represents total biological assets and cannabis inventory, exclusive of merchandise, accessories, supplies and consumables. |
(4) | The kilograms sold is offset by the grams returned during the period. |
(5) | Includes $6.8 million of restructuring related costs (Q3 2022 - $2.0 million, Q4 2021 - $5.2 million), $2.3 million of prior period employee-related accruals (Q3 2022 - $0.7 million, Q4 2021 - nil) and $1.1 in non-recurring project and litigation costs (Q3 2022 — million, Q4 2021 - nil). |
(6) | Prior period comparatives were recast to include the adjustment for non-core, non-recurring adjusted wholesale bulk cannabis margins to be comparable to the current quarter as follows: Q3 2022 - $0.9 million; and Q4 2021 - $1.4 million. |
Aurora will host a conference call today, Tuesday, September 20, 2022, to discuss these results. Miguel Martin, Chief Executive Officer, and Glen Ibbott, Chief Financial Officer, will host the call starting at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time | 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation.
Conference Call Details
DATE: | Tuesday, September 20, 2022 |
TIME: | 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time | 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time |
WEBCAST: |
This weblink has also been posted to the Company's "Investor Info" link at https://investor.auroramj.com/ under "News & Events".
About AuroraAurora is a global leader in the cannabis industry, serving both the medical and consumer markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis, dedicated to helping people improve their lives. The Company's adult-use brand portfolio includes Aurora Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, Whistler, Being and Greybeard, as well as CBD brands, Reliva and KG7. Medical cannabis brands include MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co. Aurora also has a controlling interest in Bevo Farms, North America's leading supplier of propagated agricultural plants. Driven by science and innovation, and with a focus on high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and adult recreational markets wherever they are launched. Learn more at www.auroramj.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Aurora's common shares trade on the NASDAQ and TSX under the symbol "ACB".
Forward Looking StatementsThis news release includes statements containing certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Forward looking information or statements contained in this news release have been developed based on assumptions management considers to be reasonable. Material factors or assumptions involved in developing forward-looking statements include, without limitation, publicly available information from governmental sources as well as from market research and industry analysis and on assumptions based on data and knowledge of this industry which the Company believes to be reasonable. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects, opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to retain key personnel, the ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support growth, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, the continued quality of our products, customer experience and retention, the development of third party government and non-government consumer sales channels, management's estimates of consumer demand in Canada and in jurisdictions where the Company exports, expectations of future results and expenses, the risk of successful integration of acquired business and operations, management's estimation that SG&A will grow only in proportion of revenue growth, the ability to expand and maintain distribution capabilities, the impact of competition, the general impact of financial market conditions, the yield from cannabis growing operations, product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, and the possibility for changes in laws, rules, and regulations in the industry, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the current outbreak of COVID-19, and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated September 20, 2022 (the "AIF") and filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed with and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.
Non-GAAP MeasuresThis news release contains reference to certain financial performance measures that are not recognized or defined under IFRS (termed "Non-GAAP Measures"). As a result, this data may not be comparable to data presented by other licensed producers of cannabis and cannabis companies. Non-GAAP Measures in this news release include "adjusted EBITDA", "net revenue", "adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments" and "adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments".
For an explanation of each measure to related comparable financial information presented in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, refer to the section of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 (the "MD&A") entitled "Cautionary Statement Regarding Certain Non-GAAP Performance Measures", which is incorporated by reference into this news release. A copy of the MD&A is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Non-GAAP Measures should be considered together with other data prepared in accordance with IFRS to enable investors to evaluate the Company's operating results, underlying performance and prospects in a manner similar to Aurora's management. Accordingly, the Non-GAAP Measures included in this news release are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Net Revenue, Adjusted Gross Profit and Margin
Net revenue, adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments and adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments are Non-GAAP Measures and can be reconciled with gross profit and gross margin, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, respectively, as follows:
$ thousands) | Medical | Consumer | Total Core | Non-Core | Total |
Three months ended June 30, 2022 | |||||
Gross revenue | 39,553 | 16,994 | 56,547 | 1,007 | 57,554 |
Excise taxes | (2,983) | (4,356) | (7,339) | 0 | (7,339) |
Net revenue | 36,570 | 12,638 | 49,208 | 1,007 | 50,215 |
Non-recurring revenue adjustments (1) | 1,023 | 1,023 | 1,023 | ||
Adjusted net revenue | 36,570 | 13,661 | 50,231 | 1,007 | 51,238 |
Cost of sales | (23,237) | (17,700) | (40,937) | (6,323) | (47,260) |
Gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments | 13,333 | (4,039) | 9,294 | (5,316) | 3,978 |
Depreciation | 3,489 | 2,506 | 5,995 | 816 | 6,811 |
Inventory impairment, non-recurring, and out-of-period | 5,747 | 5,118 | 10,865 | 2,230 | 13,095 |
Adjusted gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments | 22,569 | 3,585 | 26,154 | (2,270) | 23,884 |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments | 62 % | 26 % | 52 % | (228 %) | 47 % |
Three months ended March 31, 2022 | |||||
Gross revenue | 42,262 | 13,869 | 56,131 | 736 | 56,867 |
Excise taxes | (2,903) | (3,530) | (6,433) | 0 | (6,433) |
Net revenue | 39,359 | 10,339 | 49,698 | 736 | 50,434 |
Cost of sales | (31,275) | (23,242) | (54,517) | (5,920) | (60,437) |
Gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments | 8,084 | (12,903) | (4,819) | (5,184) | (10,003) |
Depreciation | 4,198 | 2,165 | 6,363 | 482 | 6,845 |
Inventory impairment, non-recurring, and out-of-period | 12,873 | 13,749 | 26,622 | 3,806 | 30,428 |
Adjusted gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments | 25,155 | 3,011 | 28,166 | (896) | 27,270 |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments | 64 % | 29 % | 57 % | (122 %) | 54 % |
Three months ended June 30, 2021 | |||||
Gross revenue | 38,076 | 26,037 | 64,113 | 289 | 64,402 |
Excise taxes | (3,054) | (6,523) | (9,577) | 0 | (9,577) |
Net revenue | 35,022 | 19,514 | 54,536 | 289 | 54,825 |
Out-of-period revenue adjustments (1) | — | 908 | 908 | — | 908 |
Adjusted net revenue | 35,022 | 20,422 | 55,444 | 289 | 55,733 |
Cost of sales | (17,558) | (19,726) | (37,284) | (331) | (37,615) |
Gross profit before FV adjustments | 17,464 | 696 | 18,160 | (42) | 18,118 |
Depreciation | 5,245 | 3,587 | 8,832 | 40 | 8,872 |
Inventory impairment, non-recurring, and out-of-period | 1,028 | 2,017 | 3,045 | — | 3,045 |
Adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments | 23,737 | 6,300 | 30,037 | (2) | 30,035 |
Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments | 68 % | 31 % | 54 % | (1 %) | 54 % |
(1) | Included in non-recurring and out-of-period adjustments are: Q4 2022 - $1.0 million and $(0.4) million related to expected returns on prior period revenues recorded in net revenues and cost of sales, respectively, $2.7 million related to a catch-up of prior period inventory adjustments, and $(0.5) million related to correction of prior quarter biological assets fair value inputs; Q3 2022 - $3.4 million related to correction of prior quarter biological assets fair value inputs; Q4 2021 - $0.9 million out-of-period revenue adjustment to reclassify prior period rebates against net revenue, and $5.5 million cost of sales adjustment related to a catch-up of prior year raw material count reconciliations. |
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP Measure and can be reconciled with net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, as follows:
($ thousands) | Three months ended | Year ended | |||
June 30, 2022 | March 31, | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2021 | |
Net income (loss) from continuing operations | (618,777) | (1,012,175) | (133,969) | (1,717,979) | (693,477) |
Non-operating expense (income) (1) | 18,151 | 16,292 | (8,508) | 22,038 | 31,684 |
Income tax expense (recovery) | (1,363) | (202) | (9,970) | (2,141) | (6,321) |
Depreciation and amortization | 18,595 | 18,647 | 22,956 | 83,067 | 87,276 |
Inventory and biological assets fair value adjustments | (1,435) | 4,186 | 4,565 | (12,599) | 9,529 |
Share-based compensation | 3,472 | 3,538 | 2,162 | 13,757 | 20,243 |
Acquisition costs | 3,720 | 585 | 4,657 | 4,689 | 5,761 |
Restructuring related charges (2) | 7,788 | 2,406 | — | 14,550 | 3,011 |
Out-of-period adjustments (3) | 1,833 | 4,074 | 66 | 5,873 | 1,325 |
Non-recurring items (4)(5) | 7,667 | 896 | (2,565) | 8,786 | (3,887) |
Asset impairments | 547,497 | 950,386 | 98,785 | 1,528,913 | 426,844 |
Adjusted EBITDA | (12,852) | (11,367) | (21,821) | (51,046) | (118,012) |
(1) | Non-operating expense (income) includes: interest and other income; finance and other costs; foreign exchange gain (loss); share of loss from investment in associates; government grant income; and fair value changes on derivative investments, derivative liabilities, contingent consideration, loss on extinguishment of derivative investment, Gain (loss) on disposal of assets held for sale and property, plant and equipment, provisions, Realized loss on repurchase of convertible debt, Other gain (loss), and (gain) loss on the modification of debt. Refer to Note 21 of the Financial Statements. |
(2) | Restructuring related charges includes costs related to closed facilities that are held for sale, legal contract termination fees, restructuring charges and severance associated with the business transformation plan and revenue provisions as a result of Company initiated product swap to replace low quality product with higher potency product at the provinces. |
(3) | Included in out-of-period adjustments in Q4 2022 are $2.3 million related to Health Canada regulatory fee catch-up accruals, and $(0.5) million related to out of period impact of changes to Q1-Q3 inputs into the biological assets fair value model; Q3 2022 - $3.4 million related to a correction of prior quarter biological assets fair value measurement and $0.7 million in prior period related professional services expenses; Q4 2021 are $5.5 million cost of sales adjustment related to a catch-up of prior year raw material count reconciliations, (ii) a $0.9 million out-of-period 2021 revenue adjustment to reclassify prior period rebates against net revenue; offset by (iii) a $6.4 million other gain relating to prior periods identified through our period end reconciliations. |
(4) | Included in non-recurring items in Q4 2022 are $2.3 million in non-core, non-recurring adjusted wholesale bulk cannabis margins; $0.3 million in litigation costs and $3.5 million in certain projects related to the Company's corporate reset and other costs that are non-recurring in nature. Included in YTD Q4 2022 are $3.4 million in non-core, non-recurring adjusted wholesale bulk cannabis margins (YTD Q4 2021 - $1.4 million), $0.3 million in litigation costs and $0.8 million in certain projects related to the Company's corporate reset and other costs that are non-recurring in nature. |
(5) | Prior period comparatives were recast to include the adjustment for non-core, non-recurring adjusted wholesale bulk cannabis margins to be comparable to the current quarter as follows: Q3 2022 - $0.9 million; Q4 2021 - $1.4 million; and YTD Q4 2021 - $1.4 million. |
___________________________ |
1 This news release includes certain Non-GAAP Measures (as defined below), which are intended to supplement, not substitute for, comparable GAAP financial measures. See "Non-GAAP Measures" below for reconciliations of each Non-GAAP Measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Non-GAAP Measures in this news release include "adjusted EBITDA", "net revenue", "adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments" and "adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments". |
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SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.