VANCOUVER, BC, May 10, 2022 /CNW/ – PRESS RELEASE – Village Farms International, Inc. today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Management Commentary
“The first quarter of 2022 once again demonstrated the strength and earnings power of both our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses,” said Michael DeGiglio, Chief Executive Officer, Village Farms International. “In what is a typically soft season for retail sales in Canada, both Pure Sunfarms and Rose gained share in their respective focus markets, and delivered a 14th consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA for Canadian Cannabis. Pure Sunfarms’ products continue to resonate with consumers, as our continued focus on quality, innovation and new product launches strengthen what has become one of the most respected and trusted brands in the Canadian market. In Quebec, we estimate that Rose is now a top three Licensed Producer by sales following strong market share gains since retail launch early last year. Rose is well positioned to continue this momentum throughout 2022, further benefitting from the many opportunities for collaboration with Pure Sunfarms. With our Canadian Cannabis business continuing to grow sales and market share domestically, we look forward to capitalizing on Pure Sunfarms’ recent EU GMP certification to commence exportation to international markets.
“Our U.S. Cannabis segment delivered a solid performance, highlighted by a strong gross margin and positive adjusted EBITDA contribution. The integration of Balanced Health into the Village Farms family is progressing very well and confirms our belief in both the potential within the existing cannabinoid business and the significant near- and long-term opportunities in both the low-THC and high-THC product categories.
“As our Cannabis operations continued to deliver strong growth and profitability, Village Farms Fresh (Produce) faced one of the most difficult macro environments in its history. Strong revenue growth was more than offset by the inflationary impact of freight, labor, fertilizer, packaging and other cost increases. An industry-wide supply imbalance limited the producer’s ability to pass along pricing to customers. We are evaluating new initiatives, including marketing partnerships to build more scale, spread costs and diversify product offerings. However, even in the currently negative EBITDA environment, we maintain the highest conviction that our U.S. cultivation footprint is a powerhouse opportunity for legal recreational cannabis when we can participate.”
DeGiglio concluded, “Consumer takeaway trends during the first quarter further validated our brand and cultivation strategies. We expect continued momentum throughout 2022 and beyond as each of our cannabis businesses continues to launch innovative new products that address evolving consumer demand. We remain focused on seizing opportunities to continue to deliver top-tier profitability and market share in the high-growth global cannabis market.”
First Quarter Financial Highlights
(All comparable periods are for First Quarter, 2021)
Consolidated
Consolidated sales increased 34% year-over-year to $70.2 million from $52.4 million;Consolidated net loss was ($6.5 million), or ($0.07) per share, compared with ($7.4 million), or ($0.10) per share; and,Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was negative ($6.1 million) compared with positive adjusted EBITDA of $0.4 million.
Cannabis
Total Cannabis segment net sales increased 65% year-over-year to $28.8 million, representing 41% of total Village Farms sales; and,Total Cannabis segment adjusted EBITDA increased 9% year-over-year to $2.7 million.
Canadian Cannabis (Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience) Financial Summary for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021
Canadian Cannabis net sales increased 25% year-over-growth with a gross margin of 34% (within the Company’s stated target range) and adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 million (C$2.7 million).
Canadian Cannabis Performance Summary
(millions except % metrics) Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 2021 Change of C$ C$ US$ C$ US$ Total Gross Sales $40.7 $32.1 $30.8 $24.3 +32% Total Net Sales $27.6 $21.8 $22.1 $17.5 +25% Total Cost of Sales 1$18.1 $14.3 $15.8 $12.5 +15% Gross Margin 1$9.5 $7.5 $6.3 $5.0 +50% Gross Margin % 134% 34% 29% 29% +17% SG&A $8.8 $6.9 $5.0 $4.0 -75% Share-based compensation $0.5 $0.4 $1.4 $1.1 +67% Net income (loss) $1.3 $1.0 ($3.6) ($2.8) +135% Adjusted EBITDA 2$2.7 $2.1 $3.1 $2.5 -15% Adjusted EBITDA Margin 2 10% 10% 14% 14% -29% Total cost of sales and gross margin for Q1 2022 excludes the (C$2,594) US$2,050 positive inventory adjustment and Q1 2021 excludes the C$3,493 (US$2,778) inventory adjustment charge from the revaluation of inventory to fair value at the acquisition date of November 2, 2020.Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure and does not have a standard meaning prescribed in by GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Measures” below.
Canadian Cannabis’ Percent of Sales by Product Group1
Three months ended
March 31, Channel 2022 2021 Retail, Flower 67% 71% Retail, Derivatives 8% 13% Wholesale, Flower and Trim 25% 16%
1. Excludes Rose LifeScience commission-based revenue.
U.S. Cannabis (Balanced Health Botanicals and VF Hemp)
U.S. Cannabis net sales were $7.0 million, with a gross margin of 67% and adjusted EBITDA of $0.6 million. There are no year-over-year comparisons since Balanced Health Botanicals was acquired by Village Farms on Aug. 16, 2021.
Village Farms Fresh (Produce)
Sales increased 19% to $41.4 million; and adjusted EBITDA was negative ($6.2 million).
Strategic Growth and Operational Highlights
Pure Sunfarms received EU GMP certification for its 1.1 million square foot Delta 3 cannabis production facility, permitting Pure Sunfarms to export EU GMP-certified medical cannabis to importers and distributors in international markets that require EU GMP certification;Pure Sunfarms launched 29 new SKUs across four product categories and remained the top-selling brand of dried flower products in key markets of Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia*;Based on third-party data, it is estimated Rose LifeScience is a top-three Licensed Producer in Quebec; and,The integrations of Balanced Health Botanicals (acquired in the third quarter of 2021) and Rose LifeScience (acquired in the fourth quarter of 2021) are proceeding well. Each company expanded its product offerings in the first quarter of 2022:Balanced Health’s brand, CBDistillery, launched its hemp extract in more than 1,000 Pet Smart stores in the U.S. through its partnership with leading pet supplement brand, Zesty Paws; and,Rose launched 14 new cannabis SKUs and shipments of own brands increased 85% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021.
*Based on OCS market data for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and sales information provided by Buddi retail store data from over 300 retailers across Alberta and British Columbia as of March 31, 2022.
Presentation of Financial Results
The Company’s financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2022, as well as the comparative periods for 2021, have been prepared and presented under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (“GAAP”). Balanced Health was acquired on Aug. 16, 2021 and their results are presented in the operations of our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company acquired 70% of Rose LifeScience on Nov.15, 2021 and their results are presented in the operations of our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries and the minority interest is presented in Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests, Net of Tax for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts, and unless otherwise noted)
Consolidated Financial Performance
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 (3) 2021 (3) Sales $ 70,156 $ 52,396 Cost of sales (60,252) (50,089) Gross margin 9,904 2,307 Selling, general and administrative expenses (16,971) (8,092) Share-based compensation (964) (1,998) Interest expense (683) (741) Interest income 110 3 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 319 (504) Other expense, net (8) (69) Gain on disposal of assets — — Recovery of income taxes 1,666 1,839 Loss from consolidated entities (6,627) (7,255) Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax 162 — Loss from equity method investments (52) (127) Net loss attributable to Village Farms International Inc. $ (6,517) $ (7,382) Adjusted EBITDA (4)$ (6,111) $ 404 Basic loss per share $ (0.07) $ (0.10) Diluted loss per share $ (0.07) $ (0.10)
4. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of the Company because it excludes non-recurring and other items that do not reflect our business performance. Adjusted EBITDA includes the Company’s 70% interest in Rose LifeScience since acquisition and 65% interest in VFH.
We caution that our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 may not be indicative of our future performance, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently unable to assess the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our results of operations for future periods.
Discussion of Financial Results
SEGMENTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts, and unless otherwise noted)
(Produce) Cannabis-
Canada (5) Cannabis-
U.S. (5) Clean
Energy Corporate Total Sales $ 41,349 $ 21,769 $ 7,043 $ (5) $ — $ 70,156 Cost of sales (45,520) (12,259) (2,331) (142) — (60,252) Selling, general and administrative expenses (3,140) (6,933) (4,296) (32) (2,570) (16,971) Share-based compensation — (367) (95) — (502) (964) Other (expense) income, net (30) (746) — (6) 520 (262) Recovery of (provision for) income taxes 1,715 (639) — — 590 1,666 (Loss) income from consolidated entities (5,626) 825 321 (185) (1,962) (6,627) Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax — 162 — — — 162 Loss from equity method investments — — (52) — — (52) Net (loss) income (5,626) 987 269 (185) (1,962) (6,517) Adjusted EBITDA (6)$ (6,201) $ 2,104 $ 580 $ (59) $ (2,535) $ (6,111) Basic (loss) income per share $ (0.06) $ 0.01 $ 0.00 $ (0.00) $ (0.02) $ (0.07) Diluted (loss) income per share $ (0.06) $ 0.01 $ 0.00 $ (0.00) $ (0.02) $ (0.07)
(Produce) Cannabis-
Canada (5) Cannabis-
U.S. (5) Clean
Energy Corporate Total Sales $ 34,867 $ 17,460 $ — $ 69 $ — $ 52,396 Cost of sales (34,150) (15,248) — (691) — (50,089) Selling, general and administrative expenses (2,551) (3,966) — (32) (1,543) (8,092) Share-based compensation — (1,094) — — (904) (1,998) Other expense, net (256) (630) — (12) (413) (1,311) Recovery of income taxes 505 644 — — 690 1,839 Loss from consolidated entities (1,585) (2,834) — (666) (2,170) (7,255) Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax — — — — — — Loss from equity method investments — — (127) — — (127) Net loss (1,585) (2,834) (127) (666) (2,170) (7,382) Adjusted EBITDA (6)$ (492) $ 2,534 $ (79) $ (16) $ (1,543) $ 404 Basic loss per share $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ (0.00) $ (0.01) $ (0.03) $ (0.10) Diluted loss per share $ (0.02) $ (0.04) $ (0.00) $ (0.01) $ (0.03) $ (0.10)
6. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of the Company because it excludes non-recurring and other items that do not reflect our business performance. Adjusted EBITDA includes the Company’s 70% interest in Rose LifeScience since acquisition and 65% interest in VFH.
A detailed discussion of our consolidated and segment results can be found in the 10Q MD&A on the Village Farms website under Financial Reports (https://villagefarms.com/financial-reports/) within the Investors section.
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
The following table reflects a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA, as presented by the Company:
For the three months ended March 31, (in thousands of U.S. dollars) 2022 (9) 2021 (9) Net loss $ (6,517) $ (7,382) Add: Amortization 2,702 3,412 Foreign currency exchange (gain) loss (319) 504 Interest expense, net 573 738 Recovery of income taxes (1,666) (1,839) Share-based compensation 964 1,998 Interest expense for JVs 13 14 Amortization for JVs 94 34 Foreign currency exchange loss for JVs 29 — Purchase price adjustment (10)(2,050) 2,925 Amortization of deferred financing 66 — Adjusted EBITDA (11)$ (6,111) $ 404 Adjusted EBITDA for JVs (12)$ (25) $ (79) Adjusted EBITDA excluding JVs $ (6,086) $ 483
10. The purchase price adjustment reflects the non-cash accounting charge to cost of sales resulting from the revaluation of Pure Sunfarms’ inventory to fair value at the acquisition date.
11. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of the Company because it excludes non-recurring and other items that do not reflect our business performance. Adjusted EBITDA includes the 70% interest in Rose LifeScience since acquisition and 65% interest in VFH.
12. The Adjusted EBITDA for JVs consists of the VF Hemp Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
This press release is intended to be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements (“Financial Statements”) and Management’s Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months and year ended March 31, 2022 in the Company Form 10-Q, which will be filed on (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml) and SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and will be available at www.villagefarms.com.
Our Response to the Ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. This outbreak continues to cause major disruptions to businesses and markets worldwide as the virus continues to spread. Several countries as well as certain states and cities within the United States and Canada have enacted temporary closures of businesses, issued quarantine or shelter-in-place orders and taken other restrictive measures. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented safety protocols and procedures to protect its employees, its subcontractors, and its customers. These protocols take into consideration guidance from state and local government agencies as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health authorities.
As of May 9, 2022, all of the Company’s operations are operating normally, however, the extent to which COVID-19 and the related global economic crisis affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including the scope and duration of the pandemic and any recovery period, future actions taken by governmental authorities, central banks and other third parties (including new financial regulation and other regulatory reform) in response to the pandemic, and the effects on our produce, clients, vendors and employees. Village Farms continues to service its customers amid uncertainty and disruption linked to COVID-19 and is actively managing its business to respond to the impact.
Conference Call
Village Farms’ management team will host a conference call today, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its financial results. Participants can access the conference call by telephone by dialing (416) 764-8659 or (888) 664-6392, or via the Internet at: https://bit.ly/3LwGlTM.
For those unable to participate in the conference call at the scheduled time, it will be archived for replay both by telephone and via the Internet beginning approximately one hour following completion of the call. To access the archived conference call by telephone, dial (416) 764-8677 or (888) 390-0541 and enter the passcode 334813 followed by the pound key. The telephone replay will be available until Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at midnight (ET). The conference call will also be archived on Village Farms’ website at http://villagefarms.com/investor-relations/investor-calls.
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