Aurora Cannabis Announces Fiscal 2021 Second Quarter Results

  • Total Cannabis Net Revenue of $70.3 Million , Excluding Provisions of $2.7 Million , Up 11% over Q2 2020

  • Medical Cannabis Net Revenue of $38.9 Million , Up 42% Versus Q2 2020, Driven by a 562% Increase in High Margin International Medical Sales

  • Adjusted EBITDA Loss, excluding Provisions and Termination Costs, of $12.1 Million Represents an Improvement of $53.1 Million Over Q2 2020; Current Loss Triggered by Several Decisions Expected to Boost Long-Term Profitability

  • Improved Cash Use by More Than 74% Versus Q2 2020; Cash on Hand at February 10, 2021 of $565 Million

NYSE | TSX: ACB

 Aurora Cannabis Inc. (the " Company " or " Aurora ") (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the future of cannabinoids worldwide, today announced its financial and operational results for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 ended December 31, 2020 .

Aurora Cannabis Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Aurora Cannabis Inc.)

"Aurora had an excellent second quarter, and I'm pleased that we're advancing nicely against the plan we laid out in September of 2020," stated Miguel Martin , Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Cannabis. "For the period, our core revenue strength in medical and consumer was complemented by initial rollouts in vape products and concentrates. Combined, these elements are part of the proven, regulated CPG strategy we've adopted.  Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter, while vastly improved year over year, was impacted by several decisions that we believe will clear a path for our premium product focus and more variable cost model. We are confident that this will give Aurora maximum flexibility and position the organization to drive significant cashflow in the coming quarters."

"To further support this strategy, we have also focused on improving our cash burn, margins and overall financial flexibility.  To that point, our year over year cash use has decreased by 74% to $70.5 million , our normalized margins remain solid particularly in medical, and our recently amended credit facility gives Aurora much improved optionality as opportunities arise.  Combined with $565 million in cash on our balance sheet today, Aurora will continue to be a long-term player in the global cannabinoid market and increasingly positioned to deliver for shareholders over the long run."

Second Quarter 2021 Highlights
(Unless otherwise stated, comparisons are made between fiscal Q2 2021 and Q2 2020 results and are in Canadian dollars)

Q2 2021 total and cannabis net revenue 1 before provisions was $70.3 million , an 11% increase over Q2 2020 and 2.5% sequentially. After accounting for return and price provisions, Q2 2021 total cannabis net revenue was $67.7 million , a 28% increase in cannabis net revenue 1 over fiscal Q2 of the prior year.

Adjusted gross margin before fair value adjustments on cannabis net revenue 1 was 42% in Q2 2021, versus 48% in Q2 2020. The decrease is due to the purposeful reduction in production levels at Aurora Sky resulting in an increase in cash cost of sales due to the under-utilization of capacity. Also impacting adjusted gross margin was a $1.8 million increase in actual net returns, price adjustments and provisions primarily relating to company-initiated product returns meant to open channels to newer, higher-potency flower that Aurora is now producing.  Normalizing for these impacts, adjusted gross margin was 52%.

_____________________

1 These terms are non-GAAP measures, see "Non-GAAP Measures" below.

Adjusted EBITDA 1 loss was $16.8 million in Q2 2021, which includes termination and restructuring costs of $2.9 million . Excluding restructuring costs and product return provisions, the Company's Adjusted EBITDA loss is $12.1 million .

Consumer cannabis:

  • Consumer cannabis net revenue 1 was $28.6 million ( $31.1 million excluding provisions), a 25% increase from the prior year. Additionally, Aurora's consumer cannabis derivative products net revenue increased by $1.7 million sequentially, driven by product launches in vapes, edibles and concentrates.
  • Adjusted gross margin before fair value adjustments on consumer cannabis net revenue 1 was 27% in Q2 2021 versus 33% in the prior year period, primarily driven by a $3.3 million increase in cost of sales due to under-utilized capacity as a result of the scaling back production at Aurora Sky, which is expected to partially reverse in subsequent quarters and sales of our lower margin Daily Special value brand which was not present in the prior comparative period.

Medical cannabis:

  • Medical cannabis net revenue 1 was $38.9 million ( $39 million excluding provisions), a 42% increase from the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to a continued strong performance in both the international and Canadian medical businesses. International medical sales grew by 562% over the prior year comparative period.
  • Adjusted gross margin before fair value adjustments on medical cannabis net revenue 1 was 56% in Q2 2021 versus 59% in the prior year and prior quarter, primarily driven by the increase in cost of sales due to the under-utilized capacity as a result of the scaling back production at Aurora Sky.

Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") and Adjusted EBITDA:

  • SG&A, including Research and Development ("R&D"), was $44.4 million in Q2 2021, down $49.7 million or 53% from the prior year period as a result of the Company's Business Transformation Plan. Included in SG&A and R&D in Q2 2021 is $2.1 million of costs related to restructuring charges, and severance and benefit costs associated with the Business Transformation Plan. Excluding these impacts, Q2 2021 SG&A and R&D was $42.3 million .
  • Adjusted EBITDA 1 in Q2 2021 was a loss of $16.8 million ( $12.1 million loss excluding the increase in revenue provisions and restructuring costs), compared to the prior year Adjusted EBITDA loss of $69.9 million primarily driven by the substantial decrease in SG&A and R&D expenses.

Additional Financial Information:

  • Cash balance as of February 10, 2021 was approximately $565 million .
  • Aurora continues to increase its operational flexibility to improve its cashflow and better address consumer needs by reducing production and complexity. Of the four cultivation facilities set to close, three are now fully shuttered. Effective December 15, 2020 , the Company also shuttered operations at the Aurora Sun facility and reduced production at its Aurora Sky facility by 75%, where it is testing new processes and methodologies proven successful at other premium cultivation sites.

Fiscal Q2 2021 Cash Use: Significant Improvement in Cash Used in Operations

Total cash use in Q2 2021 showed significant improvement relative to both Q2 2020 and Q1 2021.

In Q2 2021, the Company used $22.7 million in cash to fund operations, excluding working capital investments.  This use included $2.1 million in restructuring/termination payments. Cash used to pay for capital expenditures, net of disposals, in Q2 2021 was $8.8 million versus $15.0 million in the prior quarter, as many long-lead projects are now complete. Cash used in operations and for capital expenditures are crucial metrics in Aurora's drive toward generating sustainable positive free cash flow, and both have improved significantly and consistently over the past several quarters.

Increased net working capital used $30.4 million in the quarter, driven by a $23.9 million decrease in accounts payable and a $11.7 million increase in prepaids, offset by a $16.4 million decrease in accounts receivable. Within working capital, inventory and biological assets used $10.0 million , a marked improvement from the $25.1 million in Q1 2021 demonstrating the Company's progress to more closely align production levels with demand.

Given Aurora's continued strong gross margins, reduced level of SG&A expense and capital expenditures, and ongoing improvements in working capital investment, management expects the Company to continue its progress toward positive cash flow.

The main components of cash source and use in Q2 2021 were as follows:

($ thousands)

Q2 2021

Q2 2020 (3)

Q1 2021

Cash Flow




Cash, Opening

$133,678

$152,526

$162,179





Cash used in operations

($22,709)

($84,766)

($72,580)

Working capital change

($30,433)

($54,238)

($37,012)

Capital expenditures

($8,837)

($128,405)

($14,980)

Debt and interest payments

($8,559)

($5,579)

($18,212)

Cash use

($70,538)

($272,988)

($142,784)





Proceeds raised from sale of marketable securities and investments in associates

$6,135

-

-

Proceeds raised through debt

-

$14,394

-

Proceeds raised through equity financing (1)

$365,111

$262,402

$114,283

Cash raised

$371,246

$276,796

$114,283





Cash, Ending (2)

$434,386

$156,334

$133,678

(1)

Includes impact of FX on USD cash raised from financing

(2)

Ending cash balance above includes $50.0M restricted cash as required under the amended BMO Credit Facility. The $50.0M restricted cash can be used to repay, at any time at the Company's discretion the outstanding principal on its term loan on a 1:1 basis with a corresponding reduction in the restricted cash balance requirement.

(3)

Previous reported amounts have been restated to adjust for the change in accounting policy for inventory costing relating to by-products and the allocation of production management staff salaries. Refer to Note 2(e) of the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for a reconciliation on the change in accounting policy.

Refer to "Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows" in the "Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (unaudited)" for our cash flow statements prepared in accordance with IAS 7 – Statement of Cash Flows.

Q2 2021 Key Financial and Operational Metrics

($ thousands, except Operational Results)

Q2 2021

Q1 2021

$ Change

% Change

Q2 2020

$ Change

% Change


Financial Results










Total net revenue (1)

$67,673


$67,812


($139)


0

%

$55,138


$12,535

23

%

Cannabis net revenue (1)(2)(3a)

$67,673


$67,812


($139)


0

%

$52,676


$14,997

28

%

Medical cannabis net revenue (2)(3a)

$38,856


$33,474


$5,382


16

%

$27,386


$11,470

42

%

Consumer cannabis net revenue (1)(2)(3a)

$28,573


$34,338


($5,765)


(17)

%

$22,906


$5,667

25

%

Wholesale bulk cannabis net revenue (2)(3a)

$244


$-


$244


N/A


$2,384


($2,140)

(90)

%

Adjusted gross margin before FV
adjustments on cannabis net revenue (2)(3b)

42

%

48

%

N/A

(6)

%

48

%

N/A

(6)

%

Adjusted gross margin before FV
adjustments on medical cannabis
net revenue (2)(3b)

56

%

59

%

N/A

(3)

%

59

%

N/A

(3)

%

Adjusted gross margin before FV
adjustments on consumer cannabis
net revenue (2)(3b)

27

%

38

%

N/A

(11)

%

33

%

N/A

(6)

%

Adjusted gross margin before FV
adjustments on wholesale bulk c
annabis net revenue (2)(3b)

(305)

%

N/A


N/A

N/A


61

%

N/A

(366)

%

SG&A expense

$41,972


$44,324


($2,352)


(5)

%

$87,301


($45,329)

(52)

%

R&D expense

$2,432


$2,584


($152)


(6)

%

$6,775


($4,343)

(64)

%

Adjusted EBITDA (2) (3c)

($16,802)


($57,891)


$41,089


(71)

%

($69,857)


$53,055

(76)

%











Balance Sheet










Working capital (6)

$592,746


$201,425


$391,321


194

%

$400,070


$192,676

48

%

Cannabis inventory and biological assets (2)(4)

$179,502


$166,178


$13,324


8

%

$200,868


($21,366)

(11)

%

Total assets (6)

$2,830,190


$2,757,272


$72,918


3

%

$4,656,046


($1,825,856)

(39)

%











Operational Results – Cannabis










Average net selling price of dried cannabis (2)

$4.00


$3.72


$0.28


8

%

$4.69


($0.69)

(15)

%

Kilograms sold (5)

15,253


16,139


(886)


(5)

%

9,501


5,752

61

%

(1)

Includes the impact of actual and expected product returns and price adjustments (three months ended December 31, 2020 - $2.7 million; three months ended September 30, 2020 - $0.8 million).

(2)

These terms are defined in the "Cautionary Statement Regarding Certain Non-GAAP Performance Measures" section of the MD&A.  Excluding product return provisions and restructuring charges, Adjusted EBITDA is $12.1 million.

(3)

Refer to the following MD&A sections for reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the IFRS equivalent measure:


a.

Refer to the "Revenue" section for a reconciliation of cannabis net revenue to the IFRS equivalent.


b.

Refer to the "Cost of Sales and Gross Margin" section for reconciliation to the IFRS equivalent.


c.

Refer to the "Adjusted EBITDA" section for reconciliation to the IFRS equivalent.

(4)

Represents total biological assets and cannabis inventory, exclusive of merchandise, accessories, supplies and consumables.

(5)

The kilograms sold is offset by the grams returned during the period.

(6)

In accordance with IFRS 3 - Business Combinations, acquisition date fair values assigned to the Reliva purchase price allocation and goodwill have been adjusted, within the applicable measurement period, where new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. Refer to Note 12 of the Financial Statements.

Events Subsequent to Q2 2021 Quarter End

  • On January 14, 2021 , Aurora entered into an agreement with Great North Distributors Inc., Canada's first national sales broker for legalized adult-use cannabis, to be the exclusive representative for Aurora's Canadian cannabis retail brands. Great North has reach across every province in Canada , including established relationships and expertise in working with provincially-owned and operated retailers and private retailers in Canada's cannabis industry. The agreement was designed to significantly bolster Aurora's market position in Canada .

  • On January 26, 2021 , Aurora closed its bought deal public offering (the "Offering") of units of the Company for total gross proceeds of US$137.9 million . The Company sold 13,200,000 Units at a price of US$10.45 per Unit, including 1,200,000 Units sold pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters' over-allotment option. BMO Capital Markets and ATB Capital Markets acted as the bookrunners for the Offering. The Company believes that this opportunistic financing fits with its broader strategy to have a strong balance sheet while maintaining maximum flexibility to invest and build towards being a leader in global cannabinoids.

  • Additionally, Allan Cleiren , Chief Operating Officer, has decided to retire from the Company effective March 31, 2021 . The Company would like to thank Allan for his years of dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Conference Call

Aurora will host a conference call today, February 11, 2021, 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. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation.

DATE:


Thursday, February 11, 2021

TIME:


5:00 p.m. Eastern Time | 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time

WEBCAST:


https://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=143267

About Aurora

Aurora 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 brand portfolio includes Aurora, Aurora Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, AltaVie, MedReleaf, CanniMed, Whistler, and Reliva CBD. Providing customers with innovative, high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and recreational markets wherever they are launched. For more information, please visit our website at www.auroramj.com .

Aurora's common shares trade on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol "ACB", and is a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements which may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities law requirements (collectively, "forward-looking statements" or "FLS"). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these FLS, except as required under applicable securities legislation. FLS relate to future events or future performance and reflect Company management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events. In certain cases, FLS can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. In this document, certain forward-looking statements are identified by words including "may", "future", "expected", "intends" and "estimates". By their very nature FLS involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the FLS. The Company provides no assurance that FLS will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on FLS. Certain FLS in this press release include, but are not limited to the following:

  • the impact of the Company's premium product focus and variable cost model
  • delivery of shareholder value
  • strategic relationships, and capital expenditures, and related benefits;
  • future strategic plans;
  • growth in the global consumer use cannabis market;
  • expectations regarding production capacity, costs and yields; and
  • expectations regarding progress towards positive cash flow

The above and other aspects of the Company's anticipated future operations are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these FLS are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such FLS are estimates reflecting the Company's best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of such 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 availability of additional capital to complete construction projects and facilities improvements, 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. 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.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying factors or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward looking statements. 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.

Although the Company believes that the expectations conveyed by the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on the information available to the Company on the date hereof, no assurance can be given as to future results, approvals or achievements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Information form except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company uses 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. For an explanation of these measures to related comparable financial information presented in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, refer to the discussion below. The Company believes that these Non-GAAP Measures are useful indicators of operating performance and are specifically used by management to assess the financial and operational performance of the Company. These Non-GAAP Measures include, but are not limited, to the following:

  • Cannabis net revenue represents revenue from the sale of cannabis products, excluding excise taxes. Cannabis net revenue is further broken down as follows:
    • Medical cannabis net revenue represents Canadian and international cannabis net revenue for medical cannabis sales only, excluding wholesale bulk cannabis net revenue.
    • Consumer cannabis net revenue represents cannabis net revenue for consumer cannabis sales only.
    • Wholesale bulk cannabis net revenue represents cannabis net revenue for wholesale bulk sales only.
  • Management believes the cannabis net revenue measures provide more specific information about the net revenue purely generated from our core cannabis business and by market type.
  • Average net selling price per gram and gram equivalent is calculated by taking cannabis net revenue divided by total grams and grams equivalent of cannabis sold in the period. Average net selling price per gram and gram equivalent is further broken down as follows:
    • Average net selling price per gram of dried cannabis represents the average net selling price per gram for dried cannabis sales only, excluding wholesale bulk cannabis sold in the period.
    • Average net selling price per gram and gram equivalent of consumer cannabis represents the average net selling price per gram and gram equivalent for dried cannabis and cannabis extracts sold in the consumer market
      Management believes the average net selling price per gram or gram equivalent measures provide more specific information about the pricing trends over time by product and market type.
  • Adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments on cannabis net revenue represents cash gross profit and gross margin on cannabis net revenue and is calculated by subtracting from total cannabis net revenue (i) cost of sales, before the effects of changes in FV of biological assets and inventory; (ii) cost of sales from non-cannabis auxiliary support functions; and removing (iii) depreciation in cost of sales; and (iv) cannabis inventory impairment. Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments on cannabis net revenue is calculated by dividing adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments on cannabis net revenue divided by cannabis net revenue. Adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on cannabis net revenue is further broken down as follows:
    • Adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on medical cannabis net revenue represents adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on sales generated in the medical market only.
    • Adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on consumer cannabis net revenue represents adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on sales generated in the consumer market only.
    • Adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on wholesale bulk cannabis net revenue represents adjusted gross profit and gross margin before FV adjustments on sales generated from wholesale bulk cannabis only
      Management believes that these measures provide useful information to assess the profitability of our cannabis operations as it represents the cash gross profit and margin generated from cannabis operations and excludes the effects of non-cash FV adjustments on inventory and biological assets, which are required by IFRS.
  • Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) excluding interest income (expense), accretion, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, changes in fair value of inventory sold, changes in fair value of biological assets, share-based compensation, acquisition costs, foreign exchange, share of income (losses) from investment in associates, government grant income, fair value gains and losses on financial instruments, gains and losses on deemed disposal, losses on disposal of assets, restructuring charges, onerous contract provisions, and non-cash impairments of deposits, property, plant and equipment, equity investments, intangibles, goodwill, and other assets. Adjusted EBITDA is intended to provide a proxy for the Company's operating cash flow and is widely used by industry analysts to compare Aurora to its competitors, and derive expectations of future financial performance for Aurora. Adjusted EBITDA increases comparability between comparative companies by eliminating variability resulting from differences in capital structures, management decisions related to resource allocation, and the impact of FV adjustments on biological assets and inventory and financial instruments, which may be volatile and fluctuate significantly from period to period.

Non-GAAP measures should be considered together with other data prepared 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, these non-GAAP measures 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.

Reconciliation of   Non-GAAP Measures

Net Revenue


Three months ended


December 31,
2020

September 30
2020

December 31,
2019 (1)

Medical cannabis net revenue

38,856

33,474

27,386

Consumer cannabis net revenue

28,573

34,338

22,906

Wholesale bulk cannabis net revenue

244

-

2,384

Total cannabis net revenue

67,673

67,812

52,676

Total net revenue

67,673

67,812

55,138

(1)

As a result of the Company's divestment of its wholly owned subsidiaries ALPS and AHE, the operations of ALPS and AHE have been presented as discontinued operations and the Company's results have been retroactively restated, as required. Refer to Note 11(b) of the Financial Statements for information about the divestitures.

Adjusted Gross Margin

($ thousands)

Medical
Cannabis

Consumer
Cannabis

Wholesale bulk
Cannabis

Ancillary
Support
Functions

Total

Three months ended December 31, 2020






Net revenue

38,856


28,573


244

67,673


Cost of sales

(23,946)


(25,681)


(1,017)

(50,644)


Gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments

14,910


2,892


(773)

17,029


Depreciation in cost of sales

6,376


4,472


29

10,877


Inventory impairment in cost of sales

333


406


739


Adjusted gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments

21,619


7,770


(744)

28,645


Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments

56

%

27

%

(305)%

42

%










Three months ended September 30, 2020









Net revenue

33,474


34,338


67,812


Cost of sales

(18,150)


(25,144)


(43,294)


Gross profit before FV adjustments

15,324


9,194


24,518


Depreciation

4,587


3,783


8,370


Adjusted gross profit before FV adjustments

19,911


12,977


32,888


Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments

59

%

38

%

48

%










Three months ended December 31, 2019 (1)(2)









Net revenue

27,386


22,906


2,384

2,462

55,138


Cost of sales

(14,099)


(18,129)


(1,169)

(3,540)

(36,937)


Gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments

13,287


4,777


1,215

(1,078)

18,201


Depreciation

2,992


2,793


233

-

6,018


Adjusted gross profit (loss) before FV adjustments

16,279


7,570


1,448

(1,078)

24,219


Adjusted gross margin before FV adjustments

59

%

33

%

61%

(44)%

44

%

(1)

Previous reported amounts have been restated to adjust for the change in accounting policy for inventory costing relating to by-products and the allocation of production management staff salaries. Refer to Note 2(e) of the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for a reconciliation on the change in accounting policy.

(2)

As a result of the Company's divestment of its wholly owned subsidiaries ALPS and AHE, the operations of ALPS and AHE have been presented as discontinued operations and the Company's results have been retroactively restated, as required. Refer to Note 11(b) of the Financial Statements for information about the divestitures.

Adjusted EBITDA

($ thousands)

December 31, 2020

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019 (3)(4)

Net (loss) income from continuing operations

(292,788)

(107,160)

(1,302,175)

Finance costs

18,872

14,691

23,833

Interest (income) expense

(1,865)

(1,267)

(1,997)

Income tax expense (recovery)

3,167

611

(25,136)

Depreciation and amortization

24,883

22,444

26,757

EBITDA

(247,731)

(70,681)

(1,278,718)

Changes in fair value of inventory sold

5,942

3,304

13,223

Unrealized gain on changes in fair value of biological assets

(6,262)

(5,407)

(7,932)

Share-based compensation

5,987

6,861

19,694

Acquisition costs

1,104

2,059

Foreign exchange loss (gain)

527

(7,427)

961

Share of loss from investment in associates

117

373

1,930

Government grant income

(23,678)

-

Losses (gains) on financial instruments (1)

17,309

7,366

166,877

Losses (gains) on deemed disposal of significant influence investment

1,443

-

Gains (losses) on disposal of assets held for sale and property, plant, and equipment

(3,317)

922

-

Restructuring charges

210

-

Onerous contract provision

2,000

-

Impairment of deposits, inventory, investment in associate,
property, plant and equipment, intangibles, and goodwill

232,304

4,041

1,012,049

Adjusted EBITDA (2)

(16,802)

(57,891)

(69,857)

(1)

Includes fair value changes on derivative investments, derivative liability, contingent consideration, and (gain) loss on the modification of debt. Refer to Note 20 of the Financial Statements.

(2)

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not a recognized, defined, or standardized measure under IFRS. Refer to "Cautionary Statement Regarding Certain Non-GAAP Performance Measures" section of the MD&A.

(3)

Previous reported amounts have been restated to adjust for the change in accounting policy for inventory costing relating to by-products and the allocation of production management staff salaries. Refer to Note 2(e) of the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for a reconciliation on the change in accounting policy.

(4)

As a result of the Company's divestment of its wholly owned subsidiaries ALPS and AHE, the operations of ALPS and AHE have been presented as discontinued operations and the Company's results have been retroactively restated, as required. Refer to Note 11(b) of the Financial Statements for information about the divestitures.

Included in the three months ended December 31, 2020 Adjusted EBITDA loss is $0.8 (three months ended September 30, 2020 - $43.3 million ) legal settlement and contract termination fees and $2.1 million (three months ended September 30, 2020 - $4.1 million ) related restructuring charges, severance and benefits associated with the business transformation plan. Excluding these impacts, Adjusted EBITDA loss is $13.9 million (three months ended September 30, 2020 - $10.5 million ).

Cision View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurora-cannabis-announces-fiscal-2021-second-quarter-results-301227297.html

SOURCE Aurora Cannabis Inc.

News Provided by PR Newswire via QuoteMedia

The Conversation (0)
Cannabis leaf over map of Australia.

A State-by-State Guide to Cannabis in Australia

Australia federally legalised medicinal cannabis in 2016, and Australia's cannabis market has seen major growth since then.

Medical cannabis approvals were up by 120 percent in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Statista forecasts that Australian cannabis revenue will reach AU$3.73 billion in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.22 percent, culminating in market volume worth AU$4.53 billion by 2029.

However, Australia’s cannabis industry is still young. Despite there being a strong case for a regulated market, which was outlined in a July 2024 report by the Penington Institute, recreational use is not legal and medical access remains limited and regulated.

Medical cannabis patients have access to various forms of the drug, including flower, oils and tinctures. However, only two medicinal cannabis products, Sativex and Epidyolex, are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and none are subsidised through the country’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Patients who want access to medicinal cannabis must go through special pathways, and doctors who want to prescribe medicinal cannabis have to apply to do so.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaf on road marked with "2025," with sunlight in the background.

New Cannabis Consumption Trends, Regulatory Shifts Seen Driving Market in 2025

Understanding trends in the cannabis industry is paramount for investors eyeing a market with steady growth potential, but the landscape is complex as products and regulations continue to evolve.

Consumption habits are changing as edibles, vaping and THC beverages gain traction, especially among younger users, and cannabis companies are adapting their offerings to meet shifting demand.

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty, particularly surrounding the future of the US Farm Bill and state-level restrictions on hemp-derived cannabinoids, continues to challenge the market.

Despite these headwinds, production data and long-term growth forecasts suggest the cannabis industry remains on a promising — albeit turbulent — path. Read on for more on key trends to watch in 2025.

Consumption methods evolving post-legalization

Shifts in consumer behavior are reshaping markets across the board, and the cannabis industry is no exception.

While smoking remains the dominant method of cannabis consumption, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the growing popularity of edibles, vaping and dabbing.

The report notes that vaping and dabbing are particularly pronounced among younger adults.

A separate study published by the American Medical Association and funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research also points to how product preferences have changed among Canadian users since legalization in 2018.


The study indicates that while the use of flower, cannabis concentrates, oil, tinctures and topicals has decreased during that time, the use of vape cartridges, edibles and beverages has increased.

Edibles and beverages were legalized in Canada in late 2019, and Truss Beverage was one of the first players to introduce cannabis-infused drinks. Truss was a joint venture formed by Molson Coors Canada (TSX:TPX.A,TSX:TPX.B) and HEXO, a cannabis company that has since been acquired by Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY).

In early 2020, Tilray launched a lineup of confectionery, wellness products and beverages through its subsidiary, High Park; Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NASDAQ:CGC) made a similar move. These companies gradually brought their products to the US as more states legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.

Today, established cannabis brands typically offer edibles and beverages alongside their other products. Organigram Global (TSX:OGI,NASDAQ:OGI) is one of the newest US entrants, with its April acquisition of Collective Project providing immediate access to the US hemp-derived THC beverage market.

Growing awareness of health and wellness, potentially amplified by the pandemic-led adoption of health trackers, appears to be making an impact on the alcoholic beverage market.

A 2023 Gallup poll reveals a two decade decline in alcohol consumption, particularly among younger adults, suggesting a shift towards more health-conscious lifestyles within this demographic.

Craft beer production declined by 4 percent year-on-year in 2024, according to data collected by the Brewers Association. This marked the largest drop in the industry's history, excluding the pandemic. For small, independent craft breweries, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of declining production. A drop in the number of operating small breweries last year provides further evidence of this trend, with 501 closures in 2024 versus 434 openings.

Challenges in the alcohol market extend beyond the brewing industry, with the New York Times recently reporting the closure of a handful of nightclubs facing decreased alcohol sales alongside rising insurance and rent costs.

Meanwhile, cannabis lounges have been popping up across the US for the last several years. As of early 2025, several states had legalized or were in the process of implementing regulations for cannabis consumption lounges.

Hemp market growth despite regulatory uncertainty

The burgeoning hemp industry is another segment of the expanding cannabis market.

The legalization of industrial hemp — defined as cannabis with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less — through the 2018 Farm Bill led to initial investment and optimistic projections for CBD wellness products and various industrial applications. The sector’s rapid evolution also brought the rise of hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids, creating a market that presented both opportunities and complexities for participants.

However, after an initial boom, a lack of infrastructure and clearly defined regulations for CBD, as well as state-level variations and market oversupply, ultimately contributed to a quick retraction.

2024 was a pivotal year for the US hemp industry, as the hemp-related provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill — originally set to expire in September 2023, but extended to December 31, 2024 — created an urgent need to address critical issues like THC limits and the regulation of novel hemp-derived cannabinoids. A major point of contention was the proposed shift from defining hemp based on Delta-9 THC concentration (0.3 percent or less) to “total THC,” which includes THCA.

This change had the potential to significantly impact farmers and processors, as many hemp varieties that are compliant under the Delta-9 THC rule could exceed the 0.3 percent limit when THCA is included.

Various bills and amendments were proposed in 2024 as part of the Farm Bill discussions, each with different approaches to regulating hemp. Separate regulatory frameworks for industrial hemp and hemp grown for cannabinoids were suggested, and many states took their own action, leading to a patchwork of regulations and even outright bans.

Despite challenges, data from the US Department of Agriculture suggests signs of recovery.

The department's annual National Hemp Report from 2024 points to an 18 percent increase in industrial hemp production value between 2022 and 2023, with output growth seen in specific sectors like floral (18 percent), fiber (133 percent) and seed hemp (414 percent). The 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture indicates further expansion, with notable increases observed in both acreage (up 64 percent from 2023) and value (46 percent).

The 2024 Farm Bill ultimately did not pass, and right now the hemp industry is operating under a temporary extension of the 2018 Farm Bill under the American Relief Act of 2025, signed into law on December 21, 2024.

The 2018 Farm Bill is now set to expire on September 30, 2025.

While analysts for Markets and Markets project that the North American hemp industry will grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent and ultimately reach a valuation of US$30.24 billion by 2029, the future of the industry will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the ongoing Farm Bill discussions.

US cannabis legalization remains stalled

Although there is clear demand for cannabis products, the now-defunct rescheduling process in the US is likely to continue casting a shadow of uncertainty over the industry's long-term trajectory.

Legal and procedural delays, including allegations of improper conduct and bias within the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), led to hearing cancellations, and the new administration of US President Donald Trump has brought leadership changes to key agencies like the DEA and the Department of Justice.

Terry Cole, who Trump nominated to be DEA administrator on February 11, has a history of opposing cannabis legalization in the country. Similarly, Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick to lead the justice department, staunchly opposed a movement to legalize medical cannabis during her tenure as Florida’s attorney general.

While there have been bipartisan efforts in Congress to end federal cannabis prohibition and establish regulations for eventual legalization, the DEA’s actions and statements indicate a potential stall or reversal of progress.

In addition to that, new research is adding complexity to the debate.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this past March highlights an association between the use of high-potency cannabis strains and increased risks of psychosis, a factor that may not have been fully considered by the Department of Health and Human Services. As stronger cannabis strains become more widely available, a reassessment of their potential health risks may be required.

Investor takeaway

While the cannabis industry holds promise for growth and innovation, investors must remain acutely aware of the regulatory uncertainties and market volatility that will undoubtedly shape its trajectory in the years to come.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Cannabis for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Person touching a cannabis plant; Australia map in flag colours.

ASX Cannabis Stocks: 10 Biggest Companies

While Australia has yet to legalise all forms of cannabis, the country is a growing medical cannabis and hemp market, with many companies manufacturing, researching and exporting the plant-based product.

Medical cannabis was federally legalised in 2016, and the export of cannabis from Australia was legalised in 2018. As for recreational use, the only state to legalise recreational use and possession so far is the Australian Capital Territory, which did so in 2020, but it did not establish a regulated recreational cannabis market.

The country's medical cannabis market has been steadily expanding in size and scope. A Penington Institute report shows that Australians spent approximately AU$400 million on medicinal cannabis in the first half of 2024, 72 percent higher than the AU$234 million they spent over the entirety of 2022.

Keep reading...Show less
Cannabis leaves, gavel.

Cannabis Round-Up: Rescheduling Faces New Roadblocks, SAFER Banking Act Gets Another Look

February 2025 was characterized by an evolving legislative landscape and important financial updates from major players.

These developments underscore the complex and dynamic nature of the sector as it continues to navigate legal, financial, and regulatory challenges while experiencing ongoing growth and evolution.

Discussions around cannabis rescheduling, changes in federal agency leadership, state-level legalization efforts, and financial reports from key companies all contributed to a month of notable activity in the cannabis space.

Keep reading...Show less

Trulieve Announces Launch of Onward: A Premium THC Beverage

Available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the launch of Onward, a premium, non-alcoholic THC beverage offering a modern alternative for social occasions. These Farm Bill compliant beverages are available now online and coming soon to select Total Wine locations in Florida .

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Cronos Group Inc. to Hold 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Earnings Conference Call on February 27, 2025

Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) ("Cronos" or the "Company") will hold its 2024 fourth-quarter and full-year earnings conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Cronos' senior management team will discuss the Company's financial results and will be available for questions from the investment community after prepared remarks.

To attend the conference call or webcast, participants should register online at https://ir.thecronosgroup.com/events-presentations . To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. The webcast of the call will be archived for replay on the Company's website.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×