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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
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ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended
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TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
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Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the other registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b 2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock and nonvoting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such common equity, as of June 30, 2022 was $
As of March 8, 2023, the registrant had
PCAOB:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 1. |
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Item 1A. |
16 |
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Item 1B. |
39 |
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Item 2. |
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Item 3. |
40 |
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Item 4. |
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Item 5. |
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Item 6. |
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Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Item 7A. |
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Item 8. |
66 |
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Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
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Item 9A. |
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Item 9B. |
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Item 9C. |
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections |
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Item 10. |
68 |
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Item 11. |
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Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
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Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
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Item 14. |
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Item 15. |
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Item 16. |
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As used in this report, the terms “Village Farms,” “Village Farms International,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar references refer to Village Farms International, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, and the term “Common Shares” refers to our Common Shares, no par value. Our financial information is presented in U.S. dollars and all references in this prospectus to “$” means U.S. dollars and all references to “C$” means Canadian dollars.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain trademarks, trade names and service marks of ours, as described in Item 1, "Business—Intellectual Property. This report also contains trademarks, trade names and service marks that are owned by other persons or entities.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This Annual Report on Form 10-K also contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. We refer to such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information collectively as “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements may relate to the Company’s future outlook or financial position and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, budgets, expansion plans, litigation, projected production, projected costs, capital expenditures, financial results, taxes, plans and objectives of or involving the Company. In particular, forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include statements regarding future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities for the Company, the greenhouse vegetable industry and the cannabis industry and market are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by such terms as “outlook”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “occur”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “try”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, “likely”, “schedule”, “objectives”, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are subject to risks that may include, but are not limited to: our operating history, including that of Rose LifeScience Inc. (“Rose”), Balanced Health Botanicals, LLC (“Balanced Health”), Pure Sunfarms, Inc. (“Pure Sunfarms”) and our start-up operations of growing hemp in the United States; the legal status of Pure Sunfarms, Rose and Balanced Health cannabis business; risks relating to the integration of Balanced Health and Rose into our business; risks relating to obtaining additional financing on acceptable terms, including our dependence upon credit facilities and dilutive transactions; potential difficulties in achieving and/or maintaining profitability; variability of product pricing; risks inherent in the cannabis, hemp, CBD, cannabinoids, and agricultural businesses; our market position and competitive position; our ability to leverage current business relationships for future business involving hemp and cannabinoids, the ability of Pure Sunfarms and Rose to cultivate and distribute cannabis in Canada; existing and new governmental regulations, including risks related to regulatory compliance and regarding obtaining and maintaining licenses required under the Cannabis Act (Canada), the Criminal Code and other Acts, S.C. 2018, c. 16 (Canada) for its Canadian operational facilities), and changes in our regulatory requirements; legal and operational risks relating to expected conversion of our greenhouses to cannabis production in Canada and in the United States; risks related to rules and regulations at the U.S. Federal (Food and Drug Administration and United States Department of Agriculture), state and municipal levels with respect to produce and hemp, cannabidiol-based products commercialization; retail consolidation, technological advances and other forms of competition; transportation disruptions; product liability and other potential litigation; retention of key executives; labor issues; uninsured and underinsured losses; vulnerability to rising energy costs; environmental, health and safety risks, foreign exchange exposure, risks associated with cross-border trade; difficulties in managing our growth; restrictive covenants under our credit facilities; natural catastrophes; macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and rising interest rates, supply shortages, potential recessionary conditions and the impact of the ongoing and developing COVID-19 pandemic; and tax risks.
The Company has based these forward-looking statements on factors and assumptions about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon assumptions that management believes are reasonable based on information currently available to management, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that may cause the Company’s or the industry’s actual results, performance, achievements, prospects and opportunities in future periods to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the factors contained in the Company’s filings with securities regulators, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future results, performance, achievements, prospects and opportunities. The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this report. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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PART I.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Our Mission and Brands
Our mission is simple—to improve life’s journey for the wellbeing of humankind, and the earth on which we live. This is no empty promise. It’s the mantra that we live by every day as we build upon over three decades of agricultural and marketing experience to build a great company. The human touch is evident in everything we do and that will never change.
We are building a family of brands across different products that encompass that mission. We are united by our shared core values: integrity, fairness, quality, inclusion, sustainability and hard work along with an unwavering desire to do what’s right.
Village Farms Fresh, our produce brand, has pioneered Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) in North America and helped feed a hungry planet with sustainable greenhouse growing for over three decades. We produce and distribute fresh, premium-quality produce with consistency 365 days a year from more than eight million square feet of CEA greenhouses in British Columbia (“B.C.”) and Texas, as well as from our partner greenhouses in B.C., Ontario, and Mexico.
We have leveraged this expertise as a pioneer in the development of the global legal cannabis industry. Pure Sunfarms Corp. (“Pure Sunfarms” or “PSF”) and Rose LifeScience Inc. (“Rose LifeScience or Rose”) comprise our Canadian cannabis businesses. Pure Sunfarms is one of the largest and most respected cannabis growers in the world and the best-selling flower brand in Canada. Rose is a leading vertically integrated, branded cannabis producer, supplier and commercialization expert in the Province of Quebec.
Balanced Health Botanicals, LLC (“Balanced Health” or “BHB”) is our U.S. cannabis business. Balanced Health owns and operates one of the leading brands in the hemp-derived cannabidiol (“CBD”) and other cannabinoids markets, produces high quality health and wellness products and distributes primarily through its top-ranked e-commerce platform, CBDistilleryTM.
Village Farms Clean Energy (“VFCE”), our clean energy business is preparing for its transition to a Renewable Natural Gas ("RNG") operation in conjunction with Mas Energy, LLC (the "Delta RNG Project") which is expected to provide food-grade CO2 to our greenhouse growing operations in Delta, British Columbia (“B.C.”). VFCE decommissioned its previous co-generation facility, which used local landfill gas to generate electricity for sale to a third-party.
Our Commitment and Values
Our core operating principle is to deliver fairness and satisfaction in our customer promise. We strive to operate the business for optimal success by endeavoring to be:
- a responsible producer of high-quality products
- a reliable, trusted partner to customers
- a provider of excellence in customer service and logistics
- a business with a solid balance sheet
- a company which enhances shareholder value
- a trusted steward of the environment
- a workplace where all employees can grow and prosper
- an employer for people who want to make a difference in the world
For over thirty years, we have pioneered Controlled Environment Agriculture (“CEA”) in North America and to feed an increasing population through sustainable greenhouse growing. In 2017, we expanded from produce, leveraging our considerable knowledge, to the emerging legal cannabis and health and wellness market. We envisioned and created Pure Sunfarms to artfully blend our decades of CEA expertise with hands-on knowledge of legacy growing practices in cannabis. We invest in, and partner with companies, that share our values and respect for people and the environment. We believe a focus on innovation is a key driver of growth in our markets.
We are extremely proud of many things that we achieved over the past three-plus decades, but none more than our highly responsible approach to the environment. From our sustainably sourced inputs and sustainable growing methods, to our use of clean energy and other innovative technologies, we are proud to bring sustenance and wellbeing to our consumers in a way that is ethical and responsible to the planet.
Our state-of-the-art, technology-based CEA facilities use less water, land and chemicals than outdoor farming and we aim to introduce new technologies to be greener in the future. The earth's finite water supply is one of its most precious resources and our hydroponic growing method sterilizes and recirculates the same water multiple times, so that 100% of the water reaches the plants.
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Our proficient growing methods deliver vastly more yield per acre compared to outdoor growing, without depleting the soil. We use beneficial insects to control pests and promote healthy plant growth, and administer organic pesticides, so our GMO-free crops grow in a nourishing environment free of harmful chemicals. In one of our Delta greenhouses, we collect, filter and utilize rainwater for our plants. Our Delta greenhouses use renewable hydroelectricity as the main power source, provide innovative energy screens to help capture the sun’s warmth and prevent heat loss, and employ blackout curtains to reduce light pollution, all in an effort to minimize our impact to the local community and ecosystem.
Business Overview
Village Farms International, Inc. (“VFF”), (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”, “Village Farms”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) converted from an income trust to a publicly-traded company on December 31, 2009. Our subsidiaries operated vegetable producing greenhouses since 1989 and began production in Texas in 1996. On October 18, 2006, the merger between Village Farms and Hot House Growers resulted in one of the largest producers, marketers and distributors of greenhouse grown products in North America. VFF pioneered CEA in North America, and over the years transformed the organization, adapting to meet industry changes and customer preferences, in order to persevere and remain one of the largest and longest-operating vertically integrated greenhouse growers in North America.
We produce and distribute fresh, premium-quality produce with consistency 365 days a year from more than eight million square feet of CEA greenhouses in B.C. and Texas, as well as from our partner greenhouses in B.C., Ontario, and Mexico. We primarily market and distribute produce under our Village Farms® brand name and proprietary produce trademarks to retail supermarkets and dedicated fresh food distribution companies throughout the United States and Canada.
Our Canadian cannabis operations consist of wholly-owned, British Columbia-based Pure Sunfarms and 70% ownership interest in Quebec-based Rose LifeScience. Pure Sunfarms is one of the single largest cannabis cultivation operations in the world, one of the lowest-cost greenhouse producers and one of the best-selling brands in Canada. Pure Sunfarms leverages our 30-plus years of experience as a vertically integrated greenhouse grower for the legal cannabis industry in Canada with commercial distribution in 10 Canadian provinces and territories. Our primary objective for Pure Sunfarms is to be the leading low-cost, high-quality cannabis producer in Canada and in selected international markets. Rose is a leading vertically integrated, branded cannabis producer, supplier and commercialization expert in the Province of Quebec and is the Quebec operational unit of our Canadian cannabis segment.
Our U.S. cannabis operations consist of wholly-owned, Colorado-based Balanced Health. Balanced Health owns and operates one of the leading brands in the hemp-derived CBD/cannabinoid market in the United States, providing us with access to the U.S. Cannabinoid market in a consumer products category adjacent to the high-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) cannabis market, as well as the broader consumer packaged goods wellness arena. Balanced Health has established a diverse portfolio of CBD and other cannabinoid products, including ingestible, edible and topical applications that are distributed through its top-ranked e-commerce platform, CBDistilleryTM (www.theCBDistillery.com), as well as through brick-and-mortar retail channels.
We have begun transitioning our VFCE operation to a renewable natural gas facility in conjunction with Mas Energy, which we expect will enhance our financial return, as well as in the future provide food-grade CO2 that can be used in both our cannabis and produce growing operations in Delta, B.C.
Internationally, we evaluate, and target select, nascent, legal cannabis opportunities with significant long-term potential. This has resulted in a minority investment in Australia-based Altum International Pty Ltd (“Altum”), and an 85% ownership interest in Netherlands-based Leli Holland B.V. ("Leli").
Our Canadian Cannabis Segment
Village Farms’ Canadian cannabis segment consists of Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience.
Pure Sunfarms
In June 2017, we formed a Canadian joint venture, Pure Sunfarms, with Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (“Emerald”) to commence Canadian cannabis operations in anticipation of the adult use cannabis market becoming legal in October 2017. We contributed one of our Delta, B.C. greenhouses (“Delta 3”) to the joint venture in exchange for a 50% ownership interest in the joint venture. Emerald contributed C$20 million, which was paid in installments, in exchange for the other 50% ownership interest in the joint venture. We also contributed our experienced grower management and Delta 3 workforce to the joint venture and Emerald contributed its existing cultivation license and cannabis expertise.
On November 2, 2020, we acquired 36,958,500 Common Shares in the capital of Pure Sunfarms owned by Emerald, which increased our ownership of Pure Sunfarms to 100%. The shares, representing 42.6% of the ownership at the time, were acquired for a total purchase price of C$79.9 million (US$60.0 million), satisfied through a C$60.0 million (US$45.0 million) cash payment and a C$19.9 million (US$15.0 million) secured promissory note, which was paid in full to Emerald on February 8, 2021.
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Business of Pure Sunfarms
During 2017, the joint venture between us and Emerald applied for a cultivation license for the Delta 3 facility. In March 2018, the joint venture received its initial cultivation license for a portion of the Delta 3 facility and expanded its cultivation space via amendments to its cultivation license throughout 2018, culminating with the complete cultivation license for the entire 25-acre facility (1.1 million square feet) in March 2019. During 2018, the joint venture also hired a chief executive officer and adopted a name for the joint venture, Pure Sunfarms Corp. Pure Sunfarms commenced cultivation in the spring of 2018, after receiving its initial cultivation license.
On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act came into effect, regulating both the medical and recreational cannabis markets in Canada and providing provincial, territorial, and municipal governments the authority to regulate the distribution and sale of recreational cannabis. For the first nine months of 2019, Pure Sunfarms was a wholesale (non-branded) supplier to other licensed producers. In September 2019, Pure Sunfarms received its provincial sales license and commenced sales in Ontario and British Columbia.
In October 2019, Health Canada approved the second phase of recreational cannabis products including ingestible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals, referred to as Cannabis 2.0 products.
In May 2020, Pure Sunfarms received its cannabis cultivation license from Health Canada for the Delta 2 facility, providing an additional 1.1 million square feet of production capacity, enhancing its ability to grow, package and sell cannabis and cannabis extracts. Pure Sunfarms also received amended licensing from Health Canada in the fall of 2020, permitting in-house extraction operations and the sale of cannabis derivative products directly to provincial boards and authorized retailers. On June 30, 2021, Health Canada amended the Delta 2 facility license received in May 2020, permitting Pure Sunfarms to cultivate cannabis in the completed west half of the facility. In the west half of the facility, Pure Sunfarms has planted seven flower rooms and began harvesting in November 2021. Management intends to time the expansion and completion of the east half of the facility when market demand is sufficient to absorb supply profitability.
In September 2021, the Canadian cannabis business completed its first export shipment of cannabis, supplying a variety of high-quality, high-THC dried flower products to Village Farms' minority interest investee, Australia-based Altum International Pty Ltd., for the Australian medicinal cannabis market to be sold under the Kind Medical brand.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, Pure Sunfarms, with our subsidiary Rose LifeScience, began generating sales in Quebec. Together, Pure Sunfarms and Rose execute a Canadian cannabis strategy for Village Farms, providing a means to distribute Pure Sunfarms’ flower to Quebec’s consumers.
In the third quarter of 2022, Pure Sunfarms commenced sales to three additional provinces, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and two territories, Yukon and Northwest Territories. At the end of 2022, our Canadian cannabis business was selling products in 10 of the 13 Canadian provincial/territorial jurisdictions, while it continues to advance discussions with additional provincial distributors to further expand its Canadian presence.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, we believe our Canadian cannabis business had the second largest market share (by dollars) in Canada across all product categories (8.6% share, and increase of 160bps over fourth quarter of 2021) and the largest market share in the dried flower product category (16.2% share, an increase of 630bps over the fourth quarter of 2021). 2022 sales for our Canadian cannabis business by product category were composed of 76% dried flower, 16% pre-rolls and 8% other products.
During 2022, Pure Sunfarms received European Union Good Manufacturing Practice ("EU GMP") certification for its 1.1 million square foot Delta 3 cannabis facility located in Delta, British Columbia ("B.C.") which permits Pure Sunfarms to export EU GMP-certified medical cannabis to importers and distributors in international markets that require EU GMP certification. We began exporting to Israel at the end of 2022 and continued to export to Australia throughout 2022. We expect international expansion should enhance our profitability while expanding our brand and experience into emerging new legal cannabis markets. We continue to evaluate and pursue profitable international expansion opportunities in such markets.
We believe that Pure Sunfarms is the leading low-cost high-quality producer in the Canadian market and its low-cost structure, primarily driven by economies of scale and large-scale greenhouse experience, is sustainable and provides a competitive industry advantage. Pure Sunfarms’ cost structure, together with investment in branding and commercialization activities, is intended to support a continued incremental expansion of market share.
Due to the Health Canada limitations on marketing, and stringent branding and packaging rules, it is difficult for consumers to distinguish between different products, which places more emphasis on the management of price, potency and quality. We believe the deep agricultural expertise of growers and excellence in brand management sets Pure Sunfarms products apart from competitors, by providing high quality cannabis to consumers at attractive prices
Retail channels remain competitive across the country, with an oversupply of product in excess of current demand creating a downward pressure on pricing, largely led by federally-licensed cannabis producers ("License Holder" or "LPs"). In response, many LPs have chosen to either curtail or halt cannabis production to right size their supply to meet consumer demand. We believe
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challenging regulatory and taxation frameworks, combined with continued margin compression, high operating costs and limited access to capital has contributed to industry attrition as LPs face these challenges head-on.
We believe our Canadian cannabis business is well-positioned to manage these challenges as one of the best-selling LPs in Canada (with some of the best-selling brands), with a low-cost large-scale structure and continued pursuit of future opportunities to expand sales, products and footprint in Canada and internationally.
Rose LifeScience
We acquired 70% ownership of privately-held Rose on November 15, 2021, with the 30% balance held by founders who have remained as senior operating management. Rose is the Quebec-based operational unit of our Canadian cannabis business, with its headquarters in Huntingdon, Quebec.
Rose cultivates and processes cannabis at their Huntingdon-based 55,000 square-foot CEA facility. The indoor controlled growing facility was commissioned in 2020 and is licensed for use by Health Canada. Rose has been granted environmental rebates from the government of Quebec for its energy efficient design. The CEA is outfitted with special filtration on the facility exhausts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen odors and minimize the impact on the local community. In addition, Rose has a team of experienced cannabis growers developing innovative products and distinctive strains.
Rose sells its own cannabis products under six brands: nationally distributed Homage and Tam Tams and Promenade, DLYS, Pure Laine and Six Lunes which are available exclusively in the Province of Quebec. Promenade is a collaboration with Pure Sunfarms. For the fourth quarter of 2022, Rose held the number two position in Quebec in terms of market share, an improvement from number 10 in the first quarter of 2021.
Rose is also a leading third-party cannabis products commercialization expert in the Province of Quebec, acting as the exclusive, direct-to-retail sales, marketing and distribution entity for some of the best-known brands in Canada as well as Quebec-based micro and craft growers. With decades of regulated-market experience, Rose partners with cannabis companies to assist in commercializing their products, distributing the products throughout Quebec and ensuring a strong presence in the marketplace. Rose champions Quebec producers by working directly with micro-producers to advance homegrown, craft products in the province and easing the burden of commercial complexities facing smaller, local businesses. Rose also works with CAREY 3PL, their preferred carrier, to provide full-scale direct-to-store logistics and distribution services to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers.
Rose LifeScience has added a highly experienced, successful, Quebec-based leadership team to the Company, which we believe is reinforced by the industry knowledge, financial backing and human capital of Village Farms and Pure Sunfarms to allow it to grow and expand its footprint throughout Quebec as well as other provinces.
Canadian Cannabis Industry Overview
Legal History of Medical Cannabis in Canada
Prior to October 17, 2018, the production, distribution, and use of cannabis for medical use was and has been legal in Canada since 2001, first under the federal Medical Marihuana Access Regulations, which established a legal regime for the licensing of cannabis producers and the sale of dried cannabis to registered patients pursuant to a medical document provided by a health care practitioner. The Medical Marihuana Access Regulations were later replaced with the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (“MMPR”), and then the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) as a result of a decision by the Federal Court of Canada (the “Federal Court”) in Allard v. Canada. The Federal Court held that requiring individuals to obtain cannabis only from federally licensed cannabis producers violated liberty and security rights protected by section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Federal Court found that individuals who require cannabis for medical purposes did not have “reasonable access” under the MMPR regime. Accordingly, the ACMPR contemplated both access to medical cannabis through a License Holder or through personal production exemptions, thereby giving patients reasonable access to, and choice of, cannabis product. The ACMPR provided three possible alternatives for individuals to access cannabis for medical purposes: (i) they can continue to access quality-controlled cannabis by registering with federal License Holders; (ii) they can register with Health Canada to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes (starting materials must be obtained from a License Holder); or (iii) they can designate someone else who is registered with Health Canada to produce cannabis on their behalf (starting materials must be obtained from a License Holder).
Current Applicable Regulatory Regime
On October 17, 2018, the federal Cannabis Act and accompanying Regulations, including the Cannabis Regulations, the new Industrial Hemp Regulations (“IHR”) (together with the Cannabis Regulations, collectively, the “Regulations”), came into force, legalizing the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis for adult non-medicinal (i.e. recreational) purposes, as well as incorporating the existing medical cannabis regulatory scheme under one complete framework.
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On October 17, 2019, the Cannabis Regulations were amended to expand the legally permitted categories of cannabis products and support the production and sale of edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals. The amendments, among other things, outline the rules relating to packaging, labelling, and advertising, shelf-stability, cannabinoid concentration levels, restrictions on ingredients, and production and sanitation standards for edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topical products. December 16, 2019 was the earliest date that the new classes of cannabis products could be available for sale. Edible cannabis, as well as extracts and topicals, are all now available for sale in the legalized recreational market in Canada.
Pursuant to the federal regulatory framework in Canada, each province and territory may adopt its own laws governing the distribution, sale and consumption of cannabis and cannabis accessories within the province or territory. All Canadian provinces and territories have implemented mechanisms for the distribution and sale of cannabis for recreational purposes within those jurisdictions, and retail models vary between jurisdictions.
The Cannabis Act maintains separate access to cannabis for medical purposes, including providing that import and export licenses and permits will only be issued in respect of cannabis for medical or scientific purposes or in respect of industrial hemp. Part 14 of the Cannabis Regulations sets out the regime for medical cannabis following legalization, which is substantively the same as the ACMPR with adjustments to create consistency with rules for non-medical use, improve patient access, and reduce the risk of abuse within the medical access system. Patients who have the authorization of their healthcare provider continue to have access to cannabis, either purchased directly from a federal License Holder authorized to sell for medical purposes, or by registering to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes or designating someone to produce cannabis for them.
Adult Use Cannabis
We participate in the Canadian adult use market for cannabis in compliance with all applicable federal and provincial laws and regulations concerning the Canadian adult use cannabis market. The Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations provide a licensing scheme for the production, importation, exportation, testing, packaging, labelling, sending, delivery, transportation, sale, possession, and disposal of cannabis for non-medicinal use (i.e., adult recreational use). Transitional provisions of the Cannabis Act provide that every license issued under the ACMPR that is in force immediately before the day on which the Cannabis Act comes into force is deemed to be a license issued under the Cannabis Act, and that such license will continue in force until it is revoked or expires.
Below are additional highlights of the Cannabis Act:
Licenses, Permits and Authorizations
The Cannabis Regulations establish the following classes of licenses:
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The Cannabis Regulations also create subclasses for cultivation licenses (standard cultivation, micro-cultivation and nursery) and processing licenses (standard processing and micro-processing). Different licenses and each sub-class therein, carry differing rules and requirements that are intended to be proportional to the public health and safety risks posed by each license category and each sub-class. Licenses that were issued under the ACMPR are deemed to be licenses issued under the Cannabis Act. Licenses issued under the Cannabis Act have associated expiry dates and are subject to renewal requirements.
Security Clearances
Certain individuals associated with cannabis licensees, including individuals occupying “key positions”, directors, officers, individuals who exercise, or are in a position to exercise, direct control over the corporate licensee, and other individuals identified by the Minister of Health (the “Minister”), must hold a valid security clearance issued by the Minister. Under the Cannabis Regulations, the Minister may refuse to grant security clearances to individuals with associations to organized crime or with past convictions for, or an association with, drug trafficking, corruption, or violent offences. This was largely the approach in place under the ACMPR and other related regulations governing the licensed production of cannabis for medical purposes. Individuals having a history of nonviolent, lower-risk criminal activity (for example, simple possession of cannabis, or small-scale cultivation of cannabis plants) are not precluded from participating in the legal cannabis industry, however, grant of security clearance to such individuals is at the discretion of the Minister and such applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Cannabis Tracking System
Under the Cannabis Act, the Minister is authorized to establish and maintain a national cannabis tracking system. The purpose of this system is to track cannabis throughout the supply chain, to help prevent cannabis from being diverted to an illicit market or activity and to help prevent illicit cannabis from being a source of supply of cannabis in the legal market. Pursuant to the Ministry of Health’s Cannabis Tracking System Order (the “Order”), a holder of a federal license for cultivation, a license for processing or a license for sale for medical purposes that authorizes the possession of cannabis must report monthly to the Minister with specific information about their authorized activities with cannabis (e.g. cannabis inventory quantities), in the form and manner specified by the Minister. The Order also provides for monthly reporting by provincial bodies and provincially authorized private retailers of certain information in the form and manner specified by the Minister.
Cannabis Products
The Cannabis Regulations set out the requirements for cannabis products that are permitted for sale at the retail level, including the limit on THC content, permitted ingredients, limit on pest control product residues, as well as microbial and chemical contaminants. As of October 17, 2019, the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations permit the sale of the following classes of products: dried cannabis, cannabis oil, fresh cannabis, cannabis plants, cannabis plant seeds, as well as cannabis edibles, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals.
Packaging and Labeling
The Cannabis Regulations set out strict requirements pertaining to the packaging and labeling of cannabis products. These requirements are intended to promote informed consumer choice and safe consumption and allow for the safe handling and transportation of cannabis, while also reducing the appeal of cannabis to youth.
The Cannabis Regulations require all cannabis products to be packaged in a manner that is tamper-proof and child resistant. Strict limitations are also imposed on the use of colors, graphics, and other special characteristics of packaging. For example, all-over package coverings must be clear, and the interior surface and exterior surface of any container in which a cannabis product is packaged must be one uniform color. Cannabis package labels must include specific information, such as (i) product source information, including brand name, the class of cannabis and the name, phone number and email of the licensed processor or cultivator, (ii) mandatory warnings, including rotating health warning messages on Health Canada’s list of standard health warnings; (iii) the Health Canada standardized cannabis symbol; and (iv) information specifying THC and CBD content.
A cannabis product’s brand name may only be displayed once on the principal display panel or, if there are separate principal display panels for English and French, only once on each principal display panel. It can be in any font style and any size, so long as it is equal to or smaller than the health warning message. The font must not be in metallic or fluorescent color. In addition to the brand name, only one other brand element can be displayed. Such brand element must meet the same requirements noted above as the brand name, and if an image, it must be in a size equal to or smaller than the surface area of the standardized cannabis symbol.
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Health Products Containing Cannabis
Health Canada is taking a scientific, evidenced-based approach for the oversight of health products with cannabis that may be approved with health claims, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, veterinary drugs, and medical devices. Under the current regulatory framework, health products are subject to the Food and Drugs Act (Canada) and its regulations and may be additionally regulated by the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations. For many of these products, pre-market approval from Health Canada is required.
Possible Changes to the Federal Regulatory Framework
In December 2020 and January 2021, Health Canada issued a notice of intent and engaged in consultations with stakeholders on the expansion of non-medicinal cannabis research involving human participants. Health Canada proposed to amend the Cannabis Act, the Cannabis Regulations and the Food and Drug Regulations so that non-medicinal cannabis research involving human participants is regulated exclusively under the cannabis legislation. Further, Health Canada also sought feedback on a host of other regulatory issues, including public possession, product labeling, micro-class and nursery licensing, and COVID-19 measures.
The Cannabis Act requires that the Minister of Health cause a review of the Act and its administration and operation three years after its coming into force. The Minister will table a report in both Houses of Parliament no later than 18 months after the start of the review. To fulfill these requirements, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions have announced that an independent Expert Panel will lead the legislative review. The Panel will provide independent, expert advice to both Ministers on progress made towards achieving the Act's objectives, and will help identify priority areas for improving the functioning of the legislation. From September to November 2022, Health Canada sought feedback from the public on their views about the impacts of the Cannabis Act, and sought the public's perspective on the engagement paper regarding the legalization of cannabis in Canada. The feedback received by Health Canada will be summarized in a report and provided to the Expert Panel in order to help inform the Expert Panel's assessment of the Cannabis Act and its findings and recommendations resulting from the review.
Pending results of the aforementioned consultations and review, it is possible that Health Canada may introduce legislative updates in the future.
Provincial and Territorial Regulatory Framework for Recreational Cannabis
While the Cannabis Act provides for the regulation of the commercial production of cannabis and related matters by the federal government, the Cannabis Act provides the provinces and territories of Canada with authority to adopt their own laws governing the distribution, sale and consumption of cannabis and cannabis accessory products within the province or territory, permitting for example, provincial and territorial governments to set lower possession limits for individuals and higher age requirements. Currently, each of the Canadian provincial and territorial jurisdictions has established the minimum age for cannabis use to be 19 years old, except for Québec and Alberta, where the minimum age is 21 and 18, respectively.
The provinces and territories are responsible for the establishment of a retail distribution system for adult use cannabis in their respective jurisdictions. All Canadian provinces and territories have implemented mechanisms for the distribution and sale of cannabis for recreational purposes within those jurisdictions, and retail models vary between jurisdictions. Provincial/territorial bodies act as intermediaries between entities licensed federally under the Cannabis Act and consumers, such bodies acting in some jurisdictions as exclusive cannabis wholesalers and distributors, and in some instances such bodies acting as exclusive retailers. The laws continue to evolve, and differences in provincial and territorial regulatory frameworks could result in, among other things, increased compliance costs, and increased supply costs.
Municipal and regional governments may choose to impose additional requirements and regulations on the sale of recreational cannabis, adding further uncertainty and risk to our business. Municipal by-laws may restrict the number of recreational cannabis retail outlets that are permitted in a certain geographical area or restrict the geographical locations wherein such retail outlets may be opened.
There is no assurance that the provincial, territorial, regional, and municipal regulatory frameworks and distribution models will remain unchanged, or that we will be able to navigate such changes in the regulatory frameworks and distribution models or conduct its intended business thereunder. See: “Risk Factors”.
Ontario: Pursuant to the Cannabis Control Act, 2017 (Ontario), the distribution and retail sale of recreational cannabis is currently conducted through the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (“OCRC”), a subsidiary of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. Recreational cannabis has been sold on-line through the OCRC-operated Ontario Cannabis Store (“OCS”) platform, as of October 17, 2018.
On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis License Act, 2018 (Ontario) became law and other legislation, including the Cannabis Control Act, 2017, the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation Act, 2017 and the Liquor Control Act were amended to create a private
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retail framework for the sale of recreational cannabis in Ontario. As of April 1, 2019, recreational cannabis has been available for sale by private retailers that operate brick-and-mortar stores licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (“AGCO”).
The recreational cannabis retail regulatory regime in Ontario has the following requirements and features:
Manitoba: The Government of Manitoba has implemented a ‘‘hybrid model’’ for cannabis distribution, whereby supply is secured and tracked by the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corp. (“MLLC”); however, licensed private retail stores are also permitted to sell recreational cannabis.
Alberta: The Government of Alberta has implemented a cannabis framework providing for the purchase of cannabis products from private retailers that receive their products from a government-regulated distributor, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (“AGLC”), similar to the distribution system currently in place for alcohol in the province. Authorized cannabis retailers can sell cannabis in licensed retail outlets online.
New Brunswick: All recreational cannabis is managed and sold through a network of tightly controlled, stand-alone “Cannabis NB” stores managed by the Cannabis Management Corporation, a subsidiary of New Brunswick Liquor Corporation and is available for sale online through the Cannabis NB platform.
Quebec: All recreational cannabis is managed and sold by Société Québécoise du cannabis (the “SQDC”) outlets and is available for sale online. The entire process controlled by the SQDC.
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Newfoundland and Labrador: Recreational cannabis is sold through private stores, with the crown-owned liquor corporation, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corp. (the “NLC”), issuing private retailer licenses and overseeing the distribution to private sellers who may sell to consumers. The NLC also controls the possession, sale, and delivery of cannabis, and sets prices. The NLC is also the online retailer, although licenses may later be issued to private interests.
Yukon: Yukon had initially limited the distribution and sale of recreational cannabis to government outlets and government-run online stores but has since opened up its retail market to permit licensed private retailers in the territory. Cannabis retail licenses are issued by the Cannabis Licensing Board. Authorized retailers must purchase cannabis from the Yukon Liquor Corporation, acting as the wholesaler and distributor in the territory.
Northwest Territories: The Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Commission (the “NTLCC”) controls the importation and distribution of cannabis, whether through NTLCC-approved retail outlets or online retail run by the NTLCC. Communities in the Northwest Territories are able to hold a plebiscite to prohibit cannabis, similar to the options currently available to restrict alcohol.
British Columbia: Recreational cannabis is sold through both public and licensed privately operated stores, with the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch handling licensing of private stores and the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (“BCLDB”) handling wholesale distribution.
Saskatchewan: The Government of Saskatchewan implemented a framework in which both wholesale and retail recreational cannabis are conducted by the private sector and regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (“SLGA”). A number of retail permits have been issued to private stores. Permitted wholesalers can sell to permitted retailers and other permitted wholesalers but not to the general public. Wholesale operations must be physically located within Saskatchewan and product can only be sold and distributed within Saskatchewan. Further, only federally licensed producers registered with SLGA will be allowed to sell into the Saskatchewan market.
Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation is responsible for the regulation of cannabis in the province, and recreational cannabis is only sold publicly through government-operated storefronts and online sales.
Prince Edward Island: Similar to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island requires cannabis to be sold publicly, through government stores and online, overseen by the Prince Edward Island Cannabis Management Corporation.
Nunavut: Nunavut allows for the sale of cannabis through both public and private retail and online. In Nunavut, a person can submit an application with the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission for a license to operate a cannabis store, remote sales store, or cannabis lounge.
Industrial Hemp
The new Industrial Hemp Regulations under the Cannabis Act replaced the previous IHR under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (“CDSA”) as of October 17, 2018. The regulatory scheme for industrial hemp production largely remains the same, however the IHR permits the sale of hemp plants to licensed cannabis producers, and licensing requirements under the new IHR are softened in accordance with the lower risk posed by industrial hemp. The IHR defines industrial hemp as a cannabis plant, or any part of that plant, in which the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”) is 0.3 % or less in the flowering heads and leaves.
Our U.S. Cannabis Segment
Our U.S. cannabis segment is Balanced Health Botanicals, LLC ("BHB").
Balanced Health
On August 16, 2021, we acquired 100% interest in privately held Colorado-based BHB. BHB is one of the leading CBD and other cannabinoid brands and e-commerce platforms in the United States. Balanced Health develops and sells high-quality cannabinoid-based health and wellness products, distributing their diverse portfolio of consumer products through retail storefronts and its top-ranked e-commerce platform, CBDistilleryTM and independent retail stores. Through its strong, long-term partnerships, we believe that Balanced Health is uniquely positioned to ensure seamless sourcing, manufacture and sale of their affordable, high-quality family of cannabinoid brands to target the diverse health and wellness needs and preferences of their consumers. We believe the strong management team of Balanced Health has added a wealth of leadership and industry experience across healthcare, technology, consumer packaged goods and cannabis.
BHB is focused on high quality standards and sources non-GMO and pesticide free hemp directly from U.S. Hemp Licensed farms through partnerships and contractual relationships. BHB collaborates with hemp extraction partners using advanced proprietary
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methods and rigorous testing to ensure product quality and concentration guidelines. In its 8,000 square foot facility, BHB provides on-site bottling, labeling and packaging that follow the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice (“cGMP”) guidelines, and is NSF GMP certified. BHB was awarded U.S. Hemp Authority Certification for its commitment to quality and safety of its products and also achieved Generally Recognized as Safe designation, an evaluation its products are recognized as safe for consumption for CBD Isolate (“ISO”), Full-Spectrum CBD (“FSO”) and Broad-Spectrum CBD (“BSO”). In the event that the FDA regulates CBD, and the overall Food, Drug and Mass Merchandise (“FDM”) channel accepts ingestible CBD products, we believe that BHB is uniquely positioned to immediately capitalize on the opportunity.
BHB’s CBD and other cannabinoid product portfolio primarily includes oils, ingestibles and topicals to meet any consumer’s needs and consumption preferences. The majority of sales are within the United States. Balanced Health operates an industry-leading e-commerce platform with an extensive customer base and has a presence in over 4,000 retail locations across health and wellness, independent pharmacies, convenience stores and lifestyle shops. Distribution in larger-footprint food, drug and mass retail chains is currently limited due to the lack of definitive regulatory oversight for CBD products throughout the United States.
United States Cannabis Industry and Regulatory Overview
We do not maintain any direct or indirect investment in cannabis or cannabis-related products in our U.S. operations, excluding BHB's CBD and other cannabinoid business. We participate in federal and state permissible activities in the U.S. and do not engage nor intend to engage in direct or indirect business with any business that derives revenue, directly or indirectly, from the sale of cannabis or cannabis-related products in any jurisdiction where the production and sale of cannabis is unlawful under current applicable laws.
We own and operate four greenhouse facilities in west Texas consisting of nearly six million square feet of produce production area in which we grow and distribute produce (primarily tomatoes). We have proven experience converting its produce greenhouses to low-cost, highly efficient cannabis greenhouses, as evidenced by its Pure Sunfarms’ Delta 3 and Delta 2 greenhouses located in British Columbia. We are strategically positioned, utilizing decades of agricultural experience coupled with its Pure Sunfarms’ operational and product expertise, to convert all or a part of our existing greenhouses when legally permitted to do so.
At the time of this filing, we believe that 37 states plus Washington, D.C. legally permit cannabis (in some form) for medicinal use and 21 states plus Washington, D.C. legally permit cannabis for recreational use (with one state scheduled to permit cannabis for recreational use on July 1, 2023). Public support for the adult-use legalization of cannabis has increased significantly across the country. Several hundred thousand Americans now work full-time in the cannabis industry and tax revenues associated with the production and sale of cannabis are providing economic benefits in states that have passed legislation.
Unlike in Canada, which has uniform federal legislation governing the cultivation, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis under the Cannabis Act, in the United States, cannabis is regulated at both the federal and state levels. Notwithstanding the permissive regulatory environment of cannabis in some states, cannabis with a delta-9 THC level of more than 0.3% by dry weight (“marijuana”) continues to be categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act ("CSA"), making it illegal under federal law in the United States to cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis. This means that while state law in certain U.S. states may take a permissive approach to medical and/or recreational use of cannabis, the CSA may still be enforced by U.S. federal law enforcement officials against citizens and businesses of those states for activity that is legal under state law. As a result of the conflicting views between state legislatures and the U.S. federal government regarding cannabis, investments in cannabis businesses in the United States are subject to inconsistent legislation and regulation.
Until 2018, the federal government provided guidance to federal agencies and banking institutions through a series of United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) memoranda. The most notable of this guidance came in the form of a memorandum issued by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole on August 29, 2013 (the “Cole Memorandum”). The Cole Memorandum offered guidance to federal agencies on how to prioritize civil enforcement, criminal investigations, and prosecutions regarding marijuana in all states and quickly set a compliance standard for marijuana related businesses. The Cole Memorandum concluded that the Department of Justice should be focused on addressing only the most significant threats related to cannabis. States where medical cannabis had been legalized were not characterized as a high priority. The Cole Memorandum was rescinded by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in January 2018 and instructed that "[i]n deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute with the [DOJ's] finite resources, prosecuters should follow the well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions." Namely, these include the seriousness of the offense, history of criminal activity, deterrent effect of prosecutions, the interests of victims, and other principles. Despite the Cole Memorandum's recission, the DOJ guidance on how to prioritize civil enforcement, criminal investigations, and prosecutions regarding marijuana related business appeared to be relatively unchanged.
On January 21, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was sworn in as President of the United States. President Biden’s Attorney General, Merrick Garland, was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 10, 2021. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated during his congressional testimony in February 2021, that the DOJ would not pursue cases against Americans complying with laws of the states that have legalized and are regulating marijuana. Such statements are not official declarations or policies of the DOJ and are not binding on the DOJ, any United States Attorney, or the United States federal courts. However, in October of 2022, the Biden
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Administration announced a mass pardon of persons who had been convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law and also its intention to review the regulation of marijuana under the CSA by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to expeditiously review marijuana’s Schedule I status. In December 2022, President Biden signed the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act into law, which provides for significantly broader opportunities to study cannabis. Recently in March 2023, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated during a senate hearing that “I think that it’s fair to expect what I said at my confirmation hearing with respect to marijuana and policy, that it will be very close to what was done in the Cole Memorandum”. To date, there have been no new federal marijuana memorandums issued by the DOJ or any published change in federal enforcement policy and substantial uncertainty regarding United States federal enforcement remains.
In recent years, certain temporary federal legislative enactments that provide safeguards for the medical cannabis industry have been appended to the federal budget bill. For each year since 2015, Congress has adopted a so-called “rider” provision to the Consolidated Appropriations Acts (formerly referred to as the Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment and currently referred to as the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment) to prevent the federal government from using congressionally appropriated funds to enforce federal law against regulated medical cannabis actors operating in compliance with state and local law. On December 29, 2022, the amendment was renewed as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Acts of 2023, H.R. 2617, which is effective through September 30, 2023. While the amendment has been included in successive appropriations legislation or resolutions since 2015, its inclusion or non-inclusion is subject to political change.
Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that state laws legalizing and regulating the sale and use of marijuana will not be repealed or overturned, or that local governmental authorities will not limit the applicability of state laws within their respective jurisdictions. Until the United States Congress amends the CSA with respect to marijuana, there is a risk that federal authorities may enforce current U.S. federal law.
On December 20, 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill, among other things, defines industrial hemp, removes industrial hemp and cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp so long as the delta-9 THC concentration is less than 0.3% by dry weight, from the CSA and allows for industrial hemp production and sale in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has retained authority over the addition of CBD and other cannabinoids to products that fall within the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (''FDCA"). To date, the FDA deems that it is currently illegal to add CBD to a food or beverage, and the FDA does not deem CBD a dietary supplement as the agency cannot conclude that CBD is "generally recognized as safe" among qualified experts for its use in human or animal food. In January 2023, the FDA publicly announced it had concluded that "a new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed that balances individuals' desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks" and that it was "prepared to work with Congress on this matter." There can be no assurance that the FDA will approve CBD as an additive to products under the FDCA.
Under current federal law, it may be a violation of federal anti-money laundering statutes to take any proceeds from the sale of any Schedule I controlled substance. Financial institutions could potentially be prosecuted and convicted of money laundering under the Bank Secrecy Act for providing services to cannabis businesses. In 2014, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN") issued guidance not to focus enforcement on financial institutions that serve cannabis-related business, as long as the business activities are legal in their state. The guidance also included burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements for financial institutions to bank state-sanctioned cannabis businesses. The FinCEN guidance also does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the DOJ, FinCEN or other federal regulators for banks and other financial institutions and can be amended or revoked at any time and therefore most financial institutions in the United States do not appear comfortable relying on this guidance to provide banking services to the cannabis industry. Thus, most legitimate cannabis-related companies have established relationships with state banks and financial institutions. Also, since these legitimate cannabis firms do not have access to traditional bank financing, they primarily rely on private capital to address their financing needs.
The SAFE Banking Act passed the House of Representatives in September 2019 but did not pass the Senate. In September 2021, the House of Representatives included the SAFE Banking Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2022, but the SAFE Banking Act was removed from the Defense Spending Bill by a Senate conference committee in December of 2021. The House of Representatives also passed the SAFE Banking Act most recently on February 4, 2022, as an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, but failed to pass in the Senate. The SAFE Banking Act is designed to prohibit federal banking regulators from punishing financial institutions from providing services to legitimate cannabis companies, their owners, and employees. In particular, a federal banking regulator cannot terminate or limit deposit insurance, prohibit or penalize a financial institution from providing services to legitimate cannabis-related business or take any adverse or corrective action on a loan made to a legitimate cannabis-related business.
Since we do not conduct any cannabis-related business in the United States aside from our Balanced Health cannabinoid products, the SAFE Banking Act would not alter the current financial services for Village Farms. However, the ability to access public capital for all legitimate cannabis-related companies could provide the industry with additional financing avenues not available today as well as reducing the overall cost of capital.
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Texas Cannabis Industry and Regulatory Overview
The Texas Legislature meets every two years beginning on the second Tuesday in January and commencing for 140 calendar days. The 2023 session began on January 10, 2023 and will end on May 29, 2023. Texas advocates, lobbyists and some legislators are attempting to build upon the current momentum behind marijuana policy reform in the U.S. and are filing and seeking to pass bills for the 2023 session. The bills reflect similar policy reform presented at the national level, including criminal justice reform and decriminalization of marijuana possession, expanding compassionate use programs and repealing marijuana prohibition entirely by legalizing responsible adult use.
The 2021 legislative session was largely focused on addressing the catastrophic freeze and failures of the Texas energy supply, a modest expansion to the medical cannabis program, the Texas Compassionate Use Program (“TCUP”), did pass. TCUP provides low-THC cannabis to registered patients who have a prescription from their physician. This legislation added post-traumatic stress disorder, any form of cancer, and any condition that is part of a medical cannabis research program to the list of conditions which qualify patients for TCUP. The legislation also raised the overall THC by weight cap from 0.5% to 1.0%. Since the law went into effect on September 1, 2021 through the period ending January 31, 2023, the patient count has risen by more than 450% from approximately 8,200 to just over 45,400 patients and the participating physician count has risen by 67% to just over 680.
On January 17, 2023, Texas announced it will open TCUP for more applications with the expectation that it will issue new medicinal licenses in 2023. The Company or one of its subsidiaries will apply for one of the TCUP licenses prior to the filing date of April 28, 2023.
Our Fresh Produce Segment
We commenced produce operations in 1989 and maintains produce operations under both our U.S. subsidiary, Village Farms L.P., and our Canadian subsidiary, Village Farms Canada Limited Partnership. We own and operate four greenhouse facilities in west Texas totaling 130 acres and one produce greenhouse in Delta, B.C. totaling 60 acres. All of our facilities grew tomatoes in 2022. We also represent third party growers (based in Canada and Mexico) on a sales commission basis, which represents approximately 55% of our 2022 gross produce revenues.
Approximately 82% of our total 2022 produce sales were tomatoes, 11% were peppers, 5% were cucumbers and 2% were mini-cukes, as compared to total 2021 produce sales which was comprised of 84% tomatoes, 10% peppers, 4% cucumbers and 2% mini-cukes. We sell produce predominantly to retailers in the United States and Canada.
In 2022, 2021 and 2020, approximately 82%, 84% and 84% of our produce sales were in the United States, respectively, with the top two customers comprising 21% of produce sales in 2022, 22% of produce sales in 2021 and 27% in 2020. Retail direct sales were approximately 70%, 69% and 76% of total produce sales for 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, with the balance to wholesale customers who service small retailers or other markets such as food service.
There is seasonality in produce revenues. Production is lower in the winter months, compared to the summer months, due to lower light levels in the winter months and our Delta, B.C. greenhouse due to its northern latitude does not produce tomatoes in the winter months. Historically, we have higher sales in our second and third quarters and lower sales, due to lower volumes, in the first and fourth quarters.
The produce business is very competitive, and our primary competition consists of large commercial producers. There is an abundance of growers as discussed in the Greenhouse Vegetable Industry Overview, which has resulted in an oversupplied market where retail customers have the upper hand in price negotiations. In addition, due to the perishable nature of produce, pricing is very sensitive to the daily demand versus supply in each produce category, including our primary category, tomatoes. We try to combat the commoditization of the tomato category by offering unique tomatoes such as the Heavenly Villagio Marzano® and Sinfully Sweet Campari® as a means of distinguishing Village Farms to our retail customers but the large tomato varieties such as tomatoes on the vine (“TOVs”) and beefsteak are still a predominant part of our produce business and industry sales. Our produce business has limited trademark or brand loyalty.
Greenhouse Vegetable Industry Overview
(A) The North American Industry
The greenhouse vegetable industry in North America has experienced expanded development over the past 20 years, particularly in the western regions of the United States, southwest British Columbia and southern Ontario in Canada, and concentrated areas in Mexico. Mexico is the largest producer of greenhouse tomatoes followed by Canada and the United States.
(B) Greenhouse Industry — United States
The majority of greenhouse vegetable producers in the United States are located in the southwestern and western states, where the growing conditions are more ideal for winter growing operations and the possibility of year-round production. New
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greenhouse facilities have recently been completed and planned in the northern U.S. to be closer to major population centers. These facilities have lights to allow for production in the winter months. Producing in the winter months is advantageous as produce prices are generally higher, although with increasing Mexican production (which produce in the winter months), seasonal pricing fluctuations are gradually decreasing. The majority of greenhouse tomatoes produced in the United States are used for domestic consumption, and producers in the United States benefit from high yields, consistent product quality, year-round supply, and closer proximity to their customers. In order to meet domestic demand, the United States imports a significant portion of its supply of greenhouse tomatoes from Canada and Mexico.
In addition, many U.S. growers of labor-intensive crops rely on immigrant workers from countries such as Mexico. The demand for farm labor in the U.S. continues to grow while the labor supply remains constant or slightly decreasing, leading to rising wages and benefits. U.S. employers may utilize H-2A workers to assist in fulfilling their labor needs. Section 218 of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the lawful admission into the United States of temporary, nonimmigrant workers (H-2A workers) to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature for up to ten months over a twelve month period. The H-2A worker adds additional costs to the greenhouse grower as the H-2A program set a Texas state-level minimum prevailing wage of $13.88 in 2022. Additionally, growers must pay for worker expenses, such as transportation costs and housing.
(C) Greenhouse Industry — Canada
Among the North American greenhouse vegetable producers, Canada is the largest supplier from April to October. Several factors, including climatic advantages (cooler summer temperatures) and the proximity of greenhouse producers to consumer markets, contribute to Canada’s favorable positioning relative to the United States during that time period. The primary markets for greenhouse produce grown in British Columbia include the west and northwest regions of the United States, as well as western Canada, while the primary markets for Ontario produce include the east and central regions of the United States, as well as eastern Canada.
The strengths of the Canadian greenhouse vegetable industry include its high yields and consistent product quality. The main weakness of the Canadian greenhouse industry relates to its lack of production during the historically higher priced winter months. However, because of the high volume of tomatoes produced in Canada during the April to October growing season, profits generated during this time period generally are sufficient to sustain producers through the full year.
(D) Greenhouse Industry — Mexico
Although Mexico was the last country to enter the greenhouse tomato industry in North America, it has more greenhouse tomato acreage than the United States and Canada combined. It should be noted there is no formal definition of a “greenhouse” and a significant portion of the greenhouse acreage in Mexico is very low-tech, shade field structures. The product from the shade facilities is in some instances marketed as greenhouse-grown, which until the recent update on the Suspension Agreement between the United States and Mexico, was not in violation of any regulations, but for the State of California, which has a strict definition of greenhouse-grown for produce sold within the state. Average yields and product quality in Mexico are comparatively low, as compared to U.S. and Canadian greenhouse operations. Currently, Mexican producers tend to grow a majority of their production during the fall, winter, and spring seasons as they have sufficient light levels to grow and cooler temperatures during these months, although the trend towards more sophisticated greenhouses is permitting a longer growing season as well as increased yields.
Over the last several years, the greenhouse industry in Mexico has continued to make significant advances with respect to its growing expertise and ability to extend its growing season, which continues to put pressure on produce pricing. Mexican growers are continuing to invest in greenhouses and other technology to improve production and yields. As the greenhouse industry is a labor-intensive business, the labor costs are a significant portion of overhead. Mexico has a considerable wage advantage versus the U.S. due primarily to the lower cost of living in Mexico. The U.S. Federal minimum wage has remained constant since 2019 at US$7.25 per hour; the Texas prevailing hourly wage for H2-A workers was $13.88 in 2022. Mexico’s minimum wage for 2022 was $172.87 Mexican pesos a day or approximately US$9.12 per day and increased to $207.44 Mexican pesos a day or approximately US$10.95 per day on January 1, 2023.
Pricing
Prices for vegetables fluctuate depending upon availability of supply and consumer demand. Greenhouse vegetable producers typically command a higher price for their products compared to field producers, as a result of the vegetables’ consistent quality, taste, appearance, and year-round availability. This higher price, combined with higher production yields for greenhouse produce, typically offset the higher costs associated with greenhouse production relative to field production. Production costs for greenhouse-grown produce are generally higher due to greater energy, labor, infrastructure, technological requirements, and more intense crop yields per acre. As the fresh produce market share of big box retailers increases, pricing is moving towards more contract pricing for six, nine or even twelve-month periods reducing some of the fluctuations with traditional seasonal pricing. However, contract pricing does not provide volume guarantees.
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Intellectual Property
We have registered many trademarks and service marks in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The following is a list of the key trademarks and service marks Village Farms has registered for our produce: Village Farms Logo®, BC Grown Logo®, Texas Grown Logo®, A Revolution in Flavor®, Baby Beefs®, Blissfully Bright®, Cabernet Estate Reserve®, Cheeky Sweets®, Cherry No.9®, Cherry No.9 Fall in Love Again®, Delectable TOV®, Exquisite Heirloom®, Fall in Love Again®, From Our House To Your Home®, Garden Fresh Flavor®, Good for the Earth®, Heavenly Villagio Marzano®, Home Choice®, Hydroperfect®, Hydroperfect Campari®, It Takes a Village®, Juicy Beefsteak®, Lip Smackin’ Grapes®, Lorabella Blossom®, Maverick Mix®, Mini Sensations®, No.9®, Savory Roma®, Scrumptious Mini®, Sensational Sara®, Sinfully Sweet®, Sinfully Sweet Campari®, Sweet Bells®, Ture Rebel Mix®, Village Farms® , Village Fields®, Villagio Chef’s Pack® , Villagio Magic Mix® , Villagio Marzano® and Where Freshness is Always in Season®.
We also have the following trademarks registered for Pure Sunfarms in Canada: Pure SunfarmsTM, Pure Sunfarms BC GrownTM, Everyday PremiumTM, Farm to FlowerTM, Hit The GasTM, No Sun No FlowerTM, Plants and People FirstTM, Pure ProvisionsTM, Rise with the SunTM, SoarTM, Soar CannabisTM , The BakeryTM, Purple Sun GodTM, The Original Fraser Valley Weed Co.TM and NowadaysTM.
We have the following trademarks registered and service marks in the United States, Canada, Europe and Costa Rica for Balanced Health: Balanced Health Botanicals®, BOTA®, BOTA Hemp®, CBDefine®, CBDistilleryTM, CBDistileryRX®, CBDOL®, Gimmick-free CBD®, Pick A Phyte®, Terpsolate®.
We also have the following trademarks registered for Rose LifeScience in Canada: RoseTM, Rose LifeScienceTM, Rose LifeScienceVieTM, DLYSTM, ElektTM, PromenadeTM, Pure LaineTM, Tam TamsTM.
Employees
We have approximately 1,800 employees and contract workers throughout all of our brands: Village Farms Fresh, Pure Sunfarms, Rose LifeScience, Balanced Health Botanicals and VF Clean Energy. The majority of our employees and contract workers are employed in our produce and cannabis greenhouse operations. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we enjoy a good working relationship with our employees.
Human Capital
We respect diversity and accordingly are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Our management team is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment. We are proud to bring together individuals from a wide breadth of industries, backgrounds, and experiences, and promotes a culture of belonging. Additionally, we respect the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation if those religious beliefs or practices conflict with an employee’s job unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.
Paid vacation time is available for all employees in accordance with our Paid Time Off (“PTO”) Policy. In addition to good working conditions and competitive pay, it is our policy to provide a combination of supplemental benefits to all eligible employees. In keeping with this goal, each benefit program has been carefully devised. We provide all full-time employees with life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (“AD&D”) insurance. Eligible full-time U.S. employees may participate in the Company’s 401(k) savings plan beginning ninety days after the date of hire. Currently, we match a portion of eligible employee contributions.
In Texas, we opted out of the state-run workers’ compensation insurance program. We are self-insured and utilize private insurance to provide benefits to employees in the event of a work-related injury or occupational disease in lieu of workers’ compensation insurance. All employees outside of Texas are covered under our Workers’ Compensation policy, which also covers accidental injuries or illness which occur during working hours or conditions caused by work activities. Both our private insurance and workers’ compensation are paid by us. The private insurer provides for the payment of medical expenses and weekly compensation payments during the period of an employee's work-related injury or illness and we reimburse the private insurer in whole. In addition, we maintain stop gap coverage with their private insurance carrier to prevent the liability of a significant claim. We have a long-standing philosophy of taking pride in our practices to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of our employees. To ensure a safe and healthful workplace environment, we have established a program that serves to outline our commitment to this philosophy and we provide guidance to all employees on the standards for compliance.
In Canada, Village Farms, Pure Sunfarms and Rose Life Sciences offer competitive extended health care and dental benefits which include an additional health spending account, a sponsored group retirement savings plan and wellness days.
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In response to COVID-19, we implemented, and continue to improve, appropriate safety programs and protocols to help ensure the safety and well-being of our employees. We took proactive actions early on to protect the health of our employees and their families, including curtailing business travel and encouraging video conferencing when possible. While we believe we have responded appropriately to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the situation evolves, we will continue to analyze additional mitigation measures that may be needed to preserve the health and safety of our workforce, our customers and the ongoing continuity of our business operations. Those measures might include modifying workspaces, continuing social distancing policies, implementing new personal protective equipment or health screening policies at our facilities, or such other industry best practices needed to continue to maintain a healthy and safe environment for our employees amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social Responsibility
We have stood by our core "Good for the Earth" principles since our inception over 30 years ago. Since our inception, we are guided by a Sustainable Agriculture Policy, which integrates three main goals, environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equality. Greenhouse growing is the most environmentally sustainable method of farming due to its ability to preserve natural resources, such as reduced water usage while growing more on less land. In Controlled Environment Agriculture, soil erosion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions are largely neutralized. In addition, our investments in the latest technological advancements, and our ability to produce higher yields per square meter, mean there is more GMO-free products grown with little impact to the environment.
Our greenhouses rely on, and have successfully employed, non-chemical methods for pest control known as Integrated Pest Management, whereas beneficial insects largely alleviate the need for pesticides. Our greenhouses utilize biodegradable coconut fiber or rockwool, not soil, to support the plants in a hydroponic solution, so there is no soil erosion or loss of precious nutrients. Pure Sunfarms’ greenhouses installed blackout curtains to reduce energy consumption, mitigate light pollution and protect ecosystems to minimize the impact to the greater Vancouver area. At all greenhouse facilities, we sterilize and recirculate water numerous times. In Texas, discharged water is used to irrigate an adjacent track of land where a local rancher is then able to graze cattle year-round. In Delta, B.C., Pure Sunfarms collects rainwater throughout the year to minimize the use of external water sources at one of its greenhouses. All the Company's Delta, B.C. greenhouses utilize renewable hydroelectricity as their main power source.
Rose LifeScience’s indoor controlled growing facility in Quebec was granted environmental rebates from the local government for its energy efficient design. The facility is digitally responsive as the growing rooms are equipped with technology that interprets and responds to the needs of the growers and the plants. The energy-conscious building design helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the facility is outfitted with special filtration to reduce odors and minimize any impact to the local community.
Balanced Health is focused on product quality and conducts internal and third-party quality testing across the supply chain and at all stages of the cannabinoid creation process to confirm the purity and concentration of its products. All hemp utilized by BHB is required to be non-GMO, pesticide free and is tested for compliance. Balanced Health is one of thirteen companies awarded U.S. Hemp Authority Certification for its commitment to quality and safety of its products and has also achieved Generally Recognized as Safe designation, an evaluation that its products are recognized as safe for consumption for full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate CBD.
We have memberships in core industry associations such as the United Fresh Produce Association and the Produce Marketing Association, where leaders explore strategies and provide solutions to expand fresh produce consumption and strive to feed a growing world population. Pure Sunfarms is the founder of Cannabis Cultivators of B.C. dedicated to advocating for the growth of a responsible cannabis industry and advancing a favorable social, economic and business environment for cannabis cultivation in B.C. We continue to contribute and distribute fresh produce to help feed those in need, as well as champion volunteer efforts in national food banks, such as Feeding America and Conscious Alliance. Donation efforts to food banks and food pantries are also localized in all the regions where company offices and facilities are located. On a community level, local involvement in organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Wounded Warrior Fund, NAACP education fund, Rotary clubs, hospitals, and community art outreach activities, are just some of the diverse charitable contributions we support.
Corporate Information
Village Farms is a publicly traded company in the United States on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), under the symbol “VFF”. VFF is a corporation existing under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Our headquarters are located at 4700-80th Street Delta, British Columbia, Canada V4K 3N3 (telephone: 604-940-6012).
VFF’s principal operating subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 are Village Farms Canada Limited Partnership (“VFCLP”), Village Farms, L.P. (“VFLP”), VF Clean Energy, Inc., Pure Sunfarms Corp., Balanced Health Botanicals, LLC and Rose LifeScience Inc. VFF also owns an 85% ownership in Leli, and a minority interest in Altum International Pty Ltd.
We file annual, quarterly, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC maintains an internet site that contains our public filings with the SEC and other information regarding Village Farms, at www.sec.gov. We make available free of charge at our website, www.villagefarms.com, all of our reports
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filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the reference to our website in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is an inactive textual reference only.
We are also a reporting issuer under the securities laws of each of the provinces and territories of Canada and accordingly our public filings with Canadian securities regulators are available under our issuer profile at www.sedar.com.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Any of the risks and uncertainties described below could significantly and negatively affect our business, prospects, financial condition, operating results, or credit ratings, which could cause the trading price of our Common Shares to decline. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or risks that we currently consider immaterial, could also impair our business operations or financial condition.
We are providing the following summary of risk factors contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K to enhance the readability and accessibility of our risk factor disclosures. We encourage you to review the full risk factors in their entirety for additional information regarding the material risks that could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, operating results, or credit ratings, which could cause the trading price of our Common Shares to decline. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Business and Operational Risk Factors
Industry Risk Factors
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Legal and Regulatory Risks Factors
Labor and Employment Risks Factors
Tax Risk Factors
Common Shares Risk Factors
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General Risk Factors
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONAL RISK FACTORS
We may be unable to regain profitability.
Our ability to generate net earnings and return to profitability is based, in part, on our ability to manage our cannabis profit margins and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as well as maintaining tomato production at a low-cost structure to increase our produce margins. These margins are dependent upon our ability to sell our products profitably and to be the supplier of choice to our customers. The failure to execute on our low-cost structure in our produce business at favorable margins or an increase in cost of goods or operating costs will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, and cash available.
One of our principal objectives is to pursue operational efficiencies. Profitability depends in significant measure on our ability to, among other things, successfully manage, identify, and implement operational efficiencies. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in managing our cost control and productivity improvement measures. In addition, a failure to achieve a low-cost structure through economies of scale or continue to improve our cultivation and manufacturing processes could have a material adverse effect on our commercialization plans and our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
We may need additional financing to further develop our business.
The continued operations and development of our business may require additional financing, which may be in the form of future equity securities offerings or any form of debt financing. For example, on January 26, 2023, we completed a registered direct offering for the purchase and sale of an aggregate 18,350,000 Common Shares at a public offering price of US$1.35 per Common Share for gross proceeds of approximately US$25 million coupled with 18,350,000 warrants with an exercise price of US$1.65 (the “2023 Equity Offering”). Additionally, in 2022, we implemented an at-the-market (“ATM”) program through which we have sold 3,175,000 shares for proceeds of US$6.9 million as of March 8, 2023. We will require additional equity financing which may have a dilutive effect and may not be achievable due to market conditions or other reasons. The failure to raise such capital could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of our current business objectives or may require us to cease to carry on business. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be available if needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favorable to us.
We are dependent on the availability of financing under our Credit Facilities. Under the terms of our Credit Facilities, we are subject to a number of covenants, including debt service covenants. These covenants could reduce our flexibility in conducting our operations by limiting our ability to borrow money and expand into new business lines. For more information, see “We are subject to restrictive covenants under our Credit Facilities” below.
We have also provided full recourse guarantees and have granted security interests in respect of the FCC Term Loan with Farm Credit Canada (“FCC”), which matures in April 2025. We are also subject to fluctuations in our working capital on a month-to-month basis, and as a result, we have access to financing under our produce operating loan (“Operating Loan”), which matures in May 2024. Consistent with our past practice, we may draw down on revolving credit facilities available under our Operating Loan. An inability to draw down upon our Operating Loan, or to amend or replace the Operating Loan on favorable terms (or at all), could have an adverse effect on our businesses and our financial condition.
Pure Sunfarms has term loans and a revolver loan with a bank syndicate that mature in February 2024 (the “Pure Sunfarms Term Loans”). The bank syndicate loans have quarterly financial covenants; an inability to adhere to these financial covenants could accelerate one or more of the bank syndicate loans which could have a material adverse effect on our cannabis business and our financial condition.
There is no assurance that sufficient financing will be available when needed to allow us to continue as a going concern. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may also make it more difficult to operate our business due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations.
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We are dependent on the success of our Canadian Cannabis business which has a limited operating history in the cannabis industry.
Our Canadian Cannabis business has a limited operating history. Our Canadian Cannabis business is therefore subject to many of the risks common to early-stage enterprises, including limitations with respect to personnel, financial, and other resources. In addition, we have incurred and anticipate that we will continue to incur substantial expenses relating to the development and ongoing operations of our Canadian Cannabis business. The payment and amount of any future dividend and shareholder loan repayments to the Company from Canadian Cannabis business will depend upon, among other things, its available cash flows, after taking into account its operating and capital requirements. There is no assurance that we will be successful in achieving a return on our Canadian Cannabis business and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the early stage of its operations and heavy tax burden on all Canadian cannabis companies.
Our Canadian Cannabis business may incur losses in the future for a number of reasons, including as a result of unforeseen expenses, regulatory impediments, unforeseen difficulties, complications and delays, the other risks described in these “Risk Factors” and other unknown events. The amount of any future net losses will depend, in part, on the growth of our future expenses and our ability to generate revenue. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with producing and selling cannabis and cannabis-derived products, we are unable to accurately forecast operating results to predict when, or if, we will be able to sustain our profitability. If our Canadian Cannabis business is unable to sustain profitability, the market price of our Common Shares may significantly decrease and our ability to raise capital, expand our business or continue our operations may be impaired.
The ability of our Canadian Cannabis business to grow will depend on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the number of licensed retail cannabis stores, a reduction in excise tax burden, the availability of sufficient debtor capital on suitable terms, changes in laws and regulations respecting the production and sale of cannabis products, competition from other entities licensed under the Cannabis Act, its ability to recruit and retain sufficient experienced personnel and its ability to expand into international operations and sales. In addition, our Canadian Cannabis business is subject to a variety of business risks generally associated with developing companies. Future development and expansion could place significant strain on our management personnel and likely will require us to recruit additional management personnel, and there is no assurance that we will be able to do so. As the operations of our Canadian Cannabis business grow in size, scope, and complexity and as it identifies and pursues new opportunities, our Canadian Cannabis business may need to increase in scale its infrastructure (financial, management, informational, personnel and otherwise).
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain customers.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain customers. There are many factors which could impact our ability to attract and retain customers, including but not limited to the ability to continually grow and distribute desirable produce and cannabis.
For our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses, the successful implementation of a customer acquisition plan and the continued growth in the aggregate number of potential customers are critical to the ability to attract and retain customers. Even if the products of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses achieve initial retail success, our long-term success is significantly dependent upon the ability to develop new and improved product lines. In addition, we can provide no assurance that campaigns to promote the products of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses will be successful in attracting customers, and any such campaigns are heavily regulated and can entail significant expense. Our failure to acquire and retain customers and the imposition of further restrictions on sales and marketing or further restrictions on sales in certain areas and markets, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to restrictive covenants under our Credit Facilities (as defined in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below).
Under the terms of our Credit Facilities, we are subject to a number of covenants, including debt service covenants. These covenants could reduce our flexibility in conducting our operations by limiting our ability to borrow money and expand into new business lines. On December 31, 2022, we were not in compliance with one financial covenant under our Term Loan and accordingly we obtained a waiver from FCC for the annual test on December 31, 2022 for the one financial covenant. FCC measures our financial covenants once a year on the last calendar day of the year. We were also not in compliance with some of the financial covenants of our FCC Term Loan on December 31, 2021 (the annual testing date) but likewise had obtained a waiver from FCC for our annual 2021 financial covenants. There can be no assurance that we will be in compliance with the future financial covenants and that we would be able to obtain a future waiver from our creditors for any non-compliance in connection with the next testing date.
Generally, non-compliance with our covenants may increase a risk of default on our debt (including by a cross-default to other credit agreements. If we are unable to comply with our debt covenants in the future, we may seek a waiver and/or an amendment(s) from the applicable lenders in respect of any such covenant in order to avoid any breach or default that might otherwise result therefrom. If we default under any of the Credit Facilities and the default is not waived by the applicable lenders, the debt extended pursuant to all of our debt instruments could become due and payable prior to their stated due dates. In addition, a default on all or some portion of the Credit Facilities may result in foreclosure on our collateral, which includes promissory notes, a first mortgage on the owned controlled environment agriculture (high tech greenhouse) properties, and general security agreements over
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our assets. We cannot give any assurance that (i) our lenders will agree to any covenant amendments or continue to waive any covenant breaches or defaults that may occur under the applicable debt instruments, or (ii) we could pay this debt if any of it became due prior to its stated due date. Accordingly, any default by us under our existing debt that is not waived by the applicable lenders could materially adversely impact our results of operations and financial results and may have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our Common Shares.
We expect that the cost of our debt will increase as a result of higher interest rates.
We expect that higher interest rates will increase our cost of debt compared to prior years. Currently, we forecast that the incremental interest burden will be more than interest expense in 2022. This will negatively impact our operational cash flows and increase our debt service costs, which will result in needing a higher EBITDA to cover our existing bank covenants. We have no visibility into the timing or extent of interest rate decreases in the future and accordingly, we may continue to experience increased cost of debt in future periods.
We expect to incur ongoing costs and obligations related to infrastructure, growth, regulatory compliance, and operations for our Canadian Cannabis business.
Our Canadian Cannabis business expects to incur significant ongoing costs and obligations related to its investment in infrastructure and growth and for regulatory compliance, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In addition, future changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our operations, increased compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our efforts to grow our business may be costlier than expected, and we may not be able to increase our revenue enough to offset our higher operating expenses. We may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including the other risks described in these “Risk Factors”, and unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays, and other unknown events.
Our operations require certain key inputs, including raw materials and energy, and we are subject to their costs and potential supply disruptions.
Our business is dependent on a number of key inputs and their related costs including raw materials, packaging materials and supplies related to our growing operations, as well as electricity, water, and other local utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain for key inputs could materially impact our business, financial condition, and operating results. Any inability to secure required supplies and services or to do so on appropriate terms could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and operating results. Our controlled environment agriculture operations consume considerable energy for heat and carbon dioxide production and are vulnerable to rising energy costs. Energy costs have shown volatility, which has and may continue to adversely impact our cost structure. Should the cost of energy rise, and should we face difficulties in sustaining price increases to offset the impact of increasing fuel costs, gross profit margins could be adversely impacted.
In addition, our Canadian cannabis cultivation operations consume considerable energy, making it vulnerable to rising energy costs and power outages. Rising or volatile energy costs may adversely impact our business, and our Canadian cannabis operations could be significantly affected by a prolonged power outage.
We may be unable to manage our growth successfully.
We may not be able to successfully manage our growth. Our growth strategy will place significant demands on our financial, operational and management resources. In order to continue our growth, we will need to add administrative, management and other personnel, and make additional investments in operations and systems. We may not be able to locate and train qualified personnel, or do so on a timely basis, or expand our operations and systems to the extent, and in the time, required.
In particular, we may not have the capacity to meet customer demand or to meet future demand when it arises in respect of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses. In addition, delays in obtaining, or conditions imposed by, regulatory approvals and quality control and health concerns in respect of these businesses could have a negative effect on our growth strategy. If we cannot manage growth in these markets effectively, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, we will need to effectively execute on business opportunities and continue to build on and deploy corporate development and marketing assets as well as access sufficient new capital, as may be required. The ability to successfully complete acquisitions and to capitalize on other growth opportunities may redirect our limited resources. This may require us to commit substantial financial, operational, and technical resources in advance of an increase in the volume of business, with no assurance that the volume of business will increase. There can be no assurance we will be able to respond adequately or quickly enough to the changing demands that material expansion of our business will impose on management, team members and existing operations and systems, and changes to our operating structure may result in increased costs or inefficiencies that we cannot anticipate. Changes as we grow may have a negative impact on our operations, and cost increases resulting from our inability to effectively manage our
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growth could adversely impact our profitability. In addition, continued growth could also strain our ability to maintain reliable service levels for our clients, develop and approve our operational, financial and management controls, enhance our reporting systems and procedures and recruit, train and retain highly skilled personnel.
Failure to effectively manage our growth could result in difficulty or delays in servicing clients, declines in quality or client satisfaction, increases in costs, difficulties in introducing new products or applications or other operational difficulties, and any of these difficulties could adversely impact our business performance and results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will effectively be able to manage our expanding operations, including any acquisitions, that our growth will result in profit, that we will be able to attract and retain sufficient management personnel necessary for growth or that we will be able to successfully make strategic investments or acquisitions.
In addition, acquisitions of additional businesses that we may pursue in the future may be financed wholly or partially with debt, which may temporarily increase our debt levels above industry standards. Any debt financing secured in the future could involve additional restrictive covenants relating to capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including other future potential acquisitions.
Our operations are subject to natural catastrophes.
Our operations may be adversely affected by severe weather including wind, snow, hail, and rain, which may result in our operations having reduced harvest yields due to lower light levels, or a more catastrophic event as occurred at our Marfa, Texas facilities on May 31, 2012, when we lost three of our operating greenhouses to a short but powerful hailstorm. Although we anticipate and factor in certain periods of lower than optimal light levels, extended periods of severe or unusual light levels may adversely impact our financial results due to higher costs and missed sales opportunities arising from reduced production yields.
From February 13-17, 2021, a major winter and ice storm with extremely cold temperatures impacted parts of the United States and Canada and in particular Texas. The unprecedented winter storm caused electricity demand in Texas to increase dramatically as Texas facilities were not built for such climate conditions. The storm caused major problems with sources of electricity, due to frozen wind turbines, natural gas production losses, and power generator outages, leading to a short-term situation in which demand vastly exceeded supply within the Texas power grid, which is not connected to the larger U.S. power grid. The loss of fuel supply and power generating capacity forced the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”), the nonprofit grid operator, to declare an Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 and begin rotating power outages. Throughout the 5-day emergency period, the real-time price for electricity elevated to the maximum allowable price of $9,000 per MWh, which is more than 100 times higher than the prices observed in early February 2021 and historical February pricing. In order to mitigate future price instability, in winter months, we have initiated fixed contracts for a significant portion of its anticipated electricity requirements at all our Texas facilities. In addition, we reassessed our back-up systems to ensure that the greenhouses have enough capacity to produce the required electrical output if an outage occurs again in the future. While we maintain fixed contracts for a portion of our anticipated electricity requirements and have improved back-up systems, the impact of a future similar event may adversely impact our business operations and financial condition.
Our business operations, some of which are located on the British Columbia coast, are located in an area that is geologically active and considered to be at risk from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Our earthquake and volcanic eruption deductible are 10% of our loss caused by the earthquake or volcanic eruption, subject to a maximum deductible of C$5,000,000. In addition, climate change over time is predicted to lead to changes in the frequency of storm events as well as their severity. We are unable to predict the impact of climate change on our business. Our Texas facilities, due to our claim in respect of the May 31, 2012 hailstorm, are also subject to high deductibles as well as a total claim limit that if all four facilities were simultaneously impacted by the same storm or catastrophic event may result is less than adequate coverage. While we maintain insurance coverage, we cannot predict that all potential insurable risks have been foreseen or that adequate coverage is maintained against known risks.
We may suffer from uninsured and underinsured losses.
We maintain insurance coverage in respect of our potential liabilities and the accidental loss of value of our assets from risks, in those amounts, with those insurers, and on those terms as we consider appropriate to purchase and which is readily available, taking into account all relevant factors including the practices of owners of similar assets and operations, as well as costs. However, not all risks are covered by insurance or the insurance may have high deductibles, and no assurance can be given that insurance will be consistently available or will be consistently available on an economically feasible basis, or that the amounts of insurance will at all times be sufficient to cover each and every loss or claim that may occur involving the assets or our operations and loss payments may not be as timely and responsive as our working capital needs require.
In particular, because our Canadian Cannabis business is engaged in and operate within the cannabis industry, there are exclusions and additional difficulties and complexities associated with obtaining insurance coverage that could cause us to suffer uninsured losses, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and profitability. Further, our insurance coverage is subject to coverage limits and exclusions and may not be available for the risks inherit in the business. If we were to incur substantial liability and such damages were not covered by insurance or were in excess of policy limits, we may be exposed to material uninsured liabilities that could impede liquidity, profitability, or solvency.
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In addition, damage caused by an accidental or natural disaster to any or all of our key production facilities may result in significant replacement costs and loss of business that may not be fully recoverable or is subject to a high deductible (such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption in British Columbia) under any insurance policy. Furthermore, we do not carry crop loss insurance, and accordingly, we would have to bear the cost of any significant losses related to crop losses in the future.
There can be no assurance that our previous, current or potential future acquisitions, investments or expansions of scope of existing relationships will have a beneficial impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have made, and may in the future make, acquisitions in and investments with third parties that we believe will complement or augment our existing business. Our ability to complete acquisitions is dependent upon, and may be limited by, the availability of suitable candidates and capital. In addition, acquisitions could present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs, may not enhance our business, and/or may involve risks that could adversely affect us, including significant amounts of management time that may be diverted from operations in order to pursue and complete such transactions. Acquisitions, investments or expansion of scope of existing relationships could result in the incurrence of additional debt, costs and contingent liabilities, and there can be no assurance that our acquisitions, investments or expansion of scope of existing relationships will achieve the expected benefits to our business. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that future mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, joint ventures, investments or other strategic transactions will be consummated or have a positive impact on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations.
Historically, our senior management and board have been engaged in discussions surrounding the strategic direction of the Company in light of, among other things, the rapid growth and substantial changes in the cannabis industry and the other businesses in which we operate. As part of these discussions, our senior management and board from time to time have considered, and may consider in the future, various transactions in the context of our long-term business plan, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, joint ventures, investments or other strategic transactions. We have also been approached from time to time by parties wishing to discuss potential commercial or acquisition opportunities. In certain cases, we have entered into confidentiality agreements with third parties under which we have provided certain non-public information to those parties.
We can provide no assurance that any such discussions will result in a transaction or that any such transaction ultimately will have a positive impact on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations.
Our business and operating results rely on effective quality control.
The quality and safety of our products are critical to the success of our business and operations. As such, it is imperative that our (and our service providers’) quality control systems operate effectively and successfully. Quality control systems can be negatively impacted by potential design flaws, the quality training program, and adherence by employees to quality control guidelines. Although we strive to ensure that all of our service providers have implemented and adhered to high caliber quality control systems, any significant failure or deterioration of such quality control systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Our products may be subject to recalls.
Manufacturers of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labelling disclosure. If any of our products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant number of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we have put in place detailed procedures for testing our products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency, or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action, or lawsuits. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and other regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
Any product recall affecting the cannabis industry more broadly, whether or not involving us, could also lead consumers to lose confidence in the safety and security of the products sold by entities licensed under the Cannabis Act generally, including the cannabis products sold by our Canadian Cannabis business.
We face risks related to cyber security attacks and other incidents.
Cyber security has become an increasingly problematic issue for issuers and businesses around the world, including us. Cyber security attacks against organizations of all sizes are increasing in sophistication and are often focused on financial fraud, compromising sensitive data for inappropriate use or disrupting business operations. A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse
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event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of our information resources. More specifically, a cyber incident is an intentional attack or an unintentional event that can include gaining unauthorized access to information systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal confidential information. As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems. Our primary risk that could directly result from the occurrence of a cyber incident include operational interruption, damage to our reputation, damage to our business relationships, disclosure of confidential information regarding our employees and third parties with whom we interact, and may result in negative consequences, including remediation costs, loss of revenue, additional regulatory scrutiny, and litigation. We are also at risk of theft of propriety data for the purposes of extracting payment for its return (ransomware attack). We maintain cyber security insurance and have implemented processes, procedures, and controls to help mitigate these risks, but these measures, as well as our increased awareness of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that our financial results will not be negatively impacted by such an incident.
Our potential international expansion may increase our operational risks.
Any expansion by us into jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States is subject to additional risks, including political, economic, legal, and other risks and uncertainties associated with operating in or exporting to these jurisdictions. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changes in the laws, regulations and policies governing the production, sale and use of cannabis, cannabis-derived products, hemp, or CBD, political instability, currency controls, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and rates of inflation, labor unrest, changes in taxation laws, regulations and policies, restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation and changing political conditions and governmental regulations relating to foreign investment and the cannabis, hemp and CBD businesses more generally.
Changes, if any, in the laws, regulations and policies relating to the advertising, production, sale and use of cannabis and cannabis-based products or in the general economic policies in these international jurisdictions, or shifts in political attitude related thereto, may adversely affect the operations or profitability related to international operations in these countries. Specifically, operations may be affected in varying degrees by government regulations with respect to, but not limited to, restrictions on advertising, production, price controls, export controls, controls on currency remittance, increased income taxes, restrictions on foreign investment, land and water use restrictions and government policies rewarding contracts to local competitors or requiring domestic producers or vendors to purchase supplies from a particular jurisdiction. Failure to comply strictly with applicable laws, regulations and local practices could result in additional taxes, costs, civil or criminal fines or penalties or other expenses being levied, as well as other potential adverse consequences such as the loss of necessary permits or governmental approvals.
Our competitive position may be affected by technological advances.
Rapidly changing markets, technology, emerging industry standards and frequent introduction of new products characterize our business, particularly in the cannabis market. The introduction of new products embodying new technologies, including new manufacturing processes, and the emergence of new industry standards may render our cannabis products obsolete, less competitive, or less marketable. The process of developing our cannabis products is complex and requires significant continuing costs, development efforts and third-party commitments. If we fail to develop new technologies and products and address the obsolescence of existing technologies, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be adversely affected. In addition, it is possible that more economical or efficient greenhouse production technology than what we currently use will be developed, thereby potentially adversely affecting our competitive position.
We may be unable to anticipate changes in our customer requirements for our cannabis that could make our existing technology obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to enhance our existing technologies, develop new technology that addresses the increasing sophistication and varied needs of the market, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a timely and cost-effective basis. Although we are committed to researching and developing new markets and products and improving existing products, there can be no assurances that such research and market development activities will prove profitable or that the resulting markets and/or products, if any, will be commercially viable or successfully produced and marketed. The development of our proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks, and may require significant continuing costs, development efforts and third-party commitments. We may not be successful in using new technologies or exploiting niche markets effectively or adapting our cannabis business to evolving customer or medical requirements or preferences or emerging industry standards. This may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We face risks related to intellectual property.
The ownership, licensing and protection of trademarks and other intellectual property rights are significant aspects of our future success. It is possible that we will not be able to register, maintain registration for or enforce all of our intellectual property, including trademarks, in all key jurisdictions. The intellectual property registration process can be expensive and time-consuming, and we may not be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable intellectual property applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner or may obtain intellectual property registrations which are invalid. It is also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of inventions made in the course of their development and commercialization activities before it is too late to obtain patent protection for them. Further, changes in either intellectual property laws or interpretation of intellectual property laws in the U.S,
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Canada and other countries may diminish the value of our intellectual property rights or narrow the scope of our intellectual property protection. As a result, our current or future intellectual property portfolio may not provide us with sufficient rights to protect our business, including our products, processes, and brands.
Termination or limitation of the scope of any intellectual property license may restrict or delay or eliminate our ability to develop and commercialize our products, which could adversely affect our business. We cannot guarantee that any third-party technology we license will not be unenforceable or licensed to our competitors or used by others. In the future, we may need to obtain licenses, renew existing license agreements in place at such time or otherwise replace existing technology. We are unable to predict whether these license agreements can be obtained or renewed, or the technology can be replaced on acceptable terms, or at all.
Unauthorized parties may attempt to replicate or otherwise obtain and use our products, brands, and technology. Policing the unauthorized use of our current or future trademarks, patents or other intellectual property rights could be difficult, expensive, time consuming and unpredictable, as may be enforcing these rights against unauthorized use by others. Identifying the unauthorized use of intellectual property rights is difficult as we may be unable to effectively monitor and evaluate the products being distributed by our competitors, including parties such as unlicensed dispensaries and black-market participants, and the processes used to produce such products. In addition, in any infringement proceeding, some or all of our trademarks or other intellectual property rights or other proprietary know-how, or those we license from others, or arrangements or agreements seeking to protect the same for our benefit, may be found invalid, unenforceable, anti-competitive or not infringed; may be interpreted narrowly; or could put existing intellectual property applications at risk of not being issued.
In addition, other parties may claim that our products, or those it licenses from others, infringe on their intellectual property, including their proprietary or patent protected rights. Such claims, whether meritorious or not, may result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources and legal fees, result in injunctions or temporary restraining orders, or require the payment of damages. As well, we may need to obtain licenses from third parties who allege that we have infringed on their lawful rights. Such licenses may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, we may not be able to obtain or utilize on terms that are favorable to us, or at all, licenses, or other rights with respect to intellectual property that we do not own.
We also rely on certain trade secrets, technical know-how and proprietary information that are not protected by patents to maintain our competitive position. Our trade secrets, technical know-how and proprietary information, which are not protected by patents, may become known to, or be independently developed by competitors, which could adversely affect us.
INDUSTRY RISK FACTORS
We face risks inherent in an agricultural business.
Our revenues are derived from the growing of agricultural products, including cannabis and produce. As such, we are subject to the risks inherent in an agricultural business, such as weather, insects, plant and seed diseases, shortage of qualified labor and similar agricultural risks, which may include crop losses, for which we are not insured. There can be no assurance that natural elements or labor issues will not have a material adverse effect on any such future production. Although our vegetables and Canadian cannabis products are grown in climate-controlled greenhouses, and we carefully monitor the growing conditions within our greenhouses and retain experienced production personnel, there can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on the production of these products. Any such agricultural risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and our cash flows.
In particular, cannabis plants can be vulnerable to various pathogens including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other miscellaneous pathogens. Such instances often lead to reduced crop quality, reduced potency, stunted growth and/or death of the plant. Moreover, cannabis is phytoremediative, meaning that it may extract toxins or other undesirable chemicals or compounds from the ground in which it is planted. Various regulatory agencies have established maximum limits for pathogens, toxins, chemicals, and other compounds that may be present in agricultural materials. If the cannabis of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience is found to have levels of pathogens, toxins, chemicals or other undesirable compounds that exceed established limits, the Canadian cannabis product may not be suitable for commercialization and Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience may have to destroy the applicable portions of our crops. Crops lost due to pathogens, toxins, chemicals, or other undesirable compounds may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Our tomato plants are vulnerable to the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (“ToBRFV”). All of our tomato facilities have been negatively impacted by ToBRFV over the past several years. ToBRFV is an identified virus affecting tomatoes, peppers and possibly other plants. ToBRFV can be transmitted mechanically and spread between plants or on contaminated tools, clothes or hands and may not be able to be eradicated even with a complete facility clean out, including multiple sanitations with disinfectants known to be effective on the ToBRFV. ToBRFV leads reduced crop quantity, ending a crop cycle early or result in the loss of an entire crop in one of our greenhouse facilities. In addition, delivery of tomato crops across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders encounters additional inspections due to ToBRFV and those crops may be denied entry. Crops lost to ToBRFV may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Produce seed companies are in the process of developing tomato varieties that are resistant to ToBRFV; however, they are in the early stages of the development process and we can provide no assurance as to the
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timing or effectiveness of such varieties. ToBRFV-resistant varieties will also need to be commercially viable with respect to yields and taste. It is expected that it will be several years before the negative impact of ToBRFV on the tomato industry is resolved and accordingly, our produce business may suffer in the meantime, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The legal cannabis and hemp-derived CBD industries are relatively new, and we cannot predict whether they will continue to grow as anticipated.
As federal License Holders under the Cannabis Act, our Canadian Cannabis business (specifically, Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience) is operating in the relatively new cannabis industry and market in Canada, and our U.S. Cannabis business is operating in the relatively new hemp-derived CBD industry and market. In addition to being subject to general business risks, we must continue to build brand awareness in these industries and market share through significant investments in our strategy, production capacity, quality assurance and compliance with regulations. Research in Canada, the United States and internationally regarding the health benefits, viability, safety, efficacy and dosing of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids remains in relatively early stages. Few clinical trials on the benefits of cannabis or isolated cannabinoids have been conducted. Future research and clinical trials may draw opposing conclusions to statements contained in the articles, reports and studies currently favored, or could reach different or negative conclusions regarding the health benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing or other facts and perceptions related to cannabis, which could adversely affect social acceptance of cannabis and the demand for our cannabis and cannabinoid products.
Accordingly, there is no assurance that the cannabis and hemp-derived CBD industries and markets will continue to exist and grow as currently estimated or anticipated or function and evolve in the manner consistent with management’s expectations and assumptions. Furthermore, we can provide no assurance that high-THC cannabis will ever become federally legal in the United States. Any event or circumstance that adversely affects the cannabis and hemp-derived CBD industries could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our Canadian Cannabis business may be affected by cannabis supply and demand fluctuations.
Entities licensed under the Cannabis Act have most recently and may continue to produce more cannabis than the current adult-use demand. In order to meet the initial adult-use demand, Pure Sunfarms, Rose LifeScience and other entities licensed under the Cannabis Act built special purpose cultivation facilities with additional production capacity to be licensed. Recently, due to oversupply within the industry, some Licensed Producers are reducing capacity by shuttering cultivation facilities and others are filing under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act of Canada. Adult use demand for cannabis products is dependent on a number of social, political, and economic factors that are beyond our control including the pace of new retail cannabis stores, which could be slowed by the impact of COVID-19. In addition, the initial demand that has been experienced following legalization in Canada may not continue at comparable levels or may not be sustainable as a portion of such demand may have been a result of the novelty of legalization.
Currently, Pure Sunfarms, Rose LifeScience and other entities licensed under the Cannabis Act are producing more cannabis than is needed to satisfy the collective demand of the Canadian adult-use markets. As a result, the available supply of cannabis exceeds demand, resulting in a significant decline in the market price for cannabis. If this continues, there is no assurance that Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience would be able to generate sufficient revenue from the sale of adult-use cannabis to be profitable. Ultimately, Canadian adult-use market demand may not be sufficient to support our current or future products or business.
In addition, our Canadian Cannabis business competes against illicit cannabis producers who are not subject to the same tax regime, regulations and costs. Supply, often at lower prices, from non-licensed producers also impact market pricing and overall supply-demand dynamics.
We may be negatively affected by unfavorable publicity, adverse scientific findings and/or negative consumer perception of cannabis.
We believe that the cannabis and CBD industries are highly dependent upon positive consumer and investor perception regarding the benefits, safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis or CBD products distributed to consumers. Such categories of products, having previously been commonly associated with various other narcotics, violence and criminal activities, there is a risk that our business might attract negative publicity. Perception of the cannabis or CBD industry and products, currently and in the future, may be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations or proceedings, regulatory enforcement activities, litigation, political statements, media attention and other publicity (whether or not accurate or with merit) both in Canada and in other countries relating to the consumption of cannabis or cannabinoid products, including unexpected safety or efficacy concerns arising with respect to cannabis or cannabinoid products or the activities of industry participants.
There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory investigations or proceedings, regulatory enforcement activities, litigation, political statements, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the cannabis or CBD markets or any particular cannabis or cannabinoid products or will be consistent with earlier publicity. Adverse future scientific research reports, findings, regulatory investigations or proceedings, and political statements, that are, or litigation, media attention or other publicity that is, perceived as less favorable than, or that questions, earlier research reports, findings or publicity (whether or not accurate or with merit) could result in a significant reduction in the demand for our Canadian cannabis or
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cannabinoid products. There is little long-term data with respect to side effects and/or interaction with individual human biochemistry of various cannabis products. As a result, the cannabis or cannabinoid products of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses could have certain side effects if not taken as directed or if taken by an end user that has certain known or unknown medical conditions.
Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis or CBD, our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis business’ current or future products, the use of cannabis or CBD for medical purposes or associating the consumption of cannabis or CBD with illness or other negative effects or events, could adversely affect us. This adverse publicity could arise even if the adverse effects associated with cannabis or cannabinoid products resulted from consumers’ failure to use such products legally, appropriately, or as directed.
There is also a risk that the actions of other entities licensed under the Cannabis Act or of companies and service providers in the cannabis or CBD industries may negatively affect the reputation of the industry as a whole and thereby negatively impact our reputation. The increased usage of social media and other web-based tools used to generate, publish, and discuss user-generated content and to connect with other users has made it increasingly easier for individuals and groups to communicate and share negative opinions and views regarding our activities and the cannabis or CBD industries in general, whether true or not.
Although we believe that we operate in a manner that is respectful to all stakeholders and that we take care in protecting our image and reputation, we do not ultimately have direct control over how we or the cannabis or CBD industry is perceived by others. Reputational issues may result in decreased investor confidence, increased challenges in developing and maintaining community relations and present an impediment to our overall ability to advance our projects, thereby having a material adverse impact on our financial performance, financial condition, cash flows and growth prospects.
We face significant competition in the cannabis industry.
Our Canadian Cannabis business faces significant competition from business entities and individuals who are licensed under the Cannabis Act to participate in the adult-use cannabis industry. The Cannabis Act has established a licensing regime for the production, testing, packaging, labeling, delivery, transportation, distribution, sale, possession, and disposal of cannabis for adult-use. Health Canada continues to accept and award new licenses under the Cannabis Act for all cannabis activities.
If Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience are unable to effectively compete with other suppliers to the adult-use cannabis market, or a significant number of individuals take advantage of the ability to cultivate and use their own cannabis, our anticipated addressable market may be reduced, and could adversely affect our ability to meet our business and financial targets, and our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our Canadian Cannabis business also faces competition from existing entities licensed under the Cannabis Act. Certain of these competitors have significantly greater financial, production, marketing, research and development and technical and human resources than we do. As a result, our Canadian cannabis competitors may be more successful in gaining market penetration and market share. The commercial opportunity for our Canadian Cannabis business in the adult-use market could be reduced or eliminated if our competitors produce and commercialize products for the adult-use market that, among other things, are safer, more effective, more convenient or less expensive than the products that we may produce, have greater sales, marketing and distribution support than our Canadian cannabis products, enjoy enhanced timing of market introduction and perceived effectiveness advantages over our Canadian cannabis products and receive more favorable publicity than our Canadian cannabis products. If our Canadian cannabis adult-use products do not achieve an adequate level of acceptance by the adult-use market, we may not generate sufficient revenue from these products, and our adult-use business may not sustain its profitability.
If the number of users of cannabis in Canada increases, the demand for products will increase and we expect that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, our Canadian Cannabis business will require a continued level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales, and operations. Our Canadian Cannabis business may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales, and operations efforts on a competitive basis which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Subject to certain restrictions, the Cannabis Act allows adults to cultivate, propagate, harvest, and distribute up to four cannabis plants per household, provided that each plant meets certain requirements. Although there are barriers to personal cultivation, including the start-up costs of obtaining equipment and materials to produce cannabis, depending on the number of consumers who choose to pursue personal cultivation, there could be significant competition from individual growers for our Canadian cannabis segment products.
Our Canadian Cannabis business also faces competition from illegal cannabis operations that are continuing to sell cannabis to individuals, despite not having a valid license under the Cannabis Regulations. We do not expect the Canadian government to actively enforce current laws against the illegal cannabis operations, but rather over the course of time, the Canadian government expects legal operators to force the closure of the illegal cannabis operations due to economic factors. Furthermore, given the restrictions on regulated retail cannabis as well as higher costs and taxes for regulated products, it is possible that legal cannabis consumers revert to the illicit market as a matter of convenience and/or price.
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Increasing legalization of cannabis and rapid growth and consolidation in the cannabis and CBD industries may further intensify competition.
The cannabis and CBD industries are undergoing rapid growth and substantial change, and the legal landscape for recreational cannabis and CBD is rapidly changing internationally. An increasing number of jurisdictions globally are passing legislation allowing for the production and distribution of recreational cannabis and other cannabinoid-containing product, such as CBD, in some form. Entry into the cannabis and cannabinoid market in which we participate by international competitors, including that enabled by potential change in existing regulations restricting such entry, might increase competition and lower the demand for the products of Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses on a global scale.
The foregoing legalization and growth trends in the cannabis and CBD industries have resulted in an increase in competitors, consolidation and formation of strategic relationships. Such acquisitions or other consolidating transactions could harm us in a number of ways, including by losing strategic partners if they are acquired by or enter into relationships with a competitor, losing customers, revenue, and market share, or forcing us to expend greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats, all of which could harm our operating results. As competitors enter the market and become increasingly sophisticated, competition in the cannabis and CBD industries may intensify and place downward pressure on retail prices for products and services, which could negatively impact profitability.
Third parties with whom we contract may be concerned about their reputational risks in respect of cannabis.
The parties with whom we do business, or would like to do business with, may perceive that they are exposed to reputational risk as a result of our business activities relating to cannabis, which could hinder our ability to establish or maintain business relationships. These perceptions relating to the cannabis industry may interfere with our relationship with service providers in the United States and Canada, as well as other countries, particularly in the financial services and insurance industries.
Our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses are subject to cannabis-related security breaches, which could result in significant losses.
Given the nature of the products and the limited legal channels for distribution of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis business products, as well as the concentration of inventory in our facilities, despite meeting or exceeding regulatory security requirements (including those of Health Canada), there remains a risk of inventory shrinkage due to theft and other security breaches. A security breach at one of our facilities could result in a significant loss of available product and could expose us to additional liability under applicable regulations and to potentially costly litigation, increase expenses relating to the resolution and future prevention of these breaches and may deter potential patients from choosing the products of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Our revenues may be impacted by fluctuating demand for our products.
Our revenues will in large part be derived from the production, sale, and distribution of agriculturally based consumer goods – specifically tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cannabis and hemp-derived cannabinoids. The price of production, sale and distribution of these goods will fluctuate widely primarily due to, the natural economic balance of demand versus supply, as well as the impact of numerous factors beyond our control including international, economic, and political trends, expectations of inflation, global or regional consumptive patterns, speculative activities and increased production due to new production and distribution developments and improved production and distribution methods. The effects of these factors on the price of our goods and, therefore, the economic viability of our business, cannot accurately be predicted and may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The produce, cannabis and CBD industries are highly competitive and sensitive to changes in demand and supply. The price of our products is affected by many factors including control of the distribution channel by large, big box retailers (for produce), control of the distribution channel by provincial boards (for Canadian cannabis), quality and general economic conditions, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Demand for our products is subject to fluctuations resulting from adverse changes in general economic conditions, evolving consumer preferences, nutritional and health-related concerns and public reaction to food spoilage or food contamination issues. General supply of all our goods is subject to fluctuations relating to weather, insects, plant disease and changes in greenhouse acreage. There can be no assurance that consumption will increase or that present consumption levels will be maintained. If consumer demand for our products decreases, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
We may be negatively affected by the customer and vendor credit risk.
Because of the recent volatility in the nascent cannabis and CBD sector generally, certain customers and vendors of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses may encounter financial difficulties that could result in those entities being unable to collect some or all of their accounts receivable from their customers and possibly the inability to obtain certain products sourced outside of our own facilities.
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Accordingly, we are subject to credit risk in relation to accounts receivable with the spot market, other wholesale or retail customers and LPs. Disputes with customers may arise in the future relating to the non-payment of accounts receivable and may escalate to litigation or other dispute resolution processes, which could be protracted, time consuming and expensive, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in any such disputes. The foregoing could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We face risks associated with cross-border trade.
Our Canadian and U.S. produce is actively sold cross-border. In addition, we utilize third party suppliers to grow and distribute produce from Canada and Mexico. Markets in the United States, Canada and Mexico may be affected from time to time by trade rulings and the imposition of customs, duties, and other tariffs. There can be no assurance that our financial condition and results of operations will not be materially adversely affected by trade rulings and the imposition of customs duties or other tariffs in the future. Furthermore, there is no assurance that further trade actions will not be initiated by U.S. producers of greenhouse or field grown vegetables. Any prolonged disruption in the flow of our product across the U.S.-Canada and U.S-Mexico border could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of our produce operations.
Our Canadian Cannabis business exports certain products to international markets (currently Australia and Israel) and may export products to other international markets in the future. International markets are subject to substantially similar regulatory and international demand and supply risks that our Canadian cannabis business is subject to in Canada.
Retail consolidation in the markets in which we participate may negatively affect our operations and profitability.
Our top ten produce customers accounted for approximately 56% and 59% of total produce revenue for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As a result of continuing consolidation of the retail grocery industry, our U.S. retail customers grow larger and become more sophisticated enabling them to demand lower pricing, special packaging or varieties as well as increased promotional programs. If we are unable to use our scale, marketing expertise and market leadership position to respond to these trends, such retail consolidation may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our Canadian cannabis business is focused on recreational (adult-use) sales which are primarily sold through the various Provincial boards who are effectively the sole wholesaler in their respective Provinces. As such, we had a concentration of adult-use branded sales to our three biggest provincial boards for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 of 93% and 94%, respectively. If we are unable to sell to these provincial boards in the future for any reason, we expect that our revenues would decline and our results of operations would be negatively affected, and the impact on our overall results could be material.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISK FACTORS
Our cannabis operations in Canada require licenses to grow, store and sell cannabis.
Pure Sunfarms’ and Rose LifeScience’s ability to grow, store, sell and distribute cannabis in Canada is solely dependent on its ability to maintain licenses to cultivate and sell cannabis under the Cannabis Act (a “License”) for each of the greenhouses at which it proposes to grow cannabis. Under the Cannabis Act, Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience are required to obtain authorization for each licensable activity including cultivation, processing, testing, sale, and distribution. Once obtained, each License is subject to ongoing compliance and reporting requirements. Failure by Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience to comply with the requirements of a License or to maintain such License would have a material adverse impact on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Although we believe Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience will obtain and maintain any required License and meet the requirements for extension of any License, there can be no guarantee that any License will be granted, extended, or renewed, or if it is extended or renewed, that it will be extended or renewed on the same or similar terms. Should a License not be granted, extended, or renewed or should it be renewed on different terms, our business, prospects, financial condition, results of the operation and cash flows would be materially adversely affected.
We cannot predict the time required to secure all appropriate regulatory approvals for the products and operations of Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience, or the extent of testing and documentation that may be required by governmental authorities. Any delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals will significantly delay the development of the markets and products for Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our cannabis operations in Canada are subject to laws, regulations and guidelines related to the cannabis industry.
The activities of our Canadian Cannabis business is subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines by governmental authorities, particularly under the Cannabis Act, relating to the cultivation, processing, manufacture, management, marketing, packaging/labelling, advertising, pricing, sale, distribution, transportation, storage, and disposal of cannabis, but also including laws and regulations relating to drugs, controlled substances, health and safety, insurance coverage, the conduct of operations and the protection of the environment, among other areas. Laws and regulations, applied generally, grant government agencies and self-regulatory bodies broad administrative discretion over our Canadian cannabis activities, including the power to limit or restrict business activities as well as impose additional disclosure requirements on its products and services. We endeavor to comply with all
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relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines. Health Canada inspectors routinely assess the facilities of our Canadian Cannabis business for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the import and export of its products from and into any jurisdiction is subject to the regulatory requirements of each such jurisdiction. To the best of our knowledge, we are in material compliance with all such laws, regulations and guidelines; however, any failure by Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements could lead to possible sanctions, including the revocation or imposition of additional conditions on licenses to operate its business; the suspension or expulsion from a particular market or jurisdiction or of its key personnel; and/or the imposition of additional or more stringent inspection, testing and reporting requirements. Any of the foregoing could require extensive changes to the operations of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience; result in regulatory or agency proceedings or investigations, increased compliance costs, damage awards, civil or criminal fines or penalties or restrictions on its operations; harm our reputation or give rise to material liabilities or a revocation of the licenses and other permits of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience. There can be no assurance that any future regulatory or agency proceedings, investigations or audits will not result in substantial costs, a diversion of management’s attention and resources or other adverse consequences to us and our business and may have material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, changes in regulations, government or judicial interpretation of regulations, or more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could require extensive changes to our Canadian cannabis operations, increase compliance costs or give rise to material liabilities or a revocation of its licenses and other permits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, governmental authorities may change their administration, application, or enforcement procedures at any time, which may adversely impact our ongoing costs relating to regulatory compliance.
In addition, the governments of every Canadian province and territory have, to varying degrees, established regulatory regimes for the distribution and sale of cannabis for adult-use purposes within those jurisdictions. There is no guarantee that legislation respecting adult-use retail will remain unchanged or create the growth opportunities that we currently anticipate. As the laws continue to evolve, and the distribution models mature, there is no assurance that provincial and territorial legislation enacted for the purpose of regulating recreational cannabis will continue to allow, or be conducive to, our business model. Differences in provincial and territorial regulatory frameworks could result in, among other things, increased compliance costs, and increased supply costs. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Additionally, although we do not have any federally prohibited cannabis-related operations in the U.S., certain members of our management team and board of directors are located in the U.S., and we may be subject to risks with respect to changes in cannabis regulation and enforcement in the U.S.. Any changes in the U.S. regulatory regime, or the scope and extent of the enforcement thereof, could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our cannabis operations in Canada are subject to marketing restrictions under the Cannabis Act.
The development of our Canadian cannabis business and operating results may be hindered by applicable restrictions on production, sales and marketing activities imposed on Pure Sunfarms, Rose LifeScience and other entities licensed under the Cannabis Act by Health Canada. All products distributed by Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience into the Canadian adult-use market need to comply with requirements under Canadian legislation, including with respect to product formats, product packaging and labelling, and marketing activities around such products. Among other restrictions, the Cannabis Act prohibits testimonials and endorsements, lifestyle branding, and promotion that is appealing to young persons. As such, the portfolio of brands and products for our Canadian Cannabis business must be specifically adapted, and our marketing activities carefully structured, to enable our Canadian cannabis operations to develop its brands in an effective and compliant manner. If Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience are unable to effectively market cannabis products and compete for market share, or if the costs of compliance with government legislation and regulation cannot be absorbed through increased selling prices for cannabis products, then our sales and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our cannabis operations in Canada are subject to Canadian supplier standards.
Government-run provincial and territorial distributors in Canada require suppliers to meet certain service and business standards, and routinely assess for compliance with such standards. Any failure by Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience to comply with such standards could result in being downgraded, disqualified as a supplier, and could lead to the termination or cessation of orders under existing or future supply contracts. Further, provincial purchasers may terminate or cease ordering under existing contracts at their will. Any of these could severely impede or eliminate the ability of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience to access certain markets within Canada, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The ability of our Canadian cannabis companies to sell cannabis may be restricted by the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Article 1206 of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement specifically excludes the application of the agreement to cannabis for non-medical purposes. Article 1206 states that the provinces and territories of Canada shall commence negotiations regarding the application of the Canada Free Trade Agreement to cannabis for non-medical purposes following Royal Assent of federal legislation legalizing cannabis for non-medical purposes. There is a risk that the outcome of the negotiations will result in the interprovincial and
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interterritorial trade of cannabis for non-medical purposes in Canada being entirely restricted or subject to conditions that will negatively impact the ability of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience to sell cannabis in other Canadian provinces and territories.
Government regulation of the Internet and e-commerce is evolving, and unfavorable changes or failure by us to comply with these regulations could substantially harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are subject to general business regulations and laws, as well as regulations and laws specifically governing the Internet and e-commerce. Existing and future regulations and laws could impede the growth of the Internet, e-commerce or mobile commerce, which could in turn adversely affect our growth. These regulations and laws may involve taxes, tariffs, privacy and data security, anti-spam, content protection, electronic contracts and communications, consumer protection and Internet neutrality. It is not clear how existing laws governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes and consumer privacy apply to the Internet as the vast majority of these laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet and do not contemplate or address the unique issues raised by the Internet or e-commerce. It is possible that general business regulations and laws, or those specifically governing the Internet or e-commerce, may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. We provide no assurance that our practices have complied, comply or will comply fully with all such laws and regulations. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with any of these laws or regulations could result in damage to our reputation, a loss in business and proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities, customers, suppliers or others. Any such proceeding or action could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts in defense of these proceedings, distract our management, increase our costs of doing business, decrease the use of our website and mobile applications by consumers and suppliers and may result in the imposition of monetary liabilities. We may also be contractually liable to indemnify and hold harmless third parties from the costs or consequences of non-compliance with any such laws or regulations. As a result, adverse developments with respect to these laws and regulations could substantially harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Restricted access to banking, including anti-money laundering laws and regulations
In February 2014, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued the FinCEN Memorandum (which is not law) which provides guidance with respect to financial institutions providing banking services to cannabis business, including burdensome due diligence expectations and reporting requirements. This guidance does not provide any safe harbors or legal defenses from examination or regulatory or criminal enforcement actions by the Department of Justice, FinCEN or other federal regulators. Thus, most banks and other financial institutions in the United States do not appear to be comfortable providing banking services to cannabis-related businesses, or relying on this guidance, which can be amended or revoked at any time by the executive branch. In addition to the foregoing, banks may refuse to process debit card payments and credit card companies generally refuse to process credit card payments for cannabis-related businesses. As a result, we may have limited or no access to banking or other financial services in the United States.
In addition, federal money laundering statutes and Bank Secrecy Act regulations discourage financial institutions from working with any organization that sells a controlled substance, regardless of whether the state it resides in permits cannabis sales. The FinCEN Memorandum states that in some circumstances, it may not be appropriate to prosecute banks that provide services to cannabis-related business for violations of federal money laundering laws. It is unclear at this time whether the current administration will follow the guidelines of the FinCEN Memorandum. While the United States House of Representatives has passed the Secure and Fair Enforcement (“SAFE”) Banking Act, which would permit commercial banks to offer services to cannabis companies that are in compliance with state law, it remains under consideration by the Senate, and if Congress fails to pass the SAFE Banking Act, the Company’s inability, or limitations on the Company’s ability, to open or maintain bank accounts, obtain other banking services and/or accept credit card and debit card payments may make it difficult for the Company to operate and conduct its business as planned or to operate efficiently.
Changes in the laws, regulations and guidelines governing cannabis, U.S. hemp or CBD derived products may adversely impact our business.
Our current operations are subject to various laws, regulations and guidelines administered by governmental authorities in the U.S. and Canada relating to the marketing, acquisition, manufacture, packaging, labeling, management, transportation, storage, sale and disposal of cannabis or U.S. hemp but also including laws and regulations relating to health and safety, conduct of operations and the protection of the environment. Additionally, our growth strategy continues to evolve as regulations governing the cannabis, CBD and U.S. hemp in the jurisdictions in which we operate become more fully developed. Interpretation of these laws, rules and regulations and their application to our operations is ongoing. No assurance can be given that new laws, regulations and guidelines will not be enacted or that existing laws, regulations and guidelines will not be amended, repealed, interpreted or applied in a manner which could require extensive changes to our operations, increase compliance costs, give rise to material liabilities or a revocation of our licenses and other permits, restrict growth opportunities that we currently anticipate or otherwise limit or curtail our operations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and guidelines governing the production, sales and use of cannabis-based and CBD products, more stringent implementation of enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events, including changes in political conditions, regimes or political instability, currency controls, changes in taxation laws, restrictions on foreign exchange and repatriation between U.S. and Canada, governmental regulations relating to foreign investment and changes in the attitudes toward cannabis, are beyond our control
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and could require extensive changes to our operations, which in turn may result in a material adverse effect on or business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to product liability claims.
As the cannabis products of our Canadian and U.S. Cannabis businesses are designed to be ingested by humans, we face a risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if these products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of these products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our cannabis and cannabinoid products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. As a result, we may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products caused injury or illness or that we provided inadequate instructions for use or inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action against us could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products.
In addition, as a producer of food products, we are subject to potential product liabilities connected with our operations and the marketing and distribution of these products, including liabilities and expenses associated with contaminated or unsafe products. We may also be contractually liable to indemnify and hold harmless third parties from the costs or consequences of contaminated or unsafety products. There can be no assurance that the insurance against all such potential liabilities we maintain will be adequate in all cases. In addition, even if a product liability claim was not successful or was not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any such assertion could harm our reputation. The consequences of any of the foregoing events may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our produce business is subject to certain regulations.
Our greenhouse produce business is subject to extensive laws and regulations with respect to the production, handling, distribution, packaging and labelling of our products. Such laws, rules, regulations, and policies are administered by various federal, state, provincial, regional, and local health agencies and other governmental authorities. Changes to any of these laws and regulations could have a significant impact on us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to cost effectively comply with future laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may subject us to civil or regulatory proceedings, including fines, injunctions, recalls or seizures, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we voluntarily submit to guidelines set by certain private industry associations. Failure to comply with such guidelines or to adopt more stringent guidelines set by such associations in the future may result in lower sales in certain retail markets and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Among the regulations to which we are subject are those administered by the British Columbia Vegetable Marketing Commission (“BCVMC”). The BCVMC grants each licensed producer that it regulates an annual quota to produce specified products in a given year. The BCVMC also has the authority to set the prices at which a regulated product may be bought or sold in British Columbia. There can be no assurance that the BCVMC will not alter its quota allocation policy or that the BCVMC will not introduce pricing restrictions in a manner that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that a modification of the current regulatory schemes will not have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to environmental, health and safety, and other governmental regulations and we may incur material expenses in order to comply with these regulations.
Our operations are governed by a broad range of federal, state, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, permits, approvals, and common law and other requirements that impose obligations relating to, among other things: worker health and safety; the release of substances into the natural environment; the production, processing, preparation, handling, storage, transportation, disposal, and management of substances (including liquid and solid, non-hazardous and hazardous wastes and hazardous materials); and the prevention and remediation of environmental impacts such as the contamination of soil and water (including groundwater). Government approvals and permits are currently, and may in the future be, required in connection with our operations. To the extent such approvals are required and not obtained, our operations may be curtailed or enjoined, which may be for an extended period of time, which could result in a reduction in our proposed levels of production or require abandonment or delays in development of our production facilities and otherwise negatively affect our growth. Our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies may subject us to civil or regulatory proceedings, including fines, injunctions, administrative orders, or seizures, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, as a result of the above requirements, our operations and ownership, management and control of property carry an inherent risk of environmental liability (including potential civil actions, compliance or remediation orders, fines, and other penalties), including with respect to the disposal
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of waste and the ownership, management, control or use of transport vehicles and real estate. Compliance with all such laws and future changes to them may impose material costs on us. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant capital and operating expenditures to comply with such laws. Future discovery of previously unknown environmental issues, including contamination of property underlying or in the vicinity of our present or former properties or manufacturing facilities, could require us to incur material unforeseen expenses. All of these risks and related potential expenses may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, environmental laws, rules and regulations in Canada and the United States is evolving in a manner which may require stricter standards and enforcement, increased fines and penalties for non-compliance, more stringent environmental assessments of proposed projects and a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and their officers, directors, and employees. There is no assurance that future changes in environmental regulation, if any, will not adversely affect our compliance costs, result in future liabilities or otherwise have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
We may experience environmental, health and safety incidents.
Our facilities could experience incidents, malfunctions or other unplanned events that could result in discharges in excess of permitted levels resulting in personal injury, fines, penalties or other sanctions and property damage. We must maintain a number of environmental and other permits from various governmental authorities in order to operate. Failure to maintain compliance with these requirements could result in operational interruptions, fines or penalties, or the need to install potentially costly pollution control technology. Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations, which are likely to become more stringent over time, including those governing greenhouse gas emissions, may impose additional capital costs and financial expenditures, which could adversely affect operational results and profitability.
Our U.S. Cannabis business is subject to FDA and USDA regulation.
Cannabinoids derived from hemp as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill are subject to various laws relating to health and safety. Specifically, CBD is governed by the U.S. Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”) as a drug. The FD&C Act is intended to assure the consumer that drugs and devices are safe and effective for their intended uses and that all labeling and packaging is truthful, informative, and not deceptive. The FD&C Act and FDA regulations define the term drug by reference to its intended use, as “articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease” and “articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals.” Therefore, almost any ingested or topical or injectable product that, through its label or labeling (including internet website, promotional pamphlets, and other marketing material), is claimed to be beneficial for such uses will be regulated by the FDA as a drug. The definition also includes components of drugs, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The FD&C Act defines cosmetics by their intended use, as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” See FD&C Act, sec. 201(i). Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. Under the FD&C Act, cosmetic products, and ingredients with the exception of color additives do not require FDA approval before they go on the market. Drugs, however, must generally either receive premarket approval by the FDA through the New Drug Application (“NDA”) process or conform to a “monograph” for a particular drug category, as established by the FDA’s Over the Counter (“OTC”) Drug Review.
CBD is an active ingredient in drug products that have been approved or authorized for investigation by the FDA and therefore, under FDA’s current position, cannot be used in dietary supplements or as a food additive.
Laws and regulations governing the use of hemp in the U.S. are broad in scope, subject to evolving interpretations, and subject to enforcement by several regulatory agencies and law enforcement entities. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, a state that desires to have primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp in the state must submit a plan to monitor and regulate hemp production to the Secretary of the USDA. The Secretary must then approve the state plan after determining if the plan complies with the requirements set forth in the 2018 Farm Bill. The Secretary may also audit the state’s compliance with the federally approved plan. If the Secretary does not approve the state’s plan, then the production of hemp in that state will be subject to a plan established by the USDA. The USDA has not yet established such a plan. We believe that many states will seek to have primary regulatory authority over the production of hemp. States that seek such authority may create new laws and regulations that permit the use of hemp in food and beverages.
Federal and state laws and regulations on hemp may address production, monitoring, manufacturing, distribution, and laboratory testing to ensure that the hemp has a THC concentration of not more than 0.3%. Federal laws and regulations may also address the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products, as the 2018 Farm Bill prohibits states from prohibiting the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products produced in accordance with that law through the state, as applicable.
Violations of these FDA and USDA regulations, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, as well as adverse publicity and potential harm to our reputation.
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The controversy surrounding vaporizers and vaporizer products may materially and adversely affect the market for vaporizer products and expose us to litigation and additional regulation.
There have been a number of highly publicized cases involving lung and other illnesses and deaths that appear to be related to vaping products, including vaporizer devices and/or products used within such devices (such as vaping liquids). The focus is currently on the vaporizer devices, the manner in which the devices were used and the related vaping liquids used with these devices - such as THC, nicotine, other substances in vaporizer liquids, possibly adulterated products and other illegal unlicensed cannabis vaping products. Some states, provinces, territories and municipalities in Canada and the United States have already taken steps to prohibit the sale or distribution of vaping products, restrict the sale and distribution of such products or impose restrictions on flavours or use of such vaporizers. This trend may continue, accelerate and expand.
This controversy could well extend to non-nicotine containing vaping devices and other product formats. Any such extension could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity, cash flow and operational performance. Litigation pertaining to vaping products is ongoing and that litigation could potentially expand to include our products, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, liquidity, cash flow and operational performance.
In Canada, vaping products that contain cannabis are regulated under the Cannabis Act, Cannabis Regulations and other laws and regulations of general application. Negative public sentiment may prompt regulators to decide to further limit or defer the industry’s ability to sell cannabis vaporizer products, and may also diminish consumer demand for such products. For instance, Health Canada has proposed new regulations that would place stricter limits on the advertising and promotion of vaping products and make health warnings on vaping products mandatory, although such regulations explicitly exclude cannabis and cannabis accessories.
The provincial governments in Quebec, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador have imposed certain provincial regulatory restrictions on the sale of cannabis vape products, and Health Canada is seeking to limit the flavours of inhaled cannabis extracts. In June 2021, Health Canada opened a consultation into the use of flavours in inhaled cannabis extracts as it claims that the availability of flavours is one of the factors that contributes to the increase in cannabis vaping in youth and young adults. As part of this consultation, Health Canada released proposed regulations that contemplate prohibiting the production, sale, promotion, packaging and labelling of inhaled cannabis extracts from having a flavour, other than the flavour of cannabis. The proposed amendments would apply equally to inhaled cannabis extracts sold for medical and non-medical purposes. The consultation period closed in September 2021. If new regulations are enacted they would come into force 180 days from the day of registration, a date which has yet to be determined. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet any additional compliance requirements or regulatory restrictions, or remain competitive in the face of unexpected changes in market conditions.These actions, together with potential deterioration in the public’s perception of cannabis containing vaping liquids, may result in a reduced market for our vaping products.
Future research may lead to findings that vaporizers, electronic cigarettes and related products are not safe for their intended use.
Vaping products including, vaporizers, electronic cigarettes, vaping liquid and related products were recently developed and therefore the scientific or medical communities have had a limited period of time to study the long-term health effects of their use. Currently, there is limited scientific or medical data on the safety of such products for their intended use and the medical community is still studying the health effects of the use of such products, including the long-term health effects. If a consensus were to develop among the scientific or medical community that the use of any or all of these products pose long-term health risks, market demand for these products and their use could materially decline. Such a development could also lead to litigation, reputational harm and significant regulation. Loss of demand for our product, product liability claims and increased regulation stemming from unfavorable scientific studies on vaping products could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our marketing programs use customer information and other personal and confidential information as well as digital communications, which may subject us to liability if we misuse this information.
Our current and future marketing programs may depend on our ability to collect, maintain, and use data and sensitive personal information on individuals, and our ability to do so is subject to evolving laws and enforcement trends in Canada and other jurisdictions. We strive to comply with all applicable laws and other legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection and consumer protection, including those relating to the use of medical information and data for marketing purposes. It is possible, however, that these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, conflict with other rules, conflict with our practices or fail to be observed by our employees or business partners. If so, we may suffer damage to our reputation and become subject to proceedings or actions against it by governmental entities or others. Any such proceeding or action could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts to defend our practices, distract our management or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business.
Certain of our marketing practices may rely upon e-mail, social media, and other means of digital communication to communicate with consumers on our behalf. We may face risk if our use of e-mail, social media or other means of digital communication is found to violate applicable laws. We intend to post our privacy policy and practices concerning the use and
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disclosure of user data on our website. Any failure by us to comply with our posted privacy policy, anti-spam legislation or other privacy-related laws and regulations could result in proceedings which could potentially harm our business. In addition, as data privacy and marketing laws change, we may incur additional costs to ensure we remain in compliance. If applicable data privacy and marketing laws become more restrictive at the international, federal, provincial, or state levels, our compliance costs may increase, our ability to effectively engage customers via personalized marketing may decrease, our investment in its e-commerce platform may not be fully realized, our opportunities for growth may be curtailed by our compliance burden and our potential reputational harm or liability for security breaches may increase.
LABOR and EMPLOYMENT RISK FACTORS
Our operations are dependent on labor availability.
Our operations are labor intensive, particularly during peak harvest months. In Canada, most of our labor is supplied by contract labor suppliers on short-term contracts and workers hired through the Seasonal Agriculture Workers Program. There can be no assurance that we will be able to source sufficient skilled laborers in the future. Previously, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government closed its borders to all foreign people, but subsequently, due to the negative impact on the Canadian agricultural industry, decided that foreign worker programs would continue subject to new rules and regulations such as a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Any disruption in the Canadian foreign worker program could have a detrimental impact on our ability to cultivate fresh produce.
In the case of the facilities in west Texas, a significant portion of our labor are documented workers residing in Mexico who cross the U.S. border on a daily basis into Texas. In 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government closed the U.S.-Mexico border but determined that agricultural workers were essential, and we have not had any disruption to our Mexican labor force. Section 218 of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the lawful admission into the United States of temporary, nonimmigrant workers (H-2A workers) to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. We use H-2A workers to assist in fulfilling some of our labor needs in Texas. The H-2A workers have a mandated state-level minimum wage and we pay for some additional worker costs, such as transportation to/from our facilities, housing and visa expenses. Any disruption in the H2-A foreign worker program could have a detrimental impact on our ability to cultivate fresh produce. There can be no assurance that we would be able to continue our Texas operations without our Mexican workforce, if any decision is made to close the U.S./Mexico border permanently or temporarily.
In addition, we are situated in the Texas “oil and gas patch” and finding and retaining farm workers at affordable rates is an ongoing challenge. Any shortage of such labor could restrict our ability to operate our greenhouses profitably, or at all.
Efforts by labor unions to organize our employees could divert management attention away from regular day-to-day operations and increase our operating expenses. Labor unions may make attempts to organize our non-unionized employees. We are not aware of any activities relating to union organizations at any of our greenhouse facilities. We cannot predict which, if any, groups of employees may seek union representation in the future or the outcome of any collective bargaining. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements, we may have to wait through “cooling off” periods, which are often followed by union-initiated work stoppages, including strikes. Depending on the type and duration of any work stoppage, our operating expenses could increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may be negatively affected by the use of third-party transportation services for our products.
Due to the perishable and premium nature of our produce products, we depend on fast and efficient road transportation to distribute our products. Any prolonged disruption of this transportation network could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the use of third-party transportation services can cause logistical problems with and delays in customers obtaining their orders and cannot be directly controlled by us. Any delay by third party transportation services may adversely affect our financial performance. In addition, rising costs associated with third-party transportation services used by our produce business to ship our products may also adversely impact our profitability, and more generally our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Canadian adult-use distribution rules take various forms on a province-by-province basis and often require our cannabis business to employ third parties to deliver to central government sites. Any prolonged disruption of third-party transportation services could have a material adverse effect on our Canadian cannabis sales volumes or end- users’ satisfaction with the products of Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience. Rising costs associated with third-party transportation services used by Pure Sunfarms or Rose LifeScience to ship our products may also adversely impact our profitability, and more generally our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Moreover, security of the product during transportation to and from our Canadian cannabis facilities is critical due to the nature of the product. A breach of security during transport could impact our future ability to continue operating under our Licenses or the prospect of renewing our Licenses and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
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We rely on third-party distributors.
We may rely on third-party distributors for the distribution of our products. We rely on third-party distributors to transport and distribute produce from Texas, Mexico and Canada to our distribution centers and directly to customers. In addition, our Canadian Cannabis business relies on Canadian provincial regulatory boards and private retailers and may in the future rely on other third parties, to distribute cannabis products. If these distributors do not successfully carry out their contractual duties, if there is a delay or interruption in the distribution of our products or if these third parties damage our products, it could negatively impact our revenue from product sales. Any damage to our products, such as product spoilage, could expose us to potential product liability, damage our reputation and otherwise harm our business.
Our operations depend on our key executives.
We depend heavily on each member of our management team and the departure of a member of management could cause our operating results to suffer. We maintain a “key person” insurance policy on one member of our management team. Our future success will depend on, among other things, our ability to keep the services of this key executives and to hire other highly qualified employees at all levels. We compete with other potential employers for employees, and we may not be successful in hiring and retaining the services of executives and other employees that we require. The loss of the services of, or our inability to hire, executives or key employees could hinder our business operations and growth.
In addition, our Canadian cannabis business is dependent on its ability to retain employees and attract and retain sufficient additional employees or engineering and technical support resources. Shortages in qualified personnel or the loss of key personnel could adversely affect the financial condition of our Canadian cannabis segment, results of operations of the business and could limit our ability to develop and market our cannabis-related products. The loss of any of Canadian cannabis senior management or key employees could materially adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan and strategy, and our Canadian cannabis businesses may not be able to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all.
Further, each director and officer of a company that holds a license for cultivation, processing or sale under the Cannabis Regulations is subject to the requirement to obtain and maintain a security clearance under the Cannabis Regulations. Certain additional key personnel are also required to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Under the Cannabis Regulations, a security clearance cannot be valid for more than five years and must be renewed before the expiry of a current security clearance. There is no assurance that any of the existing personnel who presently or may in the future require a security clearance will be able to obtain or renew such clearances or that new personnel who require a security clearance will be able to obtain one. A failure by an individual in a key operational position to maintain or renew his or her security clearance could result in a reduction or complete suspension of Pure Sunfarms’ operations.
TAX RISK FACTORS
If the Company is classified as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes, certain generally adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to U.S. investors.
In general, a non-U.S. corporation will be a PFIC if (i) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income or (ii) 50% or more of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Based on the Company’s current and expected income, assets, and activities, we do not expect the Company to be classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, the PFIC determination is made annually at the end of each taxable year and depends on a number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, including the value of its assets and the amount and type of its income. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year or that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will agree with our belief regarding the Company’s PFIC status. If the Company were classified as a PFIC, a U.S. person who owns Common Shares could be subject to adverse tax consequences, including a greater tax liability than might otherwise apply, an interest charge on certain taxes deemed deferred as a result of the Company’s non-U.S. status, and additional U.S. tax filing obligations, regardless of the number of Common Shares owned. Certain elections might be available to mitigate the foregoing adverse tax consequences. U.S. investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the implications of the PFIC rules for an investment in Common Shares.
VF Canada GP and VF Canada LP may be deemed to maintain a U.S. permanent establishment for tax purposes.
Under the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention, the United States is permitted to tax the business profits of a Canadian resident that are attributable to a permanent establishment (“PE”) of that Canadian resident located in the United States. A Canadian resident generally will be treated as maintaining a PE in the United States if, among other situations, an agent of the Canadian resident (other than an independent agent acting in the ordinary course of its business) has, and habitually exercises in the United States, the authority to conclude contracts in the name of the Canadian resident.
Due to the cross-border activity of certain of our employees, the United States may deem VF Canada GP and VF Canada LP to maintain a U.S. PE. In such case, VF Canada GP and VF Canada LP generally would be required to file U.S. federal income tax
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returns and would be subject to U.S. federal net income tax with respect to their business profits attributable to such PE. These tax consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Changes in tax treatment of companies engaged in e-commerce could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Because we engage in e-commerce activity, we may face an increased exposure to tax liability. The U.S. Supreme Court addressed the taxation of e-commerce in South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc., holding that a state may now enforce or adopt laws that require an e-commerce retailer to collect and remit sales tax, even if the e-commerce retailer has no physical presence within the taxing state. In response, an increasing number of states have adopted or are considering adopting laws or administrative practices that impose sales or similar value-added or consumption taxes on e-commerce activity, as well as taxes on all or a portion of gross revenue or other similar amounts earned by an e-commerce retailer from sales to customers in the state. If any state were to assert liability for sales tax for prior periods and seek to collect such tax in arrears or impose penalties for past non-payment of taxes, it could have an adverse effect on us. New legislation or regulations, the application of laws and regulations by various taxing jurisdictions, including other countries whose laws do not currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the Internet and commercial online services could similarly result in significant additional taxes on our business. These taxes or tax collection obligations could have an adverse effect on us, including by way of creating additional administrative burdens on us. As a result, our effective income tax rate, as well as the cost and growth of our business could be materially and adversely affected, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, there is a possibility that we may be subject to significant fines or other payments for any failure to comply with these requirements.
We are also subject to U.S. federal and state laws, regulations, and administrative practices that require us to collect information from our customers, vendors, merchants, and other third parties for tax reporting purposes and report such information to various government agencies. The scope of such requirements continues to expand, requiring us to develop and implement new compliance systems. The failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in significant penalties. We cannot predict the effect of current attempts to impose sales, income, or other taxes on e-commerce. New or modified taxes could increase the cost of doing business online and decrease the attractiveness of selling products over the Internet. New taxes could also significantly increase our costs of capturing date and collecting and remitting taxes. Any of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may be exposed to transfer pricing risks.
Under sales agreements, VF Opco has agreed to sell some of its produce inventory to Village Farms, L.P. (“VFLP”) for resale in the United States, and VFLP has agreed to sell some of its inventory to VF Opco for resale in Canada. We believe the amounts charged for inventory pursuant to these sales agreement reflect the fair market value of the goods sold. However, no assurance can be given in this regard. Based on certain transfer pricing rules, the IRS and the Canada Revenue Agency have, in the past, and may, in the future, challenge such amounts as differing from those that would have been charged between persons dealing at arm’s length. This could result in more tax (and penalties and interest) being due, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
U.S. Holdings may be treated as U.S. real property holding corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could cause VF Opco to be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
If U.S. Holdings is treated as a "United States real property holding corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then VF Opco could be subject to U.S. federal net income tax on the portion of a distribution from U.S. Holdings treated as a gain, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
COMMON SHARES RISK FACTORS
Our market price of our Common Shares has been and is likely to continue to be volatile and an investment in our Common Shares could suffer a decline in value.
You should consider an investment in our Common Shares as risky and invest only if you can withstand a significant loss and wide fluctuations in the market value of your investment. The market price of our Common Shares has been highly volatile and is likely to continue to be volatile. This leads to a heightened risk of securities litigation pertaining to such volatility. Factors affecting our Common Share price include but are not limited to: (i) our ability to continue as a going concern; (ii) general market conditions; (iii) our ability to raise additional capital and/or secure additional financing on acceptable terms,or at all; (iv) market and/or industry developments in produce, cannabis or hemp that may directly or indirectly affect us; (v) regulatory and legislative developments, particularly with respect to cannabis and/or CBD, in Canada, the United States or elsewhere to the extent applicable; (vi) our ability to operate in the U.S. and Canada under the circumstances of current economic conditions, including as a result of rising interest rates, inflation and the ongoing and developing COVID-19 pandemic; (vii) potentially unfavorable report published by securities analysts;
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(viii) public concern as to the safety of the products that we and our competitors develop; and (ix) fluctuations of shareholder interest in our Common Shares.
Financial markets have recently experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of public entities and that have, in many cases, been unrelated to the operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects of such entities. Accordingly, the market price of the Common Shares may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values that are deemed to be other than temporary, which may result in impairment losses. As well, certain institutional investors may base their investment decisions on consideration of our environmental, governance and social practices and performance against such institutions’ respective investment guidelines and criteria, and failure to satisfy such criteria may result in limited or no investment in the Common Shares by those institutions, which could materially adversely affect the trading price of the Common Shares. There can be no assurance that continuing fluctuations in price and volume will not occur. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue for a protracted period of time, our operations and the trading price of the Common Shares may be materially adversely affected.
Future issuances or sales of our Common Shares by us or by our shareholders could cause our share price to fall.
The issuance of Common Shares by us will result in dilution in the equity interest of existing shareholders and adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares. For example, in January 2023 we completed the 2023 Equity Offering in which we issued an aggregate of 18,350,000 Common Shares as well as Common Warrants to purchase an additional 18,350,000 Common Shares, each exercisable at $1.65 per Common Warrant and will be exercisable commencing in July 2023. Also, in August 2022, we filed a prospectus supplement providing for an ATM. During 2022 we issued 3,175,000 Common Shares generating equity proceeds of US$6.9 million, and we may continue to issue additional Common Shares under the ATM in the future, up to a maximum of $50 million of Common Shares.
In addition, the issuance of Common Shares by us in connection with acquisitions or strategic alliances, or the perception that such additional issuances or sales could occur, could cause the market price of our Common Shares to decline and could have an undesirable impact on our ability to raise capital in the future.
Additionally, sales by existing shareholders of a large number of our Common Shares in the public market could also disrupt the market price of our Common Shares. For example, in June 2022 we filed a prospectus providing for resales from time to time of up to 3,802,055 Common Shares that were issued to the sellers of Balanced Health and Rose LifeScience. We cannot predict the timing or volume of sales of Common Shares by the selling shareholders under this prospectus or the impact such resales may have on our share price.
There is no assurance that we will continue to meet the listing standards of the Nasdaq.
We must meet continuing listing standards to maintain the listing of our Common Shares on the Nasdaq. If we fail to comply with listing standards and the Nasdaq delists our Common Shares, we and our shareholders could face significant material adverse consequences, including: (i) a limited availability of market quotations for our Common Shares; (ii) reduced liquidity for our Common Shares; (iii) a determination that our Common Shares are “penny stock”, which would require brokers trading in the Common Shares to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our Common Shares; (iv) a limited amount of news and analyst coverage of us; and (v) a decreased ability for us to issue additional equity securities or obtain additional equity or debt financing in the future. In particular, if we do not maintain a minimum share price of $1 per share for a period of 30 consecutive trading days, we could receive a notice of delisting from Nasdaq. In such circumstances, we would attempt to regain compliance in accordance with applicable grace periods and/or compliance plans in accordance with Nasdaq's requirements; however, we can provide no assurance that we would not be delisted from Nasdaq in the future.
As a public company, we are subject to evolving corporate governance and public disclosure regulations that may from time to time increase both our compliance costs and the risk of non-compliance, which could adversely impact the price of the Common Shares.
Certain Canadian laws could delay or deter a change of control.
Limitations on the ability to acquire and hold our Common Shares may be imposed by the Competition Actin Canada. This legislation permits the Commissioner of Competition of Canada to review any acquisition of a significant interest in us. This legislation grants the Commissioner jurisdiction to challenge such an acquisition before the Canadian Competition Tribunal if the Commissioner believes that it would, or would be likely to, result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in any market in Canada. The Investment Canada Act subjects an acquisition of control of a company by a non-Canadian to government review if the value of our assets, as calculated pursuant to the legislation, exceeds a threshold amount. A reviewable acquisition may not proceed unless the relevant minister is satisfied that the investment is likely to result in a net benefit to Canada. Any of the foregoing could prevent or delay a change of control and may deprive or limit strategic opportunities for our shareholders to sell their shares.
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The exercise of all or any number of outstanding stock options, the award of any additional options, restricted stock units or other stock-based awards or any issuance of shares to raise funds or acquire a business may dilute your Common Shares.
We have in the past and may in the future grant, to some or all of our directors, officers and employees, options to purchase our Common Shares and other stock-based awards as non-cash incentives to those persons. As of March 6, 2023 there were 6,151,854 Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted-average exercise price of $4.14 per share; 4,161,317 Common Shares reserved and available for issuance upon exercise of additional options and other stock-based awards that may be granted in the future under our equity compensation plans. The issuance of additional Common Shares upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and other convertible securities will cause our existing shareholders to experience dilution of their ownership interests.
Any additional issuances of Common Shares or a decision to acquire other businesses through the sale or issuance of equity securities may dilute our investors’ interests, and investors may suffer dilution in their net book value per share depending on the price at which such securities are issued. Such issuance may cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other shareholders. The dilution may result in a decline in the price of our Common Shares or a change in control.
We do not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have not paid any cash dividends to date, and we do not intend to declare dividends for the foreseeable future, as we anticipate that we will reinvest future earnings, if any, in the development and growth of our business. Therefore, investors will not receive any funds unless they sell their Common Shares, and shareholders may be unable to sell their shares on favorable terms or at all. We cannot assure you of a positive return on investment or that you will not lose the entire amount of your investment in our Common Shares. Prospective investors seeking or needing dividend income or liquidity, or who cannot afford to lose the entire amount of their investment in our Common Shares, should not purchase our Common Shares.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Inflation may continue to rise and increase our operating costs.
For the year ended December 2022, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that inflation increased 6.5 percent as against prices from December 2021. Rising inflation affects our cultivation costs, distribution costs and operating expenses. We believe that volatile prices for commodities have impacted our operating results. We maintain strategies to mitigate the impact of higher raw material, energy and commodity costs, which include cost reduction, sourcing, passing along certain cost increases to customers and other actions, which may help to offset a portion of the adverse impact.
Our business may be subject to disruptions as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a broad impact globally. While the potential economic impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict, the pandemic and any resulting recession or economic slowdown (particularly in Canada and/or in the United States) could reduce our productive capacity, labor availability (see “Our operations are dependent on labor availability” above) and operations generally, may reduce demand for our products (see “our Canadian Cannabis business may be affected by cannabis supply and demand fluctuations” above) and could overall affect our ability to return to profitability. In addition, any significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital or our Credit Facilities (as defined in Liquidity and Capital Resources above), could negatively affect our liquidity. Any of the foregoing effects from the COVID-19 pandemic could materially adversely affect our business, prospects and future results of operations, and the value of our Common Shares.
Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict the extent to which COVID-19 will impact our financial results and operations in the future, and our results may be materially adversely affected by COVID-19 in 2022.We continue to closely monitor COVID‐19 with a focus on the jurisdictions in which we operate (including our subsidiaries). It is our priority to safeguard the health and safety of our personnel, support and enforce government actions to slow the spread of COVID‐19, and continually assess and mitigate the risks to our business operations. As needed, we have taken responsible measures to maximize the safety of staff working at all of our facilities. This includes reorganizing physical layouts, adjusting schedules to improve physical distancing, implementing extra health screening measures for employees, and applying rigorous standards for personal protective equipment. The production and sale of produce and cannabis has been recognized as an essential service throughout the U.S. and Canada. Cannabis sales in Canada are primarily with government bodies, which continue to offer end customers online ordering and home delivery options. Consumer market retail stores are generally permitted to remain open in the U.S. and Canada subject to adhering to the various health and safety measures. All of our facilities in the U.S. and Canada have remained operational and we work closely with local, national, and international governmental authorities to ensure that we are following the required protocols and guidelines related to COVID‐19 within each region.
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The effect of sanctions and an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine may further disrupt supply chains and adversely impact our business.
As a result of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and related geopolitical tensions, there have been, and may continue to be, significant adverse impact on fuel, transportation costs and natural resources. Additionally, the governments of the United States, the European Union, Canada and other jurisdictions have announced the imposition of sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia as well as enhanced export controls on certain products and industries. These and any additional sanctions and export controls, as well as any counter responses by the governments of Russia, could adversely affect, the global supply chain, and the availability and prices of raw materials, energy prices, as well as the global financial markets and financial services industry.
It may be difficult for non-Canadian investors to obtain and enforce judgments against us because of our Canadian incorporation and presence.
We are a corporation existing under the laws of Canada. Some of our directors and officers named in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are residents of Canada, and all or a substantial portion of their assets, and a substantial portion of our assets, are located outside the United States. Consequently, although we have appointed an agent for service of process in the United States, it may be difficult for holders of our Common Shares who reside in the United States to effect service within the United States upon our directors and officers who are not residents of the United States. It may also be difficult for holders of our Common Shares who reside in the United States to realize in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon our civil liability and the civil liability of our directors and officers under the United States federal securities laws. Investors should not assume that Canadian courts (i) would enforce judgments of United States courts obtained in actions against us or our directors and officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws or the securities or “blue sky” laws of any state within the United States or (ii) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or our directors and officers predicated upon the United States federal securities laws or any such state securities or “blue sky” laws. In addition, we have been advised by our Canadian counsel that in normal circumstances, only civil judgments and no other rights arising from United States securities legislation are enforceable in Canada and that the protections afforded by Canadian securities laws may not be available to investors in the United States.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located at 4700-80th Street Delta, British Columbia, Canada V4K 3N3.
The following table outlines the Company’s operating greenhouse facilities.
|
|
|
|
|
Growing Area |
|
|
|
||||||
Greenhouse Facility |
|
Square |
|
|
Square |
|
|
Acres |
|
|
Products Grown |
|||
Marfa, TX (2 greenhouses) |
|
|
2,527,312 |
|
|
|
234,795 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Tomatoes on-the-vine, beefsteak and specialty tomatoes |
Fort Davis, TX (1 greenhouse) |
|
|
1,684,874 |
|
|
|
156,530 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Specialty tomatoes |
Monahans, TX (1 greenhouse) |
|
|
1,272,294 |
|
|
|
118,200 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
Specialty tomatoes |
Delta, BC (1 greenhouse) |
|
|
2,588,860 |
|
|
|
240,513 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Tomatoes on-the-vine, beefsteak and specialty tomatoes |
Total produce operations |
|
|
8,073,340 |
|
|
|
750,038 |
|
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
Delta, BC (1 greenhouse) Leased to Pure Sunfarms |
|
|
1,075,530 |
|
|
|
99,920 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
Delta, BC (1 greenhouse) Owned by Pure SunFarms |
|
|
1,100,000 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
Huntingdon, Quebec (1 indoor controlled growing facility) owned by Rose LifeScience |
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
2,300 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
Total cannabis operations |
|
|
2,230,530 |
|
|
|
202,220 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our needs. Should we require additional facilities in the future, we believe that such facilities can be acquired or leased on commercially reasonable terms.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are not currently party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Common Shares are currently traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol “VFF”.
Holders of Record
As of February 28, 2023, there were approximately 10 shareholders of record of our Common Shares, which included Cede & Co., a nominee for Depository Trust Company, and CDS & Co., a nominee for The Canadian Depository for Securities Ltd. Common shares that are held by financial institutions as nominees for beneficial owners are deposited into participant accounts at either Depository Trust Company or The Canadian Depository for Securities Ltd and are considered to be held of record by Cede & Co. or CDS & Co., each such depository representing one shareholder of record.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any cash dividends or distributions on any class of our securities, and we have no current plans to pay dividends as we are growth focused.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Information about our equity compensation plan is incorporated herein by reference to Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Repurchases of Equity Securities
The Company did not repurchase any of its Common Shares during the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Exchange and Foreign Ownership Controls
We are not aware of any Canadian federal or provincial laws, decrees, or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest, or other payments to non-Canadian holders of the Common Shares. There are no limitations under the laws of Canada or by the charter or our other constituent documents on ownership of our voting shares by non-Canadians, except the Investment Canada Act which may require review and approval by the Minister of Innovation (Canada) of certain acquisitions of control of us by non-Canadians. The threshold for acquisitions of control is generally defined as being one-third or more of our voting shares, provided certain financial thresholds are also exceeded. If the investment is potentially injurious to national security, it may be subject to review under the Investment Canada Act notwithstanding the percentage interest acquired or amount of the investment. “Non-Canadian” generally means an individual who is not a Canadian citizen, or a corporation, partnership, trust, or joint venture that is ultimately controlled by non-Canadians.
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for U.S. Residents
The following is a summary of the principal Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (together with the regulations thereto, the “Tax Act”) to a beneficial holder of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Shares issued upon exercise of the Common Warrants (“Common Warrant Shares”) who, for the purposes of the Tax Act and the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980) (the “Treaty”), and at all relevant times, (i) is not and is not deemed to be a resident in Canada, (ii) is a resident of the United States for the purposes of the Treaty and is entitled to the full benefits thereunder, (iii) holds all Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares as capital property, (iv) deals at arm’s length with and is not affiliated with the Company, and (v) does not use or hold and is not deemed to use or hold our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares in connection with a business carried on in Canada (each such holder, a “U.S. Resident Holder”).
This summary is not generally applicable to a U.S. Resident Holder: (i) that is an insurer carrying on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere, (ii) that is an “authorized foreign bank” (as defined in the Tax Act), (iii) that is a “financial institution” (as defined in the Tax Act) for purposes of the “mark-to-market property” rules; (ii) an interest in which is or would constitute a “tax shelter investment” (as defined in the Tax Act); (iii) that is a “specified financial institution” (as defined in the Tax Act); or (iv) that has or will enter into a “synthetic disposition arrangement” or a “derivative forward agreement” (as those terms are defined in the Tax
41
Act) in respect of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares. Such U.S. Resident Holders should consult their own tax advisors.
Generally, a U.S. Resident Holder’s Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares will be considered to be capital property of the U.S. Resident Holder provided the U.S. Resident Holder does not hold such shares and Common Warrants in the course of carrying on a business of trading or dealing in securities and has not acquired them in one or more transactions considered to be an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.
This summary is based upon the current provisions of the Tax Act and the Treaty in force on the date hereof, and the current administrative policies and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency published in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Tax Proposals”) and assumes that all Tax Proposals will be enacted in the form proposed. However, no assurances can be given that the Tax Proposals will be enacted as proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative policy or assessing practice whether by legislative, administrative, or judicial action or decision, nor does it take into account tax legislation or considerations of any province, territory or foreign jurisdiction, which may differ from those discussed herein.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed to be, legal, business or tax advice to any particular holder or prospective holder of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares, and no opinion or representation with respect to the tax consequences to any holder or prospective holder of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares is made. Accordingly, holders and prospective holders of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the income tax consequences of purchasing, owning, and disposing of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares in their particular circumstances.
Currency
For the purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of our Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares (including dividends, adjusted cost base and proceeds of disposition) must be expressed in Canadian dollars based on the rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for the applicable day or such other rate of exchange that is acceptable to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Exercise of Common Warrants
No gain or loss will be realized by a U.S. Resident Holder on the exercise of a Common Warrant to acquire a Common Warrant Share. When a Common Warrant is exercised, the U.S. Resident Holder’s cost of the Common Warrant Share acquired thereby will be equal to the aggregate of the U.S. Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base of such Common Warrant and the exercise price paid for the Common Warrant Share. The U.S. Resident Holder’s adjusted cost base of the Common Warrant Share so acquired will be determined by averaging the cost of the Common Warrant Share with the adjusted cost base to the U.S. Resident Holder of all Common Shares of the Company held as capital property immediately before the acquisition of the Common Warrant Share.
Dividends
Dividends paid or credited, or deemed to be paid or credited, on our Common Shares and Common Warrant Shares to a U.S. Resident Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at the rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividends, subject to reduction under the provisions of the Treaty. Under the Treaty, the rate of Canadian withholding tax applicable to a U.S. Resident Holder that is the beneficial owner of dividends is generally reduced to 15% of the gross amount of the dividends, and, if such U.S. Resident Holder is a company that owns at least 10% of our voting shares at the time of the dividends, the rate of Canadian withholding tax is reduced to 5% of the gross amount of the dividends. U.S. Resident Holders who may be eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax on dividends pursuant to the Treaty should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to taking all appropriate steps in this regard.
Disposition of Common Shares, Common Warrants and Common Warrant Shares
A U.S. Resident Holder who disposes or is deemed to dispose of a Common Share, Common Warrant or Common Warrant Share will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on any capital gain realized on such disposition, unless the Common Share, Common Warrant or Common Warrant Share, as applicable, constitutes “taxable Canadian property,” within the meaning of the Tax Act, of the U.S. Resident Holder at the time of the disposition and the U.S. Resident Holder is not entitled to relief under the Treaty.
Generally, a Common Share, Common Warrant and Common Warrant Share of a particular U.S. Resident Holder will not be “taxable Canadian property” of such U.S. Resident Holder at any time at which the Common Shares and Common Warrant Shares are listed on a “designated stock exchange,” within the meaning of the Tax Act (which includes the Nasdaq) unless, at any particular time during the 60-month period that ends at that time, both of the following conditions are met concurrently: (a) 25% or more of the issued shares of any class of the capital stock of the Company were owned by or belonged to one or any combination of (i) the U.S. Resident Holder, (ii) persons with whom the U.S. Resident Holder did not deal at arm’s length for purposes of the Tax Act, and (iii)
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partnerships in which the U.S. Resident Holder or a person described in (ii) holds a membership interest directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships; and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the Common Share and Common Warrant Shares, as applicable, was derived, directly or indirectly, from one or any combination of: (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (ii) “Canadian resource properties” (as defined in the Tax Act), (iii) “timber resource properties” (as defined in the Tax Act), and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of (b)(i) to (iii), whether or not the property exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Common Share, Common Warrant and Common Warrant Share may otherwise be deemed to be “taxable Canadian property” in certain circumstances as set out in the Tax Act.
In the case of a U.S. Resident Holder to whom a Common Share, Common Warrant and Common Warrant Share of the Company represents “taxable Canadian property”, under the Treaty, such a U.S. Resident Holder will generally not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on a capital gain realized on the disposition of such share or Common Warrant, as applicable, unless the value of such share or Common Warrant, as applicable, is derived principally from real property situated in Canada (within the meaning of the Treaty).
In the event that a Common Share, Common Warrant and Common Warrant Share is “taxable Canadian property,” within the meaning of the Tax Act, to a U.S. Resident Holder, such U.S. Resident Holder should consult their own tax advisor as to the Canadian federal income tax consequences of the disposition.
ITEM 6. RESERVED
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. When reviewing the discussion below, you should keep in mind the substantial risks and uncertainties that impact our business. In particular, we encourage you to review the risks and uncertainties described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied by our forward-looking statements contained in this report. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this management’s discussion and analysis, and we do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
All amounts are expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Village Farms International, Inc. (“VFF”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”, “Village Farms”, “we” “us” or “our”) is a corporation existing under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Company’s principal operating subsidiaries are Village Farms Canada LP, Village Farms LP, Pure Sunfarms Corp (“Pure Sunfarms”), Balanced Health Botanicals, LLC (“Balanced Health”), Rose LifeScience Inc. ("Rose LifeScience” or “Rose”) and VF Clean Energy, Inc. (“VFCE”).
The Company’s overall strategy is to be recognized as an international leader in consumer products from plants, whereby we produce and market value-added products that are consistently preferred by consumers. To do so, we leverage decades of cultivation expertise, investment, and experience in fresh produce (primarily tomatoes) across other plant-based opportunities. In Canada, we converted two produce facilities to grow cannabis for the Canadian adult use market. Our focus for our Canadian Cannabis segment is to produce the highest quality cannabis, leveraging our low-cost production to provide products that address the largest consumer segments in the market. This market position, together with our cultivation expertise, has enabled us to evolve into one of the few consistently profitable Canadian licensed producers (“LPs”).
Additionally, through organic growth, acquisitions and/or exports, we plan to participate in other international markets where cannabis attains legal status. In March 2022, Pure Sunfarms received European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (“EU GMP”) certification for its 1.1 million square foot Delta 3 cannabis facility located in Delta, British Columbia (“B.C.”) which permits Pure Sunfarms to export EU GMP-certified medical cannabis to importers and distributors in international markets that require EU GMP certification. We expect international expansion should enhance our profitability while expanding our brand and experience into emerging new legal cannabis markets.
Balanced Health, our industry-leading cannabinoid business, extends our portfolio into cannabidiol (“CBD”) consumer products. We also operate a large, well-established produce business under the Village Farms Fresh (“VF Fresh”) brand which sells into food and mass retail stores. We own and operate produce cultivation assets in Texas and Delta, B.C. and source produce from our growing partners, predominantly in Mexico. Our intention is to use our assets, expertise and experience (across cannabis, CBD and produce) to participate in the U.S. cannabis market when legally permitted to do so.
43
Our Operating Segments
Canadian Cannabis Segment
Village Farms’ Canadian cannabis segment includes Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience.
Pure Sunfarms is one of the single largest cannabis growing operations in the world, one of the lowest-cost greenhouse producers and one of the best-selling flower brands in Canada. Pure Sunfarms leverages our 30 years of experience as a vertically integrated greenhouse grower for the high growth cannabis opportunity in Canada with commercial distribution in ten Canadian provinces and territories that represent 98% of total Canadian legal recreational cannabis sales. Our long-term objective for Pure Sunfarms is to be the leading low-cost, high-quality cannabis producer in Canada.
Rose is a leading LP of cannabis in the Province of Quebec as well as a prominent third-party cannabis products commercialization expert in Quebec, acting as the exclusive, direct-to-retail sales, marketing and distribution entity for some of the best-known brands in Canada as well as Quebec-based micro and craft growers.
U.S. Cannabis Segment
Village Farms’ U.S. cannabis segment includes Balanced Health.
Balanced Health is one of the leading cannabinoid brands and e-commerce platforms in the United States. Balanced Health develops and sells high-quality CBD-based health and wellness products, distributing their diverse portfolio of consumer products through retail storefronts and its top-ranked e-commerce platform, CBDistilleryTM.
Produce Segment
Through our Village Farms Fresh brand, we are growers, marketers and distributors of premium-quality, greenhouse-grown tomatoes in North America. These premium products are grown in sophisticated, highly intensive agricultural greenhouse facilities located in British Columbia and Texas. The Company also markets and distributes premium tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers produced under exclusive arrangements with other greenhouse producers located primarily in Mexico, B.C. and Ontario. The Company primarily markets and distributes under its Village Farms® brand name to retail supermarkets and dedicated fresh food distribution companies throughout the United States and Canada.
Energy Segment
Through our subsidiary VF Clean Energy, Inc., we owned and operated a power plant from landfill gas that generated electricity and provided thermal heat, in colder months, to one of the Company’s adjacent Delta, B.C. greenhouse facilities and sold electricity to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority. As of April 30, 2022, VFCE has shut down its power plant in preparation for the transition to the Delta RNG Project, which we believe will enhance our financial return, as well as provide food-grade CO2 that can be used in both our cannabis and produce growing operations in Delta, B.C.
The Delta RNG Project consists of a partnership with Mas Energy to convert the current landfill gas to electricity business into a state-of-the-art landfill gas to high-demand renewable natural gas facility, which was entered into in November 2020 by VFCE. Mas Energy designed the Delta RNG Project and is in process of building the facility. VFCE renewed and extended the existing contract with the City of Vancouver to capture the landfill gas at its Delta, B.C. site securing future resources for the Delta RNG Project. The 20-year extension, with an option for an additional five-year extension period, commences upon the start-up of the commercial operations of the Delta RNG Project. Mas Energy intends to sell the renewable natural gas and VFCE will receive a portion of the revenue in the form of a royalty.
When announced in November 2020, we anticipated all regulatory approvals to come in the first half of 2021 with an expected operational start up as early as the first half of 2022. However, COVID-19 adversely impacted the bureaucratic approval processes in Canada surrounding permitting and zoning requirements necessary to break ground on the Delta RNG Project. As a result, we did not attain all of the regulatory approvals for the Delta RNG Project until the first half of 2022. Accordingly, Mas Energy began construction during the latter part of the second quarter of 2022 and we currently expect an operational start in mid-2023.
Impact of Inflation and the Russia/Ukraine Conflict
Our business has been affected, and we expect will continue to be affected for the foreseeable future, by rising inflation and supply chain issues arising from COVID-19, and indirectly, the Russia/Ukraine conflict which may negatively affect our operating results. Inflation has affected and continues to affect, amongst other items, supply chain and labor costs as well as purchasing decisions of consumers which may impact demand for our products.
Ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic
As of March 8, 2023, all of the Company’s operations are operating normally, however, the extent to which COVID-19 affects 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
44
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.
Recent Developments and Updates
Leli Holland B.V. Update
On July 7, 2022, Netherlands-based Leli Holland B.V. (“Leli”) was awarded the tenth and final cultivation license for the Closed Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment (“Dutch Supply Chain Experiment”). On July 19, 2022, Village Farms acquired 85% of Leli under its previously announced purchase option agreement for $4,568 (EUR4,250), which was paid for as described below. As a result of the option exercise, Village Farms now owns one of the ten licenses in the Dutch Supply Chain Experiment. Since the Company exercised the option, the Company will be the majority owner of Leli and as such, Village Farms is responsible for the development of the project and product commercialization throughout the fully vertically integrated business model.
On September 28, 2021, Village Farms paid $58 (EUR50) to enter into an option agreement whereby the Company received the irrevocable right to acquire an interest in Leli. On March 18, 2022, the Company loaned $2,715 (EUR2,575) to L.L. Lichtendahl Beheer B.V so that L.L. Lichtendahl Beheer B.V. could purchase 100% of Leli. On July 19, 2022, the loan converted to a payment from the Company to L.L. Lichtendahl Beheer B.V. In addition, on July 19, 2022, a payment in the amount of $1,795 (EUR1,625) was released from escrow and paid to L.L. Lichtendahl Beheer B.V. as part of the compensation for 85% ownership of Leli.
Leli is one of ten applicants selected to receive a license to legally cultivate and distribute cannabis to retailers when the Dutch government implements its Dutch Supply Chain Experiment. The Dutch Supply Chain Experiment is currently in its preparatory phase of the program which began in July 2020. The Dutch Supply Chain Experiment is specified by the Dutch government to be approximately 65,000 kilograms of dried flower annually from the ten approved producers during the first year. Leli plans to construct two indoor CEA production facilities, leveraging Leli’s track record managing complex regulatory and approval procedures in the Netherlands at both the federal and local levels and Village Farms’ three-plus decades as a vertically integrated CEA grower, as well as its extensive experience in cultivation, product development and commercialization in the Canadian legal recreational cannabis market. The actual experiment is anticipated to begin by 2024, however, the Dutch Supply Chain Experiment continues to experience delays as the program moves from the preparatory phase to the transitioning phase whereby participating coffeeshops will begin selling both regulated and tolerated cannabis.
Canadian Cannabis Recent Developments and Updates
Canadian Cannabis recent developments and updates include the following:
U.S. Cannabis Recent Developments and Updates
U.S. Cannabis recent developments and updates include the following:
45
Presentation of Financial Results
Our consolidated results of operations (prior to net income) for each of the three years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 presented below reflect the operations of our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries, which does not include our VFH and AVGGH joint ventures. The income (loss) from those equity method investments is reflected in our net income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 presented below. Due to the acquisition of our joint venture, Pure Sunfarms, on November 2, 2020, the income from our equity method investment, Pure Sunfarms, is reflected in our net income for the ten months ended November 1, 2020. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the period of November 2 through December 31, 2020, the results of Pure Sunfarms are presented in the operations of our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries. Balanced Health was acquired on August 16, 2021 and their results are presented in the operations of our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries from August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The Company acquired 70% of Rose LifeScience on November 15, 2021 and its 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 period November 15, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The Company acquired 85% of Leli on July 19, 2022. For the period July 19, 2022 through December 31, 2022 its 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 information regarding the results of operations from our joint ventures, see “Non-GAAP Measures - Reconciliation of GAAP Results to Proportionate Results” below.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Financial Performance
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
2022 (1) |
|
|
2021 (1) |
|
|
2020 (2) |
|
|||
Sales |
|
$ |
293,572 |
|
|
$ |
268,020 |
|
|
$ |
170,086 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
(266,075 |
) |
|
|
(222,841 |
) |
|
|
(159,126 |
) |
Gross margin |
|
|
27,497 |
|
|
|
45,179 |
|
|
|
10,960 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
(68,278 |
) |
|
|
(46,384 |
) |
|
|
(19,086 |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
|
(3,987 |
) |
|
|
(7,533 |
) |
|
|
(6,142 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
(3,244 |
) |
|
|
(2,835 |
) |
|
|
(2,056 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
207 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
(2,255 |
) |
|
|
(476 |
) |
|
|
(136 |
) |
Gain on settlement agreement |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,681 |
|
Gain on acquisition |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
23,631 |
|
Other (expense) income |
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
(420 |
) |
|
|
(873 |
) |
Write-off of note receivable |
|
|
(592 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3,791 |
) |
Impairments |
|
|
(43,299 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Recovery of income taxes |
|
|
(4,681 |
) |
|
|
3,526 |
|
|
|
2,790 |
|
(Loss) income from consolidated entities |
|
|
(98,747 |
) |
|
|
(8,817 |
) |
|
|
10,603 |
|
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax |
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
— |
|
(Loss) income from equity method investments |
|
|
(2,668 |
) |
|
|
(308 |
) |
|
|
1,005 |
|
Net (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International Inc. |
|
$ |
(101,146 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,079 |
) |
|
$ |
11,608 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA (3) |
|
$ |
(21,311 |
) |
|
$ |
14,012 |
|
|
$ |
7,411 |
|
Basic (loss) income per share |
|
$ |
(1.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
Diluted (loss) income per share |
|
$ |
(1.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
Net (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International Inc. |
|
$ |
(101,146 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,079 |
) |
|
$ |
11,608 |
|
Other comprehensive (loss) income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
(15,460 |
) |
|
|
441 |
|
|
|
6,730 |
|
Comprehensive (loss) income |
|
$ |
(116,606 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,638 |
) |
|
$ |
18,338 |
|
46
We caution that our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 may not be indicative of our future performance.
Discussion of Financial Results
A discussion of our consolidated results for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is included below. The consolidated results include all four of our operating segments, Produce, Cannabis-Canada, Cannabis-U.S., and Energy, along with all public company expenses.
Under “Cannabis Segment Results - Canada”, we also present a discussion of the operating results of Pure Sunfarms, before any allocation to Village Farms, which were not consolidated in our financial results for the period of January 1, 2020 to November 1, 2020, and were only consolidated in our results for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the period November 2, 2020 to December 31, 2020. As a result of the Pure Sunfarms Acquisition, Pure Sunfarms recognized an adjustment in the fair value of its inventory on-hand on the acquisition date, resulting in a $3,972 reduction to cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 and a $980 charge to cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2021. This is a non-cash accounting charge to cost of sales and should be adjusted for when analyzing the actual operational results of Pure Sunfarms. The “Cannabis Segment Results - Canada” also include the operating results of Rose LifeScience, which are consolidated in our financial results and the minority interest is presented in Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Non-controlling Interests, Net of Tax, for the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the period November 15, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
Under “Cannabis Segment Results – U.S.”, we present a discussion of the operating results of Balanced Health for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021, which were consolidated in the Company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021. We also present VF Hemp which is an equity method joint venture and its results are included in “(Losses) Income from Equity Method Investments” for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Sales
Sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $25,552, or approximately 10% to $293,572 compared to $268,020 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in sales was primarily due to an increase in Canadian cannabis sales of $13,886, U.S. cannabis sales of $11,947, and our own produce revenue of $7,152, an increase in freight revenue of $5,311 offset by a decrease in produce supply partner revenue of $6,896. The year over year increase in Canadian cannabis sales is primarily due to the benefit of a full year of sales in 2022 from Rose LifeScience, which was acquired on November 15, 2021, which resulted in a year on year increase of $12,462. The increase from U.S. cannabis sales in 2022 was due to the benefit of a full year of sales from Balanced Health, which was acquired on August 16, 2021. The increase in the Company’s produce sales was primarily due to a 18% increase in pounds produced in Texas, offset by a (17%) decrease in pounds produced at the Company’s Delta tomato greenhouse facility, due to the Brown Rugose virus, as well as a (9%) decrease in supply partner volume.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $43,234, or 19%, to $266,075 from $222,841 for the year ended December 31, 2021, due primarily to an increase in Canadian cannabis cost of sales of $21,606, an increase in produce cost of sales of $19,329 and an increase in U.S. cannabis cost of sales of $4,195.
The increase from Canadian cannabis cost of sales was primarily due to a fourth quarter inventory impairment charge of $11,038 as well as the inclusion of twelve months of costs for Rose LifeScience, which resulted in $10,536 of the year on year increase. The increase in produce cost of sales was due to higher volumes of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers which drove higher freight costs, inflationary pressure on both labor, fertilizer, energy and packaging material. The increase in U.S. cannabis cost of sales was due to the inclusion of the cost of sales for a full year versus prior year from its acquisition date of August 16, 2021.
47
Gross Margin
Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $17,682, or 39%, to $27,497 from $45,179 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The year on year decrease in gross margin was driven by the Company’s produce division with a year on year decrease of $19,073, the Company’s Canadian cannabis division gross margin decreased by $7,720, which were offset by a year on year increase in the Company’s US cannabis gross margin of $7,752.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $21,894, or 23% of sales, from $46,384 or 17% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2021. The year over year increase was primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of selling, general and administrative expenses from Rose Life Sciences and our U.S. cannabis businesses. The Company also experienced an increase in both its produce division, due to incremental legal and settlements costs, as well as its public company costs primarily driven by its first year of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $3,987 compared to $7,533 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in share-based compensation is primarily related to the vesting of performance share grants in 2021 that were earned in the Canadian cannabis segment and U.S. cannabis segment.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $409 to $3,244 from $2,835 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was solely due to an increase in the Company's interest rates, on its various debt instruments.
Interest Income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $207 and $126, respectively.
(Provision for) Recovery of Income Taxes
The (provision for) recovery of income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $4,681 and $3,526, respectively. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, our effective tax rate, including both current and deferred income taxes was 4.8%, and included a $30,419 valuation allowance against our U.S. deferred tax assets.
(Losses) Income from Equity Method Investments
Our share of losses from our equity method investments for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $2,668 compared to $308 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increased loss was primarily due to the write-down of inventory at VF Hemp in 2022. For information regarding the results of operations from our joint ventures, see “Non-GAAP Measures - Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Results to Proportionate Results” below.
Net Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests, Net of Tax
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the add back for net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax was $269, an increase from 46 for the prior year period. The increase is due to a full year of results from our 70% ownership in Rose LifeScience, acquired on November 15, 2021.
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Village Farms International Inc.
Net (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $101,146 and $9,079, respectively. The increase in net (loss) was driven by a decrease in gross margin from our Fresh Produce business, goodwill and intangible impairment charges, an inventory write- down and a valuation allowance on the Company's existing U.S. deferred tax asset.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $35,323 to $21,311 from $14,012 for the year ended December 31, 2021, due to lower adjusted EBITDA of VF Fresh of $22,410, as well as its Canadian cannabis division of $10,330 and its U.S. cannabis division of $2,141. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
48
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Sales
Sales for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $97,934, or 58%, to $268,020 compared to $170,086 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in sales was primarily due to an increase in Canadian cannabis sales of $83,656, produce supply partner revenue of $15,897 and U.S. cannabis sales of $11,345, partially offset by our own produce revenue of $13,011. The increase from Canadian cannabis sales in 2021 as compared to 2020 was primarily due to the inclusion of sales from Pure Sunfarms that was acquired on November 2, 2020 and as such, 2021 includes twelve months of sales and 2020 includes two months of sales. In addition, the sales from Rose LifeScience which was acquired on November 15, 2021 are also included in the Canadian cannabis sales for the year ended December 31, 2021. The sales of Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience were fully consolidated in our financial results from their acquisition dates. The produce supply partner revenue increase in 2021 was mostly due to higher volumes, with a 30% increase in tomato pounds sold, a 12% increase in pepper pounds sold, a 31% increase in cucumber pieces sold and a 79% increase in mini cucumber pounds sold. The increase from U.S. cannabis sales in 2021 was due to the acquisition of Balanced Health on August 16, 2021 which is fully consolidated in our financial results from the date of acquisition. The decrease in our own produce revenue was due primarily to a (19%) decrease in the average selling price of our produced tomatoes as a result of a market supply overage in commodity tomatoes and an overall slowdown of retail purchases for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
The average selling price for all tomato pounds sold decreased (13%) for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, which was driven by a decrease in the average selling price of commodity items, particularly beefsteak and tomatoes-on-the-vine (“TOV”). Pepper prices decreased (12%), cucumber prices increased 6% and mini cucumber prices decreased (14%) for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $63,715, or 40%, to $222,841 from $159,126 for the year ended December 31, 2020, due primarily to an increase in Canadian cannabis cost of sales of $48,638, produce supply partner costs of $13,288 and U.S. cannabis cost of sales of $3,398, partially offset by a decrease in our own produce production costs of $2,094.
The increase from Canadian cannabis cost of sales was primarily due to the inclusion of twelve months of costs for Pure Sunfarms in 2021 as compared to costs for the period of November 2, 2020 to December 31, 2020, along with the post-acquisition costs from Rose LifeScience from November 15, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The increase in year-over-year produce supply partner costs was due to higher volumes of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers which also drove higher freight costs and the increase from U.S. cannabis cost of sales was due to the inclusion of the cost of sales of Balanced Health from its acquisition date of August 16, 2021. The reduction in our own produce production costs was driven by lower costs at our Texas facilities, primarily due to a decrease in the cost per pound produced as facility management’s cost saving efforts were realized in 2021 despite supply chain issues that worsened during the pandemic.
Gross Margin
Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $34,219, or 312%, to $45,179 from $10,960 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The positive increase in gross margin for 2021 as compared to 2020 was driven by an increase of $35,018 from the Canadian cannabis segment, $7,947 from the U.S. cannabis segment and $2,609 from our produce supply partners, partially offset by lower gross margin from our own produce production of $10,917.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $27,298, or 143%, to $46,384 or 17% of sales from $19,086 or 11% of sales for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase between comparable years was primarily due to the inclusion of the selling, general and administrative expenses of the Canadian and U.S. cannabis businesses post-acquisition along with an increase in public company costs such as acquisition fees related to Balanced Health and Rose LifeScience, investor relations, legal and regulatory expenses, listing fees and the costs of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $7,533 from $6,142 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The incremental increase in share-based compensation is primarily related to the vesting of performance share grants in 2021 that were earned in the Canadian cannabis segment as Pure Sunfarms’ management participated in the Company’s compensation plan for the entirety of 2021 as compared to two months in 2020.
49
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $779 to $2,835 from $2,056 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in our Canadian cannabis debt balances.
Interest Income
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $126 and $625, respectively. During 2020 we stopped accruing interest income for the VFH Grid Loan because repayment has been deemed uncertain as evidenced by the write-downs taken to the loan in 2020.
Gain on Settlement Agreement
On March 2, 2020, pursuant to the settlement agreement with Emerald, Emerald transferred to the Company 2.5% of additional equity in Pure Sunfarms. The Company determined the fair value of the equity received from Emerald to be $4,681. The Company recorded this amount as a gain on settlement agreement.
Gain on Acquisition
November 2, 2020, the Company consummated the Pure Sunfarms Acquisition, pursuant to which the Company acquired 36,958,500 Common Shares of Pure Sunfarms owned by Emerald and increased the Company’s ownership of Pure Sunfarms to 100%. The shares were acquired for a total aggregate purchase price of C$79.9 million (US$60.0 million), satisfied through a C$60.0 million (US $45.0 million) cash payment and the Promissory Note. The acquisition is a business combination and has been accounted for in accordance with the measurement and recognition provisions of ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. ASC Topic 805 requires that the purchase consideration be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. As such, the Company recognized a gain of $23,631 due to the revaluation of its previously held investment in Pure Sunfarms to its fair value at acquisition date.
Loss on Disposal of Assets
The Company recognized a loss on disposal of assets of $259 and $922 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The loss in 2021 is primarily due to writing off the DutchCanGrow minority investment and the loss in 2020 is primarily due to shutting down two of the VFCE generators and fully depreciating the assets in 2020.
Loss on Joint Venture Loans
The Company recognized a loss on joint venture loans of $3,791 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The loss in 2020 is due to writing down the inventory of VF Hemp to its net realizable value in the fourth quarter of 2020. As a result of the inventory write-down, the Company recognized an impairment of $3,791 on the outstanding grid loan with VF Hemp.
Recovery of Income Taxes
Income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2021 was a recovery of $3,526 compared to a recovery of $2,790 for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, our effective tax rate, including both current and deferred income taxes, was (28.5%). The earnings from our equity method investment, VF Hemp, are all reported post-tax and therefore do not affect our tax calculation. Our share of income for Pure Sunfarms was presented in income from equity method investments for January 1 to November 1, 2020. Village Farms began fully consolidating operating results of Pure Sunfarms on November 2, 2020.
(Losses) Income from Equity Method Investments
Our share of (losses) from our equity method investments for the year ended December 31, 2021 was ($308) compared to income of $1,005 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our share of income for Pure Sunfarms was presented in income from equity method investments from January 1, 2020 to November 1, 2020. Village Farms began fully consolidating operating results of Pure Sunfarms on November 2, 2020. VF Hemp was presented in (losses) from equity method investments in both years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. For information regarding the results of operations from our joint ventures, see “Non-GAAP Measures - Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Results to Proportionate Results” below.
Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Village Farms International Inc.
Net (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021 was ($9,079) in comparison to net income of $11,608 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net (loss) was driven by a decrease in our operating loss of ($8,738) for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to an operating loss of $14,268 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The 2020 net income was significantly enhanced by the gain in acquisition of Pure Sunfarms of $23,631 and the gain on the settlement agreement with Emerald of $4,681, partially offset by the write-off of $3,791 of the Company’s loan to VF Hemp and loss on disposal of VFCE assets of $922.
50
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $6,601 to $14,012 from $7,411 for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily as a result of improved operating income of the Canadian and U.S. cannabis segments, partially offset by a higher operating loss of the produce segment and an increase in corporate expenses. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
CANNABIS SEGMENT RESULTS – CANADA
The Canadian Cannabis segment consists of Pure Sunfarms and Rose LifeScience. The comparative analysis for Canadian Cannabis is based on the consolidated results of Pure Sunfarms for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Canadian cannabis segment also includes the operating results of Rose LifeScience for the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the period November 15, 2021 to December 31, 2021, and are consolidated in our results for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, with the minority interest presented in Net Loss Attributable to Non-controlling Interests, Net of Tax. See “Non-GAAP Measures - Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Results to Proportionate Results” for a presentation of the Canadian cannabis segment’s proportionate results for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Sales
Canadian cannabis net sales for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $109,882 and $96,434, respectively, a year over year increase of 14%, or $13,448. The year over year change is comprised of a 21% increase in sales to provincial boards (branded sales) offset by an (14%) decrease in wholesale sales (non-branded sales). The net sales also include a full year of sales contributed by Rose LifeScience of $13,922, compared to net sales of $1,460 for the prior year period from acquisition date, November 15, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The 25% increase in branded sales was due to an increase in sales in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, as well as expansion into the provinces and territories of New Brunswick, Yukon, Newfoundland, and Labrador and Northwest Territories. Canadian cannabis branded sales growth was primarily in large and small formats of flower and pre-rolls.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, 73% of the revenue was generated from branded flower and pre-roll sales, with an additional 4% from branded cannabis derivative products. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 64% of the revenue was generated from branded flower and pre-roll sales, with an additional 10% from branded cannabis derivative products. Non-branded sales accounted for 23% of revenue in 2022, as compared to 26% of revenue in 2021. The decrease in non-branded sales was driven by the oversupplied LP market, particularly for lower specification biomass, which drove down prices.
The net average selling price of branded flower and pre-roll formats decreased in 2022 as compared to 2021. Excluding pre-roll formats, the average net selling price of branded flower decreased by (14%) in 2022 due to a higher ratio of large format products to small format products, as well as the introduction of our newly launched Fraser Valley Weed Co. in the later part of the year and lower pricing in Quebec. The net average selling price of bulk non-branded flower and trim decreased by (16%) largely due to an increased volume of trim sales which are sold at a lower selling price relative to non-branded flower.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $80,494 and $58,888, respectively, an increase of 36%, or $21,269. The largest driver of the year on year increase was the Company’s fourth quarter inventory write down of $11,038 (C$15,000), which represented lower potency flower that was over 12 months old. The balance of the increase was due to the full year inclusion of Rose LifeScience, which resulted in incremental cost of sales of $10,536 and the increase in branded kilograms sold which has an incremental cost of production to manufacture and package over bulk product sold in the wholesale channel.
Gross Margin
Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $7,821, or 21%, to $29,388 from $37,209 for the year ended December 31, 2021. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue for the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was 27% and 39%, respectively.
The gross margin decline in 2022 as compared to 2021, was primarily due to the $11,038 inventory write-down. Excluding the impact of the inventory impairment charge of $11,038, adjusted gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 37%, a decrease of
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just 2% from the prior year, which is partially due to the launch of the Company's new value brand - Fraser Valley Weed Co. which has a lower margin than the Company's Pure Sunfarms flower products.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $30,235, or 28%, of net sales compared to $20,937, or 22% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in 2022 was primarily due to higher Health Canada regulatory fees, which are based on cannabis sales, a full year of expenses from Rose LifeSciences, as well as incremental year over year expenses for sales, marketing and headcount to support the growth of the Canadian cannabis segment.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $1,373 and $2,738, respectively. The decrease in 2022, is due to the 2021 vesting of performance share grants that were earned in the Canadian cannabis segment for Pure Sunfarms’ management.
Other (Expense) Income, net
Other (expense) income, net was ($163) for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to ($295) for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Net Income
Net income for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $117 and $9,165 respectively. The decrease is primarily due to the $11,038 inventory impairment recorded at December 31, 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $13,085 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $23,415 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease of $10,330, or 44%, is due to a decrease in gross margin due to incremental volume increases in lower margin products such as pre-rolls and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020
Sales
Canadian cannabis net sales for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $96,434 and $56,875, respectively, an increase of 70%. The year over year change is comprised of a 94% increase in sales to provincial boards (branded sales) and a 2% increase in wholesale sales (non-branded sales). The net sales also include the addition of Rose LifeScience net sales of $1,460 from November 15, 2021 to December 31, 2021, which mostly consist of sales of their own products and commission-based sales.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, 64% of revenue was generated from branded flower and pre-roll sales, with an additional 10% from branded cannabis derivative products, which Pure Sunfarms launched in September 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 54% of revenue was generated from branded flower and pre-roll sales, with an additional 5% from branded cannabis derivative products. Non-branded sales accounted for 26% of revenue in 2021 as compared to 41% in 2020, as Pure Sunfarms continued to transition from a predominantly wholesale market supplier in 2019 to a mixed branded and wholesale market supplier in 2020 and 2021.
On a combined basis, the net average selling price of branded flower and pre-roll formats did not change from 2020 to 2021, due primarily to a greater volume of pre-roll sales in 2021 which has a higher selling price than flower. Excluding pre-roll formats, the average net selling price of branded flower decreased by (4%) in 2021 as the retail market experienced general price compression. The net average selling price of bulk non-branded flower and trim decreased by (57%) largely due to an increased volume of trim sales which are sold at a lower selling price relative to non-branded flower.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $59,225 and $37,525, respectively, an increase of 58%. The increase for 2021 as compared to 2020 was primarily driven by a 109% volume increase of branded flower and pre-roll sales which has an incremental cost of production to manufacture over bulk product sold in the wholesale channel and $1,120 in cost of sales for Rose LifeScience in 2021. During 2020, the cost of sales also includes a $1,069 inventory write down for distillate oil purchased from third party extraction companies for which the market value has dropped since the initial purchase as well as a $3,295 charge in the fourth quarter of 2020 resulting from the revaluation of inventory to fair value at the acquisition date of Pure Sunfarms.
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Gross Margin
Gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $17,859 or 92% to $37,209 from $19,350 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Gross margin as a percentage of net revenue of 39% in 2021 was higher than gross margin of 34% in 2020. The gross margin improved in 2021 as increased output of production had a favorable impact on cost of production and offset the reduction in the selling price of flower and additional costs associated with the manufacture of branded cannabis derivative products. Gross margin for 2020 was impacted by the $1,069 inventory write down for distillate oil and $3,295 charge resulting from the revaluation of inventory to fair value at the acquisition date of Pure Sunfarms.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased 87% to $20,937 or 22% of 2021 net sales from $11,268 for the year ended December 31, 2020 or 20% of 2020 net sales. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to higher Health Canada regulatory fees, which are based on cannabis sales, Rose LifeScience expenses of $491, as well as incremental year over year expenses for sales, marketing and additional headcount to support the growth of the Canadian cannabis segment.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 were $2,738 and $61 respectively. The 2021 increase reflects the vesting of performance share grants in 2021 that were earned in the Canadian cannabis segment as Pure Sunfarms’ management participated in the Company’s compensation plan for the entirety of 2021 as compared to two months in 2020.
Other (Expense) Income, net
Other (expense), net was ($295) for the year ended December 31, 2021 and other income, net was $3,446 for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, Pure Sunfarms recognized a $4,330 gain on settlement of net liabilities resulting from the March 2, 2020 Settlement Agreement between Pure Sunfarms, Emerald Health and Village Farms. This gain is derived from Pure Sunfarms’ forgiveness of Emerald’s shareholder loan, including accrued interest, offset by the extinguishment of the Supply Agreement, and a receivable due from Emerald for sales made in the first quarter of 2020 and the entire year of 2019.
Net Income
Net income for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $9,165 and $7,651 respectively. The increase between years is mainly driven by the increase in operating income of the Canadian cannabis segment for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, partially offset by the 2020 gain on settlement of net liabilities from the Pure Sunfarms Settlement Agreement.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $23,415 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and $13,329 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase of $10,086, or 76%, is primarily attributable to significant revenue growth while improving gross margin between years partially offset by a slight increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales in 2021 as compared to 2020. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
CANNABIS SEGMENT RESULTS – UNITED STATES
The U.S. cannabis segment currently consists of Balanced Health and VF Hemp. For the year ended December 31, 2021, U.S. cannabis financial results are based on the consolidated results of Balanced Health from the closing date of the acquisition of August 16, 2021, as the results of Balanced Health from August 16, 2021 through December 31, 2021 are consolidated in the Company’s results. VF Hemp is a joint venture and its results are included in “(Losses) Income from Equity Method Investments” for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Sales
U.S. cannabis net sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $23,302, an increase of $11,957 or 105%, from the prior partial year net sales of $11,345. While the year on year sales resulted in an increase, the annualized sales for the Company's U.S.
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Cannabis division decreased. Over 99% of sales are generated in the United States and gross sales are composed of 80% from e-commerce sales, 14% from retail sales, and 6% from shipping income.
Cost of Sales
U.S. cannabis cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $7,643 as compared to $3,398 for the prior year period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Cost of sales are attributed directly to e-commerce, retail and bulk cost of sales with all other costs categorized within other manufacturing costs of sales which include warehouse expenses, freight and shipping supplies.
Gross Margin
U.S. cannabis gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $15,659, or 67%, compared to $7,947, or 70% for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The slight decrease in the gross margin percentage was driven by the increase in the gummy sales versus tinctures, as tinctures have a higher product gross margin.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
U.S. cannabis selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $16,000, or 69% of sales compared $5,604, or 49% of sales for the short prior year period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The increase relative to sales is primarily due to an increase in eCommerce marketing As the U.S. cannabis business derives a significant number of sales through its online technology platforms, the primary expense categories within selling, general and administrative include sales and marketing, merchant fees, e-commerce support and IT services.
Share-Based Compensation
U.S. cannabis share-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $305 compared to $158 for the prior year period of August 16, 2021 to December 31 2021.
Net (Loss) Income
U.S. cannabis net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was ($47,452) as compared to the income of $2,200 for the prior year period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the impairment charges to goodwill.
Adjusted EBITDA
U.S. cannabis adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $223 as compared to $2,363 for the prior year period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The decrease in the adjusted EBITDA was due to a lower margin as well as a full year of U.S. cannabis selling and administrative expenses. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Sales
U.S. cannabis net sales for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021 were $11,345. Over 99% of sales are generated in the United States and gross sales are composed of 79% from e-commerce sales, 15% from retail sales, 3% from shipping income and 1% from bulk sales. The loyalty program impact contributed 2% of net sales as loyalty program customers generate loyalty points that may be used when purchasing Balanced Health products.
Cost of Sales
U.S. cannabis cost of sales for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021 were $3,398. Cost of sales are attributed directly to e-commerce, retail and bulk cost of sales with all other costs categorized within other manufacturing costs of sales which include warehouse expenses, freight and shipping supplies.
Gross Margin
U.S. cannabis gross margin for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021 was $7,947 or 70%.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
U.S. cannabis selling general and administrative expenses for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021 was $5,604 or 49% of sales. As the U.S. cannabis business derives a significant number of sales through its online technology platforms,
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the primary expense categories within selling, general and administrative include sales and marketing, merchant fees, e-commerce support and IT services.
Share-Based Compensation
U.S. cannabis share-based compensation for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31 2021 was $158. The share-based compensation is due to the cost of performance-based stock options for U.S. cannabis management.
Net Income
U.S. cannabis net income for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021 was $2,200 due primarily to the gross margin of 70%.
Adjusted EBITDA
U.S. cannabis adjusted EBITDA for the period of August 16, 2021 to December 31, 2021 was $2,363 and was due primarily to the operating profit of Balanced Health offset by the loss from VF Hemp which is presented in (losses) income from equity method investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
PRODUCE SEGMENT RESULTS
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2021
Sales
Sales for the year ended December 31, 2022 of $160,252, were essentially flat with the prior year period sales of $159,996. The slight increase is primarily due to an 18% increase in production at our Texas facilities, a decrease of (17%) in production from our Delta tomato facility as a direct result of the brown rugose tomato virus on essentially flat year on year pricing. The supply partner revenue decrease is due to lower volumes of (8.7%), with a (20%) decrease in tomato pounds sold, a 22% increase in pepper pounds sold, a 23% increase in cucumber pieces and a 12% increase in mini cucumber pounds. The increase in peppers pounds is due to an increase in Mexican grower pounds and a western Canadian pepper grower expanding its growing area, to meet the increase demand for peppers.
The average selling price for all produce sold during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 was as follows; tomato prices increased 0.3%, pepper prices decreased (13%), cucumber prices decreased (14%) and mini cucumber prices decreased (13%).
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased $19,329, or 12% to $177,634 for the year ended December 31, 2022, from $158,305 for the same period in 2021. The increase is primarily due to a net increase in volume, coupled with increases in many essential inputs such as labor, freight, fertilizer and packaging, which were partially offset by lower payments to supply partners due to lower volumes in 2022 versus 2021. The increase in freight cost is due to driver shortages and an increase in fuel.
While the Company’s Texas operations did partially recover from prior years brown rugose impacts with respect to volume, which drove down its average cost of production year on year – due to the higher volumes, which benefited sales it did incur incremental costs in 2022 versus 2021. Conversely, the Delta B.C tomato facility also incurred higher year on year cost of sales, on much lower year on year volumes, due to inflationary pressure as well as the fixed nature of much of the Company’s agricultural based input costs, which resulted in a net increase in the Company's average cost of production.
The company was unable to pass on its incremental cost increases to its customers.
Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased $19,073, to a gross loss of $17,382, for the year ended December 31, 2022, from a gross profit of $1,691 for the year ended December 31, 2021. Total gross margin percentage was (11%) for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to nil for the year ended December 31, 2021. The gross profit for VF owned produce sales was (30%) for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to (4%) for the same period in 2021. The Company’s Delta B.C. tomato greenhouse is the primary driver of its produce gross margin in most years. In 2022, the brown rugose virus essentially erased the Delta B.C. greenhouse’s gross margin in its entirety. The gross margin percentage for supply partner sales decreased to (9%) for the year ended December 31, 2022, from 12% for the same prior year period due to change in mix and more spot business.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $1,024, or 9%, to $12,004 from $10,980 for the year period ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to legal fees and a legal settlement of $466.
(Provision for) Recovery of Income Taxes
The (provision for) recovery of income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, was ($9,914) and $2,278, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the valuation allowance on the Company's existing U.S. deferred tax asset.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $40,487 compared to $7,390 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the higher cost of sales that resulted in lower gross margin in 2022 and the valuation allowance on the Company's existing U.S deferred tax asset.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased to $24,369 from $1,959 for the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to lower gross margin as a result of the brown rugose virus at the Company's Delta, B.C. tomato greenhouse and across the board increases in raw material costs, production costs and freight costs. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Sales
Sales for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $3,106, to $159,996, from $156,890 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in sales is primarily due to an increase in supply partner revenue of $13,170 and freight revenue of $2,775, offset by a decrease in our own production revenue by $12,680. The increase in supply partner revenue is due to higher volumes, with a 30% increase in tomato pounds sold, a 12% increase in pepper pounds sold, a 31% increase in cucumber pieces and a 79% increase in mini cucumber pounds. The increase in tomato pounds is due to the inclusion of additional growing areas in Mexico, and the increase in pepper pounds is due to an increase in procured pounds to meet the increased demand for peppers. The decrease in our own produce revenue is due to a 19% decrease in average selling price. The 19% decrease in the Company’s average selling price of its own production was led by the commodity items of TOV and beef, resulting from market supply overage from increased supply and a slow-down of retail purchases.
The average selling price for all produce sold during the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows; tomato prices decreased 13%, pepper prices decreased 12%, cucumber prices increased 6% and mini cucumber prices decreased 14%.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased $11,195 to $158,305 for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $147,110 for the same period in 2020, due to a $10,161 increase in cost of supply partner purchases and an increase in freight expense of $3,242.
The average cost per pound, including freight and distribution center costs, for our own produce pounds sold decreased $0.045 to $1.147 for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $1.190 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Transportation and handling costs were $0.213 per pound for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Although there was an increase in freight cost due to an increase in total pounds shipped, it was offset by a lower distribution center cost per pound.
Gross Margin
Gross margin decreased $8,089, to $1,691, for the year ended December 31, 2021, from a gross margin of $9,780 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Gross margin percentage for all produce products was 0% for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to 6% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The gross margin on our own produce sales was (4%) for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to 4% for the same period in 2020. The gross margin for supply partner sales increased to 12% for the year ended December 31, 2021, from 10% for the same period in 2020.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $648 to $10,980 for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $10,332 for the same period in 2020. The increase is primarily driven by legal fees and consulting cost. Selling, general and administrative costs as a percentage of sales remained flat at 7% for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
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Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $685 to $1,072 for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $1,757 for the same prior year period. The decrease was due to decreases in both interest rates and debt balances.
Income Taxes (Recovery)
Income tax for the year ended December 31, 2021 was a recovery of $2,278 compared to a provision for $548 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $7,390 compared to a loss of $1,246 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net loss is primarily due to a lower gross margin from our own production compared to prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased to $1,959 from $5,576 for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to a decrease in selling prices compared to prior year. See the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income in “Non-GAAP Measures—Reconciliation of Net Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA”.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2022, we had $16,676 and $60,769 of cash and working capital, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, we had $53,417 in cash and $111,517 of working capital. We believe that cash generated from our operating activities, Credit Facilities and Pure Sunfarms Loans (as defined below), proceeds from our January 2023 registered direct offering, which generated approximately $22 million of net cash proceeds subsequent to December 31, 2022 coupled with our at-the-market equity offering program (as described below), will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our working capital needs, repayments of long-term debt, future contractual obligations and planned capital expenditures for the next 12 months. An additional potential source of liquidity is access to capital markets for additional equity or debt financing. We intend to use our cash on hand for daily funding requirements.
(in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted) |
|
Maximum |
|
|
Outstanding December |
|
||||
Operating Loan (1) |
|
C$ |
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
4,000 |
|
FCC Term Loan |
|
$ |
|
24,755 |
|
|
$ |
|
24,755 |
|
Pure Sunfarms Loans |
|
C$ |
|
43,649 |
|
|
C$ |
|
43,649 |
|
(1) The Operating Loan was amended on May 7, 2021 with a maximum line of credit of C$10,000. See “Operating Loan” below.
The Company’s borrowings under the FCC Term Loan and Operating Loan (as defined below) (collectively the “Credit Facilities”) are subject to certain positive and negative covenants, including debt ratios, and the Company is required to maintain certain minimum working capital. The Company was not in compliance with one financial covenant under the FCC loan. Prior to December 31, 2022, the Company received a waiver from FCC for the annual test for one its financial covenants under our FCC Term Loan. FCC measures our financial covenants once a year on the last calendar day of the year and our next annual testing date will be on December 31, 2023. We can provide no assurance that we will be in compliance, or receive a waiver, for any non-compliance as of the next annual testing date. See “Risk Factors—We may need additional financing to further develop our business.”
Accrued interest payable on the Credit Facilities and Pure Sunfarms Loans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $398 and $304, respectively, and these amounts are included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
FCC Term Loan
The Company has a term loan financing agreement with Farm Credit Canada (“FCC”), a Canadian creditor (the “FCC Term Loan”). The non-revolving variable rate term loan has a maturity date of April 1, 2025 and a balance of $24,755 and $26,723 on December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The outstanding balance is repayable by way of monthly installments of principal and interest, with the balance and any accrued interest to be paid in full on April 1, 2025. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, borrowings under the FCC Term Loan agreement were subject to an interest rate of 7.71% and 3.79% per annum, respectively.
As collateral for the FCC Term Loan, the Company has provided promissory notes, a first mortgage on the VFF-owned Delta 1 and Texas greenhouse facilities, and general security agreements over its assets. In addition, the Company has provided
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full recourse guarantees and has granted security interests in respect of the FCC Term Loan. The carrying value of the assets and securities pledged as collateral as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $113,159 and $233,187, respectively.
Operating Loan
The Company has a revolving line of credit agreement with a Canadian chartered bank (the “Operating Loan”). The Operating Loan has a line of credit of up to C$10,000, as amended on May 7, 2021, with a variable interest rate with a maturity date of April 1, 2025. The Operating Loan is subject to margin requirements stipulated by the lender.
As of December 31, 2022, there was an outstanding amount of $4,000 drawn on this loan, and as of December 31, 2021, the amount drawn on this facility was nil.
As collateral for the Operating Loan, the Company has provided promissory notes and a first priority security interest over its accounts receivable and inventory. In addition, the Company has granted full recourse guarantees and security therein. The carrying value of the assets pledged as collateral as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $26,666 and $34,741, respectively.
VFCE Loan
VFCE had a loan agreement with a Canadian chartered bank (the “VFCE Loan”). The Company repaid the outstanding balance of the VFCE Loan on March 2, 2022.
Pure Sunfarms Loans
On March 15, 2021, Pure Sunfarms entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Third Amended and Restated PSF Credit Agreement”) with FCC and two Canadian chartered banks, which extended the maturity date of each of the PSF Revolving Line of Credit, PSF Non-Revolving Facility and the PSF Term Loan (each as defined below) through February 7, 2024 and included a guarantee by Village Farms. The Third Amended and Restated PSF Credit Agreement amended and updated the previous three loan facilities.
The first loan facility under the Third Amended and Restated PSF Credit Agreement is a revolving line of credit (the “PSF Revolving Line of Credit”) with two separate C$7,500 commitments from each of the Canadian chartered banks. Each lender established a revolving line of credit severally and not jointly whereby Pure Sunfarms may receive advances in equal proportionate amounts from each lender. The advances shall be used for working capital purposes, general corporate purposes and capital expenditures, of which capital expenditures may not exceed C$7,500 in aggregate use of the outstanding advances. Interest is payable at the Canadian prime rate plus an applicable margin per annum, payable monthly. The PSF Revolving Line of Credit had an outstanding balance of C$4,745 and C$9,855 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, Pure Sunfarms had an outstanding letter of credit issued to BC Hydro against the revolving line of credit of $C4,145.
The second loan facility under the Third Amended and Restated PSF Credit Agreement is a credit facility with a Canadian chartered bank, as agent and lead lender, and FCC, as lender, in respect of a C$19,000 secured non-revolver term loan (the “PSF Non-Revolving Facility). The PSF Non-Revolving Facility, which matures on February 7, 2024, is secured by the Delta 2 and Delta 3 greenhouse facilities and contains customary financial and restrictive covenants. The PSF Non-Revolving Facility has been used to refinance our Delta 3 greenhouse and provide funds to upgrade and retrofit the Delta 2 facility. The outstanding amount on the PSF Non-Revolving Facility was C$13,007 and C$15,076 on December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The third loan facility under the Third Amended and Restated PSF Credit Agreement is a C$25,000 term loan (the “PSF Term Loan”) at the Canadian prime interest rate plus an applicable margin, repayable in quarterly payments equal to 2.50% of the outstanding principal amount starting June 30, 2021 and maturing February 7, 2024. Advances under the PSF Term Loan are required to be used to finance the upgrade and retrofit of the Delta 2 greenhouse to render it suitable for cannabis cultivation as well as any funds necessary for capital expenditures on the Delta 3 processing facility. The outstanding amount on the PSF Term Loan was C$20,224 and C$22,614 on December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
On December 20, 2020, Pure Sunfarms entered into a C$6,250 non-revolving demand loan at the Canadian prime interest rate plus 3.75% per annum with a Canadian chartered bank with the financial support of the Business Development Bank of Canada (the “BDC Facility”). The BDC Facility, provided as part of COVID-19 government relief, requires interest only payments monthly for the first twelve months and matures on December 31, 2031. Commencing on December 31, 2021, Pure Sunfarms has been repaying the outstanding principal amount in equal monthly installments. The outstanding amount on the BDC Facility was C$5,673 and C$6,282 on December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Pure Sunfarms is required to comply with financial covenants under the Third Amended and Restated PSF Credit Agreement, which are measured quarterly. As of December 31, 2022, Pure Sunfarms was in compliance with these financial covenants.
Pure Sunfarms received a waiver for its inventory write-down, prior to December 31, 2022, from its bank syndicate such that the inventory write-down up to a maximum of $15,000 would be excluded from its 2022 financial covenants. On February 3,
58
2023, Pure Sunfarms entered into a formal Amendment to its existing PSF Credit Agreement stipulating the conditions of the inventory write-down.
Equity Offerings
Subsequent to December 31, 2022, on January 30, 2023, the Company issued and sold 18,350,000 Common Shares under a registered direct equity offering, at a price of $1.35 per share, resulting in net proceeds for approximately $22,000 after deducting commissions and offering expenses. As part of the equity offering the Company also issued 18,350,000 Common Warrants at an exercise price of $1.65 per share. The Common Warrants cannot be exercised until after July 30, 2023, and expire on June 30, 2028.
On August 9, 2022, Village Farms entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement ("Sales Agreement") pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell Common Shares having an aggregate offering price up to $50 million from time to time to or through Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners. Under the Sales Agreement, the Company may offer and sell Common Shares through Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners by any method deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on The Nasdaq Capital Market.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had issued and sold 3,175,000 Common Shares under the Sales Agreement, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $6,692 after deducting commissions and offering expenses. As of December 31, 2022, $43,101 remained available for sale under the Sales Agreement.
On January 20, 2021, Village Farms completed a registered direct offering for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 10,887,097 Common Shares at a purchase price of $12.40 per Common Share for gross proceeds of approximately $135,000.
Summary of Cash Flows
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||
(in thousands) |
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
Cash beginning of year |
|
$ |
58,667 |
|
|
$ |
25,679 |
|
Net cash flow provided by (used in): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Operating activities |
|
|
(19,889 |
) |
|
|
(39,567 |
) |
Investing activities |
|
|
(20,899 |
) |
|
|
(63,470 |
) |
Financing activities |
|
|
4,496 |
|
|
|
135,883 |
|
Net cash (decrease) increase for the year |
|
|
(36,292 |
) |
|
|
32,846 |
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
|
|
(699 |
) |
|
|
142 |
|
Cash, end of the year |
|
$ |
21,676 |
|
|
$ |
58,667 |
|
Operating Activities
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash flows used in operating activities were $19,889 and $39,567, respectively. The operating activities for 2022 consisted of $1,113 in changes of non-cash working capital items and $18,776 in changes before working capital items, while the operating activities for 2021 consisted of $47,149 in changes in non-cash working capital items and $7,958 in changes before non-cash working capital items. The improvement in non-cash working capital items was primarily due to increases in accrued expenses and accrued taxes payable driven by the Canadian cannabis segment. The decrease in changes before non-cash working capital items was primarily due to declines in the operating performance of the produce segment and the Canadian cannabis segment in 2022 as compared to 2021.
Investing Activities
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash flows used in investing activities were $20,899 and $63,470, respectively. The investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily consisted of $14,292 in capital expenditures for Pure Sunfarms’ conversion of its Delta 2 facility and the addition of hang drying rooms at its Delta 3 facility, and $4,693 invested in an additional 85% ownership in Leli. The investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted primarily of $40,685 in net acquisition costs for Balanced Health and Rose LifeScience, $21,656 in purchases primarily for Pure Sunfarms’ conversion of its Delta 2 facility and maintenance of VF Fresh property, plant and equipment and $1,109 in minority investments in Altum.
59
Financing Activities
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, cash flows provided by financing activities were $4,496 and $135,883, respectively. The financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted primarily of net repayments on borrowings of $2,388 offset by the proceeds from the issuance of common stock and warrants.
The financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of Common Shares of $127,489, proceeds from the exercise of warrants of $18,495 and net proceeds of borrowings of $10,215, partially offset by the payment of the note payable to Emerald of $15,498 and share repurchases of $5,000. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the financing activities primarily consisted of net proceeds from the issuance of Common Shares and warrants of $53,919, predominately used to finance the acquisition of the remaining shares of Pure Sunfarms, and net proceeds from borrowings of $4,327.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We expect to meet our contractual obligations and commitments through the use of our working capital. We currently do not have any material obligations identified in the near future.
In addition, we currently have material long-term debt and lines of credit that we rely on to meet financing needs of the Company. The long-term debt and lines of credit have interest rate terms whereas the possibility of rising interest rates may impact the cost of capital for the Company. See “ Item 7A – Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Interest Rate Risk” below for additional information.
Non-GAAP Measures
References in this MD&A to “Adjusted EBITDA” are to earnings (including the equity earnings of our joint ventures) before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), as further adjusted to exclude foreign currency exchange gains and losses on translation of long-term debt, unrealized gains on the changes in the value of derivative instruments, share-based compensation, gains and losses on asset sales and the other adjustments set forth in the table below. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of operating performance that is not recognized under GAAP and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of our performance. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure in evaluating the historical performance of the Company because it excludes non-recurring and other items that do not reflect our business performance.
We also present Adjusted EBITDA, earnings per share and diluted earnings per share on a proportionate segment basis. Each of the components of Adjusted EBITDA, on a proportionate segment basis (which include our proportionate share of the joint ventures, Pure Sunfarms and VF Hemp, which were accounted for as equity method investments, as well as the proportionate share of Rose LifeScience, in respect of which we have a 70% interest and the remaining 30% is accounted for as a non-controlling interest), are presented in the table “Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Results to Proportionate Results” below. We believe that the ability of investors to assess our overall performance may be improved by the disclosure of proportionate segment Adjusted EBITDA, income (loss) per share and diluted income (loss) per share by providing disclosure of our results that relate specifically to our share of our investments, given that our equity-accounted joint ventures represented a significant percentage of our net income in 2020. We have presented a similar measure in 2021, which accounts for VF Hemp and Rose LifeScience on a proportionate basis, for comparability purposes.
60
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 Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||
(in thousands of U.S. dollars) |
|
2022 (1) |
|
|
2021 (1) |
|
|
2020 (2) |
|
|||
Net (loss) income |
|
$ |
(101,146 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,079 |
) |
|
$ |
11,608 |
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Amortization |
|
|
10,260 |
|
|
|
13,004 |
|
|
|
6,527 |
|
Foreign currency exchange loss |
|
|
2,268 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
3,038 |
|
|
|
2,709 |
|
|
|
1,431 |
|
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes |
|
|
7,136 |
|
|
|
(3,526 |
) |
|
|
(2,790 |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
|
3,808 |
|
|
|
7,533 |
|
|
|
6,142 |
|
Interest expense for JVs |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
774 |
|
Amortization for JVs |
|
|
1,554 |
|
|
|
71 |
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) for JVs |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
120 |
|
(Recovery of) provision for income taxes for JV's |
|
|
(1,718 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,600 |
|
Share-based compensation for JV's |
|
|
124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other expense, net for JV's |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred financing fees |
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Incremental utility costs due to storm |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,400 |
|
|
|
— |
|
Impairments |
|
|
43,299 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Gain on acquisition (3) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(23,631 |
) |
Gain on settlement agreement (4) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4,681 |
) |
Loss on inventory write-down to net realizable value |
|
|
11,038 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,275 |
|
Purchase price adjustment (5) |
|
|
(4,268 |
) |
|
|
980 |
|
|
|
3,295 |
|
Gain on settlement of net liabilities from JV |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,496 |
) |
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets |
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
254 |
|
|
|
819 |
|
Share of loss on JV inventory impairment |
|
|
2,284 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Write-off of note receivable |
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
3,791 |
|
Other expense, net |
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
(16 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Adjustment to reflect true economic value for Pure Sunfarms (6) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA (7) |
|
$ |
(21,311 |
) |
|
$ |
14,012 |
|
|
$ |
7,411 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA for JV's |
|
$ |
(327 |
) |
|
$ |
(260 |
) |
|
$ |
5,663 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA excluding JV's |
|
$ |
(20,984 |
) |
|
$ |
14,272 |
|
|
$ |
1,748 |
|
Notes:
61
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Results to Proportionate Results
The following tables are a reconciliation of the GAAP results to the proportionate results (which include our proportionate share of the equity method joint ventures of Pure Sunfarms and VF Hemp and 70% ownership of Rose LifeScience, in respect of which we have a 70% interest and the remaining 30% is accounted for as a non-controlling interest). Pure Sunfarms was a joint venture until the Company acquired 100% ownership on November 2, 2020. The Company acquired 70% of Rose LifeScience on November 15, 2021. The tables reflect the full statements of income for Pure Sunfarms and VF Hemp multiplied by the ownership percentage of the Company (versus presenting the results of these equity method joint ventures in (Losses) Income from Equity Method Investments) and the full statements of (loss)income for Rose LifeScience for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the period November 15, 2021 through December 31, 2021 multiplied by the 70% ownership of the Company (versus presenting 100% of the results in the consolidated statement of income and the minority interest in in Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests, Net of Tax):
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
VF Fresh (Produce) |
|
|
Cannabis - |
|
|
Cannabis- |
|
|
Clean Energy |
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
Sales |
$ |
160,252 |
|
|
$ |
109,882 |
|
|
$ |
23,302 |
|
|
$ |
136 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
293,572 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
(177,634 |
) |
|
|
(80,494 |
) |
|
|
(7,643 |
) |
|
|
(304 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(266,075 |
) |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
(12,004 |
) |
|
|
(30,235 |
) |
|
|
(16,000 |
) |
|
|
(58 |
) |
|
|
(9,981 |
) |
|
|
(68,278 |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
— |
|
|
|
(1,373 |
) |
|
|
(305 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,309 |
) |
|
|
(3,987 |
) |
Other expense, net |
|
(1,187 |
) |
|
|
(2,023 |
) |
|
|
(247 |
) |
|
|
(43 |
) |
|
|
(1,907 |
) |
|
|
(5,407 |
) |
Write-off of note receivable |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(592 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(592 |
) |
Impairments (2) |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(43,299 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(43,299 |
) |
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes |
|
(9,914 |
) |
|
|
4,091 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
1,142 |
|
|
|
(4,681 |
) |
Loss from consolidated entities |
|
(40,487 |
) |
|
|
(152 |
) |
|
|
(44,784 |
) |
|
|
(269 |
) |
|
|
(13,055 |
) |
|
|
(98,747 |
) |
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax |
|
— |
|
|
|
269 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
269 |
|
Loss from equity method investments |
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,668 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,668 |
) |
Net (loss) income |
$ |
(40,487 |
) |
|
$ |
117 |
|
|
$ |
(47,452 |
) |
|
$ |
(269 |
) |
|
$ |
(13,055 |
) |
|
$ |
(101,146 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
$ |
(24,369 |
) |
|
$ |
13,085 |
|
|
$ |
223 |
|
|
$ |
(263 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,987 |
) |
|
$ |
(21,311 |
) |
Basic (loss) income per share |
$ |
(0.45 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.52 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.13 |
) |
Diluted (loss) income per share |
$ |
(0.45 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.52 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.16 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.13 |
) |
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Produce |
|
|
Cannabis - |
|
|
Cannabis- |
|
|
Clean Energy |
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
Sales |
|
$ |
159,996 |
|
|
$ |
95,996 |
|
|
$ |
11,355 |
|
|
$ |
245 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
267,592 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
(158,305 |
) |
|
|
(58,888 |
) |
|
|
(3,448 |
) |
|
|
(1,914 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(222,555 |
) |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
(10,980 |
) |
|
|
(20,791 |
) |
|
|
(5,824 |
) |
|
|
(188 |
) |
|
|
(8,674 |
) |
|
|
(46,457 |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(2,738 |
) |
|
|
(158 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(4,637 |
) |
|
|
(7,533 |
) |
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(40 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(226 |
) |
|
|
(254 |
) |
Other expense, net |
|
|
(386 |
) |
|
|
(2,642 |
) |
|
|
(38 |
) |
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
(296 |
) |
|
|
(3,398 |
) |
Recovery of (provision for) income taxes |
|
|
2,278 |
|
|
|
(1,688 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,936 |
|
|
|
3,526 |
|
Net (loss) income |
|
$ |
(7,390 |
) |
|
$ |
9,209 |
|
|
$ |
1,892 |
|
|
$ |
(1,893 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,897 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,079 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
|
$ |
(1,959 |
) |
|
$ |
23,415 |
|
|
$ |
2,364 |
|
|
$ |
(343 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,465 |
) |
|
$ |
14,012 |
|
Basic (loss) income per share |
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
Diluted (loss) income per share |
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
$ |
0.11 |
|
|
$ |
0.02 |
|
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
62
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Produce |
|
|
Cannabis - |
|
|
Cannabis- |
|
|
Clean Energy |
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
Total |
|
||||||
Sales |
|
$ |
156,890 |
|
|
$ |
38,398 |
|
|
$ |
226 |
|
|
$ |
417 |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
195,931 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
(147,110 |
) |
|
|
(26,343 |
) |
|
|
(472 |
) |
|
|
(1,430 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(175,355 |
) |
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
(10,332 |
) |
|
|
(7,435 |
) |
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
(210 |
) |
|
|
(6,146 |
) |
|
|
(24,533 |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(61 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(6,081 |
) |
|
|
(6,142 |
) |
Gain on acquisition |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
23,631 |
|
|
|
23,631 |
|
Gain on settlement agreement |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
4,681 |
|
|
|
4,681 |
|
Gain on settlement of net liabilities |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,496 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,496 |
|
Loss on inventory write-down to net realizable value |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3,275 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3,275 |
) |
Loss on joint venture sales |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(3,791 |
) |
|
|
(3,791 |
) |
(Loss) gain on disposal of assets |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
(916 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(818 |
) |
Other expense, net |
|
|
(140 |
) |
|
|
(1,861 |
) |
|
|
(143 |
) |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(206 |
) |
|
|
(2,407 |
) |
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes |
|
|
(548 |
) |
|
|
(1,199 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
2,937 |
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
Net (loss) income |
|
$ |
(1,246 |
) |
|
$ |
4,000 |
|
|
$ |
(3,975 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,196 |
) |
|
$ |
15,025 |
|
|
$ |
11,608 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
|
$ |
5,576 |
|
|
$ |
8,821 |
|
|
$ |
(415 |
) |
|
$ |
(418 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,153 |
) |
|
$ |
7,411 |
|
Basic (loss) income per share |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
Diluted (loss) income per share |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
$ |
0.07 |
|
|
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
Notes:
The adjusted results are not generally accepted measures of financial performance under GAAP. Our method of calculating these financial performance measures may differ from other companies and accordingly, they may not be comparable to measures used by other companies.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”). ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to debt instruments, derivatives, and other contracts that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform. This guidance is optional and may be elected through December 31, 2022 using a prospective application on all eligible contract modifications. The Company has a line of credit that incorporates LIBOR as a referenced interest rate. It is difficult to predict what effect, if any, the phase-out of LIBOR and the use of alternative benchmarks may have on the Company’s business or on the overall financial markets. The Company has not adopted any of the optional expedients or exceptions through December 31, 2022.
Critical Accounting Policies
We believe the following accounting policies are critical to our financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, or expense being reported.
Business Combinations
The Company recognizes and measures the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent assets and liabilities, at their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the net fair value of tangible and identified intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The costs of business acquisitions, including fees for accounting, legal, professional consulting and valuation specialists, are expensed as incurred. Purchase price allocations may be preliminary and, during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, changes in assumptions and estimates that result in adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the period the adjustments are determined.
63
For business combinations achieved in stages, the Company’s previously held interest in the acquiree is remeasured at its acquisition date fair value, with the resulting gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss). For a pre-existing relationship between the Company and the acquiree, that is not extinguished on the business combination, such a relationship is considered effectively settled as part of the business combination even if it is not legally cancelled. At the acquisition date, it becomes an intercompany relationship and is eliminated upon consolidation.
Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate in effect when the fair value was determined. Foreign currency differences are generally recognized in net income. Non-monetary items that are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction giving rise to the item.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in a business acquisition. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units and tested for impairment annually as of December 31 each year and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The Company generally elects to utilize the optional qualitative assessment for goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit is higher than its fair value. If it is determined that the fair value is more likely than not to be lower than the carrying value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed by determining the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using either the income approach utilizing estimates of discounted future cash flows or the market approach utilizing recent transaction activity for comparable properties. These approaches are considered level 3 fair value measurements. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Temporary differences arising between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are used to calculate future income tax assets and liabilities. This method also requires the recognition of deferred tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are recorded as appropriate to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount considered likely to be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income (losses) in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment of the change. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized only if we believe it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on its technical merits. If the recognition threshold for the tax position is met, only the portion of the tax benefit that we believe is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized is recorded.
Intangible Assets
The Company’s intangible assets are purchased and acquired through business combinations and have both finite and infinite useful lives. They are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortization is calculated based on the cost of the intangible assets less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and is generally recognized in profit or loss. Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted when necessary.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of inventory includes capitalized production costs, including labor, materials, post-harvest costs and depreciation. Inventoriable costs are expensed to cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) in the same period as finished products are sold. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as an expense in the period when the write-down or loss occurs.
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest
Non-controlling interest (“NCI”) in subsidiaries that are redeemable for cash or other assets outside of our control are classified as temporary mezzanine equity, outside of equity and liabilities. Initial measurement is at acquisition date fair value and subsequent measurement is at the greater of the carrying value or the redemption value. Changes in the redemption value are recognized immediately as they occur and the carrying amount of the redeemable NCI is adjusted to equal the redemption value at the
64
end of each reporting period. This method views the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the instrument. Increases or decreases in the estimated redemption amount are recorded with corresponding adjustments against equity and are reflected in the computation of earnings per share. However, the amount presented in temporary equity should be no less than the initial amount reported in temporary equity for the instrument.
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s produce revenue transactions consist of single performance obligations to transfer promised goods at a fixed price. Quantities to be delivered to the customer are determined at a point near the date of delivery through purchase orders they receive from the customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it has fulfilled a performance obligation, which is typically when the customer receives the goods and their performance obligation is complete. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring product. The amount of revenue recognized is reduced for estimated returns and other customer credits, such as discounts and rebates, based on the expected value to be realized. Payment terms are consistent with terms standard to the markets the Company serves.
Revenue from the sale of cannabis inventories in the course of ordinary activities is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts, volume rebates and excise duty. The Company recognizes revenue when it has fulfilled the performance obligation to the customer through the delivery and transfer of control of the promised goods.
Under bill-and-hold arrangements, whereby the Company bills a customer for a product to be delivered at a later date, control typically transfers when the product is still in the Company’s physical possession, and title and risk of loss has passed to the customer. Revenue is recognized when all specific requirements for transfer of control under a bill-and-hold arrangement have been met. The Company sells electricity to British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority. Revenues are recognized as the electricity is delivered to/consumed by the customer and is based on contractual usage rates and meter readings that measure electricity consumption. The Company has elected to exclude taxes collected from its customers assessed by government authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction from our determination of transaction price.
Direct-to-consumer product sales for loyalty members contain two distinct performance obligations for which the Company allocates the transaction price based on the relative stand-alone value of each performance obligation, such that both revenue related to the delivery of the underlying purchased goods and deferred revenue for loyalty points issued to the customer are recognized based on the allocated consideration of value, after giving consideration to loyalty point breakage. The loyalty liability represents a performance obligation to provide goods for free or at a discount to loyalty members in exchange for the redemptions of points earned from past activities.
Judgment is required in determining whether the Company is the principal or agent in certain transactions. We evaluate the presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis based on whether we control the service provided to the end-user and are the principal (i.e. “gross”), or we arrange for other parties to provide the service to the end-user and are an agent (i.e. “net”).
Revenue received from shipping and handling fees is reflected in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales as incurred or at the time revenue is recognized for the related goods, whichever comes first.
ITEM 7A. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its long-term debt, for which the interest rates charged fluctuate based on the 90-day LIBOR rate. The Company has a line of credit that incorporates LIBOR as a referenced interest rate. It is difficult to predict what effect, if any, the phase-out of LIBOR and the use of alternative benchmarks may have on the Company’s business or on the overall financial markets. If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher, the net income during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 would have been lower by $288) and $315, respectively. This represents $288 and $315 in increased interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
While we cannot predict our ability to refinance existing debt or the significance of the impact that interest rate movements will have on our existing debt, management evaluates our financial position on an ongoing basis.
65
Foreign Exchange Risk
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Canadian/U.S. foreign exchange rate was C$1.00 = US$0.7380 and C$1.00 = US$0.7874, respectively. Assuming that all other variables remain constant, an increase of $0.10 in the Canadian dollar would have the following impact on the ending balances of certain statements of financial position items at December 31, 2022 and 2021 with the net foreign exchange gain or loss directly impacting net income (loss).
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
||
Financial assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
978 |
|
|
$ |
1,131 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
2,758 |
|
|
|
2,887 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
7,386 |
|
|
|
5,145 |
|
Prepaid and deposits |
|
|
979 |
|
|
|
1,069 |
|
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Trade payables and accrued liabilities |
|
|
(4,701 |
) |
|
|
(2,715 |
) |
Loan payable |
|
|
(4,369 |
) |
|
|
(4,460 |
) |
Deferred Tax Liability |
|
|
(2,794 |
) |
|
|
(2,571 |
) |
Net foreign exchange gain |
|
$ |
237 |
|
|
$ |
486 |
|
Our exposure to foreign exchange risk and the impact of foreign exchange rates are monitored by the Company’s management but generally the Company tries to match its sales (trade receivables) and vendor payments (trade payables) such that the net impact is not material.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this item are included beginning on page 70 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also Item 15, “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.”
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures are not effective at a reasonable assurance level due to the material weakness described in management’s report on internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act), other than the material weakness and the remediation of the previously reported material weakness, both described in management’s report over internal control over financial reporting, that occurred during the fourth quarter for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is included on page 70 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
66
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has made an independent assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 and their report is included on page 71 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
None.
67
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required to be furnished by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders (the “2023 Proxy Statement”) to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2022 (subject to any applicable extension period to the extent such 120th date is not a business day).
The information required by this item regarding delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K will be included under the caption “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the 2022 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company adopted a code of ethics that applies to all our employees, officers, and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Code of Ethics and Whistleblowing Policy (“Code”) is available on our Company website at http://www.villagefarms.com under the Governance section of our Investors page. The Code covers whistle blowing and provides an anonymous means for employees and officers to report violations of the Code and other corporate policies. The Company has also developed the Disclosure and Insider Trading Policy to provide guidelines on employee trading in the Company’s securities. Any amendments to the Code, or information about any waivers granted to directors or executive officers with respect to the Code, will be posted on the Company’s website.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required to be furnished by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the 2023 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2022 (subject to any applicable extension period to the extent such 120th date is not a business day).
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required to be furnished by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the 2023 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2022 (subject to any applicable extension period to the extent such 120th date is not a business day).
The information required to be furnished by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the 2023 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2022 (subject to any applicable extension period to the extent such 120th date is not a business day).
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required to be furnished by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the 2023 Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2022 (subject to any applicable extension period to the extent such 120th date is not a business day).
68
PART IV.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) Documents filed as part of this report.
1. Financial Statements.
69
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(b) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report:
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.10 |
|
|
|
|
|
70
10.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.13 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.15 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.17 |
|
|
10.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.20 |
|
Village Farms International, Inc. Share-based Compensation Plan adopted on December 31, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 1, 2020).+ |
|
|
|
10.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.22 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
10.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
21.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
23.1 |
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
|
|
|
24.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
71
101.1* |
|
The following financial statements from the Village Farms International, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, formatted as Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) statements of operations and comprehensive income, (ii) balance sheets, (iii) statements of shareholders’ equity, (iv) statements of cash flows, and (v) the notes to the financial statements. |
|
|
|
104.1* |
|
The following financial statements from the Village Farms International, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.1): (i) statements of operations and comprehensive income, (ii) balance sheets, (iii) statements of shareholders’ equity, (iv) statements of cash flows, and (v) the notes to the financial statements. |
+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
^ Certain confidential portions of this exhibit have been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of any omitted portions of the exhibit upon request.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
72
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 9th day of March 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
Village Farms International, Inc. |
||||
|
|
|||
By: |
|
/s/ Michael A. DeGiglio |
||
|
|
Name: |
|
Michael A. DeGiglio |
|
|
Title: |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael A. DeGiglio and Stephen C. Ruffini, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities on March 9, 2023.
Signature |
|
Title |
|
|
|
/s/ Michael A. DeGiglio Michael A. DeGiglio |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
/s/ Stephen C. Ruffini Stephen C. Ruffini |
|
Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
|
|
/s/ John R. McLernon John R. McLernon |
|
Director, Chair |
|
|
|
/s/ John P. Henry John P. Henry |
|
Director |
|
|
|
/s/ Dave Holewinski David Holewinski |
|
Director |
|
|
|
/s/ Christopher C. Woodward Christopher C. Woodward |
|
Director |
73
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.
As of December 31, 2022, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective due to errors in the calculation of the recoverable amount of its goodwill and intangible assets, which was subsequently modified, resulting in no change in management’s determination of the recoverable amount of its goodwill and intangible assets, but based on the criteria is deemed to be a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement in the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company did not effectively operate an effective control over the determination of the recoverable amount of its goodwill and intangible assets. Specifically, the Company’s controls related to the review of the calculations, and significant assumptions relevant to the determination of the recoverable amount of its reporting units, did not prevent or detect potential material errors in valuation of goodwill or indefinite lived intangibles and the related disclosures. No adjustments were required to the annual financial statements as a result of this material weakness. The Company will implement remediation measures improving the operation of its controls over the review of the determination of the recoverable amount of its goodwill and intangible assets in 2023. The material weakness will be fully remediated when, in the opinion of the company’s management, the revised control procedures are appropriately operated for a sufficient period of time to provide reasonable assurance as to their effectiveness.
As of December 31, 2021, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting was not effective based on those criteria because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date. The Company did not operate effective controls over the calculation of one of its debt covenants. The Company’s controls related to the review of debt covenant calculations failed to identify a violation of a debt covenant as at December 31, 2021 in a timely manner. The lender subsequently waived the debt covenant prior to filing and therefore there was no impact on the Company’s December 31, 2021 financial statements. During the year-ended December 31, 2022, in response to the material weakness noted above, we effectively monitored and operated existing controls over the review of debt covenants, including the hiring of a corporate treasurer. As a result of the Company’s enhanced controls and procedures, management has determined that this material weakness has been remediated.
74
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Village Farms International, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Village Farms International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss), of changes in shareholders’ equity and mezzanine equity, and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date related to the operation of effective controls over the determination of the recoverable amount of the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2022 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
75
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
76
Valuation of the Intangible Asset Acquired in the Acquisition of Rose LifeScience Inc. (Rose)
As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the acquisition of 70% of Rose in November 2021 for total consideration of $38.7 million. The acquisition of Rose resulted in an intangible asset related to a customer relationship of $14.2 million. The fair value of the intangible asset was based on the multi-period excess earnings method. This measure of fair value requires significant judgment about the value a market participant would be willing to pay to achieve the benefits associated with the customer relationship. The method requires management to estimate future cash flows and an asset specific discount rate.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of the intangible asset acquired in the acquisition of Rose is a critical audit matter are (i) a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in performing procedures relating to the fair value of the intangible asset acquired due to the significant judgment by management when developing the estimate; (ii) the significant audit effort in evaluating management’s estimates related to the future cash flows and an asset specific discount rate; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the acquisition accounting, including controls over management’s valuation of the intangible asset and controls over management’s estimation process. These procedures also included, among others, (i) reading the purchase agreement and (ii) testing management’s process for estimating the fair value of the intangible asset. Testing management’s process included evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation method, testing the completeness and accuracy of data provided by management, and evaluating the reasonableness of management’s estimates related to future cash flows and an asset specific discount rate. Evaluating the reasonableness of the future cash flows involved considering the past performance of the acquired business, as well as economic and industry forecasts. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s valuation method as well as management’s estimates related to the asset specific discount rate.
Impairment Assessments of Goodwill and the Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset for the Cannabis – U.S. Reporting Unit
As described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset balances for the Cannabis – U.S. reporting unit were $21.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Management conducts an impairment assessment annually as of December 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Any impairment charges are determined by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The recoverable amount of a reporting unit is determined by management based on discounted cash flow projections. Management’s cash flow projections for the reporting unit included significant judgments and assumptions relating to a transaction multiple, future cash flows, a terminal growth rate, and a post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, royalty rates, and post-tax discount rates for the indefinite-lived intangible asset. Based on the results of the impairment assessments, management recorded impairment at both June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2022 on the Cannabis – U.S. reporting unit. During the year ended December 31, 2022, impairment charges of $38.7 million and $4.6 million were recognized on goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible asset, respectively.
77
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment assessments of goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible asset for the Cannabis – U.S. reporting unit is a critical audit matter are (i) a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in performing procedures relating to the fair value of the reporting unit due to the significant judgment by management when developing the estimate; (ii) the significant audit effort in evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the transaction multiple, future cash flows, terminal growth rate, and post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and the future revenues, royalty rates, and post-tax discount rates for the indefinite-lived intangible asset; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge. As described in the “Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting” section, a material weakness was identified related to this matter.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimates of the reporting unit; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the underlying discounted cash flow projections; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the projections; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management, including the transaction multiple, future cash flows, terminal growth rate, and post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, royalty rates, and post-tax discount rates for the indefinite-lived intangible asset. Evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the transaction multiple, future cash flows, terminal growth rate, and post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, royalty rates, and post-tax discount rates for the indefinite-lived intangible asset involved evaluating whether the significant assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the reporting unit; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data; (iii) sensitivities over significant inputs and significant assumptions; and (iv) whether these significant assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit, as applicable. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s use of discounted cash flow projections as well as management’s significant assumptions related to the royalty rates and post-tax discount rates.
Impairment Assessment of Goodwill and the Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset for the Cannabis – Canada Reporting Unit
As described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset balances for the Cannabis – Canada reporting unit were $44.9 million and $3.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2022. Management conducts an impairment assessment annually as of December 31 each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Any impairment charges are determined by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The recoverable amount of a reporting unit is determined by management based on discounted cash flow projections. Management’s cash flow projections for the reporting unit included significant judgments and assumptions relating to future cash flows, a terminal growth rate, and a post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, a royalty rate, and a post-tax discount rate for the indefinite-lived intangible asset. Based on the results of the impairment assessment, no impairment charge was recognized for the Cannabis – Canada reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2022.
78
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment assessment of goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible asset for the Cannabis – Canada reporting unit is a critical audit matter are (i) a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in performing procedures relating to the fair value of the reporting unit due to the significant judgment by management when developing the estimate; (ii) the significant audit effort in evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the future cash flows, terminal growth rate, and post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, royalty rate, and post-rate discount rate for the indefinite-lived intangible asset; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge. As described in the “Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting” section, a material weakness was identified related to this matter.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimates of the reporting unit; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the underlying discounted cash flow projections; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the projections; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used by management, including the future cash flows, terminal growth rate, and post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, royalty rate, and post-tax discount rate for the indefinite-lived intangible asset. Evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to the future cash flows, terminal growth rate, and post-tax discount rate for goodwill, and future revenues, royalty rate, and post-tax discount rate for the indefinite-lived intangible asset involved evaluating whether the significant assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the reporting unit; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data; (iii) sensitivities over significant inputs and significant assumptions; and (iv) whether these significant assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit, as applicable. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the Company’s use of discounted cash flow projections as well as management’s significant assumptions related to the royalty rate and post-tax discount rates.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Vancouver, Canada
March 9, 2023
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.
79
Village Farms International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(In thousands of United States dollars)
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Income tax receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Note receivable - joint venture |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Intangibles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred tax asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Right-of-use assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Line of credit |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Trade payables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued sales taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued loyalty program |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Lease liabilities - current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Lease liabilities - non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
MEZZANINE EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Redeemable non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Common stock, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Additional paid in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total Village Farms International, Inc. shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Total shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
80
Village Farms International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(In thousands of United States dollars)
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||
Sales |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cost of sales |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Gross margin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Interest expense |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Gain on settlement agreement |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on acquisition |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Other (expense) income |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Write-off of note receivable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Impairments |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
(Loss) income before taxes and (loss) income from equity method investments |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
(Loss) income from equity method investments |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income including non-controlling interests |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Net (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Basic (loss) income per share attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Diluted (loss) income per share attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares used |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
(Loss) income including non-controlling interests |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Net (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive (loss) income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
81
Village Farms International, Inc.
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(In thousands of United States dollars)
|
|
Number of Common |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|
Additional Paid In |
|
|
Accumulated Other |
|
|
Retained Earnings |
|
|
Non-controlling Interest |
|
|
Total Permanent Shareholders’ |
|
|
Mezzanine Equity |
|
||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|||||
Shares issued in public offering, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Shares issued on exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Share-based compensation |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Warrants issued in public offering |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Net income |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Balance at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
||||||
Shares issued in public offering, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Shares issued in acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Shares issued on exercise of warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Shares issued on exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Share re-purchases |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Recognition of non-controlling interest on acquisition |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||||||
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||||
Shares issued on exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||||
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||
Recognition of non-controlling interest on acquisition |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Net loss |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
82
Village Farms International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
(In thousands of United States dollars)
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Amortization of deferred charges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Share of loss (income) from joint venture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Interest income |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Interest paid on long-term debt |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Unrealized foreign exchange loss |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Impairments |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Inventory impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Write-off of note receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Gain on settlement agreement |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Loss on disposal of assets |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Gain on acquisition of Pure Sunfarms |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Non-cash lease expense |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Other |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Interest paid on finance lease |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Changes in non-cash working capital items |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Purchases of intangibles |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Advances to joint ventures |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Acquisitions, net |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Investment in minority interests |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Investment in joint ventures |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Notes receivable |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Cash flows provided by financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Proceeds from borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Repayments on borrowings |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Issuance costs |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Proceeds from exercise of warrants |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Share re-purchases |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Payments on capital lease obligations |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Payment of note payable related to acquisition |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Shares issued for acquisitions |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Income taxes paid |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
83
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Village Farms International, Inc. (“VFF” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a corporation existing under the Ontario Business Corporations Act. VFF’s principal operating subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022 are Village Farms Canada Limited Partnership, Village Farms, L.P., Pure Sunfarms Corp. (“Pure Sunfarms”), and Balanced Health Botanicals, LLC (“Balanced Health”). VFF also owns a
The address of the registered office of VFF is 4700-80th Street, Delta, British Columbia, Canada, V4K 3N3.
The Company’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “VFF”.
Village Farms owns and operates sophisticated, highly intensive agricultural greenhouse facilities in British Columbia and Texas, where it produces, markets and sells premium-quality tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers. It’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pure Sunfarms, is a vertically integrated licensed producer and supplier of cannabis products sold to other licensed providers and provincial governments across Canada and internationally. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Balanced Health, develops and sells high-quality, cannabidiol (“CBD”) based products including ingestible, edible and topical applications. Through its
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the accounts of the Company and our majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions between our consolidated operations have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures regarding contingent assets and liabilities at period end and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be material.
84
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s produce revenue transactions consist of single performance obligations to transfer promised goods at a fixed price. Quantities to be delivered to the customer are determined at a point near the date of delivery through purchase orders received from the customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it has fulfilled a performance obligation, which is typically when the customer receives the goods and their performance obligation is complete. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring product. The amount of revenue recognized is reduced for estimated returns and other customer credits, such as discounts and rebates, based on the expected value to be realized. Payment terms are consistent with terms standard to the markets the Company serves. Revenue from the sale of cannabis inventories in the course of ordinary activities is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns, trade discounts, volume rebates and excise duty. The Company recognizes revenue when it has fulfilled the performance obligation to the customer through the delivery and transfer of control of the promised goods.
Under bill-and-hold arrangements, whereby the Company bills a customer for product to be delivered at a later date, control typically transfers when the product is still in the Company’s physical possession, and title and risk of loss has passed to the customer. Revenue is recognized when all specific requirements for transfer of control under a bill-and-hold arrangement have been met. The Company sells electricity to British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority. Revenues are recognized as the electricity is delivered to/consumed by the customer and is based on contractual usage rates and meter readings that measure electricity consumption. The Company has elected to exclude taxes collected from its customers assessed by government authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction from our determination of transaction price.
Direct-to-consumer product sales for loyalty members contain two distinct performance obligations for which the Company allocates the transaction price based on the relative stand-alone value of each performance obligation, such that both revenue related to the delivery of the underlying purchased goods and deferred revenue for loyalty points issued to the customer are recognized based on the allocated consideration of value, after giving consideration to loyalty point breakage. The loyalty liability represents a performance obligation to provide goods for free or at a discount to loyalty members in exchange for the redemptions of points earned from past activities.
Judgment is required in determining whether the Company is the principal or agent in certain transactions. We evaluate the presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis based on whether we control the service provided to the end-user and are the principal (i.e. “gross”), or we arrange for other parties to provide the service to the end-user and are an agent (i.e. “net”).
Revenue received from shipping and handling fees is reflected in net sales. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales as incurred or at the time revenue is recognized for the related goods, whichever comes first.
Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest
Non-controlling interest (“NCI”) in subsidiaries that are redeemable for cash or other assets outside of our control are classified as temporary mezzanine equity, outside of equity and liabilities. Initial measurement is at acquisition date fair value and subsequent measurement is at the greater of the carrying value or the redemption value. Changes in the redemption value are recognized immediately as they occur and the carrying amount of the redeemable NCI is adjusted to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. This method views the end of the reporting period as if it were also the redemption date for the instrument. Increases or decreases in the estimated redemption amount are recorded with corresponding adjustments against equity and are reflected in the computation of earnings per share. However, the amount presented in temporary equity should be no less than the initial amount reported in temporary equity for the instrument.
Foreign Currency Translation
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rates in effect at the reporting date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated to the functional currency at the exchange rate in effect when the fair value was determined. Foreign currency differences are generally recognized in net income. Non-monetary items that are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate in effect at the date of the transaction giving rise to the item.
85
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Temporary differences arising between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position are used to calculate future income tax assets and liabilities. This method also requires the recognition of deferred tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are recorded as appropriate to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount considered likely to be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the taxable income (losses) in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date of enactment of the change. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized only if we believe it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on its technical merits. If the recognition threshold for the tax position is met, only the portion of the tax benefit that we believe is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized is recorded.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash deposits held with banks, and other highly liquid short-term interest-bearing securities with maturities at the date of purchase of three months or less.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 includes a cash deposit required by the Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance policy which is managed by an insurer and held as a cell captive within a Bahamas-based financial institution.
Trade Receivables
Inventories
Intangible Assets
The Company’s intangible assets are purchased and acquired through business combinations and have both finite and infinite useful lives. They are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses. Amortization is calculated based on the cost of the intangible assets less their estimated residual values using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and is generally recognized in profit or loss. Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted when necessary.
Classification |
|
Estimated Useful Lives |
Licenses |
|
|
Brand and trademarks |
|
|
Customer relationships |
|
|
Computer software |
|
Business Combinations
The Company recognizes and measures the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including contingent assets and liabilities, at their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase consideration over the net fair value of tangible and identified intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The costs of business acquisitions, including fees for accounting, legal, professional consulting and valuation specialists, are expensed as incurred. Purchase price allocations may be preliminary and, during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the date of
86
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
acquisition, changes in assumptions and estimates that result in adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded in the period the adjustments are determined.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in a business acquisition. Goodwill is allocated to reporting units and tested for impairment annually as of December 31 each year and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The Company generally elects to utilize the optional qualitative assessment for goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit is higher than its fair value. If it is determined that the fair value is more likely than not to be lower than the carrying value, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed by determining the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using either the income approach utilizing estimates of discounted future cash flows or the market approach utilizing recent transaction activity for comparable properties. These approaches are considered level 3 fair value measurements. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is initially recorded at cost. Depreciation of plant and equipment is determined on the straight-line method over the following useful lives of the assets:
Classification |
|
Estimated Useful Lives |
Leasehold and land improvements |
|
|
Buildings |
|
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
Impairments of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets to the lowest level to which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. Management assesses the recoverability of the carrying cost of the assets based on a review of projected undiscounted cash flows. If an asset is held for sale, management reviews its estimated fair value less cost to sell. Fair value is determined using pertinent market information, including appraisals or broker’s estimates, and/or projected discounted cash flows. In the event an impairment loss is identified, it is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the long-lived asset.
Segment Reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). The Company has identified
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We utilize a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
Level 1: Observable inputs based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
87
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company grants stock options and performance-based restricted stock (“RS”) to certain employees and directors.
Compensation costs for awards of stock-based compensation settled in shares are determined based on the fair value of the share-based instrument at the time of grant and are recognized as expense over the vesting period of the share-based instrument. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur.
Stock options generally vest over
RS grants will be settled using the Company’s own equity and issued from treasury if the performance standard is met. The equity-settled share-based compensation is measured at the fair value of the Company’s Common Shares as at the grant date in accordance with the terms of the Company’s Stock Compensation Plan. The fair value determined at the grant date is charged to income when performance-based vesting conditions are met, based on the number of RS that will eventually be converted to Common Shares, with a corresponding increase in equity.
Advertising
Advertising costs are presented within selling, general and administrative costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company supports its products with advertising to build brand awareness of the Company’s various products in addition to other marketing programs executed by the Company’s marketing teams. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were $
New Accounting Pronouncements
88
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:
Classification |
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
||
Cannabis: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Raw materials |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Work-in-process |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Finished goods |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Packaging |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Produce and Energy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Crop inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Purchased produce inventory |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Spare parts inventory and packaging |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Inventory |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company recognized $
5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
Classification |
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
||
Land |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Leasehold and land improvements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Buildings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Construction in progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment, was $
6. PURE SUNFARMS ACQUISITION
On
The acquisition was deemed a business combination and the purchase price was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company used information available to make fair value determinations and engaged independent valuation specialists to assist in the fair value determination of acquired intangible assets. The estimated fair value of licenses was determined using a multi-period excess earnings method. This earnings-based method considers the net present value of the licenses’ cash flows discounted at an asset specific discount rate. The net present value attributable to the licenses deducts the contributory asset charges used in connection with the licenses. The estimated fair value of the brand was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes that the brand has value to the extent that their owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires the Company to estimate the future revenues for the related brand, the appropriate royalty rate, and an asset specific discount rate. This measure of fair value requires significant judgment about the value a market participant would be willing to pay to achieve the benefits associated with the brand. Acquired property, plant and equipment and software were valued using the replacement cost method, which requires the Company to estimate the costs to construct an asset of
89
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
equivalent utility at prices available at the time of the valuation analysis, with adjustments in value for physical deterioration and functional and economic obsolescence. Upon the acquisition of Pure Sunfarms, the Company identified goodwill of C$
Consideration paid |
|
Shares |
|
|
Share Price |
|
|
Amount |
|
|||
Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Promissory note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Shareholder loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Promissory note owed to PSF from Emerald |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Due to related party |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Fair value of previously held investment shares held by Village Farms |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|||
Total fair value of consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
November 2, 2020 |
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
Trade receivables, net |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
Intangibles |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
$ |
|
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired |
|
|
|
|
The change in goodwill between November 2, 2020 and December 31, 2022 is due to the effect of foreign currency translation.
Prior to its acquisition on November 2, 2020, the Company accounted for its investment in Pure Sunfarms, using the equity method. The Company determined that Pure Sunfarms was a variable interest entity (“VIE”), however the Company did not consolidate Pure Sunfarms because the Company was not the primary beneficiary. Although the Company was able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of Pure Sunfarms through its then
90
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
months ended September 30, 2020, the Company’s equity earnings from Pure Sunfarms were $
For the period January 1, 2020 to November 1, 2020, the Company's share of the joint venture consisted of the following:
Balance, January 1, 2020 |
$ |
|
|
Investments in joint venture |
|
|
|
Share of net income for the year |
|
|
|
Balance, November 1, 2020 |
$ |
|
7. BHB ACQUISITION
On
In connection with the Balanced Health Acquisition, each of the BHB Sellers entered into a lock-up agreement with us, pursuant to which each such BHB Seller has agreed not to resell the Village Farms Common Shares received as consideration in the Balanced Health Acquisition until such Common Shares cease to be “Restricted Shares” (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) (“Restricted Shares”). Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement and the lock-up agreements, such Common Shares cease to be Restricted Shares, as follows: (i) with respect to one-fourth () of such Common Shares, on the Closing Date; (ii) with respect to an additional one-fourth () of such Common Shares, on the last day of the four (4) month period following the Closing Date; (iii) with respect to an additional one-fourth () of such Common Shares, on the last day of the eight (8) month period following the Closing Date; and (iv) with respect to an additional one-fourth () of such Common Shares, on the last day of the twelve (12) month period following the Closing Date.
The acquisition was deemed a business combination and the purchase price was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company used information available to make fair value determinations of acquired intangible assets. The estimated fair value of the brand was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. This method assumes that the brand has value to the extent that their owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. This method requires the Company to estimate the future revenues for the related brand, the appropriate royalty rate, and an asset specific discount rate. This measure of fair value requires significant judgment about the value a market participant would be willing to pay to achieve the benefits associated with the brand.
Based upon estimates, the Company identified goodwill of $
The following table shows the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on estimates of fair value, including a summary of the identifiable classes of consideration transferred, and amounts by category of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date:
Consideration paid |
|
Shares |
|
|
Share Price |
|
|
Amount |
|
|||
Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Village Farms common shares issued |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|||
Working capital adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Total fair value of consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
91
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
|
|
August 16, 2021 |
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
Trade and other receivables, net |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
Right-of-use asset |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
Intangibles |
|
|
|
|
Other assets |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Lease liability |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired |
|
|
|
|
8
On
Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company filed a prospectus supplement under our existing shelf registration statement on March 15, 2022 to register for resale all of the Village Farms Shares issued to the Rose Sellers on the Closing Date.
Put/Call Option
The consideration for the acquisition of the Retained Interest may, at Village Farms’ sole discretion, be payable solely in cash or in a pre-determined combination of cash and Village Farms shares based on a formula similar to that used for the issuance of the Village Farms shares comprising part of the Purchase Price.
92
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
The Company finalized the accounting for this business combination on September 30, 2022 which resulted in the Company recognizing goodwill of C$
The estimated fair value of the customer relationship was determined using a multi-period excess earnings method (MEEM"), which is an income approach that is based on the principal that the value of an intangible asset is equal to the net present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable to the customer relationship specific cash flows. The MEEM utilizes current cash flow projections and seeks to isolate the excess stream of earnings that can be attributed to the particular intangible asset. This method requires the Company to estimate the future cash flows for the related customer relationship and an asset specific discount rate. This measure of fair value requires significant judgment about the value a market participant would be willing to pay to achieve the benefits associated with the customer relationship.
The Company also recognized a redeemable non-controlling interest classified as temporary mezzanine equity of $
Consideration paid |
|
Shares |
|
|
Share Price |
|
|
Amount |
|
|||
Cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Village Farms common shares issued |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|||
Working capital adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Total fair value of consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
November 15, 2021 |
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
|
|
Trade and other receivables, net |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Mezzanine equity |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and mezzanine equity |
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired |
|
$ |
|
|
9. ASSET ACQUISITION
Leli Holland B.V. ("Leli")
In September 2021, the Company entered into an option agreement whereby the Company received the irrevocable right to acquire an
On July 7, 2022, Leli received a license to cultivate cannabis legally in the Netherlands under the Dutch Closed Supply Chain Experiment program ("the Program"). On July 19, 2022, the Company exercised the Option to purchase
93
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
The acquisition has been accounted for as an asset acquisition and the full consideration paid has been allocated to the license and accounted for as an intangible asset that will be amortized over a period of
10. INVESTMENTS
Altum
On February 10, 2022, the Company entered into an AUD
Village Fields Hemp USA LLC
The net assets of VF Hemp were $
94
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
11
At the end of each reporting period, the Company assesses whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that would indicate an impairment. The Company considers external and internal factors, including overall financial performance and relevant entity-specific factors, as part of this assessment. Throughout 2022, the Company recognized macroeconomic challenges, decreases in market capitalization, decreases in transaction multiples, and continued ambiguity in federal regulations with respect to the U.S. CBD market.
As of June 30, 2022, when the Company considered these qualitative factors in assessing impairment indicators it concluded that the Company's U.S. - Cannabis segment more likely than not was impaired. The Company tested that segment’s assets, including goodwill and intangible assets for impairment.
Cannabis - U.S. - Goodwill
The recoverable amount of the reporting unit was determined based on a transaction multiple of somewhat similar CBD-based companies. Management concluded that as of June 30, 2022, the recoverable amount was lower than its carrying amount and as a result, an impairment charge to goodwill of $
The significant assumptions applied to the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
Cannabis - U.S. - Brand
The recoverable amount of the brand was determined based on a discounted cash flow projection. Specifically, the Company utilized a relief from royalty valuation technique to arrive at the recoverable amount of the brand. Management concluded that as of June 30, 2022, the recoverable amount was lower than its carrying value of $
The significant assumptions applied to the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
As of December 31, 2022, the Company performed its annual impairment test using a quantitative test to assess the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets for its Cannabis – U.S. and Cannabis – Canada reporting units.
Cannabis - Canada - Goodwill
The recoverable amount of the reporting unit was determined based on a discounted cash flow projection from budgets approved by senior management covering a
The significant assumptions applied to the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
Cannabis - Canada - Brand
95
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
The recoverable amount of the brand was determined based on a discounted cash flow projection, covering a three-year period Specifically, the Company utilized a relief from royalty valuation technique to arrive at the recoverable amount of the brand. Management concluded that the recoverable amount was higher than its carrying value of $
The significant assumptions applied to the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
Cannabis - Canada - Definite-Lived Intangible
At December 31, 2022, the Company also evaluated the recoverability of its definite-lived intangible assets which includes customer relationship and license intangibles. The Company concluded the undiscounted cash flows of the asset group exceeded its carrying value of $
Cannabis - U.S.- Goodwill
The recoverable amount of the reporting unit was determined based on a discounted cash flow projection from budgets approved by senior management covering a
The significant assumptions applied to the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
U.S. Cannabis - Brand
The recoverable amount of the brand was determined based on a discounted cash flow projection. Specifically, the Company utilized a relief from royalty valuation technique to arrive at the recoverable amount of the brand. Management concluded the recoverable amount was higher than its carrying value of $
The significant assumptions applied to the determination of the recoverable amount are described below:
96
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
Goodwill
The following table presents the changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment:
|
Cannabis - Canada |
|
|
Cannabis - United States |
|
|
Total |
|
|||
Balance as of December 31, 2021 |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Purchase price adjustment |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Reclassification to intangible assets |
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Impairments |
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Intangible Assets
Intangibles consisted of the following:
Classification |
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
||
Licenses |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Brand and trademarks* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Customer relationships |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Computer software |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Less: Impairments |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Intangibles, net |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
*Indefinite-lived intangible assets.
The expected future amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2022 is as follows:
Fiscal period |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
|
2027 |
|
|
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
|
|
Intangibles, net |
|
$ |
|
|
Amortization expense for intangibles was $
97
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
12. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
December 31, 2021 |
|
||
Received not invoiced |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Accrued payroll |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Accrued grower partner payables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
13. LEASES
The Company leases a parcel of land in Marfa, Texas that one of its greenhouses resides on as well as two distribution centers located in Fort Worth, Texas and Surrey, British Columbia. The Company leases production-related equipment at its greenhouses in Texas and British Columbia. The Company also leases an office building located in Lake Mary, Florida for its corporate headquarters, and office and manufacturing space in Denver, Colorado for BHB’s headquarters and operations. Rose owns land and leases a building for headquarters and operations in Montreal, Quebec.
The components of lease related expenses are as follows:
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
Operating lease expense (a) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Finance lease expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Amortization of right-of-use assets |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Total finance lease expense |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
Operating cash flows from operating leases and finance leases |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Financing cash flows from finance leases |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
Weighted average remaining lease term: |
|
|
|
|
Operating leases |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average discount rate: |
|
|
|
|
Operating leases |
|
|
% |
|
98
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
|
|
Operating leases |
|
|
2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
|
2027 |
|
|
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
|
|
Undiscounted lease cash flow commitments |
|
|
|
|
Reconciling impact from discounting |
|
|
( |
) |
Lease liabilities on consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2022 |
|
$ |
|
|
14. LINE OF CREDIT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
|
|
Balance outstanding as of December 31, |
|
|||||
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
Term Loan - ("FCC Loan") - repayable by monthly principle of payments of $ |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Term Loan - VFCE: CA$ |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Term Loan - Pure Sunfarms - CA$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Term loan - Pure Sunfarms - CA$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
BDC Facility - Pure Sunfarms - non-revolving demand loan at prime interest plus |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
The Company's line of credit ("Operating Loan") had $
The carrying value of the assets and securities pledged as collateral for the FCC Loan as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $
The carrying value of the assets pledged as collateral for the Operating Loan as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $
On March 2, 2022, the Company repaid the outstanding balance of the VFCE Term Loan and related advance balance on the term loan.
The Pure Sunfarms line of credit had $
99
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
The Company is required to comply with financial covenants, measured either quarterly or annually depending on the covenant. The Company was not in compliance with one financial covenant under the FCC Loan. Prior to December 31, 2022, the Company received a waiver from FCC for the annual test on December 31, 2022 for the one financial covenant. The covenant will be reinstated for fiscal year 2023. FCC measures the Company's financial covenants once a year on the last day of the year. Prior to December 31, 2022, Pure Sunfarms also received a waiver allowing Pure Sunfarms' fourth quarter inventory write-down, of approximately $
Village Farms was in compliance with all of its remaining covenants under its other credit facilities.
The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was
Accrued interest payable on the Credit Facilities and loans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $
The aggregate annual principal maturities of long-term debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
2023 |
|
$ |
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
|
|
|
2026 |
|
|
|
|
2027 |
|
|
|
|
Thereafter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized on the consolidated statements of financial position at fair value in a hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s financial instruments included cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, minority investments, trade payables, accrued liabilities, lease liabilities, note payables and debt. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables, and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying value of lease liabilities, notes payable, and debt approximate their fair values due to insignificant changes in credit risk.
There were
For its investments, the Company has elected the practicability election to fair value measurement, under which the investment is measured at cost, less impairment, plus or minus any observable price changes of an identical or similar investment.
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
100
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES
On March 25, 2019, the Company entered into a Grid Loan Agreement (the “Grid Loan”) with VF Hemp. As of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021 the Grid Loan balance was $
One of the Company’s employees is related to a member of the Company’s executive management team and received approximately $
18. INCOME TAXES
The components of the provision for (recovery of) income tax for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
|
|
2022 |
|
|||||||||
|
|
Current |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
Total |
|
|||
US Federal |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
US State |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Canadian |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
2021 |
|
|||||||||
|
|
Current |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
Total |
|
|||
US Federal |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
US State |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Canadian |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||||||||
|
|
Current |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
Total |
|
|||
US Federal |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
US State |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Canadian |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
The (recovery of) provision for income taxes reflected in the consolidated statements of (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 differs from the amounts computed at the federal statutory tax rates. The principal
101
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
differences between the statutory income tax (recovery) and the effective provision for (recovery of) income taxes are summarized as follows:
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||
(Loss) income before income taxes |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Tax (recovery) calculated at US domestic tax rates |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
State tax adjustments |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Non-deductible items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
True up of prior year income tax estimates |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Share of income from joint venture |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
( |
) |
Deferred adjustment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Tax rate differences on deferred items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Foreign rate differentials |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Change in tax rates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Change in valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Recovery of income taxes |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
The statutory tax rate in effect in Canada and the United States for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was
The blended effective tax rate for 2022 was (
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
The deferred tax assets and liabilities presented on the consolidated statements of financial position are net amounts corresponding to their reporting jurisdiction. The deferred tax assets and liabilities presented in the note disclosure are grouped based on asset and liability classification without consideration of their corresponding reporting jurisdiction.
Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income taxes at December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other assets |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Tax losses: Non-capital and farm losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Provisions: Debt and unit issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Tax losses: Valuation allowance |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Joint venture shares |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Cash adjustment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
Net tax assets |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon available positive and negative evidence and future taxable income, the Company has
102
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
recorded a $
Included in the schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities above are US federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $
At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the balance of uncertain tax benefits is
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various states, as well as Canada and its provinces. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s tax years for 2019, 2020 and 2021 are subject to examination by the tax authorities. With few exceptions, as of December 31, 2022, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019.
19. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Segment reporting is prepared on the same basis that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, manages the business, makes operating decisions and assesses performance. Management has determined that the Company operates in
For years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, approximately
As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s trade receivables had
103
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
The Company’s primary operations are in the United States and Canada. Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||
Sales |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Produce |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cannabis – Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cannabis – United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Produce |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cannabis – Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cannabis – United States |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Energy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Corporate |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cannabis – Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Produce |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Cannabis – Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cannabis – United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Energy |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Gross margin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Produce |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Cannabis – Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Cannabis – United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
||
Energy |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Total assets |
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
United States |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Netherlands |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
||
United States |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Canada |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
104
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
20. (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net (loss) income per share is computed using the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the period. Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is calculated as follows:
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||
(shares in thousands) |
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net (loss) income including non-controlling interests |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
||
Net (loss) income attributable to Village Farms International, Inc. shareholders |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Weighted average number of common shares – basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Effect of dilutive securities – share-based employee options and awards |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares – diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Anti-dilutive options and awards (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Net (loss) income per ordinary share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Basic |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
21. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
On August 9, 2022, Village Farms entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement ("Sales Agreement") pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell Common Shares having an aggregate offering price up to $
On September 10, 2020, the Company sold
The Company’s Share-Based Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) dated January 1, 2010, was most recently approved by Shareholders on June 10, 2021. The Plan provides that the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise or redemption of awards granted under the Plan is a rolling maximum of ten percent (
Stock options have been granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grants and have a
The fair market value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model and the Company uses the following methods to determine its underlying assumptions: expected volatilities are based on the historical volatilities of the weekly closing price of the Company’s common stock; the expected term of options granted is based historical exercises and
105
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
forfeitures; the risk-free interest rate is based on Canadian Treasury bonds issued with similar life terms to the expected life of the grant; and the expected dividend yield is based on the current annual dividend amount divided by the stock price on the date of grant. Forfeitures are recorded when incurred.
The following key assumptions were used in the valuation model to value stock option grants for each respective period:
|
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
|
|
% |
|||
Dividend |
|
$nil |
|
$nil |
|
$nil |
|
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
|
|
% |
|||
Expected life |
|
|
|
|
||||
Fair value |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
|
Stock option transactions under the Company’s plan for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are summarized as follows:
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Granted during 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercised during 2020 |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Forfeited/expired during 2020 |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Granted during 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercised during 2021 |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Forfeited during 2021 |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Granted during 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercised during 2022 |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|||
Forfeited during 2022 |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
Exercisable at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||||
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $
106
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested stock options, and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2022 is presented below:
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|||
Non-vested at January 1, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
||
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
||
Non-vested at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
As of December 31, 2022, there was approximately $
The Company has also issued performance-based restricted share units to Village Farms employees involved with future developments of the Company. Once a performance target is met and the share units are deemed earned and vested, compensation expense is recognized, based on the fair value of the share units on the grant date.
Performance-based restricted share unit activity for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
||
Outstanding at January 1, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Issued |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Forfeited/expired |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Exercised |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Exercisable at December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Granted |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Exercised |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Forfeited/expired |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Exercisable at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested performance-based restricted share units, and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2022, is presented below:
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
||
Non-vested at January 1, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
||
Vested |
|
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
Non-vested at December 31, 2022 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
107
VILLAGE FARMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands of United States dollars, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise noted)
Total share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 of $
22. CHANGES IN NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL ITEMS
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
|
2020 |
|
|||
Trade receivables |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
Inventories |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Note receivable |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
Due from joint ventures |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other receivables |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
Trade payables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
||
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
||
Other assets, net of other liabilities |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
23. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 20, 2023, the Company closed a registered direct offering with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of
108
