Debra Borchardt
Cronos Group (CRON) reported a 186% increase in third quarter revenues to $3.8 million versus last years $1.3 million for the same time period. Gross profits were essentially flat with C$2.09 million for this past quarter versus C$2.0 million for the previous year.
The net loss increased to C$7.2 million for the quarter over last year’s net income of C$1.0 million. The net loss per diluted share was four cents versus last year’s net income per diluted share of one cent.
“We are encouraged with our third quarter results, which reflect the meaningful progress we are making on our strategic initiatives. In the quarter, we announced a number of landmark partnerships to expand our reach beyond the flower and beyond Canada and launched our second differentiated recreational cannabis brand,” said Mike Gorenstein, CEO of Cronos Group. “The recent legalization of cannabis sales for adult recreational use in Canada was a watershed moment for our industry and our Company.”
The company sold 514 kilograms of cannabis in the quarter, a 213% increase over last years 164 kilograms. The company said that the main drivers associated with the increase in revenues and the increase in kilograms sold were the increased production capacity and increased volumes sold through the domestic medical and international channels, as well as initial shipments into the domestic adult-use recreational market.
Cronos said it continues to see strong growth in cannabis oil sales, which represented 29% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2018.
Since The Quarter Ended
On October 17, legal adult use cannabis sales began in Canada. Cronos is currently selling dried cannabis, pre-rolls and cannabis oils to Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, which collectively represent over 50% of the Canadian population.
Also in October, Cronos entered into a sponsored research agreement with the Technion Research and Development Foundation of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology to explore the use of cannabinoids and their role in regulating skin health and skin disorders. The preclinical studies will be conducted by Technion over a three-year period and will focus on three skin conditions: acne, psoriasis and wound healing.
