Debra Borchardt
Cronos Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CRON) (TSX: CRON) reported financial results in Canadian dollars for the first quarter ending March 31, 2019, with net revenue rising 129% to $6.5 million from $2.9 million for the same time period in 2018. The rise in revenue was due to the addition of adult use sales in Canada. Net revenue increased 15% sequentially from $5.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The company reported net revenue of $6.4 million. The net income was $427,693 on operating expenses of $13.8 million. The earnings per share on a diluted basis were 48 cents.
“In the first quarter of 2019, the business performed in line with our expectations. We continue to stay laser-focused on our strategy of building our supply chain, distribution, intellectual property and brand portfolios,” said Mike Gorenstein, CEO of Cronos Group. “We’re delighted to have officially closed our transaction with Altria and to kick off a relationship we expect to lead to significant growth and value creation. Altria’s investment and the services that Altria will provide to Cronos Group will enhance our financial resources and allow us to expand our product development and commercialization capabilities.”
CBD Oil Sales
Cronos Group said that benefited from increased sales in CBD oil, which carried no excise tax reduction and increased sales of dry flower. The company reported that 1,111 kilograms were sold in first quarter 2019, representing a 122% increase from 501 kilograms sold in first quarter 2018, primarily driven by increased cannabis production and the launch of the adult-use market in Canada. Kilograms sold increased 7% quarter-over-quarter from 1,040 kilograms sold in fourth quarter 2018, primarily driven by increased cannabis production.
Cronos said that the cost of sales before fair value adjustments per gram sold was $2.69 in first quarter 2019, representing a 14% decrease from $3.13 in first quarter 2018, and an 11% decrease from $3.02 in fourth quarter 2018. The decrease in year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter was driven by increased productivity in its cultivation operations.
Gorenstein added, “Additionally, the launch of Cronos Device Labs announced earlier this week is an exciting next step on our journey to become a leader in cannabinoid innovation. Vaporizers have become one of the most popular forms of cannabis consumption, and we see a clear opportunity for Cronos Group to bring the next-generation of vaporizer products designed specifically for cannabinoids.”
Altria Update
In March 2019, Altria Group completed its investment of $2.4 billion in Cronos Group. The Altria Investment represents a 45% economic and voting interest in Cronos Group and a warrant, which is exercisable over the next four years, to acquire an additional 10% equity stake if exercised in full
