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4Front Ventures Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

PHOENIX, May 17, 2024 /CNW/ - 4Front Ventures Corp. (CSE: FFNT) (OTCQX: FFNTF) ("4Front" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator and retailer, today announced its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. All financial information is presented in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Q1 2024 Financial Highlights

  • GAAP revenue from continuing operations of $18.8 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $2.5 million
  • $23 million senior secured debt converted to common equity by largest capital partner

1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. See "Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures, Reconciliation, and Discussion."

Management Commentary

"We've had an encouraging start to the year, energized by the fresh dynamics introduced with my recent appointment as CEO," said Andrew Thut of 4Front Ventures. "In just a few weeks, we've seen tangible improvements in our financial health, evidenced by reduced operational costs and effective management of working capital." He added, "This quarter, we've made significant strides by converting a substantial portion of our debt into equity and continue to focus on strengthening our balance sheet and setting the stage for long-term profitability."

"Looking ahead, 4Front is well-positioned for significant growth. The upcoming launch of our new cultivation and production facility in Matteson, Illinois, is expected to greatly enhance our supply capabilities by this summer. Alongside the expansion of our retail locations, these developments will drive growth and strengthen our market presence as we enter the second half of the year. Additionally, we are pleased to announce that we have completed the final inspection at our Norridge retail store location. We are currently submitting our final applications to the state and anticipate receiving our license as early as next week."

Mr. Thut continued, "Yesterday, the DOJ proposed reclassifying cannabis as Schedule III, signaling a significant shift in federal cannabis policy. This change has profound legal and global implications, facilitates extensive medical research, and corrects historical injustices in cannabis-related law enforcement. It also alleviates the heavy tax burdens and lowers the operational barriers imposed on legally operating state businesses. This also marks the first time federal agencies officially recognize cannabis's medicinal benefits. We commend the President's commitment to cannabis reform, and his opposition to incarceration for cannabis-related offenses. "

Mr. Thut concluded, "While we are encouraged by progress, there is still more work to be done, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to a strategic plan that builds long-term value. By investing in growth areas and refining our operational metrics throughout the year, our team remains energized and confident, and our deep understanding of the cannabis industry's complexities and opportunities positions us to capitalize on its ever-evolving dynamics."

First Quarter 2024 Company Highlights 

Strengthened Balance Sheet with $23 Million Debt Conversion into Equity: The Company converted $23 million of senior secured debt into common stock, reducing annual interest expense by approximately $3 million.

Continuing Progress at Flagship Matteson, Illinois Facility: Rapidly approaching full operational status, this development marks a pivotal milestone in the Company's expansion efforts. The Company anticipates introducing plants to the facility in May, and scaling to full harvest capacity in August. The Company is set to increase the supply of high quality flower five-fold to power all its downstream product lines by this summer, alleviating supply constraints in Illinois and paving the way for future retail expansion.

New Chief Executive Officer Appointed: Andrew Thut was named the new CEO by the Company's board of directors, effective January 8, 2024, succeeding Leo Gontmakher. Thut, who served as the Company's Chief Investment Officer since October 2014, brings extensive experience in financial management and a robust track record of business leadership. His previous role as Managing Director at BlackRock Advisors LLC, where he oversaw the BlackRock Small Cap Growth Fund, saw the fund achieve a ranking within the top five percent of all domestic small-cap growth funds.

Launch of New Marquee Flower Brand, Mission Cannabis, in Illinois and Massachusetts: The Company launched Mission Cannabis, a brand that leverages advanced cultivation techniques and genetics to offer products with robust terpene profiles for superior taste and aroma. This launch follows more than five years of dedicated in-house strain development.

Post-Quarter End Developments

Introduced Crystal Clear Blast to Massachusetts and Illinois Markets: This innovative vape product marks a significant advancement in the Company's commitment to providing top-quality cannabis consumption devices, offering precision control through a unique 'blast' button and consistent delivery via a high-flow atomizer.

Retail Expansion Update: Construction of the new store in Norridge is complete, and the team is prepared for the opening. The store has completed the final inspection, and the team is now submitting the final requests to the state, anticipating imminent receipt of licensure. The store is poised for strong performance, boasting a prime location in a large market with an attractive demographic, limited competition, ample parking, and advantageous co-tenancy with other high-traffic retailers.

Strengthened Management and Operations: The Company has implemented significant leadership enhancements as part of its strategic initiatives. Matt Stevens, previously the Head of Cultivation in Massachusetts, will now oversee the critical growth engine at the Matteson facility, leveraging his extensive experience from the NECC facility. Additionally, Nick Ursul has joined the team to lead Illinois wholesale operations, bringing over 14 years of senior sales leadership experience from Merck, along with a background in business development from a leading regional cannabis and hemp testing lab.

Q1 Financial Overview

Revenue was $18.8 million for Q1 2024, compared to $26.3 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year and $21.0 for Q4 of 2023.  In Massachusetts, revenue decreased from $9.3 million in Q4 of 2023 to $8.0 million, influenced by seasonal trends and lower flower yields and pricing. In Illinois, revenue slightly dipped from $8.7 million to $8.5 million, due to similar seasonal factors and market price adjustments.

The company's adjusted EBITDA1 remained consistent at $2.5 million in Q1 of 2024, mirroring the previous quarter's performance.

1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. See "Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures, Reconciliation, and Discussion."

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had $2.9 million in cash and $66.1 million, with future debt maturities totaling $39.7 million. As of April 10, 2024, the Company had 912,923,993 Class A subordinate voting shares and 1,276,208 Class C multiple voting shares outstanding.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast today, Friday May 17, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET to review its financial and operating results and provide an update on current business trends.

Date:

Friday, May 17, 2024

Time:

8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

Webcast:

Register

Dial-in:

1-888-664-6392 (North America Toll-Free)


The conference call will be available for replay by phone until May 31, 2024, at 1-888-390-0541, replay code: 146608# Additionally, the webcast will be archived for approximately 90 days following the call and can be accessed via 4Front's Investor Relations website. For assistance, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About 4Front Ventures Corp.        

4Front is a national, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator with operations in Illinois and Massachusetts and facilities in Washington. Since its founding in 2011, 4Front has built a strong reputation for its high standards and low-cost cultivation and production methodologies earned through a track record of success in facility design, cultivation, genetics, growing processes, manufacturing, purchasing, distribution, and retail. To date, 4Front has successfully brought to market more than 20 different cannabis brands and over 1,800 products, which are strategically distributed through its fully owned and operated Mission dispensaries and retail outlets in its core markets. As the Company continues to drive value for its shareholders, its team is applying its decade of expertise in the sector across the cannabis industry value chain and ecosystem. For more information, visit https://4frontventures.com/.

4FRONT VENTURES CORP. Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share data)

  

March 31,
2024

 

December 31,
2023

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash

 

$2,889

 

$3,398

Accounts receivable, net

 

4,098

 

3,682

Other receivables

 

766

 

735

Current portion of lease receivables

 

4,035

 

3,990

Inventory

 

16,377

 

17,087

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

3,186

 

3,324

Assets held for sale or disposal

 

1,580

 

1,696

Total current assets

 

32,931

 

33,912

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

37,461

 

36,549

Lease receivables

 

3,444

 

3,963

Intangible assets, net

 

26,308

 

26,793

Goodwill

 

41,807

 

41,807

Right-of-use assets

 

117,626

 

118,511

Deposits

 

2,419

 

2,419

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$261,996

 

$263,954

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY

    

LIABILITIES

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

 

$13,907

 

$11,415

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

8,594

 

9,014

Taxes payable

 

40,287

 

39,634

Derivative liability

 

6,345

 

4,550

Current portion of convertible notes

 

16,320

 

15,818

Current portion of lease liability

 

1,669

 

1,720

Current portion of notes payable and accrued interest

 

10,054

 

9,812

Current liabilities held for sale or disposal

 

12,009

 

12,037

Total current liabilities

 

109,185

 

104,000

Notes payable and accrued interest from related party

 

28,534

 

47,491

Long term notes payable

 

11,193

 

11,052

Long term accounts payable

 

1,548

 

977

Construction finance liability

 

16,000

 

16,000

Deferred tax liability

 

11,882

 

11,882

Lease liability

 

124,223

 

123,946

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

302,565

 

315,348

SHAREHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY

    

Subordinate Voting Shares (no par value, unlimited shares authorized,
914,200,201 and 669,519,349 shares issued and outstanding as of March
31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)

 

337,222

 

308,952

Additional paid-in capital

 

67,956

 

66,948

Accumulated Deficit

 

(445,855)

 

(427,402)

Equity attributable to 4Front Ventures Corp.

 

(40,677)

 

(51,502)

Non-controlling interest

 

108

 

108

TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT

 

(40,569)

 

(51,394)

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT

 

$261,996

 

$263,954

4FRONT VENTURES CORP. Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except for share and per share data)

  

Three Months Ended March 31,

  

2024

 

2023

REVENUE

    

Revenue from sale of goods

 

$16,933

 

$23,339

Real estate income

 

1,909

 

2,940

Total revenues

 

18,842

 

26,279

Cost of goods sold

 

(11,268)

 

(12,713)

Gross profit

 

7,574

 

13,566

OPERATING EXPENSES

    

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

11,714

 

14,210

Depreciation and amortization

 

631

 

797

Total operating expenses

 

12,345

 

15,007

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

(4,771)

 

(1,441)

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income

 

5

 

14

Interest expense

 

(2,489)

 

(3,164)

Change in fair value of derivative liability

 

763

 

Loss on disposal

 

(5)

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

(11,752)

 

Loss on litigation settlement

 

 

(3)

Other

 

(99)

 

(150)

Total other expense, net

 

(13,577)

 

(3,303)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(18,348)

 

(4,744)

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

 

(3,066)

Net loss from continuing operations

 

(18,348)

 

(7,810)

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

(105)

 

(3,582)

Net loss

 

(18,453)

 

(11,392)

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

5

Net loss attributable to shareholders

 

$(18,453)

 

$(11,397)

Basic and diluted loss per share - continuing operations

 

$(0.02)

 

$(0.01)

Basic and diluted loss per share - discontinued operations

 

$—

 

$(0.01)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted

 

831,363,709

 

642,140,067


Note Regarding Non-GAAP Measures, Reconciliation, and Discussion

In this press release, 4Front refers to certain non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures. 4Front uses these non-GAAP measures to understand and compare operating results across accounting periods, for financial and operational decision making, for planning and forecasting purposes, and to evaluate the Company's financial performance.

As there are no standardized methods of calculating non-GAAP measures, our methods may differ from those used by others, and accordingly, the use of these measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures used by others. Accordingly, non-GAAP measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

4Front uses the non-GAAP measure Adjusted EBITDA which, as defined by the Company, excludes from Net Loss:

  • Interest income and expense, including interest expense related to leases;
  • Current income tax expense;
  • Non-cash depreciation and amortization expense, including amortization of leases;
  • Non-cash equity-based compensation expense;
  • Non-cash impairment charges, as the charges are not expected to be a recurring business activity;
  • Non-cash changes in fair value of derivative liability and contingent consideration; and
  • Loss on disposal of assets and lease terminations and/or losses on extinguishment of debt.

Although Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by investors and securities analysts in their evaluations of companies, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and investors should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for, or more meaningful than, amounts determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The closest comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EBITDA is Net Loss. A reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA follows.

Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

  

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

  

2024

 

2023

Net loss (GAAP)

 

$(18,453)

 

$(11,392)

Less: Net loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes

 

105

 

3,582

Net loss from continuing operations

 

(18,348)

 

(7,810)

Adjusted for:

    

Interest income

 

(5)

 

(14)

Interest expense (1)

 

6,745

 

7,361

Income tax expense

 

 

3,066

Depreciation and amortization (2)

 

2,082

 

2,276

EBITDA (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP)

 

$(9,526)

 

$4,879

     

Share-based compensation (3)

 

1,008

 

1,020

Change in fair value of derivative liability

 

(763)

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

11,752

 

Loss on disposal and lease termination

 

5

 

Adjusted EBITDA (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations (Non-
GAAP)

 

$2,476

 

$5,899

(Amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1) For the current period, interest expense includes interest related to leases of $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Prior year amounts of $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. Non-cash interest expense related to leases was previously presented as a reconciling item from EBITDA from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP).

(2) For the current period, depreciation and amortization expense includes amortization related to leases of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Prior year amounts of $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. Non-cash amortization expense related to leases was previously presented as a reconciling item from EBITDA from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP).

(3) Although share-based compensation is an important component of employee and executive compensation, determining the fair value of share-based compensation involves a high degree of judgment and as a result the Company excludes share-based compensation from Adjusted EBITDA because it believes that the expense recorded may bear little resemblance to the actual value realized upon future exercise or termination of any related share-based compensation award.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in 4Front's periodic filings with securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements related to future developments and the business and operations of 4Front, statements regarding when or if retail stores or cultivation and manufacturing facilities will open and be operational, the Company's ability to increase revenue and market share, and other statements regarding future developments of the business. Although 4Front has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause results, performance, or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances, or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. 4Front disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law.

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