ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations contain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, among others, statements regarding our capital needs, business plans and expectations. In evaluating these statements, you should consider various factors, including the risks, uncertainties and assumptions set forth in reports and other documents we have filed with or furnished to the SEC and, including, without limitation, this Annual Report on Form 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained herein. These factors, or any one of them, may cause our actual results or actions in the future to differ materially from any forward-looking statement made in this document. Refer to “Forward-looking Statements” and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Introduction
The following discussion summarizes the results of operations for each of our fiscal years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 and our financial condition as at July 31, 2023 and 2022, with a particular emphasis on fiscal 2023, our most recently completed fiscal year.
Overview
Our business is the production and cultivation of medical and recreational marijuana in Nevada pursuant to licenses held by NMG operating under the marquee brand name of Body & Mind and produces flower, oil, extracts and edibles and are available for sale in dispensaries in Nevada. In addition, we have retail / dispensary operations in California, Illinois and Arkansas, and wholesale operations in Ohio and Arkansas that produce flower and/or concentrates from extraction. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023, we had retail/dispensary operations in Ohio and Michigan, however, those dispensaries have now been sold.
Results of Operations for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022
The following table sets forth our results of operations for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022:
July 31,
July 31,
Sales
Cost of sales and other
General and Administrative Expenses
Other Items
Net Loss from Continuing Operations
Net Loss
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Comprehensive Loss
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share – Continuing Operations
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share – Discontinued Operations
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Revenues and Cost of Sales
For the year ended July 31, 2023, we had total sales of $22,819,983 and cost of sales of $17,044,221 for a gross margin of $5,775,762 compared to total sales of $23,372,823 and cost of sales of $15,925,892 for a gross margin of $7,446,931 in the year ended July 31, 2022. Sales remained relatively the same, with only a 2% decrease for 2023, but the cost of sales increased by 7% compared to 2022 largely due to the Nevada inventory adjustment recognized during fiscal 2023. During the year ended July 31, 2023, the Company recorded product sales as follows:
Revenues – By Segment
Year ended July 31, 2023
Wholesale
Retail
Total
Revenues – By Segment
Year ended July 31, 2022
Wholesale
Retail
Total
Operating Expenses
For the year ended July 31, 2023, general and administrative expenses totaled $13,445,701 compared with $11,958,933 for the year ended July 31, 2022. A significant reason for the increase in general and administrative expenses between the years related to increased depreciation from $1,062,797 to $1,114,508, license, utilities and office administration from $3,570,351 to $4,007,588, business development expense from $669,471 to $835,326 and accounting and legal fees from $845,386 to $1,315,666 as a result of various ongoing acquisitions, expansions and sale of the Michigan and Ohio operations. Lease expense increased from $691,321 to $1,283,987 mainly as a result of additional leased premises in New Jersey and Illinois.
Income Taxes
The (benefit) expense for income taxes consists of the following:
Current:
Federal
State
Deferred:
Federal
State
Total (benefit) expense for income taxes
Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) prohibits businesses engaged in the trafficking of Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances from deducting normal business expenses, such as payroll and rent, from gross income (revenue less cost of goods sold). Section 280E was originally intended to penalize criminal market operators, but because cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance for U.S. Federal purposes, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has subsequently applied Section 280E to state-legal cannabis businesses. Cannabis businesses operating in states that align their tax codes with the IRC are also unable to deduct normal business expenses from their state taxes. The nondeductible expenses shown in the effective rate reconciliation above is comprised primarily of the impact of applying Section 280E to the Company’s businesses that are involved in selling cannabis, along with other typical non-deductible expenses such as lobbying expenses.
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Net loss for the year before income tax
Federal and state income tax rates
Expected income tax recovery
State taxes
Stock options
IRC 280E disallowance
Deferred tax adjustment
Return to provision
Valuation allowance
Change in State tax rate
Uncertain tax position
Other
Total income tax expense
The impact of the loss on impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, ROU assets, and loans receivable in the aggregate amount of $9,370,092 is included in the IRC 280E disallowance for 2023. Approximately $19 million was included in the IRC 280E disallowance for the year ended 31 July 2023 related to the impairment losses.
Other Income (Expenses)
During the year ended July 31, 2023, our other income and expenses accounted for $10,484,265 in expenses as compared to $22,128,743 in expenses for the year ended July 31, 2023. The significant components in other items primarily relates to the Company’s impairment loss on brand, licenses, property and equipment and right-of-use assets in Nevada and Long Beach for a combined total of $9,370,092. In 2022, the Company also recognized impairment loss on brand, licenses, goodwill and right-of-use assets in Manistee, Michigan for a combined total of $20,517,192.
Net Loss
Net loss for the year ended July 31, 2023 totaled $20,566,354 compared with a net loss of $28,228,104 for the year ended July 31, 2022. The decrease in net loss of $7,661,750 is largely due to the impairment loss on right-of-use assets, brand, licenses and goodwill totaling $20,517,192 in the comparative year and offset mainly as a result of the increase in operating expenses as discussed above.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
We recorded translation adjustments gain of $258,474 and $96,380 for the year ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The amounts are included in the statement of operations as other comprehensive income (loss) for the respective years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table sets out our cash and working capital as of July 31, 2023 and 2022:
July 31,
July 31,
Cash reserves
Working capital (deficiency)
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Financings
There has been no equity financing during the year ended July 31, 2023. The Company received $3,000,000 related to issuing unsecured five-year convertible debentures bearing interest at 8% per annum, compounded annually and common stock purchase warrants to acquire 15,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company. These debentures have a maturity date of December 19, 2027 and the investors have the right at any time prior to the maturity date to convert all or any portion of the principal amount and/or any interest amount, into shares of common stock of the Company at US$0.10 per share. In addition, the Company received proceeds from other loans in the amount of $5,245 (2022: repaid $26,533), net, for the year ended July 31, 2023.
Statement of Cashflows
During the year ended July 31, 2023, our net cash increased by $41,952 (2022: decrease of $5,634,366), which included net cash used in operating activities of $3,833,406 (2022: $3,444,278), net cash used in investing activities of $74,479 (2022: $2,145,486), net cash provided by financing activities of $3,515,182 (2022: used $26,533), effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of $258,474 (2022: $96,380), and increase in cash transferred to assets held for sale of $176,181 (2022: decrease of $114,449).
Cash Flow used in Operating Activities
Cash flow used in operating activities totaled $3,833,406 during the year ended July 31, 2023 and totaled $3,444,278 during the year ended July 31, 2022. Significant changes in cash used in operating activities are outlined as follows:
The Company incurred a net loss from operations of $20,322,690 during the year ended July 31, 2023 compared to $29,159,677 in 2022. The net loss in 2023 included, among other things, non-cash depreciation of $781,033 (2022: $821,284), accrued interest and accretion of $458,703 (2022: $948,909), amortization of right-of-use assets of $669,276 (2022: $438,470), amortization of intangible assets of $1,021,260 (2022: $986,906), impairment loss on its assets of $9,370,093 (2022: $20,517,192), and stock-based compensation of $270,693 (2022: $435,266).
The following non-cash items further adjusted the loss for the year ended July 31, 2023 and 2022:
Increase in amounts receivable and prepaid of $136,717 (2022: decrease of $1,160,729), increase in inventory of $1,254,830 (2022: decrease of $200,230), decrease in deposits of $41,211 (2022: increase of $113,828), increase in trade payables and accrued liabilities of $791,661 (2022: $491,817), decrease in lease liabilities of $718,414 (2022: $775,307), increase in income taxes payable of $2,766,557 (2022: decrease of $1,072,760), and decrease in due to related parties of $70,381 (2021: increase of $111,788).
Cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations totaled $939,660 during the year ended July 31, 2023 and totaled $1,347,731 during the year ended July 31, 2022.
Cash Flow used in Investing Activities
During the year ended July 31, 2023, investing activities used cash of $74,479 compared to $2,145,486 cash used during the year ended July 31, 2022. The change in cash used in investing activities from the year ended July 31, 2023 relates primarily to investment in Canopy net of cash received of $Nil (2022: $871,497), additional property and equipment of $992,884 (2022: $264,513), and a loan of $938,205 (2022: $391,168) from CCG in Arkansas.
Cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations totaled $19,800 during the year ended July 31, 2023 compared to $618,308 during the year ended July 31, 2022.
Cash Flow provided by Financing Activities
During the year ended July 31, 2023, financing activities provided cash of $3,515,182 compared to $26,533 used during the year ended July 31, 2022. In 2023, the Company received proceeds of $3,000,000 related to convertible debenture financing.
During the year ended July 31, 2022, the Company repaid loans payable of $26,533.
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Trends and Uncertainties
Potential Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19. Although certain restrictions have been relaxed, COVID-19 may have a future material impact on our results of operation with respect to retail sales at our dispensary locations as well as wholesales of our products in Nevada to dispensaries in Nevada. Significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. We do not yet know the full extent of any impact on our business or our operations, however, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, and intend to follow health and safety guidelines as they evolve.
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
Outstanding share data
At November 10, 2023, we had 146,636,974 issued and outstanding common shares, 17,151,000 outstanding stock options and 20,800,000 outstanding warrants.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.
We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our financial statements. In general, management’s estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals, and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates made by management.
We believe the following critical accounting policies require us to make significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Income taxes
The determination of deferred income tax assets or liabilities requires subjective assumptions regarding future income tax rates and the likelihood of utilizing tax carry-forwards. Changes in these assumptions could materially affect the recorded amounts, and therefore do not necessarily provide certainty as to their recorded values.
Foreign currency
The Company determines the functional currency through an analysis of several indicators such as expenses and cash flows, financing activities, retention of operating cash flows, and frequency of transactions with the reporting entity.
Fair value of financial instruments
Management uses valuation techniques, in measuring the fair value of financial instruments, where active market quotes are not available.
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In applying the valuation techniques, management makes maximum use of market inputs wherever possible, and uses estimates and assumptions that are, as far as possible, consistent with observable data that market participants would use in pricing the instrument. Where applicable data is not observable, management uses its best estimate about the assumptions that market participants would make. Such estimates include liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility may vary from the actual results that would be achieved in an arm’s length transaction at the reporting date. The assessment of the timing and extent of impairment of intangible assets involves both significant judgements by management about the current and future prospects for the intangible assets as well as estimates about the factors used to quantify the extent of any impairment that is recognized.
Long-lived assets and goodwill
Long-lived assets and goodwill are reviewed for indicators of impairment at least annually. When there are indications of impairment, the Company calculates the fair value of reporting units for goodwill and the fair value of the asset groups for long-lived assets using various valuation techniques, which require the input of highly subjective assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimate.
Intellectual property
The recoverability of the carrying value of the intellectual property is dependent on numerous factors. The carrying value of these assets is reviewed by management when events or circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recovered. If impairment is determined to exist, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Stock-based compensation
The option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, particularly the expected stock price volatility. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, and therefore the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock options.
Business Combination
The results of businesses acquired in a business combination are included in our consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. Purchase accounting results in assets and liabilities of an acquired business being recorded at their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Any excess consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill.
We perform valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed on each acquisition accounted for as a business combination in order to record the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on our best estimate of fair value. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to use significant judgment and estimates including the selection of valuation methodologies, estimates of future revenue and cash flows, discount rates and selection of comparable companies. Significant estimation is required in determining the fair value of the customer relationship intangible assets, deferred revenue and contingent consideration liabilities. The significant estimation is primarily due to the judgmental nature of the inputs to the valuation models used to measure the fair value of these intangible assets, deferred revenue and contingent consideration liabilities, as well as the sensitivity of the respective fair values to the underlying significant assumptions. We use the income approach to measure the fair value of these intangible assets. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the intangible assets included forecasted revenues from existing customers and existing customer attrition rates. When estimating the significant assumptions to be used in the valuation we include a consideration of current industry information, market and economic trends, historical results of the acquired business and other relevant factors. These significant assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. We engage the assistance of valuation specialists in concluding on fair value measurements in connection with determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company does not anticipate this amendment to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2021-08 requires the recognition and measurement of contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Considerations to determine the amount of contract assets and contract liabilities to record at the acquisition date include the terms of the acquired contract, such as timing of payment, identification of each performance obligation in the contract and allocation of the contract transaction price to each identified performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis as of contract inception. ASU 2021-08 is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2023. ASU 2021-08 should be applied prospectively for acquisitions occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. Early adoption of the proposed amendments would be permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not anticipate this amendment to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.