TORONTO, July 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifeist Wellness Inc. ("Lifeist" or the "Company") (TSXV: LFST) (FRANKFURT: M5B) (OTCMKTS: LFSWF), a health-tech company that leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough companies that transform human wellness, today reported its financial results for the three months ended May 31, 2023 ("Q2 2023") compared to the same period last year ("Q2 2022"). All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Second Quarter Highlights
- Net revenue for Q2 2023 increased 51% from the same quarter last year to $6.2 million compared to $4.1 million in Q2 2022. The improvement was mainly driven by a year-over-year increase of $1.2 million in Aus Vapes hardware revenue, due to a two-months shut-down in 2022. CannMart cannabis revenue and Mikra nutraceutical revenue also contributing to the growth with year-over-year revenue growth of $580,000 and $255,000 respectively.
- The success of CannMart's in-house Roilty brand and the launch of the Mikra nutraceuticals business is driving growth, leading to a 22.5% increase in North American sales for Q2 2023 versus Q2 2022.
- The strategic focus on high margin activities and operational efficiency continues to pay off in Q2 2023 with a $1.1 million improvement in gross profit, a $2.1 million reduction in Adjusted EBITDA losses, and gross margins of 29% as Lifeist drives toward profitability.
"Our ongoing journey to transform Lifeist into a diversified wellness company with high-margin business units remains on track," affirmed Meni Morim, CEO of Lifeist. "In our second quarter results, we experienced growth across all our key metrics, including achieving another historic high gross profit. Though the path has been challenging, we are making continuous improvements and efficiencies are having an impact as we move toward our goal of profitability and positive cash flow."
"The growth in second quarter 2023 revenue was led by our Aus Vapes business which experienced a significant rebound in revenue having introduced new product categories, a new marketing strategy, and successfully relocated warehouse operations into a larger and more modern facility improving efficiencies after devastating spring floods. In addition, both of our main wellness businesses CannMart and Mikra continue to deliver solid results. CannMart has successfully established itself a leading cannabis brand within a short span of two years. Through innovation, strategic partnerships with provincial buyers, and unwavering support from our retailers, we are driving distribution and enhanced sell-through of our expanding portfolio of premium and mid-range concentrate products."
"Mikra too has undergone a transformation and is now selling multiple products through our own website and through Amazon.com, the largest online direct-to-consumer platform in the world. Looking ahead, we anticipate accelerated growth as we shift our focus towards our partnership with Jose Bautista and launching new products and expanding our range of SKUs through these and other established channels. We continue to execute our strategy with our vision for Lifeist to becoming a leading player in the wellness industry. We remain committed to delivering exceptional products, pursuing innovation, and driving sustainable growth for our valued customers and shareholders."
Second Quarter Operating Highlights
Cannabis: CannMart Inc. ("CannMart") and CannMart Labs Inc. ("CannMart Labs")
- Lifeist's cannabis business continued to make progress on its path to profitability in Q2 2023, highlighted by expanding gross profit and a narrowing of Adjusted EBITDA losses. The improved profitability is being driven by the shift to in-house brand Roilty.
- Recreational cannabis revenue (net of exercise taxes) grew 16.3% to $4.1 million in Q2 2023 compared to $3.6 million in Q2 2022, driven largely by Roilty through increased distribution and retail sell-through of an expanding portfolio of premium and mid-range concentrate products in all of Canada's provincial markets.
- Adjusted EBITDA loss for CannMart improved to $625,363 in Q2 2023 compared to $1.1 million in Q2 2022. The reduced loss was due to higher gross margins and better operational efficiency.
Nutraceuticals: Mikra Cellular Sciences, Inc. ("Mikra")
- Mikra took several significant steps to expand its product portfolio and open new distribution channels over the past several months, which is bolstering the platform for future revenue growth.
- Mikra reported revenue of $361,049 in Q2 2023 compared to $106,262 in Q2 2022. Results were driven by sales of flagship product CELLF, with additional contribution from RESCUE which was launched in mid-December.
- Mikra sales in Q2 2023 have been generated on www.wearemikra.com.
- Adjusted EBITDA loss for Mikra improved to $280,047 in Q2 2023 compared to $733,077 in Q2 2022.
Australian Vaporizers Pty Ltd. ("Aus Vapes")
- Aus Vapes revenue increased by 271% to $1.7 million in Q2 2023, due to the Aus Vapes team introducing new product categories and a new marketing strategy, plus the successful relocation of warehouse operations into a larger and more modern facility improving efficiencies and product assortment, after a shutdown in 2022 due to flooding.
Financial Summary
Net revenue increased 50.6% to $6.2 million in Q2 2023 compared to $4.1 million in Q2 2022 due mainly to a $1.3 million increase in Aus Vapes hardware revenue in Q2 2023, as compared to Q2 2022. Also contributing to the increase was a 16.3% increase or $579,750 in cannabis revenue and $254,787 increase in revenue generated by Mikra.
Gross profit before inventory adjustment increased 167% to $1.8 million compared to $667,118 in Q2 2022, with margins expanding to 29% from 16%.
The increase in Gross Profit in Q2 2023 as compared to the same period prior year reflects the Company's resilience and confirms the success of its strategic focus on individual segments, geographies, and products, as well as a continuous effort to improve production efficiencies across all segments.
Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $2.4 million in Q2 2023 compared to $4.5 million in Q2 2022. Net loss from continuing operations was $2.2 million, or ($0.01) per diluted share, in Q2 2023 compared to a loss of $4.6 million, or ($0.01) per share, in Q2 2022.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents were $2.2 million at May 31, 2023, compared to $3.8 million at November 30, 2022.
Inventories were $5.7 million at May 31, 2023 compared to $4.5 million at November 30, 2022.
The working capital position was $4.2 million at May 31, 2023.
Net cash provided by operations was $0.6 million in Q2 2023 compared to $8.9 million used in operations in Q2 2022, due in part to investments in CannMart and Mikra, offset by improved margins and higher revenue.
Corporate Update
Sitting at the forefront of the growing wellness movement, Lifeist is transforming human wellness through advancements in science and technology. While maintaining its legacy business in the cannabis and vape sectors, Lifeist is leveraging expertise in innovation, consumer packaging, and distribution to forge its own path in the large and growing nutraceutical sector. Here is a corporate update of our recent activities.
Mikra
Mikra is Lifeist's biosciences and consumer wellness subsidiary seeking to unlock cellular potential and maximize the health of humans. Mikra management team is focused on growth through expanding its product portfolio organically and through M&A, and through the addition of new distribution channels. To that goal Mikra has engaged Singular Narrative, a U.S.-based strategic business consulting firm, which specializes in business and product development within the biotech, wellness, and nutraceuticals markets. Singular has identified a number of potential business opportunities which the Company is pursuing.
In Q2 2023 Mikra's CELLF and RESCUE debuted on Amazon.com gaining exposure to a wide customer base. Amazon.com provides a global reach and unparalleled visibility, allowing Mikra to showcase its unique offerings to health-conscious consumers across North America and beyond. CELLF and RESCUE are available for purchase at WeAreMikra.com and on Amazon USA.
Mikra's dedication to scientific research and development has resulted in a significant milestone in Q2 2023: a pre-clinical study aimed at understanding the effects of CELLF on health span (the years of one's life spent in good health) and lifespan (the number of years lived). This study showcases Mikra's commitment to evidence-based products and its pursuit of solutions that positively impact people's well-being. Such breakthroughs are crucial in establishing Mikra as a brand trusted for its innovation and efficacy.
Mikra also began production activities in Q2 on its third product a new wellness-focused protein bar, "Chroma". Chroma is Mikra's first product to offer consumers a healthy alternative nutritional bar packed with cordyceps, free of added sugars, and certified gluten-free and vegan. When available Chroma will attract a broad and diverse health conscience audience and the grocery-focused formulation will appeal to large brick and mortar chains like Whole Foods Market, small gyms, studios, and health-focused shops alike.
Earlier in 2023, Mikra announced an exciting collaboration as part of its focus on nutraceuticals, joining forces with the highly accomplished athlete Jose Bautista. The initial collaboration centered around a remarkable cellular therapeutic designed for athletes aged 30 and above to optimize exercise performance, reduce post-workout fatigue and inflammation, and accelerate recovery time. While launch of this product is targeted for the second half of 2023, the teams are working to expand the collaboration into a diverse line of cellular health products and accessories.
In January 2023, Lifeist announced a distribution agreement with GNC for CELLF v1.2 and its future derivatives in the United States through retail stores, at gnc.com and on GNC's channel on Amazon.com. GNC is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides high-quality, science-based products and solutions consumers need to live mighty, live fit, and live well. After an initial purchase order, Mikra and GNC have decided to step back to refine marketing strategies, packaging, and display designs, with the future goal of making a significant impact in both GNC's online and retail stores. This will ensure the greatest impact within GNC's complex vendor system.
CannMart
CannMart continues to make strides establishing itself as the leading business-to-business intermediary for Canadian LPs and brands, and their recreational consumers across Canada. Growth across key business drivers including store penetration, product expansion and market share has been reported across all categories in the first half of 2023.
With the recent acquisition of Zest Cannabis, CannMart has two in-house brands it can call its own: Roilty, CannMart's brand for high-quality concentrates serving everything from shatter to sugar wax, resin, vape cartridges and wax; and now Zest which offers premium quality extract-infused pre-roll and Liquid Diamond vape products. These leading brands are joined by Rilaxe, LOT 420, and Apothecary Labs rounding out CannMart's portfolio of cannabis brands.
In addition, CannMart launched a new business-to business ("B2B") platform to facilitate wider wholesale distribution for its exclusive partnership with award-winning Hamilton Devices. Leveraging its existing wholesale distribution channel, the portal makes these award-winning products available to a wider range of customers, including head shops, vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, including gas stations, and other retailers that sell cannabis accessories.
Aus Vapes
After a challenging 2022, Aus Vapes has emerged as a stronger, more versatile company. The company has made significant changes due to the changing landscape in the local market including devastating floods of spring 2022. The Aus Vapes team have worked incredibly hard introducing new product categories, executing a new marketing strategy, plus successfully relocated warehouse operations into a larger and more modern facility improving efficiencies and product assortment, which has led to a significant rebound in business year-over-year.
Corporate Update
The Company reports that Slava Klems, CFO at Lifeist, is transitioning to a fractional CFO position. Having established a robust financial structure and a strong and efficient team that handles day to day operations, Slava will continue to lead the Company's financial strategy and oversee financial operations focused on optimizing revenues and reducing costs. This decision aligns with the Company's ongoing efforts to optimize resources, track and measure business metrics while maintaining financial stability.
The Company also announces a correction to its press release entitled "Lifeist Wellness Closes on Zest Acquisition" issued on July 21, 2023 (the "Initial Press Release"). The Initial Press Release incorrectly stated that the Acquisition was completed pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated share purchase agreement, dated July 19, 2023. The Acquisition was completed on July 20, 2023. This correction does not change any other information reported in the Initial Press Release.
Additional Information
The Company's complete financial statements and management's discussion & analysis ("MD&A") for Q2 2023 are available on Lifeist's website (www.lifeist.com) and SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
About Lifeist Wellness Inc.
Sitting at the forefront of the post-pandemic wellness revolution, Lifeist leverages advancements in science and technology to build breakthrough companies that transform human wellness. Portfolio business units include: CannMart, which operates a B2B wholesale distribution business facilitating recreational cannabis sales to Canadian provincial government control boards; CannMart Labs, a BHO extraction facility for the production of high margin cannabis 2.0 products; Aus Vapes, Australia's largest online retailer of vaporizers and accessories; and Mikra, a biosciences and consumer wellness company seeking to develop innovative therapies for cellular health.
Information on Lifeist and its businesses can be accessed through the links below:
www.lifeist.com
www.cannmart.com
www.australianvaporizers.com.au
www.wearemikra.com
Contacts
Meni Morim, Lifeist Wellness Inc., CEO
Ph: 647-362-0390
Email: ir@lifeist.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release or has in any way approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
Management evaluates the Company's performance using a variety of measures, including "Net loss before income tax, depreciation and amortization" and "Adjusted EBITDA". The non-IFRS measures discussed below should not be considered as an alternative to or to be more meaningful than revenue or net loss. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS.
The Company believes these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company.
Management uses these and other non-IFRS financial measures to exclude the impact of certain expenses and income that must be recognized under IFRS when analyzing consolidated underlying operating performance, as the excluded items are not necessarily reflective of the Company's underlying operating performance and make comparisons of underlying financial performance between periods difficult. From time to time, the Company may exclude additional items if it believes doing so would result in a more effective analysis of underlying operating performance. The exclusion of certain items does not imply that they are non-recurring.
(i) Current and deferred income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and share-based compensation were excluded from the Adjusted EBITDA calculation as they do not represent cash expenditures.
(ii) Other income consisting of gain on disposal of subsidiary, interest income, realized gain on disposition of AFS investments, unrealized gain on derivatives and other miscellaneous non-recurring income were excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.
(iii) Non-recurring costs related to restructuring and legacy issues were excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.
(iv) Impairment loss relating to goodwill, customer list, domains and brand names were excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.
(v) Impairment loss relating to receivable is a provision for expected credit loss to an associate and was excluded from Adjusted EBITDA calculation.
(vi) Share of associates loss, net of tax, is excluded due to lack of control.
Forward Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not historical in nature contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen.
The forward-looking information contained herein, including, without limitation, statements related to: the Company's continuing focus and further development efforts relating to its B2B recreational cannabis and nutraceuticals, including the anticipated introduction of new products in the future, and its expectations from such businesses to increase revenue growth and profitability are made as of the date of this press release and is based on assumptions management believed to be reasonable at the time such statements were made, including, without limitation, Lifeist's ability to continue to increase revenue through its B2B recreational cannabis business, including through increased sales of Roilty and anticipated sales of shatter and THCa diamonds, and to maintain momentum of expanding its nutraceutical business, including through the anticipated sales of CELLF v1.2 and other cellular therapeutics designed for athletes aged over 30, its ability to broaden its total addressable market and to evolve into a recognized wellness company, the Company's expectation that the nutraceutical and wellness market will develop as currently anticipated, the nutraceutical market will continue to be a multi-billion dollar high-margin market, the introduction of new products and brands will generate additional revenue, expectations that CELLF v1.2 and other cellular health products and accessories to be developed by the Company will gain market acceptance along with the expansion of the market for nutraceutical products, as well as other considerations that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to management, there is no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this press release. Such factors include, without limitation: the inability of the Company to develop its business as anticipated and to increase revenues and/or its profitable margin on such revenues, unanticipated changes to current regulations that would adversely impact the Company's businesses, the unanticipated decline in demand for cannabis products, competition from others, unforeseen developments that would impede Mikra's ability to sell CELLF or CELLF v1.2 and any other developed nutraceutical products as anticipated and in a timely manner, the risk that pre-clinical trials relating to CELLF are not as successful as anticipated and do not demonstrate the expected therapeutic benefits and/or fail to strengthen the Company's patent claim, the risk that the expected demand for nutraceutical products in general and those of Mikra in particular does not develop as anticipated, the failure to maintain the churn rate of subscription sales of CELLF at anticipated levels, regulatory risk, risks relating to the Company's ability to execute its business strategy and the benefits realizable therefrom and risks specifically related to the Company's operations. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's current MD&A which has been filed under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Source: Lifeist Wellness Inc.
