PHOENIX – 4Front Ventures Corp., a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator and retailer, reported its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. All financial information is presented in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Q2 2024 Financial Highlights
- GAAP revenue from continuing operations of $18.7 million
- Adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 million
Management Commentary
“As I look back on our second quarter, I am incredibly proud of our team’s execution against our 2024 priorities. Despite increased competition and inconsistent foot traffic, our disciplined strategy has kept revenue steady, and our concerted efforts to strengthen our wholesale strategy are paying off with a 10% increase in Illinois and a substantial 31% growth in Massachusetts,” said Andrew Thut, Chief Executive Officer.
“Our Matteson facility in Illinois is now operational with 12,000 square feet of flowering canopy. We are on track to triple this capacity by mid-Q4. The strong demand for our flower, evidenced by substantial pre-sale interest and long-term supply contracts, underscores market confidence in our high-quality products. We anticipate a notable rise in wholesale revenue as we ramp up our harvest schedule starting in early September,” Thut noted.
He added, “Since I assumed the role of CEO in January, we have made considerable strides. We completed a strategic reset of our Massachusetts grow facilities, optimizing production capabilities, and successfully launched the Matteson facility. Our wholesale channel has seen a strong resurgence, bolstered by a revitalized marketing strategy and an enhanced product lineup. Additionally, we have improved our retail menus and continue to strengthen our market presence. As we move into the second half of the year, our focus remains on driving innovation and maintaining high standards of quality. We are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging regulatory changes and continue delivering value to our shareholders while offering exceptional products to our customers.”
Second Quarter 2024 Company Highlights
Flagship Matteson, Illinois Facility Now Operational: The opening of 4Front’s flagship facility in Matteson marks a pivotal milestone in the Company’s expansion efforts within a supply-constrained market. With plants now in place, the facility’s first harvest is scheduled for September 7th, followed by three additional harvests each month: seven in September, nine in October, twelve in November, and stabilizing at fifteen per month. This scale presents a significant opportunity for 4Front-branded wholesale in an Illinois market with limited cultivation capacity and an increasing number of dispensaries opening monthly.
Retail Expansion Update: The new store in Norridge is now open and positioned for strong performance. It benefits from a prime location in a large market with an attractive demographic, limited competition, ample parking, and advantageous co-tenancy with other high-traffic retailers. The store has been positively received and has demonstrated consistent week-over-week growth in both customer traffic and average basket size.
Wholesale: The Company’s focused efforts to establish deep and strategic wholesale channel partnerships have resulted in a 10% increase in wholesale revenue in Illinois and a 31% increase in Massachusetts. This growth has been driven by several factors, including a cross-market initiative to enhance the Mission brand and product assortment by incorporating leading third-party brands, thus increasing the range of products available for wholesale. Additionally, improvements in quality and yields across cultivation facilities have expanded overall flower capacity and production. The strong market demand for the Company’s brands and products, particularly in supply-constrained environments like Illinois, has further contributed to this success.
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.
Post-Quarter End Developments
Kris Krane, a current director, became Chair of the Board: Mr. Krane, with extensive experience in the cannabis industry, previously served as the Company’s President and contributed significantly to its growth. He is a regulatory and business strategist, and a frequent speaker at global cannabis conferences. Over the past two decades, he has worked to advance the cannabis industry, serving in key roles such as Associate Director of NORML, Executive Director of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and Chair Emeritus of the National Cannabis Industry Association Board of Directors.
Launched New Brand ‘Smoke Breaks’ in Illinois and Massachusetts: The Company introduced its new brand, Smoke Breaks, in Illinois and Massachusetts. These mini pre-rolls, each weighing 0.35 grams, are designed for convenient and quick respites. Packaged in tins of five pre-rolls, they are available in five strains per state: two Daytime, two Anytime, and one Nighttime. Crafted with unbleached cones, the pre-rolls ensure a natural smoking experience.
Worcester, Massachusetts Cultivation Facility Update: The Worcester cultivation facility generated its first harvest on July 1st following a strategic reset that kept it offline for much of the first and second quarters. With the introduction of new genetics, updated SOPs, and investments in processing, the facility is expected to contribute 350-400 lbs. per month, primarily to the wholesale menu. Among the 33 strains now in focus, test results are averaging 33.5% THC, with peaks reaching 37.7% in the Banana Puddintain strain.
Q2 Financial Overview
Revenue was $18.7 million for Q2 2024, compared to $27.2 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year and $18.8 for Q1 of 2024.
For the second quarter, Illinois reported total revenue of $8.2 million, slightly down from $8.5 million in Q1. This decrease was primarily influenced by heightened competition and inconsistent in-store traffic. Meanwhile, Massachusetts showed a positive trend, with total revenue increasing to $8.2 million in Q2 from $8.04 million in Q1. This growth was driven by strong wholesale demand, supply chain stability, and an optimized balance of own and third-party brands.
The company’s adjusted EBITDA increased slightly to $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2024, compared to the previous quarter’s performance.
As of June 30, 2024, the company had $2.42 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. The total debt principal amount as of quarter-end was $67.37 million, with future debt maturities totaling $40.27 million, excluding certain contingent liabilities.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had 913,923,993 Class A subordinate voting shares and 1,276,208 Class C multiple voting shares outstanding.
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.
