Neptune Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
- None.
- Consolidated net revenue decreased by $4.6 million compared to the same period last year.
- Gross profit decreased from $1.9 million to $1.0 million year-over-year.
- Consolidated SG&A expenses increased by $10.0 million, primarily due to a significant rise in legal fees and settlements.
- The company reported a net loss of $19.2 million, a substantial increase from the previous year's net loss of $0.5 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) showed a loss of $18.5 million, compared to a loss of $0.5 million in the same period last year.
Insights
The reported consolidated net revenue decline of $4.6 million year-over-year for Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. reflects a significant downturn in the company's performance, particularly in the Food & Beverage sector. This contraction in revenues could signal underlying challenges in product demand or competitive market pressures. The gross profit margin has similarly contracted, indicating that despite a reduction in cost of sales, the revenue decrease has had a more profound impact on profitability.
Furthermore, the substantial increase in SG&A expenses, driven by a spike in legal fees and settlements, has resulted in a net loss of $19.2 million, a stark contrast to the previous year's $0.5 million. This escalation in legal costs could alarm investors and analysts, as it suggests potential litigation risks or ongoing disputes that could further strain future financials. Adjusted EBITDA loss widening to $18.5 million also paints a grim picture of the operational health of the company, potentially impacting investor confidence and the company's ability to secure capital or favorable credit terms.
The strategic move to appoint Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. as an exclusive financial advisor for the review of divestiture alternatives for its Sprout Organics brand indicates Neptune's intent to streamline its portfolio and potentially divest from non-core segments. This could be a response to the current financial strain or a shift in strategic focus towards more profitable or promising areas. The market may respond favorably to this focus on core competencies, provided the divestiture is executed efficiently and at favorable terms.
Additionally, the entry into an accounts receivable factoring facility with Alterna Capital Solutions suggests Neptune is seeking immediate liquidity solutions to manage cash flows, which is often a red flag for underlying financial distress. This move, coupled with the non-viability of the Datasys Group acquisition, could indicate operational reevaluation or a pivot in strategic direction, which stakeholders should monitor closely for implications on long-term growth and profitability.
The reported increase in legal fees and settlements by $13.5 million demands scrutiny from a legal perspective. Such a significant rise could be attributed to a variety of factors, including ongoing litigation, regulatory compliance issues, or settlement of disputes. While the details are not specified, stakeholders should be aware that legal challenges can divert resources from core business activities, potentially impede strategic initiatives and have an adverse effect on the company's public image and stakeholder relations. The long-term implications of these legal matters could be substantial and their resolution or continuation will likely play a critical role in the company's future financial health.
LAVAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2024 / Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc. ("Neptune" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:NEPT), a consumer-packaged goods company focused on plant-based, sustainable and purpose-driven lifestyle brands, today announced its financial and operating results for its fiscal third quarter 2024 ending December 31, 2023.
Recent Business Highlights
- Announced the appointment of Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. ("Stifel") to act as exclusive financial advisor to the Company's organic baby food and toddler brand, Sprout Foods Inc. ("Sprout Organics"), providing financial advisory, investment banking services, and strategic advice regarding the review of divestiture alternatives related to Sprout Organics.
- Announced that its nutraceuticals brand subsidiary, Biodroga Nutraceuticals Inc., entered into an accounts receivable factoring facility and inventory finance rider with Alterna Capital Solutions, LLC. The amount available under the Facility at any given time is
$3 million , which may be increased in$1 million increments up to a maximum of$8 million . - Announced a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") to acquire Datasys Group, Inc., ("Datasys") and affiliated companies. While the Company has since concluded that it is no longer viable to pursue a transaction with Datasys on the terms contemplated in the LOI, the Company and Datasys remain in discussions regarding a revised transaction structure and continue to explore all possible avenues to reach an amicable partnership.
Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights
- Consolidated net revenue of
$7.6 million , down$4.6 million for the same period last year. This is largely due to a decrease in Food & Beverage revenues compared to the same period last year. - Gross profit of
$1.0 million compared to a gross profit of$1.9 million for the same period last year. This change is due to a decrease in revenues of$4.6 million , offset by a reduction in cost of sales of$3.8 million . - Consolidated SG&A expenses of
$18.7 million compared to$8.7 million for the same period last year, a decrease of$10.0 million or115% . This was primarily due to a$13.5 million increase in legal fees and settlements, offset by a$0.9 million decrease in payroll expenses, a$0.8 million decrease in office related expenses, a$0.7 million decrease in insurance, a$0.6 million decrease in marketing and a$0.4 million decrease in depreciation expense. - Net loss of
$19.2 million compared to a reported net loss of$0.5 million in the comparable period in fiscal 2023. - Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) loss of
$18.5 million compared to an Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) loss of$0.5 million for the same period last year.
About Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc.
Neptune is a consumer-packaged goods company that aims to innovate health and wellness products. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Laval, Quebec with a United States headquarters in Jupiter, Florida, the company focuses on developing a portfolio of high-quality, affordable consumer products that align with the latest market trends for natural, sustainable, plant-based and purpose-driven lifestyle brands. The company's products are available in more than 29,000 retail locations and include well-known organic food and beverage brands such as Sprout Organics, Nosh, and Nurturme, as well as nutraceuticals brands like Biodroga and Forest Remedies. With its efficient and adaptable manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure, the company can quickly respond to consumer demand, and introduce new products through retail partners and e-commerce channels. Please visit neptunewellness.com for more details.
Disclaimer - Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the actual results of Neptune to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements which explicitly describe such risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements labeled with the terms "believes", "belief", "expects", "intends", "projects", "anticipates", "will", "should" or "plans" to be uncertain and forward-looking. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of reporting quarterly results. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking statements and information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" section contained in Neptune's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and its subsequent filings, which are available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. All forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Neptune does not undertake to update any such forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Going Concern
As of the date this press release, there is minimal cash balance at the Company. The Company requires funding in the very near term in order to continue its operations and is considering all strategic alternatives that may be available, including debt financing and asset divestitures, in order to generate cash to fund operations. The Company's lack of cash resources and current share price may adversely affect its ability to raise new capital, maintain its NASDAQ listing and execute its business strategy. If the Company is unable to obtain funding in the near term, it may have to cease operations and liquidate its assets. These conditions cast substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Media Contacts:
media@neptunecorp.com
Investor Contacts:
Valter Pinto, Managing Director
KCSA Strategic Communications
neptune@kcsa.com
212.896.1254
Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets
(in U.S. dollars)
| As at | As at | |||||||||||
| Notes | December 31, 2023 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,232,905 | $ | 1,993,257 | ||||||||
Short-term investment | 17,642 | 17,540 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables | 3,893,358 | 7,507,333 | ||||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 1,839,657 | 1,025,969 | ||||||||||
Inventories | 5 | 9,616,172 | 13,006,074 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 16,599,734 | 23,550,173 | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 6 | 1,035,423 | 1,403,264 | |||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,599,231 | 1,941,347 | ||||||||||
Intangible assets | 7 | 1,308,849 | 1,607,089 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 7 | 2,482,706 | 2,426,385 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 23,025,943 | $ | 30,928,258 | ||||||||
Liabilities and Equity (Deficiency) | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||
Trade and other payables | $ | 31,371,563 | $ | 27,051,561 | ||||||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 339,620 | 339,620 | ||||||||||
Current portion of loans and borrowings | 8 | 25,984,400 | 7,538,369 | |||||||||
Provisions | 9 | 14,809,758 | 2,948,340 | |||||||||
Liability related to warrants | 10 | 911,790 | 3,156,254 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 73,417,131 | 41,034,144 | ||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 1,816,377 | 2,017,888 | ||||||||||
Loans and borrowings, net of current portion | 8 | - | 15,412,895 | |||||||||
Other liability | 13 | (c) | 14,000 | 24,000 | ||||||||
Total liabilities | 75,247,508 | 58,488,927 | ||||||||||
Shareholders' Equity (Deficiency): | ||||||||||||
Share capital - without par value (4,532,038 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023; 300,070 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023) | 11 | 327,944,215 | 321,946,102 | |||||||||
Warrants | 14 | 6,648,437 | 6,155,323 | |||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 59,681,063 | 58,138,914 | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (14,925,620 | ) | (14,538,830 | ) | ||||||||
Deficit | (410,595,259 | ) | (383,641,363 | ) | ||||||||
Total deficiency attributable to equity holders of the Company | (31,247,164 | ) | (11,939,854 | ) | ||||||||
Non-controlling interest | 12 | (20,974,401 | ) | (15,620,815 | ) | |||||||
Total shareholders' deficiency | (52,221,565 | ) | (27,560,669 | ) | ||||||||
Commitments and contingencies | 16 | |||||||||||
Subsequent event | 18 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' deficiency | $ | 23,025,943 | $ | 30,928,258 | ||||||||
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss
(Unaudited) (in U.S. dollars)
For the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
| Three-month periods ended | Nine-month periods ended | |||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue from sales, net of excise taxes of nil and nil (2022 - nil and | $ | 7,611,836 | $ | 11,945,092 | $ | 26,913,567 | $ | 39,668,246 | ||||||||||||
Royalty revenues | 23,963 | 263,816 | 70,961 | 766,736 | ||||||||||||||||
Other revenues | (36,047 | ) | - | (17,071 | ) | 32,996 | ||||||||||||||
Total revenues | 17 | 7,599,752 | 12,208,908 | 26,967,457 | 40,467,978 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of sales other than impairment loss on inventories | (6,564,684 | ) | (10,328,349 | ) | (24,941,822 | ) | (37,293,901 | ) | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss on inventories | 5 | - | - | (216,184 | ) | (3,079,997 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total cost of sales | (6,564,684 | ) | (10,328,349 | ) | (25,158,006 | ) | (40,373,898 | ) | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 1,035,068 | 1,880,559 | 1,809,451 | 94,080 | ||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (727 | ) | (28,836 | ) | (47,266 | ) | (451,121 | ) | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | (18,732,654 | ) | (8,727,323 | ) | (34,541,474 | ) | (35,188,695 | ) | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss related to intangible assets | 7 | - | - | - | (2,593,529 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on assets held for sale | 4 | - | - | - | (15,346,119 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on right of use assets | - | (271,057 | ) | (75,409 | ) | (271,057 | ) | |||||||||||||
Impairment loss related to goodwill | 7 | - | - | - | (7,570,471 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net gain on sale of property, plant and equipment | - | 84,998 | - | 170,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Loss from operating activities | (17,698,313 | ) | (7,061,659 | ) | (32,854,698 | ) | (61,156,912 | ) | ||||||||||||
Restructuring fees | 4(b), 11(f) | (2,066,405 | ) | - | (2,066,405 | ) | - | |||||||||||||
Finance income | - | - | - | 1,440 | ||||||||||||||||
Finance costs | (1,602,981 | ) | (1,362,776 | ) | (6,570,787 | ) | (2,658,305 | ) | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | 600,316 | 524,571 | 942,596 | 6,545,401 | ||||||||||||||||
Loss on issuance of derivatives | 10 | - | (1,029,614 | ) | (945,034 | ) | (3,156,569 | ) | ||||||||||||
Gain on revaluation of derivatives | 10 | 1,596,901 | 8,367,871 | 7,186,846 | 16,083,681 | |||||||||||||||
Gain on settlement of liability | - | 66,169 | - | 66,169 | ||||||||||||||||
Total other income (expense) | (1,472,169 | ) | 6,566,221 | (1,452,784 | ) | 16,881,817 | ||||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (19,170,482 | ) | (495,438 | ) | (34,307,482 | ) | (44,275,095 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | - | (2,013 | ) | - | (14,543 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | (19,170,482 | ) | (497,451 | ) | (34,307,482 | ) | (44,289,638 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized foreign currency losses on translation of net investments in foreign operations (tax effect of nil for all periods) | (41,449 | ) | (231,490 | ) | (386,790 | ) | (6,725,131 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive loss | (41,449 | ) | (231,490 | ) | (386,790 | ) | (6,725,131 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | $ | (19,211,931 | ) | $ | (728,941 | ) | $ | (34,694,272 | ) | $ | (51,014,769 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company | $ | (17,749,338 | ) | $ | 1,288,110 | $ | (26,953,896 | ) | $ | (33,893,698 | ) | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest | 12 | (1,421,144 | ) | (1,785,561 | ) | (7,353,586 | ) | (10,395,940 | ) | |||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (19,170,482 | ) | $ | (497,451 | ) | $ | (34,307,482 | ) | $ | (44,289,638 | ) | ||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company | $ | (17,790,787 | ) | $ | 1,056,620 | $ | (27,340,686 | ) | $ | (40,618,829 | ) | |||||||||
Non-controlling interest | 12 | (1,421,144 | ) | (1,785,561 | ) | (7,353,586 | ) | (10,395,940 | ) | |||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | $ | (19,211,931 | ) | $ | (728,941 | ) | $ | (34,694,272 | ) | $ | (51,014,769 | ) | ||||||||
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shareholders of the Company | 14 | $ | (4.14 | ) | $ | 2.34 | $ | (15.11 | ) | $ | (143.00 | ) | ||||||||
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Shareholders of the Company | 14 | $ | (4.14 | ) | $ | 2.34 | $ | (15.11 | ) | $ | (143.00 | ) | ||||||||
Basic weighted average number of common shares | 14 | 4,285,229 | 284,619 | 1,784,047 | 237,013 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of common shares | 14 | 4,285,229 | 284,690 | 1,784,047 | 237,013 | |||||||||||||||
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (in millions, except per share data)
The following table sets out selected consolidated financial information.
| Three-month periods ended | Nine-month periods ended | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 7.600 | $ | 12.209 | $ | 26.967 | $ | 40.468 | ||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA1 | (18.453 | ) | 0.458 | (32.340 | ) | (26.698 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss | (19.170 | ) | (0.497 | ) | (34.307 | ) | (44.290 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company | (17.749 | ) | 1.288 | (26.954 | ) | (33.894 | ) | |||||||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | (1.421 | ) | (1.786 | ) | (7.354 | ) | (10.396 | ) | ||||||||
Basic and diluted income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of the Company | (4.14 | ) | 2.34 | (15.11 | ) | (143.00 | ) | |||||||||
| As at December 31, 2023 | As at March 31, 2023 | As at March 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 23.026 | $ | 30.928 | $ | 104.955 | ||||||
Working capital2 | (56.817 | ) | (17.484 | ) | 7.071 | |||||||
Non-current financial liabilities | 1.830 | 17.455 | 13.800 | |||||||||
(Deficiency) equity attributable to equity holders of the Company | (31.247 | ) | (11.940 | ) | 48.116 | |||||||
(Deficiency) equity attributable to non-controlling interest | (20.974 | ) | (15.621 | ) | 12.722 | |||||||
1 The Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. It is not a standard measure endorsed by US GAAP requirements. A reconciliation to the Company's net loss is presented below. In the three-month period ended September 30, 2022, the Company re-casted comparative Adjusted EBITDA to conform to its current definition. As a result, the following adjustments were removed in the current and comparative quarters: litigation provisions, business acquisition and integration costs, signing bonus, severance and related costs, and write-down of inventories and deposits.
2 Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Because there is no standard method endorsed by US GAAP, the results may not be comparable to similar measurements presented by other public companies. Current assets as at December 31, 2023, March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022 were
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Company uses one adjusted financial measure, Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") to assess its operating performance. This non-GAAP financial measure is presented in a consistent manner, unless otherwise disclosed. The Company uses this measure for the purposes of evaluating its historical and prospective financial performance, as well as its performance relative to competitors. The measure also helps the Company to plan and forecast for future periods as well as to make operational and strategic decisions. The Company believes that providing this information to investors, in addition to its GAAP financial statements, allows them to see the Company's results through the eyes of Management, and to better understand its historical and future financial performance. Neptune's method for calculating Adjusted EBITDA may differ from that used by other corporations.
A reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA is presented below.
ADJUSTED EBITDA
Although the concept of Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial or accounting measure defined under US GAAP and it may not be comparable to other issuers, it is widely used by companies. Neptune obtains its Adjusted EBITDA measurement by excluding from its net loss the following items: net finance costs (income), depreciation and amortization, and income tax expense (recovery). Other items such as equity classified stock-based compensation, non-employee compensation related to warrants, impairment losses on non-financial assets, revaluations of derivatives, costs related to conversion from IFRS to US GAAP and other changes in fair values are also added back to Neptune's net loss. The exclusion of net finance costs (income) eliminates the impact on earnings derived from non-operational activities. The exclusion of depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, non-employee compensation related to warrants, impairment losses, revaluations of derivatives and other changes in fair values eliminates the non-cash impact of such items, and the exclusion of costs related to conversion from IFRS to US GAAP, together with the other exclusions discussed above, present the results of the on-going business. 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. Adjusting for these items does not imply they are non-recurring. For purposes of this analysis, the Net finance costs (income) caption in the reconciliation below includes the impact of the revaluation of foreign exchange rates.
In the three-month period ended September 30, 2022, the Company recast comparative Adjusted EBITDA to conform to the current definition. As a result, the following adjustments were removed in the current and comparative quarters: litigation provisions, business acquisition and integration costs, signing bonus, severance and related costs, and write-down of inventories and deposits.
Adjusted EBITDA1 reconciliation, in millions of dollars
| Three-month periods ended | Nine-month periods ended | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (19.170 | ) | $ | (0.497 | ) | $ | (34.307 | ) | $ | (44.290 | ) | ||||
Add (deduct): | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 0.278 | 0.662 | 0.991 | 2.391 | ||||||||||||
Revaluation of derivatives | (1.597 | ) | (8.368 | ) | (7.187 | ) | (16.084 | ) | ||||||||
Net finance costs | 1.603 | 7.384 | 6.571 | 2.657 | ||||||||||||
Equity classified stock-based compensation | 0.433 | 1.005 | 1.517 | 2.832 | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss on long-lived assets | - | 0.271 | 0.075 | 25.781 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | - | 0.002 | - | 0.015 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA1 | $ | (18.453 | ) | $ | 0.459 | $ | (32.340 | ) | $ | (26.698 | ) | |||||
1 The Adjusted EBITDA is not a standard measure endorsed by US GAAP requirements. In the three-month period ended September 30, 2022, the Company re-casted comparative Adjusted EBITDA to conform to its current definition. As a result, the following adjustments were removed in the current and comparative quarters: litigation provisions, business acquisition and integration costs, signing bonus, severance and related costs, and write-down of inventories and deposits.
SOURCE: Neptune Wellness Solutions, Inc.
View the original press release on accesswire.com
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