The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year endedSeptember 30, 2022 and the related Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedSeptember 30, 2022 , filed with theSecurities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") onJanuary 13, 2023 . Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act"), which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. The words "anticipated," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "projects," "will," "should," "could," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "would," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements that we make. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are made based on our current expectations, forecasts, estimates and assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, uncertainties and risks that could affect our future results or operations. These factors, uncertainties and risks may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement set forth in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties described and other information contained in the reports we file with or furnish to theSEC before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. OverviewItem 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities inthe United States . The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the nationalUnity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully.Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered inArizona , the company is currently expanding its operations space by 640,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties inArizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. The award-winning Item Nine Labs brand seeks to offer best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The product catalogue exceeds seventy-five (75) active cannabis strains and more than one hundred fifty (150) differentiated cannabis vape products as well as premium concentrates and Orion vape technologies. The highly regarded brand has received twenty five (25) wins and podium placements inArizona marijuana competitions, including Cannabis Cup, Errl Cup and 710 Degree Cup, for its high-quality, premium flower, concentrates and vape products.Item Nine Labs has delivered over 3 million packaged goods in its history, and over 290,000 units during the quarter endedDecember 31, 2022 . With its nationalUnity Rd. retail dispensary franchise brand, the Company believes it offers a unique value proposition through both the sale ofItem Nine Labs products and itsUnity Rd dispensary franchise model. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise approach seeks to provide an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly thrive in their state. With many years of experience in the legal cannabis industry and franchising,Unity Rd.'s standard operating procedures guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business. The dispensary franchise ranked in the top five (5) out of seven hundred (700) submissions forMJBizDaily magazine's ranking of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation and has earned high placements in several trade industry lists.Unity Rd has agreements with more than twenty (20) entrepreneurial groups to open more than thirty (30)Unity Rd retail dispensary locations in more than ten (10) states. The majority of the locations are in the licensing process. The Company makes its best efforts to obtain these dispensary licenses, though it can make no assurances that the licenses will be awarded. We currently have two franchisees operating inHartford, South Dakota andBoulder, Colorado . Additionally, the Company has two (2) dispensaries owned and operated by its wholly owned dispensaries, one inNorth Denver, CO , and another inOklahoma City, OK. 23 OnMarch 11, 2022 , the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement withThe Herbal Cure LLC , aColorado limited liability company, pursuant to which the Company is purchasing certain assets. Effective upon the completion of the sale, which has not occurred as of the date of this filing, the licenses, contracts and certain personal property to operate a licensed medicinal and recreational cannabis dispensary will be delivered to the Company. The total purchase price is$5,750,000 , as to which$250,000 is to be paid upon execution of the Asset Purchase Agreement,$3,700,000 payable at closing,$700,000 shall be financed by seller pursuant to a Secured Promissory Note and the remainder of the purchase prices shall be paid in shares of the Company's common stock on the closing date. The Secured Promissory Note shall accrue interest at 5% per annum and have a term of 18 months, commencing on the closing date, payable in even monthly installments until paid in full. The shares of the Company's common stock to be issued shall be in such an amount as is the quotient of$1,100,000 divided by the product of the 10-day volume weighted average price of the shares as of the closing date and 85%. The Company can provide no assurance that it will be successful in finalizing this acquisition. OnMay 18, 2022 ,Item 9 Labs Corp. , aDelaware corporation ("Company"), andOCG Management Ontario, Inc. , a corporation formed under the laws of the Province ofOntario ("Purchaser") and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated solely for the purpose of completing the transaction, entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") withSteven Fry ,Najla Guthrie ,Darryl Allen ,Louis Laskovski , each an individual residing in the Province ofOntario , and 2628146Ontario Ltd. , a corporation formed under the laws of the Province ofOntario , and 11949896Canada Inc. , a corporation formed under the federal laws ofCanada (together, the "Shareholders"), pursuant to which Purchaser is purchasing all (but not less than all) of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital ofWild Card Cannabis Incorporated , a corporation formed under the laws of the Province ofOntario , ("Shares") free and clear of all Liens from the Shareholders. The total purchase price for the Shares is$12,800,000 (the "Purchase Price"), as adjusted, plus the Earnout Payment, if any (collectively, the "Purchase Price") payable as follows: (i) The Company has delivered the Exclusivity Deposit in the amount of$156,902 to the Escrow Agent onMarch 4, 2022 ; (ii) At the Closing, Purchaser shall pay to Shareholders the Estimated Purchase Price of$12,800,000 , as adjusted, in immediately available funds; (iii)$4,100,000 , as adjusted, payable by the delivery of the Company's common stock, the number of which will be calculated on the basis of a deemed price per common share equal to the 10-Day VWAP of the trading price of the Company's common stock on the stock exchange upon which the Company's common stock is listed, with the last day of the First Earnout Period (the date that is 12 months following the Closing Date) as the measurement date less a 15% discount, if actual Net Revenue is respect of the First Earnout Period is greater than or equal to the Target Net Revenue for the First Earnout Period; and (iv)$4,100,000 , as adjusted, payable by the delivery of the Company's common stock, the number of which will be calculated on the basis of a deemed price per common share equal to the 10-Day VWAP of the trading price of the Company's common stock on the stock exchange upon which the Company's common stock is listed, with the last day of the Second Earnout Period (the date that is 24 months following the Closing Date) as the measurement date less a 15% discount, if actual Net Revenue is respect of the Second Earnout Period is greater than or equal to the Target Net Revenue for the Second Earnout Period. Results of Operations Three months ended December 31, 2022 2021 $ Change % Change Revenues, net$ 5,003,879 $ 6,186,011 $ (1,182,132 ) -19 % Cost of revenues 2,382,006 3,787,245 (1,405,239 ) -37 % Gross profit 2,621,873 2,398,766 223,107 9 % Operating expenses Professional fees and outside services 855,660 657,445 198,215 30 % Payroll and employee related expenses 2,189,824 2,150,706 39,118 2 % Sales and marketing 287,949 439,436 (151,487 ) -34 % Depreciation and amortization 379,356 439,135 (59,779 ) -14 % Other operating expenses 494,549 846,668 (352,119 ) -42 % Total operating expenses 4,207,338 4,533,390
(326,052 ) -7 % Loss from operations (1,585,465 ) (2,134,624 ) 549,159 -26 % Other expense, net (1,658,368 ) (1,210,390 ) (447,978 ) 37 % Net loss, before income tax provision (benefit) (3,243,833 ) (3,345,014 ) 101,181 -3 % Income tax provision (benefit) 3,740 - 3,740 0 % Net loss (3,247,573 ) (3,345,014 ) 97,441 -3 % Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests 10,111 - 10,111 100 % Net loss attributable to Item 9 Labs Corp.$ (3,257,684 ) $ (3,345,014 ) $ 87,330 -3 % 24 Revenues The decrease in revenue for the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 was primarily due to the effects of theArizona cannabis market stabilizing, causing price compression, as well as the Company's addition of product lines with lower unit sales prices. The impact of the changing market conditions inArizona was countered by a significant increase in the number of units sold during the quarter compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Cost of Revenues Cost of revenues consist primarily of labor, materials, supplies and utilities. Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues was 48% for the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 compared to 61% for the three months endedDecember 31, 2021 . This is primarily the result of decreases in the unit costs the Company pays for materials resulting from additional competition in material suppliers. Management will remain focused on reducing costs through bulk purchasing, implementing additional efficiencies in production and making additional investments in property and equipment. The Company believes that it will reduce the overall cost of revenues and cost of revenues will increase at a lower rate than revenues in future periods, which will lead to increased profit margins. Gross Profit The increase in gross profit as a percentage of revenue for the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 was due to decreases in cost of revenue being greater than the decreases in revenue. As the Company experienced decreases in its unit sales price due to increased competition, so too did the Company's suppliers, though the decreased costs have proven to be greater than the decreased unit sales prices. As a result, and given the production efficiencies achieved in previous quarters, the Company has been able to increase gross profit on decreased revenues. With the Company's continued efforts to increase capacity and focus on efficiencies and reducing costs, management expects gross profit to increase going forward. Operating Expenses
Professional fees and outside services increased for the three months ended
Payroll expenses were consistent when comparing the three months ended
Sales and marketing expenses decreased due to a decrease of promotional items and a general decrease in spending on third party marketing vendors during the quarter endedDecember 31, 2022 . The decrease in depreciation and amortization is due primarily to a decrease in amortization expense as a result of the intangible asset impairment recorded during the year endedSeptember 30, 2022 . Other operating expenses decreased primarily due to the reversal of penalties and interest on previously unpaid payroll taxes as a result of receiving the ERCs during the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 . Total operating expenses as a percentage of gross profit decreased from 189% for the three months endedDecember 31, 2021 to 160% for the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 . Management believes this ratio will decrease for profit center segments going forward as the expectation is that revenues will grow at a higher rate than operating expenses. Other Expense, net
Other expenses consist primarily of interest expense of$1,661,853 for the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 and$1,210,390 for the three months endedDecember 31, 2021 . The increase in interest expense was primarily the result of the interest expense and amortization of discounts on the debt financing theNevada construction. The interest and discount amortization expense related to theNevada construction debt was capitalized into construction in progress during the quarter endedDecember 31, 2021 . As theNevada expansion is substantially complete, the related interest and discount amortization are recorded to interest expense for the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 .
25 Adjusted EBITDA Management uses the non-GAAP measurement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-related compensation expense, acquisition-related costs, employee retention credits and other adjustments, or "Adjusted EBITDA," to evaluate the Company's performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is also frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate the market value of companies considered to be in similar businesses. The Company suggests that Adjusted EBITDA be viewed in conjunction with its reported financial results or other financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted inthe United States , or "US GAAP."
The following table reflects the reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA
for the three months ended
Three months ended December 31, 2022 2021 Net loss$ (3,247,573 ) $ (3,345,014 ) Depreciation and amortization 379,356 439,135 Interest expense 1,661,853 1,210,390 Income tax expense 3,740 - Stock-based expense 1,053,190 507,294 Acquisition related costs 91,239 - Employee retention credits (952,805 ) - Adjusted EBITDA$ (1,011,000 ) $ (1,188,195 )
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's primary need for liquidity is to fund working capital requirements of its business, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service, and for general corporate purposes. The Company's primary source of liquidity is funds generated from revenues, financing activities and from private placements. The Company's ability to fund its operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to make planned acquisitions, to make scheduled debt payments, and to repay or refinance indebtedness depends on its future operating performance and cash flows, which are subject to prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with US GAAP, which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern. The Company has not yet established an ongoing source of revenue sufficient to cover its operating costs and has incurred net losses since its inception. These losses, with the associated substantial accumulated deficit, are a direct result of the Company's planned ramp up period as it is pursuing market acceptance and geographic expansion. In view of these matters, realization of a major portion of the assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets is dependent upon continued operations of the Company which in turn is dependent upon the Company's ability to meet its financing requirements, and the success of its future operations. The Company operates in a new, developing industry with a variety of competitors. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as
a going concern.
In order to continue as a going concern, the Company will need to generate additional revenue and obtain additional capital to fund its operating losses and service its debt. Management's plans in regard to these matters are described as follows:
Sales and Marketing. Historically, the Company has generated the majority of its revenues by providing the products it produces to dispensaries throughout the state ofArizona . The Company's revenues have increased significantly since its inception inMay 2017 . Management will continue its plans to increase revenues in theArizona market by providing superior products. Additionally, as capital resources become available, the Company plans to expand into additional markets outside ofArizona . The Company believes that it will continue reducing the overall costs of revenues and costs of revenues will increase at a lower rate than revenues in future periods, which is expected to lead to increased profit margins.
Financing. To date, the Company has financed its operations primarily with loans from third parties and shareholders, private placement financings and sales revenue. Management believes that with continued production efficiencies, production growth, and continued marketing efforts, sales revenue will grow, thus enabling the Company to reverse its negative cash flow from operations and raise additional capital as needed. However, there is no assurance that the Company's overall efforts will be successful. 26 If the Company is unable to generate additional sales growth in the near term and raise additional capital, there is a risk that the Company could default on additional obligations, and could be required to discontinue or significantly reduce the scope of its operations if no other means of financing operations are available. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amount and classification of liabilities or any other adjustment that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. As ofDecember 31, 2022 , the Company had$21,781 of cash and cash equivalents and negative working capital of ($43,728,770 ) (current assets minus current liabilities), compared with$85,637 of cash and cash equivalents and negative working capital of ($37,032,478 ) as ofSeptember 30, 2022 . The decrease of$6,696,292 in the Company's working capital is primarily due to increases in the amount of the Company's debt maturing within the next 12 months. The decrease is also due to decreases in the Company's inventory and prepaid balances and increases in the Company's other operating liabilities. The$63,856 decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the net cash used in operating activities offset by proceeds from the issuance of debt. The Company is an early-stage growth company. It is generating cash from sales and is investing its capital reserves in current operations and new acquisitions that are expected to generate additional earnings in the long term. The Company expects that its cash on hand and cash flows from operations, along with private and/or public financing, will be adequate to meet its capital requirements and operational needs for the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that private and/or public financing can be obtained on terms acceptable to
the Company, or at all. Cash Flows The following table summarizes the sources and uses of cash for each of the periods presented: Three months ended December 31, 2022 2021 $ Change % Change Net cash used in operating activities$ (1,334,644 ) $ (267,694 ) $ (1,066,950 ) 399 % Net cash used in investing activities (6,825 ) (1,439,155 ) 1,432,330 -100 % Net cash provided by financing activities 1,277,613 413,100 864,513 209 % Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$ (63,856 ) $ (1,293,749 ) $ 1,229,893 -95 % Operating Activities
During the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 , operating activities used$1,334,644 of cash and cash equivalents, primarily resulting from a net loss of$3,247,573 which was offset by net cash provided by operating assets and liabilities of$833,984 . There was significant non-cash activity that contributed to the net loss totaling$1,078,945 including depreciation and amortization of$443,107 , amortization of debt discount of$504,501 , and stock-based compensation of$1,053,190 . These non-cash expenses were offset by the non-cash employee retention credits of$952,805 . During the three months endedDecember 31, 2021 , operating activities used$267,694 of cash and cash equivalent, primarily resulting from a net loss of$3,345,041 which was offset by net cash provided by operating assets and liabilities of$1,137,981 . There was significant non-cash activity that contributed to the net loss totaling$1,939,339 including depreciation and amortization of$441,764 , amortization of debt discount of$990,281 , and stock based compensation of$507,294 . Investing Activities
During the three months ended
During the three months ended
Financing Activities During the three months endedDecember 31, 2022 , financing activities provided$1,277,613 , consisting of$1,597,500 in proceeds from the issuance of debt and offset by$319,887 of debt payments made. During the three months endedDecember 31, 2021 , financing activities provided$413,100 , consisting of$1,500,000 in proceeds from the issuance of debt and offset by$1,068,150 in debt payments made. 27 Given that our cash needs are strongly driven by our growth requirements, we also intend to maintain a cash reserve for other risk contingencies that may arise.
We intend to meet our cash requirements for the next 12 months through the use of the cash we have on hand and through business operations, future equity financing, debt financing, or other sources, which may result in further dilution in the equity ownership of our shares. We are also in discussions with various potential capital partners to provide additional debt capital for accretive acquisitions. We do not have any other arrangements in place to complete any private placement financings of debt and equity. There is no assurance that we will be successful in finding a capital partner to provide additional debt capital or any other such financings on terms that will be acceptable to us.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We are not currently a party to, or otherwise involved with, any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to areas that require a significant level of judgment or are otherwise subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Critical accounting policies and estimates in these condensed consolidated financial statements are those related to revenue recognition, valuation of options, warrants and debt discounts, carrying value of intangible assets subject to amortization, infinite life intangible assets and goodwill, stock-based compensation, and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience, our observance of trends in particular areas, and information or valuations and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances and which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that may not be readily apparent from other sources. Actual amounts could differ significantly from amounts previously estimated. For a discussion of our critical accounting policies, refer to Part I, item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year endedSeptember 30, 2022 . Management believes that there have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies during the three months ended December
31, 2022.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to our condensed consolidated financial statements, included in Part I, Item 1, Financial Information for this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Contractual Obligations We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not required to provide the information under
this item. 28
© Edgar Online, source