EX-99.2 3 d791968dex992.htm EX-99.2 EX-99.2

Exhibit 99.2

Village Farms International, Inc.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

August 12, 2019


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Information is presented in thousands of United States dollars (“U.S. dollars”) unless otherwise noted.

Introduction

This management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and accompanying notes of Village Farms International, Inc. (“VFF” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 (the “Interim Financial Statements”). The information provided in this MD&A is current to August 12, 2019 unless otherwise noted.

VFF is a corporation existing under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Company’s principal operating subsidiaries as at June 30, 2019 were Village Farms Canada Limited Partnership (“VFCLP”), Village Farms, L.P. (“VFLP”) and VF Clean Energy, Inc. (“VFCE”). On June 6, 2017, VFF entered into a shareholders’ agreement in respect of the operation and governance of Pure Sunfarms Corp. (“Pure Sunfarms”) in which VFF owns a 50% interest. On February 27, 2019, VFF entered into a joint venture agreement in respect of the operation and governance of Village Fields Hemp USA LLC (“VFH”) in which VFF owns a 65% interest. On May 21, 2019, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement in respect of Arkansas Valley Green and Gold Hemp (“AVGGH”). AVGGH is 60% owned by VFF, 35% owned by Arkansas Valley Hemp, LLC (“AV Hemp”) and 5% owned by VFH.

Basis of Presentation

The interim data included in the MD&A is based upon the Interim Financial Statements, which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), as applicable to interim financial statements, including International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 34, Interim Financial Reporting, unless otherwise noted.

The preparation of interim financial data requires the use of certain accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the annual financial data, are disclosed in note 2 of the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements.

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer of VFF (“CEO”). Based on the aggregation criteria in IFRS 8, Operating Segments, the operating segments of the Company are treated as two reporting segments.

Functional and Presentation Currency

The functional currency for each entity included in these consolidated financial statements is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates. These consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“U.S. dollars”) which have been rounded to the nearest thousands, except per share amounts. Currency conversion to U.S. dollars is performed in accordance with IAS 21, The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates.

Business Overview

Management believes the Company is one of the largest producers, marketers and distributors of premium-quality, greenhouse-grown tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers in North America. These premium products are grown in sophisticated, highly intensive agricultural greenhouse facilities located in British Columbia and Texas. The Company also markets and distributes premium tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers produced under exclusive arrangements with other greenhouse producers. The Company primarily markets and distributes under its Village Farms® brand name to retail supermarkets and dedicated fresh food distribution companies throughout the United States and Canada. It currently operates two distribution centres, one in the United States and one in Canada. Since its inception, the Company has been guided by a sustainable agriculture policy which integrates four main goals – environmental health, economic profitability, social equality and economic equality.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

The Company, through its subsidiary VFCE, owns and operates a 7.0-megawatt power plant from landfill gas that generates electricity and provides thermal heat, in colder months, to one of the Company’s adjacent British Columbia greenhouse facilities and sells electricity to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (“BC Hydro”).

In June 2017, the Company entered into a joint venture with Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (together with its affiliates, “Emerald”). The joint venture was formed by way of a corporation named “Pure Sunfarms Corp.”, a licensed producer and supplier of cannabis products to be sold to other licensed providers and provincial governments across Canada and internationally. On March 8, 2018, Pure Sunfarms was granted a cultivation license and on July 30, 2018 a sales license, both under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (“ACMPR”) by Health Canada (repealed October 17, 2018 and replaced by the Cannabis Act, S.C. 2018, c. 16). During 2017, the Company granted rights to one of its greenhouses located in Delta, British Columbia (the “Delta 3 Greenhouse”). On March 8, 2019 Pure Sunfarms received its seventh amendment from Health Canada, which approved all 16 grow rooms for cultivation. On March 31, 2019, Pure Sunfarms exercised its option on the existing 1.1 million square foot Delta 2 greenhouse facility currently owned by VFF in Delta, British Columbia. The Delta 2 greenhouse facility is a nearly identical “sister” facility immediately adjacent to the 1.1 million square foot Delta 3 greenhouse facility. The addition of the Delta 2 greenhouse facility will double Pure Sunfarms’ total production area to 2.2 million square feet and, with conservatively targeted annual production of approximately 75,000 kilograms of dried cannabis, will double its annual cannabis production potential to approximately 150,000 kilograms.

In February 2019, the Company entered into a joint venture with Nature Crisp LLC (“Nature Crisp”). The joint venture was formed by way of a limited liability corporation named “Village Fields Hemp USA LLC” for the cultivation of high-cannabidiol (“CBD”) hemp and CBD extraction in multiple states throughout the United States.

In May 2019, the Company entered into a joint venture with AV Hemp. The joint venture was formed by way of a limited liability corporation named Arkansas Valley Green and Gold Hemp for the cultivation of high-CBD hemp and CBD extraction in Colorado.

The Company embraces sustainable agriculture and environmentally-friendly growing practices by:

 

   

utilizing integrated pest management techniques that incorporate “beneficial bugs” to control unwanted pests. The use of natural biological control technology keeps plants and their products virtually free of chemical agents. The process includes regular monitoring techniques for threat identification and the development and execution of appropriate, tailored responses;

 

   

capturing rainwater from various greenhouse roofs for irrigation purposes;

 

   

capturing landfill gas under a long-term contract with the City of Vancouver, to generate and sell electricity to BC Hydro and provide thermal heat for one of the Company’s adjacent greenhouses;

 

   

recycling water and nutrients during the production process;

 

   

growing plants in a natural medium, including coconut fibre and rock wool, as opposed to growing in the soil and depleting nutrients; and

 

   

using dedicated computer systems which monitor and control virtually all aspects of the growing environment, thereby maximizing the efficient use of energy.

The Company’s assets, as of the reporting date, include six operating produce greenhouses providing approximately 844,843 square metres (or approximately 209 acres) of growing space in Canada and the United States.

All the Company’s greenhouses are constructed of glass, aluminum and steel, and are located on land owned or leased by the Company. The Company also has marketing agreements with growers in Canada, the United States and Mexico that currently operate approximately 808,000 square metres (or approximately 200 acres) of growing area.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

The following table outlines the Company’s greenhouse facilities:

 

     Growing Area              

Greenhouse Facility

   Square
Feet
     Square
Metres
     Total
Facility
Acres
    

Products Grown

Marfa, TX (2 greenhouses)

     2,527,312        234,795        60     

Tomatoes on-the-vine, beefsteak tomatoes, specialty tomatoes

Fort Davis, TX (1 greenhouse)

     1,684,874        156,530        40     

Specialty tomatoes

Monahans, TX (1 greenhouse)

(Permian Basin facility)

     1,272,294        118,200        30     

Tomatoes on-the-vine, long English cucumbers

Delta, BC (2 greenhouses) **

     3,664,390        340,433        85     

Tomatoes on-the-vine, beefsteak tomatoes, specialty tomatoes

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     9,148,870        849,958        215     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

**

As of August 1, 2019, tomato production in 5,115 square meters of the facility has been discontinued to allow Pure Sunfarms to start the conversion of this space to cannabis production. It is expected that, on or about September 30, 2019, tomato production in an additional 43,219 square meters will be discontinued the purpose of conversion to cannabis production. The Company expects to use the remaining 48,334 square meters of the facility (half of the facility) for tomato production until the end of the current crop season.

Produce Marketing

The Company is a leading marketer of premium-quality, value-added, branded greenhouse-grown produce in North America, and is a significant producer of the following tomato types: tomatoes on-the-vine, beefsteak, cocktail, grape, cherry, roma, Mini San Marzano (a tomato variety for which the Company currently has an exclusive agreement with the seed provider to be the sole grower in North America), other specialty tomatoes under exclusive agreements and long English cucumbers at its facilities. The Company also distributes and markets premium tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers in the United States and Canada produced by other greenhouse growers located in Canada and Mexico. The Company maintains high standards of food safety and requires the same of its contract growers, while providing on-time, effective and efficient distribution.

The Company strives to continually exceed the expectations of its customers by consistently providing superior product, including adding new product varieties and packaging innovations.

The Company has distribution capabilities that it believes exceed those of most of its competitors in the North American greenhouse vegetable industry. With leased distribution centres in Texas and British Columbia, the Company provides its customers with flexibility in purchasing. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company had an on-time delivery record of approximately 98.8%, while maintaining competitive freight rates that management of the Company believes to be among the best in the industry.

The Company’s marketing strategy is to strategically position the Company to be the supplier of choice for retailers offering greenhouse produce by focusing on the following:

 

   

Year-Round Supplier. The Company’s year-round production capability enhances customer relationships, resulting in more consistent pricing.

 

   

Quality and Food Safety. Sales are made directly to retailers which ensures control of the product from seed to customer and results in higher levels of food safety, shelf life and quality control. Food safety is an integral part of the Company’s operations, and management believes that it has led, and currently leads, the industry in adopting Good Agricultural Practices. This program is modeled after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices using the Primus Labs® format and third-party auditors. All of the Company’s packing facilities undergo comprehensive food safety audits by Primus Labs®.

 

   

Quality Packaging and Presentation. Product is selected at a uniform size and picked at the same stage of vine ripeness. The packaging for the product is “display ready”, ensuring retail customers have a full view of the product on the supermarket shelf.

 

   

Exclusive Varieties. The Company expands its product profile, to create and drive exclusive varietal relationships in North America that enable the Company to present consumers with an enhanced eating experience with the Village Farms brand.

 

   

Direct Sale to Retailer Customers. Greenhouse produce (produce grown by the Company plus supply partner produce) is sold directly to supermarket chains, including, Associated Grocers, Associated

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

  Wholesale Grocers, BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc., Fred Meyer, Giant Eagle, HEB Grocery Company, The Kroger Co., Loblaw Companies Limited, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Safeway Inc., Sobeys Inc., Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, United Supermarkets, Unified Western Grocers, Wakefern Food Corp., Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Whole Foods Market and Winco Foods LLC.

 

   

Excellence in Customer Service and Logistics. Logistics and distribution capability are key factors in ensuring fresh high-quality product meets consumer demands. Management of the Company believes it has a competitive advantage through its logistics and distribution networks, which includes strategically located distribution centres.

Pure Sunfarms

On June 6, 2017, the Company and Emerald formed a new corporation named “Pure Sunfarms Corp.”. The Company and Emerald each own 50% of the equity in Pure Sunfarms. VFF contributed one of its 25-acre greenhouse facilities in Delta, British Columbia as its equity contribution and Emerald contributed CA$20,000 to fund the conversion of the facility, which was fully funded as of April 2018. Pure Sunfarms has commenced the cultivation of cannabis in the licensed portion of the facility and received its sales license for the facility on July 30, 2018 from Health Canada. Pure Sunfarms has commenced the selling and distribution of cannabis.

On July 5, 2018, the Company and Emerald (together, the “Shareholders”) entered into a shareholder loan agreement with Pure Sunfarms, whereby, as at March 31, 2019, the Shareholders had each contributed CA$13,000 (US$10,082) in the form of a demand loan to Pure Sunfarms. Effective January 1, 2019, the loan amounts bear simple interest at the rate of 6.2% per annum, calculated semi-annually applied retroactively, commencing on the date the loan amount was advanced. Interest will accrue and be payable upon demand being made by either Shareholder. From inception until January 1, 2019 the loan amounts bore interest at the rate of 8%.

On March 30, 2019, Pure Sunfarms exercised its option on the existing 1.1 million square foot Delta 2 greenhouse facility currently owned by VFF in Delta, British Columbia. The Delta 2 greenhouse facility is a nearly identical “sister” facility immediately adjacent to the 1.1 million square foot Delta 3 greenhouse facility. The addition of the Delta 2 greenhouse facility will double Pure Sunfarms’ total production area to 2.2 million square feet and, with conservatively targeted annual production of approximately 75,000 kilograms of dried cannabis, will double its annual cannabis production potential to approximately 150,000 kilograms. Pure Sunfarms also expects to benefit from further economies of scale resulting from the concentration of 2.2 million square feet of production area at a single location, which will further support the Company’s goal to be the high-quality, low-cost cannabis producer in Canada. The existing automated propagation operation (nursery) in the Delta 3 greenhouse facility will serve the Delta 2 greenhouse facility, enabling more of the footprint of the Delta 2 greenhouse facility to be devoted to flower rooms than in the Delta 3 greenhouse facility, which is expected to generate further cost efficiencies.

VFH

On February 27, 2019, the Company entered into a joint venture with Nature Crisp to form VFH, for the objective of outdoor cultivation of high percentage CBD hemp and CBD extraction in multiple states throughout the United States (the “VFH Joint Venture Agreement”). VFH is 65% owned by the Company and 35% owned by Nature Crisp. Under the terms of the VFH Joint Venture Agreement, the Company is expecting to contribute approximately US$15 million to VFH for start-up costs and working capital. Capital investment for extraction capabilities is estimated to be between US$7 to US$10 million and is dependent on future decisions with respect to the locations of hemp production and the extraction operations.

AVGGH

On May 21, 2019, the Company entered into a joint venture with AV Hemp for the objective of outdoor cultivation of high percentage cannabidiol (CBD) hemp and CBD extraction in Colorado (the “AVGGH Joint Venture Agreement”). The joint venture, AVGGH, will be 60% owned by the Company, 35% owned by AV Hemp, and 5% owned by VFH.

Under the terms of the AVGGH Joint Venture Agreement, the Company will lend approximately US$5 million to AVGGH for start-up costs and working capital. The loans will bear simple interest at the rate of 8% per annum,

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

calculated monthly. To the extent cash is available from positive cash flow, the AVGGH will seek to repay the Company with respect to any such loans in the range of $2 million to $3 million in the initial two years following the formation of AVGGH.

Reporting Requirements

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company intends to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. This will also require the Company’s financial statements and financial data to be presented under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (‘U.S. GAAP”). Accordingly, the Company will file its annual report, as a U.S. domestic issuer, on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 under U.S. GAAP and regular periodic reports under both Canadian and U.S. law thereafter using U.S. GAAP.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Statutory Financial Performance

(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

 

     For the three months
ended June 30,
     For the six months ended
June 30,
 
     2019      2018      2019     2018  

Sales

   $ 41,329      $ 42,039      $ 73,219     $ 71,529  

Cost of sales

     (44,263      (41,150      (75,845     (67,053

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (3,918      (3,688      (7,944     (7,045

Stock compensation expense

     (912      (138      (2,321     (256

Change in biological asset (1)

     630        856        530       197  

Loss from operations

     (7,134      (2,081      (12,361     (2,628

Interest expense

     (714      (691      (1,457     (1,289

Interest income

     211        —          347       —    

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     243        (21      521       (14

Other income, net

     282        26        150       44  

Share of income (loss) from joint venture

     13,841        (104      18,110       (341

Gain on disposal of assets

     —          —          13,566       —    

(Provision for) recovery of income taxes

     3,160        589        (1,340     802  

Net income (loss)

     9,889        (2,282      17,536       (3,426

Consolidated EBITDA (2)

     4,593        (1,316      5,873       496  

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

   $ 0.20      ($ 0.05    $ 0.36     ($ 0.08

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

   $ 0.20      ($ 0.05    $ 0.35     ($ 0.08

 

(1)

Biological asset consists of the Company’s produce on the vines at the period end. Details of the changes are described in note 5 of the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

(2)

EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Therefore, EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. See “Non-IFRS Measures”. Management believes that EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of the Company. Consolidated EBITDA includes the Company’s 50% share interest in Pure Sunfarms, 65% interest in VFH and 60% interest in AVGGH.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018

Sales

Sales for the three months ended June 30, 2019 decreased by ($710), or (2%), to $41,329 from $42,039 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in sales is primarily due to a decrease in the Company’s production of (9%) which was partially offset by an increase in supply partner revenue of 14% (or 9% in product volume) and an increase in the average selling price of tomatoes. The decrease in the Company’s own production is due to a clean-out in one facility during the second quarter of 2019 that did not occur in the second quarter of 2018 and virus pressure at another facility.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

The average selling price of tomatoes increased 3% for the three months ended June 30, 2019 versus the three months ended June 30, 2018. Cucumber pricing decreased by (12%) and pepper pricing increased by 6% in the second quarter of 2019 versus the comparable quarter in 2018.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $3,113, or 8%, to $44,263 from $41,150 for the three months ended June 30, 2018; primarily due to an increase of $1,447 in contract sales cost (due to the increased volume) and an increase in cost per pound from the Texas facilities, which is due to production issues that caused decreases in production. The decrease in production causes an increase in cost per pound as most costs are fixed and, as production decreases, cost per pound increases.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $230, or (6%), to $3,918 from $3,688 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is due to accounting costs, legal fees and consulting fees all related to the Company’s growth initiatives involving its new crops in both Canada and United States, as well as its dual listing on the Nasdaq in February 2019.

Stock Compensation Expenses

Stock compensation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $912 and $138, respectively. The incremental increase in stock compensation is related to the granting of stock options in June 2018 and early 2019 that have higher exercise and strike prices relative to options granted in prior years.

Change in Biological Asset

The net change in fair value of the biological asset was $630 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to $856 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in the change in the biological asset was due to a lower starting value for the for the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The fair value of the biological asset as at June 30, 2019 was $5,429 as compared to $6,920 as at June 30, 2018 due to lower production and lower average selling price in early July 2019 versus July 2018.

(Loss) from Operations

Loss from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased ($5,053) to ($7,134) from ($2,081) for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increased loss is due to an increase in cost of sales, a decrease in sales due to lower production as well as an increase in selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $23 to $714 from $691 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in the outstanding principal balances.

Share of Income from Joint Ventures

The Company’s share of income from its Pure Sunfarms joint venture for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $13,841 compared to a loss of ($104) for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is due to having production operations for the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to not having production operations for the same period in 2018.

The Company’s share of loss from VFH for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was ($105) compared to $nil for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The loss primarily consists of salaries and other pre-production phase administrative costs.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

The Company’s share of loss from AVGGH for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was ($16) compared to $nil for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The loss primarily consists of salaries and other pre-production phase administrative costs.

Recovery of Income Taxes

Recovery of income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $3,160 compared to $589 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The income tax recovery increase is due to the increase in the loss from the Company’s produce operations. Pure Sunfarms, VFH and AVGGH are all reported post-tax and therefore do not factor into the Company’s tax calculation.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $11,204 to $9,889 from ($2,282) for the three months ended June 30, 2018 primarily due to income from Pure Sunfarms offset by an increase in the loss from the Company’s produce operations.

EBITDA

EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2019 increased by $5,880 to $4,564 from ($1,316) for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is primarily as a result of an increase in the Company’s share of EDITDA from Pure Sunfarms of $9,712 partially offset by an increase in the loss from operations for the Company’s produce business. See the EBITDA calculation in “Non-IFRS Measures - Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA”.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

Sales

Sales for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased $1,690, or 2%, to $73,219 compared to $71,529 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in net sales is due to an increase in supply partner revenues of 16% over the comparable period in 2018 partially offset by a (12%) decrease in the Company’s production volume. The decrease in the Company’s production volume is primarily due to a clean-out in one of Company’s facilities (which did not occur in the last three years) and ongoing virus pressure at the Company’s Texas facilities.

The net price for all tomato pounds sold increased by 1% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018. Pepper prices increased 10% and pounds increased 40% over the comparable period in 2018, and cucumber prices decreased (10%) and pieces decreased (10%) for the six months ended June 30, 2019 over the comparable period in 2018.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased $8,792, or 13%, to $75,845 from $67,053 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, due to an increase in supply partner purchases of 25% and an increase in the cost per pound of the Company’s own grown product in Texas due to decreased pounds and higher labor costs, due to the higher utilization of hourly rate contract laborers versus VFF employees for the 2018/2019 crop as compared to the prior crop.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased ($899), or (13%), to $7,944 from $7,045 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is due to public company costs such as investor relations, legal, accounting and listing fees.

Stock Compensation Expenses

Stock compensation expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were $2,321 compared to $256 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The incremental increase in stock compensation is primarily related to performance share grants in the first quarter of 2019 that were earned in relation to developments in Pure Sunfarms, as well as the ongoing incremental costs of issuing higher valued stock options.

Change in Fair Value of Biological Asset, Net

The net change in the fair value of biological asset for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased $333 to $530 from $197 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in the change in the biological asset was due to a lower starting value for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018.

(Loss) from Operations

(Loss) from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased ($9,733) to ($12,361), from ($2,628) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in operation results is due to an increase in cost of sales caused by a cost per pounds increase due to a production shortfall in Texas, an increase in stock compensation and higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2019 decreased by $168 to $1,457 from $1,289 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. This increase is due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by a decrease in the outstanding principal balances.

Income Taxes (Recovery)

Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were $1,340 compared to an income tax recovery of ($802) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The difference is due to the gain on disposal of assets in 2019 that did not occur in 2018. Pure Sunfarms, VFH and AVGGH are all reported post-tax and therefore do not affect the Company’s tax calculation.

Share of Income (Loss) from Joint Ventures

The Company’s share of income from its Pure Sunfarms joint venture for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $18,260 compared to loss of ($104) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is due to having production operations for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to not having production operations for the same period in 2018.

The Company’s share of loss from VFH for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was ($134) compared to $nil for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The loss primarily consists of salaries and other administrative pre-production phase costs.

The Company’s share of loss from AVGGH for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was ($16) compared to $nil for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The loss primarily consists of salaries and other pre-production phase administrative costs.

 

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Gain on Disposal of Assets

The Company recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2019 a gain of $13,566 on the contribution of one of the Company’s greenhouse facilities in Delta, British Columbia and related land to Pure Sunfarms. See note 7 of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for details of the transaction.

Net Income (Loss)

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased $20,962 to $17,536 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 from a loss of ($3,426) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase is a result of a gain on disposal of assets and the Company’s share of income from Pure Sunfarms, partially offset by an increase in the loss from the Company’s produce business.

EBITDA

EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased $5,347 to $5,843 from $496 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily as a result of an increase in the Company’s share of income from Pure Sunfarms (Pure Sunfarms EBITDA - $12,671) partially offset by an increase in the loss from the Company’s produce business. See the EBITDA calculation in “Non-IFRS Measure – Reconciliation of Net Earnings to EBITDA”.

Selected Statement of Financial Position Data

 

     As at June 30,      As at December 31,  
     2019      2018  

Total assets

   $ 197,059      $ 159,815  

Total liabilities

   $ 62,927      $ 59,119  

Shareholders’ equity

   $ 134,132      $ 100,696  

Non-IFRS Measures

References in this MD&A to “EBITDA” are to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, foreign currency exchange gains and losses on translation of long-term debt, unrealized gains on the changes in the value of derivative instruments, unrealized change in biological asset, stock compensation, and gains and losses on asset sales. EBITDA is a cash flow measure that is not recognized under IFRS and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Therefore, EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Investors are cautioned that EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance or to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as measures of liquidity and cash flows. Management believes that EBITDA is an important measure in evaluating the historical performance of the Company.

We also present EBITDA, earnings per share and diluted earnings per share on a proportionate segment basis. Each of the components of EBITDA, on a proportionate segment basis, are presented in the table Reconciliation of IFRS to Proportionate Results. We believe that the ability of investors to assess our overall performance may be improved by the disclosure of proportionate segment EBITDA, earnings per share and diluted earnings per share.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA

The following table reflects a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA, as presented by the Company:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)    For the three months
ended June 30,
     For the six months ended
June 30,
 
     2019      2018      2019     2018  

Net income (loss)

   $ 9,889      ($ 2,282    $ 17,536     ($ 3,426

Add:

          

Amortization

     1,841        1,722        3,767       3,523  

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain)

     (243      21        (521     14  

Interest expense, net

     503        691        1,110       1,289  

Income taxes (recovery)

     (3,160      (589      1,340       (802

Stock based compensation

     912        138        2,321       256  

Change in biological asset

     (630      (856      (530     (197

Change in biological asset for JVs

     (7,348      (161      (10,399     (161

Interest expense for JVs

     196        —          197       —    

Amortization for JVs

     197        —          424       —    

Foreign currency exchange loss (gain) for JVs

     12        —          (7     —    

Income taxes (recovery) from JVs

     2,424           4,048       —    

Gain on disposal of assets

     —          —          (13,566     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 4,593      ($ 1,316    $ 5,873     $ 496  

EBITDA for JVs (See table below)

   $ 9,324      ($ 265    $ 12,525     ($ 502

EBITDA excluding JVs(produce)

   ($ 4,731    ($ 1,051    ($ 6,652   $ 998  

 

Breakout of JV EBITDA

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

   For the three months
ended June 30,
     For the six months
ended June 30,
 
     2019      2018      2019     2018  

Pure Sunfarms EBITDA

   $ 9,447      ($ 265    $ 12,671     ($ 502

VFH EBITDA

     (103      —          (126     —    

AVGGH EBITDA

     (20      —          (20     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total JV EBITDA

   $ 9,324      ($ 265    $ 12,525     ($ 502
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 11 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Reconciliation of IFRS to Proportionate Results

The following tables are a reconciliation of the IFRS results to the proportionate results (which include the Company’s proportionate share of the Pure Sunfarms and VFH and AVGGH (“Hemp”) operations):

 

     For the three months ended June 30, 2019  
     Produce      Pure
Sunfarms (1)
     Hemp (1)      Total  

Sales

   $ 41,329      $ 12,122      $ —        $ 53,451  

Cost of sales

     (44,263      (1,978      —          (46,241

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (3,918      (893      (119      (4,930

Stock compensation expense

     (912      —          —          (912

Change in biological asset (2)

     630        7,348        —          7,978  

Other income (expense) net

     22        (157      (51      (186

(Provision for) recovery of income taxes

     3,160        (2,480      49        729  

Net income (loss)

     (3,952      13,962        (121      9,889  

EBITDA (3)

     (4,731      9,447        (123      4,593  

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

   ($ 0.08    $ 0.28      ($ 0.00    $ 0.20  

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

   ($ 0.08    $ 0.28      ($ 0.00    $ 0.20  
     For the three months ended June 30, 2018  
     Produce      Pure
Sunfarms (1)
     Hemp (1)      Total  

Sales

   $ 42,039      $ —        $ —        $ 42,039  

Cost of sales

     (41,150      —          —          (41,150

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (3,688      (275      —          (3,963

Stock compensation expense

     (138      —          —          (138

Change in biological asset (2)

     856        104        —          960  

Other income (expense) net

     (686      —          —          (686

Recovery of income taxes

     589        —          —          589  

Net income (loss)

     (2,178      (104      —          (2,282

EBITDA (3)

     (1,041      (275      —          (1,316

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

   ($ 0.05    ($ 0.00    $ —        ($ 0.05

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

   ($ 0.05    ($ 0.00    $ —        ($ 0.05
     For the six months ended June 30, 2019  
     Produce      Pure
Sunfarms (1)
     Hemp (1)      Total  

Sales

   $ 73,219      $ 17,523      $ —        $ 90,742  

Cost of sales

     (75,845      (3,887      —          (79,732

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (7,944      (1,393      (148      (9,485

Stock compensation expense

     (2,321      —          —          (2,321

Change in biological asset (2)

     530        10,399        —          10,929  

Gain on disposal of assets

     13,566        —          —          13,566  

Other income (expense) net

     (439      (133      (51      (623

(Provision for) recovery of income taxes

     (1,340      (4,249      49        (5,540

Net income (loss)

     (574      18,260        (150      17,536  

EBITDA (3)

     (6,652      12,671        (146      5,873  

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

   ($ 0.01    $ 0.37      $ 0.00      $ 0.37  

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

   ($ 0.01    $ 0.36      $ 0.00      $ 0.36  

 

- 12 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

 

     For the six months ended June 30, 2018  
     Produce     Pure
Sunfarms (1)
    Hemp (1)      Total  

Sales

   $ 71,529     $ —       $ —        $ 71,529  

Cost of sales

     (67,053     —         —          (67,053

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     (7,045     (502     —          (7,547

Stock compensation expense

     (256          (256

Change in biological asset (2)

     197       161       —          358  

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

     —         —         —          —    

Other income (expense) net

     (1,259     —         —          (1,259

Recovery of income taxes

     802       —         —          802  

Net income (loss)

     (3,085     (341     —          (3,426

EBITDA (3)

     998       (502     —          496  

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

   ($ 0.07   ($ 0.01   $ —        ($ 0.08

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

   ($ 0.07   ($ 0.01   $ —        ($ 0.08

Notes:

(1)

The adjusted consolidated financial results have been adjusted to include the Company’s share of revenues and expenses from Pure Sunfarms and Hemp on a proportionate accounting basis, on which management bases its operating decisions and performance evaluation. IFRS does not allow for the inclusion of the joint ventures on a proportionate basis. These results include additional non-IFRS measures such as EBITDA.

The adjusted results are not generally accepted measures of financial performance under IFRS. The Company’s method of calculating these financial performance measures may differ from other companies and accordingly, they may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. Refer to the MD&A for a reconciliation of these non-IFRS measures and adjusted results.

 

(2)

Biological asset consists of the Company’s produce on the vines and Pure Sunfarms’ crop at the period end. Details of the Company’s changes are described in note 5 of the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

 

(3)

EBITDA is not a recognized earnings measure and does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Therefore, EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. See “Non-IFRS Measures”. Management believes that EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the performance of the Company. Consolidated EBITDA includes the Company’s 50% interest Pure Sunfarms, the Company’s 65% interest in VFH and the Company’s 60% interest in AVGGH.

Liquidity

Cash flows

The Company expects to provide adequate financing to maintain and improve its property, plant and equipment, to fund working capital produce needs and invest in VFH and AVGGH for the foreseeable future from cash flows from operations, and, if needed, from additional borrowings under the Credit Facilities (as defined below) or additional equity financing. Pure Sunfarms is self-funding and may start repaying shareholder loans in the fourth quarter of 2019. The proceeds will be used by the Company for its produce operations and other U.S. growth initiatives.

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, cash flows from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital and changes in the biological asset totalled ($6,605) (2018 - $1,164).

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, cash flows used by investing activities totalled $6,827 ($5,475 in notes to Joint Venture and $1,096 in capital expenditures) (2018 – $1,440 in capital expenditures).

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the cash provided by financing activities primarily consisted of the issuance of common shares pursuant to an underwritten public offering of $13,930, operating loan borrowings of $3,000, the exercise of warrants of $466, proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $74, debt payments of ($1,709), net interest payments of ($1,063) and payments on capital lease obligations of ($423) (2018 – private placement of $7,755, operating loan borrowings of $7,000, proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $263, debt payments of ($917), net interest payments of ($1,289) and payments on capital lease obligations of ($34)).

 

- 13 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Capital Resources

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted)    Maximum      Outstanding
June 30, 2019
 

Operating Loan

   CA$ 13,000      $ 5,000  

Term Loan

   $ 32,845      $ 32,845  

VFCE Loan

   CA$ 1,763      CA$ 1,763  

The Company has a term loan financing agreement with a Canadian creditor (the “FCC Loan”). This non-revolving variable rate term loan has a maturity date of May 1, 2021 and a balance of $32,845 as at June 30, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $34,385). The outstanding balance is repayable by way of monthly installments of principal and interest based on an amortization period of 15 years, with the balance and any accrued interest to be paid in full on May 1, 2021. As at June 30, 2019, borrowings under the FCC Loan were subject to an interest rate of 7.076% (December 31, 2018 – 7.082%), which is determined based on the Company’s debt to EBITDA ratio and the applicable LIBOR rate.

The Company’s subsidiary, VFCE, has a loan agreement with a Canadian chartered bank that includes a non-revolving fixed rate loan of CA$3.0 million with a maturity date of June 30, 2023 and a fixed interest rate of 4.98%. As at June 30, 2019, the balance was US$1,219 (December 31, 2018 - US$279). The loan agreement also includes an uncommitted, non-revolving credit facility for up to CA$300 to cover letters of guarantee issued by the bank on behalf of the Company, with a maximum term of 365 days, renewable annually. The loan agreement also includes an uncommitted credit facility for up to CA$700 to support financing of certain capital expenditures. The Company received an initial advance of CA$250 in October 2017. Each advance is to be repaid on a five-year, straight-line amortization of principal, repaid in monthly installments of principal plus interest at an interest rate of CA$ prime rate plus 200 basis points. As at June 30, 2019, the balance was US$127 (December 31, 2018 - $138).

The Company is also party to a variable rate line of credit agreement with a Canadian chartered bank that has a maturity date of May 31, 2021 (the “Operating Loan” and together with the FCC Loan, the “Credit Facilities”). The Operating Loan is subject to margin requirements stipulated by the bank. As at June 30, 2019, $5,000 was drawn on the Operating Loan (June 30, 2018 - $7,000), which is available to a maximum of CA$13,000, less outstanding letters of credit of US$150 and CA$38.

As security for the FCC Loan, the Company has provided promissory notes, a first mortgage on the VFF-owned greenhouse properties (excluding the Delta 2 greenhouse facility) and general security agreements over its assets. In addition, the Company has provided full recourse guarantees and has granted security therein. The carrying value of the assets and securities pledged as collateral as at June 30, 2019 was $158,887 (December 31, 2018 – $114,544).

As security for the Operating Loan, the Company has provided promissory notes and a first priority security interest over its accounts receivable and inventory. In addition, the Company has granted full recourse guarantees and security therein. The carrying value of the assets pledged as collateral as at June 30, 2019 was $36,996 (December 31, 2018 - $38,007).

The borrowings are subject to certain positive and negative covenants, which include debt coverage ratios. As at June 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants.

Accrued interest payable on the credit facilities and loans as at June 30, 2019 was $177 (December 31, 2018 - $184) and these amounts are included in accrued liabilities in the interim statements of financial position.

 

- 14 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

Information regarding the Company’s contractual obligations as at June 30, 2019 is set forth in the table below:

 

Financial liabilities

   Total      1 year      2-3 years      4-5 years      More than
5 years
 

Long-term debt

   $ 36,681      $ 3,717      $ 32,623      $ 341      $ —    

Line of credit

     5,000        5,000        —          —          —    

Trade payables

     9,389        9,389        —          —          —    

Accrued liabilities

     6,730        6,730        —          —          —    

Lease liabilities

     4,739        1,149        2,226        1,243        121  

Other liabilities

     1,205        —          1,205        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 63,744      $ 25,985      $ 36,054      $ 1,584      $ 121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company is expecting to loan additional amounts to VFH and AVGGH estimated to be up to $12,000. This amount will either increase or decrease based on these Company’s ability to generate cash from sales as expected and the timing of the capital expense cost for extraction.

Capital Expenditures

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company purchased approximately $861 and $858, respectively, of capital assets used for replacements and improvements to existing facilities.

Management continues to review new capital expenditures to support its strategic plan of achieving cost efficiencies through increased productivity. Management may elect, where appropriate, to sell inefficient or non-strategic assets to produce cash to wholly or partially finance new capital expenditures. The Company will also borrow to maintain, improve and replace capital assets when the return on such investments exceed targeted thresholds for internal rates of return. There can be no assurance, however, that sources of financing will be available, or will be available on terms favourable to the Company, or that these strategic initiatives will achieve adequate cost reduction in actual implementation or considering the competitive pressures on the cost of raw materials and other factors of production. Management believes that its capital expenditures will be funded by further equity raises.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company incurred $732 and $1,493, respectively, in costs to maintain its capital assets. These expenses are classified as repair and maintenance and are included in cost of sales. Management forecasts approximately $2,500 of annual costs to maintain the Company’s capital assets.

Summary of Quarterly Results

For the three months ended:

 

(in thousands of U.S. Dollars,

except per share amounts)     

   Jun 30,
2019
     Mar 31,
2019
     Dec 31,
2018
     Sept 30,
2018
    Jun 30,
2018
    Mar 31,
2018
    Dec 31,
2017
    Sept 30,
2017
 

Sales

   $ 41,329      $ 31,890      $ 38,787      $ 39,684     $ 42,039     $ 29,490     $ 36,864     $ 44,735  

Share of income (loss) from joint ventures

   $ 13,841      $ 4,269      $ 2,750      ($ 28   ($ 104   ($ 237   ($ 35   ($ 220

Net income (loss)

   $ 9,889      $ 7,648      $ 270      ($ 1,989   ($ 2,282   ($ 1,143   ($ 607   $ 294  

Basic income (loss) per share

   $ 0.20      $ 0.16      $ 0.01      ($ 0.04   ($ 0.05   ($ 0.03   ($ 0.02   $ 0.01  

Diluted income (loss) per share

   $ 0.20      $ 0.15      $ 0.01      ($ 0.04   ($ 0.05   ($ 0.03   ($ 0.02   $ 0.01  

Financial Instruments and Risk Management

Risk Management

The Company is exposed to the following risks as a result of holding financial instruments: market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and liquidity risk. The following is a description of these risks and how they are managed by the Company.

 

- 15 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in the market place.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk that the Company will incur a loss due to the failure by its customers or other parties to meet their contractual obligations. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and investments in joint ventures.

The Company limits its exposure to credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions.

The Company’s trade receivables had two customers that represented more than 10% of the balance of trade receivables, representing 11.7% and 11.0% of the balance of trade receivables as at June 30, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - two customers represented 13.8% and 11.5%). The Company believes that its expected credit losses are limited due to the protection afforded to the Company by the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (the “PACA”) for its sales in the United States, which represent the majority of the Company’s annual sales. The PACA protection gives a claim filed under the PACA a first lien on all PACA assets (which include cash and trade receivables of the debtor). PACA fosters trading practices in the marketing of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in interstate and foreign commerce. It prohibits unfair and fraudulent practices and provides a means of enforcing contracts. Historical write-offs have represented less than one-half of 1% of sales.

Trade receivables for each customer were evaluated for collectability and an allowance for doubtful accounts has been estimated. As at June 30, 2019, the allowance for doubtful accounts balance was $50 (2018 – $50). The Company has not recorded bad debt expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 (2018 – $nil).

As at June 30, 2019, 97.7% (2018 – 93.0%) of trade receivables were outstanding less than 30 days, 1.1% (2018 – 5.9%) were outstanding for between 30 and 90 days and the remaining 1.2% (2018 – 1.1%) were outstanding for more than 90 days. Trade receivables are considered past due based on the contract terms agreed to with a customer. Aged receivables that are past due are not considered impaired unless customer specific information indicates otherwise.

The Company’s credit risk in respect of its investment in joint ventures is based on the ability of these joint ventures to become profitable and maintain profitability. As at June 30, 2019 the Company’s investment in joint ventures is as follows; Pure Sunfarms $54,117, VFH $93 and AVGGH $20.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.

The Company has used derivative instruments to reduce market exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company has used derivative instruments only for risk management purposes and not for generating trading profits.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations as they become due. The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities as at June 30, 2019:

 

(in thousands of U.S. dollars)

Financial liabilities                

   Contractual
cash flows
     0 to 12
months
     12 to 24
months
     After 24
months
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 16,119      $ 16,119      $ —        $ —    

Bank debt

     34,230        3,439        3,669        27,122  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 50,349      $ 19,558      $ 3,669      $ 27,122  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

- 16 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

It is the Company’s intention to meet these obligations through the collection of current accounts receivable and cash and to refinance the FCC Loan in the spring of 2020. The Company has available lines of credit of up to CA$13,000 (as at June 30, 2019, $5,000 was outstanding and US$150 and CA$38 was utilized in the form of outstanding letters of credit). If the current resources and cash generated from operations are insufficient to satisfy its obligations, the Company may seek to issue additional equity or to arrange debt or other financing.

Under the terms of the Credit Facilities, the Company is subject to certain covenants, including debt service covenants. These covenants could reduce the Company’s flexibility in conducting the Company’s operations by limiting the Company’s ability to borrow money and may create a risk of default on the Company’s debt (including by a cross-default to other credit agreements) if the Company cannot satisfy or continue to satisfy these covenants. In the event that the Company cannot comply with a debt covenant or anticipates that it will be unable to comply with a debt covenant in the future, management may seek a waiver and/or amendment from the applicable lenders in respect of any such covenant in order to avoid any breach or default that might otherwise result therefrom. If the Company defaults under any of the Credit Facilities and the default is not waived by the applicable lenders, the debt extended pursuant to all of its debt instruments could become due and payable prior to its stated due date. The Company cannot give any assurance that (i) its lenders will continue to agree to any covenant amendments or waive any covenant breaches or defaults that may occur under the applicable debt instruments, and (ii) it could pay this debt if it became due prior to its stated due date. Accordingly, any default by the Company under its existing debt that is not waived by the applicable lenders could materially adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and financial results and may have a material adverse effect on the trading price of its common shares. See also “Risk Factors – Dependence Upon Credit Facilities” in the Company’s current Annual Information Form.

Environmental, Health and Safety Risk

The Company’s operations are subject to national, regional and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations governing, among other things, discharge to air, land and water, the handling and storage of fresh produce, waste disposal, the protection of employee health, safety and the environment. The Company’s greenhouse facilities could experience incidents, malfunctions or other unplanned events that could result in discharges in excess of permitted levels resulting in personal injury, fines, penalties or other sanctions and property damage. The Company must maintain a number of environmental and other permits from various governmental authorities in order to operate. Failure to maintain compliance with these requirements could result in operational interruptions, fines or penalties, or the need to install potentially costly pollution control technology. Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations, which are likely to become more stringent over time, including those governing greenhouse gas emissions, may impose additional capital costs and financial expenditures, which could adversely affect the Company’s operational results and profitability.

The Company is committed to protecting the health and safety of employees and the general public, and to sound environmental stewardship. The Company believes that prevention of incidents and injuries, and protection of the environment, benefits everyone and delivers increased value to its shareholders, customers and employees. The Company has health and safety and environmental management and systems and has established policies, programs and practices for conducting safe and environmentally sound operations. Regular reviews and audits are conducted to assess compliance with legislation in accordance with Company policy.

Overview

The forward-looking statements contained in this section and elsewhere in this MD&A are not historical facts, but rather, reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future results or events and are based on information currently available to Management. Certain material factors and assumptions were applied in providing these forward-looking statements. See the “Forward-Looking Statements” section of this MD&A.

 

- 17 -


Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Cannabis

On June 6, 2017, the Company announced an initiative into growing cannabis through a joint venture with an existing licensed producer, pursuant to which the Company would contribute one of its Delta greenhouses and growing knowledge in exchange for a 50% equity position. Emerald has contributed CA$20 million for its 50% equity interest. The joint venture is named “Pure Sunfarms Corp.” Pure Sunfarms received its cultivation license from Health Canada for the Delta 3 Greenhouse on March 2, 2018. Pure Sunfarms received its sales license from Health Canada on July 30, 2018. Pure Sunfarms has been harvesting cannabis since the middle of May 2018 and with its sales license has commenced the sales of dried cannabis to other Licensed Producers. The entire facility was licensed for cultivation in March 2019 and it is now one of the largest commercial cannabis production facilities in Canada.

On March 31, 2019, Pure Sunfarms exercised its option on the existing 1.1 million square foot Delta 2 greenhouse facility currently owned by Village Farms in Delta, British Columbia. The Delta 2 greenhouse facility is a nearly identical “sister” facility immediately adjacent to the 1.1 million square foot Delta 3 greenhouse facility, which is already one of the largest cannabis production operations in the world. The addition of the Delta 2 greenhouse facility will double Pure Sunfarms’ total production area to 2.2 million square feet and, with conservatively targeted annual production of approximately 75,000 kilograms of dried cannabis, will double its annual cannabis production potential to approximately 150,000 kilograms in 2021. Pure Sunfarms also expects to benefit from further economies of scale resulting from the concentration of 2.2 million square feet of production area at a single location, which will further support the Company’s goal to be one of the leading high-quality, low-cost cannabis producers in Canada. The existing automated propagation operation (nursery) in the Delta 3 greenhouse facility will serve the Delta 2 greenhouse facility, enabling more of the footprint of the Delta 2 greenhouse facility to be devoted to flower rooms than in the Delta 3 greenhouse facility, which is expected to generate further cost efficiencies.

Pure Sunfarms is now producing cannabis for well under CA$1 per gram due to the achievement of full-scale production at the facility which brings economies of scale to the cost of production. Furthermore, Pure Sunfarms has not incurred incremental season costs related to winter production during the second quarter of 2019, which involved substantive power use. Management believes that the full-year cost of production for Pure Sunfarms will be under CA$1 per gram for 2019. Pure Sunfarms continues to sell all of its cannabis to other licensed producers at prices in the $3 to $5 per gram price range, depending on the varieties produced, quality and spot market demand and supply. For the second quarter of 2019 Pure Sunfarms generated a product gross margin of 84%, and the Company expects that through the summer months of 2019 this margin will be sustained. As Pure Sunfarms enters the upcoming winter growing season, the product gross margin is likely to decrease due to higher costs per gram resulting from the seasonal cost of power, which are not incurred during the summer months, as well as the ongoing spot price economics of demand and supply. Once Pure Sunfarms obtains its packaging license, it will have the incremental to increase its selling price as a result of the ability to sell directly to provincial governments and to add oils to its product offering, which may help sustain the current quarter’s product gross margin into through the ended of 2019.

As such, the Company’s 50% equity interest in Pure Sunfarms is generating substantially higher revenue and profits than prior revenues and profits from the tomato crop previously grown in the facility and the Company believes that similar results will occur once the Delta 2 facility is completed and licensed for cannabis production.

Since July 2018, each of the Shareholders of Pure Sunfarms has provided CAD $13.0 million of capital in the form of demand shareholder loans. Due to the positive cash flow of Pure Sunfarms, the Company expects to start receiving repayment of a portion of its demand shareholder loan in the fourth quarter of 2019 with a full repayment by the second quarter of 2020.

Recently Emerald Health Therapeutics (“Emerald”) has been electing not to fully exercise its right under the Supply Agreement to purchase 40% of Pure Sunfarms’ cannabis production. Pure Sunfarms has sold, and continues to sell, all portions of the production that Emerald did not purchase to other licensed producers in the spot market, where it has been realizing pricing in excess of the predetermined selling price to Emerald under this Supply Agreement.

Currently, management has no intention of growing cannabis at its U.S. greenhouse facilities or holding any equity investments in U.S. cannabis cultivation businesses, in each case until it is federally legal to do so. The Company’s sole cannabis operations are its 50% ownership interest in Pure Sunfarms.

The Company continues to seek and evaluate other cannabis opportunities in North and South America where cannabis is either currently legal or is in the process of becoming legal.

Hemp (combination of VFH, AVGGH and VFLP)

On June 11, 2019, the Governor of Texas signed the Texas Hemp Bill making hemp a legal crop to grow in Texas. This follows the federal approval of hemp as part of the 2018 Farm Bill that was passed in December 2018. Under the

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

2018 Farm Bill each U.S. state must have it state hemp regulations approved. The Texas Hemp Bill requires the Texas Department of Agriculture (“TDA”) to issue licenses to grow hemp. At this time, the TDA is awaiting the federal hemp regulations forthcoming from the USDA before it will initiate the licensing process. As such, while the Company announced it had begun the conversion of one of its Texas greenhouses to hemp, the Company cannot start to produce hemp at any of its Texas facilities until it is issued a hemp license by the TDA. Management does not expect that to occur until early 2020. In the interim, the Company continues to convert a portion of one of its Texas facilities to grow hemp as well as evaluate extraction capabilities, which the Company expects to install at each of the Texas facilities as each is converted to hemp production.

On February 27, 2019, the Company entered into the VFH Joint Venture Agreement with Nature Crisp to form VFH, for the objective of outdoor cultivation of high percentage CBD hemp and CBD extraction in multiple states throughout the United States. VFH is 65% owned by the Company and 35% owned by Nature Crisp. Under the terms of the VFH Joint Venture Agreement, the Company will contribute approximately US$15 million to VFH for start-up costs and working capital. Capital investment for extraction capabilities is to be determined and dependent on future decisions with respect to the locations of hemp production and the extraction operations.

On March 25, 2019, the Company entered into a grid loan agreement with VFH, whereby, as at June 30, 2019, the Company had contributed $5,193 in the form a grid loan to VFH. The grid loan has a maturity date of March 25, 2022 and will bear simple interest at the rate of 8% per annum, calculated monthly.

VFH has planted a total of 600acres of field hemp in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and is expecting to start harvesting in late August 2019 with ongoing harvests through October 2019. Management expects to sell most of the 2019 VFH harvest as bio-mass to third parties, which discussions are currently in process. VFH is finalizing the location for its CBD-extraction operations and is targeting late spring 2020 for the commencement field cultivation of hemp.

VFH only conducts, and will only conduct, its operations in locations where it is fully legal to do so at the federal and state level.

On May 21, 2019, the Company entered into a joint venture with AV Hemp for the objective of outdoor cultivation of high percentage cannabidiol (CBD) hemp and CBD extraction in Colorado. The joint venture, AVGGH, has planted 120 acres of hemp seed and is currently evaluating the germination of the seeds at the location. Early results show that planting hemp by seed has a lower germination rate than expected but management nonetheless expects to reach its expected net CBD targets due to higher bio-mass yields than initially expected.

On June 7, 2019 the Company entered into a grid loan agreement with AVGGH, whereby, as at June 30, 2019, the Company had contributed $552 in the form of a grid loan to AVGGH. The grid loan has a maturity date of June 7, 2022, and will bear simple interest at the rate of 8% per annum, calculated monthly.

Produce

The Company continues to focus on increasing its produce revenues and returning to profitability on its core crops – tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. The increase in produce revenues will occur through an increased product volume with partner suppliers, through additional suppliers and growth with current suppliers. The Company also continues to actively explore whether to produce certain higher margin alternative crops at the Company’s continuing produce facilities, such as hemp, as well as evaluate other cannabis related business opportunities.

Growth expenditures

The Company expects to spend between $1.0 to $1.5 million on capital expenditures in 2019 on its produce facilities. These expenditures are to repair and enhance existing growing and pack house systems either due to obsolescence of the system or to improve operational efficiencies.

The Company will continue to use it existing capital from its April equity raise to fund the capital needs of VFH and AVGGH throughout 2019. As the Company’s plans in respect of VFH extraction are confirmed, the Company may need to raise

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

additional capital for VFH. Additionally, if the TDA were to provide the Company with a hemp license or provide the Company with an indication as to the timing of such a license, the Company may seek to raise incremental equity capital to fund the conversion of one of its Texas facilities to hemp as quickly as possible.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, as of the end of the period covered by the interim and year end filings, that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are appropriately designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to VFF is made known to them by others within VFF.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings also requires the CEO and Chief Financial Officer of VFF (“CFOs”) to certify, among other things, that they are responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over financial reporting for VFF, that those internal controls have been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that VFF has disclosed any changes to its internal controls during its most recent period that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

For the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company’s management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This evaluation was performed under the supervision of, and with the participation of, the CEO and CFO.    

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect all misstatements.

Based on this evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject to the inherent limitations noted above, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 2019 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties which are summarized below, as well as those discussed in this MD&A. Additional details are contained in the Company’s current Annual Information Form dated March 20, 2019 filed on SEDAR, which can be accessed electronically at www.sedar.com.

Risks Relating to the Company

 

   

Product Pricing

   

Return to Profitability

   

Risks Inherent in the Agricultural Business

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

 

   

Natural Catastrophes

   

Covenant Risk

   

Dependence Upon Credit Facilities

   

Labour Availability

   

Mexican Trade Agreement

   

Competition

   

Governmental Regulations

   

Transportation Disruptions

   

Key Executives

   

Uninsured and Underinsured Losses

   

Product Liability

   

Cyber Security

   

Vulnerability to Rising Energy Cost

   

Risks of Regulatory Change

   

Environmental, Health and Safety Risk

   

Risks Associated with Cross-Border Trade

   

Retail Consolidation

   

Foreign Exchange Exposure

   

Technological Advances

   

Accounting Estimates

   

Growth

   

Intellectual Property

Risks Related to VFH and AVGGH

 

   

State Legalization

   

FDA and USDA regulation

   

Risks Inherent in the Agricultural Business

   

Key Executives of VFH

   

Failure to Realize Growth Strategy

   

Research and Development and Product Obsolescence

   

Intellectual Property Protection May Be Suboptimal

   

Product Liability

   

Environmental Regulations and Risks

   

Fluctuating Prices of Raw Materials

   

Product Recalls

Risks Related to Pure Sunfarms

 

   

Reliance on Licenses

   

Risks Associated with Changes in Laws, Regulations and Guidelines

   

Regulatory Compliance Risks

   

Failure of Regulatory Compliance

   

Failure of Supplier Standards Compliance

   

Marketing Restrictions

   

Unfavourable Publicity or Consumer Perception

   

Third Party Reputational Risks

   

Rapid Growth and Consolidation in the Cannabis Industry

   

Competition

   

Risks Inherent in an Agricultural Business

   

Risks Related to the Joint Venture

   

Reliance on a Single Facility

   

Limited Operating History in the Cannabis Industry

   

Failure to Realize Growth Strategy

   

Ongoing Costs and Obligations Related to Infrastructure, Growth, Regulatory Compliance and Operations

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

   

Attracting and Retaining Key Personnel

   

Research and Development and Product Obsolescence

   

Understanding of CBD and THC May Change

   

Consumer Preferences May Change

   

Products May Not Have Intended Effects

   

Product Liability

   

Product Recalls

   

Fluctuating Prices of Raw Materials

   

Supply and demand Fluctuations

   

Reduced Market Due to Personal Cultivation

   

Quantification of Size of Target Market

   

Segment of Cannabis Market

   

Reliance of Third Party Transportation

   

Reliance on Third Party Distributors

   

Reliance on Key Inputs

   

Reliance on Effective Quality Control

   

Possible Restricted Trade by the Canadian Free Trade Agreement

   

Environmental regulations and Risks

   

Insurance Coverage in the Cannabis Industry

   

Liability of Illegal Activities by Employees, Contractors or Consultants

   

Use of Customer Information and Other Personal and Confidential Information

   

Breach of Security

Risks Related to Tax

 

   

Potential U.S. Permanent Establishment of VF Canada GP, VFCLP and VFF

   

Advances by VF Operations Canada Inc. to U.S. Holdings

   

Transfer Pricing

   

U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Trade Receivables

Trade receivables are measured at amortized cost, net of allowance for expected credit losses. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a customer’s financial condition. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time accounts are past due, the Company’s previous loss history and the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company. Trade receivables are recorded net of lifetime expected credit losses.

Inventories

Inventories of Company-grown produce consist of raw materials, labour and overhead costs incurred less costs charged to cost of sales throughout the various crop cycles, which end at various times throughout the year and exclude the biological asset (see below). Cost of sales is based upon incurred and estimated costs to be incurred from each crop allocated to both actual and estimated future yields over each crop cycle. The cost of produce inventory purchased from third parties is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

Biological Asset

The biological asset consists of the Company’s produce on the vines at the period end. The produce on the vine is measured at fair value less costs to sell and complete, with any change therein recognized in profit or loss. Costs to sell include all costs that would be necessary to sell and complete the assets, including finishing and transportation costs.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes the assets and liability method of accounting for income taxes under which future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying value amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Management uses judgment and estimates in determining the appropriate rates and amounts in recording future taxes, giving consideration to timing and probability. Actual taxes could significantly vary from these estimates as a result of future events, including changes in income tax law or the outcome of reviews by tax authorities and related appeals. The resolution of these uncertainties and the associated final taxes may result in adjustment to the Company’s tax assets and tax liabilities.

Future income tax assets are recognized to the extent that realization is considered more likely than not. The Company considers past results, current trends and outlooks for future years in assessing the realization of income tax assets.

Impairment of Financial and Non-Financial Assets

At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. The Company estimates the recoverable amounts of the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) to which the asset belongs.

Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual CGU’s, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of CGUs’ for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified. Identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. This was determined to be the Canadian and U.S. operations.

Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized immediately in the statement of income.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses for assets with a finite useful life, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in the statement of income.

Due to the above-noted considerations, which are based on the Company’s best available information, the Company has not recorded any impairment charge on its non-financial assets during the three months ended June 30, 2019.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Useful Lives

Management estimates the useful lives of property, plant and equipment based on the period during which the assets are expected to be available for use. The amounts and timing of recorded expenses for depreciation of property, plant and equipment for any period are affected by these estimated useful lives. The estimates are reviewed at least annually and are updated if expectations change as a result of physical wear and tear, technical or commercial obsolescence and legal or other limits to use. It is possible that changes in these factors may cause significant changes in the estimated useful lives of the Company’s property, plant and equipment in the future.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

Land Revaluation

Management concluded that given significant changes in the fair market value of the Company’s land assets, the revaluation method of accounting for land used in production is a more appropriate accounting policy than historical cost. IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, allows for prospective application of this policy change and therefore the policy change has been applied to year ended December 31, 2016.

Critical Accounting Estimates used by Pure Sunfarms

Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment

Management estimates the useful lives of property, plant and equipment based on the period during which the assets are expected to be available for use. The amounts and timing of recorded expenses for depreciation of property, plant and equipment for any period are affected by these estimated useful lives. The estimates are reviewed at least annually and are updated if expectations change as a result of physical wear and tear, technical or commercial obsolescence and legal or other limits to use. It is possible that changes in these factors may cause significant changes in the estimated useful lives of Pure Sunfarms’ property, plant and equipment in the future.

Inventories

Capitalized production costs are expenditures relating to upcoming harvests which are deferred and become part of costing in subsequent periods. To calculate the deferral, estimates are made concerning the expected life cycle and timing of harvests for cannabis plants. Finished goods cannabis inventory is carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Management’s estimate of net realizable value is calculated as the estimated selling cost in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

Biological assets

Management is required to make a number of estimates to calculate the fair value of its biological assets. This includes estimating the stage of growth of the cannabis up to the point of harvest, harvesting costs, selling costs, sales price, wastage and expected yields of the cannabis plants. Management has used judgement in determining the point at which biological transformation has occurred to the point they expect it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the cannabis plants will flow to Pure Sunfarms.

Income taxes and deferred income tax assets or liabilities

Management uses judgment and estimates in determining the appropriate rates and amounts in recording deferred taxes, giving consideration to timing and probability. Actual taxes could vary significantly from these estimates as a result of future events, including changes in income tax law or the outcome of reviews by tax authorities and related appeals. The resolution of these uncertainties and the associated final taxes may result in adjustment to Pure Sunfarms’ tax assets and tax liabilities. The recognition of deferred income tax assets is subject to judgment and estimation over whether these amounts can be realized.

Pure Sunfarms’ credit risk arises from cash, cash equivalents, and trade and settlement receivables. Pure Sunfarms’ significant counterparties in respect to cash and cash equivalents are reputable financial institutions with investment-grade ratings. At the date of transition to IFRS 9, Pure Sunfarms’ receivable balance consisted only of recoverable GST as filed with the Canada Revenue Agency. Accordingly, Pure Sunfarms did not record adjustments related to the implementation of the expected credit loss model for trade receivables.

Changes in Accounting Policies

The Company has adopted the following new and revised standards and changes in accounting policies, along with any consequential amendments as at June 30, 2019. These changes were made in accordance with the applicable transitional provisions.

Amendments to IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements, and IAS 28, Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures establishes the criteria for accounting for joint ventures. Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. The equity method involves recording the initial investment at cost and subsequently adjusting the carrying

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

value of the investment for the proportionate share of the profit or loss, other comprehensive income or loss and any other changes in the joint venture’s net assets such as dividends. At each statement of financial position date, the Company will consider whether there is objective evidence that its investment in the joint venture is impaired. If there is such evidence of impairment, the Company will determine the amount of the impairment and a loss will be recorded in the condensed consolidated interim statement of income (loss) (“statement of income (loss). The adoption of the amendments to IFRS 11 did not have and impact on the Company’s interim financial statements.

IFRS 16, Leases, was issued in January 2016 to replace IAS 17, Leases, and related Interpretations. IFRS 16 establishes the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i.e. the customer (lessee) and the supplier (lessor) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 using the updated modified retrospective transition approach and did not restate prior periods. The Company’s classes of assets include land leases, building leases and equipment leases.

On adoption, the Company recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principles of IAS 17, Leases. These lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the borrowing rate of the Company. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on January 1, 2019 was 6.25%. These leases are included in right-of-use assets, short-term lease liabilities and long-term lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

For leases previously classified as finance leases the entity recognized the carrying amount of the lease asset and lease liability immediately before transition as the carrying amount of the right of use asset and the lease liability at the date of initial application. The premeasurements to the lease liabilities were recognized as adjustments to the related right-of-use assets immediately after the date of initial application.

Additionally, the Company has elected the short-term lease exception for all classes of assets, and does not apply the recognition requirements for leases of 12 months or less, and recognizes lease payments for short-term leases as expense either straight-line over the lease term or as incurred depending on whether the lease payments are fixed or variable. These elections are applied consistently for all leases.

 

Lease liability recognized as at January 1, 2019

   $ 4,537  
  

 

 

 

Of which are:

 

Current lease liabilities

     1,002  

Non-current lease liabilities

     3,515  
  

 

 

 
   $ 4,537  
  

 

 

 

The recognized right-of-use assets relate to the following types of assets:

 

     December 31, 2018      January 1, 2019  

Land

   $ —        $ 140  

Building

     —          4,017  

Equipment

     176        380  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total right-of-use assets

   $ 176      $ 4,537  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

IFRS 16, Leases, was issued in January 2016 to replace IAS 17, Leases, and related Interpretations. IFRS 16 establishes the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i.e. the customer (lessee) and the supplier (lessor) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted IFRS 16 using the updated modified retrospective transition approach and did not restate prior periods. The Company’s classes of assets include land leases, building leases and equipment leases.

On adoption, the Company recognized lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principles of IAS 17, Leases. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments. These lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. The weighted average incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on January 1, 2019 was 6.25%. These leases are included in right-of-use assets, short-term lease liabilities and long-term lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

For leases previously classified as finance leases the entity recognized the carrying amount of the lease asset and lease liability immediately before transition as the carrying amount of the right of use asset and the lease liability at the date of initial application.

Additionally, the Company has elected the short-term lease exception for all classes of assets, and does not apply the recognition requirements for leases of 12 months or less, and recognizes lease payments for short-term leases as expense either straight-line over the lease term or as incurred depending on whether the lease payments are fixed or variable. These elections are applied consistently for all leases.

 

     2019  

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at December 31, 2018

   $ 5,064  

Less: short-term leases recognized on a straight-line basis as expense

     (210
  

 

 

 
     4,854  

Discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate of 6.25% at the date of initial application

     4,269  

Add: additional leases identified on adoption of IFRS 16

     88  

Add: finance lease liabilities recognized as at December 31, 2018

     180  
  

 

 

 

Lease liability recognized as at January 1, 2019

   $ 4,537  

Of which are:

  

Current lease liabilities

     1,022  

Non-current lease liabilities

     3,515  
  

 

 

 
   $ 4,537  
  

 

 

 

The recognized right-of-use assets relate to the following types of assets:

 

     December 31, 2018      January 1, 2019  

Land

   $ —        $ 140  

Building

     —          4,017  

Equipment

     176        380  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total right-of-use assets

   $ 176      $ 4,537  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Related Party Transactions

On February 13, 2019, the Company announced that Pure Sunfarms had entered into a credit agreement with Bank of Montreal, as agent and lead lender, and Farm Credit Canada, as lender, in respect of a CA$20 million secured non-revolver term loan (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility, which matures on February 7, 2022, is secured by the Delta 3 facility, and contains customary financial and restrictive covenants. The Company is not a party to the Credit Facility but has provided a limited guarantee in the amount of CA$10 million in connection with the Credit Facility.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

As at June 30, 2019, the Company had amounts due from its joint venture, Pure Sunfarms, totaling $168 (December 31, 2018 - $1,079) primarily for consulting services and the reimbursement of expenses which occurred in the year. These amounts are non-interest bearing and due on demand. On July 5, 2018, the Shareholders entered into a Loan Agreement with Pure Sunfarms, whereby, as at June 30, 2019, the Shareholders had each contributed CA$13,000 (US$10,082) in the form of a demand loan to Pure Sunfarms. Effective January 1, 2019, the loan amounts bear simple interest at the rate of 6.2% per annum, calculated semi-annually. Interest is accrued and payable on demand being made by either Shareholder. Prior to January 1, 2019, the loan amount bore interest at the rate of 8.0%. These amounts are included in amounts due from joint venture in the interim statements of financial position.

On March 25, 2019, the Company entered into the Grid Loan with VFH, whereby, as at June 30, 2019, the Company had contributed $5,193 in the form a grid loan to VFH. The Grid Loan has a maturity date of March 25, 2022 and will bear simple interest at the rate of 8% per annum, calculated monthly.

Under the terms of the AVGGH Joint Venture Agreement, the Company will lend approximately US$5 million to AVGGH for start-up costs and working capital. The loans will bear simple interest at the rate of 8% per annum, calculated monthly (note 7). As at June 30, 2019, the Company had loaned AVGGH approximately $552 (note 7).

One of the Company’s employees is related to a member of the Company’s executive management team and received approximately $54 in salary and benefits during the six months ended June 30, 2019 (2018 - $54).

Included in other assets as at December 31, 2018 is a $64 promissory note that represents the unpaid amount the Company advanced to an employee in connection with a relocation at the request of the Company. The promissory note was paid in full on June 10, 2019.

Outstanding Share Data

The beneficial interests in the Company are currently divided into interests of three classes, described and designated as “Common Shares”, “Special Shares” and “Preferred Shares”, respectively. An unlimited number of Common Shares, Special Shares and Preferred Shares are issuable pursuant to VFF’s constating documents.

On December 21, 2017, VFF issued 2,500,000 Common Shares pursuant to a “bought deal” short form prospectus offering at an issue price of CA$5.40 per Common Share for gross proceeds of CA$13,500,000. The offering was conducted by a syndicate of underwriters led by Beacon Securities Limited.

On May 24, 2018, VFF issued 1,886,793 Common Shares pursuant to a private placement offering at an issue price of CA$5.30 per Common Share for gross proceeds of CA$10,000,000. VFF utilized the net proceeds from this prior private placement offering in a manner consistent with that described in the press release of VFF dated May 18, 2018, namely to contribute capital to the Pure Sunfarms and for general working capital purposes.

On October 12, 2018, VFF issued 3,097,200 Common Shares pursuant to a “bought deal” short form prospectus offering at an issue price of CA$7.13 per Common Share for gross proceeds of CA$22,083,036. The offering was conducted by a syndicate of underwriters led by Beacon Securities Limited. VFF utilized the net proceeds from this prior prospectus offering in a manner consistent with that described in the “Use of Proceeds” section of the related (final) short form prospectus, namely for working capital purposes, which included funding certain capital needs of the Pure Sunfarms.

In April 2019, VFF completed a bought deal offering of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company at an offering price of CA$20.00 per offered share for aggregate proceeds to VFF of CA$20,000,000. VFF utilized the net proceeds from this bought deal offering in a manner consistent with that described in the “Use of Proceeds” section of the related (final) short form prospectus, namely for working capital purposes, including the growth capital needs of VFF’s U.S. hemp business.

In connection with the formation of Pure Sunfarms, the Company issued 300,000 common share purchase warrants to an affiliate of a Canadian financial institution as partial consideration for services provided in respect thereof. In April 2019, the holder exercised the common share purchase warrants and subscribed for 300,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of CA$2.07 per common share.

 

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Village Farms International, Inc.

 

 

As of the date hereof, VFF has outstanding: (i) 49,275,786 Common Shares carrying the right to one vote at a meeting of voting shareholders of VFF; (ii) nil (0) Special Shares; and (iii) nil (0) Preferred Shares.

For further details on the structure of the Company or the rights attached to each of the above-mentioned securities, please refer to the Company’s current Annual Information Form which is available electronically at www.sedar.com.

Certain statements contained in this MD&A constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements may relate to the Company’s future outlook or financial position and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, budgets, litigation, projected production, projected costs, capital expenditures, financial results, taxes, plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Particularly, statements regarding future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities for the Company, the greenhouse vegetable industry or the cannabis industry are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by such terms as “outlook”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “occur”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue”, “likely”, “schedule”, “objectives”, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Some of the specific forward-looking statements in this MD&A include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: product pricing; maintaining profitability; risks inherent in the agricultural business; natural catastrophes; retail consolidation; covenant risk; dependence upon credit facilities; competition; transportation disruptions; labour; governmental regulations; product liability; key executives; uninsured and underinsured losses; vulnerability to rising energy costs; risks of regulatory change; environmental, health and safety risk, foreign exchange exposure, risks associated with cross-border trade; technological advances; accounting estimates; growth; tax risks; and risks related to Pure Sunfarms, including Pure Sunfarms’ ability to obtain licenses under the ACMPR, risks relating to conversion of the Company’s greenhouses to cannabis production, and the ability to cultivate and distribute cannabis.

The Company has based these forward-looking statements on factors and assumptions about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including that the Canadian economy will remain stable over the next 12 months, that inflation will remain relatively low, that interest rates will remain stable, that tax laws remain unchanged, that conditions within the greenhouse vegetable and cannabis industries generally will be consistent with the current climate, and that the Canadian capital markets will provide the Company with access to equity and/or debt at reasonable rates when required.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this MD&A are based upon assumptions that management believes are reasonable based on information currently available to management, there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that may cause the Company’s or the industry’s actual results, performance, achievements, prospects and opportunities in future periods to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the factors contained in the Company’s filings with securities regulators, including this MD&A and the Company’s annual information form.

When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future results, performance, achievements, prospects and opportunities. The forward-looking statements made in this MD&A relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this MD&A. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Public Securities Filings

You may access other information about the Company, including its current Annual Information Form and other disclosure documents, reports, statements or other information that it files with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, through SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

 

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