FY2023 Financial Highlights from Avant Brands
The TDR Three Key Takeaways:
- Avant Brands Inc. reported a significant increase in its annual financial performance, with record growth in gross revenues, cash flow from operations, and Adjusted EBITDA.
- The company has expanded its market presence, especially in the Canadian adult-use sector and global distribution, leading to increased product availability and sales.
- Despite its successes, Avant faces challenges in the fourth quarter related to sales declines and retail chain engagements, impacting its market performance and visibility.
Avant Brands (TSX:AVNT, OTCQX:AVTBF) has released its financial results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, marking significant milestones in its operational and financial performance. The company reported a substantial increase in gross revenues, achieving a record $30.2 million, a 33% increase from the previous fiscal year. This growth is reflected across other key financial metrics, including a record cash flow from operations at $5.4 million, which represents a 256% increase compared to the fiscal year 2022, and a record Adjusted EBITDA of $4.4 million, up 132% from the previous year.
In the fiscal year 2023, Avant Brands has demonstrated a consistent performance by maintaining two consecutive fiscal years of positive cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA. The company has made significant strategic moves, including the acquisition of the Flowr Group (Okanagan) Inc., which has already started to contribute positively to the cash flows. Additionally, Avant has seen considerable growth in its global distribution channels, with a reported 78% year-over-year increase, marking this as the fastest-growing revenue stream for the company.
The Canadian adult-use market has also seen notable achievements from Avant, with products now available in 70% of all licensed stores across the provinces and territories where Avant is listed. This market penetration has led to Avant’s products, especially the BLK MKT brand, achieving top sales positions in various categories in Ontario.
However, the company faced challenges in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2023, including a temporary decline in sales due to product accumulation for large export shipments and declining orders from The Ontario Cannabis Store, influenced by various market factors and strategic decisions made by the company regarding retail chain engagements.
My Take as an Analyst
On the positive side, Avant Brands has shown remarkable growth in revenue and operational efficiency, with strategic expansions contributing significantly to its market position and financial strength. The company’s ability to increase its global distribution channels and maintain a strong presence in the Canadian market underscores its potential for continued growth.
However, there are areas for improvement. The use of adjusted figures such as Adjusted EBITDA should be approached with caution, as these numbers do not represent the raw financials and may give a skewed view of the company’s profitability. Additionally, the challenges faced in the retail sector, particularly with the Ontario Cannabis Store and issues related to product visibility and support within major retail chains, need addressing to ensure sustained growth and market penetration.
Overall, while Avant Brands showcases strong growth and strategic positioning, it must address the outlined challenges to ensure long-term success and market leadership. Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.
