CEO Zach George on SNDL Financial Results for Q1 2024
The TDR Three Key Takeaways regarding Q1 2024 Financial Result and SNDL:
- SNDL sees seasonal revenue dip from Q4, despite year-over-year gains
- SNDL’s gross margin hits a record 25% in Q1, significantly up from last year.
- SNDL holds a strong, debt-free balance sheet to fuel future initiatives.
SNDL Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL), a Canadian cannabis and liquor retailer, has released its financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2024. The results show an upward trend in revenue and profitability, demonstrating the effectiveness of the company’s operational improvements and market expansion strategies.
For the first quarter of 2024, SNDL reported net revenue of $197.8 million, a 4% increase from $191.0 million recorded in the first quarter of 2023. This growth reflects stronger performance in the company’s Cannabis Retail and Cannabis Operations segments. However, the revenue for Q1 2024 shows a decrease from $248.5 million in Q4 2023, which the company attributes to seasonal declines due to the high volume of alcohol purchased at Christmas and New Year’s. There is a seasonal adjustment here.
The gross profit for the period was $50.4 million, resulting in a gross margin of 25%—a significant rise from the 17% gross margin seen in Q1 2023. “We are fighting hard for the incremental 200 basis points right now,” Zach George commented on the improved margins. This improvement in gross profit is primarily the result of SNDL’s enhanced data sales program and supply chain efficiencies, including the consolidation of cultivation operations.
SNDL achieved a notable improvement in cash flow, with free cash flow improving to negative $6.4 million in Q1 2024 from negative $60.1 million in Q1 2023. This improvement demonstrates enhanced operational efficiency and profitability. While achieving a positive cash flow would be ideal, the significant progress made by the company indicates a substantial step in the right direction
Operational losses were significantly reduced, with the company reporting an operating loss of $4.4 million in Q1 2024, compared to a loss of $32.2 million in the same period last year. These gains are largely attributable to increased margins and cost-reduction strategies.
In Q1 2024, SNDL expanded its market presence by opening a new Spiritleaf store in Whistler, British Columbia, and a Wine and Beyond store in Airdrie, Alberta, one of the fastest-growing communities in the province. Additionally, the company’s Liquor Retail segment experienced growth, with private label sales growing by 29% from the previous year, driven by enhanced procurement strategies and an expanded product mix.
Zach George, Chief Executive Officer of SNDL, commented on the company’s performance, stating, “The SNDL team has delivered a solid first quarter result, exemplified by a record gross margin of 25% and the undeniable improvement in the profitability of all of our operating segments over multiple years. We are well positioned to further expand our retail network and product distribution in Canada where we expect further consolidation and attrition.”
“Our top priorities would be expansion in Canadian retail and also international opportunities, including the United States,” George added, highlighting future growth areas. As of March 31, 2024, SNDL boasted a strong balance sheet with $783.2 million of unrestricted cash, marketable securities, and investments, and maintained a debt-free status. This financial stability is expected to support ongoing and future strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing shareholder value.
Looking forward, SNDL plans a rigorous strategic planning exercise in June 2024, focusing on reducing corporate expenses and driving profitability in the latter half of the year. The company remains optimistic about its growth prospects, particularly in light of regulatory reforms in the cannabis sector in the United States and other global markets.
“The premium space in Canadian cannabis is high single digits at best. The core and the value segments dominate the space,” George explained, offering insight into the Canadian market dynamics and SNDL’s strategic positioning.
SNDL Inc.’s first-quarter financial results for 2024 highlight the company’s strategic approach to market dynamics and positioning itself for sustainable growth. With a focus on operational efficiency, market expansion, and financial stability, SNDL is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the evolving global cannabis landscape.Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research and news, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.
