Full Press Release Details
Aurora Cannabis Announces Operational
& Balance Sheet Improvements
Revised Credit Facility
Terms Supports Execution of Business Transformation Plan that Focuses on Long-Term, Sustainable Revenue Growth & Improving
Credit facility terms improved including maturity
extension to December 2022
~$450 million of cash on balance sheet & improving
cashflow positions company to drive sustainable, long-term revenue growth
Production volumes now aligned to sales by adopting
a more agile, variable cost model
Expects fiscal 2021 Q2 Adjusted EBITDA loss to improve
from Q1 despite a resurgence of Covid-19 restrictions in key markets
EDMONTON, AB, Dec. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Aurora
Cannabis Inc. (the "Company" or "Aurora") (NYSE: ACB) (TSX: ACB), the Canadian company defining the future
of cannabinoids worldwide, today provided a business update.
"Our substantial liquidity position has
enabled us to revise our credit facility terms by extending maturity and transitioning us from a minimum EBITDA covenant to a minimum
liquidity covenant, thereby providing us with the financial flexibility we need to execute our business transformation plan.
We are already seeing progress with improving cashflow and product successes such as the recent relaunch of our vapour portfolio.
We are also driving our consumer strategy that will serve as a foundation for sustainable revenue growth and profitability over
the long-term" stated Miguel Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Aurora.
"We are moving to a more variable cost
structure in cultivation by expanding our network of external supply and responsibly scaling back production from our fixed asset
network. Specifically, in November we closed our Aurora Sun facility and are now scaling back production at Aurora Sky to 25% of
its previous capacity. At this level of production, we intend to transform the Sky facility into a high-value cultivation center
for our premium strains, and in turn, better align production with current demand for premium flower."
"Our plan to address the opportunities
in the Canadian consumer market, combined with a formidable balance sheet, positions Aurora to remain the leader by revenue in
the high-margin Canadian medical market. It also allows the Company to invest in the international medical business, which is exhibiting
solid growth. Lastly, we will be able to build on our CBD brand Reliva, which is #1 ranked by Nielsen in U.S. CBD."
Amended Credit Facility and Cash Balance
Provides Runway for Growth
The Company is pleased to announce that it
has reached an agreement, subject to definitive documentation, regarding a second amended and restated credit facility (the "Agreement")
with its existing syndicate of lenders. Given Aurora's substantial liquidity position the Agreement provides Aurora with greater
financial flexibility to execute the business transformation plan by transitioning the facility to a minimum liquidity covenant
rather than a minimum EBITDA covenant and extends the maturity to December 31, 2022.
There are no changes to the commitment amounts
under the facility which currently stand at $101.2 million under the term loan and $15 million under the revolver (currently $2
million drawn). The second amended and restated credit facility has a first ranking general security interest in the assets of
Aurora and can be repaid without penalty at the Company's discretion.
The Agreement is predicated on the Company's
"back to basics" regulated consumer packaged goods strategy. This strategy will delay the Company's ability to achieve
positive Adjusted EBITDA as management invests in its consumer business; a strategy that the Company believes will serve as a foundation
for sustainable growth and profitability in the future. Also contributing to the profitability delay is the unpredictability of
the current demand environment, including the resurgence of COVID-19. However, with ~$450 million in cash on hand as of December
15, 2020, management is confident in its liquidity position and its ability to fund its current plan, while maintaining optionality
for future opportunities.
Rationalizing Production Strategy with Commercial
Aurora is increasing its operational flexibility
to improve its cashflow and better address consumer needs. This entails shifting to a more variable cost structure, leveraging
outsourcing, and exploring opportunities to increase throughput of high margin premium products.
The Company has expanded its network of external
supply by implementing spot purchasing of outsourced third-party supply. Aurora expects to further expand external supply of dried
flower across its brand architecture to reduce cultivation risks and improve its cash conversion cycle.
Aurora Sun & Aurora Sky Facilities
Effective December 15, 2020, the Company has
shuttered operations at the Aurora Sun facility and reduced production at its Aurora Sky facility by 75%. Aurora Sky is testing
new processes and methodologies proven successful at other cultivation sites in Aurora's leading network, combined with increased
focus on innovation led by deep plant science and genetics expertise.
Mr. Martin concluded "These hard decisions
are being taken to improve cashflow and provide agility to our business. We will continue to make decisions and transform Aurora
in the long-term best interests of our shareholders. We look forward to 2021 and providing updates on our business transformation."
Aurora is a global leader in the cannabis industry
serving both the medical and consumer markets. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Aurora is a pioneer in global cannabis dedicated
to helping people improve their lives. The Company's brand portfolio includes Aurora, Aurora Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special,
AltaVie, MedReleaf, CanniMed, Whistler, and Reliva CBD. Providing customers with innovative, high-quality cannabis products, Aurora's
brands continue to break through as industry leaders in the medical, performance, wellness and recreational markets wherever they
are launched. For more information, please visit our website at www.auroramj.com.
Aurora's common shares trade on the TSX and
NYSE under the symbol "ACB", and is a constituent of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release includes statements containing
certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law ("forward-looking statements").
Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect",
"project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will",
"potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may"
or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding: scaling back and
shift of operations at Aurora Sky and the anticipated effects on the Company's business as a result thereof; the anticipated effects
of the amendments to the Credit Facility on the Company's business, and the anticipated rationalization of the Company's production
strategy with its commercial strategy, and the effects on the These forward-looking statements are only predictions. Various
assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout
this news release. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions, estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's
experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected developments at the date the statements are made,
such as current and future market conditions, the ability to maintain SG&A costs in line with current expectations, the ability
to achieve high margin revenues in the Canadian consumer market, the current and future regulatory environment and future approvals
and permits. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors that management believes
to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances could cause actual events, results, level of activity, performance, prospects,
opportunities or achievements to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks
associated with: entering the U.S. market, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits associated with the acquisition of Reliva,
achievement of Aurora's business transformation plan, general business and economic conditions, changes in laws and regulations,
product demand, changes in prices of required commodities, competition, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and responses of Governments
to the COVID-19 pandemic, and other risks, uncertainties and factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the
Company's annual information form dated September 24, 2020 (the "AIF") and filed with Canadian securities regulators
available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and filed with and available on the SEC's website at www.edgar.gov.
The Company cautions that the list of risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the AIF is not exhaustive and other factors
could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions carefully in evaluating
the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such information. The Company is under no obligation,
and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.