Cronos Group Inc

Estimates and critical judgments by management

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are reviewed periodically, and adjustments are made as appropriate in the year they become known. Items for which actual results may differ materially from these estimates are described in the following section.

Refer to Note 1 “Background, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for further information on our critical accounting estimates and policies, which are as follows:

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized at the point in time when the control of the promised goods is transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for the performance obligation. Excise taxes remitted to tax authorities are government-imposed excise taxes on cannabis products. Excise taxes are recorded as a reduction of sales in net revenue in the consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized as a current liability within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, with the liability subsequently reduced when the taxes are remitted to the tax authority.

In addition, amounts disclosed as net revenue are net of allowances, discounts and rebates. In determining the transaction price for the sale of goods, the Company considers the effects of variable consideration and the existence of significant financing components, if any. Some contracts for the sale of goods may provide customers with a right of return, most-favored-customer rights, or early payment discounts. In addition, the Company may provide, in certain circumstances, a retroactive price reduction to a customer based primarily on inventory movement. These items give rise to variable consideration. The Company uses the expected value method to estimate the variable consideration because this method best predicts the amount of variable consideration to which the Company will be entitled. The Company uses historical evidence, current information and forecasts to estimate the variable consideration. The Company reduces revenue and recognizes a contract liability equal to the amount expected to be refunded to the customer in the form of a future rebate or credit for a retroactive price reduction, representing its obligation to return the customer’s consideration. The estimate is updated at each reporting period date.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. We test goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate a potential impairment. We compare the fair value of our reporting units with their carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value.

We believe that the accounting estimate for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets is a critical accounting estimate because of the judgment required in assessing the fair value of each of our reporting units. We estimate fair value through various valuation methods, including the use of discounted expected future cash flows of each reporting unit, as well as the use of the relief-from-royalty method on the Lord Jones® brand. Significant inputs include discount rates, growth rates, and cash flow projections, and, for the Lord Jones® brand, royalty rate. These valuation inputs are considered Level 3 inputs as defined by Accounting Standards Codification 820 Fair Value Measurement. The expected future cash flows for each reporting unit are significantly impacted by current market conditions. If these market conditions and resulting expected future cash flows for each reporting unit decline significantly, the actual results for each reporting unit could differ from our estimate, which could cause goodwill to be impaired. Our accounting for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets represents our best estimate of future events.

Inventory valuation

We value our inventory at lower of cost or net realizable value determined using weighted average cost. Inventory is reflected at the lower of cost or net realizable value considering future demand, market conditions and market prices. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management’s assumptions that do not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. We record an inventory valuation adjustment for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory that is equal to the excess of the cost of the inventory over the estimated net realizable value. We also experience inventory write-downs due to reduced market prices. The inventory valuation adjustment to net realizable value establishes a new cost basis of the inventory that cannot be subsequently reversed. Inventory valuation adjustments are based on inventory levels, expected product life, and estimated product demand. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we are required to make judgments as to future demand requirements compared with inventory levels.

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets are primarily comprised of property, plant, and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Long-lived asset recoverability is assessed on an asset group basis. We group assets and liabilities for our asset groups at the reporting unit level, which is the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable. Long-lived asset recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group with its estimated future undiscounted pre-tax cash flows over the remaining life of the primary long-lived asset of the asset group. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows as part of the recoverability assessment, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset group. The impairment charge is allocated to the underlying long-lived assets in the asset group on a relative carrying amount basis; however, carrying amount after allocated impairment is subject to a floor of fair value on an individual asset basis.

We believe the accounting estimates used in the long-lived asset impairment assessment are critical accounting estimates because of the judgment required in identifying indicators of impairment, determining asset groups, assessing future undiscounted cash flows of the asset groups, and as applicable, evaluating the fair value of the determined asset groups as well as the underlying long-lived assets, once indicators of impairment have been identified.

We periodically evaluate whether impairment indicators related to our property, plant and equipment, operating leases and other long-lived assets are present. These impairment indicators may include a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset or asset group, early termination of an operating lease, a significant adverse change to the extent or manner in which a long-lived asset or asset group is being used or in its physical condition, or a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses or a forecast that demonstrates continuing losses associated with the use of a long-lived asset or asset group. If impairment indicators are present, we estimate the fair value for the asset or group of assets. We estimate fair value of long-lived assets through various valuation methods, including the use of the indirect cost approach, income approach, and direct comparison approach. The indirect cost approach is based on the estimated cost to reproduce the asset as if new, adjusted for physical deterioration and consideration of functional and economic obsolescence. The income approach is based on estimated rental and capitalization rates. The direct comparison approach is based on recent observable transactions of comparable assets. The estimation of future undiscounted cash flows of the asset groups as well as each of these fair value approaches are significantly impacted by market conditions. A significant adverse change in market conditions could result in fair values that differ from our estimates, which could adversely impact whether an impairment exists and the extent to which an asset group and underlying assets are impaired. The difference between the fair value and the carrying amount of the asset group is recorded as an impairment charge. Refer to Note 7 “Property, Plant and Equipment, net” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets that we plan to dispose of through sale for held-for-sale classification. To be classified as held-for-sale, management must have committed to a plan to sell, the asset (or asset group) must be available for immediate sale in its present condition, an active program to locate a buyer must have been initiated, the sale must be probable to close within one year, the asset (or asset group) must be marketed at a reasonable sales price, and it must be unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made. Once an asset (or asset group) meets all of the above criteria, it is reclassified as assets held-for-sale on the consolidated balance sheet, and the asset(s) cease depreciation and are written down to their fair value, less costs to sell, if applicable.

The Company completed a review of its global supply chain in 2023 and determined that it would wind down the Cronos Fermentation facility and list it for sale. This review involved significant complexities and judgments in making the accounting treatment determination. There are subjective and complex judgments in the determination of whether the Cronos Fermentation Facility meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale, including: (1) whether the Cronos Fermentation Facility is available for sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such businesses, (2) whether the sale of the Cronos Fermentation Facility is probable and that the transfer of assets will be a completed sale within one year from period end, and (3) whether the Cronos Fermentation Facility is being actively marketed at a reasonable price. See Note 7 “Property, plant and equipment, net” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for discussion regarding our evaluation of the Cronos Fermentation Facility for held-for-sale classification as of December 31, 2024.

We account for the cannabinoid exclusive licenses originating from the Ginkgo Strategic Partnership as definite-lived intangible assets in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of cash and equity in Cronos issued in exchange for the cannabinoid exclusive licenses is initially recognized and measured at the date of acquisition. On the date of acquisition, we then test each cannabinoid exclusive license for impairment by comparing the cost and fair value of each license. We believe that the accounting estimate for the cannabinoid exclusive licenses is a critical accounting estimate because of the judgment required in assessing their fair values and the expected future cash flows are significantly impacted by the future expectations for products containing each cannabinoid. We estimate the fair value using the relief-from-royalty method. Each cannabinoid exclusive license is subject to amortization. Refer to Note 8 “Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Valuation of derivative liabilities

Prior to December 16, 2022, derivative liabilities consisted of the warrant issued to Altria, as well as Altria’s pre-emptive rights, and certain top-up rights. On December 16, 2022, Altria notified us that its wholly owned subsidiary, Altria Summit LLC, irrevocably relinquished its warrantand all rights that it may have held in the warrant or any common shares underlying the warrant for no consideration. As of December 31,2024, derivative liabilities consisted of pre-emptive rights and certain top-up rights. We measure derivative liabilities at fair value at each reporting date until settlement with the re-measurement gain or loss being recognized immediately in net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss). We calculate fair value of the derivative liabilities using the Black-Scholes model. Significant assumptions are used in the valuation of derivative liabilities, including the expected term and our stock price. The assumptions used in computing the fair value of derivative liabilities reflect our best estimates, but involve uncertainties relating to market and other conditions, many of which are outside of our control. Sensitivity is performed on various inputs. See Note 10 “Derivative Liabilities” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Impairment of other investments without readily determinable fair values

We hold other investments without readily determinable fair values that are measured under the cost method less impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same investee. Each reporting period, we qualitatively assess if indicators of impairment are present, and, if present, we estimate the fair value of the investments and record impairment charges on the consolidated statements of income if the carrying value exceeds fair value. To estimate the fair value of the investments, we use a combination of the income and market approaches. Under the income approach, significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow method that require the use of judgment are the discount rate, growth rates, cash flow projections, and the expectation of federal rescheduling and individual state legalization of cannabis in the U.S. Under the market valuation approach, the key assumptions that require judgment under the Guideline Public Companies method are cash flow projections, selected multiples and the discount for lack of marketability.

Share-based compensation

We measure the fair value of services received in exchange for all stock options granted based on the fair market value of the award as of the grant date. We compute the fair value of stock options with time-based vesting using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognize the cost of the equity awards over the period that services are provided to earn the award. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model includes assumptions regarding dividend yields, expected volatility, expected option term and risk-free interest rates. The assumptions used in computing the fair value of share-based compensation expense reflect our best estimates, but involve uncertainties relating to market and other conditions, many of which are outside of our control. We estimate expected volatility based primarily on historical daily price changes of our stock and peers. The expected option term is the number of years that we estimate that the stock options will be outstanding prior to exercise.

Loans receivable, net

Loans receivable are presented net of an allowance for credit losses. The probability of default rate is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future losses as necessary. We may also record a specific reserve for individual accounts when we become aware of specific customer circumstances, such as in the case of a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the borrower’s operating results or financial condition.

Assets held-for-sale

We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets that we plan to dispose of through sale for held-for-sale classification. To be classified as held-for-sale, management must have committed to a plan to sell, the asset (or asset group) must be available for immediate sale in its present condition, an active program to locate a buyer must have been initiated, the sale must be probable to close within one year, the asset (or asset group) must be marketed at a reasonable sales price, and it must be unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made. Once an asset (or asset group) meets all of the above criteria, it is reclassified as assets held-for-sale on the consolidated balance sheet, and the asset(s) cease depreciation and are written down to their fair value, less costs to sell, if applicable. See Note 7 “Property, plant and equipment, net” to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for discussion regarding our evaluation of the Peace Naturals Campus and the Cronos Fermentation Facility for held-for-sale classification as of December 31, 2024.