Background, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Background, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Background Cronos Group Inc. (“Cronos” or the “Company”) is incorporated in the province of British Columbia and under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with principal executive offices at 111 Peter St., Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1. The Company’s common shares are currently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) and Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “CRON.” Cronos is an innovative global cannabinoid company committed to building disruptive intellectual property by advancing cannabis research, technology and product development. With a passion to responsibly elevate the consumer experience, Cronos is building an iconic brand portfolio. Cronos’ diverse international brand portfolio includes Spinach ® , PEACE NATURALS ® and Lord Jones ® . (b) Basis of presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of our consolidated financial statements, which includes discontinued operations. These reclassifications had no effect on reported results of operations and ending shareholders’ equity. (c) Basis of consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, and all entities in which the Company has a controlling voting interest or is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest as of and for the reporting periods. The Company assesses control under the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of that entity’s operations. If an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company consolidates the entity if the Company has a controlling voting interest. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, but does not have control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company consolidates the financial results of the following entities, which the Company controls but does not wholly own: Subsidiaries Jurisdiction of incorporation Incorporation date Ownership interest (ii) Cronos Israel G.S. Cultivation Ltd. (i) Israel February 4, 2018 70% Cronos Israel G.S. Manufacturing Ltd. (i) Israel September 4, 2018 90% Cronos Israel G.S. Store Ltd. (i) Israel June 28, 2018 90% Cronos Israel G.S. Pharmacy Ltd. (i) Israel February 15, 2018 90% (i) These Israeli entities are collectively referred to as “Cronos Israel.” (ii) “Ownership interest” is defined as the proportionate share of net income to which the Company is entitled; equity interest may differ from ownership interest as described herein. In the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss, net loss and comprehensive loss are attributed to the equity holders of the Company and to the non-controlling interests. Non-controlling interests in the equity of Cronos Israel are presented separately in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation. (d) Use of estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and assumptions include, among other things, valuation of derivative liabilities, expected credit losses on long-term financial assets, impairment losses on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, impairment losses on long-lived assets, inventory write-downs, share-bared payments, valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets and uncertain tax liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (e) Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of cash and highly liquid short-term investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, generally with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents include amounts held in dollars, C$, and ILS and security deposits. Short-term investments consist of debt securities that (i) generally have original maturities of greater than three months and (ii) the Company has the ability to convert into cash within one year. Short-term investments are classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at cost. Interest earned on short-term investments is recorded in other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets and interest income, net on the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. Cash inflows and outflows related to the purchase and maturity of short-term investments are classified as investing activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows. (f) Inventory Inventory is comprised of raw materials, finished goods and work-in-progress, such as pre-harvested cannabis plants, dried flower, by-products to be extracted, cannabis extracts and by-products, dry cannabis and cannabis extract containers, and boxes. When the Company cultivated cannabis, costs capitalized into inventory until the time of harvest included, but were not limited to, labor, utilities, nutrition and irrigation. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value, determined using weighted average cost. Cost includes expenditures directly related to manufacturing and distribution of the products. Primary costs include consumables (insect control, fertilizers, soil), packaging, shipping, direct labor, contract manufacturer fees, overhead, supplies and small tools, and the depreciation of manufacturing equipment and production facilities determined at normal capacity. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, rent, utilities, security, and property taxes. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. At the end of each reporting period, the Company performs an assessment to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Factors considered in the determination of net realizable value include slow-moving or non-marketable products. (g) Investments Variable interest entities A variable interest entity is an entity having either a total equity investment that is insufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or equity investors at risk that lack the ability to control the entity’s activities. Variable interests are investments or other interests that will absorb portions of a VIE’s expected losses or receive portions of the VIE’s expected residual returns. The Company evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of each VIE it identifies on a periodic basis and considers the impact of any reconsideration events. The primary beneficiary is the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE and holds a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To make this determination, the Company considers both quantitative and qualitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of its involvement with the VIE. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. Equity method investments The Company accounts for investments in companies over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence but does not hold a controlling financial interest using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company records its proportionate share of income or loss in share of income (loss) from equity method investments within the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments or expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as income earned and payments from equity method investees such as dividends and distributions are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. If the current fair value of an investment falls below its carrying amount, this may indicate that an impairment loss should be recorded. Any impairment losses recognized in one period cannot be reversed in subsequent periods. Other investments Other investments include common stock and options in third-party entities in which the Company’s influence is deemed non-significant. The Company holds other investments with and without readily determinable fair values. Other investments with readily determinable fair values are recorded using the fair value method of accounting as of period-end on the consolidated balance sheets. Other investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded using the cost method of accounting on the consolidated balance sheets. Other investments without readily determinable fair values are assessed for observable price changes and other than temporary impairment on a periodic basis. Changes in the reported value of other investments are reported in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. (h) Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Rate Building and leasehold improvements 15 to 20 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 7 years Furniture and fixtures 5 years When assets are disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and any related gain or loss is recognized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Significant expenditures, which increase productivity or extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized. Available for use is defined as the point at which the related property, plant and equipment is operational, including the possession of any requisite licenses. Depreciation commences at the point the assets are available for use. (i) Definite-lived intangible assets Intangible assets are recorded at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired through a business combination are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with its enterprise software, which include external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to the development of the software for the function intended. All other costs are expensed as incurred. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives using the following methods and rates: Method Rate Software Straight-line 5 years Health Canada licenses Straight-line Useful life of corresponding facilities Ginkgo exclusive licenses Straight-line 10 years Israeli codes (i) Straight-line Useful life of corresponding facilities (i) The preliminary licenses granted to Kibbutz Gan Shmuel (the Cronos Israel joint venture partner) by the Medical Cannabis Unit of the Israeli Ministry of Health in early 2017 (the “Israeli codes”) were transferred by non-controlling interests to Cronos Israel in exchange for equity interests in the Cronos Israel entities specified above. Amortization begins when assets become available for use. The estimated useful life, amortization method, and rate are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate being accounted for on a prospective basis. Intangible assets originating from the strategic partnership (the “Ginkgo Strategic Partnership”) with Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (“Ginkgo”) are accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting. Equity interests issued in exchange for an asset are initially recognized and measured at the date of acquisition at fair value. We estimate fair value using the relief-from-royalty method and key assumptions include the discount rate and estimated life. Definite-lived intangible assets, including intangible assets originating from the Ginkgo Strategic Partnership, are subject to amortization and reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that fair value has been reduced to less than its carrying amount. (j) Accrued liabilities Accrued liabilities consist of the following: As of December 31, 2023 2022 Accrued payroll and related expenses $ 8,970 $ 11,492 Accrued professional fees 2,525 2,414 Accrued taxes 11,695 4,132 Other accrued expenses 4,546 4,230 Total accrued liabilities $ 27,736 $ 22,268 Accrued payroll and related expenses include salaries and wages, bonuses, and other related payroll expenses associated with the Company’s employees. Accrued professional fees include fees for legal expenses, litigation, consulting, marketing, and other related expenses. Accrued taxes include sales, excise and other taxes owed. Other accrued expenses include the fair value of deferred share units outstanding to directors and other general expenses. (k) Leases The Company enters into leases in the normal course of business, primarily for the land-use rights, office premises, and equipment used in the production of its products. At the inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company performs an analysis over the classification of the lease agreement as either an operating lease or finance lease. A right-of-use asset and the related lease obligation associated with the lease are recorded at the inception of the lease. The right-of-use asset’s recorded amount is based on the present value of future lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date plus any initial direct costs incurred. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable for the Company’s operating leases, an incremental borrowing rate is generally used based on information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Subsequent changes to these lease payments due to rate updates are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet as a lease. The right-of-use asset is subject to impairment testing whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The leased asset is amortized over the shorter of the lease term or its estimated useful life if title does not transfer to the Company, while the leased asset is depreciated in accordance with the Company’s depreciation policy if the title is to eventually transfer to the Company. The Company’s lease agreements generally exclude non-lease components. As a result, non-lease components are accounted for separately for all classes of assets and expensed as incurred. In addition, the Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. For finance leases, from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the lease term, the right-of-use asset is amortized on a straight-line basis and the interest expense is recognized on the lease liability using the effective interest method. For operating leases, lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and presented as a single charge in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. (l) Derivative liabilities For financial instruments classified as derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments or do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recorded in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss each period. The Company does not enter into or hold derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Derivative liabilities are initially recognized at fair value at the date on which the derivative contract was entered into. Any attributable transaction costs are recognized in net loss as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative liabilities are measured at fair value at each reporting date until settlement with the re-measurement gain or loss being recognized immediately in net loss and comprehensive loss. For more details on derivative liabilities consisting of the Altria Warrant, Pre-emptive Rights, and certain Top-up Rights, see Note 9 “Derivative Liabilities.” (m) Capital stock Capital stock is presented at the fair value at the time of issuance of the shares issued. Costs related to the issuance of shares are reported in equity, net of tax, as a deduction from the issuance proceeds. (n) Revenue recognition Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a customer. The Company’s contracts with customers for the sale of dried flower, cannabis oil, cannabinoid-derived products and “hemp” (as defined in the U.S. Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 “U.S. hemp”) derived products consist of a single performance obligation. The Company has concluded that revenue from the sale of these products should be recognized at the point in time when control is transferred to the customer, depending on the specific contractual terms. The Company has determined that the most definitive demonstration that control has transferred to a customer is physical shipment or delivery, depending on the contractual shipping terms, except for consignment transactions. Consignment transactions are arrangements where the Company transfers product to a customer or third-party location but retains ownership and control of such product until it is used by the customer. Revenue for consignment arrangements is recognized upon the customer’s usage. Revenue is recognized at the transaction price, which is the amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods to a customer. Net revenue before excise taxes from sale of goods, as presented in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss, represents revenue from the sale of goods less expected price discounts, allowances for customer returns and other forms of variable consideration. If the consideration in a contract includes a variable amount, the Company estimates the amount of consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for transferring the goods to the customer. The variable consideration is estimated using either the expected value or most likely amount method, based on the Company’s historical information, at contract inception. The Company’s payment terms vary by customer and product type. The Company treats shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment cost, classified as cost of sales. Accordingly, the Company accrues all fulfillment costs related to the shipping and handling of consumer goods at the time of shipment. The following table presents the Company's revenue by major product category for continuing operations: Year ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Cannabis flower $ 62,070 $ 63,593 $ 55,194 Cannabis extracts 24,569 22,522 8,807 Other 602 634 560 Net revenue $ 87,241 $ 86,749 $ 64,561 Net revenue attributed to a geographic region based on the location of the customer was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Canada $ 64,702 $ 56,233 $ 50,294 Israel 21,134 30,516 13,376 Other countries 1,405 — 891 Net revenue $ 87,241 $ 86,749 $ 64,561 (o) Research and development The Company has a research and development center in Canada that performs scientific research on the interaction of cannabinoids as well as strain development, growing conditions and extraction technology. In 2023, fermentation and production related research was performed to further strategic initiatives around rare cannabinoids. In addition, the Company has a collaboration and license agreement with Ginkgo (the “Ginkgo Collaboration Agreement”) to research, produce, and commercialize cultured cannabinoids. Technological feasibility is considered to be established once productivity targets or commercialization are achieved, at which point the exclusive license is recognized at cost less impairment charges. As of the acquisition date of each exclusive license, cost less impairment charges is equal to the fair value. Refer to Note 7 “ Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net ” for more information on the Ginkgo Collaboration Arrangement. Research and development costs associated with these collective efforts are expensed as incurred as part of operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. (p) Advertising costs Advertising costs include costs to sell the Company’s products and are expensed as incurred through sales and marketing expenses in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. Advertising costs were $1,382, $889 and $2,229 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. (q) Share-based compensation The Company has five share-based compensation plans under which awards have been made: the 2020 Omnibus Plan, the 2018 Stock Option Plan, the 2015 Stock Option Plan, the Employment Inducement Award Plan and the DSU Plan (each as defined below). Share-based awards consists of equity-settled share-based awards such as stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”) that are issued to eligible employees, non-executive directors, and non-employees. Cash-settled deferred share units (“DSUs”) that are issued to non-executive directors under the DSU Plan are recorded in accrued liabilities with the fair value adjustment recorded in other income. Equity instruments granted are initially measured at fair value on the grant date. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of RSUs and DSUs are determined using the market price of the Company’s common shares. Compensation expense related to options and RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss over the vesting period for employees, and over the contractual term for non-employees. The fair value of the payout of cash-settled DSUs is determined at each reporting date based on the fair value of the Company’s common shares at the reporting date and is recorded within other liabilities. The related costs for all equity-settled share-based awards are reflected in additional paid-in capital until the awards are settled or exercised. Upon settlement or exercise, shares are issued and the amount previously reflected in additional paid-in capital is, along with any proceeds paid upon settlement or exercise, credited to a combination of share capital and additional paid-in capital. Forfeitures of share-based compensation awards are accounted for as reductions to share-based compensation and additional paid-in capital as they occur. (r) Impairment of long-lived assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment . In accordance with ASC Topic 360, long-lived assets to be held are reviewed for events or changes in circumstances that indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company periodically reviews for indicators and, if indicators are present, tests the carrying amount of long-lived assets, assessing their recoverable value based on estimated undiscounted cash flows over their remaining estimated useful lives. The Company groups assets at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable, referred to as an asset group. If the carrying amount of an asset (or asset group) exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset group, based on discounted cash flows. (s) Assets held for sale and discontinued operations In accordance with ASC 205-20 Presentation of Financial Statements: Discontinued Operations , a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the components of an entity meet the criteria in paragraph ASC 205-20-45-10. In the period in which the component meets held-for-sale or discontinued operations criteria, the major current assets, other assets, current liabilities, and other liabilities are reported as components of total assets and liabilities separate from those balances of the continuing operations. At the same time, the results of all discontinued operations, less applicable income taxes (benefit), are reported as components of net loss separate from the net loss of continuing operations. The Company periodically evaluates its long-lived assets that it plans 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 and determined that it would wind down its Winnipeg, Manitoba facility (“Cronos Fermentation”) and list it for sale. This review involves 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 6 “Property, plant and equipment, net” for discussion regarding our evaluation of the Peace Naturals Campus and the Cronos Fermentation facility for held-for-sale classification as of December 31, 2023. (t) Impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances indicate that fair value of the reporting unit has been reduced to less than its carrying amount in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other . The Company performs an impairment test annually in the fourth quarter by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. (u) Income taxes The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the year that includes the enactment date. The Company determines deferred tax assets including net operating losses and liabilities, based on temporary differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established to reduce some or all net deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. A valuation allowance against some or all of the net deferred tax assets does not in any way impact the Company’s ability to use future tax deductions such as the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards; rather, the valuation allowance indicates, according to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes , it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance that was established will be maintained until there is sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The Company’s income tax expense for future periods will be reduced to the extent of corresponding decreases in our valuation allowance. There is uncertainty regarding any future realization of the benefit by the Company of all or part of our net deferred tax assets. Judgment is required to determine the recognition and measurement attributes prescribed in the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. The Company uses a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Step one, recognition, requires us to determine whether the weight of available evidence indicates that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. If a tax position is not considered “more likely than not” to be sustained, no benefits of the position are recognized. If we determine that a position is “more likely than not” to be sustained, then we proceed to step two, measurement, which is based on the largest amount of benefit which is more likely than not to be realized on effective settlement. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure, including assessing the risks associated with income tax audits, together with assessing temporary differences resulting from the different treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. If actual results differ from our estimates, our net operating loss and credit carryforwards, to the extent not covered by a valuation allowance, could be materially impacted in the period which such determination is made. The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Recognition or measurement is reflected in the period in which the likelihood changes. Any interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax liabilities are presented within income tax expense in the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss. Accrued interest and penalties are included in accounts pay |