VANCOUVER, March 25, 2019 /CNW/ - BLOCKStrain
Technology Corp. (TSX:V: DNAX.V) (OTC: BKKSF) ("BLOCKStrain"
or the "Company"), creator of the first blockchain-secured,
fully-integrated IP tracking platform for the cannabis industry,
announced its third quarter results for the three and nine months
ended January 31, 2019. Prior to
completion of its reverse takeover transaction on May 17, 2018, BLOCKStrain had only been
incorporated since November 22, 2017
and therefore has comparative figures only for the three months
ended January 31, 2019.
"We achieved a number of value driving milestones during and
subsequent to the quarter's end that not only show the momentum our
software suite is gaining in the market, but that we expect will
also drive future growth," said Robert
Galarza, Chief Executive Officer of BLOCKStrain. "We believe
we will continue to gain even greater traction as companies of all
shapes and sizes, from Licensed Producers to craft growers and
makers of CBD and THC infused products, recognize the inherent
value in being able to provide consumers with levelled assurance
that their products are as labelled. In an industry rife with both
quality control issues and competition for market share, the
ability to ensure this level of integrity can create brand goodwill
and also greatly reduce the opportunity for brand damage, which we
believe will continue to drive market adoption of BLOCKStrain
technology.
Financial and Operational Highlights:
- The Company's comprehensive loss was $1.6 million and $12.9
million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended
January 31, 2019. $2.3 million of non-recurring listing charges
related to the reverse takeover were incurred in Q1.
- For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2019, adjusted EBITDA was negative
$1.6 million and negative
$7.4 million, respectively.
- Funds used in operations were $1.4
million and $7.6 million for
the three and nine months ended January 31,
2019, and mainly covered marketing campaigns and product
development. The variance as compared to the prior year was due to
having a full three months and nine months of expenses in 2019
compared to having only startup product development costs and
travel costs in 2018.
- Cash on hand as of January 31,
2019 was $2.5 million,
compared to $4.0 million at the
beginning of Q3.
- In Q3, the Company announced a letter of intent with NXT Water
to launch AKESO Functional Fitness Water, a hemp-derived CBD
beverage.
Subsequent Events:
- BLOCKStrain signed an agreement with Licensed Producer, Harvest
One Cannabis Inc., to employ BLOCKStrain's proprietary genome
tracking software to collect and register its cannabis plant DNA
and strains.
- BLOCKStrain announced that its shares received Depository Trust
Company (DTC) full-service eligibility in the United States. DTC eligibility is expected
to simplify the process of trading and enhance liquidity of the
Company's common shares in the United
States.
- BLOCKStrain announced a letter of intent to acquire Spark
Digital Technologies to further bolster BLOCKStrain's technology
with its intelligent tracking, inventory and facility management
capabilities.
- BLOCKStrain announced the appointment of Dr. James LaValle as Chief Medical Manager to
provide leadership and direction with respect to scientific and
medical aspects of the Company's core software, as well as areas of
additional product and business development.
BLOCKStrain was incorporated on November
22, 2017, and, as a result, the Company's operations did not
start until the third quarter of 2018. The Company did not have any
activities prior to its date of incorporation and, therefore, does
not have comparative figures prior to the third quarter of
2018.
|
Three months
ended January
31, 2019
|
Three months
ended January
31, 2018
|
Nine months
ended January
31, 2019
|
Nine months
ended January
31, 2018
|
Adjusted
EBITDA(1)
|
(1,572,311)
|
(304,370)
|
(7,354,087)
|
(304,370)
|
EBITDA (1)
|
(1,601,002)
|
(304,370)
|
(12,899,763)
|
(304,370)
|
Net Loss
|
(1,597,593)
|
(304,370)
|
(12,891,198)
|
(304,370)
|
Comprehensive
Loss
|
(1,597,593)
|
(304,370)
|
(12,891,198)
|
(304,370)
|
(1)
|
Adjusted EBITDA is
not a measure of financial performance under IFRS. The definition
for Adjusted
EBITDA can be found in the Company's management's discussion and
analysis for the period ended
January 31, 2019, which is available at www.sedar.com
|
More detailed financial information and analysis with respect to
BLOCKStrain's results of operations are available in its unaudited
interim financial statements and MD&A for the period ended
January 31, 2019, both of which can
be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com
About BLOCKStrain:
BLOCKStrain has developed the first
integrated blockchain platform to register and track intellectual
property in the cannabis industry. BLOCKStrain's technology allows
cannabis growers and breeders to identify and secure rights to
their intellectual property and also streamlines the administrative
process and reduces the costs of genetic and mandatory
quality-control testing for legal cannabis. BLOCKStrain's
technology is proprietary, immutable and cryptographically secure,
thereby establishing a single-source, accurate, validated and
permanent account for cannabis strains from ownership to
market.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking
statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding
the Company's future business plans. Forward-looking statements
consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any
statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions
regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news
release include statements relating to: the expected benefits of,
and impact on, the cannabis industry as a result of BLOCKStrain's
technology; that recent business developments will drive future
growth; the Company's anticipation of gaining greater traction in
the market; and future transactions the Company proposes to
undertake. Such statements are based on management's current
assumptions with respect to the regulatory environment for
cannabis, the expected applications of its technology, and other
factors, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that
may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ
materially from those contained in the statements, including that:
BLOCKStrain's platform may not operate as expected; the cannabis
industry may not adopt the BLOCKStrain platform to the level
expected; legislative changes may occur that negatively impact
BLOCKStrain's business; BLOCKStrain's platform may not adequately
protect users' intellectual property; the proposed transactions
with NXT Water and Spark Digital Technologies may not be completed
on the terms expected or at all; and other factors beyond the
Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events
anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if
they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them.
Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating
the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking
statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these
cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made as
of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or
obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or results or
otherwise, except as required by applicable securities
laws.
SOURCE BLOCKStrain Technology Corp.