Derek Peterson, Chief Executive Officer of Terra Tech, commented, "We are encouraged to see our strategy to expand Terra Tech's retail presence in core target markets drive top line growth, with revenues reaching $7.0 million in the third quarter of 2016, representing a 244% increase compared to the prior year period. Third quarter results were supported by revenues from the Blüm Oakland Dispensary, in California, and the Western Las Vegas Blüm Dispensary, in Nevada, both of which opened in Spring of 2016. During the third quarter, we also opened the South Decatur Boulevard Blüm Dispensary, which is located east of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. Furthermore, with the passing of yesterday's ballots to legalize recreational cannabis in Nevada and California, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth as the market opportunity rapidly expands."
Mr. Peterson continued, "In addition to establishing a retail presence in Nevada and California, we also remain focused on improving brand recognition of our proprietary IVXX-branded line of premium medical cannabis products. We believe that our IVXX products are fast becoming one of the most-trusted medical cannabis brands in the country, which will give our brand 'staying power' as the industry evolves and new players enter the market."
"The Company's Edible Garden segment, which produces local and sustainably grown hydroponic foods, also reported a strong performance, with revenues up 34% year over year for the third quarter. Our distribution channels now include Wegmans Supermarket and our sales team expects this segment to continue to provide steady cash flow to support growth in the business in the near future," concluded Mr. Peterson.
Financial Update:
Total revenues generated for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 were approximately $7.0 million, compared to $2.0 million in the same period in 2015. This is an increase of 244% from the quarter ended September 30, 2015. The increase in third quarter revenues was primarily attributable to sales from the acquisition of the Blüm dispensary in Oakland, California, which closed on April 1, 2016, sales of IVXX cannabis products and Edible Garden sales of its produce, herbs and floral products. Third quarter revenues also benefited from sales from the Western, Las Vegas Blum dispensary which opened during the second fiscal quarter of 2016.
Gross margin for the third quarter of 2016 was approximately $1.3 million or 19% of sales, compared to a gross margin of approximately $370,000 or 18% of sales for the third quarter of 2015.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2016 amounted to approximately $6.0 million or 86% of sales, compared with approximately $2.1 million or 104% of sales for the third quarter of 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries due to new hires associated with the Blum dispensaries. Other expenses include an increase in consultants' fees in connection with the Nevada business and an increase in amortization expense due to intangible assets acquired in the Black Oak Gallery acquisition.
The Company realized an operating loss of approximately $4.7 million for the third quarter of 2016, compared to an operating loss of approximately $1.7 million for the third quarter of 2015.
The net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was approximately $5.9 million or $0.01 per share compared with a loss of approximately $2.0 million or $0.01 per share for the third quarter of 2015. The primary reason for the increase in net loss is the increase in general and administrative expenses.
Stockholders' equity for the third quarter of 2016 amounted to approximately $39.3 million, compared with approximately $6.3 million as of December 31, 2015. The increase is attributable to the Blum Oakland acquisition reduced by the current quarters' loss.
Short-term debt as of September 30, 2016 amounted to approximately $2.0 million, compared with approximately $917,000 as of December 31, 2015. Long term debt increased from zero to $836,000 during the first nine months of 2016, due to additional borrowings used for working capital and capital expenditures.
Business Update:
Cannabis Segment Updates: Opened the Company's second Nevada-based medical cannabis dispensary, located at 3650 South Decatur Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada
Opened the Company's second Nevada-based medical cannabis dispensary, located at 3650 South Decatur Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada
Edible Garden Updates: Shipped the first order of 4 inch potted living herbs to Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. in New Jersey
Increased automation, productivity and gross margins in building of the Dutch movable table system in an additional acre to meet demand, which is anticipated to be completed in December 2016
Adding more contract growers throughout the country for additional distribution of the New Organic Super Leaf lettuce
Planning for additional acreage and growers of the New Organic Super Leaf lettuce to enter the $5.2 billion category of cut leaf lettuce
Shipped the first order of 4 inch potted living herbs to Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. in New Jersey
Increased automation, productivity and gross margins in building of the Dutch movable table system in an additional acre to meet demand, which is anticipated to be completed in December 2016
Adding more contract growers throughout the country for additional distribution of the New Organic Super Leaf lettuce
Planning for additional acreage and growers of the New Organic Super Leaf lettuce to enter the $5.2 billion category of cut leaf lettuce
Miscellaneous Updates:
Appointed industry veteran, Joseph E. Segilia, as the Company's General Counsel
Derek Peterson, Terra Tech's CEO, presented at the Aegis Capital Corp. 2016 Growth Conference