AAWH US Equity☆

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to assist in the understanding of the results of operations and financial condition of Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “AWH,” “Ascend,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”). This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto, (the “Financial Statements”) appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report” or “Form 10-K”). The Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which we refer to as “GAAP.”

This following MD&A should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the Financial Statements. In addition to historical information, this MD&A contains both historical and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and forward-looking information, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), that involve risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: operating results; profitability; financial condition and resources; anticipated needs for working capital; liquidity; capital resources; capital expenditures; milestones; licensing milestones; information with respect to future growth and growth strategies; anticipated trends in the industry in which the Company operates; the Company’s future financing plans; timelines; currency fluctuations; government regulation; inflationary pressure; unanticipated expenses; commercial disputes or claims; limitations on insurance coverage; availability and expectations regarding of cash flow to fund capital requirements; the product offerings of the Company; the competitive conditions of the industry; the competitive and business strategies of the Company; on-going implications of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”); statements relating to the business and future activities of, and developments related to, the Company, including such things as future business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of the Company’s business, operations and plans; and other events or conditions that may occur in the future.

We make forward-looking statements related to future expectations, estimates, and projections that are uncertain and often contain terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “predict,” “should,” “target,” or other similar words or phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events, or results, may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part 1. of this Form 10-K under Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” which are incorporated herein by reference. Our future results and financial condition may be materially different from those we currently anticipate and historical results may not be indicative of future performance. See “Forward-Looking Statements” for more information. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information in this MD&A is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Financial information and unit or share figures, except per-unit or per-share amounts, presented in this MD&A are presented in thousands of United States dollars (“$”), unless otherwise indicated. We round amounts in this MD&A to the thousands and calculate all percentages, per-unit, and per-share data from the underlying whole-dollar amounts. Thus, certain amounts may not foot, crossfoot, or recalculate based on reported numbers due to rounding. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to years are to our fiscal year, which ends on December 31.

The Company’s shares of Class A common stock are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) under the ticker symbol “AAWH.U” and are quoted on the OTCQX® Best Market (the “OTCQX”) under the symbol “AAWH.” We are an emerging growth company under federal securities laws and as such we are able to elect to follow scaled disclosure requirements for this filing.

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BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Established in 2018 and headquartered in New York, New York, AWH is a vertically integrated multi-state operator focused on adult-use or near-term adult-use cannabis states in limited license markets. Our core business is the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of cannabis consumer packaged goods, which we sell through our company-owned retail stores and to third-party licensed retail cannabis stores. We believe in bettering lives through cannabis. Our mission is to improve the lives of our employees, patients, customers, and the communities we serve through the use of the cannabis plant. We are committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality products and providing consumers options and education to ensure they are able to identify and obtain the products that fit their personal needs.

The Company was originally formed on May 15, 2018 as Ascend Group Partners, LLC, and changed its name to “Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC” on September 10, 2018. On April 22, 2021, Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC converted into a Delaware corporation and changed its name to “Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.” and effected a 2-for-1 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Split”), which is retrospectively presented for all periods in this filing. We refer to this conversion throughout this filing as the “Conversion.” As a result of the Conversion, the members of Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC became holders of shares of stock of Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

In May 2021, the Company completed an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of its Class A common stock, in which it issued and sold a total of 11,500 shares of Class A common stock, including the underwriters’ over-allotment option, at a price of $8.00 per share with net proceeds of approximately $86,065, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and certain expenses paid by us. In connection with the IPO, the historical common units, Series Seed Preferred Units, Series Seed+ Preferred Units, and Real Estate Preferred Units then-outstanding automatically converted into a total of 113,301 shares of Class A common stock and 65 historical common units were allocated as shares of Class B common stock. Additionally, 3,420 shares of Class A common stock were issued for a beneficial conversion feature associated with the conversion of certain historical preferred units and the Company’s convertible notes, plus accrued interest, converted into 37,388 shares of Class A Common Stock. See Note 12, “Stockholders’ Equity,” in the Financial Statements for additional details.

Since our formation, we have expanded our operational footprint, primarily through acquisitions. As of December 31, 2022, we had direct or indirect operations or financial interests in six United States geographic markets: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and employed approximately 2,200 people. In January 2023, we signed a definitive agreement that, upon closing, will expand our operations into the state of Maryland and represent our seventh United States geographic market.

We are committed to being vertically integrated in every state we operate in, which entails controlling the entire supply chain from seed to sale. We are currently vertically integrated in six states in which we operate with expansion plans underway to achieve vertical integration in each of our geographic markets. While we have been successful in opening facilities and dispensaries, we expect continued growth to be driven by opening new operational facilities and dispensaries under our current licenses, expansion of our current facilities, and increased consumer demand.

Our consumer products portfolio is generated primarily from plant material that we grow and process ourselves. As of December 31, 2022, we produce our consumer packaged goods in six manufacturing facilities with approximately 245,000 square feet of operational canopy and total current capacity of approximately 122,500 pounds annually. As of December 31, 2022, our product portfolio consists of 497 stock keeping units (“SKUs”), across a range of cannabis product categories, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, vapes, edibles, and other cannabis-related products. As of December 31, 2022, we had 24 open and operating retail locations and subsequently opened dispensaries in New Bedford, Massachusetts and Grand Rapids, Michigan. We expect to have 39 retail locations by mid-2024, which includes 4 dispensaries in Maryland that we expect to acquire pursuant to a definitive agreement that was signed in January 2023 and is pending regulatory approval. Our new store opening plans are flexible and will ultimately depend on market conditions, local licensing, construction, and other regulatory permissions. All of our expansion plans are subject to capital allocations decisions, the evolving regulatory environment, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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On November 22, 2022, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) containing a base shelf prospectus with the SEC (the “Shelf Prospectus”), which Registration Statement became effective on December 22, 2022. A corresponding base shelf prospectus (the “Canadian Prospectus”) was filed with, and receipted by, the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories Canada under the U.S.-Canada multijurisdictional disclosure system (MJDS). The Registration Statement and Canadian Prospectus qualify the distribution from treasury of up to an aggregate amount of $100,000 worth of shares of Class A common stock, preferred stock, warrants, debt securities, subscription rights and/or units of the Company (“Securities”) for a period of three years. The terms of any Securities to be offered under the base prospectus will be specified in a prospectus supplement, which will be filed with the applicable U.S. and Canadian securities regulatory authorities in connection with any such offering. To date, no prospectus supplement has been filed. The Shelf Prospectus and the Canadian Prospectus were filed to provide maximum flexibility to pursue strategic initiatives.

Recent Developments

Business Developments

AWH continues to expand and further develop its business and operations. Some of the highlights achieved during the year include:

•expanding into our sixth market in the United States by acquiring Story of PA CR, LLC (“Story of PA”) in April 2022, as further described below, and, during the fourth quarter, opening our first two dispensaries that are located in Scranton and Wayne, Pennsylvania, along with building out our cultivation facility which we expect will have its first harvest during the first quarter of 2023;

•entering into a definitive agreement with Ohio Patient Access LLC (“OPA”) that provides the option to acquire three medical dispensaries in Ohio, as further described below;

•entering into definitive agreements to acquire two additional licenses in Illinois, as further described below;

•the commencement of adult-use sales at our Rochelle Park, New Jersey dispensary in April 2022 and at our Montclair, New Jersey dispensary in August, along with the commencement of medical sales at our Fort Lee, New Jersey dispensary in August and the subsequent commencement of adult-use sales in November, as well as adding approximately 25,000 square feet of canopy at our New Jersey cultivation facility;

•further strengthening our balance sheet with $65,000 of additional senior debt financing under our credit facility, as described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources;”

•adding 69,000 square feet of canopy across the network, including phase 2 in Massachusetts, phase 2 in New Jersey, and phase 1 in Pennsylvania, bringing total canopy to approximately 245,000 square feet;

•opening our East Lansing, Michigan dispensary in addition to the Fort Lee, New Jersey, Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Wayne, Pennsylvania dispensaries, discussed above; and

•expanding our partnership portfolio into additional markets, including launching: AiroPro in New Jersey, Lowell in Illinois and Massachusetts, Miss Grass in Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey, and Edie Parker across the portfolio.

Acquisition of Story of PA

On April 19, 2022, we acquired Story of PA. Total consideration for the acquisition of the outstanding equity interests in Story of PA was $53,127, consisting of 12,900 shares of Class A common stock with a fair value of $42,957 and cash consideration of $10,170. Story of PA received a clinical registrant permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on March 1, 2022. Through a research collaboration agreement with the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (“Geisinger”), a Pennsylvania Department of Health-Certified Medical Marijuana Academic Clinical Research Center, this transaction allows us to open a cultivation and processing facility and up to six medical dispensaries throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We will help fund clinical research to benefit the patients of Pennsylvania by contributing $30,000 to Geisinger over the next two years (of which $15,000 was funded in April 2022), and up to an additional $10,000 over the next ten years.

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The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition and the total acquisition cost of $137,594 was allocated to the license intangible asset acquired. The total acquisition cost includes the consideration transferred for the equity interests in Story of PA, the research funding commitment, other liabilities assumed in the transaction, and certain transaction costs. Additionally, this total includes an acquisition-related deferred tax liability of $37,391 that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2022. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

Through this transaction, AWH entered its sixth market in the United States. We opened our first dispensary in the state in Scranton in October 2022 and the second dispensary in Wayne in November 2022. We are also continuing the build out of the cultivation facility and are expecting the first harvest will occur during the first quarter of 2023.

Acquisition of Ohio Patient Access

On August 12, 2022, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (the “Ohio Agreement”) that provides the Company the option to acquire 100% of the equity of OPA, the holder of a license that grants it the right to operate three medical dispensaries in Ohio, which operations have not yet commenced. The Ohio Agreement is subject to regulatory review and approval. Once the regulatory approval is received, the Company may exercise the option, and the exercise is solely within the Company’s control. The Company may exercise the option until the fifth anniversary of the agreement date or can elect to extend the exercise period for an additional year. Under the Ohio Agreement, the Company will also acquire the real property of the three dispensary locations. In conjunction with the Ohio Agreement, the parties also entered into a support services agreement under which the Company will provide management and advisory services to OPA for a set monthly fee. The parties also entered into a working capital loan agreement under which the Company may, at its full discretion, loan OPA up to $10,000 for general working capital needs. The Company determined OPA is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and the Company became the primary beneficiary as of the signing date; therefore, OPA is consolidated as a VIE. Refer to Note 8, “Variable Interest Entities,” in the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s VIEs.

The Ohio Agreement also includes an earn-out provision of $7,300 that is dependent upon the commencement of adult-use cannabis sales in Ohio. The sellers may elect to receive the earn-out payment as either cash or shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, or a combination thereof. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

The total estimated fair value of the transaction consideration was determined to be $24,132 and consisted of the fair value of the cash consideration of $19,290 plus the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration of $4,842. Of the total cash consideration, $11,300 was funded at signing pursuant to note agreements. The $11,000 payment that is due at final closing was recorded net of a discount of $3,010 based on the estimated payment date utilizing the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. This discounted payment is included within “Long-term debt, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Financial Statements at December 31, 2022; refer to Note 11, “Debt,” in the Financial Statements for additional information. The contingent consideration is included within “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Financial Statements at December 31, 2022.

The license intangible asset acquired was determined to have an estimated fair value of $21,684 and the three properties had an estimated fair value of $2,448. Direct transaction expenses of $224 are included in “General and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information related to this transaction.

Through this transaction, the Company will expand its footprint in Ohio to five dispensaries. The three additional dispensaries are expected to be built-out over the next year.

Illinois Licenses

In August 2022, the Company entered into definitive agreements to acquire two additional licenses in Illinois. Neither of these licenses were associated with active operations at signing and the transfer of each license is subject to regulatory review and approval.

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One transaction was entered on August 11, 2022 for total cash consideration of $5,500. The Company accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition and allocated the cash consideration as the cost of the license acquired. Of the total cash consideration, $3,000 was paid at signing and $2,500 is due at final closing and is included as a sellers’ note within “Long-term debt, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Financial Statements at December 31, 2022; refer to Note 11, “Debt,” in the Financial Statements for additional information. Direct transaction expenses were immaterial.

The second transaction was entered on August 12, 2022 for total cash consideration of $5,600. The Company accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition and allocated the cash consideration as the cost of the license acquired. The consideration will be paid at final closing and is included as a sellers’ note within “Long-term debt, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in the Financial Statements at December 31, 2022. Direct transaction expenses were immaterial.

The licenses acquired will be amortized in accordance with the Company’s policy once the related operations commence. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information on these transactions.

Acquisition of Marichron

Effective October 14, 2022, the Company acquired Marichron Pharma LLC (“Marichron”), a medical cannabis processor in Ohio, for total consideration of $2,600, consisting of cash consideration of $1,750, of which $1,500 was previously funded under a promissory note, settlement of approximately $1,000 due under a working capital loan, less settlement of $150 of other pre-acquisition amounts. Acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022 were not material. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

Operational and Regulation Overview

We believe our operations are in material compliance with all applicable state and local laws, regulations, and licensing requirements in the states in which we operate. However, cannabis is illegal under United States federal law. Substantially all of our revenue is derived from United States cannabis operations. For information about risks related to United States cannabis operations, refer to Item 1A., “Risk Factors,” of this Form 10-K.

Key Financial Highlights

•Revenue increased by $73,545, or 22%, during 2022, as compared to 2021, primarily driven by growth from our existing business, including the commencement of adult-use-sales at our three New Jersey dispensaries, as well as new site openings and acquisitions.

•Operating loss decreased by $9,678 during 2022, as compared to 2021, primarily driven by lower total operating expenses.

•Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $81,335 during 2022, primarily driven by net cash used in investing activities, including payments related to acquisitions, and net cash used to support working capital needs and operating activities, partially offset by proceeds received under our credit facility.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2021

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands) 2022 2021 Increase / (Decrease)

Operating expenses

Other (expense) income

*Not meaningful

Revenue

Revenue increased by $73,545, or 22%, during 2022, as compared to 2021. We had 24 open dispensaries as of December 31, 2022, compared to 20 as of December 31, 2021. Revenue from our legacy retail locations increased by $53,164, which includes the benefit of the commencement of adult-use sales at our New Jersey dispensaries that began in 2022, and new dispensaries that opened during late 2021 and during 2022 contributed $8,935 to our revenue growth. Additionally, we recognized incremental revenue from acquisitions of $12,493, which includes a total of $587 from the Ohio cultivation site that we acquired in 2021 and the Ohio processor that we acquired in 2022. The current year also benefited from an increase in wholesale volume sold, particularly in New Jersey and Massachusetts, but was partially offset by pricing pressure across the markets in which we operate, which also led to an increase in intercompany sales, for a decrease of $1,047 in net revenue related to our wholesale operations. As of December 31, 2022, we had 497 SKUs for our cultivation products, compared to 224 SKUs as of December 31, 2021.

Cost of Goods Sold and Gross Profit

Cost of goods sold increased by $74,954, or 38%, during 2022, as compared to 2021. Cost of goods sold represents direct and indirect expenses attributable to the production of wholesale products as well as direct expenses incurred in purchasing products from other wholesalers. The increase in cost of goods sold in 2022 was driven by expansion of our operations, including $8,025 of incremental cost of goods sold from acquisitions. Gross profit for 2022 was $134,563, representing a gross margin of 33.1%, compared to gross profit of $135,972 and gross margin of 40.9% for 2021. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by lower margins at our Illinois cultivation facility as pricing decreased compared to prior year, partially offset by gross profit margin increases in Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey as assets came online. Additionally, we recognized $7,306 of write-downs of certain inventory items within our Michigan business. Margins across our retail stores in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan were down slightly due to pricing pressure in those markets.

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General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased by $20,424, or 18%, during 2022, as compared to 2021. The increase was primarily related to:

•a $5,730 increase in compensation expense resulting from higher headcount of approximately 2,200 as of December 31, 2022 compared to approximately 1,500 as of December 31, 2021 to support our expanded operations;

•a $4,059 increase in depreciation and amortization expense due to $2,663 of incremental amortization of licenses and $1,396 of incremental depreciation expense due to a larger average balance of fixed assets in service;

•a $1,704 expense related to the write-off of certain previously capitalized costs and an estimated reserve of $3,700 related to certain amounts associated with the New York transaction (refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Legal Matters–MedMen NY Litigation” for additional information);

•a $2,981 increase in rent and utilities and related overhead expenses to support the expansion of our operations; and

•a $1,053 increase in professional services, driven by higher legal expenses for ongoing litigation matters, partially offset by the absence of a $2,000 termination fee associated with a management services agreement that was incurred in the prior year following our IPO and lower external support expenses.

Settlement Expense

During 2022, we recognized an expense of $5,000 related to the settlement of a stockholder dispute (refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Legal Matters–Stockholder Dispute” for additional information). During 2021, we recognized a settlement expense of $36,511 for a matter related to two property purchase agreements.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $31,553, or 49%, during 2022, as compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the absence of $30,967 of non-cash interest recognized with our IPO. Additionally, in the prior year we recognized a $6,637 net loss upon extinguishment of previously outstanding debt. The absence of these amounts was partially offset by higher cash interest expense in the current year associated with additional borrowings under our credit facility, as well as a $2,180 loss on extinguishment recognized in the current year (refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information). During 2022, we had a weighted-average outstanding debt balance of $285,802 with a weighted-average interest rate of 9.8%, excluding finance leases, compared to an average debt balance of $218,559 during 2021 with a weighted-average interest rate of 10.6%.

Income Tax Expense

Since the Company operates in the cannabis industry, it is subject to the limitations of Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 280E, which prohibits businesses engaged in the trafficking of Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances from deducting ordinary and necessary business expenses from gross profit. Cannabis businesses operating in states that align their tax codes with IRC Section 280E are also unable to deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses for state tax purposes. Ordinary and necessary business expenses deemed non-deductible under IRC Section 280E are treated as permanent book-to-tax differences. Therefore, the effective tax rate can be highly variable and may not necessarily correlate with pre-tax income or loss.

The statutory federal tax rate was 21% during both periods. The Company has operations in six U.S. geographic markets: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, which have state tax rates ranging from 6% to 11.5%. Certain states, including Michigan and, effective as of January 1, 2022, Massachusetts, do not align with IRC Section 280E for state tax purposes and permit the deduction of ordinary and necessary business expenses from gross profit in the calculation of state taxable income.

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Income tax expense was $41,693, or 31.0% of gross profit, during 2022, as compared to $41,720, or 30.7% of gross profit, during 2021. There have been no material changes to income tax matters in connection with the normal course of operations during 2022. The effective tax rate on gross profit for 2022 was impacted by higher penalties and interest due on federal tax payments in the current year as compared to the prior year, but benefited from higher relative cost of goods sold.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

We define “Adjusted Gross Profit” as gross profit excluding non-cash inventory costs which include depreciation and amortization included in cost of goods sold, equity-based compensation included in cost of goods sold, start-up costs included in cost of goods sold, and other non-cash inventory adjustments. We define “Adjusted Gross Margin” as Adjusted Gross Profit as a percentage of net revenue. Our “Adjusted EBITDA” is a non-GAAP measure used by management that is not defined by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We define “Adjusted EBITDA Margin” as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. Management calculates Adjusted EBITDA as the reported net loss, adjusted to exclude: income tax expense; other (income) expense; interest expense; depreciation and amortization; depreciation and amortization included in cost of goods sold; non-cash inventory adjustments; equity-based compensation; equity-based compensation included in cost of goods sold; start-up costs; start-up costs included in cost of goods sold; transaction-related and other non-recurring expenses; litigation settlement; and gain or loss on sale of assets. Accordingly, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides meaningful and useful financial information, as this measure demonstrates the operating performance of the business. Non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to the results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, but they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, U.S. GAAP results.

The following table presents Adjusted Gross Profit for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Year Ended December 31,

Depreciation and amortization included in cost of goods sold 15,360 9,612

Equity-based compensation included in cost of goods sold 11,627 2,929

Start-up costs included in cost of goods sold(1) 13,044 —

Adjusted Gross Margin 45.6 % 46.2 %

(1)Incremental expenses associated with the expansion of activities at our cultivation facilities that are not yet operating at scale, including excess overhead expenses resulting from delays in regulatory approvals at certain cultivation facilities.

(2)Consists of write-offs of expired products and obsolete packaging. Additionally, during 2022, we recognized a loss of $7,306 resulting from net realizable value adjustments related to certain inventory items in Michigan.

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The following table presents Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:

Year Ended December 31,

Transaction-related and other non-recurring expenses(3) 8,885 11,209

Adjusted EBITDA Margin 23.0 % 23.9 %

(1)Consists of write-offs of expired products and obsolete packaging. Additionally, during 2022, we recognized a loss of $7,306 resulting from net realizable value adjustments related to certain inventory items in Michigan.

(2)One-time costs associated with acquiring real estate, obtaining licenses and permits, and other costs incurred before commencement of operations at certain locations, as well as incremental expenses associated with the expansion of activities at our cultivation facilities that are not yet operating at scale, including excess overhead expenses resulting from delays in regulatory approvals at certain cultivation facilities. The 2022 amount includes a $1,704 expense related to the write-off of certain previously capitalized costs and an estimated reserve of $3,700 related to certain amounts associated with the New York transaction that the Company is actively pursuing collecting. The 2022 amount also includes a $234 fair value adjustment related to the OPA earn-out.

(3)Legal and professional fees associated with litigation matters, potential acquisitions, and other regulatory matters and other non-recurring expenses. The prior year includes expenses related to the Company’s IPO.

The Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2020

For a discussion comparing our operating results for the year ended December 31, 2021 with the year ended December 31, 2020, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with each of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the relevant Canadian securities regulatory authorities on March 11, 2022.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We are an emerging growth company and our primary sources of liquidity are operating cash flows, borrowings through the issuance of debt, and funds raised through the issuance of equity securities. We are generating cash from sales and deploying our capital reserves to acquire and develop assets capable of producing additional revenue and earnings over both the immediate and long term. Capital reserves are being utilized for acquisitions in the medical and adult-use cannabis markets, for capital expenditures and improvements in existing facilities, product development and marketing, as well as customer, supplier, and investor and industry relations.

Financing History and Future Capital Requirements

Historically, we have used private financing as a source of liquidity for short-term working capital needs and general corporate purposes. In May 2021, we completed an IPO of shares of our Class A common stock through which we raised aggregate net proceeds of approximately $86,065 after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and certain direct offering expenses paid by us. In August 2021, we entered into a credit facility under which we initially borrowed a $210,000 term loan. During the second quarter of 2022, we borrowed an additional $65,000 of term loans from certain lenders under the expansion feature of the credit facility, as further described below.

Our future ability to fund operations, to make planned capital expenditures, to acquire other entities or investments, to make scheduled debt payments, and to repay or refinance indebtedness depends on our future operating performance, cash flows, and ability to obtain equity or debt financing, which are subject to prevailing economic conditions, as well as financial, business, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had total current liabilities of $110,949 and $117,395, respectively, and total current assets of $198,743 and $258,012, respectively, which includes cash and cash equivalents of $74,146 and $155,481, respectively, to meet its current obligations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had working capital of $87,794, compared to $140,617 as of December 31, 2021.

Approximately 90% and 97% of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, is on deposit with banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. We have not experienced any material impacts related to banking restrictions applicable to cannabis businesses. Our cash and cash equivalents balance is not restricted for use by variable interest entities.

As reflected in the Financial Statements, we had an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, as well as a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and negative cash flows from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which are indicators that raise substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes that substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year from the issuance of our Financial Statements has been alleviated due to: (i) cash on hand and (ii) continued growth of sales from our consolidated operations. Management plans to continue to access capital markets for additional funding through debt and/or equity financings to supplement future cash needs, as may be required. However, management cannot provide any assurances that the Company will be successful in accomplishing its business plans. If we are unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all, whenever necessary, we may be forced to decelerate or curtail certain of our operations until such time as additional capital becomes available.

Credit Facility

In August 2021, we entered into a credit agreement with a group of lenders (the “2021 Credit Agreement”) that provided for an initial term loan of $210,000, which was borrowed in full. The 2021 Credit Agreement provided for an expansion feature that allowed us to request an increase in the term loan outstanding up to $275,000 if the existing lenders (or other lenders) agreed to provide such additional term loans. During the second quarter of 2022, we borrowed an additional $65,000 of incremental term loans through this expansion feature (the “2022 Loans” and, together with the initial term loan, the “2021 Credit Facility”) for total borrowings of $275,000 outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The 2021 Credit Facility matures on August 27, 2025 and does not require scheduled principal amortization payments. Borrowings under the 2021 Credit Facility bear interest at a rate of 9.5% per annum, payable

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quarterly. Proceeds from the initial term loan under the 2021 Credit Facility were used, in part, to prepay certain then-outstanding debt obligations and, together with the 2022 Loans, fund working capital and general corporate matters, including, but not limited to, growth investments, acquisitions, capital expenditures, and other strategic initiatives.

We incurred financing costs of $8,806 related to the initial term loan and additional financing costs of $7,606 related to the 2022 Loans, which includes warrants issued to certain lenders to acquire 3,130 shares of Class A common stock that had a fair value of $2,639 at issuance (refer to Note 12, “Stockholders’ Equity,” in the Financial Statements for additional information). The financing costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of 2021 Credit Facility using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest rate method. The 2022 Loans were funded by a combination of new and existing lenders. Borrowings from the existing lenders were accounted for as a modification of existing debt, with the exception of one lender that was considered an extinguishment. We recognized a loss on extinguishment of $2,180 as a component of interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2022, comprised of the write-off of $337 related to the lender’s initial term loan and $1,843 related to the lender’s new loan, which included the estimated fair value of the warrants issued to the lender.

Mandatory prepayments are required following certain events, including the proceeds of indebtedness that is not permitted under the agreement, asset sales, and casualty events, subject to customary reinvestment rights. We may prepay the 2021 Credit Facility at any time, subject to a customary make-whole payment or prepayment penalty, as applicable. Once repaid, amounts borrowed under the 2021 Credit Facility may not be re-borrowed. We may request an extension of the maturity date for 364 days, which the lenders’ may grant in their discretion.

We are required to comply with two financial covenants under the 2021 Credit Agreement. Liquidity (defined as unrestricted cash and cash equivalents pledged under the 2021 Credit Facility plus any future revolving credit availability) may not be below $20,000 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, and we may not permit the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the 2021 Credit Agreement) to consolidated cash interest expense for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to be less than 2.00:1.00 for the period ending December 31, 2021 and increased to not less than 2.50:1.00 for the period ending June 30, 2022 and thereafter. The Company has a customary equity cure right for each of these financial covenants. The Company is in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 11, “Debt,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

Financing Agreement

In December 2022, we received $19,364 pursuant to a financing agreement with a third-party lender (the “Financing Agreement”), which is included in “Long-term debt, net” in the Financial Statements at December 31, 2022. The Company assigned to the lender its interests in an employee retention tax credit claim (the “ERTC Claim”) that it submitted in November 2022 for approximately $22,800. If the Company does not receive the ERTC Claim, in whole or in part, the Company is required to repay the related portion of the funds received plus interest of 10% accrued from the date of the Financing Agreement through the repayment date. The Financing Agreement does not have a stated maturity date and the discount is being accreted to interest expense over an expected term. The Company’s obligations under the Financing Agreement will be satisfied upon receipt of the ERTC Claim or other full repayment. The Company determined the ERTC Claim did not meet the criteria to record as a receivable as of December 31, 2022 because of the uncertain nature of the ERTC Claim.

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Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31,

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities decreased by $3,382 during 2022, as compared to 2021, primarily driven by the timing and amount of income tax payments, the timing of payments to suppliers and vendors, and the timing of other working capital payments.

Net cash used in operating activities increased by $35,734 during 2021, as compared to 2020, primarily driven by increases in net investments in working capital, including inventory as well as the timing of accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $1,021 during 2022, as compared to 2021. The increase was primarily due to the purchase of intangible assets, including the first $15,000 payment made under the Story of PA research collaboration agreement, partially offset by proceeds received from the sale of assets and lower cash investments in capital assets.

Net cash used in investing activities increased by $82,361 during 2021, as compared to 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in cash investments in capital assets and the absence of proceeds from the sale of assets that occurred in 2020.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $181,080 during 2022, as compared to 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of repayments, in the current year and the absence of net proceeds received from our IPO in the prior year.

Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $170,187 during 2021, as compared to 2020. The increase was primarily due to higher proceeds from the issuance of debt and net proceeds from our IPO, partially offset by the repurchase of warrants in the current year and the absence of proceeds from a financing sale leaseback transaction that occurred in 2020.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments and Contingencies

Material contractual obligations arising in the normal course of business primarily consist of long-term fixed rate debt and related interest payments, leases, finance arrangements, and amounts due for acquisitions. We believe that cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our capital expenditures, debt services, working capital needs, and other contractual obligations for the next twelve months.

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The following table summarizes the Company’s material future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022:

(in thousands) Commitments Due by Period

(1)Principal payments due under our term notes payable. Refer to Note 11, “Debt,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

(2)Represents fixed interest rate payments on borrowings under the 2021 Credit Facility based on the principal outstanding at December 31, 2022. Interest payments could fluctuate based on prepayments or additional amounts borrowed.

(3)Consists of amounts owed for acquisitions or other purchases. Certain cash payments include an interest accretion component, and the timing of certain payments may vary based on regulatory approval. Refer to Note 11, “Debt,” in the Financial Statements for additional information. This amount excludes the potential earn-out payment related to the OPA acquisition that has an estimated fair value of $5,076 at December 31, 2022 and is dependent upon the commencement of adult-use cannabis sales in Ohio. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

(4)Reflects our contractual obligations to make future payments under non-cancelable operating leases that did not meet the criteria to qualify for sale-leaseback treatment. Refer to Note 10, “Leases,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

(5)Reflects our contractual obligations to make future payments under non-cancelable leases. Refer to Note 10, “Leases,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

(6)Related to the Story of PA acquisition. Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements for additional information. We expect to fund up to an additional total of $10,000 over the next ten years under the research collaboration agreement. Since the timing of the payments may vary, this amount has been excluded from the table above.

The table above excludes the Financing Arrangement, as the timing of the repayment is uncertain. Additionally, in conjunction with the OCC acquisition (see Note 4, “Acquisitions,” in the Financial Statements) in December 2021, the Company entered into a supply agreement with a producer and supplier of medical marijuana products in Ohio (the “Ohio Supply Agreement”) with an initial expiration date of August 2028. Under the Ohio Supply Agreement, the Company will purchase products from the supplier that results in 7.5% of the Company’s monthly gross sales of all products in our Ohio dispensaries for the first five years, and 5% for the remaining term. The Company can establish the selling price of the products and the purchases are made at the lowest then-prevailing wholesale market price of products sold by the supplier to other dispensaries in Ohio. Such purchases have been excluded from the table above, as purchases are variable based on gross sales of the respective dispensary.

As of the date of this filing, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by applicable regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on the results of our operations or financial condition, including, and without limitation, such considerations as liquidity and capital resources.

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Capital Expenditures

We anticipate capital expenditures, net of tenant improvement allowances, of approximately $25,000 during 2023. Changes to this estimate could result from the timing of various project start dates, which are subject to local and regulatory approvals. Spending at our cultivation and processing facilities includes: construction; purchase of capital equipment such as extraction equipment, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, and other manufacturing equipment; general maintenance; and information technology capital expenditures. Dispensary-related capital expenditures includes construction costs for the initial build-out of each location, general maintenance costs and upgrades to existing locations.

During 2023, we expect to complete the second phase of expansion at our New Jersey cultivation facility, the initial build out of our Pennsylvania cultivation facility, and complete certain expansion projects at our Illinois and Massachusetts cultivation facilities. We also anticipate building out the three dispensaries in Ohio related to the OPA transaction, up to four additional dispensaries in Pennsylvania, and two additional dispensaries in each of Illinois and Michigan. Additionally, we anticipate certain general maintenance activities across our cultivation facilities and dispensary locations. Management expects to fund capital expenditures by utilizing cash flows from operations and reimbursements under tenant improvement allowances from sale leaseback transactions.

As of December 31, 2022, our construction in progress (“CIP”) balance was $9,633 and relates to capital spending on projects that were not yet complete. This balance includes $4,085 related to the build out of our New Bedford, Massachusetts retail location; $2,542 related to certain projects at our Illinois cultivation facility; $1,363 related to the expansion of our New Jersey cultivation facility; $544 related to the build out of the three dispensaries in Ohio related to the OPA transaction; $444 related to the build out of two additional Illinois retail locations; and $655 related to other projects at our dispensaries.

Other Matters

Equity Incentive Plans

As of December 31, 2022, a total of 9,994 restricted common shares had been granted under the equity incentive plan approved in 2020 (the “2020 Plan”), of which 617 were unvested as of December 31, 2022. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to the restricted common shares was $67 as of December 31, 2022, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of 0.4 years.

In July 2021, the Company adopted a new stock incentive plan (the “2021 Plan”), pursuant to which 17,000 shares of Class A common stock are reserved for issuance thereunder, subject to certain adjustments and other terms. Following the adoption of the 2021 Plan, no additional awards are expected to be issued under the 2020 Plan. The 2021 Plan authorized the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and other stock-based awards (collectively the “2021 Plan Awards”). As of December 31, 2022, there were 5,859 shares of Class A common stock available for grant for future equity-based compensation awards under the 2021 Plan.

During 2022, the Company granted a total of 5,522 RSUs under the 2021 Plan. As of December 31, 2022, a total of 11,952 RSUs have been granted under the 2021 Plan, of which 6,462 are unvested as of December 31, 2022. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to the RSUs was $38,331 as of December 31, 2022, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of 2.5 years. Additionally, during 2022, the Company granted a total of 2,429 options under the 2021 Plan, of which 2,042 are outstanding as of December 31, 2022 and none of which are exercisable. The outstanding options have a remaining weighted-average contractual life of 4.4 years as of December 31, 2022, and total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested options was $2,774, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of 3.3 years.

Total equity-based compensation expense was $18,979, $23,093, and $680 during 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. Of the total equity-based compensation expense, $7,611 and $7,743 was capitalized to inventory during 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, $536 and $4,814, respectively, remains capitalized in inventory. No equity-based compensation expense was capitalized during 2020. During 2022, 2021, and 2020 we recognized $11,368, $15,350, $680, respectively, within “General and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated

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Statements of Operations in the Financial Statements and we recognized $11,889, $2,929, and none, respectively, within “Cost of goods sold.” Refer to Note 13, “Equity-Based Compensation Expense,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

In July 2021, the Company adopted an employee stock purchase plan (the “2021 ESPP”), pursuant to which 4,000 shares of Class A common stock are reserved for issuance thereunder, subject to certain adjustments and other terms. As of December 31, 2022, no shares have been issued under the 2021 ESPP.

Sale Leaseback Transactions

In February 2022, the Company sold and subsequently leased back one of its capital assets in New Jersey for total proceeds of $35,400, excluding transaction costs. The transaction met the criteria for sale leaseback treatment. The lease was recorded as an operating lease and resulted in a lease liability of $33,707 and a right of use (“ROU”) asset of $29,107, which was recorded net of a $4,600 tenant improvement allowance.

In June 2022, the Company sold and subsequently leased back two of its capital assets in Pennsylvania for total proceeds of $3,825, excluding transaction costs. Each transaction met the criteria for sale leaseback treatment. The leases were recorded as operating leases and resulted in a total lease liability and ROU asset of $2,102. Each of the lease agreements provide for a capital expenditure allowance of up to $3,000. The rent payments due under each lease will increase by a percentage of the capital expenditure allowance as funding occurs, and, therefore, each lease will be reassessed and remeasured as a modification upon such funding. During 2022, we received a total of $3,690 under the capital expenditure allowance that was recorded as a tenant improvement allowance and resulted in $1,880 of additional lease liabilities based on the modified lease terms and a net gain of $384 during 2022, which is included in “General and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the Financial Statements.

In October 2022, the Company sold and subsequently leased back certain real estate and related assets of a commercial property located in New Bedford, Massachusetts for a total purchase price of $350, pursuant to a definitive agreement that was entered into during 2021. The transaction did not meet the criteria for sale-leaseback treatment.

Refer to Note 10, “Leases,” in the Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s leases.

Legal Matters

Below is a description of our significant legal matters and the related impact, as applicable, on our financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Refer to Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies,” in the Financial Statements for additional information.

TVP Settlement

In December 2020, TVP, LLC, TVP Grand Rapids, LLC and, TVP Alma, LLC (collectively, the “TVP Parties”) filed a claim alleging breach of contract against FPAW Michigan, LLC (“FPAW”), and AWH related to a purchase agreement that was entered into in September 2019 for the Company’s potential acquisition of certain locations in Michigan. FPAW was a variable interest entity of the Company at that time through FPAW Michigan 2, Inc. and became a subsidiary of the Company in December 2020.

The TVP Parties asked the court to grant specific performance of the contracts between the Company and the TVP Parties, which, if granted, would have resulted in AWH issuing approximately 4,770 common units as originally agreed in September 2019 and paying approximately $16,500 in cash to the TVP parties in exchange for the entities holding the properties subject to the agreements. AWH and FPAW filed an answer to the complaint on January 28, 2021 and believed there existed valid defenses to the demand for specific performance due to lack of suitability of three of the six properties subject to the original transaction agreements.

On April 14, 2021, FPAW and AWH entered into a settlement agreement with the TVP Parties which provides for, among other items, the dismissal of all claims brought by the TVP Parties against FPAW and AWH

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upon performance of each parties’ obligations under the Settlement Agreement. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, FPAW and AWH were required to deliver a cash payment of $9,000 to TVP, LLC on the date of the Settlement Agreement, with an additional cash payment of $5,480 due on or before January 1, 2022 (which was paid in January 2022). In addition, on April 14, 2021, upon the execution of the Settlement Agreement, AWH issued 4,770 common units of AWH with a fair value of $26,041 to an escrow account, to be held in the name of the escrow agent (the “Escrow Units”). The Escrow Units converted into shares of Class A common stock upon the Conversion in the same manner as all other common units of AWH. Also as part of the Settlement Agreement and in order to avoid further potential litigation, AWH issued 255 common units of AWH with a fair value of $1,390 to a party to one of the September 2019 agreements that was not a party to the litigation matter.

Upon the receipt of the initial cash payment of $9,000 and the issuance of the Escrow Units, the TVP Parties filed a stipulated order dismissing all lawsuits, with prejudice and without costs, against FPAW and AWH. The Escrow Units are issued and outstanding and will remain in the escrow account until such time as the TVP Parties exercise an option to hold the Escrow Units directly (the “Put Option”). Upon their exercise of the Put Option, the Escrow Units shall be released to the TVP Parties and the TVP Parties shall transfer to FPAW the equity interests of the entities that hold the three real estate properties in Grand Rapids. The parties intend to work to identify at least two additional sites that will be suitable for future Ascend retail locations, which properties the Company would lease pursuant to market rental terms. The Put Option is required to be exercised by the TVP Parties within three years of the date of the Settlement Agreement. FPAW and AWH are entitled to use the subject properties until such time as the Put Option is exercised. FPAW currently operates dispensaries at two of the properties and expects to open a dispensary at the third property in early 2023.

The settlement charge of $36,511 is reflected within “Settlement expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the fair value of the share issuance of $27,431 is reflected within “Equity issued in litigation settlement” on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity in the Financial Statements. The fair value of the three properties to be acquired per the settlement of $5,400 is recorded within “Other noncurrent assets” in the Financial Statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and will remain until the time such property titles transfer to the Company.

The Company reported losses related to its Michigan operations of approximately $18,200, $17,400, and $16,700 during 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and there is no guarantee that the Company’s Michigan operations will become profitable in the future. Cultivation operations commenced in April 2021, and the Company anticipates that revenue and profitability in Michigan may improve as a result of vertical integration since the Company will be able to produce products for sale at our owned dispensaries at a significantly lower cost compared to the cost associated with acquiring product on the wholesale market from third parties. The Company also intends to identify additional attractive locations for future retail locations in Michigan. However, despite these developments, Michigan may continue to be a difficult market for us, as it is more competitive than the other markets in which the Company operates because Michigan does not limit the number of dispensaries or the size of cultivation facilities. As of the date of this Annual Report, there are over 300 dispensaries in Michigan and due to the significant retail competition in this market, we expect our sales per retail location and gross margins in this market to be below our average across the portfolio.

Stockholder Dispute

On May 28, 2021, Senvest Management, LLC, Hadron Capital (Cayman) LTD., and Measure8 Venture Partners, LLC (collectively, the “Claimants”), as former holders of convertible notes issued and sold by the Company (the “AWH Convertible Promissory Notes”) pursuant to the Company’s Convertible Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2019 (the “2019 Convertible Note Purchase Agreement”), filed an arbitration demand, which was subsequently amended on July 28, 2021 (the “Arbitration Demand”), against the Company and its Chief Executive Officer at that time, Abner Kurtin, before the American Arbitration Association. In their Arbitration Demand, the Claimants take issue with the April 22, 2021 amendment of the terms of the 2019 Convertible Note Purchase Agreement (the “Amended Notes Consent”), which was approved by holders of approximately 66% of the principal amount of the AWH Convertible Promissory Notes, in excess of the simple majority required to amend the AWH Convertible Promissory Notes. The Amended Notes Consent set the conversion price of the AWH Convertible Promissory Notes at $2.96 per share. The Claimants alleged that the

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Amended Notes Consent was obtained improperly and is void. The Company disputed the Claimants’ allegations and contended that the Amended Notes Consent was properly obtained in accordance with the terms of the AWH Convertible Promissory Notes and 2019 Convertible Note Purchase Agreement and the Amended Notes Consent was binding on all holders of the AWH Convertible Promissory Notes.

The Company, Mr. Kurtin, and the Claimants entered into a settlement agreement, dated April 29, 2022, whereby the Company agreed to pay the Claimants a total of $5,000. This amount is reflected in the Financial Statements within “Settlement expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 and was paid in May 2022.

MedMen NY Litigation

On February 25, 2021, the Company entered into a definitive investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with subsidiaries of MedMen Enterprises Inc. (“MedMen”), under which we would have, subject to regulatory approval, completed an investment (the “Investment”) of approximately $73,000 in MedMen NY, Inc. (“MMNY”), a licensed medical cannabis operator in the state of New York. Following the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreement, we were expected to hold all the outstanding equity of MMNY. Specifically, the Investment Agreement provided that at closing, the Company was going to pay to MedMen’s senior lenders $35,000, less certain transaction costs and a prepaid deposit of $4,000, and AWH New York, LLC was going to issue a senior secured promissory note in favor of MMNY’s senior secured lender in the principal amount of $28,000, guaranteed by AWH, which cash investment and note would be used to reduce the amounts owed to MMNY’s senior secured lender. Following its investment, AWH would hold a controlling interest in MMNY equal to approximately 86.7% of the equity in MMNY, and be provided with an option to acquire MedMen’s remaining interest in MMNY in the future for a nominal additional payment, which option the Company intended to exercise. The Investment Agreement also required AWH to make an additional investment of $10,000 in MMNY, which investment would also be used to repay MMNY’s senior secured lender, if adult-use cannabis sales commenced in MMNY’s dispensaries.

The Company contends that, in December 2021, the parties to the Investment Agreement received the required approvals from the State of New York to close the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreement, but MedMen has disputed the adequacy of the approvals provided by the State of New York. The Company delivered notice to MedMen in December 2021 that it wished to close the transactions as required by the Investment Agreement. Nevertheless, MedMen, on January 2, 2022, gave notice to the Company that MedMen purported to terminate the Investment Agreement.

Following receipt of such notice, on January 13, 2022, the Company filed a complaint against MedMen and others in the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York (the “Court”), requesting specific performance that the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreement must move forward, and such other relief as the Court may deem appropriate. The Company simultaneously moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction (the “Motion”) requiring MedMen to operate its New York business in the ordinary course of business and to refrain from any activities or transactions that might impair, encumber, or dissipate MedMen’s New York assets. The parties resolved the Motion via a “Stipulation and Order” entered by the Court on January 21, 2022 that requires that MMNY operate only in compliance with the law and in a manner consistent with its ordinary course of business that preserves all assets of MMNY. It further requires MMNY to not take certain actions, including any actions that would have a material adverse effect on MedMen’s NY business. The Stipulation and Order remains in place until trial. The Stipulation and Order also set an initial schedule for the litigation.

On January 24, 2022, MedMen filed counterclaims against the Company, alleging that Ascend had breached the Investment Agreement, and seeking declaratory relief that MedMen had properly terminated the Investment Agreement. On February 14, 2022, the Company moved to dismiss MedMen’s counterclaims and filed an amended complaint (the “First Amended Complaint”) that included additional claims against MedMen for breach of contract. The First Amended Complaint contained several causes of action, including for breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The First Amended Complaint sought damages in addition to continuing to seek injunctive and declaratory relief. On March 7, 2022, MedMen filed amended counterclaims, an answer, and affirmative defenses to the First Amended Counterclaim. On March 28, 2022, the Company moved to

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dismiss MedMen’s amended counterclaims. On April 20, 2022, the parties entered into a stipulation extending the time for MedMen to oppose the Company’s motion to dismiss until May 5, 2022. In addition, the parties agreed to stay all discovery, including both party and non-party discovery. On May 5, 2022, the parties filed another stipulation order with the Court adjourning until further notice from the Court MedMen’s time to oppose the Company’s motion to dismiss MedMen’s amended counterclaims. The parties again stipulated that all discovery remains stayed pending further order from the Court.

On May 10, 2022, the Company and MedMen signed a term sheet (the “Term Sheet”), pursuant to which the parties agreed to use best efforts to enter into a settlement agreement and enter into new or amended transactional documents. Specifically, if consummated, the agreements contemplated by the Term Sheet would entail, among other things, the Company paying MedMen $15,000 in additional transaction consideration, and MedMen withdrawing its counterclaims against the Company. Per the amended transaction terms contemplated in the Term Sheet, upon closing, the Company would receive a 99.99% controlling interest in MMNY and the Company would pay MedMen $74,000, which reflected the original transaction consideration plus an additional $11,000 per the parties’ Term Sheet, less a $4,000 deposit that the Company already paid.

The amended transaction terms contemplated in the Term Sheet also would have required MedMen to provide a representation and warranty that the status of the MMNY assets has not materially changed since December 31, 2021 and an acknowledgement that the representations and warranties from the Investment Agreement will survive for three months after the closing of the contemplated transactions. After the Company determined that MedMen could not make or provide the representations and warranties MedMen would have been required to make as part of the contemplated transactions, the Company determined that it no longer intended to consummate the contemplated transactions.

On September 30, 2022, the Company sought leave from the Court to file a second amended complaint (the “Second Amended Complaint”). The Second Amended Complaint contains breach of contract claims against MedMen, as well as a claim for the breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and a claim for anticipatory breach of contract. In connection with those claims, the Company is no longer seeking injunctive or declaratory relief; however, the Company continues to seek damages from MedMen, including, but not limited to, the return of the $4,000 deposit, approximately $2,400 of advances under the working capital loan agreement that was entered into in conjunction with the Investment Agreement, and other capital expenditure advances paid to MMNY by the Company.

On November 21, 2022, the parties entered into a stipulation whereby MedMen agreed to the filing of the Second Amended Complaint, which is now the operative pleading in the litigation. In addition, in the stipulation, the Company agreed that it would not contest MedMen’s filing of second amended counterclaims against the Company while reserving all rights with respect to any such counterclaims, including the right to move to dismiss any amended counterclaims. Because the parties agreed to the filing of each side’s amended pleadings, on November 28, 2022, the Court determined that Ascend’s March 2022 motion to dismiss was moot.

On December 21, 2022, MedMen filed amended counterclaims, an answer, and affirmative defenses to the Company’s Second Amended Complaint. In addition to the allegations in MedMen’s earlier pleadings, MedMen now also alleges that the Company breached the Term Sheet. On January 20, 2023, the Company moved to dismiss MedMen’s amended counterclaims. The briefing on the Company’s motion to dismiss was completed as of March 3, 2023. The parties are awaiting a decision from the Court on the motion to dismiss.

Following the Company’s decision to no longer consummate the contemplated transactions, the Company expensed a total of $1,704 of capitalized costs, primarily consisting of capital expenditures or deposits that were incurred for certain locations. Additionally, the Company established an estimated reserve of $3,700 related to the remaining amounts that it is actively pursuing collecting. These adjustments are included within “General and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and within “Other” on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

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Subsequent Transactions

Acquisition

On January 25, 2023, the Company entered into a definitive agreement (the “Maryland Agreement”) to acquire 100% of the membership interests of Devi Holdings, Inc. (“Devi”), which owns and operates four licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Maryland. Under the Maryland Agreement, the Company will also acquire the real property of the four dispensary locations. Total consideration at closing, subject to customary closing conditions and working capital adjustments, will consist of cash consideration of $12,000 and approximately 5,200 shares of Class A common stock. The Maryland Agreement is subject to regulatory review and approval.

Other

On February 24, 2023, the Company amended the lease associated with its New Jersey cultivation facility to increase the tenant improvement allowance by $15,000.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with United Stated generally accepted accounting principles requires our management to make certain estimates that affect the reported amounts. We base our estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends, independent valuations, and carious other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Financial Statements, including standards adopted during the current year, none of which had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. There have been no other significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies govern the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Classification of an acquisition as a business combination or an asset acquisition depends on whether the assets acquired constitute a business, which can be a complex judgment. Whether an acquisition is classified as a business combination or asset acquisition can have a significant impact on the accounting considerations on and after acquisition.

In determining the fair value of all identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, the most significant estimates relate to intangible assets. For any intangible asset identified, depending on the type of intangible asset and the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert or management may develop the fair value, using appropriate valuation techniques, which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows.

Cannabis licenses are the primary intangible asset acquired in business combinations, as they provide us the ability to operate in each market. The key assumptions used in calculating the fair value of these intangible assets are cash flow projections that include discount rates and terminal growth rates. In calculating the fair value of the cannabis licenses acquired during 2022 and 2021, management selected discount rates that vary depending upon the markets in which each of the acquisitions operate in, generally ranging between 15% and 21%. The terminal growth rate represents the rate at which these businesses will continue to grow into perpetuity. Management selected a terminal growth rate of 3%. Other significant assumptions include revenue, gross profit, operating expenses and anticipated capital expenditures which are based upon the Company’s historical operations along with management projections. The evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future

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performance of these assets. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that could affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates, or actual results.

Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We review goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”) permits the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances lead to the conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, which would require a quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, no further testing is required.

Our qualitative assessment of the recoverability of goodwill considers various macroeconomic, industry-specific, and company-specific factors. These factors include: (i) severe adverse industry or economic trends; (ii) significant company-specific actions, including exiting an activity in conjunction with restructuring of operations; (iii) current, historical or projected deterioration of our financial performance; or (iv) a sustained decrease in our market capitalization below our net book value. After assessing the totality of events and circumstances, if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying amount, no further assessment is performed. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying amount, we calculate the fair value of that reporting unit and compare the fair value to the reporting unit’s net book value.

If required, the quantitative test involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach incorporates the use of a discounted cash flow method in which the estimated future cash flows and terminal value are calculated for each reporting unit and then discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The market approach estimates fair value of a reporting unit by using market comparables for reasonably similar public companies. When applying valuation techniques, the Company relies on a number of factors, including historical results, business plans, forecasts, and market data. Changes in the conditions for these judgments and estimates can significantly affect the assessed value of goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, up to a maximum amount of the goodwill balance for the reporting unit.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, 2021, and 2020, we performed our annual impairment review of goodwill using a qualitative approach for our two goodwill reporting units and determined that it was more likely than not that there was no impairment of goodwill. As such, no impairment on goodwill was recognized during 2022, 2021, or 2020.

We evaluate amortizable finite-intangible assets and other long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be fully recoverable. If an indicator of impairment exists, judgment is required in considering the facts and circumstances surrounding these long-lived assets and assumptions are required to estimate future cash flows used in assessing the recoverable amount of the long-lived asset. Useful lives are reviewed annually. During 2022, 2021, and 2020, we did not note any factors resulting in impairment charges or changes to useful lives for finite-lived intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

Inventories

The net realizable value of inventories represents the estimated selling price for inventories in the ordinary course of business, less all estimated costs of completion and costs necessary to make the sale. The determination of net realizable value requires significant judgment, including consideration of factors such as shrinkage, the aging of and future demand for inventory, expected future selling price we expect to realize by selling the inventory, and the contractual arrangements with customers. Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are based upon quantities on

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hand, projected volumes from demand forecasts and net realizable value. The estimates are judgmental in nature and are made at a point in time, using available information, expected business plans and expected market conditions. As a result, the actual amount received on sale could differ from the estimated value of inventory. Periodic reviews are performed on the inventory balance. The impact of changes in inventory reserves is reflected as cost of goods sold.

Leases

For leases other than short-term leases (those with an initial term of twelve months or less), we recognize right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Operating lease liabilities are initially recognized based on the net present value of the fixed portion of our lease payments from lease commencement through the lease term. To calculate the net present value, we apply an incremental borrowing rate that is estimated as the rate of interest we would pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. We use quoted interest rates as an input to derive our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for the lease. We recognize ROU assets based on operating lease liabilities reduced by lease incentives, including tenant improvement allowances. We assess ROU assets for impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets.

Consolidation

Judgment is applied in assessing whether we exercise control and have significant influence over entities in which we directly or indirectly own an interest. We have control when we have the power over the subsidiary, have exposure or rights to variable returns and have the ability to use our power to affect the returns. Significant influence is defined as the power to participate in the financial and operating decisions of the subsidiaries. Where we are determined to have control, these entities are consolidated, generally as variable interest entities. Additionally, judgment is applied in determining the effective date on which control was obtained.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For information about our recently adopted accounting standards and recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted, see Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Financial Statements.

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT: ISSUERS WITH UNITED STATES CANNABIS-RELATED ASSETS

In accordance with the Canadian Securities Administration Staff Notice 51-352, information regarding the current federal and state-level United States regulatory regimes in those jurisdictions where we are currently directly and indirectly involved in the cannabis industry, through our subsidiaries and investments, is further described in the subsections “Overview of Government Regulation,” “Compliance with Applicable State Laws in the United States,” and “State Regulation of Cannabis,” under Item 1., “Business,” of this Annual Report.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We are exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. We mitigate these risks by assessing, monitoring and approving our risk management processes.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the risk of a potential loss to us if a customer or third party to a financial instrument fails to meet its contractual obligations. The maximum credit exposure at December 31, 2022 is the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents. We do not have significant credit risk with respect to our customers. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are placed with major U.S. financial institutions.

We provide credit to our customers in the normal course of business. We have established credit evaluation and monitoring processes to mitigate credit risk but have limited risk as the majority of our sales are transacted with cash.

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations associated with financial liabilities. We manage liquidity risk through the effective management of our capital structure. Our approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that we will have sufficient liquidity at all times to settle obligations and liabilities when due.

As reflected in the Financial Statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, as well as a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and negative cash flows from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which are indicators that raise substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes that substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year from the issuance of our Financial Statements has been alleviated due to: (i) cash on hand (ii) continued growth of sales from our consolidated operations. Management plans to continue to access capital markets for additional funding through debt and/or equity financings to supplement future cash needs, as may be required. However, management cannot provide any assurances that we will be successful in accomplishing our business plans. If we are unable to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all, whenever necessary, we may be forced to decelerate or curtail certain of our operations until such time as additional capital becomes available.

Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, raw materials, and other commodity prices. Strategic and operational risks may arise if we fail to carry out business operations and/or raise sufficient equity and/or debt financing. Strategic opportunities or threats may arise from a range of factors that might include changing economic and political circumstances and regulatory approvals and competitor actions. We seek to mitigate such risks by consideration of potential development opportunities and challenges.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Cash and cash equivalents bear interest at market rates. Our financial debts have fixed rates of interest and therefore expose us to a limited interest rate fair value risk.

Commodities Price Risk

Price risk is the risk of variability in fair value due to movements in equity or market prices. The primary raw materials used by us aside from those cultivated internally are labels and packaging. Management believes a hypothetical 10% change in the price of these materials would not have a significant effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows, as these costs are generally passed through to our customers. However, such an

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increase could have an impact on our customers’ demand for our products, and we are not able to quantify the impact of such potential change in demand on our annual results of operations or cash flows.

COVID-19 Risk

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Pandemic”) closely, and although our operations have not been materially affected by the Pandemic to date, the ultimate severity of the outbreak and its impact on the economic environment remains uncertain. The full impact of the Pandemic on our business will depend on factors such as the length of time of the Pandemic; government response at the federal, state, and local levels along with recommended actions from health authorities; the impact of new variants that may emerge; the longer-term impact of the Pandemic on the economy and consumer behavior; and the effect on our customers, employees, vendors, and other partners.

We continue to implement and evaluate actions to strengthen our financial position and support the continuity of our business and operations in the face of this Pandemic and other events. Although our operations have not been materially affected to date, the ultimate severity of the Pandemic and its impact on the economic environment remains uncertain. We continue to generate operating cash flows to meet our short-term liquidity needs.

While the Pandemic has not had a material impact on our results of operations to date, given the uncertainties associated with the Pandemic, we are unable to estimate the future impact of the Pandemic on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and/or cash flows in future periods. We believe we have sufficient liquidity available from cash and cash equivalents on hand of $74,146 as of December 31, 2022 to enable us to meet our working capital and other operating requirements, fund growth initiatives and capital expenditures, settle our liabilities, and pay scheduled interest payments on debt.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets 110

Consolidated Statements of Operations 111

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity 112

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 113

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 115

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID No. 324)

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Macias Gini & O’Connell LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

San Jose, California

March 15, 2023

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Members and Board of Managers of

Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, members’ equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Marcum LLP

Marcum LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor from 2020 until September 28, 2021.

New York, NY

February 25, 2021, except for the second paragraph of Note 1 and the eighth and ninth paragraphs of Note 15, as to which the date is April 22, 2021.

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ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31,

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2022 2021

Assets

Current assets

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 56,595 $ 45,454

Operating lease liabilities, current 2,633 2,665

Other non-current liabilities 15,076 —

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)

Stockholders' Equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 872,160 $ 723,436

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31,

Operating expenses

Other (expense) income

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests — — 1,598

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Class A and Class B Common Stock Attributable to Stockholders of the Parent

Vesting of restricted common units 2,626 — — — — — — —

Equity-based compensation expense — — — 680 — 680 — 680

Conversion of historical preferred units (58,036) 58,036 58 (58) — — — —

Vesting of restricted common units 2,209 3,388 3 (3) — — — —

Vesting of equity-based payment awards — 4,998 5 (5) — — — —

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended December 31,

Cash flows from operating activities

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

Equity issued in litigation settlement — 27,431 —

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchases of intangible assets (44,252) — (127)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from finance leases 350 — 3,750

Repayments under finance leases (69) — (478)

Taxes withheld under equity-based compensation plans, net (5,229) (1,012) —

Repurchase of warrants — (4,156) —

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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ASCEND WELLNESS HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(CONTINUED)

Year Ended December 31,

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Non-cash investing and financing activities

Issuance of shares for purchase of intangible assets 42,957 — 481

Warrants issued with notes payable 2,639 — 280

Taxes withheld under equity-based compensation plans, net 100 — —

Shares issued for share-settled debt — 3,750 —

Issuance of shares in business acquisitions — 3,652 2,319

Issuance of shares in purchase of non-controlling interests — — 1,018

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

1. THE COMPANY AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc., which operates through its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “AWH,” “Ascend,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”), is a vertically integrated multi-state operator in the United States cannabis industry. AWH owns, manages, and operates cannabis cultivation facilities and dispensaries in several states across the United States, including Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our core business is the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of cannabis consumer packaged goods, which are sold through company-owned retail stores and to third-party licensed retail cannabis stores. AWH is headquartered in New York, New York.

The Company was originally formed on May 15, 2018 as Ascend Group Partners, LLC, and changed its name to “Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC” on September 10, 2018. On April 22, 2021, Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC converted into a Delaware corporation and changed its name to “Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.” and effected a 2-for-1 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Split”), which is retrospectively presented for all periods in these financial statements. We refer to this conversion throughout this filing as the “Conversion.” As a result of the Conversion, the members of Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC became holders of shares of stock of Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. The historical consolidated financial statements prior to the Conversion date are those of Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries. Following the Conversion, the Company has authorized 750,000 shares of Class A common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share, 100 shares of Class B common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share, and 10,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share.

The rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, except for voting and conversion rights. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to 1,000 votes per share and is convertible at any time into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder. See Note 12, “Stockholders’ Equity,” for additional details.

Initial Public Offering

On May 4, 2021, the Company completed an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of its Class A common stock, in which it issued and sold 10,000 shares of Class A common stock at a price of $8.00 per share. On May 7, 2021, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full and we issued and sold an additional 1,500 shares of Class A common stock. We received total net proceeds of approximately $86,065 after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and certain other direct offering expenses paid by us. In connection with the IPO, the historical common units, Series Seed Preferred Units, Series Seed+ Preferred Units, and Real Estate Preferred Units then-outstanding automatically converted into a total of 113,301 shares of Class A common stock and 65 historical common units were allocated as shares of Class B common stock. Additionally, 3,420 shares of Class A common stock were issued for a beneficial conversion feature associated with the conversion of certain historical preferred units and the Company’s convertible notes, plus accrued interest, converted into 37,388 shares of Class A common stock. See Note 12, “Stockholders’ Equity,” for additional details.

Shares of the Company’s Class A common stock are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) under the ticker symbol “AAWH.U” and are quoted on the OTCQX® Best Market (the “OTCQX”) under the symbol “AAWH.”

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (the “Financial Statements”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Financial Statements include the accounts of Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including: AGP Investments, LLC; Ascend Group Partners, LLC; Ascend Illinois Holdings, LLC; Ascend Illinois, LLC; Revolution Cannabis-Barry, LLC; HealthCentral, LLC; Massgrow, LLC; Ascend Mass, LLC Ascend Friend Street RE LLC; Ascend New Jersey, LLC; FPAW Michigan 2, Inc.; Ascend Ohio, LLC; and AWH Pennsylvania, LLC. Refer to Note 8, “Variable Interest Entities,” for additional information regarding certain entities that are not

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Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

wholly-owned by the Company.We include the results of acquired businesses in the consolidated statements of operations from their respective acquisition dates. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

We round amounts in the Financial Statements to thousands, except per unit or per share amounts or as otherwise stated. We calculate all percentages, per-unit, and per-share data from the underlying whole-dollar amounts. Thus, certain amounts may not foot, crossfoot, or recalculate based on reported numbers due to rounding. The consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes are expressed in U.S. dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to years are to our fiscal year, which ends on December 31.

We are an emerging growth company under federal securities laws and as such we are able to elect to follow scaled disclosure requirements for this filing and can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. We base our estimates on historical experience, known or expected trends, independent valuations, and various other measurements that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Liquidity

As reflected in the Financial Statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, as well as a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, and negative cash flows from operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, which are indicators that raise substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes that substantial doubt of our ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year from the issuance of these Financial Statements has been alleviated due to: (i) cash on hand and (ii) continued growth of sales from our consolidated operations. Management plans to continue to access capital markets for additional funding through debt and/or equity financings to supplement future cash needs, as may be required. However, management cannot provide any assurances that the Company will be successful in accomplishing its business plans. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital whenever necessary, it may be forced to decelerate or curtail certain of its operations until such time as additional capital becomes available.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with our current period presentation. These changes had no impact on our previously reported net loss.

Variable Interest Entities

A variable interested entity (“VIE”) is a legal entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or is structured that such equity investors lack the ability to make significant decisions relating to the entity’s operations through voting rights or do not substantively participate in the gains or losses of the entity. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

We assess all variable interests in the entity and use our judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive the benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Other qualitative factors that are considered include decision-making responsibilities, the VIE capital structure, risk and rewards sharing,

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Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

contractual agreements with the VIE, voting rights, and level of involvement of other parties. We assess the primary beneficiary determination for a VIE on an ongoing basis if there are any changes in the facts and circumstances related to a VIE.

Where we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consolidate the accounts of that VIE. The equity owned by other stockholders is shown as non-controlling interests in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, Statements of Operations, and Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. The assets of the VIE can only be used to settle obligations of that entity, and any creditors of that entity generally have no recourse to the assets of other entities or the Company unless the Company separately agrees to be subject to such claims.

Non-Controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests (“NCI”) represent equity interests in certain of our subsidiaries that are owned by outside parties. NCI may be initially measured at fair value or at the NCI’s proportionate share of the recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets, made on a transaction by transaction basis. The share of net assets attributable to NCI are presented as a component of equity and their share of net income or loss is recognized directly in equity, as applicable. Total comprehensive income or loss of subsidiaries is attributed to the Company and to the NCI, even if this results in the NCI having a deficit balance. During 2020, the Company purchased the NCI related to Ascend Illinois and therefore there were no NCI as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. The NCI associated with Ohio Patient Access LLC, which is consolidated as a VIE beginning in 2022, as described in Note 4, “Acquisitions,” was determined to have a de minimis fair value. See Note 8, “Variable Interest Entities,” for additional information.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The Company considers all highly liquid securities with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash deposits in financial institutions plus cash held at retail locations. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at nominal value, which equals fair value. We did not hold significant cash equivalents or restricted cash balances as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

We maintain cash with various U.S. banks and credit unions with balances in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund limits. The failure of a bank or credit union where we have significant deposits could result in a loss of a portion of such cash balances in excess of the insured limits, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, which may bear interest and do not require collateral. Past due balances are determined based on the contractual terms of the arrangements. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts based on specific identification of probable credit losses and historical write-off experience. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company recorded $493 and $374 in allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Write-offs were not significant during 2022, 2021, or 2020.

Inventory

Inventory includes the direct costs of seeds and growing materials, indirect costs (such as utilities, labor, depreciation, and overhead costs), and subsequent costs to prepare the products for ultimate sale, which include direct costs such as materials and indirect costs such as utilities and labor. All direct and indirect costs related to inventory are capitalized when they are incurred and they are subsequently classified to “Cost of goods sold” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost determined using the weighted-average cost method for cultivation inventory and specific identification for retail inventory. The Company reviews inventory for obsolete and slow-moving goods, and any such inventories are written down to net realizable value.

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Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Notes Receivable

The Company provides financing to various related and non-related businesses within the cannabis industry. These notes are classified as held for investment and are accounted for as financial instruments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310, Receivables. The carrying amounts of notes receivable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company recognizes impairment on notes receivable when, based on all available information, it is probable that a loss has been incurred based on past events and conditions existing at the date of the Financial Statements. No impairment losses were recognized in 2022, 2021, or 2020.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment losses, if any. Land and construction in progress are not depreciated. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets which are as follows:

Category Estimated Lives

Machinery and other equipment 5 years

Leasehold improvements Shorter of 10 years or lease term

Buildings 39 years

Estimates of useful life and the method of depreciation are reviewed only when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the current estimates or depreciation method are no longer appropriate. Any changes are accounted for on a prospective basis as a change in estimate. Construction in progress is measured at cost and is reclassified upon completion as building or leasehold improvements, depending on the nature of the assets, and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use. Any gain or loss arising from derecognition of the asset is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Leases

The Company leases land, buildings, equipment, and other capital assets which it uses for corporate purposes and the production and sale of cannabis products. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception and begin recording lease activity at the commencement date, which is generally the date in which we take possession of or control the physical use of the asset. We early adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Leases, at formation as of May 15, 2018 and account for leases in accordance with ASC Topic 842. We record right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, which represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the corresponding lease liabilities, which represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, on the balance sheet.

ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term with lease expense recognized on a straight-line basis. We use our incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of future lease payments unless the implicit rate is readily determinable. Our incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. This incremental borrowing rate is applied to the minimum lease payments within each lease agreement to determine the amounts of our ROU assets and lease liabilities.

Our lease terms generally range from 1 to 20 years. Some leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease terms. We typically exclude options to extend the lease in a lease term unless it is reasonably certain that we will exercise the option and when doing so is at our sole discretion. The depreciable lives of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. Typically, if we decide to cancel or terminate a lease before the end of its term, we would owe the lessor the remaining lease payments under the term of such lease. Our lease

118

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

agreements generally do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We may rent or sublease to third parties certain real property assets that we no longer use.

Lease agreements may contain rent escalation clauses, rent holidays, or certain landlord incentives, including tenant improvement allowances. ROU assets include amounts for scheduled rent increases and are reduced by lease incentive amounts. Certain of our lease agreements include variable rent payments, consisting primarily of rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation and amounts paid to the lessor based on cost or consumption, such as maintenance and utilities. Variable rent lease components are not included in the lease liability.

We do not record ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less and we recognize payments for such leases in our Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We do not separate lease components from non-lease components for all asset classes. Sale-leasebacks are assessed to determine whether a sale has occurred under ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. If a sale is determined not to have occurred, the underlying “sold” assets are not derecognized and a financing liability is established in the amount of cash received. Upon expiration or termination of the underlying lease, the sale will be recognized by removing the carrying value of the assets and financing liability, with a gain recognized on disposal for the difference between the two amounts, if any. A lease of property and equipment is classified as an operating lease whenever the terms of the lease do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Company. Lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed. See Note 10, “Leases,” for additional information on our lease arrangements.

Intangible Assets

Finite-lived intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses, if any. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are measured at fair value at the acquisition date. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Useful Life

Trade names 6 months

Licenses and permits 10 years

In-place leases Lease term

The estimated useful life and amortization method are reviewed at the end of each reporting year, and the effect of any changes in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis. No impairment charges were recorded during 2022, 2021, or 2020.

Goodwill and Indefinite Life Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price of acquired businesses over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit in which the business that created the goodwill resides. The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill annually; however, we could be required to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill more often if impairment indicators exist. We have elected to make the first day of our fourth quarter the annual impairment assessment date for goodwill and have two goodwill reporting units.

In 2018, we early adopted ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the two-step goodwill impairment process. Goodwill is first qualitatively assessed to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Factors that management considers in this assessment include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance (both current and projected), changes in management and strategy, and changes in the composition or carrying amount of net assets. If this qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a one-step test is then performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge will be recorded for the difference between the fair value and carrying value, but is limited to the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. No impairment was recorded during 2022, 2021, or 2020.

119

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Indefinite life intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. The Company reviews the classification each reporting period to determine whether the assessment made about the useful life as indefinite or finite is still appropriate. Any change is accounted for on a prospective basis as a change in estimate.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, finite life intangible assets, and lease-related ROU assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists. We group assets at the lowest level for which cash flows are separately identifiable, referred to as an asset group. When indicators of potential impairment exist, we prepare a projected undiscounted cash flow analysis for the respective asset or asset group. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying value of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, if any.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for the identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date.

Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. Preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and

Level 3 – Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

We evaluate assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring and non-recurring basis to determine the appropriate level at which to classify them for each reporting period. The Company records cash, accounts receivable, notes receivable, and notes payable at cost. The carrying value of these instruments approximates their fair value due to their short-term maturities. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. We had no transfers of assets or liabilities between any of the hierarchy levels during 2022 or 2021.

The Company estimates and records acquisition date estimated fair value of contingent consideration as part of purchase price consideration for acquisitions, as applicable. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration is remeasured at each reporting date and any change in fair value is recognized within “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated fair value of contingent consideration is based on Level 3 inputs and may include assumptions and estimates regarding future operating results, discount rates, and probabilities assigned to various potential scenarios.

In addition to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, we are also required to measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis that are subject to fair value adjustments in specific circumstances. These assets can include: goodwill; intangible assets; property and equipment; and lease-related ROU assets. We estimate the fair value of these assets using primarily unobservable Level 3 inputs.

120

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Convertible Instruments

The Company accounts for hybrid contracts that feature conversion options in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging Activities (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires companies to bifurcate conversion options and account for them as freestanding financial instruments according to certain criteria. If the embedded features do not meet the criteria for bifurcation, the convertible instrument is accounted for as a single hybrid instrument in accordance with ASC Topic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (“ASC 470-20”).

From time to time, the Company may issue warrants to purchase Class A common stock or stock options. These instruments are recorded at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model or a binomial model, based on the classification of the instrument. The classification of warrants as liabilities or equity is evaluated at issuance.

Acquisitions

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. On the date of the acquisition, we allocate the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values. Goodwill on the acquisition date is measured as the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with corresponding adjustments to goodwill. We recognize subsequent changes in the estimate of the amount to be paid under contingent consideration arrangements in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We expense acquisition-related costs as incurred.

For acquisitions that are not deemed to be businesses, the assets acquired are recognized based on their cost to the Company as the acquirer and no gain or loss is recognized. The cost of assets acquired in a group is allocated to the individual assets within the group based on their relative fair values and does not give rise to goodwill. Transaction costs related to acquisitions of assets are included in the cost basis of the assets acquired.

Contingencies and Litigation

The Company may be subject to lawsuits, investigations, and other claims related to employment, commercial, and other matters that arise out of operations in the normal course of business. We accrue for loss contingencies when losses become probable and are reasonably estimable. If the reasonable estimate of the loss is a range and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is recorded as a liability. We recognize legal costs as an expense in the period incurred.

Employee Benefit Plans

During 2021, the Company began to sponsor an employee retirement plan (the “401(k) Plan”) that provides eligible employees of the Company an opportunity to accumulate funds for retirement. The Company provides matching contributions on a discretionary basis. No matching contributions were made to the 401(k) Plan during 2022 or 2021.

During 2022, certain employees became covered under collective bargaining agreements. We do not participate in multiemployer benefit plans under these agreements and have not paid significant Company contributions under these agreements.

Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are provided using an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered. Deferred tax assets are reviewed for recoverability on an annual basis. A

121

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of a deferred tax asset to its realizable value unless it is more likely than not that such asset will be realized. We recognize interest and penalties associated with tax matters as part of the income tax provision, if any, and include accrued interest and penalties with the related tax liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, if applicable.

As discussed further in Note 14, “Income Taxes,” we are subject to the provisions of Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 280E.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and the related subsequent pronouncements (collectively “Topic 606”), which the Company early adopted at formation as of May 15, 2018. Under Topic 606, revenue recognition depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue recognition is aligned with the delivery of goods and services and is recognized at a point in time or over time, the assessment of which requires judgment.

In accordance with Topic 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. The amount of revenue reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for these goods or services. The Company applies the following five-step analysis to determine whether, how much, and when revenue is recognized: (1) identify the contract with the customer; (2) identify the performance obligation in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when or as the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

Under Topic 606, revenue from the sale of medicinal and adult-use cannabis and derivative products has a single performance obligation and revenue is recognized at the point in time when control of the product transfers and the Company’s obligations have been fulfilled. This generally occurs upon delivery and acceptance by the customer. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of allowances, discounts, and rebates. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenue.

For certain locations, we offer a loyalty program to dispensary customers. A portion of the revenue generated in a sale is allocated to the loyalty points earned and the amount allocated to the points earned is deferred until the loyalty points are redeemed or expire. The liability related to the loyalty program we offer dispensary customers at certain locations was $672 and $518 at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is included in “Other current liabilities” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Equity-Based Payments

The Company issues equity-based awards to employees and non-employee directors for services. The Company accounts for these awards in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation–Stock Compensation. Awards are measured based on their fair value at the grant date and recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. The Company issues new shares to satisfy the issuance of equity-based payments.

Basic and Diluted Loss per Share

The Company computes earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) using the two-class method required for multiple classes of common stock. The rights, including the liquidation and dividend rights, of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock are substantially identical, except for voting and conversion rights. As the liquidation and dividend rights are identical, undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis to each class of common stock and the resulting basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders are, therefore, the same for both Class A and Class B common stock on both an individual and combined basis. EPS and weighted-average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 have been computed on the basis of treating the historical common unit equivalents previously outstanding as shares of Class A common stock, as such historical units converted into shares of Class A common stock in the Conversion.

122

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution and is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potential common shares had been issued and were dilutive. However, potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of diluted EPS to the extent that their effect is anti-dilutive. Potential dilutive securities in the current year include incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants, unvested restricted stock awards, unvested restricted stock units, in addition to stock options that are outstanding in the current year. Potential dilutive securities in the prior years include incremental shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants, vested incentive units, unvested restricted stock awards, unvested restricted stock units, and the conversion of convertible notes. At December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, 14,861, 11,513, and 37,181 shares of common stock equivalents, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Shares of restricted stock granted by us are considered to be legally issued and outstanding as of the date of grant, notwithstanding that the shares remain subject to the risk of forfeiture if the vesting conditions for such shares are not met, and are included in the number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding disclosed on the cover page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Weighted-average common shares outstanding excludes time-based and performance-based unvested shares of restricted Class A common stock, as restricted shares are treated as issued and outstanding for financial statement presentation purposes only after such shares have vested and, therefore, have ceased to be subject to a risk of forfeiture.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

The following standards have been recently adopted by the Company. Recently effective standards that are not applicable to the Company or where it has been determined do not have a significant impact on us have been excluded herein.

Debt

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models available for convertible debt instruments. This guidance also eliminates the treasury stock method to calculate diluted earnings per share for convertible instruments and requires the use of the if-converted method. ASU 2020-06 became effective for us on January 1, 2022 and did not have a significant impact on out consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Modification or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options

In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt – Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer’s Accounting For Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options, (“ASU 2021-04”). ASU 2021-04 provides clarification and reduces diversity in an issuer’s accounting for certain modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options, such as warrants, that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. ASU 2021-04 became effective for us on January 1, 2022 and did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

123

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The following standards have been recently issued by the FASB. Pronouncements that are not applicable to the Company or where it has been determined do not have a significant impact on us have been excluded herein.

Financial Instruments

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing guidance surrounding measurement and recognition of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables and investments in certain debt securities, by requiring recognition of an allowance for credit losses expected to be incurred over an asset’s life based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and supportable forecasts impacting its ultimate collectability. This current expected credit losses (“CECL”) model will result in earlier recognition of credit losses than the current “as incurred” model, under which losses are recognized only upon the occurrence of an event that gives rise to the incurrence of a probable loss.

ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief, was issued in May 2019 to provide target transition relief allowing entities to make an irrevocable one-time election upon adoption of the new credit losses standard to measure financial assets previously measured at amortized cost (except held-to-maturity securities) using the fair value option.

ASU 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, was issued in November 2019 to clarify, improve, and amend certain aspects of ASU 2016-13, such as disclosures related to accrued interest receivables and the estimation of credit losses associated with financial assets secured by collateral.

ASU 2020-03, Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments, was issued in March 2020 to improve and clarify various financial instruments topics, including the CECL standard issued in 2016. The ASU includes seven different issues that describe the areas of improvement and the related amendments to U.S. GAAP, intended to make the standards easier to understand and apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. Certain amendments contained within this update were effective upon issuance and had no material impact on our Financial Statements.

ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, was issued in March 2022 and eliminates the guidance on troubled debt restructurings for creditors and, instead, requires that an entity evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendments in this ASU also enhance disclosure requirements about loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and also require an entity to present gross write-offs by year of origination.

ASU 2016-13 and its related ASUs are effective for us beginning January 1, 2023 and are not expected to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This guidance was effective upon issuance as of March 12, 2020 and could be adopted as reference rate reform activities occurred through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, to extend thesunset date of the transition guidance included in ASU 2020-04 to December 31, 2024. This guidance can be adopted prospectively as reference rate reform activities occur, with early adoption permitted, and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

124

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

3. REPORTABLE SEGMENTS AND REVENUE

The Company operates under one operating segment, which is its only reportable segment: the production and sale of cannabis products. The Company prepares its segment reporting on the same basis that its Chief Operating Decision Maker manages the business and makes operating decisions. The Company’s measure of segment performance is net income and derives its revenue primarily from the sale of cannabis products. All of the Company’s operations are located in the United States.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company disaggregates its revenue from the direct sale of cannabis to customers as retail revenue and wholesale revenue. We have determined that disaggregating revenue into these categories best depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Year Ended December 31,

4. ACQUISITIONS

Business Combinations

The Company has determined that the acquisitions discussed below are considered business combinations under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, (“ASC Topic 805”) and are accounted for by applying the acquisition method, whereby the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values with any excess of the aggregate consideration over the fair values of the identifiable net assets allocated to goodwill. Operating results are included in these Financial Statements from the date of the acquisition.

The purchase price allocation for each acquisition reflects various preliminary fair value estimates and analyses, including certain tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the valuation of intangible assets acquired, and goodwill, which are subject to change within the measurement period as preliminary valuations are finalized (generally one year from the acquisition date). Measurement period adjustments are recorded in the reporting period in which the estimates are finalized and adjustment amounts are determined.

2022 Acquisitions

Effective October 14, 2022, the Company acquired Marichron Pharma LLC (“Marichron”), a medical cannabis processor in Ohio, for total consideration of $2,600, consisting of cash consideration of $1,750, of which $1,500 was previously funded under a promissory note, settlement of approximately $1,000 due under a working capital loan, less settlement of $150 of other pre-acquisition amounts. Acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022 were not material.

125

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

(in thousands) Marichron

Assets acquired:

Accounts receivable $ 12

Net assets acquired $ 2,600

Consideration transferred:

Settlement of note and working capital loan(3) 2,500

Settlement of pre-acquisition amounts (150)

Total consideration $ 2,600

(1)The amortization period for acquired licenses is 10 years.

(2)Goodwill is largely attributable to the value we expect to obtain from long-term business growth and buyer-specific synergies. The Company is evaluating whether the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes, but does not expect it will be deductible under the limitations imposed under IRC Section 280E. See Note 14, “Income Taxes,” for additional information.

(3)Includes settlement of $1,500 due under a promissory note and settlement of $1,000 due under a working capital line of credit. See Note 6, “Notes Receivable” for additional information regarding these note agreements.

2021 Acquisitions

Effective May 5, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of the parent company of Hemma, LLC (“Hemma”), the owner of a medical cultivation site in Ohio. Total consideration of $10,381 consisted of a total cash payment of $7,212, settlement of $2,500 due under a note receivable, and $669 due under a working capital loan. Acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021 were not material.

Effective October 1, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of BCCO, LLC (“BCCO”), a medical dispensary license holder in Ohio. Total consideration of $5,561 consisted of a cash payment of $1,995, settlement of $1,750 due under a note receivable, and $1,816 due under a working capital loan. Acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021 were not material.

Effective December 22, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Ohio Cannabis Clinic, LLC (“OCC”), a medical dispensary license holder in Ohio. Total consideration of $16,151 consisted of a total cash payment of $12,499 and the issuance of 664 shares of Class A common stock with a fair value of $3,652 at issuance. Acquisition-related costs incurred during the year ended December 31, 2021 were not material.

126

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Purchase Price Allocation

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded measurement period purchase accounting adjustments based on changes to certain estimates and assumptions and their related impact to goodwill, as described below. The following table presents the final purchase price allocation for each of our 2021 acquisitions:

(in thousands) Hemma BCCO OCC

Assets acquired (liabilities assumed):

Accounts receivable 41 — —

Other noncurrent assets — 5 —

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (12) (218) (1)

Deferred tax liability — (548) —

Consideration transferred:

Settlement of note and working capital loan(5) 3,169 3,566 —

Fair value of shares issued(6) — — 3,652

(1)Consists of furniture, fixtures and equipment of $162 and leasehold improvements of $936.

(2)The amortization period for acquired licenses is 10 years.

(3)Goodwill is largely attributable to the value we expect to obtain from long-term business growth and buyer-specific synergies. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a measurement period purchase accounting adjustment of $51 for the final working capital adjustment related to the OCC acquisition and $548 for a pre-acquisition deferred tax liability due to finalization of certain income-tax related items related to the BCCO acquisition. The Company determined the goodwill was largely not deductible for tax purposes under the limitations imposed under IRC Section 280E. See Note 14, “Income Taxes,” for additional information.

(4)Total cash consideration includes a $4,712 sellers’ note for Hemma that was paid in December 2021, and a $7,471 sellers’ note for OCC that was paid in 2022. See Note 11, “Debt,” for additional information.

(5)Hemma includes settlement of $2,500 due under a note receivable and settlement of $669 due under a working capital line of credit. BCCO includes settlement of $1,750 due under a note receivable and settlement of $1,816 due under a working capital line of credit.

(6)The sellers of OCC received 664 shares of Class A common stock with a fair value of $3,652 at issuance. Per the terms of the agreement with OCC, the number of shares issued was based on $3,798 divided by the volume weighted-average price per share of the Class A common stock as reported on the CSE for the ten consecutive trading days ending on the date immediately preceding the closing date.

127

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands, except per share or per unit data)

Financial and Pro Forma Information

The following tables summarize the revenue and net income (loss) related to our acquisitions completed during 2022 and 2021 that are included in our consolidated results from the respective acquisition dates, as applicable.

(in thousands) Hemma BCCO OCC Marichron

(in thousands) Hemma BCCO OCC

Pro forma financial information is not presented for Hemma, BCCO, OCC, or Marichron as such results are immaterial, individually and in aggregate, to both the current and prior periods.