1 Explosive Weed Stock to Buy Instead of Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB)

Cronos Group Inc. (TSX:CRON)(NASDAQ:CRON) appears to be a worthy contender to Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB)(NYSE:ACB). Cronos has to match the success of Aurora Cannabis to prove that it is the better investment.

| More on:
Female scientist in a hemp field checking plants and flowers, alternative herbal medicine concept

Image source: Getty Images

The cannabis industry is thriving, and the market is evolving faster than any industry sector. Regulations are in place, while more are certainly forthcoming. But the market is wracked by various concerns. They range from supply shortages, distribution bottlenecks, and even shake-ups at the top levels of management.

The situation is baffling investors and even upsetting to some. In a way, it gives the impression that the marijuana boom is a figment of the imagination. Cannabis companies are promoting brilliant ideas that aren’t really realizable. However, Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB)(NYSE:ACB) is an exception.

The success of Aurora Cannabis

On the whole, Aurora Cannabis is a cannabis firm with the largest potential annual production capacity. The company will capitalize on this unrivaled advantage to gain the largest market share from sales of legalized marijuana.

Further, Aurora will be instrumental in solving the supply shortages. But the company will also be a major contributor to the oversupply. The market itself will dictate the prices. Even with depressed cannabis prices, Aurora is better positioned to win big from edibles and extracts that have higher profit margins.

Aurora has already achieved success, as evidenced by the 21% growth in quarter-over-quarter sales. The company also built an empire in six years, which covers 24 countries in five continents. Momentum is clearly on Aurora’s side, and that motion will continue in the next decade.

The rise of Cronos

Aurora Cannabis’s strategic advisor and billionaire investor Nelson Peltz is warning management to resist the temptation of giving up significant ownership to other parties. Peltz was probably pertaining to Cronos Group (TSX:CRON)(NASDAQ:CRON).

The leading cannabinoid company yielded 45% stake to Altria Group. Cronos CEO Mike Gorenstein defended the move, saying, “The $1.8 billion received from Altria will enable us to more quickly expand our global infrastructure and distribution footprint, while also increasing investments in R&D and brands that resonate with our consumer.”

While the tobacco maker, can the increase the stake to 55%, Cronos is not restricted from taking in investments from other companies. With a prospective investor like a major food company, Cronos can compete with Aurora Cannabis. The company could end up as the eventual winner.

Which marijuana stock is the better buy?

Choosing the best-in-class stock in the cannabis space is a dilemma for investors. Both Aurora Cannabis and Cronos have plenty of upside potential. Regrettably, Cronos is reporting higher revenue but disappointing growth.

Sooner than later, Altria might begin to question the nitty-gritty of the business. Sales increased by 248% but with a corresponding net loss of $11.61 million. For example, operating expenses have quadrupled while the gross margin fell sharply. Peltz’s might be right to warn Aurora Cannabis about giving up majority ownership.

Meanwhile, Aurora Cannabis is reaping the harvest with net earnings surpassing the top-line revenue in 2018. The company has been unrelenting in building scale. Once the industry-leading 700,000 kilograms annual production target is achieved, rivals will be left behind.

Aurora is already flexing muscles, while Cronos is still building its own muscles. The company needs to do more to be in the league of Aurora Cannabis. I would recommend ACB over the inferior marijuana stock.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in the companies mentioned.

More on Cannabis Stocks

Coworkers standing near a wall
Cannabis Stocks

Why Is Everyone Talking About Canopy Growth Stock?

Canopy Growth stock (TSX:WEED) saw shares surge in the last two weeks for a variety of reasons investors can dig…

Read more »

Pot stocks are a riskier investment
Stocks for Beginners

Why Shares of Cannabis Stocks Are Rising This Week

Cannabis stocks received a boost this week as the White House urged the drug enforcement administration to reschedule the drug.

Read more »

A person holds a small glass jar of marijuana.
Stocks for Beginners

Why Canopy Growth Stock Jumped 16% on Wednesday

Canopy Growth stock (TSX:WEED) is up 16% on Wednesday, adding to a surge of 60% growth in the last week…

Read more »

Pot stocks are a riskier investment
Cannabis Stocks

Is the Worst Over for Canopy Growth Stock?

Down 99% from all-time highs Canopy Growth stock has burnt investor wealth and remains a high-risk investment.

Read more »

Pot stocks are a riskier investment
Cannabis Stocks

Steer Clear: This Stock Spells Trouble

A newly listed cannabis stock is outperforming in 2024 but investors should stay clear to avoid trouble and losses.

Read more »

Cannabis stocks have fallen.
Cannabis Stocks

2 Best Marijuana Stocks to Buy This Month

Marijuana stocks in the U.S. such as Green Thumb and Curaleaf can help you deliver outsized gains to investors in…

Read more »

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Can Aurora Cannabis Stock Recover in 2024?

Aurora Cannabis stock is down 99% from all-time highs but remains a high-risk bet, despite its cheap valuation.

Read more »

A person holds a small glass jar of marijuana.
Cannabis Stocks

The Best Cannabis Stock to Buy Right Now

This cannabis stock has jumped 30% in the last few months, with even more growth on the way – all…

Read more »