Is CannTrust Holdings Inc (TSX:TRST) a Buy After Dropping 20% Last Week?

CannTrust Holdings Inc (TSX:TRST)(NYSE:CTST) stock struggled after releasing its earnings, but I expect the stock to mount a bit of a recovery this week.

edit Cannabis leaves of a plant on a dark background

Image source: Getty Images

CannTrust Holdings (TSX:TRST)(NYSE:CTST) released its earnings last week and investors were not impressed, as the stock went over a cliff shortly afterwards. Despite its sales rising more than 132% during the quarter, the company’s bottom left a lot more to be desired, as CannTrust still ended up recording a very heavy loss totalling more than $25.5 million.

Ultimately, this is really par for the course in an industry where rising sales have often been met with mounting losses. And so for the stock to drop so drastically on these results might be a bit surprising. The company still has significant growth prospects, as it is working towards adding capacity and even looking at growing outdoors to help increase its output even further.

In an industry where supply is limited, capacity is the name of the game, and CannTrust is positioning itself to capture a lot of the market with more space for production. As impressive as its sales growth has been this past quarter, it’s only scratching the surface of what its potential could be in just a few years’ time when it will be able to produce even more cannabis.

CannTrust a cheap buy compared to key rivals

The recent drop in price could be a welcome opportunity for investors to buy up the stock at a more modest price. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bit of a recovery this week, as investors take a second look at the stock and consider the potential upside it has. Trading at a price-to-sales ratio of less than 25, CannTrust might actually seem like a bit of a bargain compared to its peers in the industry.

To put its value into perspective, consider that Canopy Growth trades at around 130 times its sales. Rival Aurora Cannabis, meanwhile, also trades at a multiple of over 100. Since profits are hard to come by in the industry and are often inflated by non-operating results, using a multiple of sales seems to be the best way to compare valuations today.

However, the argument could be made that both Canopy Growth and Aurora are much more established and more notable brands in the industry with even greater growth prospects, hence the bigger multiples. The problem is that at multiples of more than 100 times sales, that’s a significant premium for any investor to pay, regardless of how bullish they may be on a company or industry. I’d argue that CannTrust is still a very expensive stock at its multiple, but relative to its peers, that doesn’t appear to be the case, and that’s why I’d expect to see some sort of a rally this week.

Bottom line

CannTrust is not one of the big players in the cannabis industry today, but that could change with what it has planned for the future. For that reason, I’d keep a close eye on the stock, as the potential is certainly there for it to grow into a much bigger brand. There’s definitely some risk in investing in CannTrust as it has been very volatile over the past year, but that being said, it’s still been able to generate returns of over 30% during that time.

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 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Cannabis Stocks

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 »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

Down 99% From All-Time Highs, Is Canopy Growth Stock a Good Buy Right Now?

Canopy Growth stock is a high-risk investment due to its negative profit margins and challenging liquidity position.

Read more »

Marijuana plant and cannabis oil bottles isolated
Stocks for Beginners

Aurora Cannabis’ Reverse Stock Split: Is the Stock a Buy Today?

Cannabis stock Aurora (TSX:ACB) is consolidating shares once again, but what does this mean for investors?

Read more »

Medicinal research is conducted on cannabis.
Cannabis Stocks

Where Will Cannabis Stocks Be in 10 Years?

Cannabis stocks could see a huge shift upwards should marijuana be rescheduled in the U.S., but you can still buy…

Read more »