1 Dirt-Cheap Marijuana Stock: Is it a Buy?

Namaste Technologies Inc (TSXV:N) combines two fast-growing industries into one, but is the company a buy?

| More on:
Marijuana plant and cannabis oil bottles isolated

Image source: Getty Images

Few industries present a growth potential as significant as that of the marijuana sector, but if there is one that does, it is the e-commerce industry. However, what happens when a company tries to combine both of these markets into one? That is precisely what Namaste Technologies (TSXV:N) — a Toronto-based tech company — is trying to do. While the prospect seems enticing, I believe Namaste is too risky a bet to make at the moment; here is why.

A brilliant strategy?

Since 2005, Namaste has focused on bridging the gap between cannabis-related products and technology. In many ways, the company’s mission statement is brilliant, considering how much we rely on various technological innovations in today’s world, be it to order food or to order a cab. Namaste’s cannabis-focused e-commerce websites (which span over 20 countries) and smartphone apps attract hundreds of thousands of monthly visits and serve well over a million customers.

But Namaste does more than just sell cannabis-related products. The firm’s app — NamasteMD — matches customers with healthcare providers, recommends products based on needs, etc. In short, Namaste is planning to become the one-stop shop for various products and services, creating a self-contained network, which can serve every customer’s needs. Further, the company has secured various supply agreements, although these pale in comparison with the giants of the marijuana sector.

Reasons to worry

Namaste’s business model seems like a great idea. The cannabis sector will continue to grow worldwide, and the convenience provided by technology is a great way of making cannabis-related products more accessible to consumers, many of whom likely wouldn’t have considered them otherwise. However, there are a few areas of concern.

First, Namaste is spending a considerable amount of money to develop the technology necessary to sustain its business model. This is having a negative impact on its earnings, which are currently negative. While many pot companies are in the same boat, it is still worth mentioning. Second, the largest pot companies can likely replicate many of Namaste’s platforms, at least to some extent.

The best-known e-commerce platforms became successful because they managed to build a strong competitive advantage, be it a strong network of loyal customers, unique service offerings, high switching costs, brand-name recognition, etc. Namaste hardly possesses any of these characteristics yet, and many in the pot industry have far larger distribution channels, which they can leverage to their advantage to attract increasingly more customers.

Finally, Namaste has had to deal with some drama over the past few months. Back in October of last year, the famous (or infamous) investment newsletter Citron Research came out with some scathing allegations about the company or, more precisely, about its then CEO Sean Dollinger. According to Citron Research, Dollinger had failed to disclose the details of a deal (or that a deal was made at all) between himself and another Namaste executive, David Hughes.

A special committee appointed to investigate the allegations found that they were true: Dollinger had sold his company — Dollinger Enterprises U.S. — to David Hughes without disclosing the details of the insider transaction. The board fired Dellinger and replaced him with former chief product officer Meni Morim. While the drama seems to have been dealt with, failures in stewardship are never a good look for a publicly traded company.

Should you buy?

Namaste had a stellar month in May. Unlike many of its peers, the firm’s share price actually increased by a notable margin (about 16%). Despite this performance, the company’s stock is still priced at under a dollar, which is a far cry from its all-time high of about $3.50 (reached late last year). Some might argue that at this price, there is hardly any downside in investing in Namaste. But until the pot/tech company shows it can build a sustainable moat, I think investors had better keep their distances.

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 Prosper Bakiny has no position in any of the stocks 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 »