Forget Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB): Buy This Pure Extraction Company Instead!

Shares in Medipharm Labs Corp (TSXV:LABS) are up more than 213% so far in 2019. Find out what makes this company such a unique and interesting investment opportunity.

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

Image source: Getty Images

For Canada’s second-largest licensed cannabis producer Aurora Cannabis, it hasn’t exactly been such a “hot” summer.

In fact, shares in ACB are down close to -40% since the middle of March, outpacing the losses of the broader cannabis sector as represented by the HORIZONS MARIJUANA ETF, which is also down by about -30% over the same period.

However, in the case of pure cannabis extraction company Medipharm Labs (TSXV:LABS), it’s actually been a much different story.

Stock in LABS is up an amazing 213% so far in 2019, and despite selling off some of those gains since May, Medipharm shares have begun to resume some of their momentum as of late, up more than 36% just in last week’s trading alone.

But more than simply trying to chase the latest wave of momentum, there are several reasons why I happen to like Medipharm a lot as an investment these days.

The company is going after the high-growth, high-margin cannabis derivatives segment

Now, in case you’re thinking that cannabis derivatives stand to represent complex and exotic financially engineered cannabis investments, it actually doesn’t.

Cannabis derivatives refers to the incorporation of the traditional cannabis flower into new alternative applications for the drug such as vapes, oils, capsules, topical creams, and, possibly even some time later this year, edibles.

What’s really interesting about the cannabis derivatives market right now is that it’s beginning to look more and more as though this is where the real growth and innovation in the cannabis industry is likeliest to come from.

Not only do derivative applications allow consumers a wider variety of avenues to choose from when dosing their cannabis, but they also tend to involve a more complex manufacturing process, which, in turn, represents more value (and potential for profits) through each stage of the supply chain.

It’s a unique opportunity that not only stands to represent a “win” for cannabis shoppers but also retailers, wholesalers, and, of course, extraction companies like LABS.

A two-pronged business model

LABS is basically running two separate businesses.

One is set up as a wholesaling operation whereby licensed producers (LPs) sell their dried flower inventory to the company, which processes it and then sells it to other LPs to use in applications like vapes, oils, edibles, etc.

The second is essentially a tolling agreement whereby LPs pay LABS to process their dry product and returning it to them for a fee.

Certain derivatives products are outpacing the growth of the broader cannabis markets

In its most recent presentation to investors, the company presented research compiled by New Frontier Data and MJ Freeway Retail Data Webinar to suggest that growth in the cannabis concentrates market has grown by 100% over the past three years and now accounts for 33% of total industry sales.

Within that market, the research suggests that vape pens represent the largest potential for growth because of their faster onset times and ability to provide users with more accurate dosing.

Foolish bottom line

It’s not been any real secret among industry insiders that as the market for cannabis investments continues to mature, investors will need to seek out less-conventional avenues to gain exposure to what’s expected to be a 20% compound annual growth for the industry.

LABS certainly appears to represent one of those types of investments.

With the recent completion of its first shipment to the Australian market, the company has the momentum going in its favour.

And now with its share price beginning to follow suit, it could be a good time for investors to jump on board.

Making the world smarter, happier, and richer.

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 Jason Phillips has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Cannabis Stocks

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth Stock Is Rising But I’m Worried About This One Thing

Canopy Growth stock is soaring as the legalization effort makes real progress in both Germany and the United States.

Read more »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

Why Canopy Growth Stock Could Double in 2024

Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED) stock saw its share more than double in the last two weeks. So, can it do it…

Read more »

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 »