This Obscure Cannabis Company Could Rival Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED)

Charlotte’s Web Holdings Inc. (TSX:CWEB) is inching closer to the top of the cannabis industry and posing a serious challenge to Canopy Growth Corp (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC).

| More on:

The shares of cannabis forerunner Canopy Growth are down 12.87% since the firing of Bruce Linton as company CEO. The board of directors felt it was time to focus on profits rather than growth. Whether the decision was right remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, other weed companies, like Charlotte’s Web (TSX:CWEB), are pressing forward. The obscure weed company wants to gain headway in a market that is projected to be worth billions of dollars globally. It’s hard to imagine Charlotte’s Web rivalling the giant, but one day it could happen.

Anchored on wellness

Charlotte’s Web is known more for hemp products instead of marijuana. The management has set lofty goals in the CBD market where the company holds the industry-leading position. Investors should start taking notice. Charlotte’s Web’s power as a major player is about to be unlocked.

The company’s vertically integrated business model is different from a typical cannabis producer. Charlotte’s Web is not a producer or seller of medicinal or recreational marijuana and other marijuana-derived products. The company produces and distributes hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) wellness products.

Exploiting the superiority

Charlotte’s Web is taking advantage of the leading market position in the rapidly growing hemp industry. The 2018 U.S. Farm Bill protects the sale of hemp-derived CBD. Since Charlotte’s Web’s brand is already established and trusted, the company has a competitive advantage.

The market forecast of hemp-derived CBD retail sales in the U.S. alone is staggering. The estimated annual sales of US$1.1 billion could rise by as much as 581.82% to US$7.5 billion by 2023.

Charlotte’s Web’s over five years of experience in hemp plant cultivation will be put in good stead. The company-operated farms in Colorado along with the partner farms in Kentucky and Oregon are cultivating a significant volume of hemp. In 2018, 306,818 kg of hemp was produced, a large increase from the only 26,636 kg produced in 2017.

Expanding the distribution channels to gain significant market share in the U.S. is a major initiative. National retail chains, drug stores, and specialty retailers will be added to the 6,000 retail locations. The e-commerce business or direct-to-customer channel via the company website has contributed 55% of sales in the fiscal year 2018.

Strong financial performance

Cannabis companies, including Canopy Growth, are reporting spectacular revenue growth but are incurring huge losses. However, Charlotte’s Web is presenting a dissimilar financial performance. Revenue grew by 62.16% and 73.75% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Last year, net income grew by 57.97%.

Charlotte’s Web will have the impetus to scale cultivation and production given the positive industry trends. From the cultivation to manufacturing and distribution processes, the company can grow exponentially and maintain a strong performance.

Many will agree with my observation that the cannabis industry is in disarray and has yet to stabilize. If I’m looking to invest in a weed company, I’d go for the one that’s growing revenue at a slower pace but reporting a large profit margin. Canopy Growth should restore order in the house, or Charlotte’s Web could rise to the top.

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 Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Charlotte's Web Holdings.

More on Cannabis Stocks

Stethoscope with dollar shaped cord
Cannabis Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Bausch Health vs Canopy Growth?

While both stocks are risky, Bausch Health is seeing operational momentum, while Canopy Growth is still struggling with losses.

Read more »

Worker checks cannabis flower in lab farm greenhouse
Cannabis Stocks

Down an Incredible 99% From All-Time Highs, Is Canopy Growth Stock Worth Buying Now?

Canopy Growth stock remains a high-risk investment in 2025 due to its weak balance sheet and volatile profit margins.

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

2 Incredibly Cheap Growth Stocks to Buy Now

These two growth stocks are both unbelievably cheap and have significant long-term potential, making them some of the best to…

Read more »

A cannabis plant grows.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Canadian Cannabis Stock Down 57% to Buy Now for Future Growth

Cannabis stocks might seem so 2018, but this one could eventually make a major comeback.

Read more »

Cannabis business and marijuana industry concept as the shadow of a dollar sign on a group of leaves
Stocks for Beginners

Buy the Dip Before It’s Too Late: This Canadian Stock Won’t Stay Cheap Forever

Investors might think that cannabis stocks are out, but this one could be the top Canadian stock to consider.

Read more »

a person watches a downward arrow crash through the floor
Stocks for Beginners

Plummet Alert: Is This TSX Growth Stock a Bargain or a Falling Knife?

This growth stock was once a major winner, but can investors wait for more?

Read more »

Medicinal research is conducted on cannabis.
Cannabis Stocks

What to Know About Canadian Cannabis Stocks for 2025

Let's dive into two top Canadian cannabis stocks and where they may be headed from here (given the recent moves…

Read more »

Researcher works in hemp field
Cannabis Stocks

Aurora Cannabis Stock Is up 46% in 2025: Are Investors Going From 5 Years of Pain to a 2025 Gain?

Shares of Aurora Cannabis have staged a comeback in 2025, outpacing the broader markets comfortably. Is ACB stock a good…

Read more »