Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED): Is This Pot Stock a Buy After Recent Gains?

If you believe pot stocks will stage a comeback in the second half of 2020, look to invest in stocks such as Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC).

| More on:
edit Jars of marijuana

Image source: Getty Images

Several cannabis companies are gaining momentum in recent times. On July 27, Aphria stock gained over 12%, while shares of Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) gained close to 15% yesterday.

Aphria stock rose on the back of an analyst upgrade. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Pablo Zuanic named Aphria as a top cannabis stock and raised its target price from US$7.86 to US$8.23. Zuanic forecast Aphria sales to increase by 25% sequentially in its fiscal fourth quarter and expects the pot giant to lower expenses as well.

It seems like this optimism has driven shares of marijuana peers higher in the last two trading sessions. Shares of Canopy Growth are up 17.7% this week, while Aphria and Aurora Cannabis have returned 17% and 11.4%, respectively, in this period.

Analysts also expect the U.S. to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level if Joe Biden wins the presidential race later this year. It will be a massive boost to Canopy Growth and peers if cannabis is legalized south of the border, which may easily push stock prices to record highs.

While the presidential elections are unpredictable, let’s take a look at the fundamentals of Canopy Growth to gauge if it remains a good pick at the current price.

Canopy Growth continues to be impacted by structural issues

In early 2019, Canopy Growth’s former CEO Bruce Linton forecast the company will generate $1 billion in annual revenue over a 12-month period in fiscal 2020. However, the company sales for 2020 was $439.6 million, well short of Linton’s target.

The Canadian companies have been grappling with lower-than-expected demand due to the slow rollout of retail stores as well as competition from a thriving black market. This has increased inventory levels, resulting in million-dollar write-downs and mounting losses.

Canopy Growth remains one of the top pot companies in the world and is backed by beverage giant Constellation Brands, which has a 38.6% stake in the firm. This investment means Canopy is better poised than peers in terms of liquidity, which will help it through the ongoing downturn.

Canopy ended fiscal 2020 with a cash balance of almost $2 billion, giving it enough room to improve profit margins over the upcoming quarters.

Over the last few months, several companies have laid off employees due to the ongoing pandemic. Canopy Growth cut its workforce by 800 employees in a restructuring effort aimed at improving the bottom line. It also exited a few international markets that were deemed unprofitable and confirmed another round of layoffs last week.

The long-term growth story remains intact

Canopy Growth stock is a solid buy, given the expanding addressable market and its huge domestic presence. The introduction of Cannabis 2.0 products will be another key driver for Canopy over the upcoming quarters.

Last week, Canopy announced it is making a big push in the U.S. cannabidiol market with the launch of ShopCanopy.com, an online store for CBD products.

It may seem that the worst is over for marijuana companies, as they now focus on improving liquidity and profitability. If you are bullish of an industry-wide rebound, you can look to add Canopy Growth to your portfolio.

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.

The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Constellation Brands. Fool contributor Aditya Raghunath 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 »