Is Cronos Group (TSX:CRON) a Buy After its 1st-Quarter Performance?

Cronos Group remains a high-risk, high-reward stock, despite its solid first-quarter performance.

| More on:
edit Cannabis leaves of a plant on a dark background

Image source: Getty Images

Yesterday, Cronos Group (TSX:CRON)(NASDAQ:CRON) reported a solid first-quarter performance, with its top line outperforming analysts’ expectations by $1.24 million. Its net losses declined from $161.6 million in the previous year’s quarter to $32.7 million. Strong sales and a substantial decline in its net losses have increased investors’ confidence, increasing its stock price.

Yesterday, Cronos Group’s stock price rose to $4.38 before closing at $4.13, representing a 13.2% increase from its previous day’s closing price. Despite yesterday’s surge, the company is still trading over 17% lower for this year. So, will Cronos Group be an excellent buy at these levels amid its improving financials? Meanwhile, let us first look at its first-quarter performance in more detail.

Cronos Group’s first-quarter performance

Cronos Group’s first-quarter revenue came in at $25 million, representing a 99% growth from its previous year’s quarter. The growth in medical cannabis sales in Israel and the strengthening of its market share in the Canadian adult-use market drove its revenue. During the quarter, the company had increased its market share in the gummies and vapes categories.

Notably, Cronos Group’s gross margin also expanded from minus 23% to a positive 28% amid higher revenue from cannabis flows, the introduction of higher-margin cannabis extract products, and lower inventory valuation adjustments. The improvement in its gross margin and lower sales and marketing and R&D expenses led its net losses to contract by around 80%. The company also lowered its capital expenditures by $6.3 million to just $0.7 million. Meanwhile, its balance sheet looks solid, as its cash and cash equivalents stand at $1 billion at the end of the quarter.

After analyzing its first-quarter performance, let us access its growth prospects.

Growth prospects

Cronos Group is focusing on expanding its presence in Canada and Israel. In the Canadian recreational market, it expanded its product offering by launching new products in the gummies, vapes, and flower categories. It also plans to introduce Cosmic Green Apple and Polar Mint Vortex this month across several provinces, which could further strengthen its position in the vapes category. The company also focuses on enhancing its customer experience by developing blends of rare cannabinoids by breeding proprietary genetics.

In Israel, the company has witnessed a solid 40% growth in its volumes during the quarter. So, the company is focusing on bringing new innovative offerings to the country to boost its sales.

Further, its management has initiated a strategic plan to realign the business around its brands, centralize its functions under common leadership, and strengthen its supply chain. The company’s strategic realignment initiatives could deliver $20-$25 million in saving for this year, thus aiding the company in moving towards profitable and sustainable business. So, the company’s outlook looks healthy.

Bottom line

Despite a substantial improvement in its financials, Cronos Group remains a high-risk, high-reward stock, given the softness in the cannabis sector due to the delay in the federal approval for cannabis and its higher valuation. So, investors with a higher risk tolerance capacity can buy the stock.

Analysts favour a “hold” rating for the stock. Out of the 13 analysts covering Cronos Group, eight have issued a “hold” rating, while four analysts favor a “buy” rating, and the remaining one analyst has given a “sell” rating. Analysts’ consensus price target represents an upside potential of over 23%. 

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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Rajiv Nanjapla has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Cannabis Stocks

Powder of Cannabis (Drugs), Analysis of Cannabis in laboratory.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth: Is There Budding Potential in the Cannabis Market?

Canopy Growth stock hit 52-week lows recently on news of needing to re-file on its BIoSteel business, so what now?

Read more »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

What’s Happening With Cannabis Stocks in May 2023?

Cannabis stocks were up this week, as the market began to turn, but how long will it last, and is…

Read more »

Cannabis smoke
Cannabis Stocks

Are Cannabis Stocks a Good Buy in May 2023?

If you're going to buy cannabis stocks, these are pretty much the only two I would consider. Even so, you…

Read more »

edit Cannabis leaves of a plant on a dark background
Cannabis Stocks

Aurora Cannabis: Time to Light Up Your Portfolio?

Here's my take on whether Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB) is worth adding to a growth portfolio right now, given its growth…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Tech Stocks

These Undervalued TSX Stocks Are a Bargain in May 2023

If you're willing to bet on a rebound, these are the three TSX stocks I would consider first as they…

Read more »

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Tilray Stock Is Scraping 52-Week Lows: Will it Bottom Out Soon?

Tilray (TSX:TLRY) stock remains down 53% in the last year, but when will this company hit the bottom and start…

Read more »

Medicinal research is conducted on cannabis.
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks That Are Simply Too Cheap to Avoid

These two Canadian stocks have sunk lower and lower, which is why now could be the right time for long-term…

Read more »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

1 Marijuana Stock I’d Buy Over Aurora Cannabis

Explore a promising marijuana stock that outshines Aurora Cannabis. Unveil the investment opportunity to boost your cannabis portfolio.

Read more »