If you're looking to buy a marijuana stock, Aphria (APHA +0.00%) and Canopy Growth (CGC 2.87%) should probably be on your list for consideration. They're two of the largest Canadian cannabis producers in terms of production capacity. Both Aphria and Canopy Growth are well positioned in the Canadian adult-use recreational marijuana market and in international medical cannabis markets.
Canopy Growth has been the bigger winner so far this year, with its shares jumping 50% while Aphria has delivered a year-to-date gain of 18%. But which stock is the better pick now?
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The case for Aphria
Let's start by addressing Aphria's baggage. The company came under attack last year for allegedly overpaying for the acquisition of LATAM Holdings in a transaction that lined the pockets of key insiders. Although a special committee of independent directors on Aphria's board eventually found that the price paid for the acquisition wasn't unreasonable, the company identified multiple changes needed to improve its governance. Former CEO Vic Neufeld also stepped down during this period.
The good news for investors looking to buy Aphria now, though, is that the dark cloud hanging over Aphria appears to have disappeared. And the stock's valuation makes Aphria one of the more attractive bargains (at least, relatively speaking) in the Canadian cannabis industry.
Aphria ranks third among cannabis producers in terms of production capacity. The company expects to produce 255,000 kilograms of cannabis on an annualized basis by the end of this year.
It's one of only four cannabis producers to secure supply agreements with all 10 Canadian provinces to serve their adult-use recreational marijuana markets. Aphria also partnered with the biggest wine and spirits distributor in North America, Southern Glazer's, to distribute its products to these markets.
Over the long run, international medical cannabis markets will be even more important than Canada. Aphria has a good start in these markets. It was one of three companies receiving approval to cultivate cannabis in Germany. Aphria also has a presence in nine other international medical cannabis markets.
With its capacity and global operations, Aphria seems likely to be a top candidate for partnering with major companies outside of the cannabis industry. Interim CEO Irwin Simon stated in the company's Q3 conference call in April that "looking for the right opportunity" to partner with a big U.S. company is a primary focus for the company.
The case for Canopy Growth
Probably the biggest knock against Canopy Growth is that its market cap is much larger than any other cannabis producer. Some might see that as a reason to avoid the stock. Others, though, would say that Canopy's tremendous market cap is warranted because of the company's position in the industry.
Canopy Growth claims a strong No. 2 spot in terms of production capacity. It's also in a close second place in international sales of medical cannabis. But Canopy ranks No. 1 in a couple of categories in addition to market cap.
The company commands a leading market share in Canada's adult-use recreational market. Like Aphria, Canopy has supply agreements in place with all of the country's provinces. It could extend its leadership soon once the market opens up later this year for cannabis edibles, beverages, and other derivative products.
Canopy Growth also beats all of its peers with its cash stockpile. Last year, big alcoholic beverage maker Constellation Brands (STZ 2.08%) invested $4 billion, upping its stake in Canopy to 38%. The deal left Canopy with a strong cash position that the company is using to expand its global operations.
That brings us to another area where Canopy arguably ranks first: expanding into the U.S. market. In January, the company announced that it was investing more than $100 million to build a high-capacity hemp production facility in New York state. It also teamed up with well-known entrepreneur and lifestyle maven Martha Stewart earlier this year to develop hemp CBD products for the U.S. market.
Canopy can't enter the U.S. marijuana market as long as marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. However, the company's deal to potentially acquire U.S.-based cannabis operator Acreage Holdings (ACRGF +0.00%) puts Canopy in the catbird seat for jumping into the huge U.S. marijuana market if federal laws are revised.
Better buy
Which of these two stocks is the better pick? My hunch is that Aphria could be the bigger winner over the short run. I think that Aphria plausibly has the most near-term upside potential of any of the top Canadian cannabis producers.
Over the long term, however, my view is that Canopy Growth is hard to beat. The company's relationship with Constellation Brands gives it several important advantages, not the least of which is the huge influx of cash. I think that Canopy Growth is likely to be a top player in the cannabis industry for a long time to come. If the global cannabis and hemp CBD markets grow anywhere close to what many expect they will, Canopy Growth stock still has plenty of room to run.
