Aphria Inc.’s (TSX:APH) Warning: Expect Cannabis to Be Sold Out

While releasing its first-quarter results on Friday, Aphria Inc. (TSX:APH) warned that a shortage of cannabis is to be expected following legalization.

lush marijuana plants

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

On Friday, Aphria (TSX:APH) warned consumers that they should expect a shortage of cannabis in stores and online when its recreational use will be legalized in Canada this Wednesday.

Aphria’s CEO Vic Neufeld said that the company doesn’t have enough recreational cannabis to satisfy the initial orders made by provincial distributors, adding that his company has been hampered by a labour shortage and construction delays.

Neufeld added that most growers don’t have enough product to satisfy their orders, so sold-out signs at online and in-store retailers across the country are likely. But he hopes the industry will have resolved the issue after two or three months.

Private and government retailers are striving to prepare physical stores and online portals, so everything is up and running from day one. Authorized producers have increased production to try to address shortage concerns, at least in the short term.

According to a report by the C. D. Howe Institute released last week, current production levels are expected to meet only 30-60% of total Canadian demand. The estimated demand for the entire country is about 610.6 tonnes of cannabis, but the supply of marijuana available for the fourth quarter of this year is expected to be only 146.13 tonnes.

However, according to the authors of the report, this shortage will likely be short-lived, as the number of licensed producers and production capacity is expected to increase over time.

A few issues in Q1, but a strong rise in profit and revenue

In the most recent quarter ended August 31, Aphria indicated that it was “unable to fill all of the open greenhouse positions due to a lack of qualified local labour, which left it with insufficient staff to harvest the levels of production produced in the Aphria One greenhouse.”

Aphria had to dispose of 14,000 plants worth $979,000 this summer because there were not enough workers to harvest the crops.

“As a result of the lower staff levels, one week’s crop rotation outgrew its optimal harvest period,” the company said in its management report.

Aphria has since doubled its greenhouse staff and expects its new automated systems to be functional by the end of November.

The company’s new projects, which include a greenhouse expansion and a new extraction facility in Leamington, have been delayed by two months because government approval took longer than expected. The $55 million extraction facility, which will be able to process more than 200,000 kg a year of cannabis, is expected to open in May 2019.

Nevertheless, Aphria posted Friday a profit of nearly $21.2 million in fiscal 2019 first quarter, up 41% from $15 million in the same period last year. Earnings per share were $0.09 compared with $0.10 for the same period last year, when there were fewer shares outstanding. Aphria’s revenue totaled $13.3 million, up from $6.1 million a year earlier.

The growth in earnings can be attributed to gains in investments in Liberty Health Sciences and Hiku Brands as well as an increase in the fair value of organic assets due to increased production.

Aphria’s “all-in” cost to produce a gram of cannabis rose to $1.83 from $1.60 in the previous quarter. The pot producer’s expenses are higher, as it scrambles to prepare for legalization, and are expected to stabilize in the coming quarters.

Aphria is one of the six major producers who have entered supply contracts with the SAQ to supply the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) network, whose first stores and internet site will open on October 17.

The main supplier of the SQDC will be the producer HEXO, with an expected delivery of 20,000 kg of cannabis in the first year. Then comes Canopy Growth with 12,000 kg, MedReleaf and Aphria with 8,000 kg, and Aurora Cannabis and Tilray with 5,000 kg.

On Friday, Aphria’s stock lost 3% to close at $19.11 on the TSX.

Just Released! 5 Stocks Under $50 (FREE REPORT)

Motley Fool Canada's market-beating team has just released a brand-new FREE report revealing 5 "dirt cheap" stocks that you can buy today for under $50 a share.

Our team thinks these 5 stocks are critically undervalued, but more importantly, could potentially make Canadian investors who act quickly a fortune.

Don't miss out! Simply click the link below to grab your free copy and discover all 5 of these stocks now.

Claim your FREE 5-stock report now!

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 Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf owns shares of Aurora Cannabis, Canopy Growth, and HEXO.

If You Thought Apple and Microsoft Were Big, You Need to Read This.

The steel industry produced the world's first $1 billion company in 1901, and it wasn't until 117 years later that technology giant Apple became the first-ever company to reach a $1 trillion valuation.

But what if I told you artificial intelligence (AI) is about to accelerate the pace of value creation? AI has the potential to produce several trillion-dollar companies in the future, and The Motley Fool is watching one very closely right now.

Don't fumble this potential wealth-building opportunity by navigating it alone. The Motley Fool has a proven track record of picking revolutionary growth stocks early, from Netflix to Amazon, so become a premium member today.

See the 'AI Supercycle' Stock

More on Investing

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, January 24

With the Trump administration’s policies in focus, the TSX Composite Index seems on track to end the second consecutive week…

Read more »

Rocket lift off through the clouds
Stocks for Beginners

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Rocket in 2025

This top Canadian stock has been climbing, sure, but there is so much more room to run.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Retirement

TFSA Growth Watch: 1 Dividend Winner for 2025

Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR) stock looks dirt-cheap with a swollen yield close to 4%.

Read more »

Close up of an egg in a nest of twigs on grass with RRSP written on it symbolizing a RRSP contribution.
Dividend Stocks

The 3 Best Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever in an RRSP

The RRSP is one of the best ways to create long-term income, and these stocks can help you on the…

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Invest $15,000, Create $4,326.15 in Passive Income From This Dividend Stock

We could all use some extra cash on hand, and this dividend stock could create loads of it.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Stock Market

The Canadian Stocks That Outperformed the Market in 2024

2024 was an exceptional year for many Canadian stocks. Here are three top performers that would have doubled your money…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Fortis vs Emera

Fortis (TSX:FTS) and Emera (TSX:EMA) are both well-run utilities. Which is the better stock?

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Suncor Energy: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?

Here's the buy, sell or hold case for Suncor (TSX:SU) in 2025, given the shifting market dynamics and interest around…

Read more »