Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB): Quarterly Results Show Surging Revenue Growth With Many Opportunities and Challenges in the Background

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB)(NYSE:ACB) sees strong sales momentum but mounting losses, as massive opportunities come with challenges.

| More on:

Aurora Cannabis (TSX:ACB)(NYSE:ACB) reported another quarter of surging sales growth, with sequential revenue growth topping 80%, and year-over-year revenue growth coming in at an impressive 363%.

Capturing approximately 20% market share in the consumer market, Aurora is benefitting from its first-mover advantage in many geographies and product segments.

Growing production to meet booming demand

The company sold primarily to its provincial partners and has ramped up production significantly to meet the booming demand.

Production should reach 150,000 kg by the end of the month compared to current production of 120,000 kg. That’s a 25% increase.

Rising costs

There are some challenges that are rearing their heads, and although management is saying that these are temporary, we should monitor the situation.

The cost per gram rose $0.47 from last quarter to $1.92 per gram. This was due to temporary inefficiencies, as production is ramping up, as well as increased labour costs and increased investment costs in preparation of legalization.

Going forward, general and administrative costs should be expected to rise as the company’s expansion and growth continues.

Increasing research and development costs can be expected, as the company continues its scientific research into the medical benefits of cannabis through clinical trials and medical case studies as well as its investment in advocacy and education.

Aurora Cannabis’s focus remains on the medical market, and management is working hard at increasing its credibility as a supplier to the medical industry.

As a reflection of its success, we have seen a 10% increase in its patient base in Canada to nearly 73,000 patients, and the company is directing a significant supply of product to Europe, which is more like a pharmaceutical model.

Pricing pressure?

In terms of pricing pressure, and to those of us who are concerned with the idea that marijuana is a commodity that will be subject to pricing pressure, we can rest assured that this may not materialize so easily.

Because demand is so much greater than supply, Aurora management estimates that it will be at least five years before we would have an oversupply situation. The thing to remember is that while there is no shortage of cannabis, there is a big shortage of legal cannabis that is certified to be distributed.

Final thoughts

In closing, I think that while the business is one that seems destined for greatness, one must remember that there will be speed bumps along the way.

We have to remember that a stock that is factoring in overly bullish expectations is therefore mispriced, at least in the short term, and it will not react well to these inevitable speed bumps.

Once again, for investors who want exposure to the marijuana sector, choose your entry points wisely, take profits, and diversify by holding a basket of marijuana stocks.

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 Karen Thomas has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Dividend Stocks

The 2 Best Canadian Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now

Blue-chip stocks can be some of the best stocks to have in any portfolio. But when they're trending upwards, investors…

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My Top 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

These top dividends stocks have consistently paid and increased their dividends. Further, this trend will continue.

Read more »

Lights glow in a cityscape at night.
Investing

Canadian Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Now

These two Canadian infrastructure stocks offer interesting investment opportunities whether you’re focused on income or price appreciation.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks Wall Street Might Be Sleeping on, But I’m Not

Don’t miss your chance to load up on these three beaten-down stocks.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, November 5

Updates related to the U.S. presidential election will remain on TSX investors’ radar today as the third-quarter corporate earnings season…

Read more »

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Canadian AI Stocks

Are you looking for one of the most solid Canadian AI stocks out there? This one is probably your best…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Why AI Stocks Should Be in Every Canadian Investor’s Portfolio

AI stocks continue to be one of the best options out there for long-term investing, especially when considering Canadian options.

Read more »