MO - Altria Group, Inc.

NYSE - NYSE Delayed Price. Currency in USD
52.35
+0.32 (+0.62%)
At close: 4:02PM EDT
Stock chart is not supported by your current browser
Previous Close52.03
Open51.76
Bid52.16 x 800
Ask52.48 x 1800
Day's Range51.46 - 52.52
52 Week Range42.40 - 66.04
Volume5,949,301
Avg. Volume9,721,292
Market Cap97.943B
Beta (3Y Monthly)0.22
PE Ratio (TTM)15.96
EPS (TTM)3.28
Earnings DateJul 30, 2019
Forward Dividend & Yield3.20 (5.89%)
Ex-Dividend Date2019-03-22
1y Target Est58.73
Trade prices are not sourced from all markets
  • Without a Better Story, Cronos Stock May Have Further to Fall
    InvestorPlace2 days ago

    Without a Better Story, Cronos Stock May Have Further to Fall

    Marijuana stocks like Cronos (NASDAQ:CRON) look a bit creaky at the moment, and CRON stock may be Exhibit A in the case that the group is stalling out. Cronos stock has dropped by over one-third just since early March, with the near-term question whether a recent bottom can hold.Source: Shutterstock I'm skeptical it will. Valuation is a bit more reasonable than it was earlier this year, when I thought Cronos Group stock was overvalued. But CRON is hardly cheap. Analysts have turned bearish. And that bearishness seems to coincide with the core problem here.Cronos simply hasn't driven the right kind of narrative for a marijuana stock at this valuation. Looking around the sector, there are concise, obvious bull cases for most of the well-covered stocks. Outside of the nearly $2 billion in cash coming in from Altria (NYSE:MO), Cronos lacks that case. And until that changes, Cronos is likely to struggle.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 6 Chinese Stocks That Could Pop On a Trade Deal The Need for a StoryInvesting in cannabis stocks at the moment isn't about the fundamentals. This is an industry at the very beginning of its growth. Price/earnings and even price/sales multiples are enormous and not necessarily comparable. The fundamental toolkit an investor might use to value a mature company simply doesn't apply in the sector at the moment.And so both the decision to invest in the sector at all, and which cannabis stock to choose, come down largely to long-term projections and even feel. Will the industry grow for years, as proponents argue? Is the oversupply already seen in legalized U.S. markets like Oregon a long-term risk? When does broader U.S. legalization arrive? Who of the myriad publicly traded cannabis plays wins and who loses?In that type of investing environment, a stock needs a succinct bull case, an elevator pitch so to speak. And most of the well-covered cannabis plays have that type of case. Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) is the early leader, and thanks to Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ,NYSE:STZ.B) has the largest war chest. Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) is taking so many shots on goal that it's likely to score on at least one of them. Charlotte's Web (OTCMKTS:CWBHF) is the pure play on CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Even struggling Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) may have positioned itself to win if capacity gets overbuilt. And so on. What Is the Story Behind CRON Stock?What's the story behind CRON stock, however? The company has a ton of cash coming in, to be sure. But its production capabilities aren't particularly impressive: as The Motley Fool noted, Cronos isn't even in the top ten in terms of available capacity. Its Spinach retail brand doesn't appear as strong as those from Canopy or Hexo (NYSE:HEXO). Its positioning in the Canadian adult-use market seems behind that of many peers.Even analysts somewhat favorable to the stock aren't sure what to make of it, as James Brumley noted earlier this month. CIBC World Markets analyst John Zamparo wrote that the company hadn't given much colors on its plans for actually using that capital. Cannacord Genuity cited "a number of strategic initiatives that could eventually unlock longer-term value."Those aren't compelling points in favor of Cronos stock. Rather, they're something more akin to a "poke and hope" strategy. Cronos has a lot of cash, and the marijuana industry should grow, so the company will eventually figure something out. That kind of case might work in the middle of 2018, or the beginning of 2019, when marijuana stocks on the whole are soaring. As we've seen of late, however, it can't work forever. Cronos Group Stock Isn't CheapMeanwhile, Cronos remains priced in line with those peers who have better stories - and better growth. Cronos' Q1 report wasn't particularly impressive either fundamentally or in terms of management commentary. The company did turn a profit but only thanks to non-cash benefits, some of which related to the Altria deal. On an operating basis, Cronos continues to lose money.That's not a problem on its own: most stocks in the space are posting operating losses as they build out production, processing, and supply chain capabilities. But CRON, relative to revenue, continues to be valued roughly in line with the leaders of the space.That's not going to hold if Cronos can't prove that it will be a leader long-term. Right now, it's not making a good enough case - and until that changes, Cronos stock is going to underperform. And with marijuana stocks right now seeming to stall out, that in turn suggests that CRON is headed below $15.As of this writing, Vince Martin has no positions in any securities mentioned. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 7 Stocks to Buy that Lost 10% Last Week * Top 7 Dow Jones Stocks of 2019 -- So Far * 5 Service Stocks That Can Win the Trade War -- According to Goldman Sachs Compare Brokers The post Without a Better Story, Cronos Stock May Have Further to Fall appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • Business Wire3 days ago

    Altria Holds 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

    RICHMOND, Va.-- -- Altria discusses evolved business platform and recent strategic investments. Altria announces Annual Meeting voting results. Altria reaffirms full-year 2019 earnings guidance. Altria declares regular quarterly dividend of $0.80 per share. Altria Group, Inc. held its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders today. Howard Willard, Altria’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, summarized ...

  • Cronos Stock Peaked But It Still Holds Promise
    InvestorPlace3 days ago

    Cronos Stock Peaked But It Still Holds Promise

    Cannabis stocks are starting to lose their shine. Ever since Altria Group (NYSE: MO) took a $1.8 billion stake in Cronos Group (NASDAQ: CRON) in December 2018, Cronos, and stocks in this sector are trending lower. With reality setting in following an uninspiring quarterly earnings report, what will it take for Cronos stock to stop falling?Source: Shutterstock Altria's $1.8 billion investment in Cronos is frighteningly big relative to the current revenue generation. In the first quarter, Cronos reported revenue of just CAD $6.5 million (USD $4.8 million). Q1 GAAP earnings-per-share came in at CAD 48 cents (USD 36 cents). Still, Altria's large investment is a bet on the future potential revenue from Cronos.The tobacco giant is bringing its decades of experience in navigating through a complex regulatory landscape. As it handles government regulatory affairs, licensing and other legal issues, Cronos will need Altria's expertise in marketing and developing a scalable cannabis supply chain.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips First Quarter HighlightsCronos reported an EBITDA loss of $8.9 million, with losses up 13% sequentially from Q4 2018. Higher expenses were partially offset by the higher net revenue of $6.5 million. Revenue increased due to dry flower wholesale revenue, which faced no excise tax reduction for the year. Supply constraints limited the revenue growth but the company expects additional production capacity arriving in the second half of this year. * 7 Stocks to Buy that Lost 10% Last Week Looking ahead, the adjusted EBITDA will still decline throughout 2019. Cronos plans on increasing R&D spend; this will lead to accelerated growth in 2020. Favorable Product MixASP (average selling price) rose 7% to $5.73 sequentially, due primarily to higher revenue from CBD oil. This product does not carry an excise tax reduction, lifting revenue. The 42% increase in gross profit, to $3.5 million, is due to the cost of sales falling 11% sequentially to $2.69. Building Supply ChannelIn the first quarter, Cronos secured listings with private retailers in Saskatchewan. This adds to its established distribution in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Together, the five provinces account for 58% of the Canadian population.Thanks to the additional liquidity provided from Altria's investment in the company, Cronos continued scaling its business. It plans on increasing its capital investments to the production related to the Peace Naturals facility expansion. It also plans to invest in automation equipment at GrowCo and at the Israel facilities. Increasing OutputInvestors have high expectations for Cronos ramping up output. Its output was around 1,000 kilos in the first quarter but it aims for 40,000 kilos next. In its next quarterly earnings report, investors will look for evidence that the supply chain and distribution model supports the higher output.Cronos is prioritizing hemp over marijuana, which should lower the regulatory risks investors face in holding the stock. CBD regulations may still limit the market size in the near term in places like Germany or in the E.U. Still, expanding the output of CBD-based products take priority over THC because the market for the former will expand more rapidly. * 10 Stocks to Sell Before They Tank Your Portfolio Cronos is bullish on its partnership with Ginkgo Bioworks. From the balance sheet, investors will notice the R&D spend, in which some of it is related to its payments to Ginkgo. Cronos reached its milestones with Ginkgo and the latter continues to make progress in the area of synthetic biology. Valuation and Your TakeawayAfter Cronos reported first-quarter results, only one of the nine analysts covering the company updated their rating to a "hold." Per Tipranks, the average price target on CRON stock is $21.50, which implies an upside of over 42%. Cronos stock traded recently at $15.15.From a charting perspective, CRON stock looks like it peaked at between $22 - $24 in February. Selling pressure continues to pull the stock lower. But with billions in cash on its balance sheet, Cronos has plenty of resources to build its business. If it gets ahead of its competitors in getting its supply chain at full capacity, it will grow market share quickly. For that reason, the long-term prospects for Cronos appear bright.As of this writing, Chris Lau did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 10 Stocks to Sell Before They Tank Your Portfolio * Top 7 Dow Jones Stocks of 2019 -- So Far * 5 Low-Priced, High-Potential Tech Stocks to Buy Compare Brokers The post Cronos Stock Peaked But It Still Holds Promise appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • Why Aurora Cannabis Stock Could Break Out From Its Trading Range
    InvestorPlace3 days ago

    Why Aurora Cannabis Stock Could Break Out From Its Trading Range

    Since Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ACB) stock surged in March, ACB stock has been stuck in a narrow trading range between $8.00 and $9.00. Had the markets not sold off due to U.S.-China trade tension worries, Aurora stock would probably not have fallen to $8.38 recently.But it was reported that cannabis sales in Canada had been unchanged over a three-month period. That should not sit well with the owners of ACB stock. * 7 Stocks to Buy that Lost 10% Last Week Cannabis Sales FlatStatistics Canada reported that cannabis sales in January and February were $79 million, flat from September and October 2018. And the 15,000 kilograms of production during that period, down from 22,000 kilograms in the December quarter, should dishearten those owners of ACB stock who expected growth of at least 10%.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsAurora Cannabis should get singled out because the company has announced that it will significantly increase its production capacity between now and mid-2020. Aurora expects its production to soon reach 150,000 kg/year, up from 150,000 kg/year in 2018. By mid -2020, it expects its output to surge five-fold to 500,000 kg/year. Low Production CostsAurora has touted its unique cultivation process that it says delivers mass scale, high quality and low production. Yet if cannabis demand is weak in Canada,the owners of ACB stock cannot be sure that global demand for cannabis is growing.In the second quarter, Aurora reported net revenue of $54.2 million. The company's revenue grew 83% quarter-over-quarter. But Aurora stock has an $8 billion market cap, and ACB stock has a price/sales ratio of around 20 times. To retain that high multiple, Aurora must continue reporting strong growth for several quarters. As long as Aurora keeps bringing new product to market, it should have no trouble growing sales and its patient base. (It had a patient base of 73,000 in Q2). $200 Billion Addressable MarketAurora believes the addressable market for medical and global adult-use cannabis is $200 billion. But some may worry that the weak Canadian data indicates that the targeted global market size may not materialize ever or at least for some time. Still, cannabis has the potential to disrupt many markets, including beverages, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco.It is not surprising that Altria (NYSE: MO) invested CAD $2.4 billion (USD $1.78 billion) in Cronos Group (NASDAQ: CRON) last December. That investment lifted the valuations of nearly all cannabis stocks, including ACB stock. So, as cannabis companies report their quarterly earnings, the owners of Aurora stock will look for proof that growth is still in the cards for the cannabis sector. High Expectations for AuroraAurora reported that its revenue had soared 260% in the second quarter, while its average selling price came in at $8.39. But it reported a net loss of CAD $158.3 million (USD $117 million).Though the number of the company's registered medical patients grew 69% to 77,136, the company still lost money. But as Aurora leverages its R&D efforts to develop high-margin products, it will be profitable sooner than most think. That should be a positive catalyst for ACB stock. The Bottom Line on ACB StockAurora Cannabis stock is at a crossroads. Aurora stock may drift lower if markets grow wary of cannabis stocks. Conversely, strong revenue growth could lift Aurora Cannabis stock back to the $9 - $10 range.As of this writing, the author did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 10 Stocks to Sell Before They Tank Your Portfolio * Top 7 Dow Jones Stocks of 2019 -- So Far * 5 Low-Priced, High-Potential Tech Stocks to Buy Compare Brokers The post Why Aurora Cannabis Stock Could Break Out From Its Trading Range appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • CNBC3 days ago

    Investors grill Altria CEO over $12.8 billion bet on e-cigarette giant Juul

    Altria shareholders grilled CEO Howard Willard on his $12.8 billion bet on e-cigarette giant Juul at the company's annual shareholder meeting Thursday.

  • MoneyShow3 days ago

    Three Conservative Ways to Play Cannabis

    Forget the marijuana stocks, as their partners are more of a sure thing, asserts Mark Leibovit, growth stock expert and editor of The VR Cannabis Letter.

  • The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Amgen, Altria, Booking, General Motors and Occidental
    Zacks5 days ago

    The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Amgen, Altria, Booking, General Motors and Occidental

    The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Amgen, Altria, Booking, General Motors and Occidental

  • 3 Ways Marijuana Stocks Are Tricking Investors
    Motley Fool5 days ago

    3 Ways Marijuana Stocks Are Tricking Investors

    Though perfectly legal, these accounting tricks are masking the true operating results of many pot stocks.

  • Top Stock Reports for Amgen, Altria & Booking Holdings
    Zacks6 days ago

    Top Stock Reports for Amgen, Altria & Booking Holdings

    Top Stock Reports for Amgen, Altria & Booking Holdings

  • Charts Indicate That the Risk/Reward Ratio of Cronos Stock Is Reasonable
    InvestorPlace6 days ago

    Charts Indicate That the Risk/Reward Ratio of Cronos Stock Is Reasonable

    Cronos (NASDAQ:CRON) stock dropped almost 10% on Thursday after the company's fiscal first-quarter results were released. For those who regularly trade CRON stock, the decline was not surprising. Nor was the bounce of CRON stock on Friday. CRON stock remains locked in a downtrend.Is now the time for long-term bulls to buy Cronos stock? Down over 50% from its highs, one would think the stock could rise above its current levels, while others may think it's the start of an even larger correction. On the plus side, the risk/reward scenario of Cronos Group stock could become favorable soon.Before we look at the charts though, remember that Cronos stock is a speculative investment. Personally, I prefer buying names like Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) and Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) on deep pullbacks. That said, some think that CRON stock has potential, so let's take a look.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Dividend Stocks to Buy as the Trade War Reignites Trading CRON StockIt's clear that $24-$25 is resistance on the chart, while CRON stock is locked in a violent downtrend. Even a rally up to $16 might just result in additional selling pressure. The 21-day moving average is around the same area as its downtrend resistance, so I would expect CRON stock to fail to hold that level.That said, the technical outlook of Cronos stock looks promising at its current levels. Throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2018, $13 -$14 was resistance for CRON stock. After breaking through this level in January, many investors will expect it to act as support.It helps that the downtrend support of Cronos Group stock is coming into the picture around current levels and that the 200-day moving average sits at $13.28. If CRON falls below the 200-day, the shares could reach $12 and single-digits after that.But let's not get ahead of our skis here. See if CRON stock can stay above its nearby support. A bounce could send it higher by more than 14% to its current resistance. If it breaks below the support level, investors should wait for a more favorable price. The Bottom Line on Cronos Group Stock(Note: the below figures are in Canadian dollars)In Q1, CRON churned out a GAAP profit of 42 cents on revenue that grew 120% year-over-year (YoY). Here's the thing though: it reported just $6.5 million of revenue. That's right; this company, with a $4.5 billion market cap, registered sales of just $6.5 million in Q1.Its top line more than doubled from the same period a year ago, but at what point is its valuation a bit ridiculous? Analysts do expect its rapid growth to continue for the rest of this year. In Q2, they, on average,are calling for $6.76 million of sales, up 160% YoY. In Q3 and Q4, the consensus estimates ramp dramatically to $13 million and $22.9 million, up 360% and 334% YoY, respectively.But based on those estimates, CRON stock is valued at roughly 90 times its 2019 sales. That's a tough pill to swallow.That said, there's demand for this stock and many others like it. Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) has taken a massive stake in CGC, while Aurora Cannabis has talked about a collaboration with Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO). Cronos Group stock received a $1.8 billion investment from Altria (NYSE:MO) in exchange for a 45% stake.The point is that many investors -- from retail to conglomerates in the tobacco and alcohol industry -- view the cannabis industry as a rising, long-term play. Getting in now is costly, but those who are patient are essentially guaranteed a seat at the table. The question is how valuable that seat will be worth and how long it will take to realize its potential. It's clear there is a non-cyclical trend toward cannabis and cannabis-related products and for that reason, a speculative position may make sense for some investors. But don't forget, it is speculative.Bret Kenwell is the manager and author of Future Blue Chips and is on Twitter @BretKenwell. As of this writing, Bret Kenwell did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dividend Stocks to Buy as the Trade War Reignites * 10 Stocks That Could Squeeze Short Sellers, Including CGC * 5 Tech Stocks Getting Crushed Compare Brokers The post Charts Indicate That the Risk/Reward Ratio of Cronos Stock Is Reasonable appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • Cronos Group Wraps Up Another Laughably Bad Quarter
    Motley Fool6 days ago

    Cronos Group Wraps Up Another Laughably Bad Quarter

    Much like its previous quarterly report, pot stock Cronos Group's first quarter creates all the wrong buzz.

  • CNBC7 days ago

    Campaign to raise minimum smoking age to 21 finds unlikely supporter: Big Tobacco

    Altria, Juul and British American Tobacco — the largest U.S. cigarette and e-cigarette manufacturers — are supporting raising the smoking age to 21. Regulators are pressuring them to fix what they're calling an epidemic of teen vaping.

  • Is Cronos Group a Buy on the Dip?
    Motley Fool7 days ago

    Is Cronos Group a Buy on the Dip?

    According to the company, there's plenty of growth just a bit further ahead.

  • Aurora Cannabis Earnings Need to Tell a Better Story
    InvestorPlace9 days ago

    Aurora Cannabis Earnings Need to Tell a Better Story

    It appears that marijuana stocks like Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) are headed towards a crossroad. The optimism toward the sector is obvious and logical, but it has already led to huge gains in Aurora Cannabis stock. The stock has gained 44% in 2019 alone, and it is up 68% over the past year.Source: Shutterstock That said, there are some signs that the optimism is fading -- or perhaps that investor patience is waning. ACB stock has pulled back in recent sessions, as has the most valuable company in the industry, Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC). Investors sold off Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON) following earnings this week, despite a long slide into the report. Revenue growth estimates from Aurora Cannabis are coming down steadily, and analysts see signs of trouble elsewhere as well.And so Aurora Cannabis earnings next week seem reasonably important. As I wrote back in February, Aurora Cannabis is taking a different tack than many of its rivals. Strong earnings -- and perhaps more importantly, positive commentary from management -- could go a long way toward validating that strategy and creating a more solid base for ACB stock and perhaps the industry as a whole.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips ACB Stock Pulls BackIt's not hard to see some cracks in the story surrounding marijuana stocks on the whole, and Aurora Cannabis stock in particular. Most stocks in the sector, including ACB, still are below October highs. ACB stock has pulled back about 16% from mid-March levels. * 10 Great Stocks to Buy on Dips There are some modest concerns at the moment. Supply in Canada is proving to be a brake on sales in that country's recreational market. At the same time, longer-term concerns of oversupply, as highlighted by management at Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY), are raising concerns about what margins and profits might look like in the future.Meanwhile, it's tough to see a near-term catalyst for the sector. The legalization of hemp in the U.S. Farm Bill spiked the sector in December, but wider legalization domestically still seems years off. Movement internationally seems limited as well.Meanwhile, valuations remain high: ACB stock itself trades at almost 30x fiscal 2019 revenue estimates. A bull market can keep those valuations intact, at least for now. But any weakness in the broader marijuana story could change that. And it's hard to see the sector moving higher from here without a more compelling story to tell. Aurora Cannabis EarningsThat seems to set up an important report for Aurora Cannabis on Tuesday afternoon, which will be followed by a conference call on Wednesday morning. That might be true for the sector as much as for ACB. Aurora, after all, has one of the broader reaches of any cannabis company in the world. * 7 Small-Cap Stocks That Make the Grade It has operations in 24 countries. It's developing production capabilities, has launched softgels, and operates in both the wholesale and retail channels. That wide reach is why I've long argued that Aurora is both the highest-risk and highest-reward play in the space.That reach raises concerns. Ian Bezek noted in December that Aurora was making an awful lot of deals … and perhaps too quickly. There's a risk that Aurora, as Bezek put it, will be "spread too thin". It's raising money to do even more, and brought on famed investor Nelson Peltz to help drive its strategy.Aurora needs to convince investors that the funds will be spent wisely. That requires a coherent strategy -- and detailed logic behind the myriad deals the company is funding with the millions of dollars it's raising. It's likely that discussion on the call on Wednesday morning will be more important than the numbers released Tuesday afternoon, particularly with fundamental expectations being lowered heading into the release. Watch Out for Marijuana StocksIt's likely that commentary will read across to other marijuana stocks as well, as Cronos' report did on Thursday. There's not a lot of news in the sector at the moment, leading to quite a bit of speculation. Aurora's reach should give it a view into all reaches of the industry, and to highlight both opportunities and risks.From here, it seems like it will take a big report from Aurora to move both ACB stock and other pot plays higher. Many investors are sitting on profits they may look to take. There's enough worry about supply and margins to justify a haircut to currently high valuations. Even with Peltz's involvement, there's still no sign of another big company like Altria (NYSE:MO) or Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ, NYSE:STZ.B) entering the space. The sector probably needs a catalyst, and Aurora earnings might not be enough.As of this writing, Vince Martin has no positions in any securities mentioned. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Cloud Stocks to Buy on Overcast Days * 6 Stable Stocks Worth Buying for Protection * 5 Active Vanguard Funds That You Have to Own Compare Brokers The post Aurora Cannabis Earnings Need to Tell a Better Story appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • Marijuana Stocks: 7 Facts About Cronos Group's Quarterly Earnings
    Motley Fool9 days ago

    Marijuana Stocks: 7 Facts About Cronos Group's Quarterly Earnings

    Here's what you should know about this fast-growing cannabis company following its latest quarterly financial results.

  • Better Dividend Stock -- Altria vs. British American Tobacco
    Motley Fool9 days ago

    Better Dividend Stock -- Altria vs. British American Tobacco

    Stocks with juicy yields can lead to great cash flows for investors. Which of these tobacco giants is the dividend winner?

  • Juul's 'switch' campaign for smokers draws new scrutiny
    Associated Press9 days ago

    Juul's 'switch' campaign for smokers draws new scrutiny

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The young models and the candy-colored graphics that helped propel Juul to the top of the e-cigarette market are gone. In their place are people like Carolyn, a 54-year-old former smoker featured in new TV commercials touting Juul as an alternative for middle-age smokers.

  • Cronos Group Inc. (CRON) Q1 2019 Earnings Call Transcript
    Motley Fool9 days ago

    Cronos Group Inc. (CRON) Q1 2019 Earnings Call Transcript

    CRON earnings call for the period ending March 31, 2019.

  • TheStreet.com10 days ago

    Cronos Falls Despite Swinging to Small First-Quarter Profit

    Canadian cannabis company Cronos Group was falling in trading Thursday despite surprisingly swinging to a profit and nearly tripling its revenue year over year. The company reported net income of C$427,812 ($317,380), or 48 cents per share, in the first quarter after reporting a loss of C$1,085, or 1 cent, a year ago.

  • Business Wire10 days ago

    Altria to Host Webcast of 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

    Altria Group, Inc. will host a live audio webcast of its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

  • Barrons.com10 days ago

    Marijuana Grower Cronos Has a Big Market Capitalization, and Tiny Pot Sales

    Investors value Canadian cannabis vendor Cronos Group at more than $5 billion, but it sold scarcely more than $5 million worth of pot in its March quarter.

  • Why Tilray Stock Could Be the Best Pick Among Marijuana Names
    InvestorPlace10 days ago

    Why Tilray Stock Could Be the Best Pick Among Marijuana Names

    From one perspective, Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) looks like a massive disappointment. Most marijuana stocks have performed nicely this year, but Tilray stock hasn't followed that trend. TLRY stock price is down 34% so far this year. And it's lost a full 85% from its 52-week high.In the context of the industry, that performance seems awful. Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) has gained 77% so far this year and trades just 20% off its highs. Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB), too, has risen over 70% in 2019. Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON) has pulled back lately, but investors in its shares still are up 49% so far this year.It certainly looks as if investors have decided that Tilray isn't a "real" competitor in the cannabis space. And with Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ,STZ.B) and Altria (NYSE:MO) putting billions into Canopy and Cronos, respectively, there is a clear long-term risk that Tilray stock will get left behind.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Dangerous Dividend Stocks to Stay Far Away From That said, the returns of TLRY stock are skewed by the incredible bubble that formed in the stock last year. In just 30 days last year starting on Aug. 20, Tilray stock went from $36 to $214. In the last week of that stretch, TLRY doubled. The gains were ridiculous and obviously unsustainable. But aside from that huge move, Tilray stock has done reasonably well; it's actually risen more than 100% since July 1.And it's possible that TLRY could do well again. I'm still a bit skeptical about marijuana stocks in general, and Tilary stock still isn't cheap. But Tilray's intriguing strategy means Tilray stock might not be as far behind as the stock charts seem to imply. Why TLRY Stock Price Has Lagged Other Marijuana StocksAt this point, marijuana stocks still are priced based on feelings. There isn't enough data on marijuana companies so far to support realistic valuation methods. Any models of future earnings have the "garbage in, garbage out" problem. If an investor expects a specific company or the pot industry as a whole to succeed, its out-year numbers will look better. The numbers aren't proving anything; rather, they reflect the bias of the modelers.In that context, it's not hard to see why investors might sell Tilray stock. Thanks in part to the August-September bubble, the chart of Tilray stock has deteriorated a great deal. In the meantime, as InvestorPlace columnist Tom Taulli pointed out, Tilray, unlike Cronos and Canopy, hasn't struck a big deal to bring in cash and/or a partner with consumer expertise.The selling of Tilray stock by insiders last month didn't help, particularly given that the majority of Tilray stock is owned by Privateer Holdings. (That stake has caused the number of shares of TLRY stock to be quite limited and is part of the reason TLRY stock price went so crazy last year.) Privateer has promised not to sell shares in the first half of this year,but some investors and traders may still be anticipating potential sales later in 2019 or beyond.And Tilray's production seems behind that of its peers, partly because its management doesn't believe the opportunity in Canada is as lucrative as many think.So it seems tough to make the bull case for TLRY stock. Canopy is the leader at the moment, and as I've written previously, seems like the simplest play on pot. Aurora Cannabis has an intriguing, diversified, strategy. Cronos has the backing of Altria. Why, then, would investors own Tilray, which has lower production, less optimism toward existing markets, and a potential flood of shares heading to the market in a matter of months? Why Tilray Stock Could RallyThe one reason why TLRY stock would be a good pick is that it's zigging while its rivals are zagging. As Eight Capital detailed in a report last week, Tilray's lower production isn't necessarily a bad thing or a sign that TLRY is not executing. Rather, its management simply sees the Canadian marijuana market heading toward a period of oversupply and doesn't want to throw good money after bad.On that front, Tilray isn't necessarily wrong. In fact, skeptics who see a bubble in marijuana stocks usually point out that the product is going to become commoditized, crushing companies' profit margins. And legal U.S. markets have seen that phenomenon play out already: In Oregon, for instance, six years' worth of supply have already been produced. Unsurprisingly, prices there have fallen by more than half.If a similar scenario plays out in Canada, then companies building out expensive production capabilities won't receive a return on their investment. At least some of the billions of dollars they raised will essentially have been wasted. Plunging prices will disappoint investors who are expecting big long-term profits, and marijuana stocks will, for the most part, plunge.But in that scenario, Tilray would win. TLRY is focusing on creating branded products . Its differentiation should reduce its capital needs, raising its margins. TLRY is betting that it will be able to buy marijuana (and hemp) cheap and sell processed versions for a much higher price. It's an intriguing idea that will pay off if the predicted plunge in wholesale prices arrives. The CatchesThere are two immediate problems, however, even if Tilray is right. The first is that such a bull case doesn't necessarily require - or even indicate - that investors should buy Tilray stock right now. The overhang of shares is still weighing on TLRY stock price, and likely will do so for some time. And it will take time for Tilray's thesis to be validated.Perhaps more importantly, if Tilray is right, other marijuana stocks are going to fall sharply. And that pressure will probably negatively impact TLRY stock price, at least to some extent. It's a narrow bull case to argue that, essentially, all pot stocks except for Tilray stock are going to struggle.But there are reasons to at least keep an eye on Tilray stock. Even investors who own other marijuana stocks should listen to the apparently contrarian arguments coming from its management.After looking at the chart of TLRY stock, It's easy to dismiss its management. But it's not Tilray's fault that TLRY stock price went haywire. Meanwhile, the recent declines of Tilray stock look like they were caused by the company going against the grain. But being contrarian can create long-term rewards as easily for companies as it can for investors.As of this writing, Vince Martin has no positions in any securities mentioned. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dangerous Dividend Stocks to Stay Far Away From * 7 Tips for New Investors Young and Old * 10 Great Stocks to Buy on Dips Compare Brokers The post Why Tilray Stock Could Be the Best Pick Among Marijuana Names appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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