MO - Altria Group, Inc.

NYSE - Nasdaq Real Time Price. Currency in USD
51.87
-0.46 (-0.88%)
At close: 4:01PM EDT

51.87 0.00 (0.00%)
After hours: 5:17PM EDT

Stock chart is not supported by your current browser
Previous Close52.33
Open52.60
Bid51.80 x 800
Ask52.00 x 1400
Day's Range51.83 - 52.60
52 Week Range42.40 - 66.04
Volume5,551,208
Avg. Volume9,625,483
Market Cap97.045B
Beta (3Y Monthly)0.22
PE Ratio (TTM)15.81
EPS (TTM)3.28
Earnings DateJul 30, 2019
Forward Dividend & Yield3.20 (5.89%)
Ex-Dividend Date2019-06-13
1y Target Est58.73
Trade prices are not sourced from all markets
  • Barrons.com5 hours ago

    Altria Stock Has ‘Huge Growth Opportunities’

    Altria Group stock has lagged both the market and big tobacco peer Philip Morris this year, but Wells Fargo argues that the stock has been oversold, creating a good entry point for investors.

  • Canopy Growth Stock Has to Overcome an Important Obstacle
    InvestorPlace6 hours ago

    Canopy Growth Stock Has to Overcome an Important Obstacle

    At least in the current, early stages of the legal marijuana sector, Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC) is the clear leader. Canopy Growth stock has by far the highest market capitalization among marijuana stocks, and Canopy has the largest peak production capabilities.As a result, the CGC stock price is somewhat of a weather vane for investor sentiment towards the cannabis sector more broadly.That's good news, and bad news, for CGC stock. On the plus side, CGC is simple. The company's reach is broad and continues to grow. However the industry's growth plays out, Canopy Growth is going to play a significant role in it and generate significant profits. If the marijuana sector exceeds investors' expectations, the CGC stock price likely will do the same.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsThe flip side is that it's unlikely that Canopy Growth stock will be the best marijuana stock over time. Smaller niche plays might have more room for growth and are more likely to become M&A targets. Canopy's wide reach guarantees at least a few wins, but some of its myriad initiatives will fail to bear fruit (or, more accurately in this case, flowers). * 7 Stocks to Buy for Over 20% Upside Potential Overall, the outlook of CGC stock is pretty simple. If an investor believes in cannabis, CGC stock remains the simplest play, as I've argued in the past. But with the CGC stock price still not too far from its highs, it's worth remembering that an awful lot of belief, and potential success, looks priced into Canopy Growth stock. Canopy Growth Expands Its ReachThe $4 billion-plus investment Canopy Growth received from Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ,NYSE:STZ.B) gave the company an unparalleled war chest. Only Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON), which received $1.8 billion from tobacco giant Altria (NYSE:MO), comes close.Canopy is putting that cash to work. It negotiated a complicated deal with Acreage Holdings (OTCMKTS:ACRGF) to enter the U.S. market, including a $300 million upfront payment. (An activist Acreage shareholder could scuttle that purchase, however.) CGC is adding production capability. Canopy brought a German cannabinoid compounder into the fold earlier this month. Its smaller deals include a buyout of a U.S. hemp manufacturer and a stake in a '"cannabis beauty brand."Those acquisitions add to the company's already-strong portfolio. Canopy Growth sells marijuana under six different brands. Its existing production capabilities appear to exceed 500,000 kilograms annually. Canopy produces oil and softgels in addition to dried flower. The Constellation partnership should give the company an edge in cannabis-infused beverages and edibles.Canopy already has a reach that far exceeds that of any other cannabis company. Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB) is probably its closest rival in terms of breadth of geographic and market exposure. But even Aurora doesn't reach Canopy's levels, and ACB doesn't have an extra few billion dollars on its balance sheet that it can use to take advantage of more opportunities along the way. CGC or an ETF?At this point in the market's evolution, one key argument for Canopy Growth stock is that it can function like an ETF. The point of an ETF is to capitalize on a trend without making the effort or taking the risk that investing in single stocks requires. There are, by one count, over 400 marijuana stocks at the moment. As is usually the case with a "hot" trend, many of those stocks will decline or go bust. (Think, for instance, of the dot-com bubble, or more recently, cryptocurrency/blockchain plays.)In fact, I'd rather own CGC stock than the largest marijuana ETF, the ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (NYSEARCA:MJ). Two marijuana pharmaceutical plays, GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:GWPH) and Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRBP), together make up more than 12% of Canopy's assets. And, again, Canopy's reach means it should have at least some success, no matter how the marijuana industry develops.If oversupply makes production less profitable, CGC's distribution and retail operations should benefit. If consumption moves towards edibles and away from flowers, it should be well-positioned for that shift. That's not the case for many smaller plays, including those that make up the MJ ETF. The Risks Facing CGC StockThere's one obvious catch for Canopy Growth stock, however. Even if Canopy can capture marijuana growth in myriad ways, that growth needs to support the current CGC stock price. And I've become increasingly cautious about that recently.At its December lows, CGC was available for less than the price that Constellation paid. (Constellation handed over roughly $35 per share, depending on how warrants Constellation received as part of the deal are valued). But now that CGC stock price has reached the mid-40s, that's no longer the case. As the Acreage activist noted, CGC trades at a stunning 178 times its estimated 2020 EBITDA.That multiple isn't out of line for the sector, but that's precisely the point. Current valuations in the industry, including that of Canopy Growth stock, suggest that massive industry growth is all but a foregone conclusion. And I'm skeptical about whether it will play out quite that way.For instance, recreational sales in Canada already are starting to flatten out., so the explosive rallies of marijuana stocks are going to end. Marijuana prices have plunged in the few regulated U.S. markets. And legalization, given the size of the existing black market (and the relative ease of using it for most consumers), won't necessarily lead to higher sales.Those trends suggest that the initial optimism toward marijuana, and the enormous valuations assigned to marijuana stocks, may have gone a bit too far. That, in turn ,suggests that the CGC stock price may have done the same. For marijuana bulls, there's no simpler play than CGC stock. But for CGC stock to rise further, those bulls must be right.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 for Over 20% Upside Potential * 5 Large-Cap Stocks Holding Steady Amid Trade War Concerns * 7 ETFs for Healthy Healthcare REITs Compare Brokers The post Canopy Growth Stock Has to Overcome an Important Obstacle appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • 3 Pot Stocks Wall Street Bought in the First Quarter
    Motley Fool10 hours ago

    3 Pot Stocks Wall Street Bought in the First Quarter

    These very popular marijuana stocks were scooped up by top-tier money managers.

  • Senate GOP leader would raise age for buying tobacco to 21
    Associated Pressyesterday

    Senate GOP leader would raise age for buying tobacco to 21

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose home state of Kentucky was long one of the nation's leading tobacco producers, introduced bipartisan legislation Monday to raise the minimum age for buying any tobacco products from 18 to 21.

  • Teens made up most of e-cigarette maker Juul's Twitter following -study
    Reutersyesterday

    Teens made up most of e-cigarette maker Juul's Twitter following -study

    Researchers analysed data collected in April 2018 on public followers of Juul’s Twitter account (@JUULvapor) with at least one public tweet. About 45 percent of those who followed Juul were 13 to 17 years old, according to the study published online in JAMA Pediatrics. Only 19 percent of Juul’s followers were at least 21.

  • Reutersyesterday

    Nearly half of Juul’s Twitter followers are too young to buy e-cigarettes -study

    Almost half of the people who followed Juul Labs Inc on Twitter were not old enough to legally purchase e-cigarettes in the United States, according a study published on Monday. Researchers analyzed data collected in April 2018 on all public followers of Juul’s Twitter account (@JUULvapor) with at least one public tweet. About 45 percent of the individuals who followed Juul were 13 to 17 years old, according to the study in JAMA Pediatrics, published online on Monday.

  • 3 Ways to Buy Into the Marijuana Boom Without the Risk
    InvestorPlaceyesterday

    3 Ways to Buy Into the Marijuana Boom Without the Risk

    [Editor's note: This story was previously published in April 2019. It has since been updated and republished.]Marijuana stocks are all the rage these days as legalized cannabis has hit the scene. Analysts now project that the market for both medical and recreational cannabis use will reach a staggering $200 billion in global sales in just five years. As a result, stocks in the sector have surged on the wave of optimism.The problem is, marijuana stocks aren't exactly a slam dunk.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsMany are fraught with some big-time risks, hefty volatility, zero profits, etc. At this point, many marijuana stocks are just speculative bets. They could pay off or they could crash and burn. But one thing many of the top cannabis stocks do have is partners. Specifically, major corporate partners that are as far from speculative plays as you can get.It's here that more conservative investors can cash in on the marijuana stock mania and benefit from everything it has to offer. Sure, these stocks won't rise as much as some of the pure marijuana stocks. But, you know what? They won't fall as much either and they'll still be able to reap potential billions in revenues derived from cannabis. * 7 High-Yield REITs to Buy (Even When the Market Tanks) With that, here are the three top partners of the marijuana stocks and why they are good stocks to buy. Constellation Brands (STZ)Source: Shutterstock Seemingly overnight, Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ) become one of the biggest marijuana stocks out there. That's thanks to its big partnership with Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC). For a cool $4 billion, STZ purchased a 38% stake in Canopy last year. The firm now owns warrants that would allow it own a majority stake in 2021.The end game for STZ is pretty simple. Marijuana would be a perfect "fourth leg of a stool" to the company's beer, wine, and spirits operations. Constellation owns over 100 world class beverage brands including Corona beer, Svedka Vodka, and Robert Mondavi wines. These are highly regulated consumer products. The end goal is for STZ to do the same with cannabis. That is, apply its vast branding knowledge and distribution network to get various pot products into the hands of the masses.Constellation has already started working with Canopy on cannabis-infused drinks. At the same time, it's looking to parlay is vast marketing knowledge into other cannabis areas such as edibles and other consumable products. These can and will all be major sources of revenues once the switch is flipped and full legalization happens.In the meantime, STZ is no slouch with regards to what it already generates money on and its recently undergone some moves to shore up its balance sheet and pay for CGC purchase. This allows it to be a safer play than any of the marijuana stocks. Novartis (NVS)Source: Shutterstock One of the main reasons why marijuana stocks have surged so far has been the growing use of medical marijuana and cannabis treatments. Demand in that area has already begun to surge, and it could grow further as doctors look for alternatives to addictive opioids for pain relief.International drug giant Novartis (NYSE:NVS) saw the writing on the wall and decided that it needed to get into the cannabis game. This prompted it to partner with major grower Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY).That partnership allows for NVS division Sandoz to develop and distribute TLRY's medical marijuana in legal jurisdictions around the world. With the deal, Tilray is able to tap into Novartis' vast distribution network and will allow TLRY to help commercialize its non-smokable/noncombustible medical cannabis products. For NVS, it's able to collect fees and revenues from sales. Moreover, the deal allows it to co-brand some products to help enhance sales further.For both partners, the deal seems like a win-win. NVS gets its hands-on fast-growing medical marijuana, while Tilray can actually sell its products to more consumers. Given how good the deal is, both firms decided to expand more on those partnerships and look into developing new cannabis-related drugs. * 7 High-Yield REITs to Buy (Even When the Market Tanks) The win for investors by choosing NVS over TLRY is that you get the backing of one of the largest drug manufacturers on the planet. Altria (MO)Source: Peyri Herrera via Flickr (Modified)Big Tobacco has been eyeballing legalized cannabis sales for what seems like decades, so it's no surprise that cigarette-king Altria (NYSE:MO) would be looking at the marijuana stocks for a partnership. That came from a $1.8 billion investment in pot grower Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON). MO now has a 45% stake in the firm.Traditional cigarette sales continue to fall and MO has been looking for ways to expand its portfolio and reduce potential revenue loss. This helps explain its major purchase of vaping specialist Juul Labs. Its CRON buy helps expand on that vaping tech.Speculation has already begun that Altria could fill Juul Pods with CBD once pot is legal everywhere or add it to its other vaping/e-cigarette brands. Meanwhile, MO's huge production facilities could instantly be flipped towards smokable marijuana products. The deal also allows for CRON to co-develop new products that could be sold on Altria's large network. Together, it gives Altria an instant foothold in a growing business.And that's important for the firm. Potentially, it gives Big Tobacco a way to really reduce its multi-year declines. Last quarter again, Altria managed to miss analysts' consensus sales estimates.Meanwhile, investors buying MO over other marijuana stocks getsplenty of stability, profits and a hefty 5.93% dividend yield.Disclosure: At the time of writing, Aaron Levitt did not hold a position in any of the marijuana stocks mentioned. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 7 High-Yield REITs to Buy (Even When the Market Tanks) * 5 Great Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Today * 7 Tech Stocks to Buy That Are Also Perfect for Retirement Compare Brokers The post 3 Ways to Buy Into the Marijuana Boom Without the Risk appeared first on InvestorPlace.

  • Without a Better Story, Cronos Stock May Have Further to Fall
    InvestorPlace4 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 Wire5 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
    InvestorPlace5 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
    InvestorPlace5 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.

  • CNBC5 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.

  • MoneyShow5 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
    Zacks7 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 Fool7 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
    Zacks8 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
    InvestorPlace8 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.

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    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. 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