Cannabis Corner: Keep an eye on these industry stocks

Article Excerpt

Canada legalized cannabis over four years ago. While demand has been steady, stiff competition has cut selling prices significantly. Meanwhile, advertising restrictions and plain packaging rules make it hard to build brands that win customer loyalty. Still, we think some companies have a distinct edge—including their prospects for added sales in the U.S. as President Joe Biden stirs talk that the federal government could eventually decriminalize cannabis use. Those are the quality stocks we focus on in “Cannabis Corner.” SNDL INC. $1.51 (Nasdaq symbol SNDL; TSINetwork Rating: Speculative) (www.villagefarms.com; Shares outstanding: 260.3 million; Market cap: $393.1 million; TSI Cannabis Quality Rating: ) is the largest private-sector liquor and cannabis retailer in Canada with retail banners that include Ace Liquor, Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, Value Buds, and Spiritleaf. The company is also a licensed cannabis producer. SNDL’s sales rose 9.3% in the three months ended June 30, 2023, to $244.5 million from $223.7 million. Meanwhile, its balance sheet is very solid, with cash and…