Kalkine Media - Similar to many other TSX cannabis stocks, Tilray (TSX:TSX:TLRY) has experienced significant volatility, taking investors on a roller-coaster ride since its IPO in July 2018, just before Canada's legalization of recreational cannabis. Despite surging initially, TSX:TLRY has seen a substantial decline, currently trading at US$1.72 per share with a market cap of approximately US$1 billion.
The Canadian cannabis sector faces various challenges, including oversupply, competition from new entrants and illegal sales, overvalued acquisitions, and more. These structural issues have hindered Tilray and its peers from reporting consistent profits, leading to multiple equity raises and significant dilution of shareholder wealth.
In the fiscal third quarter (Q3) of 2024, Tilray reported revenue of US$188.3 million and breakeven adjusted earnings, falling short of analysts' expectations. While sales surged by 30% year over year, driven by acquisitions in the beverage-alcohol and marijuana segments, weak distribution revenue offset some of this growth due to changing rebate regulations and IT infrastructure outages.
Despite efforts to diversify its business into complementary markets, Tilray reduced its outlook for fiscal 2024, forecasting lower adjusted EBITDA between US$60 million and US$63 million, down from initial estimates. Additionally, the company continues to be unprofitable, burning through more than US$60 million in the last three quarters.
While some analysts remain bullish on Tilray, expecting a potential surge of over 30% in the next 12 months, cautious investors may avoid investing in the cannabis giant due to weak fundamentals and negative profit margins.