Cannabis Stock VRNOF Rises 178% in a Month: Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 29 2025
0mins
Should l Buy ACB?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Verano Holdings Corporation Overview
- Stock Performance: Verano Holdings Corporation (VRNOF) has experienced a remarkable 178% increase in its stock price over the past month, fueled by optimism surrounding federal cannabis reform and growth in dispensary operations.
- Revenue Trends: Despite the stock surge, the company reported a 9% year-over-year decline in revenues, totaling $202 million for Q2, primarily due to price compression and challenges in wholesale accounts.
Financial Insights
- Profit Margins: The company achieved a gross profit margin of 55.9%, an improvement of 450 basis points year-over-year, attributed to operational efficiencies in Florida and Illinois.
- Expenses and Losses: Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased by nearly 1% to $86.3 million. However, the tax burden increased by 15% to $35.2 million, leading to a net loss of 5 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 6 cents per share in the previous year.
Future Outlook
- Growth Strategies: Verano is optimistic about future growth, citing ongoing efficiency measures, new dispensary openings, and product innovations as key drivers. The company anticipates an increase in its cash balance in the second half of 2025.
- Market Competition: The cannabis market is highly competitive, with rivals like Aurora Cannabis, Curaleaf Holdings, and Green Thumb Industries expanding their operations internationally, which may pose challenges for Verano, which is focused solely on the U.S. market.
Market Position and Investor Sentiment
- Year-to-Date Performance: Verano's shares have risen nearly 33% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average growth of 7%.
- Earnings Projections: Loss estimates for 2025 remain steady at 17 cents per share, while projections for 2026 have slightly increased from 15 cents to 16 cents.
- Investor Caution: While recent comments from President Trump regarding marijuana rescheduling have sparked optimism, investors are advised to monitor the company's execution on profitability before making new investments. Existing shareholders may consider maintaining their positions as the company navigates its growth strategy.
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Analyst Views on ACB
Wall Street analysts forecast ACB stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 3.540
Low
6.28
Averages
6.77
High
7.39
Current: 3.540
Low
6.28
Averages
6.77
High
7.39
About ACB
Aurora Cannabis Inc. is a Canada-based medical cannabis company. The Company’s principal business lines are focused on the production, distribution and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derivative products in Canada and internationally. The Company’s segments include Cannabis and Plant Propagation. The Company's adult-use brand portfolio includes Drift, San Rafael '71, Daily Special, Tasty's, Being and Greybeard. Its medical cannabis brands include MedReleaf, CanniMed, Aurora and Whistler Medical Marijuana Co, as well as international brands, Pedanios, IndiMed and CraftPlant. The Company also holds a 50.1% controlling interest in Bevo Farms Ltd., a supplier of propagated vegetables and ornamental plants in North America. Its subsidiaries include Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc., Aurora Deutschland GmbH, Whistler Medical Marijuana Corporation, and Indica Industries Pty Ltd., among others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Aurora Cannabis Faces Significant Challenges Ahead
- Poor Market Performance: Aurora Cannabis has lost 96% of its stock value since 2021, indicating the company's struggle to establish itself in a highly competitive market; despite cannabis being legalized in Canada since 2018, Aurora has failed to achieve significant success, highlighting deficiencies in its market strategy.
- Regulatory Change Opportunities: President Trump’s executive order reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III offers research and banking advantages, yet Aurora's negligible presence in the U.S. market limits its potential gains from these changes, constraining growth opportunities.
- Acquisition Challenges: The acquisition of Reliva, focused on CBD products, in 2020 was undermined by significant challenges in the CBD market, leading to the shutdown of operations in 2023, which underscores the difficulties and risks Aurora faces in expanding into new markets.
- Bleak Future Outlook: While a potential cannabis market revival exists, Aurora Cannabis's weak revenue growth and consistent net losses present substantial challenges for re-entering the U.S. market, prompting investors to carefully assess the company's future performance amidst these uncertainties.
See More
Aurora Cannabis Faces Significant Challenges Amid Regulatory Changes
- Stock Price Plunge: Aurora Cannabis has seen its shares plummet by 96% since 2021, indicating severe financial distress and a significant loss of investor confidence in its future prospects amid fierce market competition.
- Limited Market Opportunities: Despite recent regulatory changes in the U.S. that could create new cannabis market opportunities, Aurora Cannabis has virtually no presence in the U.S. market and shut down its Reliva operations in 2023, highlighting challenges in the CBD sector.
- Financing Challenges: Should Aurora Cannabis seek to re-enter the U.S. market, it may need to pursue dilutive financing methods for acquisitions, further eroding existing shareholder value and increasing investment risks.
- Investor Confidence Lacking: Given Aurora Cannabis's weak revenue growth and consistent net losses, analysts generally view the company as a poor choice to capitalize on any upcoming cannabis market boom, potentially positioning it as a wealth destroyer.
See More
Aurora Cannabis to Discuss Growth Strategy at TD Cowen Conference
- Conference Participation: Aurora Cannabis CFO Simona King will participate in TD Cowen's 46th Annual Health Care Conference on March 2, 2026, where she is expected to engage in one-on-one meetings with investors, showcasing the company's leadership in the global medical cannabis market.
- Market Trends Discussion: The conference will explore significant shifts in the global medical cannabis landscape and their impact on industry growth, with Aurora sharing insights on its excellence in Canadian manufacturing, further solidifying its market position.
- Completion of Bevo Transaction: Aurora announced the completion of its transaction with Bevo Agtech Inc., initially announced on February 4, 2026, marking a significant step in expanding its product lines and market share.
- Global Expansion Strategy: As a global leader in medical cannabis, Aurora is committed to improving patient lives through scientific expertise and high-quality products, and will continue to expand its operations in markets such as Canada, Europe, and Australia.
See More
Aurora Cannabis to Discuss Growth Strategy at Health Care Conference
- Conference Participation: Aurora Cannabis will participate in TD Cowen's 46th Annual Health Care Conference on March 2, 2026, where CFO Simona King will engage in discussions, likely drawing investor attention to its international leadership and market opportunities.
- Market Trends Discussion: The conference will address significant shifts in the global medical cannabis industry and market forces, with Aurora aiming to reinforce its market leadership by showcasing its excellence in Canadian manufacturing.
- Completion of Bevo Transaction: Aurora announced the completion of its transaction with Bevo Agtech Inc., previously disclosed on February 4, 2026, marking a strategic advancement in expanding its product lines and market share.
- Global Expansion Strategy: As a global leader in medical cannabis, Aurora is committed to improving patient lives through scientific expertise and high-quality products, and will continue to seek high-margin opportunities in Canada, Europe, and other markets.
See More
Aurora Expands Product Line in Australia and New Zealand
- Market Expansion Strategy: Aurora Cannabis is launching new products in Australia and New Zealand, including two THC flower products and four resin cartridges, aimed at meeting the needs of patients and prescribers for high-quality medical cannabis, thereby enhancing its leadership position in international markets.
- Product Diversification: The introduction of Big Wave™ and Night Ride™ in New Zealand, along with the upcoming Half Moon™ product, showcases Aurora's ongoing commitment to product innovation, which is expected to enhance patient choice and experience, further solidifying market share.
- Quality Assurance: All new products are derived from Aurora's proprietary genetics and manufactured in EU-GMP and TGA-GMP certified facilities, ensuring safety and high quality, which enhances customer trust and brand loyalty.
- Long-term Investment Commitment: Aurora has pledged to continue investing in the Australian and New Zealand markets to support the evolving needs of patients, reflecting the company's strategic focus on global growth, which is anticipated to drive future business expansion and revenue growth.
See More
Cannabis Sector Update: Aurora's Strategic Shift Amid Record Medical Sales
- Aurora Financial Performance: Aurora Cannabis reported net revenue of $94.2 million for Q3 2026, a 7% year-over-year increase, with global medical cannabis sales reaching $76.2 million, accounting for over 80% of total sales, indicating strong growth potential in the high-margin medical market.
- Strategic Transformation Plan: Aurora announced plans to gradually exit select Canadian consumer cannabis markets to reduce sales and marketing costs, which is expected to significantly improve overall profit margins in the coming quarters.
- Canopy Growth Results: Canopy Growth reported net revenue of $90.4 million for Q3 2026, with a nearly 50% reduction in net loss despite weak international performance, reflecting positive progress in cost control and market integration.
- Cronos Brand Expansion: Cronos Group launched its premium Lord Jones brand in Israel, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy aimed at meeting local market demands with high-quality products while enhancing brand recognition in international markets.
See More
Aurora Cannabis Faces Significant Challenges Ahead
- Poor Market Performance: Aurora Cannabis has lost 96% of its stock value since 2021, indicating the company's struggle to establish itself in a highly competitive market; despite cannabis being legalized in Canada since 2018, Aurora has failed to achieve significant success, highlighting deficiencies in its market strategy.
- Regulatory Change Opportunities: President Trump’s executive order reclassifying cannabis to Schedule III offers research and banking advantages, yet Aurora's negligible presence in the U.S. market limits its potential gains from these changes, constraining growth opportunities.
- Acquisition Challenges: The acquisition of Reliva, focused on CBD products, in 2020 was undermined by significant challenges in the CBD market, leading to the shutdown of operations in 2023, which underscores the difficulties and risks Aurora faces in expanding into new markets.
- Bleak Future Outlook: While a potential cannabis market revival exists, Aurora Cannabis's weak revenue growth and consistent net losses present substantial challenges for re-entering the U.S. market, prompting investors to carefully assess the company's future performance amidst these uncertainties.
See More
Aurora Cannabis Faces Significant Challenges Amid Regulatory Changes
- Stock Price Plunge: Aurora Cannabis has seen its shares plummet by 96% since 2021, indicating severe financial distress and a significant loss of investor confidence in its future prospects amid fierce market competition.
- Limited Market Opportunities: Despite recent regulatory changes in the U.S. that could create new cannabis market opportunities, Aurora Cannabis has virtually no presence in the U.S. market and shut down its Reliva operations in 2023, highlighting challenges in the CBD sector.
- Financing Challenges: Should Aurora Cannabis seek to re-enter the U.S. market, it may need to pursue dilutive financing methods for acquisitions, further eroding existing shareholder value and increasing investment risks.
- Investor Confidence Lacking: Given Aurora Cannabis's weak revenue growth and consistent net losses, analysts generally view the company as a poor choice to capitalize on any upcoming cannabis market boom, potentially positioning it as a wealth destroyer.
See More
Aurora Cannabis to Discuss Growth Strategy at TD Cowen Conference
- Conference Participation: Aurora Cannabis CFO Simona King will participate in TD Cowen's 46th Annual Health Care Conference on March 2, 2026, where she is expected to engage in one-on-one meetings with investors, showcasing the company's leadership in the global medical cannabis market.
- Market Trends Discussion: The conference will explore significant shifts in the global medical cannabis landscape and their impact on industry growth, with Aurora sharing insights on its excellence in Canadian manufacturing, further solidifying its market position.
- Completion of Bevo Transaction: Aurora announced the completion of its transaction with Bevo Agtech Inc., initially announced on February 4, 2026, marking a significant step in expanding its product lines and market share.
- Global Expansion Strategy: As a global leader in medical cannabis, Aurora is committed to improving patient lives through scientific expertise and high-quality products, and will continue to expand its operations in markets such as Canada, Europe, and Australia.
See More
Aurora Cannabis to Discuss Growth Strategy at Health Care Conference
- Conference Participation: Aurora Cannabis will participate in TD Cowen's 46th Annual Health Care Conference on March 2, 2026, where CFO Simona King will engage in discussions, likely drawing investor attention to its international leadership and market opportunities.
- Market Trends Discussion: The conference will address significant shifts in the global medical cannabis industry and market forces, with Aurora aiming to reinforce its market leadership by showcasing its excellence in Canadian manufacturing.
- Completion of Bevo Transaction: Aurora announced the completion of its transaction with Bevo Agtech Inc., previously disclosed on February 4, 2026, marking a strategic advancement in expanding its product lines and market share.
- Global Expansion Strategy: As a global leader in medical cannabis, Aurora is committed to improving patient lives through scientific expertise and high-quality products, and will continue to seek high-margin opportunities in Canada, Europe, and other markets.
See More
Aurora Expands Product Line in Australia and New Zealand
- Market Expansion Strategy: Aurora Cannabis is launching new products in Australia and New Zealand, including two THC flower products and four resin cartridges, aimed at meeting the needs of patients and prescribers for high-quality medical cannabis, thereby enhancing its leadership position in international markets.
- Product Diversification: The introduction of Big Wave™ and Night Ride™ in New Zealand, along with the upcoming Half Moon™ product, showcases Aurora's ongoing commitment to product innovation, which is expected to enhance patient choice and experience, further solidifying market share.
- Quality Assurance: All new products are derived from Aurora's proprietary genetics and manufactured in EU-GMP and TGA-GMP certified facilities, ensuring safety and high quality, which enhances customer trust and brand loyalty.
- Long-term Investment Commitment: Aurora has pledged to continue investing in the Australian and New Zealand markets to support the evolving needs of patients, reflecting the company's strategic focus on global growth, which is anticipated to drive future business expansion and revenue growth.
See More
Cannabis Sector Update: Aurora's Strategic Shift Amid Record Medical Sales
- Aurora Financial Performance: Aurora Cannabis reported net revenue of $94.2 million for Q3 2026, a 7% year-over-year increase, with global medical cannabis sales reaching $76.2 million, accounting for over 80% of total sales, indicating strong growth potential in the high-margin medical market.
- Strategic Transformation Plan: Aurora announced plans to gradually exit select Canadian consumer cannabis markets to reduce sales and marketing costs, which is expected to significantly improve overall profit margins in the coming quarters.
- Canopy Growth Results: Canopy Growth reported net revenue of $90.4 million for Q3 2026, with a nearly 50% reduction in net loss despite weak international performance, reflecting positive progress in cost control and market integration.
- Cronos Brand Expansion: Cronos Group launched its premium Lord Jones brand in Israel, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy aimed at meeting local market demands with high-quality products while enhancing brand recognition in international markets.
See More
