Company Performance - United Natural Foods (UNFI) has shown a year-to-date return of approximately 55.7%, significantly outperforming the average loss of 0.7% in the Consumer Staples group [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UNFI's full-year earnings has increased by 28.8% over the past 90 days, indicating improved analyst sentiment and a stronger earnings outlook [4] - UNFI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting a favorable investment outlook [3] Industry Context - United Natural Foods belongs to the Food - Miscellaneous industry, which has 42 stocks and is currently ranked 185 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - The Food - Miscellaneous industry has experienced an average loss of 8.5% year-to-date, highlighting UNFI's relative strength within this sector [6] - In contrast, Village Farms, another stock in the Consumer Staples sector, has achieved a year-to-date return of 359.1%, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5][7]

Core Insights - The U.S. cannabis industry has rapidly expanded, generating over $33 billion in annual sales, with projections to exceed $56 billion by 2030, presenting significant opportunities for Canadian cannabis companies [1] - Canadian firms are strategically positioned to benefit from U.S. regulatory progress and increasing cross-border demand through scaling production, diversifying product lines, and investing in branded distribution [1][3] - Selecting cannabis stocks requires technical analysis for entry and exit points, alongside critical risk management practices to navigate high volatility [2] Company Summaries Tilray Brands - Tilray Brands has a growing international presence and has entered U.S. markets with hemp-derived THC products and beverage partnerships, establishing a strong retail distribution network [4][7] - In fiscal 2024, Tilray reported revenue of nearly $790 million but faced a net loss exceeding $220 million, although gross margins improved to around 41 percent in select segments [8][9] - The hemp-derived beverage segment is gaining traction, with sales of approximately $1.4 million, indicating potential for future growth as consumer adoption increases [9] Canopy Growth Corporation - Canopy Growth is recognized for its efforts to expand beyond Canada, focusing on wellness products and CBD while building licensing and product partnerships in the U.S. [10][12] - Recent financial results show a modest 4 percent year-over-year increase in Canadian cannabis revenue, with operating losses reduced to $18 million, marking significant progress [13][14] - The company has lowered its debt from nearly $600 million to just over $300 million, enhancing its financial stability and flexibility [14][15] Village Farms International - Village Farms has pivoted from greenhouse growing to cannabis, focusing on cultivation, processing, and export markets without relying on a retail network [15][17] - In Q2 2025, consolidated net sales increased by 12 percent year-over-year to nearly $60 million, with net income reaching nearly $10 million, indicating a strong turnaround [17][18] - The company expanded its cultivation footprint by over 500,000 square feet, potentially boosting capacity by one-third and driving future revenue growth [18][19] Market Overview - Canadian cannabis stocks are experiencing volatility but continue to attract investor interest, with Tilray, Canopy Growth, and Village Farms employing diverse strategies to navigate market challenges [19][20] - As of October 2025, these companies represent the diversity within the Canadian cannabis sector, with careful execution and risk management being critical for investors [20]

Core Viewpoint - Village Farms International, Inc. has announced a US $10 million share repurchase authorization for up to 5,687,000 common shares, reflecting the company's confidence in its financial strength and future cash flow generation to enhance shareholder value [1][2]. Financial Position - The company expects to close Q3 with approximately $75 million in cash, which will support the share repurchase program alongside ongoing organic growth initiatives [2][3]. - The repurchase program is flexible and does not obligate the company to acquire a specific amount of securities, allowing for adjustments based on market conditions and other factors [3]. Business Strategy - The share repurchase is part of a balanced approach to capital allocation, which also includes investments in expansion projects in Canada and the Netherlands [2]. - Village Farms operates in the Controlled Environment Agriculture sector, focusing on high-value plant-based Consumer Packaged Goods and has a significant presence in the cannabis industry [4][5]. Cannabis Operations - In Canada, the company's subsidiary Pure Sunfarms is one of the largest cannabis operations globally, with 2.2 million square feet of greenhouse production and plans for future expansion [5]. - Internationally, Village Farms is targeting legal cannabis opportunities with growth potential, exporting medical cannabis to markets such as Germany, the UK, and Australia [6]. Future Growth - The company plans to enter the US THC market leveraging its Texas-based greenhouse assets, which include 2.2 million square feet of existing capacity and 950 acres of land for future expansion [7]. - Village Farms is also involved in renewable energy through its partnership with Terreva Renewables, generating renewable natural gas from landfill gas [8].

Core Insights - Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) is recognized as one of the 12 best marijuana stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - The company is expanding its cannabis production capacity by converting 550,000 square feet of greenhouse space, which will increase annual production by 40 metric tonnes [1][2] - The expansion project, costing $10 million CAD, is expected to be fully operational by Q1 2027 and will be financed with available funds [1] Group 1 - The conversion will result in a total of 2.2 million square feet of cannabis production space, marking a 33% increase and positioning the company among the largest cannabis producers globally [2] - CEO Michael A. DeGiglio emphasized a strategic approach to growth, leveraging nearly 40 years of experience in controlled environment agriculture to support profitable growth in both Canadian and international markets [2]

Industry Overview - The Canadian cannabis sector is crucial for investors looking to tap into the expanding U.S. marijuana market, which generated over $33 billion in sales in 2024 and is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030 due to increasing state-level legalization and consumer demand [1][3] - Recent discussions around federal reform and rescheduling cannabis could benefit Canadian companies with U.S. partnerships or expansion plans, making them attractive to investors [1][3] Company Highlights - **Tilray Brands, Inc. (TLRY)**: - Operates in cultivation, processing, and distribution across Canada, Europe, and the U.S., focusing on hemp-derived beverages and wellness products, reaching about 1,000 retail stores [5][7] - Reported annual revenue of approximately $821 million with a gross profit of around $240 million, but net income remains negative with losses exceeding $2 billion [7] - **Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC)**: - One of the largest cannabis companies in Canada, with a strong presence in the U.S. through brands and subsidiaries rather than direct dispensary ownership [8][10] - Achieved year-over-year revenue growth of about 9%, but gross margin fell to 25% from 35% a year earlier, indicating financial strain [10] - **Village Farms International, Inc. (VFF)**: - Transitioned from agricultural production to cannabis, operating one of the largest cannabis greenhouse facilities in Canada with over 2.2 million square feet [12][14] - Reported annual revenue of about $336 million, a 17% increase from the previous year, but posted a net loss of approximately $36 million [14] Strategic Focus - Tilray is diversifying through beverages and wellness products, while Canopy is focusing on cost-cutting and U.S. brand partnerships [15] - Village Farms emphasizes efficiency and international expansion, positioning itself as one of the lowest-cost producers in Canada [14][15] Market Outlook - The Canadian cannabis sector faces challenges from oversupply and regulatory uncertainty, but leading companies are adapting their strategies to remain competitive [15][16] - September 2025 is seen as a critical period for the sector, with investors closely monitoring earnings, cost controls, and expansion efforts [16]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than traditional strategies of "buying low and selling high" [1] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - Momentum investors often face challenges in determining the right entry point for fast-moving stocks, which can lead to investments with limited upside or potential downside [2] - Investing in bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum can be a safer strategy, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify promising stocks [3] Group 2: Village Farms (VFF) Analysis - Village Farms (VFF) has shown significant price momentum, with a four-week price change of 10.4%, indicating growing investor interest [4] - VFF has gained 140.6% over the past 12 weeks, demonstrating its ability to deliver positive returns over a longer timeframe [5] - The stock has a beta of 2.31, suggesting it moves 131% higher than the market in either direction, indicating fast-paced momentum [5] - VFF holds a Momentum Score of A, suggesting it is an opportune time to invest in the stock [6] - The stock has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which typically attract more investor interest [7] - VFF is trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.95, indicating it is reasonably valued at 95 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Investment Opportunities - Besides VFF, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting additional investment opportunities [8] - Investors can explore over 45 Zacks Premium Screens tailored to different investing styles to identify potential winning stocks [9]

Industry Overview - The Canadian cannabis sector is gaining investor attention as the U.S. market approaches broader reform, with the U.S. cannabis market projected to reach approximately $38.5 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 11-12% through the late 2020s [1][3] - Legislative changes in the U.S., such as Delaware's adult-use cannabis sales starting August 1, 2025, and potential federal rescheduling of marijuana, are creating strong thematic tailwinds for Canadian cannabis stocks with U.S. exposure [1][3] Company Highlights Tilray Brands (TLRY) - Tilray has established a strong global identity by combining cannabis, wellness, and beverages, significantly expanding its U.S. footprint through acquisitions [4][6] - The company reported record revenue exceeding $820 million for fiscal 2025, with gross margins averaging around 40%, showcasing strong cost management [8][9] - Tilray's strategic pivot into hemp-based beverages and wellness products allows it to build a presence in the U.S. market despite federal restrictions [10][7] Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) - Canopy Growth is recognized as a leading cannabis company in Canada, with ambitions to enter the U.S. market through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, notably its option to acquire Acreage Holdings [10][12] - The company generated nearly $300 million in revenue but reported a net loss exceeding $650 million, highlighting ongoing profitability challenges [14][15] - Canopy's U.S. strategy is designed to unlock value upon legalization, with a strong brand portfolio and rights to Acreage Holdings representing potential growth [16] Village Farms International (VFF) - Village Farms operates in both agriculture and cannabis, leveraging its expertise in greenhouse cultivation to strengthen its cannabis operations in Canada [18][19] - The company reported net income above $25 million in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA reaching nearly 30% of total sales, demonstrating strong profitability and revenue growth [20] - Village Farms' focus on cultivation efficiency and vertical integration has allowed it to achieve profitability, distinguishing it from many cannabis peers [20][21] Conclusion - Tilray, Canopy Growth, and Village Farms each demonstrate unique strategies for growth and financial improvement in the evolving cannabis landscape [21] - These companies are well-positioned to capitalize on potential U.S. legalization and changing market dynamics, offering various investment opportunities [21]

Industry Overview - The cannabis sector has faced a prolonged slump due to the lack of federal reforms, but recent comments from President Trump regarding marijuana rescheduling have sparked renewed optimism, leading to a surge in share prices [1] - A potential federal reclassification could significantly transform the industry by easing tax burdens, improving access to banking services, and facilitating broader medical and recreational adoption, with the market expected to exceed $160 billion by 2032 [2] Company Analysis: Village Farms International (VFF) - Village Farms International holds a Zacks Rank 1 and is one of the few cannabis operators consistently generating positive EBITDA and cash flow, with Q2 earnings showing a 690% year-over-year increase in international medical export sales [4][6] - The company has divested its lower-margin fresh-produce business to focus on higher-margin cannabis operations, maintaining its position as one of Canada's top three cannabis players and contributing $2.4 million in incremental Q2 revenues from shipments to the Netherlands [5] - EPS estimates for VFF have improved significantly, with 2025 estimates rising from a loss of 9 cents to earnings of 12 cents, and the stock has increased nearly 274% year to date [6] Company Analysis: Canopy Growth (CGC) - Canopy Growth, with a Zacks Rank 2, has been streamlining operations by exiting lower-margin businesses and selling non-core assets to enhance liquidity and reduce operating expenses [7] - The company's U.S. strategy through Canopy USA provides exposure to key recreational and medical cannabis markets, and federal rescheduling could accelerate the commercialization of its U.S. assets, creating new revenue streams [8] - Loss per share estimates for CGC have narrowed from 57 cents to 50 cents for 2025, and despite a 55% decline in stock price year to date, improvements in top- and bottom-line metrics are encouraging for investors [9] Company Analysis: High Tide (HITI) - High Tide, also holding a Zacks Rank 2, is recognized as one of Canada's fastest-growing cannabis retailers, operating over 170 branded retail locations and leveraging both physical and online sales channels [10] - Loss per share estimates for HITI have improved from 5 cents to 4 cents for 2025, with 2026 EPS rising from 5 cents to 11 cents, and the stock has seen a 9% increase, driven by strong operational performance and optimism regarding federal marijuana rescheduling [11][12]

Core Insights - Canadian cannabis firms with U.S. exposure are gaining attention due to their ability to bridge both markets, which positions them advantageously as U.S. policy shifts may provide new momentum for growth [1][2][24] - The U.S. legal cannabis market is projected to grow from approximately $37 billion in 2024 to over $91 billion by 2033, indicating a strong annual growth rate of more than 10 percent [2][24] - Recent headlines regarding potential federal reclassification of marijuana have fueled optimism, leading to a rally in cannabis stocks as traders seek follow-through momentum [3][24] Company Summaries Tilray - Tilray is one of the largest cannabis companies globally, focusing on cannabis-adjacent consumer goods in the U.S., with its beverage division being a key growth driver [5][6] - The company reported annual revenue exceeding $820 million, but also a significant net loss of over $2 billion, highlighting the need for tighter cost control despite strong performance in certain divisions [9][11] - The beverage segment achieved gross margins of around 40 percent, indicating strong consumer demand and pricing power [10] Village Farms International - Village Farms operates large-scale greenhouses, supplying cannabis in both Canada and the U.S., with a focus on efficient production rather than retail [12][14] - The company emphasizes wholesale supply to licensed retailers, which reduces capital costs and lowers risk while controlling significant production volumes [12][14] - Recent financial results show steady progress, with Canadian cannabis sales increasing year over year, benefiting from rising demand and improving margins [15][16] Canopy Growth - Canopy Growth is known for its broad product portfolio, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and wellness products, and has a presence in the U.S. through licensing and partnerships [17][20] - The company reported strong growth in Canadian medical cannabis sales, reaching $77 million, while international sales showed slight declines [21][22] - Canopy's gross margins expanded by 300 basis points year over year, and it reduced total debt by nearly 50 percent, indicating progress in strengthening its balance sheet [21][22] Market Outlook - The U.S. cannabis market's expansion presents significant opportunities for Canadian firms with U.S. exposure, particularly as potential rescheduling of marijuana could reduce restrictions and enhance valuations [2][24] - Volatility in the sector remains high, making technical analysis and risk management essential for investors looking to participate in the growth story [4][25]

Group 1 - Alan Brochstein is a pioneer in the cannabis investment sector, having focused exclusively on this industry since 2007 [1] - He founded AB Analytical Services to provide independent consulting to registered investment advisors [1] - Brochstein is the managing partner of New Cannabis Ventures, which has been a key provider of financial information in the cannabis industry since 2015 [1] Group 2 - Alan has led the investing group 420 Investor since 2013, which focuses on publicly-traded cannabis stocks [2] - The group covers 20 stocks, providing investment news, earnings report previews, and post-report analyses [2] - Additional features of the group include a model portfolio, 10 weekly videos with chart analysis, 3 weekly summary pieces, a monthly newsletter, and a chat for questions [2]