May 15, 2024 - MEDIF
MediPharm Labs, a Canadian pharmaceutical company specializing in cannabis extracts, concentrates, and derivative products, may be on the verge of profitability, driven by strategic moves and a growing global cannabis market. However, their stock price doesn't reflect this potential, suggesting a significant undervaluation.
MediPharm Labs reported its best quarter for revenue and adjusted EBITDA in three years in Q1 2024. Revenue increased by nearly 70% year-over-year, boosted by the integration of VIVO Cannabis. International sales, which account for over 30% of revenue, surged by 75% year-over-year and 33% sequentially. The company achieved a gross profit exceeding 27% of revenue and an adjusted EBITDA loss of less than $1 million.
MediPharm Labs is strategically targeting markets with stringent regulatory requirements, such as Australia, Germany, and Brazil. The company's pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) position it as a preferred partner for pharmaceutical companies entering the cannabis market.
Australia: New GMP regulations have created opportunities for branded and B2B sales, with vape oil sales increasing by 64% sequentially in Q1.
Germany: Cannabis legalization is expected to drive significant growth. MediPharm has 14 registered products under its Beacon brand and reported a 36% sequential increase in German sales.
Brazil: MediPharm successfully completed an ANVISA audit and has two product approvals. Further approvals and revenue generation are anticipated.
The recent DEA announcement to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III drug has significant implications for MediPharm. The company is the only purpose-built cannabis facility to have undergone a US FDA inspection and holds a US Drug Establishment license. MediPharm has also shipped DEA-approved cannabis to the US for clinical trials. This positions them as a potential leader in cannabis research and manufacturing in the US market.
Despite its positive performance and future potential, MediPharm Labs' stock price remains significantly lower than its peers. The company's Enterprise Value (EV) to revenue ratio is around 0.3 to 0.4, compared to the industry average of 1.4x and a range of 0.8x to 2.4x for key players. This suggests a substantial undervaluation.
Even a conservative EV-to-revenue ratio of 1.2x would imply a stock price of $0.14 to $0.15, significantly higher than its current trading range around $0.07. This indicates a potential undervaluation of 50% to 100%.
MediPharm Labs has a robust balance sheet with $17 million in cash at the end of Q1 and less than $3 million in debt. This financial stability provides them with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities.
The chart below depicts the revenue growth trends of MediPharm Labs' different business segments, showcasing the strong performance of international and B2B markets.
MediPharm Labs is well-positioned to benefit from the global cannabis market's growth. Their strategic focus on regulated markets, pharmaceutical expertise, and financial strength make them a compelling investment opportunity. The current disconnect between their performance and stock price suggests that MediPharm Labs could be a hidden gem in the cannabis industry.
"Fun Fact: MediPharm Labs was the first cannabis company in Canada to receive a GMP certification from the European Union, demonstrating their commitment to high-quality manufacturing standards."
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available information and should not be construed as financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.