What May Spur the Next Breakout in Aphria Inc (OTCMKTS:APHQF)?

Aphria Inc (OTCMKTS:APHQF) shares have been tracing out an interesting sideways trading range over the past month. That range is starting to come to a head in recent trade. The trend is clearly to the upside on almost every timeframe, and trend traders should be on the lookout for catalysts that can serve to push that extension.

Further pushing the story forward, the company just announced that it has closed the acquisition of LATAM Holdings Inc. from Scythian Biosciences. According to the release, “The Transaction was funded by the assumption of US$1 million of existing LATAM Holdings debt with the remaining consideration funded by the issuance of 15,678,310 common shares of Aphria. The closing was pursuant to the terms of the definitive share purchase agreement previously announced by the Company on July 17, 2018.”

Aphria Inc (OTCMKTS:APHQF) commands a market cap of $3.22B as a leading global cannabis company driven by “an unrelenting commitment to our people, product quality and innovation.”

Headquartered in Leamington, Ontario – the greenhouse capital of Canada – Aphria has been setting the standard for the low-cost production of safe, clean and pure pharmaceutical-grade cannabis at scale, grown in the most natural conditions possible. Focusing on untapped opportunities and backed by the latest technologies, Aphria is committed to bringing breakthrough innovation to the global cannabis market.

The Company’s portfolio of brands is grounded in expertly-researched consumer insights designed to meet the needs of every consumer segment. “Rooted in our founders’ multi-generational expertise in commercial agriculture, Aphria drives sustainable long-term shareholder value through a diversified approach to innovation, strategic partnerships and global expansion, with a presence in more than 10 countries across 5 continents.”

The company touts itself as one of Canada’s lowest cost producers, produces, supplies and sells medical cannabis. The company is truly powered by sunlight, allowing for the most natural growing conditions available. “We are committed to providing pharma-grade medical cannabis, superior patient care while balancing patient economics and returns to shareholders. We are the first public licensed producer to report positive cash flow from operations and the first to report positive earnings in consecutive quarters.”

Aphria Inc (OTCMKTS:APHQF) has been raking in the cash, with $9.4 million coming in its quarter-ended May 31. Revenues are growing at a robust 110%. The company is also sitting on a strong balance sheet, with total assets now above $1 billion against total debt at just above $115 million.

New Catalysts in Technical Context

As discussed above, APHQF just announced that it has closed the acquisition of LATAM Holdings Inc. from Scythian Biosciences.

“Aphria continues to execute on its plans for strategic international expansion, including in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Vic Neufeld, Chief Executive Officer of Aphria. “With a combined population of nearly 640 million, and with significant momentum from numerous countries introducing new or modernizing existing medical cannabis legislation, the region represents a significant opportunity for long-term growth. It also hosts some of the most favourable conditions for cultivating high-quality medical cannabis at substantial efficiencies – ideal for both regional supply and export opportunities. This acquisition firmly cements Aphria’s leadership in the region and on the global cannabis stage.”

Shares continue to hold up in a range over the past 3 weeks, with a possible breakout lined up if and when we see the stock push back above resistance in the $16/share area.