Why has the Mesoblast share price tumbled 10% so far in August?

The stock in the regenerative medicine company has faltered this month amid a capital raise.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • It's been a rough month so far for the Mesoblast share price, tumbling 10% since the end of July to close at 85 cents today
  • Much of that fall came when the company announced a successful $65 million placement two weeks ago
  • The Mesoblast share price is currently down 40% year to date

The Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) share price has come crashing down recently, tumbling 9.57% since the end of last month.

Much of that fall came amid a capital raise that saw shares in the biotechnology company offered for 75 cents each. The slump also follows a 54% surge in the Mesoblast share price during July.

The Mesoblast share price closed at 85 cents on Wednesday, down from 94 cents at the end of last month.

For context, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has lifted 0.9% so far this month.

So, what's been weighing on the Mesoblast share price lately? Let's take a look.

A medical researcher rests his forehead on his fist with a dejected look on his face while sitting behind a scientific microscope with another researcher's hand on his shoulder as if giving comfort.

Image source: Getty Images

What's been dragging on the Mesoblast share price lately?

Interestingly, the Mesoblast share price has plunged this month despite not trading for much of the first fortnight.

The stock entered a trading halt before the market opened on 4 August and didn't return to trade until the following week.

At the time, the company told the market its shares were halted as it underwent a private placement. Though, all details of such a placement remained a secret until it returned to trade.

It wasn't until 9 August that Mesoblast announced it had completed the capital raise. The placement saw its coffers injected with an additional $65 million after it sold 86.7 million new shares for 75 cents apiece.

The funds were partially earmarked to go towards launching the company's lead drug candidate, remestemcel-L. Some of the cash will also be used to fund the phase three trial of its rexlemestrocel-L.

The Mesoblast share price plummeted 6.4% the day it was removed from the freezer.

It's also worth noting Mesoblast released its most recent quarterly activities and cash flow report in the final session of last month. Its stock slipped 2% that day. Thus, some of its August slump may have been representative of a belated reaction to the release.  

At least the stock is well versed in trading in the red. It has tumbled 40% since the start of 2022. It's also currently 57% lower than it was this time last year.

For comparison, the All Ordinaries has dropped 9% year to date and 7% over the last 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

A cool white-bearded man holds his hand up signalling you should halt.
Healthcare Shares

ASX 300 cannabis stock Incannex suspended ahead of 'material update'

The Incannex share price is frozen at 14 cents for now.

Read more »

a doctor in a white coat makes a heart shape with his hands and holds it over his chest where his heart is placed.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords stock is rocketing 27% on a new FDA approval

Rett Syndrome has finally got an approved treatment.

Read more »

Five healthcare workers standing together and smiling.
Healthcare Shares

Buy these excellent ASX 200 healthcare shares: Goldman Sachs

Goldman has spoken very positively about these healthcare shares this week.

Read more »

medical asx share price represented by doctor giving thumbs up
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX biotech stock just rocketed 29% on big FDA news

The ASX healthcare share is attracting investor interest following FDA approval for its targeted cancer therapy compound.

Read more »

A doctor in a white coat sits at her computer with finger on mouth thinking about something in her office with medical equipment in the background.
Healthcare Shares

Should I buy CSL shares while they're under $300?

Can investors make a healthy return with this biotech?

Read more »

A man wearing a white coat holds his hands up and mouth open with joy.
Healthcare Shares

Mesoblast share price rockets 23% on FDA news

Mesoblast has received some good news for the US FDA this morning.

Read more »

A young woman wearing a blue blouse with white polkadots holds her phone up with an intrigued and happy look on her face as she reads some news.
Healthcare Shares

Owners of this ASX 200 share are soon going to receive a bigger dividend

Investors in this healthcare company are about to get a healthy cash boost.

Read more »

an older couple look happy as they sit at a laptop computer in their home.
Healthcare Shares

Hoping to collect the latest CSL dividend? Here's how

The next CSL dividend is fast approaching.

Read more »