Why the Monash IVF Group Ltd share price fell 7% on today's results

The Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX:MVF) share price fell 7% on today's results.

| More on:
a woman

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

The Monash IVF Group Ltd (ASX: MVF) share price fell 7% to $1.55 after the company released its full year annual report this morning. Here's what you need to know:

  • Revenues fell 1% to $155.2 million
  • Net profit after tax (NPAT) rose 3% to $29.6 million
  • Earnings per share grew 3% to 12.6 cents
  • Dividends up 3% to 8.8 cents per share
  • Net debt grew to $92.5 million (gearing of 56%)
  • Monash cycles fell 3.1% while total market cycles fell 0.8%
  • Outlook for broadly flat NPAT in 2018 but potential future growth by acquisition

So what?

It was an average result for Monash, with the number of patient treatments declining after four years of consistent growth. Net profit rose primarily due to lower finance expenses this year, although the company also achieved meaningful cost savings in consumables and clinician fees this year. Underlying market share loss may be better than it appears, with Monash stating their belief that most of the market growth in IVF was in the low-cost market, a market that Monash does not participate in.

Weak growth in total market cycles this year is also thought to be a hangover from strong growth of 6.8% last year.  In the future, Monash expects stimulated cycles to grow at around 3% per annum over the long term, albeit with fluctuations in any given period.

source: Company presentation

On the plus side, Monash continues to expand with new facilities both in Australia and Malaysia, and may become a larger player in these markets over time. Competitor Virtus Health Ltd (ASX: VRT) also saw its shares fall 1.5% this morning as the market digests Monash's update.

Now what?

Monash carries a fair bit of debt, and its growth outlook is modest. However, the company also has a very modest price tag of ~12x earnings, well below the average for Australian healthcare companies. If demand for IVF proves to be defensive, as looks to be the case, Monash could be a nice performer over the long term.

Motley Fool contributor Sean O'Neill has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »