Goldman Sachs just labelled NIB shares a sell

NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF): buy, hold, sell?

| 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 NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) share price has rocketed 157% over the past 5 years, but might have got ahead of itself if the analysts at Goldman Sachs are on the money.

NIB got a surprise boost in May 2019 after the Liberal party won a shock Federal election victory that some investors think might mean more people take up private healthcare policies due to less generous Medicare funding rebates and services under a Liberal government.

 Goldman Sachs warns though that it still expects government premium increases to be no more than 3% annually going forward, which Goldman's notes will impact NIB's important operating margins.

Goldman's also claims that as at July 15 NIB shares were trading on 25x its forecast price-to-earnings ratio, which is its "highest ever point over the past decade".

Goldman's acknowledges that it's a little more bearish than consensus in its earnings per share forecasts to come up with a $5.63 12-month share price target to suggest NIB shares at $7.90 today could have a weak 12 months.

Elsewhere shares in private healthcare market leader Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) trade for $3.65.

Motley Fool contributor Tom Richardson has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended NIB Holdings Limited. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

An old-fashioned panel of judges each holding a card with the number 10
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a Garfield kind of Monday for investors.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these shares.

Read more »

Bored man sitting at his desk with his laptop.
Share Fallers

Why ASX, CSL, Galan Lithium, and NextDC shares are dropping today

These shares are starting the week in the red. Let's find out why.

Read more »

a young woman raises her hands in joyful celebration as she sits at her computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, EOS, Gorilla Gold, and Neuren shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the week with a bang. Here's why.

Read more »

A woman smiles over the top of multiple shopping bags she is holding in both hands up near her face.
Broker Notes

Broker tips 68% upside for Myer shares following brutal sell-off

Could a turnaround be on the cards?

Read more »

a woman holds her hands to her temples as she sits in front of a computer screen with a concerned look on her face.
Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Let's see which shares short sellers are targeting this week.

Read more »

Two cheerful miners shake hands while wearing hi-vis and hard hats celebrating the commencement of a HAstings Technology Metals mine and the impact on its share price
Share Market News

Westgold unveils spin-out of non-core Reedy and Comet gold assets

Westgold Resources will demerge its non-core gold assets to Valiant Gold via an IPO, aiming to unlock value for shareholders.

Read more »

A senior couple discusses a share trade they are making on a laptop computer
Share Market News

IperionX secures US Navy deal with Carver Pump order

IperionX secures Carver Pump order for US Navy, signalling accelerating production of critical titanium components.

Read more »