The Nanosonics (ASX:NAN) share price rocketed 25% higher in August

It was a great month for Nanosonics and its shareholders…

| 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

The Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) share price was a very strong performer in August.

During the month, the infection prevention company's shares rose a sizeable 25%.

Group of doctors celebrate by pumping fists in the air

Image source: Getty Images

Why did the Nanosonics share price rocket higher in August?

The catalyst for the strong gain by the Nanosonics share price last month was the release of its full year results.

Not only did these results come in ahead of expectations, but the company also pleased the market by announcing a major new product.

Let's start with its results. For the 12 months ended 30 June, Nanosonics reported a 3% increase in revenue to $103.1 million and a 15% decline in net profit after tax to $8.6 million.

While a profit decline might not seem like something to celebrate, it was notably better than the market was expecting. This was driven by a stronger than expected second half recovery.

What about the new product?

As positive as the result was, the announcement of its new product may have given the Nanosonics share price the biggest lift.

That product is Nanosonics Coris, a flexible endoscopes disinfection system.

Management notes that more healthcare-associated outbreaks have been linked to contaminated endoscopes than any other medical device.

And with over 60 million flexible endoscopy procedures being conducted across the United States and the five largest markets in Europe each year, this provides it with a significant market opportunity in the coming years.

However, this product won't be boosting its FY 2022 results. This is because management is targeting a launch in calendar year 2023.

It is also worth noting that the company has a track record of failing to deliver on product launch promises. So, it isn't inconceivable that this launch date will get pushed back.

Is it too late to invest?

One leading broker that unfortunately believes it is too late to invest is Goldman Sachs.

Its analysts have recently retained their sell rating and cut their price target to $4.40.

Based on the latest Nanosonics share price of $6.67, this implies potential downside of 34% over the next 12 month.

Goldman commented: "We post FY22/23E sales upgrades of +6/+8% to factor the FY21 beat and FX gains, but incorporating new cost/margin guidance drives (19)/(25)% downgrades to our FY22/FY23E EBITDA forecasts, and a (11)% reduction in our TP to $4.40. Although this stock has not historically traded on near-term multiples, posting these downgrades drives 2022E trading multiples up to 125x EBITDA (180x P/E) valuations which would ordinarily be associated with much higher growth profiles (we now forecast sales/earnings CAGRs of +8%/+15 from FY22-25E)."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Nanosonics Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Nanosonics Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a lacklustre start to the trading week today.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Share Gainers

Why A2 Milk, Lindian Resources, Perenti, and SGH shares are pushing higher today

These shares are starting the week in a positive fashion. But why?

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rough Friday session to end the week for investors.

Read more »

Man raising both his arms in the air with a piggy bank on his lap, symbolising a record high.
Share Gainers

Why A2 Milk, EOS, IDP Education, and SkyCity shares are charging higher today

These shares are ending the week in a positive session despite the market decline.

Read more »

Medical workers examine an x-ray or scan in a hospital laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Why this red-hot ASX healthcare share keeps climbing

A 1,600% gain hasn't slowed this stock down.

Read more »

A neon sign says 'Top Ten'.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a rather miserable Thursday on the ASX boards.

Read more »

Happy work colleagues give each other a fist pump.
Share Gainers

Why Actinogen, Devex, EOS, and Web Travel shares are charging higher today

These shares are outperforming the market on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

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 happy hump day for investors.

Read more »