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

Five healthcare workers standing together and smiling.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX 200 healthcare shares to buy amid sector rout

The experts are backing these stocks for price growth.

Read more »

Researchers and doctors with futuristic 3D hologram overlay for body anatomy or DNA in hospital clinic.
Healthcare Shares

Are investors taking a big gamble chasing 4DX shares higher and higher?

Investor interest in this ASX healthcare tech stock is booming.

Read more »

A group of people in a corporate setting do a collective high five.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Ramsay Health Care shares today

A leading analyst expects Ramsay Health Care shares to keep outperforming in the months ahead.

Read more »

Half a man's face from the nose up peers over a table.
Healthcare Shares

If I could buy only 1 ASX 200 share right now, it would be…

This stock looks underpriced and oversold to me.

Read more »

woman testing substance in laboratory dish, csl share price
Healthcare Shares

CSL shares slide again in March — but is a comeback brewing?

Brokers remain upbeat and see upside up to 95% for the biotech stock.

Read more »

A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great
Broker Notes

Up 57% since February, why Telix shares could keep leaping higher in 2026

A leading analyst believes investors are undervaluing Telix shares. But why?

Read more »

A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.
Healthcare Shares

Is it time to get greedy with CSL shares?

This ASX healthcare giant is out of favour, but that may be where opportunity starts.

Read more »

Stressed, unhappy, and tired scientist with a headache working on a computer in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX 200 healthcare shares at multi-year lows

Does this present a buying opportunity?

Read more »