Why did the NIB share price fall today?

There's a simple reason.

| More on:
Health professional looking at a laptop.

Image source: Getty Images

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 fell on Thursday, closing 3.68% lower at $6.02.

Meantime, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished 0.40% higher at 7,982.4 points.

The ASX financial share hit an intraday low of $6.01, which is not far off its 52-week low of $5.98. The health insurer hit that new annual low share price on 26 August after it released its FY24 report.

NIB revealed a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $181.6 million in FY24, up an impressive 67.4%.

This was one of the biggest profit boosts reported during earnings season. However, investors were unimpressed. The NIB share price tumbled 17.74% on the day the report was released.

So, why did NIB stock languish close to its 52-week low today?

There's a simple reason.

NIB share price falls amid ASX 200 gain on Thursday

The NIB share price only fell today because it's ex-dividend day.

That means NIB shares bought from today do not have the entitlement to the next dividend attached.

That dividend is worth 14 cents per share with 100% franking. NIB will pay its investors on 8 October.

The final dividend comes on top of the company's interim dividend of 15 cents per share, which was paid in April.

All up, NIB's full-year dividend was 29 cents per share. This represents a dividend yield of 4.81% plus franking on the closing NIB share price.

How did NIB's FY24 numbers look?

The company reported a 9.3% uplift in revenue in FY24 to $3.3 billion. It increased its number of policyholders by 2.5%, which it expects will be above the industry average.

NIB said it had a record year of sales in its Australian residents health insurance (arhi) segment.

It also reported a 19% increase in international inbound health insurance (iihi) revenue to $192.8 million due to strong demand from overseas workers coming to Australia.

NIB said its New Zealand insurance revenue rose by 10.2% to $371.2 million.

The NIB Travel gross profit (after acquisition costs) increased by 7.8% to $54.2 million as the global travel market continued to recover from COVID-19.

NIB Thrive NDIS fee income also went up by 39.8% to $51.3 million.

But the year also brought some challenges, including a 4.9% increase in claim costs to $2.1 billion.

NIB CEO Mark Fitzgibbon said:

Claims experience is accelerating from an artificially low COVID-19 utilisation base and together with hospital cost pressures, is placing pressure on premiums and underwriting margins. This inflation is manageable and will normalise in the medium term.

NIB share price snapshot

The NIB share price is down 18% in the year to date compared to a 23% lift in the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) over the same period.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3NIB Holdings PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL1 Jan 20242 Apr 2025Zoom ▾Jan '24Mar '24May '24Jul '24Sep '24Nov '24Jan '25Mar '25Jan '24Jan '24May '24May '24Sep '24Sep '24Jan '25Jan '25www.fool.com.au

Should you invest $1,000 in Nib Holdings right now?

Before you buy Nib Holdings shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Nib Holdings wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 6 March 2025

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen 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 positions in and has recommended NIB Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Financial Shares

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Financial Shares

HMC Capital announces plans for new equity fund: Should I invest?

Let's see if some big news makes it a good time to buy this stock.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Share Market News

ASX 200 financial shares lead the market amid Federal Budget and election call

ASX financial shares led the 11 market sectors last week with a 2.55% gain.

Read more »

Man smiling at a laptop because of a rising share price.
Dividend Investing

Why this sold-off ASX All Ords dividend stock is 'well placed to generate long-term shareholder value'

A leading expert sees long-term value in this beaten-down ASX All Ords dividend stock.

Read more »

Woman insurance agent fills out insurance form for car damage after traffic accident.
Financial Shares

Down 10% this year, is it time to buy IAG shares in the dip?

Is it time to jump in or jump ship on this ASX 200 insurance company?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Financial Shares

Down 7% in 2025, should I buy Macquarie shares now?

Here’s what you need to know.

Read more »

A man and woman watch their device screens, making investing decisions at home.
Financial Shares

Down 20% this year, are AMP shares ripe for a rebound?

After a difficult start to 2025, can the financial stock bounce back?

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Financial Shares

Trading near a 1 year low, is it time to buy Macquarie shares?

Is now a good time to invest? Let's see what one leading broker is saying.

Read more »

Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.
Financial Shares

Guess which ASX 200 share is crashing 29% because of CBA

Helia Group Ltd (ASX: HLI) shares are having a day to forget on Monday. In early trade, the ASX 200…

Read more »