Is the Mesoblast (ASX: MSB) share price still good value?

The Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price has rocketed to a new 52-week high but I won't join investors in betting on the biotech stock.

| 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 Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) share price rocketed 12.0% higher to lead the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) winners in yesterday's trade.

Shares in the Aussie biotech company were in high demand and trading at a new 52-week high despite no new announcements on the ASX. So, what's driving the Mesoblast share price higher right now and should we all be jumping on board?

woman in lab coat conducting testing.

Image source: Getty Images

Why the Mesoblast share price is on the move

Once again it's anticipation surrounding a big announcement that is pushing the Aussie biotech's value higher.

Mesoblast's value surged last month after meetings with the US Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) as well the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA is set to review the use of Mesoblast's remestemcel-L treatment, known as RYONCIL, for acute graft versus host disease on Wednesday.

Investors are clearly banking on that being a positive result after ODAC's recommendation last month.

Following yesterday's move, the Mesoblast share price has now rocketed 169.3% this year to $5.50 per share.

Is it still good value at $5.50 per share?

I think the value-add is a little more questionable at the current Mesoblast share price.

It's easy to get caught up in the hype and momentum behind a top ASX share. That's especially the case in the biotech space in the current environment.

I think the investment proposition at this point is really about the growth story rather than the fundamentals. The FDA approval would be a huge boost for the company's sales prospects in the United States.

Strong earnings could help underpin the Mesoblast share price valuation at $3.2 billion. That's a very high multiple given the biotech company recently reported a full-year US$77.9 million loss.

Mesoblast could still be a participant in the coronavirus race. The company is looking at the possibility of treating COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. 

If you're big on the healthcare and biotech sectors in early 2021 then Mesoblast could still be a good buy.

Foolish takeaway

The Mesoblast share price has been surging in 2020 but I think it's bit too hot for my liking.

The FDA meeting has big implications for its potential sales but I don't think I'll be betting on the outcome of that decision by buying any time soon.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the 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 Scott Phillips.

More on 52-Week Highs

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Energy Shares

5 ASX 200 energy shares smash multi-year highs after oil price spike

The ASX 200 Energy Index reached a two-year high of 11,071.80 points on Thursday.

Read more »

A young woman with her mouth open and her hands out showing surprise and delight as uranium share prices skyrocket
52-Week Highs

7 ASX All Ords shares finish earnings season on a 52-week high

The ASX All Ords Index reached a record high on the final day of earnings season.

Read more »

A beautiful ocean vista is shown with a woman whose back is to the camera holding her arms up in triumph as she stands at the top of a rock feeling thrilled that ASX 200 shares are reaching multi-year high prices today
52-Week Highs

5 ASX 200 stocks including NAB, Woodside and BHP shares charging to new 52-week plus highs today

Investors just sent NAB, BHP, Woodside and these two top ASX 200 stocks to new multi-year highs. But why?

Read more »

A graphic showing a businessman running up a white upwards rising arrow symbolising the soaring Magellan share price today
52-Week Highs

Woodside and these ASX 200 stocks just hit new 52-week highs

It's been a wonderful day for these shares.

Read more »

A woman wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks to the sky with her hand to her chin, contemplating buying ASX shares.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, or sell? 3 ASX 200 shares at record highs

These three ASX 200 shares reached new record highs in early trading on Tuesday.

Read more »

a man in a business suit looks at a map of the world above a line up of oil barrels with a red arrow heading upwards above them, indicting rising oil prices.
Energy Shares

Why did the Woodside share price just hit an 18-month high?

Geopolitical tensions are pushing up oil prices today.

Read more »

Happy girls taking selfie on a mountain peak.
Communication Shares

Telstra shares just hit a 9-year high. Here's why

Telstra shares haven't been this high since 2017.

Read more »

A beautiful ocean vista is shown with a woman whose back is to the camera holding her arms up in triumph as she stands at the top of a rock feeling thrilled that ASX 200 shares are reaching multi-year high prices today
52-Week Highs

7 ASX 200 large-cap shares hitting multi-year highs today

ASX 200 shares are trading at a 14-week high as earnings season continues.

Read more »