What's weighing on the Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price lately?

The Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price is getting attention following the company's latest capital raise. Here's a bit more background.

| More on:
Man in business attire dragging large desk behind him

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 Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) share price has dipped 0.43% at the time of writing and is currently trading at $2.31 a share. This compares to the S&P/ASX200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has jumped 1.75% so far today.

In fact, over the past four months the Mesoblast share price has fallen more than 40%. So what's going on? 

Why is the Mesoblast share price going down?

Mesoblast carried out a capital-raising exercise, which was announced last week. The cash injection came just in time, as concerns about Mesoblast's dwindling cash flow have been weighing on the company's share price over the past few months.

On 28 February 2021, the Australian Financial Review quoted the auditor of Mesoblast's latest results, who stated that, "material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the group's ability to continue as a going concern".

For the 6-month period ended 31 December 2020, Mesoblast posted a loss of $33.2 million and the company's deficit stood at US$599 million.

So what does the capital deal look like?

Mesoblast raised US$110 million issuing 60 million shares at A$2.30 in a private placement led by a US investor group.

The money will be used to keep pushing the company's products through the necessary United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals in the second and third quarters. For example, work will continue on gaining US regulatory approvals pertaining to a back pain treatment that uses Mesoblast's rexlemestrocel-L drug.

Funding will also be allocated toward generally progressing its remestemcel-L and rexlemestrocel-L platforms.

The business advised that it will invest in a commercial supply of remestemcel-L and continue to advance the manufacturing and development of rexlemestrocel-L.

Mesoblast share price snapshot

Mesoblast has a market capitalisation of $1.4 billion and there are presently 623.5 million shares outstanding.

Over the past year, the Mesoblast share price has climbed by 26%.

The company is a developer of medicinal treatments for severe and life-threatening inflammatory conditions. It has locations in Australia, the United States and Singapore, and has commercialised two of its products in Japan and Europe.

Motley Fool contributor Gretchen Kennedy 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Broker Notes

Analysts say these ASX shares are top buys in June

Brokers are urging investors to buy these shares. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors finished the trading week on a high note this Friday.

Read more »

A man in trendy clothing sits on a bench in a shopping mall looking at his phone with interest and a surprised look on his face.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a blue shirt looks off to the side with a miffed look on his face as the share price declines.
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, Findi, Lottery Corp, and REA shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Happy teen friends jumping in front of a wall.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 shares leading the charge higher this week

Investors have been piling into these four ASX 200 shares this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.
REITs

What price target does Macquarie have on Goodman Group shares?

Goodman Group posted an interesting set of numbers in Q3. Here's Macquarie's take.

Read more »

A happy investor sits at his desk in front of his laptop and does the mexican wave with his arms to celebrate the returns from his ASX dividend shares
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, Champion Iron, Healthco, and Meeka Metals shares are pushing higher today

These shares are ending the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX 200 copper stock to surge 36% in a year

Macquarie forecasts some hefty gains ahead for the ASX 200 copper miner. But why?

Read more »