By - Neha Simpy
Highlights:
- S&P/ASX 200 has lost 4.44% in the last one year, as of Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
- Despite the overall weakness in the market, some ASX 200 index stocks have managed to deliver substantially higher returns in the same period.
- Here are three such stocks. Let’s scan through them.
The Australian equity benchmark index S&P/ASX 200 has lost 4.44% in the last one year, as of Wednesday, 22 March 2023. Despite the overall weakness in the market, some ASX 200 index stocks have managed to deliver substantially higher returns in the same period. Three such stocks are Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) (up 211% in a year), Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR) (up 83.8% in a year), and New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) (gained 88% in a year). These one-year gains are as of Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
Let’s examine these stocks and find the reasons behind their respective one-year surge.
Neuren Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: NEU)
This Biopharmaceutical company focused on neurological conditions, closed Wednesday at AU$13 per share after dropping by 0.914%. A major portion of the one-year gains in the stock has come after the release of its FY22 earnings last month and U.S. FDA's approval for its treatment for Rett syndrome earlier this month.
Neuren's treatment for Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder, is the first and only approved treatment. As part of its deal with Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Neuren will receive 15% of net sales above US$750 million as royalties and sales milestone payments of up to US$350 million on total sales above US$1 billion in a calendar year.
Last month, the company reported its full-year results ended 31 December last year. The company reported a net profit of AU$0.2 million compared to a loss of AU$7.8 million in pcp. During FY22, its revenue stood at AU$14.6 million (as compared to nil revenue in FY21), which was obtained under the licence deal with Acadia, and foreign exchange gains were AU$1.2 million increasing from pcp’s AU$0.4 million.
During FY22, FDA accepted the review of the New Drug Application of the company’s lead product, trofinetide, to treat Rett syndrome in children (2 years or older) and grown-up people that was submitted by Acadia.
Stanmore Resources Limited (ASX: SMR)
SMR shares ended 3.115% higher at AU$3.31 on Wednesday. This company is one of Australia's biggest metallurgical coal producers and benefitted from higher coal prices last year.
Its revenue for FY22 ended 31 December last year, jumped 852% to US$2,696 million from US$283.3 million in pcp. The elevated revenue was supported by a US$159.08/t growth in the US$ realised price to an average of US$290.04/t, along with the rise in sales of generated coal to 9.3 mt. In FY22, Net profit of the company increased by 10,597% to US$727.4 million compared to US$6.8 million in pcp.
SMR FY22 earnings got a boost from the acquisition of the South Walker Creek and Poitrel mines, with sales volumes of generated coal rising by 7.1 million tonnes compared to the previous corresponding period.
New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)
A diversified energy company New Hope Corporation Limited, ended Wednesday’s trading session at AU$5.6, rising by 5.263%.
On 21 March, the company published its half-year results ended 31 January 2023. Its revenue surged by 54.2% to AU$1,582 million from AU$1,025 million in pcp, while its net profit jumped by 102.4% to AU$669 million versus AU$330 million in pcp.
For the interim period, the distribution declared by the company was 30 cents a security, along with a special distribution of 10 cents a security. The declared dividend amount is payable on 3 May this year.
During the period, the company was awarded Associated Water Licence related to New Acland Stage 3. It has obtained all major consents, and work is underway for resuming mining operations.