What's driving the PointsBet (ASX:PBH) share price sharply lower?

PointsBet shareholders are in for a rude awakening after a successful capital raising.

| More on:
two sad gamblers with mobile phones look dejected at a bar with mobile phones in hand

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

It's an ugly day for the PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price after the completion of its institutional placement and entitlement offer.

At the time of writing, shares in the sports betting company have tumbled 11.87% to an 8-month low of $9.95.

Why the PointsBet share price is getting slammed

Capital raising discount

PointsBet's placement and entitlement offer will issue new shares at an 11.4% and 32.8% discount to its last closing price of $11.91 on Wednesday, 28 July.

The size and discount of the capital raising may negatively impact existing shareholders since it results in share dilution.

This means that existing shares reflect a smaller percentage of ownership and are, thus, less valuable.

Co-founder sell-down

Independent of the capital raising, PointsBet's co-founders have elected to sell a portion of their holdings.

Co-founders Nick Fahey and Andrew Fahey will sell 2.0 million shares in aggregate or 15% of their holdings.

In addition, Group CEO Sam Swanell will also be selling 0.9% million shares, also 15% of his holdings.

PointsBet quarterly

Another factor impacting the PointsBet share price might be its fourth-quarter update which was announced during its trading halt.

The fourth-quarter update highlighted triple-digit growth across key operating metrics such as betting turnover, active clients and gross win.

However, PointsBet's explosive growth comes with a hefty price tag, with the company experiencing a net cash outflow of $81.9 million in the fourth quarter.

Third capital raising in two years

PointsBet has proven itself as a cash hungry business, raising approximately $800 million in the last two years.

In October 2019, just five months after the company's Initial Public Offering, it elected to raise $122.1 million to support marketing and client acquisition, product development and US business development.

By September 2020, PointsBet announced its second capital raising, seeking to raise $303 million to fund its deal with NBCUniversal.

PointsBet share price snapshot

PointsBet has now entered negative year-to-date territory, down 17% in 2021.

Its shares have slumped almost 50% from their all-time high of $18.13 on 16 February.

Should you invest $1,000 in Life360 right now?

Before you buy Life360 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 Life360 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 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Fallers

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Newmont, NRW, Peet, and Treasury Wine shares are dropping today

Let's find out why investors are selling down these shares on Thursday.

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 Aristocrat, EBR, GQG, and Insignia shares are tumbling today

These shares are having a tough time on hump day. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Healius, Light & Wonder, REA Group, and Regis Resources shares are falling today

These shares are ending the week in the red. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why ANZ, Brainchip, Light & Wonder, and Pilbara Minerals shares are falling today

These shares are tumbling on Thursday. But why?

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 Aurizon, JB Hi-FI, Nuix, and Platinum shares are tumbling today

These shares are falling on hump day. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why HMC Capital, Platinum, Sigma, and Skycity shares are dropping today

These shares are having a tough session on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

Oil worker using a smartphone in front of an oil rig.
Energy Shares

ASX 200 energy shares plunge on shock OPEC move

ASX 200 energy shares like Woodside and Santos are tumbling on Monday. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why Brainchip, Helia Group, Reliance Worldwide, and Westpac shares are dropping today

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

Read more »