Why is the Arafura Rare Earths share price on hold today?

The company's preparing to drop news of a "material" capital raise.

| More on:
Miner putting out her hand symbolising a share price trading halt.

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

Key points

  • The Arafura share price is frozen at 44 cents on Friday
  • The company is preparing to release news of a "material" capital raise
  • The stock will return to trade on an announcement detailing the raise, or Tuesday's open, whichever comes first

The Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU) share price isn't going anywhere this morning.

The stock has been placed in the freezer as the company prepares to release news of a capital raise.

The Arafura Rare Earths share price closed Thursday's session at 44 cents, where it will stay for the near future.

Let's take a closer look at what's going on – or, not going on – with the rare earths stock on Friday.

Why is the Arafura Rare Earths share price frozen today?

Arafura Rare Earths shares have been put in the freezer this morning. They're not expected to be removed until the company reveals more details of a "material" capital raise or the market opens on Tuesday, whichever comes first.

Interestingly, it's only been four months since the market last learned of a capital raise by the company. It underwent a $41.5 million placement in August, with the funds earmarked for the development of the Nolans Project in the Northern Territory.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2023. A recent update found the project's pre-production capital costs are expected to be around $1.4 billion, with an additional $196 million contingency.

The project is expected to bring in as much as $912 million of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) on average over a 38-year life of mine.

Arafura Rare Earths ended the September quarter with a $49 million cash position.

The last time the stock exited a trading halt with news of a capital raise, its share price dumped 12.5%. Since then, it has gained 57%.

The last capital raise undergone by the company saw new shares on offer for 26.5 cents apiece ­– representing a 17.2% discount to its then-previous close.

Today, a 17.2% discount on the Arafura Rare Earths share price would come to around 36.4 cents.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Capital Raising

Two people having a meeting using a laptop and tablet to discuss Seven West Media's balance sheet
Technology Shares

Why are Xero shares crashing 9% today?

This cloud accounting platform provider is making big news this week.

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Real Estate Shares

Goodman share price dips then lifts amid capital raise falling flat

Only $5.1 million was raised in Goodman's $400 million share purchase plan offer for retail investors.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her chin resting on her hand as she contemplates her next potential investment.
Financial Shares

Undercover surging payments company announces $45 million capital raise

It's been a busy time for this payments company.

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.
Capital Raising

Why did this ASX All Ords defence stock crash 22% today?

Investors seem to be rather furious at this stock.

Read more »

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.
Capital Raising

Why is the Goodman share price crashing 7% today?

Let's find out what is weighing down this blue chip this morning.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Earnings Results

Why are Goodman shares in a trading halt on results day?

What's going on with this blue chip on Wednesday? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Technology Shares

Why is this ASX All Ords stock crashing 10% on Friday?

This share is having a tough time. What's going on?

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Capital Raising

Guess the ASX All Ords stock launching a capital raising at a 52-week low

After failing last month, the struggling company is trying again.

Read more »