• Firefinch (ASX:FFX) share price sinks 7% amid $25m cap raise

    man grimaces next to falling stock graph

    The Firefinch Ltd (ASX: FFX) share price is deep in negative territory today. This comes after the lithium developer announced its intention to open up a share purchase plan (SPP) to eligible investors.

    At the time of writing, Firefinch shares are fetching for 60 cents apiece, down 7.69%. Despite the significant drop, its shares are still up more than 250% for the year.

    Share purchase plan details

    Investors are selling Firefinch shares after the company opened an invitation to retail shareholders to participate in its SPP.

    On 28 June 2021, Firefinch had been unable to undertake a SPP concurrent with the placement conducted earlier that month. This was due to the requirements by ASIC in which one SPP may be offered in a 12-month period. The last SPP performed from Firefinch occurred in late October 2020.

    Under the new SPP, investors can apply to buy a parcel of the company’s shares for 58 cents each. The terms offered represent a 10.8% discount to the last closing price of 65 cents a pop on 22 October. This is also a 10.8% discount to the 5-day volume-weighted average price before the SPP was announced.

    Investors can apply for a maximum application amount of $30,000. Further details are set to be provided in the offer booklet on 1 November.

    Firefinch is seeking to raise a total of $25 million (before costs) through the SPP, issuing 43.1 million shares.

    In addition, shareholders who hold their shares at the record date will also be entitled to the planned distribution of Leo Lithium shares. There is no extra cost to shareholders to receive the proposed allocation. It is expected that Leo Lithium will demerge sometime in early 2022.

    What are the funds being used for?

    The proceeds raised from the SPP will be used towards funding a number of company initiatives. This includes the following:

    • Ongoing ramp-up and development activities at the Morila Gold Project to allow commencement of open pit mining.
    • Continuation of exploration, resource development and expansion drilling at the Morila Super Pit to build on Firefinch’s recent drilling success.
    • The recommencement of drilling at the Goulamina Lithium Project aimed at both converting Inferred resources to Indicated, and
    • General working capital to meet overheads, including supporting the planned demerger of Leo, and costs of the SPP.

    The closing date for the SPP will be 19 November. The new shares will be issued on 26 November, with the following Monday available for trading.

    Firefinch share price snapshot

    Over the last 12 months, Firefinch shares have accelerated, posting strong gains of 260%. Year-to-date has been just as impressive, up by almost 250% after investor sentiment heated up in the industry.

    Based on today’s price, Firefinch commands a market capitalisation of around $602 million with approximately 926 million shares on hand.

    The post Firefinch (ASX:FFX) share price sinks 7% amid $25m cap raise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Firefinch wasn’t one of them.

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  • Big banks’ forecast could mean extended tailwinds for ASX 200 energy shares

    ASX oil shares recovery man holding up barrel of oil against rising chart representing rising oil search share price

    The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) could be in for some durable tailwinds in the form of higher oil prices for longer.

    That’s according to forecasts from some of the world’s leading global banks.

    And, if correct, it would prove to be good news for ASX 200 energy shares like Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL), and Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH).

    The oil and gas producers have already enjoyed a tremendous rebound since Brent crude dropped below US$22 per barrel in late April 2020 as the world came to a virtual pandemic driven standstill.

    But, at today’s multi-year highs of US$85 per barrel, are the ASX 200 energy giants looking at significantly lower prices for their product in the years ahead?

    Not according to energy market analysts at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and BNP Paribas.

    Is this time different?

    As Bloomberg reports, Goldman is forecasting crude oil prices of US $85 for 2023. BNP Paribas sees crude “at almost” US$80 in 2023. And Morgan Stanley just lifted its long-term forecast by US$10 to US$70 per barrel.

    Among the reasons analysts see new supply constrained even as demand continues to grow are the increased attention global governments and investors are paying to climate change, reduced investments in oil and gas assets, and a marked change in the United States political scene. One that’s gone from the decidedly pro-oil presidency under Donald Trump to the Joe Biden administration’s increased attention to cutting carbon emissions.

    Noting that current prices have yet to bring sufficient new supplies to market, head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs Jeff Currie said, “My advice to clients is that you want to stay long on oil until you know where that equilibrium price is. We know it’s above these levels because we haven’t had a big uptick in capex and investment.”

    While oil demand is forecast to continue growing until 2030, supply growth may not keep up, according to Morgan Stanley. The bank forecasts supply growth could end by 2025, which would keep prices elevated and certainly come as good news to ASX 200 energy shares.

    According to Morgan Stanley oil strategist Martijn Rats, “We are running at net-zero type capex levels, whilst at the same time demand is not following the net-zero trajectory. Demand will be above 100 million barrels a day for the rest of the 2020s, but on the supply side we’re not going to produce that with current investment levels.”

    As for the shale oil boom that brought prices crashing back to earth after soaring above US$80 per barrel in October 2018?

    In other potentially good news for ASX 200 energy shares, that may not be on the horizon this time.

    “People have become very comfortable with the idea that shale will be there and we’re not resource constrained. That’s a question mark in my mind,” said head of commodities desk strategy at BNP Paribas David Martin.

    Now, not everyone agrees that oil prices will stay higher for longer.

    According to Bloomberg, Citigroup says a “prolonged price above US$50 could add 7 million barrels a day of extra supply”.

    Its analysts, including Ed Morse, say, “Mid-term, cost indicators keep pointing to a fair-value range between US$40-$55 a barrel.”

    How have these ASX 200 energy shares been performing?

    Over the past 12 months, the Woodside share price is up 27%, currently at $23.71 per share.

    The Santos share price has done even better, up 34% over the past full year.

    As for Oil Search, its shares have gained an impressive 50% in 12 months, currently at $4.38 per share.

    By comparison, the ASX 200 is up 20% over that same time.

    The post Big banks’ forecast could mean extended tailwinds for ASX 200 energy shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Oil Search right now?

    Before you consider Oil Search, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Oil Search wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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  • What do analysts think of the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price following the rebrand?

    Business woman watching stocks and trends while thinking

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price has been a frustrating experience for many investors, trading sideways for the past six months.

    Zip released an encouraging first-quarter update last week, citing a successful rebrand, continued international expansion, and a record performance across revenue and transaction metrics.

    The quarterly announcement reads well at face value but struggled to reinvigorate the Zip share price.

    Despite the lack of traction, the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported a number of analysts that remain bullish on Zip’s outlook.

    Why analysts are bullish about the Zip share price

    Rebrand tailwinds

    Zip collaborated with renowned international design agency, Koto, to replace its old colourful logo with a new one.

    The company has described its new logo as “a bold purple, designed to stand out in the online and in-store checkout environments of Zip’s merchants”.

    “The letter I in Zip is designed to flex and expand, forming a window in the heart of Zip’s logo which allows it to showcase individual merchants and celebrate its customers and its people.”

    Logo aside, the company successfully changed its US business from Quadpay to Zip. A brand launch campaign is underway in the US from mid-October to drive brand awareness.

    Analysts have pointed to the new brand as a “tailwind for customer numbers in the coming months”, according to the AFR.

    “The rebranding campaign is underway from mid-October, and we think Zip US should benefit in the second quarter… further supported by positive reopening trends in the US. The UK region, which had a slow start in the fourth quarter, has also seen good growth, in line with our expectations,” said RBC Capital Markets analyst Chami Ratnapala.

    Zip share price set to lead the ASX-listed BNPL sector

    Square is expected to complete its acquisition of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) in the first quarter of calendar year 2022, subject to certain closing conditions.

    Square has agreed to establish a secondary listing on the ASX to allow investors to trade Square shares via CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs).

    A potential edge for the Zip share price would be its newfound position as the largest BNPL player on the ASX.

    As the AFR put it, “investors wanting exposure to a purer buy now, pay later play will be drawn to Zip, which also has a more ambitious global plan compared to Square”.

    Cheap valuation

    Shaw and Partners analyst Jonathon Higgins said he considers the Zip share price as “the cheapest and also the widest product platform globally”, according to the AFR.

    He said Zip shares have a more attractive valuation compared to the copmany’s listed peers, including Afterpay.

    The post What do analysts think of the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price following the rebrand? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

    Before you consider Zip, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Zip wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 are better buys.

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  • Why the Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) share price is charging higher on Monday

    a man in a hard hat and overalls raises his arms and holds them out wide as he smiles widely in an optimistic and welcoming gesture.

    The Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price has been a strong performer on Monday morning.

    At the time of writing, the mining and mining services provider’s shares are up 4.5% to $41.20.

    Why is the Mineral Resources share price charging higher?

    Investors have been bidding the Mineral Resources share price higher today following the release of an announcement relating to the Wodgina Lithium Mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

    According to the release, the 40% owned MARBL Lithium Joint Venture (MARBL) with lithium giant Albemarle has decided to restart operations at the Wodgina Lithium Mine.

    Wodgina, which has been on care and maintenance since November 2019, will be restarted to produce spodumene concentrate during the third quarter of 2022.

    It will initially focus on restarting one of Wodgina’s three 250,000tpa processing lines. After which, when market demand is sufficient, additional processing lines may be recommenced to a total of 750,000tpa.

    The start-up and initial operating phase at Wodgina is expected to create 200 new full-time jobs.

    Management commentary

    Mineral Resources’ Managing Director, Chris Ellison, was delighted with the news.

    He said: “We are delighted that the MARBL JV has decided to restart Wodgina, a world-class lithium opportunity that MRL developed into a mine with world-class potential. It was the correct decision in late 2019 to place Wodgina on care and maintenance though it never dented our confidence in lithium’s long-term positive demand fundamentals. As we said at the time and repeat today, in Albemarle we have the best partner to deliver maximum and sustainable value from world-class assets like Wodgina.”

    Mr Ellison appears very positive on the future, noting the company’s exposure to a number of long-life lithium operations.

    “Lithium is one of MRL’s two core commodities, alongside iron ore, and we have worked very hard over the past five years to establish long life operations for both. Wodgina, along with our 50%-owned Mt Marion Lithium Project in WA’s Goldfields and the soon-to-be-completed 40%-owned Kemerton Hydroxide Facility, give MRL a world-class portfolio of highest-quality, long-life lithium assets in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction,” he added.

    The post Why the Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) share price is charging higher on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Mineral Resources right now?

    Before you consider Mineral Resources, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Mineral Resources wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Why is the Aristocrat (ASX:ALL) share price gaining on Monday?

    man an woman playing video games

    The Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) share price is in the green this morning after the company released more details on its $1.3 billion equity raise.

    The gaming technology company has divulged additional information on its retail entitlement offer, the final stage of its capital raise.

    The funds raised will help fund Aristocrat’s $5 billion acquisition of London-listed Playtech.

    At the time of writing, the Aristocrat share price is $47.42, 0.64% higher than its previous close.

    For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up 0.45% this morning. As is the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Let’s take a closer look at today’s release from Aristocrat.

    Aristocrat share price rises on retail offer

    The Aristocrat share price is gaining after the company released the offer booklet for its $405 million retail entitlement offer.

    The retail entitlement offer will feature the same price and ratio as its recently completed institutional entitlement offer.

    Under the pro rata offer, current Aristocrat shareholders will be able to purchase 1 new share in the company for every 20.56 shares they own on Thursday evening.

    They’ll be forking out $41.85 for every new share they wish to purchase.

    Aristocrat’s equity raise will see around 31 million new securities in the company hitting the market from mid-November. For context, Aristocrat had an average of approximately 637 million shares on issue over the previous financial year.

    The $1.3 billion the tech company expects to raise through the retail and institution offers will be pooled with $1.1 billion of Aristocrat’s existing cash. Additionally, the company will also secure a Term Loan B issuance worth around $2.8 billion before the acquisition is complete.  

    The company successfully raised $895 million via its institutional entitlement offer last week.

    Aristocrat plans to purchase all of Playtech’s issued shares for 680 pence apiece. That represents a 58% premium on Playtech’s closing price as of 15 October, which came to 429 pence.

    The Aristocrat share price has gained 3.56% since the acquisition announcement and equity raising plans.

    The post Why is the Aristocrat (ASX:ALL) share price gaining on Monday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Aristocrat Leisure right now?

    Before you consider Aristocrat Leisure, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Aristocrat Leisure wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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  • St Barbara (ASX: SBM) share price drops, maintains full-year guidance

    Northern Star share price child holding gold bar looking concerned

    The St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price is lower in early trading as the gold exploration and production company released its Q1 FY22 earnings.

    At last check, St Barbara shares were changing hands at $1.51 apiece, down 1.95% from the open.

    St Barbara share price XXX as Q1 production slumps

    St Barbara detailed several investment takeouts in its report, including:

    • Group gold production of 67,000 ounces, a 19% decrease from the previous quarter and 8% down year on year
    • Leonora gold production up 15% quarter-on-quarter to 51,757 ounces
    • Group All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) 8% lower quarter on quarter at $1,492 per ounce
    • Aspiration for a new open pit at Trevor Bore by 2024
    • Drilling at the Trotsky prospect at its Simberi operations has identified additional oxide mineralisation
    • Syndicated financing agreement AUD$200 million and CAD$100 million extended to July 2025
    • Maintains full year gold production guidance in the range of 305,000 to 355,000 ounces.

    What did St Barbara get up to in the first quarter?

    Overall gold production for St Barbara came in 19% lower than the previous quarter and 8% down compared to the same time last year at 67,000 ounces.

    Total gold sold was also lower this quarter with around 57,918 ounces recognised versus 95,535 ounces last quarter and around 66,000 ounces in Q1 last year.

    However, the company did manage to secure a higher realised gold price of $2,408/oz on both the previous quarter and the same period in Q1 FY20.

    A chunk of this sale price and volume was driven by the company fulfilling “9,000 ounces delivered to call options that matured in the quarter at a strike price of $2,213 per ounce”.

    St Barbara also explained much of the drop in production this quarter came from its Simberi operations remaining offline while repairs continued on its deep-sea trailing placement (DSTP) pipeline.

    It is expected to return online and into production by the end of the second quarter in FY22.

    Whilst it experienced headwinds from its other sites, the company’s Leonora operations saw its gold production actually increase 15% quarter on quarter to 51,757 ounces.

    The company also managed to secure a lower all-in sustaining cost (AISC) on its gold production of $1,492 per ounce, an 8% decrease from the prior quarter.

    Furthermore, St Barbara left the quarter with $42 million on its balance sheet – down from $133 million in June. This followed a flurry of capital spending including net investments of $21 million and a dividend payout of $13 million.

    Aside from this, drilling at the company’s Trotsky prospect at its Simberi site has “identified additional oxide material to extend the operating life before the conversion of the processing plant to sulphide treatment”.

    What did management say?

    Speaking on the announcement, St Barbara managing director and CEO Craig Jetson said:

    Exploration at both Leonora and Simberi have yielded strong results in the last quarter demonstrating the upside in our brownfield portfolio. I have set the aspiration of a new open pit commencing operation at Trevor Bore in 2024. This is the first step in delivering on our Leonora Province Plan.

    What’s next for St Barbara?

    From the momentum sustained this quarter, the gold giant maintains its full-year production guidance of 305,000 to 355,000 ounces of gold.

    St Barbara forecasts it can achieve this production at an AISC range of $1,710 to $1,860/oz.

    The bulk of the company’s forecasts appear to be underlined by its Leonara operations where it models overall gold production of 180,000 to 200,000 ounces.

    However, it also sees 60,000 to 70,000 ounces of gold coming from Simberi and 65,000 to 85,000 ounces from its Atlantic operations for FY22.

    It has been a difficult year for the St Barbara share price, having posted a loss of 35% since January 1 and a 45% drop over the last 12 months.

    The post St Barbara (ASX: SBM) share price drops, maintains full-year guidance appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in St Barbara right now?

    Before you consider St Barbara , you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and St Barbara wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

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    The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • ASX renewable shares in focus amid Australia’s 2050 net zero pledge

    light bulb surrounded by green hydrogen and renewable energy icons

    Investors might be turning their eyes once again to ASX-listed renewable shares on Monday. The ‘green’ grouping of investments is topical after the Australian National party agreed on a pivotal climate deal.

    It has been a week in the making of back and forth negotiations, but a deal appears to have been sealed for a net-zero emissions target by 2050.

    However, with the Glasgow COP26 climate summit approaching, there are a few extra conditions for Australia’s green ambitions.

    Bringing ASX renewable shares into the spotlight

    Cutting carbon with conditions

    Following a few weeks of strength in renewable and green energy alternative shares on the ASX, yesterday’s historic net-zero agreement by the Australian Government highlights the growing trend towards emission reduction. However, the coalition has a few conditions on its newly set goal.

    Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce relayed that the Nationals have partially come to the party on net-zero targets. This is mostly in an endeavour to stay “inside the tent” as Joyce phrased it, to ensure its voice is heard in future decisions.

    Although, there were some conditions imposed by the National party made in the process of compromising. This includes concessions in the form of a regional economic package. While no specific dollar amounts have been divulged, it calls for skills and job creation programs for regional industries including manufacturing, forestry, fishing, and farming.

    Additionally, it is believed the party has called for protections for farmers and miners to sustain operations during the shift. As part of this, changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act have been called upon.

    Concerns were shared by National party members for the implications to farmers over any further amendments to land rights. Speaking on this topic, Minister for Agriculture, drought, and energy management, David Littleproud stated:

    If you look back to the last two elections, the Labor Party has campaigned on vegetation management laws that will again take away property rights without looking at these pragmatic ways of how do you manage the landscape, not just in sequestering carbon but actually getting better buyer diversity outcomes, better environmental outcomes that our farmers are doing every day.

    The official agreement is set to be voted on in Cabinet today ahead of the Glasgow climate summit.

    Nuclear mentioned but not backed

    While not technically considered renewable, nuclear has recently been a popular point of discussion for alternative energy.

    Reportedly, a handful of National party members had hoped for nuclear power to be included in the net-zero deal. Though, this was scratched — with Littleproud citing it would be ‘politically unrealistic’. This comes at a time when ASX-listed uranium companies have been surging in value.

    For example, Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN), Peninsula Energy Ltd (ASX: PEN), and Deep Yellow Limited (ASX: DYL) have rocketed 150%, 125%, and 63% respectively in the last 6 months.

    Littleproud said, “Nuclear is something the National Party obviously stands firmly behind as a party room, but we understand you’ve got to educate before you legislate, and the electorate isn’t necessarily there with us at the moment.”

    Finally, it may not be ASX renewable shares in the spotlight today. Investors will be watching closely to see how the market responds to coal producers and other scrutinised energy resources.

    The post ASX renewable shares in focus amid Australia’s 2050 net zero pledge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes could be the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at near dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now.

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  • Why is the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price halted?

    A person holds a stop sign in front of their head

    The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price won’t be going anywhere on Monday.

    This follows the lithium miner’s request for a trading halt prior to the market open this morning.

    Why is the Pilbara Minerals share price halted?

    The Pilbara Minerals share price was placed in a trading halt today pending the release of an announcement.

    The release explains that the announcement relates to the company entering into a strategic transaction concerning a downstream joint venture. No further details were provided.

    Pilbara Minerals’ shares are expected to remain halted until the commencement of trade on Wednesday.

    What is the joint venture?

    As I mentioned above, no further details were provided by the company.

    However, it is worth noting that just over two years ago, Pilbara Minerals announced binding terms with South Korean conglomerate, POSCO, for the formation of an incorporated joint venture in South Korea to build and operate a 40ktpa LCE primary lithium hydroxide downstream chemical processing facility.

    This joint venture was set to be founded on POSCO’s industry leading “PosLX” purification technology. This produces high-grade lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate chemicals.

    It is also worth noting that in its recently released annual report, the company talks about the joint venture as a core part of its FY 2022 plan.

    It states: “Negotiate and establish POSCO joint venture for the development and operation of a 40,000 tpa downstream lithium chemical conversion facility in South Korea supported by 315,000 tpa spodumene concentrate offtake.”

    All in all, if it is this, it has the potential to be a real milestone for the company. As such, it will make it well worth keeping a close eye on the Pilbara Minerals share price when it returns to trade on Wednesday.

    The post Why is the Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price halted? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Pilbara Minerals right now?

    Before you consider Pilbara Minerals, you’ll want to hear this.

    Motley Fool Investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Pilbara Minerals wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for nearly 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 are better buys.

    *Returns as of August 16th 2021

    More reading

    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Bruce Jackson.

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  • Smartgroup (ASX:SIQ) share price crashes 16% amid takeover collapse

    woman looks shocked at mobile phone

    The Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) share price is starting the week deep in the red.

    At the time of writing, the fleet management and salary packaging company’s shares are down almost 16% to $7.88.

    Why is the Smartgroup share price crashing lower?

    Investors have been selling down the Smartgroup share price this morning after it released an update on a takeover approach.

    Last month the company received a non-binding, indicative and conditional proposal from a consortium comprising TPG Global and Potentia Capital to acquire the company for $10.35 per share. This offer was enough for Smartgroup to grant the consortium a period of due diligence.

    Unfortunately, it appears as though the consortium hasn’t seen enough during its due diligence to support a takeover approach.

    According to the release, the consortium has informed Smartgroup that it does not intend to proceed with the proposal at $10.35 per share. As a result, discussions with the consortium in relation to the proposal have now ceased and the exclusivity provisions have terminated.

    However, that’s not the end of the story.

    What’s happening?

    The release explains that the consortium has expressed an interest in proceeding with a revised proposal of $9.25 per share in cash. This is 10.6% lower than the previous offer.

    Management notes that the new offer would still be a 17.7% premium to the closing Smartgroup share price on 28 September. This compares to the 31.7% premium of the previous offer.

    But this hasn’t been enough for the Smartgroup Board. Having received the new offer over the weekend, the Board has unanimously concluded not to proceed with discussions at this price.

    Instead, the company intends to continue to focus on the delivery of sustained earnings and dividend growth for shareholders. It also advised that it is currently on track to deliver a calendar year 2021 financial performance in line with consensus expectations.

    The post Smartgroup (ASX:SIQ) share price crashes 16% amid takeover collapse appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 owns shares of and has recommended SMARTGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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  • Here are 5 ASX shares trading ex-dividend this week

    An older man leaping into the air with joy in the Australian outback.

    Love ASX dividend shares? Well then, you’ll probably be familiar with the ex-dividend date that comes along with them. When a share goes ex-dividend on the ASX boards, it’s one of the most love-to-hate occasions for investors. While it’s never fun seeing the value of a share fall, most investors find all is forgiven when the cash finally hits their bank account. 

    So here are 5 ASX dividend shares that are scheduled to trade ex-dividend this week.

    5 ASX dividend shares going ex-dividend this week

    Clover Corporation Limited (ASX: CLV)

    Nutrition company Clover is going ex-dividend this week. Today, as it turns out. Clover is set to pay out its final half a cent-per-share dividend, fully franked, on 16 November. At the last Clover Corp share price of $1.58, this company has a dividend yield of 0.63%.

    New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC)

    Coal miner New Hope is also scheduled to trade ex-div today. New Hope will be sending a final dividend payment of 7 cents per share, also fully franked, on 9 November. At New Hope’s last share price of $2.35, this miner has a dividend yield of 4.68%.

    Jupiter Mines Ltd (ASX: JMS)

    Iron ore miner Jupiter is next up, also trading ex-dividend this Monday. Jupiter Mines will be lining investors’ pockets with its interim dividend of half a cent per share, unfranked, on 9 November. At this company’s last share price of 24 cents, Jupiter Mines has a meaty dividend yield of 10%.

    Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ)

    This ASX bank is next up on this week’s ex-dividend list. This bank might not be a member of the famous big four, but will still treat investors to a fully-franked final dividend of 22 cents per share on 18 November after it goes ex-div on Thursday. At Bank of Queensland’s latest pricing, the bank has a dividend yield of 4.29%.

    Autosports Group Ltd (ASX: ASG)

    Our final ASX share on this list going ex-dividend this week is the car dealership company Autosports. Autosports is going ex-dividend on Friday this week. It will be doling out its final dividend on 15 November, which will be worth 7 cents per share, fully franked. At Autosports’ last share price, this company has a dividend yield of 3.8%.

    The post Here are 5 ASX shares trading ex-dividend this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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    Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Clover Corporation Limited. 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.

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