Here's why the Altech Chemicals (ASX:ATC) share price is plunging 14% today

The company's shares have come out of a trading halt to plummet on Thursday.

| More on:

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 Altech Chemicals Ltd (ASX: ATC) share price is having a day to forget today. This comes after the alumina producer announced an update on its recent share placement.

During mid-afternoon trade, Altech Chemicals shares are down 14.29% to 12 cents apiece. In comparison, the All Ordinaries (ASX: XAO) is 0.78% lower to 7,498.9 points.

share price plummeting down

Image source: Getty Images

What's dragging Altech Chemicals shares lower?

Investors are scrambling to sell the Altech Chemicals share price as the company prepares to dilute existing shareholder value.

According to its release, Altech Chemicals advised it has successfully completed an $8.1 million share placement.

The offer received strong support from an array of investors, picking up Altech Chemicals shares at 10.7 cents each. This represented a 24% discount to the last closing price of 14 cents apiece on 29 November.

In addition, the company will undertake a share purchase plan (SPP) whereby existing shareholders can apply. The terms and conditions of the offer are the same as the placement.

The shares will be issued in a single tranche under the company's listing rule 7.1. In total, 76 million shares will be created and allotted to investor accounts on 23 December.

Proceeds of the placement will be used to accelerate the construction of a battery materials coating pilot plant in Germany. Altech Chemicals is funding 75% of the costs to build the facility.

Furthermore, the remaining monies will be allocated towards a number of smaller initiatives. This includes purchasing land at the Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park, completing the preliminary feasibility study, and commencing a definitive feasibility study.

About the Altech Chemicals share price

Since this time last year, Altech Chemicals shares have posted a gain of 200%, reflecting positive investor sentiment. The company's share price reached a multi-year high of 15 cents late last month.

On valuation grounds, Altech Chemicals commands a market capitalisation of around $154.70 million, with 1.29 billion shares on issue.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

More on Materials Shares

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords share is rocketing 20% on lithium battery news

Not all shares have been caught up in the market selloff.

Read more »

Female miner smiling in front of a mining vehicle as the Pilbara Minerals share price rises
Materials Shares

Down 24% in a month, is the Pilbara Minerals share price now a bargain buy?

Could this be a lithium lover's delight or are Pilbara shares fraught with danger?

Read more »

Female ASX travel shares investor with surprised expression drinks a cup of tea while reading the newspaper at her desk
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX lithium share turned one sceptic into a bona fide believer

Green lithium extraction has changed the position of this lithium boom critic.

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices
Broker Notes

Arafura stock sell-off continues, broker tips 35% upside

Recent weakness could be a buying opportunity for investors according to one broker.

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.
Materials Shares

Piedmont Lithium shares: 150% upside or big short opportunity?

Investors will need to wade through the muck to determine if Piedmont Lithium shares are a good buy right now.…

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Dividend Investing

How to generate $20k of passive income from BHP shares

BHP could provide investors with a big pay check in 2023.

Read more »

shocked man with hands over his face with a declining graph in background representing falling CleanSpace share price
Materials Shares

Lynas share price resets 52-week low twice in one week

March has been a shocker for this ASX rare earths share.

Read more »

Female worker sitting desk with head in hand and looking fed up
Materials Shares

Piedmont Lithium share price sinks following short attack response

Piedmont Lithium has responded to a short seller attack on Friday.

Read more »