Here's why the Pacific Smiles (ASX:PSQ) share price is frozen

The Pacific Smiles Group Ltd (ASX: PSQ) share price is moving today due the company requesting a trading halt ahead of a capital raise.

a woman with white teeth sinks them into a frozen ice block and gives a pained expression.

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

Pacific Smiles Group Ltd (ASX: PSQ) shares are frozen today after the dental centre operator requested a trading halt as it announced details of a capital raising. The Pacific Smiles share price closed yesterday's session at $2.70.

What was announced?

The Pacific Smiles share price is not going anywhere today. This comes after the company advised it will seek to raise $15 million through a placement of new shares. Further to this, another $5 million will be raised through a share purchase plan (SPP).

The reasoning provided for the injection of funds is to accelerate growth opportunities and increase liquidity. This comes after the company recorded a solid result for 1H FY21. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 64.7% year-on-year to $21.2 million.

The company intends to open 15 new dental centres during FY21. From here, the rollout is expected to increase to over 20 per year. Furthermore, Pacific Smiles sees a long runway for growth ahead in Australia. In addition, it has a desire to capture more than 5% of the addressable market.

The placement will be at an offer price of $2.60, representing a 3.7% discount to its last close price. Meanwhile, the SPP will be offered to shareholders in Australia and New Zealand up to a maximum amount of $30,000.

Following the capital raising, Pacific Smiles will hold approximately $18 million of net cash and $37 million of debt facilities to orchestrate its expansion goals.

When will Pacific Smiles trade again?

As detailed in the announcement, the company's timeline indicates shares will commence trading on Wednesday 3 March. This is following the completion of the placement.

Eligible shareholders can expect to receive their application documents after 8 March. The SPP will then close on 18 March.

Notably, all new shares purchased through the cap raise will be eligible for Pacific Smiles 2.4 cents per share fully franked dividend.

Smiling about the Pacific Smiles share price?

In the last 12 months, the Pacific Smiles share price has grown by 54%. For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index  (ASX: XJO) has appreciated by 6.4% during the same time period. The last 6 months alone has returned 46% for shareholders of Pacific Smiles. I bet they can't wipe the smile off their faces about that!

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler 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 Share Market News

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Broker Notes

Where to invest $8,000 on the ASX in April 2024

A leading broker thinks these shares would be quality options this month.

Read more »

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Let's also take a look at what the various ASX sectors were doing this Wednesday.

Read more »

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

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Argosy Minerals, Immutep, Pointsbet, and Regis Resources shares are racing higher

These shares are having a strong session on Wednesday. But 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 Chalice Mining, Cleanaway, Kogan, and Perpetual shares are sinking today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

Why the ASX 200 just crumbled on today's inflation print

ASX 200 investors are hitting the sell button following the latest Australian inflation news.

Read more »

man grimaces next to falling stock graph
Share Fallers

Why did this ASX 100 stock just crash 11%?

Cleanaway shares have been on a crazy roller-coaster over the past 24 hours.

Read more »

a man in a british union jack T shirt hurdles high into the air with london bridge visible in the background.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Nick Scali shares halted amid $60m capital raising and UK expansion news

This furniture retailer has its eyes on the UK furniture market.

Read more »