Why is the AMA Group (ASX:AMA) share price halted?

The company's shares have taken a beating lately…

| More on:
woman sitting at desk holding hand up in stop motion

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

The AMA Group Ltd (ASX: AMA) share price has been going nowhere since yesterday morning.

A trading halt came into effect pending a release from the smash repair company before market open on Monday.

The last closing price of AMA Group's shares was 42 cents apiece.

Let's take a closer look at what the company is planning to announce to the ASX.

Why is AMA Group share price in a trading halt?

AMA Group provided little detail in regards to the reason why it requested the ASX to freeze its shares.

According to the notice, AMA Group advised two consecutive trading halts are in place in respect to its securities.

In particular, the company is carrying out a capital structure review to manage short-term disruptions caused by COVID-19.

As such, plans are underway to initiate a capital raise to shore up AMA Group's balance sheet.

This comes after the company released its full-year results late last month, acknowledging COVID-19 related repair volume decreases. The average decline in vehicle collision repair volume fell 17% compared to prior period.

At the end of the 2021 financial year (30 June), AMA Group had $64.2 million in cash and $237.5 million of debt.

The news comes after last week's response to media speculation regarding its capital position is in tatters. AMA Group was quick to refute the reports highlighting that an equity raise is to fuel further growth.

It is expected that its shares will resume normal trading on or before Friday 10 September following a release.

More on AMA Group shares

It's been a whirlwind 12 months for AMA Group shares, treading downwards to reach a 52-week low of 42 cents. The company's share price has lost around 30% in value since this time last year. However, when looking at 2021 alone, its shares have fallen almost 50%.

On valuation grounds, AMA Group presides a market capitalisation of roughly $313.5 million, with approximately 746 million 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 Share Market News

Ten happy friends leaping in the air outdoors.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX managed to recover from a wobble to move higher today.

Read more »

A man in a business suit holds his coffee cup aloft as he throws his head back and laughs heartily.
Resources Shares

ASX mining shares dominate stocks hitting 52-week highs

BHP, Fortescue, Rio Tinto, and Evolution Mining shares are among those that hit 52-week highs today.

Read more »

A man looks down with fright as he falls towards the ground.
52-Week Lows

Opportunity knocks? Broker ratings on 4 ASX shares at 52-week lows

These ASX shares hit fresh 52-week lows today.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

3 of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in December

Let's see what Bell Potter is recommending to investors.

Read more »

A family walks along the tarmac towards a plane representing more people travelling as ASX travel shares recover
Opinions

Virgin Australia versus Qantas shares: One I'd buy and one I'd sell

The two aviation heavyweights dominate Australia's domestic market.

Read more »

A wide-smiling businessman in suit and tie rips open his shirt to reveal a green t-shirt underneath
Broker Notes

Expert says this barnstorming ASX lithium stock could soar by another 59%

Moving higher?

Read more »

Woman with $50 notes in her hand thinking, symbolising dividends.
Share Market News

Charter Hall Retail REIT unveils December 2025 quarterly distribution

Charter Hall Retail REIT announces a 6.4 cent per unit unfranked distribution for the December 2025 quarter.

Read more »

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

Why Chalice Mining, Predictive Discovery, Premier Investments, and St Barbara shares are sinking today

These shares are missing out on the good time on Thursday. But why?

Read more »