In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down slightly to 7,758.1 points.
Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:
Black Cat Syndicate Ltd (ASX: BC8)
The Black Cat Syndicate share price is down 14.5% to 29.5 cents. This morning, this gold developer announced firm commitments for a $36 million two-tranche placement to institutional and sophisticated investors. These funds are being raised at sizeable discount of $0.27 per new share. The proceeds will be used to support the restart of the 100% owned Paulsens Gold Operation. Managing Director, Gareth Solly, said: "We have now secured immediate funding to commence the major refurbishment works and the high-grade stockpile strategy at Paulsens. Planning for mobilisation of MACA Interquip and Cream Mining has commenced, with first gold expected to be processed in 2024."
Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN)
The Brainchip share price is down 3% to 24.7 cents. With both AMD and Nvidia announcing their latest artificial intelligence chips this week, investors may be heading to the exits in a hurry. After all, it is hard to see how Brainchip could ever compete with its rivals given their massive budgets and trusted brands. In addition, given how easily they could swallow up Brainchip, the lack of any takeover interest appears to indicate that they don't see Brainchip's technology as anything to take seriously.
Cooper Energy Ltd (ASX: COE)
The Cooper Energy share price is down 6.5% to 21.5 cents. This is despite the release of an investor briefing from the gas exploration and production company this morning. Its update outlined Cooper Energy's commitment to the Southeast Australian gas market, with the company preparing for its next phase of growth in the Otway Basin, now referred to as the East Coast Supply Project. Cooper Energy also reaffirmed its FY 2024 guidance of group production of 60.5 – 64.0 TJe/d, production expenses of $57 million to $63 million, and capital expenditure of $240 million to $280 million.
Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)
The Lovisa share price is down a further 5% to $28.94. This has been driven by news that the fashion jewellery retailer's highly regarded CEO, Victor Herrero, is stepping down from the role. He will leave in approximately 12 months after four years at the helm. And while Herrero will be replaced with the very experienced John Cheston from Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV), there are concerns that this CEO change could increase execution risks for Lovisa's ambitious global expansion. Cheston is in charge of Smiggle, which is also in the process of expanding internationally. And not without a few hiccups along the way.
