South African platinum producer Lonmin has launched a third rights issue in seven years. It is selling 27 billion shares at 1p per share, a 94% discount to last week's price. Investors can buy 46 new shares for each one they own. Lonmin's stock has slid 90% this year amid a 30% decline in the platinum price. The company also had to cope with strikes and rising costs.
What the commentators said
Lonmin's problems have been further "compounded by a costly and ineffective attempt to introduce more mechanised mining a decade ago" and the "complexities" of operating in highly unionised and strike-riven South Africa, which supplies most of the world's platinum. By following their rights, said Andy Critchlow on breakingviews.com, investors "are effectively betting" that platinum prices will recover by up to 50%. Lonmin "is still on life support". "I will be amazed", says Paul Gait of Bernstein Research, "if Lonmin is still trading in five years' time."
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Barclays warns of significant rise in social media investment scamsInvestment scam victims are losing an average £14k, with 61% of those falling for one over social media. Here's how to spot one and keep your money safe
-
Over a thousand savings accounts now offer inflation-busting rates – how long will they stick around?The rate of UK inflation slowed again in March, boosting the opportunity for savers to earn real returns on cash in the bank. But you will need to act fast to secure the best deals.
-
These 2 stocks are set to soarTips The returns from these two aluminium and tin stocks could be spectacular when the commodity cycle turns says David J Stevenson.
-
A lesson for investors from a ill-fated silver mineAnalysis Mining methods may have changed since the industry’s early days, but the business hasn’t – digging ore from the ground and selling it at a profit. The trouble is, says Dominic Frisby, the scams haven't changed either.
-
The natural resources industry is in a tight spot – which is bad news for the rest of usOpinion The natural resources industry is in a bind. We need it to produce more energy and metals, but it has been starved of investment, plagued by supply chain issues, and hobbled by red tape. That’s bad news for everyone, says Dominic Frisby.
-
How to invest in the copper boomTips The price of copper has slipped recently. But that’s temporary – the long-term outlook is very bullish, says Dominic Frisby. Here, he explains the best ways to invest in copper.
-
Why investors should consider adding Glencore to their portfoliosTips Commodities giant Glencore is well placed to capitalise on rising commodity prices and supply chain disruption, says Rupert Hargreaves. Here’s why you should consider buying Glencore shares.
-
How to invest in the multi-decade boom in industrial metalsTips The price of key industrial metals has already begun to rise. The renewable energy transition will take them higher, says David Stevenson. Here's how to profit.
-
Avoid China’s stockmarket – here’s what to invest in insteadOpinion China’s stockmarket is not a good place for investors to be. But you can't just ignore the world's second-largest economy, says Dominic Frisby. Here, he picks an alternative China play.
-
6 gold funds to buy to add exposure to the yellow metalGold Gold funds are one of the best ways of adding gold to your portfolio. We pick some of the best gold and gold-mining funds.
