The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) struggled to another record close, finishing just two points higher on Monday as a sell-off in the energy sector, down 1.4%, offset gains in the mining sector, up 0.8%.
1-year ASX 200 chart
Lithium giants to merge
The news of the day was the planned merger between Australia’s pureplay lithium miners, Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) and Galaxy Resources Limited (ASX: GXY), with the former set to acquire 100% of the shares in the latter to create a $4 billion lithium giant.
Galaxy shareholders will receive 0.569 new shares for every one share held, owning 45.8% of the combined entity. The shares prices of both companies benefitted, up 5.7% and 6.1% respectively, with the group set to be a top-five lithium producer globally.
Sims upgrades guidance
Sims Ltd (ASX: SGM) was the other key contributor, jumping 9.0% after upgrading earnings guidance for the financial year.
Management now expects earnings in the range of $260 million to $310 million, with intake volumes of steel recycling around 95% of FY19 levels.
The company is also benefitting from margin improvement as $70 million in cost reductions combine with higher volumes to deliver bumper profits.
Clean energy deals continue
Clean energy assets remain in high demand with NZ-based Tilt Renewables Ltd (ASX: TLT) receiving an NZ$8.00 offer from Canadian pension fund Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ).
This forced AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) and QIC to respond with an increased bid of NZ$8.10 (AUD$8.77); the TLT share price remains at $7.36.
Crown’s double act
Distressed debt investor, Oaktree Capital, has entered the fray to take control of Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN), announcing their interest in a $3 billion debt and equity deal to assist the company in buying out James Packer’s holding. Crown shares added 0.7% on the news.
GPT provides dividend guidance
In a positive sign for yield-starved investors, GPT Group (ASX: GPT) has guided to strong dividend and rental growth, expecting an 8% improvement in income receipts and 12% in dividends on 2020’s depressed levels. The GPT share price finished the day 3.1% lower.
Ramsay retains government support
Finally, Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) received confirmation that the French Government will continue to supplement its revenue given the huge value being delivered in the fight against COVID. The funding guarantee arrangement covers the period from 1 January through to 30 June 2021.
Looking ahead, the ASX 200 is tipped to take a backwards step when the market opens on Tuesday, following a negative lead from US markets overnight.