The BWX Limited (ASX: BWX) share price has sunk 40% in trading so far after disappointing investors with an update.
BWX is a natural beauty business which operates a number of brands including Sukin, Andalou Naturals and Mineral Fusion. It also sells a wide range of products across multiple categories on Flora & Fauna and Nourished Life. It also has a majority stake in Go-To Skincare.
What’s going on with the BWX share price?
BWX announced to the market that it was launching a capital raising for $23.2 million, which is fully underwritten.
The capital raising is $9.7 million in a ‘1 for 10’ non-renounceable entitlement offer and a $13.5 placement to sophisticated and professional investors.
BWX said that proceeds from the offer will be used to accelerate debt reduction and for working capital.
Pro forma net debt at 30 June 2022 is expected to be in a range of between $58 million to $62 million.
The painful thing is that these new shares have been fully underwritten at a price of $0.60 per share, representing a discount of 48.7% compared to the closing BWX share price on 23 June 2022.
Trading update
BWX said that in the last six weeks, a number of key changes have emerged in the marketplace. Retail conditions are more challenging with increasing inflation, interest rate increases and a much more cautious consumer.
Challenging market conditions have caused the company to change its sales plans.
However, Sukin continues to perform well. In Australia, Sukin sales were up 24% in the quarter. In the grocery channel, Sukin sales went up 52% in the quarter.
BWX is focused on maintaining sustainable profit margins and not sell at the previously planned levels to select wholesalers and retailers.
FY23 will see price increases, a quicker flow through its Clayton manufactured products into the market, ensuring more consistent sales and cashflow through the year.
Strategic plan
BWX said that it’s committed to more consistent, sustainable and reliable earnings. It wants to reduce net debt, costs, focus on the four brands of Sukin, Andalou Naturals, Mineral Fusion and Go-To, divest non-core assets, reduce inventory levels and remain financially disciplined across the business.
FY23 forecast
The company said that it expects FY23 revenue to be in the range of between $260 million to $270 million, while forecast EBITDA (EBITDA explained), before significant items, is expected to be between $45 million to $49 million.
Summary thoughts on the BWX share price and capital raising
It’s not ideal to be raising capital at such a low price – it’s dilutive for shareholders. It also told investors it’s expecting to make a net loss of between $10 million to $14 million in FY22. That’s not a good look either.
BWX seems like the business that has a lot of potential but keeps disappointing investors. Will this be the last time BWX shares go under $2? It’s hard to say. There are easier ASX growth shares around to look at in my opinion.
