The CIMIC Group Ltd (ASX: CIM) share price has been hammered in early trade and is down 19.87% at the time of writing.
This comes after the group's shares climbed 2% higher following a contract update to the ASX yesterday.
So, what's dragged the CIMIC share price down to its current $29.03 per share level?
Why the CIMIC share price has been smashed
CIMIC provided an update on its strategic review of BIC Contracting (BICC). BICC is a company operating in the Middle East in which CIMIC holds a 45% non-controlling interest.
As part of the review, CIMIC initiated a confidential M&A process in respect of its financial investment in BICC. Discussions are ongoing with potential buyers for all or part of BICC.
The CIMIC share price has plummeted as investors try to revalue the stock in light of the news.
CIMIC said it has decided to exit the region and focus its resources on its major markets. These include Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific, where the group sees more growth opportunities.
One of the big impacts of a sale will be on the group's financials. CIMIC will recognise a one-off, post-tax impact of around $1.8 billion in FY19. This represents all of CIMIC's exposure in relation to BICC.
For context, CIMIC reported a half-year net profit after tax of $367 million in July 2019. This is a big hit to the group's financials which is why the CIMIC share price has been hammered in early trade today.
Excluding the BICC impact, CIMIC expects to report NPAT of around $800 million. The group's financial results are expected on 4 February 2019.
The group will also not declare a final dividend for 2019 as it keeps its cash for a potential $700 million outlay in 2020.
Foolish takeaway
The CIMIC share price has been hammered more than 19% today following the news.
However, it is still not the worst performing ASX 200 stock. That goes to Downer EDI (ASX: DOW), which is down more than 20% today.
Downer downgraded its FY20 profit guidance following underperformance in its engineering, construction and maintenance business this morning.
