The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is ending the month on a disappointing note.
In late afternoon trade, the artificial intelligence data services company's shares are down 5% to $13.60.
This latest decline means that the Appen share price is now down 47% since the start of the year.
Why is the Appen share price sinking today?
With no news out of the company, the decline in the Appen share price appears likely to be related to today's date – 30 June.
As today is the final day of the tax year, investors will often do some tax-loss selling. This involves selling shares that have incurred a capital loss, which may then offset capital gains that have been realised throughout the financial year.
And given how poorly the Appen share price has performed this year, it certainly would be a candidate for this practice.
Is this a buying opportunity?
While opinion remains largely divided on the company, one leading broker that sees value in the Appen share price is Ord Minnett.
In response to its reorganisation update last month, the broker has put a buy rating and $24.75 price target on its shares. This price target implies potential upside of almost 82% over the next 12 months.
According to the note, the broker is pleased with its plans and expects the changes to lead to more clarity on the drivers of its growth.
In addition to this, Ord Minnett notes that Appen has reaffirmed its earnings guidance for FY 2021. And while this comes with a sizeable second half skew, it appears quietly confident the resumption of some deferred projects will help it get there.
All in all, while the last 12 months have been very disappointing for Appen shareholders, the broker appears to believe the next 12 months will be a different story.
