Kogan (ASX:KGN) share price falls as ACCC launches inquiry

Shares in the online retailer are dropping today after an ACCC announcement. Here are the details

| More on:
Man with credit card wears box with unhappy face

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) share price is lower today. The negative price movement comes as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) examines the practices of online marketplaces such as Kogan.

At the time of writing, shares in the online retailer are trading for $11.42 – down 1.17%. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is currently 0.87% higher.

Let's take a closer look at today's news.

Kogan in ACCC crosshairs

The ACCC says it will look into the "pricing practices, the use of data, the terms and conditions imposed on third-party sellers," of places like Kogan, as well as the Amazon.com, Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) and eBay Inc (NASDAQ: EBAY) Australian branches.

It will also look into consumer-focused issues, such as the ability of consumers to leave reviews, the complaints handling process, and the usage and storage of data.

Investors may not be keen on the oversight Kogan is facing, and it reflects in the Kogan share price.

"These online marketplaces are an important and growing segment of the economy, so it is important that we understand how online marketplaces operate and whether they are working effectively for consumers and businesses," ACCC Chair Rod Sims said.

"But we would expect the marketplace to operate fairly for businesses and consumers alike and comply with consumer laws and competition laws."

In March 2019, Kogan launched 'Kogan Marketplace'. It's a platform for third-party sellers to list their goods on sale at Kogan. It had gross sales of $1.1 billion in 2021.

Online shopping saw a huge surge in demand as COVID forced people to stay home. Online purchases grew by 57% in 2020 year-on-year, and Australians spent a record $50.5 billion online in 2020. Non-food online sales accounted for 14.2 per cent of total non-food sales in May 2021, up from 10.9 per cent in February 2020.

Kogan has previously been in trouble with the ACCC. The government agency took Kogan to court, alleging it had mislead consumers about a discount promotion. The company was ordered to pay a fine of $350,000 for the affair.

Motley Fool Australia reached out to Kogan for comment, but none was received before publication.

Kogan share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Kogan share price has fallen about 35%. That equates to a 55-point difference between the company and the ASX 200 – and not in Kogan's favour.

Since the beginning of the year, however, the Kogan share price has increased by roughly 10%.

Kogan.com has a market capitalisation of $1.2 billion.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Amazon and Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended eBay and has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $1,920 calls on Amazon, short January 2022 $1,940 calls on Amazon, and short October 2021 $70 calls on eBay. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Technology Shares

A happy young couple lie on a wooden deck using a skateboard for a pillow.
Technology Shares

Why Cettire shares are continuing to rebound today

This online retailer is making changes in response to criticism.

Read more »

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX tech stock is up 120% in three sessions thanks to Nvidia

This small cap has signed another deal with one of the world's largest companies.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Technology Shares

Why Bell Potter thinks this ASX tech share is a top buy

Now could be the time for investors to snap up this tech stock.

Read more »

a woman holds a facebook like thumbs up sign high above her head. She has a very happy smile on her face.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX 200 tech stock has just been upgraded

Analysts think now is the time to buy this tech stock.

Read more »

Five happy young friends on the coast, dabbing and raising their arms in the air.
Technology Shares

1 All Ords stock quietly crushing the ASX today

This tech stock's transformation is taking shape and the market is happy.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX tech stock is exploding 120% on a new deal with Nvidia

This small cap has signed a new deal with one of the world's largest companies.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Technology Shares

DroneShield share price higher on major US government order

Another major contract win has been announced from an important customer.

Read more »

A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.
Technology Shares

Appen shares plunges 17% after takeover collapse

Well that didn't take long...

Read more »