Magellan (ASX:MFG) share price flops as fresh talk of turmoil at the top emerges

Here's what might be weighing on the Magellan share price on Wednesday.

| More on:
a person in a business suit wipes his forehead with his handkerchief while a red, falling arrow zigzags downwards behind him

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 Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is slipping amid reports of a rift among the company's management and potential class actions.

The claims of clashing management follow from the resignation of the fund manager's long-term CEO, Dr Brett Cairns earlier this month. Of course, fallout rumours are likely the least of the company's worries.

As my Foolish colleague, Michell Lawler reported yesterday, $1.8 billion was dropped from its market capitalisation on Monday following the loss of a major client.

That could lead to even more pain for Magellan in the future, according to some publications.

At the time of writing, the Magellan share price is $20.09, 2.29% lower than its previous close.

Let's take a look at what's being reported on the now-embattled company.

Magellan share price sliding again on Wednesday

The Magellan share price is sliding once more this morning, ditching some of yesterday's much-needed gains.

The dip comes amid reports from The Australian claiming the company's board was concerned by its former CEO's management style prior to his departure.

Additionally, the publication states there may have been a fallout between Cairns and Magellan chair and founder, Hamish Douglass. The company reportedly denied the assertions.

It also flagged the potential financial effect of Douglass' separation from wife, Alexandra.

The Australian noted it could cause "a liquidity event" for the company. That's despite the pair stating they have no intention to sell their shares in the company.

On top of that, after the market closed yesterday, The Age reported class actions might soon come the company's way.

It stated lawyers from class action specialist firms Phi Finney McDonald and Quinn Emanual were eying recent goings-on at Magellan.

The Age quoted Phi Finney McDonald principal lawyer, Tim Finney as saying:

[C]ertainly given the allegations of inconsistent disclosures, combined with the price reaction, it is certainly a matter that could well result in a securities class action in my view.

Today's dip sees the Magellan share price 62% lower than it was at the start of 2021.

It has tumbled 41% this week alone.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Financial Shares

Two people lazing in deck chairs on a beautiful sandy beach throw their hands up in the air.
Dividend Investing

Suncorp shares tread water as investors digest 2026 dividend timeline

Here’s what income investors need to know.

Read more »

A woman wearing a lifebuoy ring reaches up for help as an arm comes down to rescue her.
Investing Strategies

Investing in a higher-for-longer world and the ASX sector built to cope

Boring, resilient, and quietly powerful.

Read more »

Businesswoman holds hand out to shake.
Financial Shares

Fintech Humm Group is fielding a takeover offer at a 16% premium

Humm Group shares have jumped on the news.

Read more »

A couple calculate their budget and finances at home using laptop and calculator.
Financial Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Macquarie shares

Macquarie could become one of the most profitable businesses on the ASX.

Read more »

Green stock market graph with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.
Broker Notes

Up 813% in 5 years, why Macquarie expects this surging ASX 200 stock to keep outperforming in 2026

Macquarie forecasts more outperformance from this surging ASX 200 stock. Let’s see why.

Read more »

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

MFF Capital just announced a major leadership change. Here's what it means for investors

MFF Capital has unveiled a major leadership change, and investors are watching closely to see what it means for the…

Read more »

ASX board.
Financial Shares

ASX Ltd shares drop 6% on $150m capital charge

The stock is now down 18% year to date, reflecting governance concerns and mounting transformation costs.

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Financial Shares

An 8.7% special dividend sounds great, but there's a catch!

This company reckons it can both pay out a special dividend and conserve cash using a "unique" strategy.

Read more »