Megaport (ASX:MP1) share price sinks 7% after $39m founder share sale

Megaport shares are under pressure on Friday…

| More on:
Red arrow going down, symbolising a falling share price.

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

Key points

  • Megaport's shares are sinking on Friday.
  • This follows news that its founder and chairman, Bevan Slattery, has sold $39 million worth of shares.
  • Mr Slattery is selling the shares to fund other investments.

The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price is under pressure on Friday and on course to end the week deep in the red.

In morning trade, the network as a service provider's shares are down over 7% to $13.07.

This means the Megaport share price is now down 31% since the start of the year.

Why is the Megaport share price tumbling on Friday?

The weakness in the Megaport share price today has been driven by news that the company's founder and chairman, Bevan Slattery, has been selling down his holding.

According to a change of director's interest notice, Mr Slattery has offloaded 3 million Megaport shares through an underwritten block-trade this morning.

The release reveals that the founder sold the shares for $13.05 per share, which represents a discount of 7.7% to the Megaport share price at the close of play on Thursday. All up, Mr Slattery received a total of $39.15 million for the shares.

Despite this sale, the Chairman still retains a significant interest in Megaport. He's left with approximately 8.1 million shares and 67,000 options. The former is the equivalent of 5.11% of the company's issued capital.

Why is the Chairman selling?

The release explains that Bevan Slattery intends to use the proceeds from the sale of Megaport shares to facilitate ongoing investment opportunities.

Mr Slattery also remains positive on the company's future and revealed that he doesn't intend to sell any more shares in the near future.

He commented: "I am excited for Megaport's continued growth and am committed to supporting the Company. I have no intention of selling shares within the next 6 months and am committed to ensuring the Company's success as it continues to scale up and scale out."

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. 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

Rede arrow on a stock market chart going down.
Technology Shares

Down 40% in 3 months: Are Life360 shares still a buy? 

After the Life360 share price fall, is it still a buy?

Read more »

A high-five between father and daughter who are setting up an app on a laptop.
Technology Shares

Up 29% today. Why Life360 shares are surging on record results

Life360 shares jump as record results and upbeat outlook surprise the market.

Read more »

A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.
Technology Shares

Why Wisetech could be worth watching after a rough year

Wisetech shares have dropped 50% in a year, but the upcoming results could shift sentiment.

Read more »

Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.
Technology Shares

Pro Medicus shares: A once-in-a-decade chance to snap up this ASX 200 favourite?

The business remains strong, contracts keep flowing, and yet the share price is far lower than it was a year…

Read more »

A young woman with tattoos puts both thumbs down and scrunches her face.
Technology Shares

 Why are WiseTech shares still falling?

The shares are now 50% lower than this time last year.

Read more »

Two smiling work colleagues discuss an investment at their office.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is dropping despite delivering strong Q2 growth

This stock continues to grow at a strong rate. But not as strong as one of its rivals.

Read more »

A man flying a drone using a remote controller
Technology Shares

Is the DroneShield share price heading to $5.00?

Let's see what analysts at Bell Potter are predicting for this high-flying stock.

Read more »

An accountant gleefully makes corrections and calculations on his abacus with a pile of papers next to him.
Technology Shares

Down 28% in 5 years. Is it time to consider buying this ASX 200 fallen icon?

This software business looks too cheap to me.

Read more »