Here's why the Perpetual share price just slumped to a new 52-week low

Here's what might be weighing on the financial services provider's stock today.

Key points
  • The Perpetual share price sunk to a new 52-week low of $31.25 in intraday trade on Wednesday
  • The dip follows the news that Pendal rejected Perpetual's takeover offer yesterday
  • Additionally, Perpetual is in the headlines today with media reporting the company's head of Australian equities and Brambles' chair are in disagreement on the latter's vision of plastic pallets

The Perpetual Limited (ASX: PPT) share price has been suffering this week, with its struggles culminating in a new 52-week low on Wednesday.

In news that has likely aggravated the stock's poor performance, its takeover bid for Pendal Group Ltd (ASX: PDL) was rejected yesterday.

At the time of writing, the Perpetual share price is $31.37, 2.43% lower than its previous closing price.

Though, that's an improvement on its earlier performance. At its intraday low – and new 52-week low ­­– Perpetual's shares were trading for $31.25, representing a 2.8% slip.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is in the green on Wednesday. It's currently up 0.31%.

Let's take a closer look at what might be weighing on Perpetual shares today.

A businesswoman holding a briefcase rests her head against the glass wall of a city building, she's not having a good day.

Image source: Getty Images

What's dragging the Perpetual share price lower?

The Perpetual share price is slumping to a new 52-week low just one day after its takeover bid for Pendal was rejected.

The offer put to Pendal earlier this month was 1 Perpetual share for every 7.5 Pendal shares held, valuing Pendal's stock at around $6.23 apiece at the time of the bid.

However, the takeover target rejected the bid on Tuesday, saying it undervalued the company.

Interestingly, the Perpetual share price wasn't phased by the rejection yesterday. Perpetual shares slumped just 0.4% on Tuesday, in line with the ASX 200's dip of a similar amount.

Perpetual is also in the headlines today. The Australian Financial Review is reporting Perpetual's head of Australian equities, Paul Skamvougeras, is going head-to-head with Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB) chair John Mullen.

Skamvougeras is reportedly against Brambles' efforts to create plastic pallets for Costco. The publication states Perpetual holds a $350 million stake in Brambles.

Today's drop included the Perpetual share price is 15% lower than it was at the start of 2022. It has also slumped 8% since this time last year.

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 52-Week Lows

Man and woman sitting at table with the man looking a bit puzzled at his laptop.
52-Week Lows

3 ASX shares trading at 52-week lows that could be outstanding value plays 

These stocks could be too cheap to ignore.

Read more »

A distressed young woman reads bad news on her smartphone while standing in a modern indoor setting.
52-Week Lows

Down 40%: Why I'd buy this ASX 200 share before sentiment improves

I look at why the latest AI developments have not changed my positive view of this ASX share.

Read more »

An ASX 200 market analyst holds his hand to his chin and looks closely at his computer screens watching share price movements
52-Week Lows

Fortescue shares just hit a 52-week low. Could $16 be next?

Fortescue shares are down 25% this year. Is the bottom close?

Read more »

Stressed businessman sits in panic amid digital stock market financial background.
52-Week Lows

JB Hi-Fi, GPT Group, Charter Hall shares hit 52-week low: Is there any chance of a rebound?

The stocks have fallen further into the red on Thursday.

Read more »

A man talking on his mobile phone looks uncertain.
52-Week Lows

Telstra shares hit fresh 52-week low: What's next for the ASX 200 telco stock?

Telstra shares fell further into the red on Thursday.

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.
52-Week Lows

IDP shares crash 24% to historic low on Thursday: What happened?

And find out what brokers tip for the global education services company’s shares next.

Read more »

A young woman lifts her red glasses with one hand as she takes a closer look at news.
52-Week Lows

2 ASX shares near 52-week lows I'd buy today

Amid share price pain, I think these businesses are great buys!

Read more »

A woman draws on a clear screen a graph that shows a falling horizontal line.
52-Week Lows

2 ASX shares near 52-week lows I'd buy today

I think these businesses are significantly undervalued!

Read more »