Appen share price sinks 7% to 4-year low. Time to pounce?

Could the Appen share price have better days?

| More on:

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
  • The Appen share price has lost 7% in today's trade alone 
  • Analysts are cautious on the outlook for the company's share price 
  • However, Appen has a plan to double revenue by 2026 

The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price is tumbling today, but could it turn around in the future?

The technology company's share price has fallen nearly 7% today and is currently trading at $5.53. For perspective, the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is down nearly 1% today.

So what are analysts tipping for the Appen share price?

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.

Image source: Getty Images

What's the outlook for the Appen share price?

The Appen share price is currently trading at its lowest price since November 2017, a more than 4 year low.

Appen is a technology company that provides data for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Appen's customers include technology giants such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Salesforce.

But on Monday, Appen was booted out of the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) as part of the June quarterly rebalance. Shares fell nearly 4% on this day.

Analysts at Citi have recently cut the company's shares to a neutral rating and cut the price target by 28%. However, Citi still has a $6.60 price target on the Appen share price, which is a nearly 20% upside on the current share price.

The broker downgraded its outlook on Appen due to a tough start to FY22. Citi said that this "weakness was primarily due to one customer". As my Foolish colleague James reported, Citi thinks this customer could be Facebook based on its analysis. Citi believes Appen will need to have a stronger second half of the year.

However, in an address to shareholders at the company's AGM in late May, CEO Mark Brayan outlined Appen's plans to double revenue by 2026. Brayan said:

We have always been ambitious in growing our business.

By 2026 we are aspiring to at least double FY2021 revenue of US$447 million, improve the mix of our business with one-third revenue from non-Global customers and achieve an EBITDA margin of 20%

Bell Potter recently retained a hold rating on the company's shares with a $6.50 price target. The broker downgraded the company's earnings per share (EPS) predictions by 5% for 2022, 5% for 2023 and 4% for 2024.

Appen share price snapshot

The Appen share price has slumped 57% in the past year and plummeted 51% in the year to date.

For perspective, the benchmark ASX 200 index has lost about 3% in the past year.

Appen has a market capitalisation of about $679.9 million based on the current share price.

The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Appen Ltd. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Financial Shares

CEO leading a board meeting.
Financial Shares

ASX shares climb after CEO news. Here's what investors are watching

ASX appoints interim CEO as shares push higher in Thursday trade.

Read more »

ASX share price on watch represented by woman investor looking at ASX financial results on laptop
Financial Shares

BSP Financial Group Q1 2026 earnings: Profit and revenue climb as bank continues investment

BSP Financial Group delivered strong Q1 earnings growth and robust capital amid ongoing investment and regional developments.

Read more »

Sell buy and hold on a digital screen with a man pointing at the sell square.
Broker Notes

Macquarie shares: Buy, hold or sell?

Two top analysts offer their outlook for Macquarie’s outperforming shares.

Read more »

a group of three cybersecurity experts stand with satisfied looks on their faces with one holding a laptop computer while he group stands in front of a large bank of computers and electronic equipment.
Financial Shares

Generation Development Group reports cyber incident

Generation Development Group shares are in focus after its Generation Life subsidiary quickly contained a cyber incident with no evidence…

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Financial Shares

Morgans sees 2x upside in ASX finance stock after hitting key milestone

This company delivered a strong set of quarterly numbers.

Read more »

a couple consider the advice from a man with documents laid out on a table and the man holding a tablet in his hand.
Financial Shares

3 ASX 200 financial shares to sell: experts

ASX 200 financial shares are down 2.5% over six months and up 2.1% in 2026-to-date.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Financial Shares

Perpetual shares slip after update. But there's more going on beneath the surface

Perpetual shares ease after an update shows mixed numbers across key divisions.

Read more »

A hipster-looking man with bushy beard and multiple arm tattoos sits on the floor against a sofa reading a tablet with his hand on his chin as though he is deep in thought.
Financial Shares

Qube Holdings wins ASX waiver for flexible scheme timetable and dividend

Qube wins ASX waiver for flexible scheme timetable, potentially paving the way for a special fully franked dividend if its…

Read more »