What is sending the PointsBet share price 6% lower today?

What's happened to PointsBet shares?

| 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
  • PointsBet shares sink 6.14% to $2.675 during mid-afternoon trade 
  • The company didn't release any market specific announcements, however its shares are being dragged down by the weakness in the ASX tech sector 
  • A number of short-sellers are still holding a large number of PointsBet shares in short positions 

The PointsBet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH) share price is having a shocker of a day despite no company announcements.

At the time of writing, the sports betting company's shares are down 6.14% to $2.675.

Let's take a look at what's dragging down the former market darling.

An unhappy man in a suit sits at his desk with his arms crossed staring at his laptop screen as the PointsBet share price falls

Image source: Getty Images

PointsBet shares sink amid ASX tech sector sell-off

Investors are offloading the PointsBet share price despite the broader market ticking up a notch across the ASX.

However, the S&P/ASX All Technology (ASX: XTX) sector in which PointsBet falls under is shedding 0.29% to 2,033.5 points.

It appears the benchmark index for Australian technology-orientated companies is taking a breather after recording 4 consecutive sessions of gains.

In addition, PointsBet shares continue to be targeted by short-sellers, propping up consistently within the top part of the list.

Short-selling is a common trading strategy that aims to profit from the fall in the price of a security. The goal is for an investor to borrow shares and sell the shares, and buy them back at a lower price for a profit.

Last week, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) released its short position report revealing the level of short interest within companies.

As at 1 July, PointsBet had 6.20% of its shares being shorted by investors.

Given sizable short positions being taken up, it appears investors believe the company's shares will continue to fall.

PointsBet share price snapshot

Adding to its steep declines, the PointsBet share price has tumbled by almost 80% over the last 12 months.

These losses have come in 2022 as investor express their concerns about the company's extreme valuation and high marketing costs.

Year to date, PointsBet shares are down 62%.

Based on today's price, the company commands a market capitalisation of roughly $834.95 million.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Pointsbet Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

A man and woman watch their device screens, making investing decisions at home.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Accent Group share price in focus as Frasers releases updated bidder's statement

The Accent Group share price is in focus after Frasers released a supplementary bidder’s statement challenging Accent’s value assessment.

Read more »

Woman sits cross legged on bed drinking a glass of wine and holding TV remote control.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Treasury Wine Estates writes down US assets, posts higher FY26 EBITS

The wine giant has announced a further $558.4 million post-tax non-cash write-down on its US assets.

Read more »

two men shake hands on a deal.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Tabcorp to acquire BetMakers in $267 million growth-focused deal

The company expects the acquisition to accelerate its strategy across multiple areas

Read more »

A car dealer stands amid a selection of cars parked in a showroom.
Earnings Results

CAR Group Limited FY26 earnings: revenue and profit rise

The auto listings company expects double digit growth in FY 2027.

Read more »

happy investor, celebrating investor, good news, share price rise, up, increase
Earnings Results

Nick Scali shares in focus after 22% NPAT jump in FY26 earnings

The furniture retailer reported a 22% jump in net profit.

Read more »

A happy youngster holds a giant bag of carrots at a supermarket fruit and vegie section, indicating savings made by buying in bulk.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

3 days, 3 supermarkets: the reporting week that will shape ASX consumer staples shares

The clearest read on Australian household spending all year.

Read more »

A team in a corporate office shares a pizza while standing around a table chatting about the Domino's share price.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Domino's Pizza Enterprises: Andrew Gregory commences as CEO while Jack Cowin becomes Chair

A new leader is taking the helm at the pizza chain operator.

Read more »

A woman wine tasting in a bottle shop.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Endeavour Group share price in focus after FY26 earnings drop

The Dan Murphy's owner has released its results this morning.

Read more »