Why did the Appen share price just hit a 5-year low?

The Appen share price has continued its slide on Monday…

| More on:
A surprised man sits at his desk in his study staring at his computer screen with his hands up.

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 Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price continued its slide on Monday.

At one stage, the artificial intelligence data services company's shares were down over 6% to a five-year low of $3.65.

Furthermore, when its shares hit that level, it meant that they had lost 36% of their value since this time last month.

Why is the Appen share price at a five-year low?

Let's start with today's decline. The Appen share price was sold off today after tech shares crashed lower on Wall Street's NASDAQ index on Friday night.

This was driven by comments out of the US Federal Reserve which indicated that it would aggressively raise rates to fight inflation. And while the market has been expecting rates to rise, the general consensus is now that rates will be higher for longer than previously expected.

It wasn't just the Appen share price falling today. The S&P ASX All Technology index dropped a sizeable 4%.

What else?

Also weighing on Appen's shares has been the recent release of its half year results for FY 2022.

For the 12 months ended 30 June, Appen posted a loss after tax of US$9.4 million. This was down from a profit of US$6.7 million during the prior corresponding period.

In response to the result, the team at Macquarie retained its underperform rating and cut its price target to $3.30. Whereas the team at Ord Minnett downgraded Appen's shares to a sell rating and slashed its price target on them to $3.00.

Unfortunately, based on these broker notes, the Appen share price may not have found a bottom yet despite its recent weakness.

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. 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 Technology Shares

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Healthy dividend sends ASX 200 data centre investor's shares higher

There's plenty to like about the dividend yield from this data centre player.

Read more »

Robot touching a share price chart, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Technology Shares

Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like Xero shares taking a beating on Monday?

Investors are pressuring ASX tech shares today. But why?

Read more »

A silhouette of a soldier flying a drone at sunset.
Technology Shares

Counter drone company surges past $1 billion valuation with new contract win

This company's shares are sharply higher after it announced a lucrative contract with a South Korean customer.

Read more »

Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy Megaport shares today

After this year's rally, analysts believe there's more to come.

Read more »

a group of people sit around a computer in an office environment.
Technology Shares

Bell Potter just initiated coverage with a buy recommendation for this ASX technology stock

This ASX technology stock could be worth a look.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Will the Droneshield share price double in 2026?

One broker sees potential for a 150% gain from current levels.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Technology Shares

Why is this surging ASX tech stock jumping another 12% on Friday?

This growing company's shares are now up 380% since the start of the year.

Read more »

Man on computer looking at graphs
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy Xero shares today

A leading investment expert has a bullish outlook on Xero shares. Let’s see why.

Read more »