Carnage continues for Downer share price on Friday

Investors have been hitting the sell button again on Friday…

| More on:
A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash

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 Downer EDI Ltd (ASX: DOW) share price is under pressure again on Friday.

In morning trade, the engineering and construction company's shares are down a further 7% to $3.54.

This means the Downer share price is now down 26% over the last two trading sessions and 40% since this time last year.

Why is the Downer share price being sold off?

Investors have been selling off Downer's shares this week after the company revealed that it has identified historical misreporting of its Australia utilities business' revenue and work in progress in one of its maintenance contracts.

According to the release, the company estimates that this misreporting could result in a historical overstatement of pre-tax earnings of between $30 million and $40 million.

What else?

Another disappointment that has put pressure on the Downer share price was the scrapping of its guidance for FY 2023 for unrelated matters.

Downer's CEO and managing director, Grant Fenn, revealed that "the challenge for the last seven months of [FY 2023] has become too large" to achieve its profit growth guidance of 10% and 20%.

Fenn advised that its "road services and utilities businesses have been heavily impacted by weather" and its "businesses have been battling with staff shortages and supply chain issues."

In other news, this morning Macquarie responded to the update by downgrading Downer's shares to a neutral rating and slashed its price target to $4.05.

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 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Industrials Shares

A young man wearing glasses and a denim shirt sits at his desk and raises his fists and screams with delight.
Industrials Shares

Where would you invest $85m? Reece shares jump 3% on major buyback expansion

Reece increased its share buyback program to $85 million.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Broker Notes

Up 109% in a year, 3 reasons to buy this ASX All Ords share today

A leading broker expects this surging ASX All Ords share to outperform again in 2026.

Read more »

Iron ore price Vale dam collapse ASX shares iron ore, iron ore australia, iron ore price, commodity price,
Industrials Shares

Bell Potter names three engineering companies to buy

With mining, energy, and data centre work coming thick and fast, here are three stocks to consider.

Read more »

Two boys play outside on an old army tank.
Opinions

What's next on the horizon for EOS? Why I think 2026 could be massive

EOS is entering a new growth phase, with a growing backlog, deep pipeline, and multiple large defence contracts on the…

Read more »

A street is filled with roadwork signs, flashing arrows and orange cones, causing traffic to slow.
Industrials Shares

Downer shares edge higher after New Zealand contract win

Downer shares are edging higher today after the company announced a series of new highway maintenance contracts.

Read more »

Military soldier standing with army land vehicle as helicopters fly overhead.
Industrials Shares

EOS shares take off on $32m US weapons deal

The EOS share price rose 7% when the deal was announced.

Read more »

A boy dressed in a business suit and old-fashioned flying helmet and goggles is lifted by a bunch of red helium balloons over a barren desert landscape.
Industrials Shares

Up 98% in 2025, guess which ASX All Ords share is lifting off again today

Investors are piling into the ASX All Ords share on Friday. But why?

Read more »

A U.S. Naval Ship (DDG) enters Sydney harbour.
Industrials Shares

Austal wins second major contract in as many days, sending its shares sharply higher

Austal shares are trading sharply higher after the company announced another contract win with the Australian Government.

Read more »