Down 8% to a 52-week low: Why is this ASX 200 share being sold off today?

This ASX 200 share is ending the financial year with a day to forget.

| More on:
A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.

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 Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK) share price is having a tough finish to the week.

In morning trade, the ASX 200 share is down over 8% to a 52-week low of $1.78.

This means that Link's shares are now on course to lose over 50% of their value in the current financial year. This can be seen on the chart below.

Though, it is worth remembering that some of that decline relates to an in-specie distribution of PEXA Group Ltd (ASX: PXA) shares.

Why is this ASX 200 share sinking today?

Investors have been hitting the sell button on Friday after the company was dealt a blow by one of its largest customers.

According to the release, the company's contract for the provision of fund administration services to industry superannuation fund HESTA will not be renewed when it expires.

This is a big disappointment given that the current deal is expected to represent approximately 4% of Link's group revenue in FY 2023.

HESTA is planning to transition out of Link by the second quarter of FY 2025. The super fund revealed that it is moving to Grow Inc. for its outsourced administration services. HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said:

Partnering with Grow Inc. represents an opportunity for us to respond to the fast-changing needs of HESTA members in real time, enabling our services and experiences to support them whenever and wherever they need us.

The Grow Inc. platform is expected to help us improve member experiences, data management and provide us the flexibility to innovate at greater pace and more efficiently. That's going to help our members face the future with confidence and support a seamless super experience for our partners.

Earnings update

This news has overshadowed a positive finish to FY 2023 by the ASX 200 share.

The company revealed that it is on track to ever so slightly outperform its earnings guidance in FY 2023.

It advised that it now expects FY 2023 operating earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) growth to be slightly above the upper end of the 10% to 12% guidance range it provided with its first-half results.

All other guidance for FY 2023 has been reaffirmed by Link's CEO and managing director, Vivek Bhatia.

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 Link Administration. 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 52-Week Lows

Blue chips with stock written on them.
52-Week Lows

These 3 ASX blue-chip shares just hit multi-year lows. Am I buying?

Here's what I'd do with these battered blue-chip shares...

Read more »

Worker at a gas and oil pipeline.
Energy Shares

Are Woodside shares dirt cheap at two-year lows?

This energy giant's shares just hit a two-year low.

Read more »

a sad looking engineer or miner wearing a high visibility jacket and a hard hat stands alone with his head bowed and hand to his forehead as he speaks on a mobile telephone out front of what appears to be an on site work shed.
Materials Shares

Core Lithium share price tumbles to multi-year low following quarterly update

This lithium miner has released its first update since suspending mining activities.

Read more »

Piggy bank sinking in water symbolising a record low share price.
52-Week Lows

9 ASX 200 shares tumbling to 52-week lows today

Israel's strike on Iran on Friday dragged several ASX 200 shares to new depths.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
52-Week Lows

5 ASX 200 stocks at 52-week lows

These shares are down in the dumps on Tuesday.

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
52-Week Lows

Are Telstra shares a no-brainer for income after hitting a fresh 52-week low?

Let's see what analysts think of the telco giant's shares at this level.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Industrials Shares

Why is this ASX 200 stock crashing 16% to a 52-week low on Tuesday?

This stock is having a very red start to the week.

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 representing the ASX tech share sell-off today
52-Week Lows

3 ASX shares sinking to 52-week lows today

These ASX shares are having a bit of a nightmare this year.

Read more »