The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form on Monday and pushing higher. In afternoon trade, the benchmark index is up 0.25% to 7,793.7 points.
Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here's why they are falling on Monday:
APM Human Services International Ltd (ASX: APM)
The APM Human Services share price is down 29% to $1.16. Investors have been selling this human services provider's shares today in response to a takeover update. According to the release, CVC Asia Pacific has pulled the plug on its non-binding $2.00 per share offer following the completion of due diligence. And while APM has received another offer from Madison Dearborn Partners, the company has described it as "disappointing." Nevertheless, the board intends to engage with Madison Dearborn Partners to see if it is possible for an improvement to its $1.40 per share offer.
Azure Minerals Ltd (ASX: AZS)
The Azure Minerals share price is down almost 9% to $3.26. Today the lithium explorer is holding its scheme meeting relating to the proposed takeover by SQM and Hancock Prospecting. The offer is $3.70 per Azure share with a fall-back conditional off-market takeover offer of $3.65 per Azure share. However, ahead of the meeting, the company revealed that the Foreign Investment Review Board has requested more time to decide on the deal. The company remains positive that approval will be granted. It said: "This is a standard extension request and Azure is not aware of any reason that the required FIRB approval will not be received."
Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)
The Beach Energy share price is down 15% to $1.61. Investors have been selling the energy producer's shares after it revealed a series of quality issues at its Waitsia joint venture project in the Perth Basin. Beach is now working to update the production schedule and cost estimates for Waitsia, advising that "the extent of additional quality issues is to a point where current guidance on schedule and cost needs to be updated."
Elders Ltd (ASX: ELD)
The Elders share price is down 24% to $7.49. This agribusiness company's shares have come under significant pressure today after it released a trading update. Elders notes that first half trading in FY 2024 has been significantly below expectations due to a number of drivers. This includes subdued client sentiment following an El Niño declaration by the Bureau of Meteorology. As a result, Elders expects EBIT to fall 18% to 30% in FY 2024 to between $120 million and $140 million.
