Why Appen, Flight Centre, Fortescue, and Platinum shares are sinking today

These shares are having a tough session on hump day. But why?

In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.35% to 8,223.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.

Image source: Getty Images

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is down 29% to $2.05. Investors have been hitting the sell button today after the artificial intelligence data services company released its full year results. Appen reported a 14% decline in revenue to $234.3 million and a net loss of $20 million. Looking ahead, no guidance was given for FY 2025. However, management stated its ambition to "deliver profitable growth."

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The Flight Centre share price is down 11% to $15.75. This has been driven by the release of the travel agent giant's half year results. Flight Centre reported flat revenue of $1.3 billion and a 7% lift in underlying profit before tax to $117 million. And while the company has reaffirmed its FY 2025 guidance of underlying profit before tax in the range of $365 million to $405 million, the market seems to be doubting Flight Centre's ability to deliver on this given its first half profits.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

The Fortescue share price is down 4% to $17.19. The catalyst for this has been the iron ore miner's shares going ex-dividend this morning for its interim dividend. Earlier this month, the company released its half year results and declared a fully franked interim dividend of 50 cents per share. This may be less than half what it paid a year earlier but it still represents a 2.8% dividend yield based on yesterday's close price. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to being paid this dividend next month on 27 March.

Platinum Asset Management Ltd (ASX: PTM)

The Platinum share price is down 20% to 60 cents. Investors have been selling this investment company's shares following the release of its half year results after the market close on Tuesday. Platinum posted a 23% decline in revenue to $76.6 million and a 55% decline in profit to $15.9 million. In other news, Platinum has announced that co-chief investment officers Andrew Clifford and Clay Smolinski are to step down from their roles. Clifford has worked at Platinum for 31 years and is a former chief executive of the struggling company.

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. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Fallers

Codan share price A dismayed kid dressed as a scientist stands with his back to a rocket crashed into the ground
Share Fallers

Xero shares crash to a 7-year low after a brutal sell-off

The decline has wiped out years of share price gains.

Read more »

Two miners at a mine site on their tablets, with mining machinery behind them.
Share Fallers

Why has the Mineral Resources share price fallen 12% this week?

It’s been another tough week for Mineral Resources shareholders.

Read more »

A man holds his hand to his chin with a furrowed brow, making an expression of puzzlement or confusion.
Share Fallers

Top 3 ASX 200 shares now below their 200-day moving average

Are these businesses still a buy?

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Share Fallers

What are the most shorted ASX shares on the market right now?

Two names, two opposite bear cases.

Read more »

An arrow crashes through the ground as a businessman watches on.
Share Fallers

Warning: Corporate Travel shares have crashed 80%. What on earth just happened?

An 80% crash has left investors asking what went so wrong.

Read more »

Stressed businessman sits in panic amid digital stock market financial background.
Share Fallers

The five worst-performing ASX 200 shares in August unmasked

Investors sent these five ASX shares crashing 17% to 23% in August. But why?

Read more »

Stressed businessman sits in panic amid digital stock market financial background.
Share Fallers

Why Megaport, Lendlease and JB Hi-Fi shares all crashed 14% to 15% this week

ASX investors punished Lendlease, Megaport, and JB Hi-Fi this week. But why?

Read more »

Woman checking out new laptops.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Down 14% today: Are JB Hi-Fi shares now a bargain-bin buy?

Could JB's plunge mean a bargain buy?

Read more »