This ASX 200 stock has taken a beating recently. The share price of SEEK Ltd (ASX: SEK) tumbled with 11.8% in the past month to $24.14 at the time of writing.
Over the past year, this ASX communications share has fallen 7.7%, underperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 1.4% over the same period.
SEEK's drop raises a timely question. Does the weakness offer a buying opportunity or is it a warning for investors?
Image source: Getty Images
Pricing power
SEEK remains a leading online employment marketplace across Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia. That position gives the company scale advantages and pricing power. Beyond job ads and talent-search databases, SEEK invests in education, career development and employment-related technology to broaden its growth opportunities.
There are a few clear reasons behind the recent slump of this popular ASX 200 stock. In FY 2024, SEEK's earnings declined due to reduced ad volumes and a major write-down of its China-based investment. The combination of poor macroeconomic conditions, the decreased hiring demand and lingering fallout from prior expansion missteps seem to have spooked investors.
In its core markets Australia and New Zealand, the ASX share recently reported a 14% drop in job advertisements, leading the revenue in this region to drop 4% year-on-year.
Recent slump as a turning point?
However, not all the commentary is negative. Several brokers and fund managers argue the recent weakness could mark a turning point. They believe SEEK still dominates employment classifieds in its core markets, retains pricing power and seems to have tightened cost control.
Some analysts view the recent slump as more cyclical than structural. Other market-watchers highlight SEEK's improved structural profitability of this ASX stock. Its return on equity (ROE) is modest – around 9% – but stable. The underlying free cash flow also remains intact, which could reward long-term investors.
During a recent AGM-presentation the board of the ASX 200 stock told investors that, despite the economic uncertainty, it remains confident in the resilience of its core businesses. The group continues to diversify its revenue streams, especially in high-growth regions across the Asia-Pacific region.
What's next for the ASX stock?
Analyst consensus remains positive with most brokers recommending SEEK as a (strong) buy. The average 12-month price target is $30.35, with a range roughly between $22.60 and $33.50.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) is more bullish on the ASX 200 stock than most other brokers. Analysts of the top broker recently rated the communications share a 'buy' and they expect its fundamentals to improve.
Macquarie has set a price target of $32.50, which suggests a potential 34% increase over the next 12 months.
