Why the Appen share price fell nearly 5% today

The Appen share price slumped on Friday following an announcement that directors had reduced their holdings in the company.

| More on:

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 Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price slumped 4.59% today to close at $29.08.

Why the Appen share price fell today

The drop came Friday after an after-market announcement on Thursday that revealed a number of Appen's directors have been selling shares.

The company chair, Chris Vonwiller, sold 18% of his holding for an average price of $29 per share. He sold them for personal reasons, including philanthropy. This left him with a total of 9 million shares.

CEO and managing director Mark Brayan sold 18.6% of his holding at an average price of $30.60 per share. Brayan sold in order to meet tax obligations and to diversify his personal wealth. He continues to hold 418,309 Appen shares. 

Non-executive director Bill Pulver sold just over 45% of his holding in Appen at an average of $30.69 per share. This director sold in order to diversify his personal wealth and has a remaining holding of 332,384 shares.

Together, the directors sold an aggregate of 2.37 million shares, representing a total value of $68,919,600 at today's share price. 

While the directors each gave reasons why they sold some of their holdings, this didn't stop the Appen share price from falling in response today. 

The company's share price today is down from its 52 week high of $32.30 reached in May. It has, however, risen 11.20% compared to this time last year. The company's share price has also risen significantly since the beginning of January when it sat at $22.18.

Appen has seen considerable success lately through the development of its artificial intelligence (AI) products. The company builds software that can recognise language and images. At its AGM in May, Appen outlined that global AI spending is rising at 28% per year. This demonstrates that it has the ability to reach a rapidly growing market. 

The company's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59% since 2015. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation have risen at a CAGR of 64% over the same timeframe.

Appen had $100 million in cash on its balance sheet in May.

Motley Fool contributor Chris Chitty has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Appen Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Person pretends to types on laptop drawn in sand.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a miserly session for investors today.

Read more »

Modern accountant woman in a light business suit in modern green office with documents and laptop.
Opinions

Too high? These 2 ASX shares might be due for a correction

These popular blue chips are looking dicey to me.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 35%

These shares are being tipped to deliver market-beating returns by analysts.

Read more »

Keyboard button with the word sell on it.
Broker Notes

8 ASX All Ords stocks downgraded to sell ratings

Find out which shares are out of favour with the experts.

Read more »

Woman smiling whilst shopping in a clothing store.
Dividend Investing

Why this quality ASX 300 dividend stock is tipped to surge 54%

A leading fund manager forecasts significant outperformance from this quality ASX 300 dividend stock.

Read more »

A group of businesspeople clapping.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 stocks to buy in June

These stocks could be best buys this month according to the broker.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Market News

Why Clarity, Coronado Global, Iperionx, and Lynas shares are roaring higher today

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. Why are investors buying them?

Read more »

A woman looks questioning as she puts a coin into a piggy bank.
Opinions

The ASX 200 is approaching its all-time high. Here's why I'm not buying shares

I'm not seeing what the broader market is.

Read more »