Why is the Appen share price tumbling 10% today?

This troubled tech company just announced more bad news.

| More on:
A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.

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 Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price has come under pressure on Monday.

In morning trade, the artificial intelligence data services company's shares are down 10% to $2.33.

This latest decline means the Appen share price is now down 38% in a touch over three weeks.

Why is the Appen share price sinking today?

There appear to be a couple of catalysts for the decline in the company's share price today.

The first is further weakness in the tech sector following a poor finish to the week on the tech-focused NASDAQ index. This has seen the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) fall 0.5% this morning.

CFO exit

Another catalyst could be the release of an announcement today which revealed that the company's chief financial officer (CFO) is stepping down after less than two months in the role.

The release advises that its CFO, Helen Johnson, has decided to resign for personal reasons and will leave the business effective 31 July 2023. She only joined the company on 1 May.

Appen revealed that it has commenced an immediate search for a new CFO. But for now, as part of the transition, it is promoting Justin Miles to Deputy CFO.

The release advises that Miles is a seasoned finance leader who has been with Appen since 2016 and will continue to support the team during the transition. Appen's former CFO, Kevin Levine, will also be available to the business in an advisory capacity until 1 September 2023.

This is not a great look for the embattled tech company. So, it isn't at all surprising to see the Appen share price come under pressure today.

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 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 Technology Shares

A man has computer-generated images rushing through his head indicating an AI (Artificial Intelligence) concept of a communication network.
Technology Shares

Up 46% in a year, why this ASX 200 tech stock could keep racing higher

The ASX 200 tech company is witnessing huge growth for its services.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX 200 tech director just sold $85 million worth of company stock

This director is retiring and selling his shares on the way out.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
Technology Shares

Why this ASX 200 stock could be one of the best to buy in the Asia-Pacific

Goldman Sachs is one of the world's most highly respected investment banks. Its analysts scour the globe for investment opportunities…

Read more »

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX tech stock just rocketed 41% on a new government deal

Investors are sending the ASX tech stock soaring on the heels of a new government deal.

Read more »

Three analysts look at tech options on a wall screen
Technology Shares

Why did this ASX 200 tech share rise 29% in 30 days?

The ASX 200 tech sector had a great month in September.

Read more »

Happy woman holding white house model in hand and pointing to it with a pen.
Mergers & Acquisitions

REA share price charges higher on big Rightmove news

It wasn't fourth time lucky for the realestate.com.au operator.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Technology Shares

This ASX 200 tech share can 're-rate towards best in class tech peers'

This could be a tech stock to buy according to Goldman Sachs.

Read more »

Cropped shot of a mature businessman brainstorming and setting financial goals with notes on a glass wall.
Technology Shares

1 simple reason this multi-billion-dollar investor sold 84% of their Nvidia shares

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares have been more or less the headline act in global stock markets this year. The…

Read more »