Why is the Magellan share price sinking 8% today?

This fund manager's shares are sinking today. But why?

| 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 Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is having a tough time on Wednesday.

In morning trade, the fund manager's shares are down almost 8% to $9.73.

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the Magellan share price sinking today?

The good news for shareholders is that this decline has nothing to do with another funds under management decline or a broker downgrade.

Instead, it could be argued that this decline is actually good news for shareholders.

That's because the pullback in the Magellan share price has been driven by its shares trading ex-dividend this morning for the company's next dividend payment.

When a share trades ex-dividend, it means the rights to an upcoming dividend payment have been settled. As a result, anyone buying its shares today will not be entitled to receive this payout when it is paid.

Understandably, investors don't want to pay for something they won't receive. So, a share price will tend to fall in line with the dividend to reflect this on the ex-dividend date.

The Magellan dividend

In case you missed it, last week Magellan released its FY 2023 results.

And while the result itself was very poor, with its earnings more than halving, the company declared a juicy dividend that got investors excited.

Magellan is paying a final dividend of 35.6 cents per share, a performance fee dividend of 4.2 cents per share, and a special dividend of 30 cents per share.

This is a total of 69.8 cents per share that will now be heading to eligible shareholders next month on 7 September.

Based on the Magellan share price at the close of play yesterday of $10.55, this equates to a very attractive 6.6% dividend yield.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Dividend Investing

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

An ASX dividend stalwart every Australian should consider buying

This business provides significant defensive and income appeal.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Passive income investors: These 3 ASX dividend shares pay 5% to 6%

These may not have the highest yield, but I'd pick them first.

Read more »

Person handing out $50 notes, symbolising ex-dividend date.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX shares with dividend yields above 8%

Looking for big passive income? These are two great options.

Read more »

A wad of $100 bills of Australian currency lies stashed in a bird's nest.
Dividend Investing

3 of the best dividend ASX ETFs right now

These funds offer yields over 4%.

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Dividend Investing

Forget CBA shares! Buy these ASX dividend shares instead for passive income

CBA would not be my first pick for passive income. Here’s why…

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Dividend Investing

2 Australian dividend stars that still offer a good price

Major upside and great dividend yields are on offer here.

Read more »

Female in elegant outfit smiling and gesturing victory with hands.
Dividend Investing

1 ASX dividend stock down 50% I'd buy today

Here's what the experts are tipping next from this ASX dividend stock.

Read more »

a man in a business suit looks at a map of the world above a line up of oil barrels with a red arrow heading upwards above them, indicting rising oil prices.
Dividend Investing

If the oil price remains above US$100, Woodside shares could be raining dividends before Christmas

Surging oil prices are no fun at the petrol station, but they could be a boon for upcoming Woodside dividends.

Read more »