What caused this ASX 200 share to crash 20% on Monday?

This ASX 200 share is having a very bad start to the week…

| 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

Key points
  • Adbri shares are being crushed on Monday
  • This follows the surprise exit of its CEO and the release of a disappointing trading update
  • That update reveals that Adbri's earnings are expected to be down materially year over year

The Adbri Ltd (ASX: ABC) share price is having a terrible start to the week.

In early afternoon trade, the building materials company's shares are down 20% to $1.47.

This makes the Adbri share price the worst performer on the ASX 200 index by some distance.

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

Why is the Adbri share price crashing?

The Adbri share price has come crashing down to earth on Monday after the company revealed the surprise exit of its CEO and provided the market with a trading update.

In respect to the former, the company revealed that CEO and managing director, Nick Miller, will be leaving the role after the Adbri board determined that it is an appropriate time for a change in leadership.

Experienced senior executive, Mark Irwin, has been appointed as interim CEO and will start in the role tomorrow. He was previously held executive roles with other ASX 200 companies such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL).

Trading update

Also putting pressure on the Adbri share price today was the release of a disappointing trading update.

The release reveals that actions taken to address inflationary pressures have not offset external headwinds. As a result, the company's earnings have continued to be impacted by ongoing wet weather conditions affecting volume and cost, and an escalation of input and operational costs.

This means that company expects to record an underlying net profit after tax (excluding property and significant items) of $75 million to $85 million for FY 2022. This will be down 29% to 37% on FY 2021's underlying net profit after tax of $119.1 million.

Management revealed that it is implementing a number of immediate measures in response to the current operating conditions in the hope of delivering further additional cost reductions and operational efficiency improvements. It believes the appointment of Mark Irwin as interim CEO will accelerate Adbri's ability to deliver these initiatives in the current environment.

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 Materials Shares

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX All Ords share is rocketing 20% on lithium battery news

Not all shares have been caught up in the market selloff.

Read more »

Female miner smiling in front of a mining vehicle as the Pilbara Minerals share price rises
Materials Shares

Down 24% in a month, is the Pilbara Minerals share price now a bargain buy?

Could this be a lithium lover's delight or are Pilbara shares fraught with danger?

Read more »

Female ASX travel shares investor with surprised expression drinks a cup of tea while reading the newspaper at her desk
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX lithium share turned one sceptic into a bona fide believer

Green lithium extraction has changed the position of this lithium boom critic.

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices
Broker Notes

Arafura stock sell-off continues, broker tips 35% upside

Recent weakness could be a buying opportunity for investors according to one broker.

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Materials Shares

Piedmont Lithium shares: 150% upside or big short opportunity?

Investors will need to wade through the muck to determine if Piedmont Lithium shares are a good buy right now.…

Read more »

Happy man holding Australian dollar notes, representing dividends.
Dividend Investing

How to generate $20k of passive income from BHP shares

BHP could provide investors with a big pay check in 2023.

Read more »

shocked man with hands over his face with a declining graph in background representing falling CleanSpace share price
Materials Shares

Lynas share price resets 52-week low twice in one week

March has been a shocker for this ASX rare earths share.

Read more »

Female worker sitting desk with head in hand and looking fed up
Materials Shares

Piedmont Lithium share price sinks following short attack response

Piedmont Lithium has responded to a short seller attack on Friday.

Read more »