After a 35% jump, is the WiseTech share price overvalued?

The WiseTech share price rocketed 34.5% higher yesterday after a bumper earnings result, but is the tech company still a buy?

| More on:
Chalk-drawn rocket shown blasting off into space

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 WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price rocketed 34.5% higher yesterday, but is the Aussie tech share overvalued?

Why did the WiseTech share price surge 35%?

The big factor was a bumper full-year earnings result from the logistics software company.

Total revenue for WiseTech grew to $429.4 million, up by 23% on the prior year. That included a 20% jump for its CargoWise core platform with revenue from newly acquired businesses up 29% to $166.4 million.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 17% to $126.7 million on an EBITDA margin of 30%. 

Impressively, WiseTech's net profit after tax surged 197% to $160.8 million including a fair value gain of $111.0 million.

The software group also reported a 1.60 cents per share fully franked dividend for shareholders.

That saw investors scramble to buy in with the WiseTech share price rocketing higher in yesterday's trade.

Is the Aussie WAAAX share overvalued?

Valuing ASX tech shares is difficult at the best of times. However, if the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it's that tech and gold shares are in high demand.

I think a 35% jump in one day indicates that the WiseTech share price may be overvalued.

It's rare to see any share surge that much higher and stay at that valuation in the long term. Determining intrinsic value is a tough game and I think we'll see investors continue to trade WiseTech shares heavily in the coming days.

The WiseTech share price currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 96.9. That means you're paying a lot today for expected growth tomorrow.

Yesterday's revenue and EBITDA figures suggest that maybe it is worth that much. However, I think I'd rather err on the side of caution and think longer term than get trapped in the current tech mania.

Foolish takeaway

In a difficult earnings season, WiseTech has certainly delivered for its investors. I think the strong WiseTech share price gains indicate that there is still serious growth potential on offer. 

However, given the lofty valuations tech shares are attracting, I think I'll look elsewhere in the market for undervalued buys.

Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Gainers

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Let's also take a look at what the various ASX sectors were doing this Wednesday.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Argosy Minerals, Immutep, Pointsbet, and Regis Resources shares are racing higher

These shares are having a strong session on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Businessman smiles with arms outstretched after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another strong showing from the share market today.

Read more »

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Healthco Healthcare, Medadvisor, Ramsay Health Care, and Tamboran shares are rising

These shares are having a strong session. But why?

Read more »

drug capsule opening up to reveal dollar signs signifying rising asx share price
Share Gainers

If you invested $6,000 in Mesoblast shares a month ago you'd have $15,636 now!

Mesoblast shares have been on a tear this past month. But why?

Read more »

Smiling man working on his laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was back to the races for ASX shares today, in a confident start to the week.

Read more »

rising gold share price represented by a green arrow on piles of gold block
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a horrible way to end the trading week today for ASX investors.

Read more »

Female miner smiling at a mine site.
Share Gainers

Up 834% in a year, guess which ASX mining stock is hitting new all-time highs today

The ASX mining stock has gone from strength to strength over the past year.

Read more »