Why did the Xero share price go backwards in May?

The Xero share price had a dismal month over May. Let's check out 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

Key points
  • The ASX 200 and most ASX 200 shares had a rather disappointing May 
  • But ASX 200 tech share Xero fared far worse 
  • Let's look at why this software company fared so poorly 

It's been a tough start to June and winter for the Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price. At market close on Wednesday, Xero shares have fallen by a nasty 2.16% and are currently going for $87.36 each. That's certainly a lot closer to Xero's 52-week low of $75.80 than its 52-week high of $156.65.

But this latest fall is only an extension of the falls we saw for Xero shares over the month just gone. May was a hard month for most ASX 200 shares. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lost a hefty 3.01% over May, with many ASX 200 shares recording falls far larger than that.

Xero, as a prominent ASX 200 tech share, often tends to move in an amplified pattern to the broader ASX 200. If the ASX 200 falls, Xero shares often fall by even more. Conversely, if the markets have a good time of it, Xero is usually outperforming.

So Xero shares began May at a price of $96.35 each. Yesterday, the cloud-based accounting software company closed at $89.27 a share. That's a rather nasty fall of 7.33% – far more than the falls of the broader market over the month.

So why was Xero left out in the cold last month?

Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.

Image source: Getty Images

Why did the Xero share price have such a chilly May?

Well, it looks as though the company's full-year results that Xero posted on 12 May played a large role here.

Back then, Xero dropped its full-year results for the 12 months to 31 March 2022. As we covered at the time, Xero announced a 29% increase in revenues to NZ$1.1 billion, as well as a 28% lift in annualised monthly recurring revenue to NZ$1.2 billion. The company also revealed that its total subscribers swelled by 19% to 3.3 million.

That led Xero to report an 11% rise in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to NZ$212.7 million, which put its net loss at NZ$9.1 million.

As my Fool colleague observed when these results were released, it seems investors were expecting to see a little more from Xero. That might explain why the company's shares fell around 10% at the time to what is now the company's 52-week low.

Xero spent the following weeks bouncing back slightly from this dramatic fall. But it wasn't enough to stop Xero shares from going backwards by 7.33% over the month just gone.

At the current Xero share price, this ASX 200 tech share has a market capitalisation of $13.06 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. 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 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.
Technology Shares

Should you buy the 20% dip in the DroneShield share price?

This high-flying stock is having its wings clipped on Wednesday.

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
Technology Shares

DroneShield posts record revenue and unveils leadership changes

DroneShield posts record revenue and announces CEO and Chairman changes in its latest update.

Read more »

Drone flying in the air.
Technology Shares

Up 1,800% in a year, this ASX stock just hit another record high

Elsight shares climb again as defence drone momentum keeps building.

Read more »

A group of six work colleagues gather around a computer in an office situation and discuss something on the screen as one man points and others look on with interest
Technology Shares

2 ASX 200 tech shares this fund manager backs to survive the AI threat

ASX 200 tech shares have fallen 44% over 6 months on fears that AI will disrupt many businesses.

Read more »

A tech worker wearing a mask holds a computer chip.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock is up 150% in a year. Here's why it's climbing again today

Weebit Nano extends its strong rally after the latest capital raising.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Why are NextDC shares surging higher?

There's been a big vote of confidence in the company.

Read more »

Young happy athletic woman listening to music on earphones while jogging in the park, symbolising passive income.
Technology Shares

Are ASX tech stocks setting up for their next big run?

Tech stocks rarely move in straight lines. But after this reset, I think the setup is becoming more compelling.

Read more »

woman working on tablet
Technology Shares

NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing

NEXTDC launches $1 billion hybrid securities offer with La Caisse commitment to drive data centre expansion.

Read more »