Behind the ASX share: What makes WiseTech tick?

Here's a breakdown of the $12 billion tech company's business.

| More on:
two women stand at a computer smiling in a large factory with high shelves piled with goods, as though working in logistics.

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

Key points

  • ASX 200 tech favourite WiseTech provides software solutions for global supply chain operators
  • WiseTech's 18,000 customers span more than 165 countries and include 42 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders
  • Still, the company's stock hasn't managed to dodge this year's broader tech sell-off

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) is a favourite among S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tech shares.

In fact, the stock was part of the WAAAX group of shares. The group was arguably disbanded upon Afterpay's removal from the ASX.

At the time of writing, the WiseTech share price is $39.06. That's approximately flat with its highest point of 2019 and around 35% lower than its highest point ever, reached late last year.

So, what does the ASX tech giant actually do? Read on to find out.

But first, what is WiseTech?

S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) favourite WiseTech develops and provides software solutions to support companies working in global supply chains.

According to the company, its software solutions are renowned for their productivity, functionality, integration, compliance capabilities, and global reach.

The company's flagship platform, CargoWise, provides customers with an end-to-end global logistics solution, executing more than 72 billion data transactions each year.

WiseTech calls more than 18,000 logistics companies its customers. They span more than 165 countries and include 42 of the top 50 global third-party logistics providers and 24 of the 25 largest global freight forwarders on the planet.

The company has a market capitalisation of around $12.7 billion, according to the ASX.

It joined the ASX in 2016 after offering its shares for $3.35 apiece under its initial public offering (IPO).

At the end of the first half of this financial year, WiseTech had $380 million in cash and no debt. It's also currently trading with a 0.22% dividend yield.

What's weighed on the WiseTech share price in 2022?

This year looks to have been a good one for WiseTech on paper. The company released seemingly strong half-year earnings and upgraded its guidance in February.

However, the market appears to have turned on the former favourite. The WiseTech share price has slumped close to 35% year to date.

But it's worth noting the company hasn't suffered alone. The ASX 200 info tech sector has tumbled 36% in 2022, meaning WiseTech is performing in line with most of its peers.

As my Fool colleague Sebastian recently reported, rising inflation and interest rate hikes have likely dampened sentiment for ASX tech shares this year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper 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 WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. 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

rising asx share price represented by drone flying in the air
Technology Shares

What's happening with Droneshield shares today?

In the last two trading days Droneshield shares leapt 19% then tumbled 16%. So, what’s happening today?

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX 200 founder just sold off $18 million worth of company shares

Should investors be worried about this share sale?

Read more »

A skydiving man in a jester hat and carrying a burger and sauce, pokes out his tongue at the camera, indicating all is not lost when you're falling.
Technology Shares

Why is the Droneshield share price crashing 19% on Monday?

Investors are sending shares in Droneshield down 19% in morning trade.

Read more »

A woman holds her hand out under a graphic hologram image of a human brain with brightly lit segments and section points.
Technology Shares

1 ASX artificial intelligence (AI) stock that could help turbocharge your portfolio

Analysts at Goldman Sachs are raving about this AI stock.

Read more »

a group of tech people gather around a computer operated by a young woman while the group looks on in support.
Technology Shares

Brokers say this rapidly growing ASX 200 tech stock is a strong buy

Big returns could be on the cards for owners of this stock.

Read more »

A corporate female wearing glasses looks intently at a virtual reality screen with shapes and lights representing Block shares going up today
Technology Shares

Here are 'blue-sky valuations' for these hot ASX 200 tech stocks

These ASX 200 tech stocks could have huge potential according to analysts.

Read more »

A person sitting at a desk smiling and looking at a computer.
Technology Shares

'You could make a decent amount of money' from this ASX 200 tech stock

This stock could be an underrated play.

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Technology Shares

What's happening with the NextDC share price on Thursday?

NextDC is raising $1.32 billion to accelerate its data centre developments amid the rapid growth of AI.

Read more »