Why is this ASX All Ords tech share crashing 15%?

This tech share is having a day to forget…

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The Objective Corporation Limited (ASX: OCL) share price is ending the week in a disappointing fashion.

At the time of writing, the technology solutions company's shares are down 15% to $12.74.

This means the Objective Corp share price is trading within sight of its 52-week low of $12.50.

a man clasps his hand to his forehead as he looks down at his phone and grimaces with a pained expression on his face as he watches the Pilbara Minerals share price continue to fall

Image source: Getty Images

Why is the Objective Corp share price being sold off?

Investors have been selling down the Objective Corp share price today in response to the release of a disappointing trading update after the market close on Thursday.

As management previously advised, Objective Corp has followed the lead of TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) and switched its focus to a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. This has seen the company stop offering purchase perpetual right to use (PRTU) licensing options to new customers.

Management expects this to boost its annual recurring revenue (ARR) in the coming years. However, this has had a negative impact on its sales revenue in FY 2023 and management is now guiding to softer than normal revenue growth.

In addition, the company notes that salary growth in the technology industry has been "very robust" over the past 18 months and it has spent heavily on travel costs to re-engage with customers.

In light of the above, FY 2023 revenue growth is going to be "single-digit rather than the double-digit figures that shareholders have come to expect" and its operating margin will decrease.

While this is disappointing, management remains very positive and highlights its very strong balance sheet (cash of $60 million and no debt), its highly cash generative business, and positive long term outlook. In respect to the latter, the company concluded:

The customer demand and fundamentals of our business remain strong. This will put us in a strong position to deliver outstanding headline numbers again from FY 2024.

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 positions in and has recommended Objective Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended TechnologyOne Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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