Why are WiseTech Global shares crashing almost 20% today?

Recent controversy has led to delays to an important launch and hit its revenues.

| More on:
A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.

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

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are crashing down to earth again on Friday.

In morning trade, the logistics solutions company's shares are down almost 20% to $112.12.

Why are WiseTech Global shares crashing?

Investors have been hitting the sell button today after the company released a trading update ahead of its highly anticipated annual general meeting.

According to the release, since his appointment on 24 October, interim CEO Andrew Cartledge and the board, in consultation with ex-CEO Richard White, have reviewed the progress of its breakthrough products, CargoWise Next, Container Transport Optimization, and ComplianceWise.

It notes that ComplianceWise was released in the first quarter as expected, and the release of CargoWise Next is broadly on track.

However, as a result of distractions flowing from the recent media attention over ex-CEO Richard White's behaviour and the organisational changes that have subsequently been implemented, the commercial launch of Container Transport Optimization has been delayed.

WiseTech Global revealed that Container Transport Optimization is now expected to launch in the second half of FY 2025, resulting in a delay to anticipated revenue.

In light of this, WiseTech considers it appropriate to update its FY 2025 guidance.

Previous guidance

As a reminder, WiseTech Global was guiding to FY 2025 revenue of $1,300 million to $1,350 million. This represents year on year revenue growth of 25% to 30%.

It was also expecting its EBITDA to come in at $660 million to $700 million, representing annual growth of 33% to 41%. The company's full year EBITDA margin was expected to be 51% to 52%.

Downgraded guidance

Today's update reveals that the company now anticipates FY 2025 revenue of $1,200 million to $1,300 million, which represents revenue growth of 15% to 25% versus FY 2024.

WiseTech Global's EBITDA is now expected to be $600 million to $660 million. This represents EBITDA growth of 21% to 33% and a full year EBITDA margin in the range of 50% to 51%.

At the midpoint of these guidance ranges, this is a downgrade of 5.7% and 7.4%, respectively.

This arguably makes the sizeable decline in WiseTech Global shares today a bit of an overreaction. Particularly with management remaining very positive on the outlook of its new offering. It said:

Importantly, the Company's expectations of the long-term value these products will create for WiseTech customers remain unchanged. An update on all the breakthrough products will be provided at WiseTech's Investor Day on 3 December 2024. In addition, WiseTech is seeking to mitigate the revenue delay through other significant initiatives which are also expected to have long-term benefits for WiseTech and its customers.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in WiseTech Global. 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

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Technology Shares

What's the latest update on takeover target RPM Global?

An extraordinary 99.88% of votes cast were in favour of the takeover.

Read more »

A woman jumps for joy with a rocket drawn on the wall behind her.
Technology Shares

Why is this ASX tech stock jumping 14% on Friday?

This tech stock is ending the week in style.

Read more »

Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.
Technology Shares

Why experts think the Xero share price could rise 70% in 2026!

This business is one of the most impressive businesses on the ASX.

Read more »

A male ASX investor sits cross-legged with a laptop computer in his lap with a slightly crazed, happy, excited look on his face while next to him a graphic of a rocket shoots upwards with graphics of stars scattered around it
Technology Shares

Rocketboots rockets 80% on blockbuster global deal. Is this ASX small cap just getting started?

Rocketboots shares have jumped 80% after landing a major global contract that could transform its growth outlook.

Read more »

Military engineer works on drone
Technology Shares

2026 will be the 'Year of the Drone': Buy DroneShield shares

Bell Potter believes that this growing company could have a very big year.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Technology Shares

Shares in this small-cap education company have hit a fresh 12-month high on a lucrative contract win

A lucrative contract with the New Zealand Government has sent this company's shares sharply higher.

Read more »

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

This ASX 200 share is being labelled one of the market's most undervalued by brokers

NextDC shares have pulled back sharply, but brokers believe the long-term growth story remains firmly on track.

Read more »

A silhouette of a soldier flying a drone at sunset.
Technology Shares

This 10-bagger drone technology company has just won a lucrative new defence contract

This drone technology company's shares are up more than 10x for the year and are trading higher on a new…

Read more »