Guess which ASX tech stock is crashing 39% on Friday

This tech stock is having a difficult finish to the week. But why?

| 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

Key points

  • A tech stock plummets by 39% following an unexpected strategic shift to concentrate on the ANZ market, stepping back from its North American expansion due to challenging market conditions.
  • The company has downgraded its revenue and free cash flow guidance for FY 2026, alongside announcing an impairment charge of up to NZ$150 million on North American intangibles.
  • Despite these setbacks, the CEO remains optimistic, emphasising growth opportunities in the electronic road user charging sector within New Zealand, poised for a significant rollout.

It has been a brutal session for one ASX tech stock on Friday.

At the time of writing, this technology company's shares are down a whopping 39% to $1.57.

Which ASX tech stock is crashing?

The stock that is being sold off this morning is Eroad Ltd (ASX: ERD).

It is a hardware-enabled SaaS company delivering safety, compliance, sustainability and efficiency solutions for complex vehicles fleets.

In a surprise move, the ASX tech stock has announced that it will refocus its growth strategy on Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), stepping back from its previously ambitious North American expansion plans.

According to the release, management advised that the decision follows slower-than-expected growth in the United States, where market conditions are elongating enterprise sales cycles.

In addition, the company believes that prioritising a significant ANZ opportunity in electronic road user charging (eRUC) will deliver better results. The eRUC is a system for distance and weight-based road funding that is expected to roll out across 4.6 million vehicles in New Zealand in the years ahead. It will replace fuel excise duties.

Guidance downgrade

Due to its weaker than expected performance in the United States, the ASX tech stock has downgraded its guidance for FY 2026.

It now expects revenue of NZ$197 million to NZ$203 million, compared to guidance of NZ$205 million+. In addition, its annualised recurring revenue (ARR) is forecast to be NZ $175 million to NZ$183 million instead of NZ$188 million+.

Also downgraded was its guidance for its free cash flow margin. This is now expected in the range of 5% to 8% instead of 8% to 10%.

It will also record an impairment to carrying value of intangible assets relating to the North American region of up to NZ$150 million.

Despite the above, the ASX tech stock's CEO, Mark Heine, remains positive. He said:

I am incredibly excited by the opportunities ahead at EROAD, as we focus on what matters most to our customers and our growth. Building on EROAD's legacy and credibility in eRUC is particularly energising. As the world continues to trend towards more fuel-efficient vehicles, the need to fund global infrastructure sustainably and more equitably creates significant opportunity for EROAD. We see the 4.6m vehicles in New Zealand as the perfect place to start.

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Will the Droneshield share price double in 2026?

One broker sees potential for a 150% gain from current levels.

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Technology Shares

Why is this surging ASX tech stock jumping another 12% on Friday?

This growing company's shares are now up 380% since the start of the year.

Read more »

Man on computer looking at graphs
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy Xero shares today

A leading investment expert has a bullish outlook on Xero shares. Let’s see why.

Read more »

A warehouse worker is standing next to a shelf and using a digital tablet.
Technology Shares

Is WiseTech shaping up as a bargain after its steep decline?

WiseTech shares have pulled back sharply in recent months, giving up a fair bit of the momentum they built earlier…

Read more »

discount asx shares represented by gold baloons in the form of thirty per cent.
Technology Shares

When a top ASX stock falls 30%, it gets my attention. Here's why

The recent share price fall has been hard to ignore, which raises the question of whether the market has overreacted…

Read more »

A man sits in casual clothes in front of a computer amid graphic images of data superimposed on the image, as though he is engaged in IT or hacking activities.
Technology Shares

Megaport shares tipped to jump another 60%: Here's why

Here's what will drive the shares higher over the next months.

Read more »

excited woman looking at ASX share price on computer screen
Technology Shares

4 reasons to buy this ASX 300 tech share today

A leading investment expert forecasts more outperformance from this ASX tech share.

Read more »

person sitting at outdoor table looking at mobile phone and credit card.
Technology Shares

Investors should put these 2 top ASX tech shares on the watchlist

These technology investments could deliver exciting growth.

Read more »