Down 40% this year. Are WiseTech shares still a buy?

Let's investigate.

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Key points

  • WiseTech Global shares are down 0.57% to $71.11 after a 16% drop following a raid by ASIC and AFP related to alleged insider trading, contributing to a 38.72% year-on-year decline.
  • Despite recent turmoil, analysts remain optimistic; TradingView data shows strong buy ratings, with price targets as high as $177.43, indicating up to 149.24% potential upside.
  • Analysts, including Ord Minnett and Citi, maintain buy ratings with targets suggesting significant upside, while Macquarie notes the price dip as a longer-term buying opportunity, though potential investigations could take up to 18 months.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares are trading in the green at Wednesday lunchtime. At the time of writing the share price is 0.57% lower and changing hands for $71.11 a piece.

The shares have slowly fallen since late-August when the company released its FY25 results for the 12 months ended 30 June. Despite a 14% year-on-year increase in total revenue, which was just shy of analyst forecasts, investors weren't pleased and sparked a sell-off.

Then yesterday, the share price crashed 16% after the company released an announcement explaining that officers from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Australian Federal Police raided the company's Sydney office on Monday.

The officers had a search warrant for documents regarding alleged trading in WiseTech Global shares by its founder Richard White and three WiseTech employees during late 2024 to early 2025.

At the time of writing, WiseTech shares are now 38.72% lower than this time last year.

Buying opportunity or a stock to keep clear of?

WiseTech has advised that no charges have been made following its announcement. And it's not clear yet whether the investor reaction was appropriate or not.

There haven't been many updates from analysts so far, although there might be changes over the next few days.

But, as it stands, it looks like the sell-off might have created a good buying opportunity for investors looking to get access to a high-quality stock. 

TradingView data shows that analysts currently have an optimistic outlook on the company. Out of 18 analysts, 11 hold a strong buy rating, 1 has a buy rating, and the remaining 6 have a hold rating on the stock.

The maximum target price over the next 12 months is $177.43 per share, which represents an upside as high as 149.24% at the time of writing. Even the average $122.17 target price represents a huge 71.51% potential upside following yesterday's sell-off.

Ord Minnett confirmed its buy rating and $123 target price on the shares while Citi also has a buy rating but anticipates the shares could increase to $121.35 over the next 12 months.

Analysts at Macquarie have updated investors following the announcement. The broker has a neutral rating on WiseTech shares and a $108.50 price target. That still suggests a potential 52.6% upside for investors over the next 12 months.

Macquarie also said that the price dip could be an opportunity for investors with a longer-term outlook, noting that if there is an investigation, it could last 18 months.

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies 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.

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