The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) had a volatile month but managed to record a small gain. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to end at 8,881.9 points.
Four ASX 200 shares that acted as a drag on the index are named below. Here's why they were the worst-performing shares in October:
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WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)
The WiseTech Global share price was the worst performer on the ASX 200 in October with a decline of 23.4%. The catalyst for this is news that the logistics solutions platform provider's office was raided by officers from ASIC and the Australian Federal Police. The company advised that they came searching for information relating to share sales by its founder, Richard White, and several colleagues late last year and through to early this year. WiseTech noted that no charges had been laid as of the release of its announcement.
Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP)
The Bapcor share price wasn't far behind with a decline of 20.2%. Investors were selling this auto parts retailer's shares after it released its guidance for FY 2026. The Burson Auto Parts owner revealed that first half underlying profit is expected to be in the range of $14 million to $18 million. This will be down materially from $45.5 million in the prior corresponding period. On a statutory basis things will be even worse, with a profit of just $3 million to $7 million expected. And this doesn't include any potential impairments associated with the New Zealand segment. Its market capitalisation has fallen so much now that it could be at risk of being kicked out of the ASX 200 index soon.
DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)
The DroneShield share price was out of form and tumbled 17.8% over the period. This was despite the counter drone technology company releasing an impressive quarterly update. DroneShield reported a 1,091% increase in revenue to $92.9 million for the third quarter of FY 2025. This was a record quarter of revenue and more than double its previous record. Management also revealed that its committed revenue for 2025 is now $193.1 million. This compares to the $57 million of revenue it recorded for the whole of 2024. DroneShield's shares remain up over 400% year to date despite this pullback.
Light & Wonder Inc. (ASX: LNW)
The Light & Wonder share price had a tough month and dropped 15.6%. Last month, the gaming technology company provided notice of its intention to delist from the Nasdaq in order to transition to a sole primary listing on the Australian share market. It said: "Our decision to transition to a sole primary listing on the ASX reflects our strategic focus on aligning our capital markets presence with our long-term growth plans and shareholder base. We are seeking to consolidate trading liquidity onto the ASX, a deep and liquid market that has a robust understanding of the gaming sector." This may have led to some US investors selling down their holdings.
