Why now could be the time to buy WiseTech shares

Brokers see 26% to 260% upside if the tech-company can restore confidence.

| More on:

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 have been smashed to a 52-week low in the past five trading days. During that time, WiseTech shares lost another 19% to $47.60 at the time of writing.

The sell-off has has wiped tens of billions of dollars off the ASX company's market value in a matter of months and WiseTech shares are back to levels last seen years ago.

For long-term investors, that kind of capitulation often marks the moment when opportunity starts to outweigh fear.

Two people work with a digital map of the world, planning their logistics on a global scale.

Image source: Getty Images

Governance and leadership concerns

The collapse of WiseTech shares has far more to do with sentiment than a sudden breakdown in the business. Software stocks globally have been under pressure, and WiseTech has also been dealing with governance concerns and heightened scrutiny of its leadership.

The market has responded by aggressively de-rating WiseTech shares, even though the core earnings engine remains intact.

Sticky clients, predictable earnings

At the heart of the investment case is CargoWise, WiseTech's flagship logistics platform. It is deeply embedded in the daily operations of freight forwarders and customs brokers around the world.

Once customers are onboarded, switching costs are extremely high. That translates into sticky clients, recurring revenue, and exceptional visibility over future earnings. Global supply chains are only becoming more complex, and WiseTech sits right in the middle of that complexity, charging customers to make sense of it.

Growth drivers have not disappeared for WiseTech shares. The company continues to expand organically by adding new modules and customers, while acquisitions have historically allowed it to scale quickly across regions.

Analysts still expect revenue and earnings to grow strongly through FY26 as global trade volumes normalise and digital adoption across logistics continues.

Priced for disappointment

Valuation is where the story gets interesting. WiseTech shares are now trading well below its historical multiples. This is a stock that was once priced for perfection and is now priced for disappointment.

Long-term growth investors are often rewarded for buying dominant businesses when confidence is at its lowest, not when headlines are glowing.

That said, the risks are real and should not be ignored. Governance concerns have damaged trust and placed a cloud over the ASX share price. Any further missteps could delay a re-rating.

The company also carries execution risk from its acquisition strategy, as integrating large and complex businesses can strain management and margins. On top of that, technology stocks remain vulnerable to macro shifts in interest rates and investor appetite for growth.

What next for WiseTech shares?

Looking ahead, analyst expectations remain surprisingly resilient. Most forecasts still point to solid earnings growth over the next two years, and many brokers believe the share price has overshot on the downside. The market is clearly pricing in a worst-case scenario.

If WiseTech merely proves it can keep growing and restore confidence, today's share price could look like a rare opportunity. TradingView data shows that most brokers see WiseTech shares as a strong buy. The 12-month price targets range from $60.23 to $105.40, pointing to a potential gain of 26% to a whopping 260%.

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther 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.

More on Technology Shares

Two happy and excited friends in euphoria holding a smartphone, after winning in a bet.
Technology Shares

Why Bell Potter says this ASX defence stock could rocket 100%

Bell Potter thinks this speculative stock could double in value.

Read more »

A man flying a drone using a remote controller.
Technology Shares

Up 133% this year and still climbing: Why this ASX tech stock just hit a record high

This ASX tech stock just hit a record high after an exciting US defence update.

Read more »

A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.
Technology Shares

Could buying Xero shares at $80 make me rich?

After a major pullback, could this be a turning point for long-term investors? I dig deeper into things in this…

Read more »

Robot hand and human hand touching the same space on a digital screen, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Technology Shares

Up 3000% over a year, what's moving this AI company's shares now?

A capital raise has fired up interest in this stock.

Read more »

Wooden blocks spelling rebound with coins on top.
Broker Notes

Can Life360 shares recover from the AI fuelled sell-off?

A leading expert looks into the AI-driven pressure hitting Life360 shares.

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Technology Shares

Why I think the WiseTech share price has plenty of upside

Here’s why I think the outlook remains compelling for this fallen tech giant.

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Technology Shares

Why are Megaport shares jumping 9% today?

This stock is having a strong start to the week. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Happy woman and man looking at an iPad.
Technology Shares

Megaport secures $35.4m compute deal and lifts recurring revenue

Megaport secures a new compute contract and posts strong recurring revenue growth while holding FY26 guidance steady.

Read more »