Down 28% in a month, why this expert says WiseTech shares are still a sell

MotleyFool
07 Mar

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares closed in the green on Thursday.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) logistics software solutions company ended the day trading for $91.63 apiece, up 0.63%.

While that will certainly be welcome news to stockholders, WiseTech shares remain down 28% since this time last month.

Longer term, shares in the ASX 200 tech stock remain up an impressive 510% over five years.

But if you're thinking about buying the dip, you may want to hear what MPC Markets' Mark Gardner had to say first (courtesy of The Bull).

Time to sell WiseTech shares?

"WiseTech develops and provides software solutions to the global logistics industry," said Gardner, who has a sell recommendation on WiseTech shares.

That's despite the company delivering some strong half-year results (H1 FY 2025).

Gardner noted:

The company delivered total revenue of US$381 million in the first half of fiscal year 2025, up 17% on the prior corresponding period. Statutory net profit after tax of US$106.4 million was up 38%.

So, why the sell recommendation?

Well, as you're likely aware, White, WiseTech's founder and founding CEO, has been facing a number of allegations relating to inappropriate behaviours. While he resigned his position as CEO last year, he vowed to remain on board in a pivotal consulting role.

In February, investors found out just what kind of role he was taking on. Which didn't sit well with some of the board and sent WiseTech shares spiralling lower.

According to Gardner:

The company recently experienced boardroom upheaval, with four independent, non-executive directors standing aside over intractable differences and differing views around the ongoing role of WiseTech founder Richard White. The shares plunged following the announcement of resignations on February 24, 2025.

White stood down as WiseTech chief executive on October 24, 2024, but transitioned to a consulting role. On February 26, 2025, the company announced that White had been appointed to the board as executive chairman.

Gardner concluded, "The shares have fallen from $121.70 on February 19 to trade at $94.80 on February 27. Until a clear succession plan is in place, the company is an unappealing investment, in my view."

What guidance has the ASX 200 tech stock given?

The same day that WiseTech announced the resignation of four directors, management also said it expects revenue to be at the bottom end of its full-year FY 2025 guidance range.

According to WiseTech:

The Company now anticipates FY25 revenue of A$1,200 million–A$1,300 million representing revenue growth of 15%–25% versus FY24 and EBITDA of A$600 million–A$660 million representing EBITDA growth of 21%–33% versus FY24. The Company's full year EBITDA margin is expected to be 50%-51%.

While revenue growth of 15% still represents solid growth, WiseTech shares crashed 20.1% on the day.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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