Down 36% in a year, is it time to consider buying shares in this dominant ASX tech company?

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), the cloud accounting powerhouse beloved by Aussie small businesses and accountants, has had a rough ride.

After trading near record highs in mid-2025, the share price is now approximately 36% lower than it was this time last year. At the time of writing, Xero shares are up 0.8% to $108.78, suggesting selling pressure may be starting to ease.

So, is this a buying opportunity or a falling knife?

Let’s break it down.

Why Xero shares have fallen

Xero’s share price has fallen sharply over the past year, wiping out gains from prior periods and hitting fresh lows in late 2025. Bearish sentiment has been building as investors digest strategic moves and profit results that didn’t quite hit the market’s expectations.

The US$2.5 billion Melio acquisition in mid-2025 also weighed on sentiment. The deal was partly funded by a $1.85 billion discounted equity raising, which diluted existing shareholders and pressured the share price.

Even with positive financial metrics, such as revenue growth and improving cash flow, Xero’s share price continued to slide, suggesting that investors remain cautious.

The business is still growing

Despite the share price weakness, Xero’s underlying business continues to move in the right direction.

In its FY26 interim results, the company reported revenue growth of approximately 20% year on year, bringing revenue to around NZ$1.19 billion. EBITDA was also higher than the prior year, showing improved profitability even as the company continued to invest in the business.

Xero’s annualised monthly recurring revenue increased strongly, supported by ongoing subscriber growth and improved pricing. The company also made progress on key strategic initiatives, including its Melio acquisition and the rollout of new AI-driven features across the platform.

On paper, these results show Xero is still growing its core business and generating cash, which provides a solid fundamental backdrop. However, some key metrics missed market expectations, particularly earnings per share (EPS), and that disappointment helped push the share price lower.

So, should you buy at these levels?

A 36% fall in a high-quality ASX tech stock is hard to ignore.

Xero remains a dominant player in cloud accounting, with a strong product, loyal customers, and a long runway for growth. While short-term uncertainty remains, the current share price is starting to look far more appealing than it did a year ago.

For long-term investors willing to weather some volatility, Xero remains a stock worth watching closely.

The post Down 36% in a year, is it time to consider buying shares in this dominant ASX tech company? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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 Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.