WiseTech shares are all over the place. Here’s why

It’s been another brutal week for shareholders of WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC).

The ASX technology stock tumbled another 15% last week, extending what has become one of the market’s most dramatic sell-offs. WiseTech shares are now down around 54% since the start of 2026 and have plunged approximately 71% over the past 12 months.

Not long ago, WiseTech was one of the ASX’s undisputed tech champions, consistently delivering strong earnings growth and commanding a premium valuation. Today, it has become one of the market’s biggest battleground stocks.

So, what’s driving the volatility?

Markets hate uncertainty

The biggest issue hanging over WiseTech shares isn’t slowing demand for its software.

It’s governance. Investors have become increasingly uneasy about the ongoing scrutiny surrounding founder and executive chairman Richard White. Markets can tolerate bad news. What they dislike is uncertainty.

When governance concerns dominate the headlines, investors often demand a lower valuation regardless of how well the underlying business is performing.

That’s exactly what’s happened here. Even after the share price collapse, some investors remain concerned that the ongoing distractions could affect management’s focus, customer relationships, staff retention, or the company’s ability to execute its long-term growth strategy.

Whether those risks ultimately materialise almost becomes secondary. Right now, the uncertainty itself is enough to keep many investors on the sidelines.

Why are analysts still optimistic?

Despite the negative headlines, many analysts argue that the core business remains largely intact.

WiseTech’s flagship CargoWise platform is deeply embedded within the global logistics industry. Freight forwarders, customs brokers, warehouse operators, and supply chain businesses rely on the software to manage everything from customs compliance and freight movements to inventory and international trade documentation.

That creates one of the company’s biggest competitive strengths. Once CargoWise becomes part of a customer’s operations, replacing it is expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming. Those high switching costs help support recurring revenue, strong customer retention, and pricing power.

Analysts also see significant long-term growth opportunities. Global logistics remains a highly fragmented industry, leaving plenty of scope for CargoWise to win new customers, expand into additional markets, and sell more products to existing clients.

In other words, while the price of WiseTech shares has collapsed, many believe the business itself hasn’t changed nearly as much.

What are brokers saying?

Broker opinion reflects that view. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) recently lowered its price target for WiseTech shares but maintained its overweight rating.

Likewise, Bell Potter has retained its buy recommendation. While Bell Potter reduced its 12-month price target from $78.75 to $71.75, that still implies upside of around 127% from the current share price of approximately $31.55.

The message from analysts is fairly consistent: governance concerns have hurt sentiment, but they don’t necessarily believe the company’s competitive advantages have disappeared.

What’s next for WiseTech shares?

The next move could come down to two key questions. Can management restore investor confidence by addressing governance concerns? And can WiseTech keep delivering the earnings growth that made it one of Australia’s most successful technology companies?

Until governance uncertainty fades, WiseTech shares are likely to remain volatile. But if management can rebuild trust while continuing to execute operationally, the stock’s recent collapse could eventually look more like an overreaction than a permanent reset.

The post WiseTech shares are all over the place. Here’s why appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in WiseTech Global. 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.