Who sold $285 million worth of WiseTech shares last week?

Some big news hasn't stopped investors from pushing this tech stock higher today.

| More on:
Woman and man calculating a dividend yield.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Anyone who owns shares of ASX 200 tech stock WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) has had a wild ride over the past month or two.

Wisetech shares have endured a particularly volatile period over October and November. The logistical solutions company crashed by more than 25% back in October following some less-than-tasteful allegations against its co-founder and CEO, Richard White.

However, the company rapidly rebounded by close to 40% after White announced that he was stepping aside as CEO at the end of October.

Things were going well until 22 November, when Wisetech revealed that it would be delaying the launch of its new Container Transport Optimization product. The company will now launch this product in the second half of FY25, delaying the expected revenue stream.

Investors did not take this news well, with Wisetech shares once again taking a plunge. On the day of that announcement, the company shed another 12% or so. Saying that, as of today, Wisetech shares have yet again rebounded, rising 7% since 22 November.

At the time of writing, the company is trading at $130.66, up a solid 2%.

It seems that a senior member of Wisetech has taken advantage of this latest share price rebound.

WiseTech co-founder sells remaining shares

An ASX filing was made last Friday, 29 November, which revealed that Wisetech's other co-founder, Maree Isaacs, has almost completely exited her position in the company she helped found. Isaacs has reportedly sold her entire 8.17% position in RealWise Holdings Pty Ltd.

RealWise is the holding company that was (until recently) co-owned by Richard White and Isaacs. It, in turn, owns 37.4% of Wisetech Global. Isaacs' position has been directly transferred to Richard White himself for a total sale value of $285 million.

In addition to that sum, Isaacs will also reportedly receive "future quarterly payments based on the volume weighted average price of WiseTech shares over a period of up to seven years".

This move arguably cements Richard White's dominance at Wisetech despite his recent departure as CEO. But given what has happened with the Wisetech share price over the past few days, shareholders don't seem to mind.

As it stands today (and despite the recent volatility), this ASX 200 tech stock is now up 71.1% year to date and 93.3% over the past 12 months.

Wisetech is now trading on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 165, with a trailing dividend yield of 0.13%.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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

Three women laughing and enjoying their gambling winnings while sitting at a poker machine.
Broker Notes

Up 39% in a year, what's Macquarie's price target on Aristocrat Leisure shares now?

Macquarie rates the $44 billion ASX 200 gaming technology company as an outperform. But why?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Technology Shares

Why the EOS share price could be heading to $5

This high-flying stock could be heading even higher according to one broker.

Read more »

A silhouette of a soldier flying a drone at sunset.
Share Gainers

Invested $10,000 in DroneShield shares in January? Guess how much that's worth today!

After being labelled overvalued in mid-2024, DroneShield shares have shot the lights out in 2025.

Read more »

A group of six work colleagues gather around a computer in an office situation and discuss something on the screen as one man points and others look on with interest
Technology Shares

Are WiseTech shares a buy after this big news?

Let's see what one leading broker is saying about this tech stock.

Read more »

A man with a beard and wearing dark sunglasses and a beanie head covering raises a fist in happy celebration as he sits at is computer in a home environment.
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX tech stock just jumped 14% on 'impressive growth'

Investors are piling into the ASX tech stock on Tuesday. Here's why.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Technology Shares

Why is the EOS share price rocketing 37% today?

Let's see what is getting investors excited today.

Read more »

flying asx share price represented by man flying remote control drone
Technology Shares

Why did the DroneShield share price rocket 60%+ in July?

This stock continued its incredible rise last month. Let's find out what happened.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Technology Shares

Buy alert: Why this broker just upgraded DroneShield shares

Bell Potter is feeling bullish about this high-flying stock.

Read more »