Bytes Technology shares plunge 25% on weaker outlook and sales shift

Published 02/07/2025, 10:20

Investing.com -- Shares of Bytes Technology Group (LON:BYIT) sank over 25% on Wednesday after the company issued a downbeat trading update ahead of its annual general meeting, citing macroeconomic pressure and a slower-than-expected transition in its sales structure.

In a statement released prior to the meeting, the U.K.-based software and cloud services provider said customer buying decisions had been deferred in the early months of the financial year due to challenging economic conditions, particularly in the corporate sector.

The company noted its shift from a generalist sales model to customer-segment-focused teams was taking longer to stabilize than anticipated. 

While intended to improve alignment with clients and support future growth, the transition has weighed on near-term performance.

Gross profit for the first half of the financial year ending February 28, 2026, is now expected to be roughly flat compared to the prior year. 

Operating profit is forecast to be marginally lower. The board anticipates “more normalised growth” in both measures during the second half.

As previously outlined in its final results, Bytes flagged that changes to Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) enterprise incentives would have a more pronounced impact in the first half. 

The effect is linked to timing, with a concentration of renewals occurring in March and April, tied to the public sector year-end, and in June, around Microsoft’s own fiscal year-end.

The company said benefits from growth in services, where profit is recognized over the contract term, will accumulate across the full year.

Despite the softer near-term performance, the group maintained that its core value proposition remains intact. 

“We’ve navigated a more challenging macro environment, compounded by the near-term effect of transforming our corporate sales team,” said CEO Sam Mudd in a statement. 

“While this has affected trading, our value proposition remains strong. We’re seeing continued engagement, a healthy pipeline and remain confident that as these sales team changes bed in, we will be a stronger business,” Mudd added.

Bytes said it continues to prioritize investment in its frontline sales force, while taking a measured approach to other areas of the business. 

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