Category: Stock Market

2021 followed a stellar year for the ASX buy now, pay later (BNPL) sector. Unfortunately, it didn’t bring the same glory for most of the sector’s participants.

In fact, these 5 ASX BNPL companies all saw their share price more than halve over the course of last year.

Let’s take a look at which BNPL stocks suffered most in 2021.

A quick note before we start: This list only contains companies with market capitalisations of more than $30 million.

The worst performing ASX BNPL stocks of 2021

Laybuy Holdings Ltd (ASX: LBY) – down 82%

Unfortunately for Laybuy Holdings investors, the company has taken out the undesirable cake. It’s crowned the worst performing ASX BNPL share for 2021.

The company’s stock started the year trading at $1.31 and hit a 52-week high of $1.50. Over the course of the year, however, it tumbled to just 23.5 cents.

Splitit Ltd (ASX: SPT) – down 81%

2021 was also a particularly bad year for the Splitit share price.

It gradually dropped 81% of its value over the 12-month period.

At the start of the year, Splitit’s shares were trading for $1.30. However, come the final close of the year it was going for 25 cents.

Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) – down 68%

Despite starting the year out strong, the Openpay share price ended last year 68% lower than it started it.

It tumbled from its starting price of $2.37 to end the year at 72.5 cents, hitting a 52-week high of $3.57 along the way.

Douugh Ltd (ASX:DOU) – down 59%

This ASX BNPL stock started the year out as the new face on the block.

Douugh floated in October 2020. It launched its first BNPL offering shortly after.

The company’s stock started 2021 trading at 17 cents and quickly surged to its 52-week high of 37.5 cents. Though, its glory didn’t last.

As of Friday’s close, the Douugh share price is 6.9 cents.

Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) – down 51%

Popular ASX BNPL stock, Sezzle just snuck onto this list after falling 51% over 2021.

That’s despite the company trading relatively flat for the first 8 months of the year – albeit, with plenty of peaks and troughs.

The company’s half year report seemed to be the cataylst for its troubles. Its share price fell nearly 15% on the day of its release and hasn’t managed to regain its feet since.

After beginning 2021 trading at $6.27, the Sezzle share price finished the year at $3.02.

The post These were the 5 worst performing ASX BNPL shares of 2021 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares hitting 52-week lows
• Latitude (ASX:LFS) boss warns many ASX BNPL companies “will go out of business”
• Openpay (ASX:OPY) share price sinks 6% in grim day for ASX BNPL shares
• Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price dives 8% amid US concerns and Sezzle merger rumbles
• Why is the Sezzle (ASX:SZL) share price tumbling 7% today?

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Some ASX shares are known for their dividends and others have been known for growth. There are a select number of stocks that could provide a mixture of both.

Not every business makes profit. Not every company that makes a profit pays a dividend.

However, these two businesses are expected to demonstrate long-term growth and could be decent options for income too:

Ansell Limited (ASX: ANN)

Ansell describes itself as a world leader in providing health and safety protection solutions that “enhance human wellbeing”. The company says that the world always needs better protection so it’s constantly researching, developing and investing to manufacture and distribute the best products through innovation and technology.

It operates in two main business segments, industrial and healthcare. It operates globally.

Ansell has a history of growing its dividend and 2021 was a year of significant growth for the business as it helped the world protect and fight against COVID-19. In FY21 the ASX share managed to grow its profit by 48.5% to $246.7 million and the dividend was increased by 53.6% to 76.8 cents per share.

Whilst healthcare saw a large increase in revenue production volumes, the industrial segment also saw organic revenue growth of 7.1% with a recovery in ‘mechanical’ and continued growth from ‘chemical’.

The company was able to bring capacity expansion online, with 12 new glove lines and several new body protection lines live which will support growth for FY22 and beyond.

Ansell is making sure it’s well positioned for the post COVID-19 environment by continuing to invest in its sales force, customer experience, product innovation and digital capabilities.

However, FY22 could see lower healthcare demand depending on COVID-19 impacts.

Morgans currently rates Ansell as a buy, with a price target of $41.87 – that’s more than 30% higher than where it is right now. At the current Ansell share price, it’s valued at around 12x FY23’s estimated earnings with a projected FY23 yield of 3.5%.

Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)

Kogan is a leading business in the Australian and New Zealand e-commerce spaces with its website businesses of Kogan and Mighty Ape.

The ASX share had been experiencing higher costs in relation to excess inventory after overestimating how much customer demand there was going to be.

However, Kogan says it has now solved these issues. Costs and margins are now expected to be better than a few months ago and management are expecting that the business can continue to grow its online market share.

Between FY19 and FY21 it grew its market share from 2.1% to 2.7%. It’s growing market share in a growing online market. It’s estimated that in FY21, Australians spent $48.6 billion on online retail, a level that was around 13.3% of the total retail trade estimate.

Kogan has a five-year goal of $3 billion of gross sales to FY26. That would be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% from FY21.

Credit Suisse currently rates the Kogan share price as a buy, with a price target of $13.88. That’s a potential upside of more than 50% over the next several months.

The broker puts the Kogan share price at 22x FY23’s estimated earnings with a grossed-up dividend yield of 3.3% in FY23.

The post 2 ASX shares that could be buys for both growth and dividends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top ASX shares to buy in January 2022
• In the ‘dog basket’: 6 ASX shares that could rebound in 2022
• 3 reasons why the Kogan (ASX:KGN) share price could be a smart buy
• These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares
• Forget Christmas! Could these ASX retail shares be set for a Boxing Day bonanza?

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was on form in December and finished a positive year with a solid monthly gain. The benchmark index rose 2.6% over the period to end at 7,444.6 points.

While a good number of shares rose with the market, some climbed more than most. Here’s why these were the best performing ASX 200 shares in December:

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The Pilbara Minerals share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 last month with a 26% gain. This appears to have been driven partly be a broker note out of Macquarie. According to the note, its analysts believe lithium prices could remain at record levels for four years. As a result, the broker retained its outperform rating and lifted its price target on the company’s shares to $3.70.

Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN)

The Mineral Resources share price wasn’t far behind with a gain of 24.7% in December. This also appears to have been driven largely by the Macquarie broker note. Its analysts expect Mineral Resources to benefit from the strong lithium prices. In light of this, the broker retained its outperform rating and lifted its price target by 10% to a lofty $79.00. Also potentially giving its shares a lift was a recovery in iron ore prices.

Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA)

The Champion Iron share price was on form last month and charged 23.9% higher during the period. As mentioned above, iron ore prices recovered during the month, which appears to have given this Canadian iron ore producer’s shares a major boost. The benchmark iron ore price rose approximately 12% in December.

Graincorp Ltd (ASX: GNC)

The GrainCorp share price was a strong performer and rose 20.9% in December. This appears to have been driven by the release of a number of bullish broker notes. One of those came from Morgans. It retained its add rating and lifted its price target to $7.90 following the release of favourable ABARES crop forecasts. GrainCorp’s shares finished the month above this price target.

The post These were the best performing ASX 200 shares in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares in December
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 falls on Friday but records 13% gain in 2021
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The ASX growth shares in this article have plenty of growth potential for the long-term. January 2022 could be the month to look for those opportunities.

Some businesses have been growing substantially in recent years but the share price could still be an attractive opportunity.

Analysts currently rate these stocks as buys:

Adore Beauty Group Ltd (ASX: ABY)

Adore Beauty is currently rated as a buy by the broker UBS with a price target of $6. That’s 50% higher than it is today. Over the past two months, the Adore Beauty share price has fallen by around 20%.

UBS notes that Adore Beauty continues to grow revenue at a quick pace and noted that it seems like revenue can grow by low double digits over the rest of the year.

In the first three months of FY22, revenue increased by 25% to $63.8 million, whilst active customers grew by 24% to 874,000.

The ASX growth share is working on a number of strategic initiatives – scaling its mobile app, building owned marketing channels and community, and expanding its loyalty program.

Adore Beauty is continuing to benefit from the ongoing structural shift to online shopping, which has been accelerated by COVID-19 (and lockdowns).

Management are focused on its growth strategy to cement its online market leadership.

The company’s first private label brand is on track to launch in the third quarter of FY22. This could help with both margins and revenue.

EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML)

EML Payments is an ASX growth share which helps process various digital payments for companies, governments and other organisations. Some of its use cases includes banking as a service, shopping centre gift cards, employer incentives, commercial payments and buy now, pay later.

UBS also rates EML as a buy, with a price target of $4.40 which is more than 33% higher than right now.

The broker thinks that the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) correspondence is an important positive.

Two of the updates from the correspondence included that CBI will permit EML’s PFS Card Services (Ireland) Limited (PCSIL) to sign new customers and launch new programs whilst staying within the material growth restrictions. PCSIL is confident that it can meet these obligations.

Second, broad based reductions in limit controls on programs will not be imposed. The CBI said it’s satisfied to continue to engage with PCSIL with a view to agreeing appropriate limits.

However, the CBI intends to have a material growth limitation over PCSIL’s total payment volumes imposed for 12 months or rescinded earlier after third party verification to confirm its remediation plan has been effectively implemented.

The ASX growth share said that the CBI has invited PCSIL to provide it with submissions about growth limits, which it intends to do so by 30 November 2021.

According to UBS, the EML share price is valued at 27x FY23’s estimated earnings.

The post 2 ASX growth shares rated as buys in January 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Big four banks fall, Bega Cheese jumps again
• Top ASX shares to buy in 2022
• 3 ASX growth shares could be strong buys
• 2 leading ASX growth shares for 2022
• 2 quick-growing small cap ASX shares to watch

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Adore Beauty Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adore Beauty Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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December certainly was a great month for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). The benchmark index rose 2.6% over the period to end it at 7,444.6 points.

Unfortunately, not all shares were able to climb higher with the market. Here’s why these were the worst performing ASX 200 shares in December:

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price was the worst performer on the ASX 200 last month with a 34.4% decline. Investors were selling off the fund manager’s shares after it announced the termination of the St James’s Place mandate. Magellan advised that the mandate represents approximately 12% of the company’s current annual revenues. Though, due to the timing of its termination, it is only anticipated to impact Magellan’s FY 2022 revenues by 6%. Investors appear concerned more mandates could be lost, particularly given the very poor performance of its flagship fund.

Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

The Afterpay share price was some way behind as the next worst performer with a decline of 17%. The buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares were sold down after the Square share price tumbled lower. As Afterpay shareholders have voted in favour of being acquired by Square in an all-scrip deal, its shares rise and fall with the Square share price.

Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB)

The Mesoblast share price was a poor performer and dropped 12.7% during the month. Investors were selling off the allogeneic cellular medicines developer’s shares after Novartis terminated an agreement that could have been worth ~US$1.2 billion. The two parties were looking at Mesoblasts’ remestemcel-L as a treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19. Novartis ended the agreement after reviewing some disappointing trial results.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

The Zip share price was out of form again and dropped 11.5% last month. This was driven by weakness in the tech sector and concerns over news that US authorities are launching an investigation into the BNPL sector. The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking to see if BNPL players need to be better regulated and if US consumers are adequately protected.

The post These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the 5 top performing ASX BNPL shares of 2021
• These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 falls on Friday but records 13% gain in 2021
• Why the Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price is rising 5% today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Afterpay Limited and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Afterpay Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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While 2020 was a brilliant year for many ASX buy now, pay later (BNPL) shares, 2021 wasn’t so dazzling.

In fact, only 2 stocks with market capitalisations of over $30 million recorded share price gains for the last 12 months.

Let’s take a look at the winning BNPL stocks of the last 12 months.

The best performing ASX BNPL shares of 2021

Fatfish Group Ltd (ASX: FFG) – up 36%

The Fatfish share price bested that of its BNPL peers over the course of 2021.

Having started the year trading at 3.8 cents, it finished at 4.9 cents.

The major news that boosted the company’s stock was, interestingly, not released by it.

According to the company, its share price soared 440% over 2 sessions, likely due to a sale made by its investee iCandy Interactive Ltd (ASX: ICI).

Additionally, Fatfish acquired Forever Pay, a stake in Pay Direct Technology, BNPL Next, and has launched its BNPL offering, PaySlowSlow in 2021.

Novatti Group Ltd (ASX: NOV) – up 15%

The first half of 2021 saw the Novatti share price performing strongly. However, the second half saw it drop most of its gains to finish just 15% higher than it started.

The major news to move the company’s stock was its agreement with fellow ASX BNPL company, Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT).

Afterpay selected Novatti to provide its services in New Zealand, sending the latter’s shares 32% higher.

Having started the year trading at 25.5 cents, Novatti’s stock finished 2021 swapping hands at 30 cents.

Ioupay Ltd (ASX: IOU) – down 21%

The Ioupay share price’s major move of 2021 was an unexplained one.

In February it was handed a ‘please explain’ from the ASX after its stock gained 32% in a day. The company responded by saying it was as perplexed as anyone else.

Since then, its share price has once more slumped.

After starting 2021 trading at 19.5 cents, it’s finished trading at 15.5 cents.

Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM) – down 20%

The Humm share price outperformed many of its peers despite recording a 20% tumble.

It began the year trading at $1.13 and finished it at 90 cents.

The most recent news to rumble the company’s stock was a mention of a potential takeover.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) – down 18%

Finally, ASX BNPL favourite Zip made it onto the podium – just.

The company’s shares started 2021 swapping hands for $5.59 and have since tumbled to finish 2021 trading at $4.33.

Over the course of the year, Zip rebranded its previous purchase, QuadPay in the United States.

It has also acquired – or is working to acquire – inroads in Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The post These were the 5 top performing ASX BNPL shares of 2021 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why 4DS, Healius, Helloworld, and Humm shares are dropping today
• Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) hoses down Humm (ASX:HUM) takeover rumours
• Why Anteotech, Bega Cheese, Humm, and Syrah shares are racing higher
• Why has the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price tumbled 15% in December?
• In the ‘dog basket’: 6 ASX shares that could rebound in 2022

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Humm Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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There are some potentially wonderful ASX dividend shares that could offer compelling payouts for income-seekers in the coming years.

Some businesses on the ASX share market are known for paying dividends such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

However, there are some smaller companies that could provide more compelling income and growth over the long-term:

Brickworks Limited (ASX: BKW)

Brickworks is a leading construction products business that has a number of leading divisions including Bristle Roofing, Austral Bricks, Austral Masonry, Austral Precast and Pronto Panel. In the US it has acquired a few businesses, making it a leader in some areas of the country – one of those acquisitions was Glen Gery.

This ASX dividend share hasn’t cut its ordinary dividend for over 40 years.

Brickworks has two asset divisions that help fund and grow the Brickworks dividend – its large shareholding of Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) shares as well as its 50% share of the joint venture industrial property trust with Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

Soul Pattinson is an investment conglomerate that is invested in various assets and sectors including telecommunications, resources, agriculture, financial services, property, swimming schools and blue chip ASX shares. It has been providing growing earnings and defensive dividends to Brickworks for decades.

There is unprecedented demand for the industrial properties in the trust, which is expected to lead to record earnings in the first half of FY22. The trust continues its development activity. The new, huge Amazon facility was scheduled to be finished at the end of December 2021. The trust will soon have another 75 hectares of land which will extend its development pipeline in order to meet the unprecedented demand for industrial property.

The ASX dividend share currently has a trailing grossed-up dividend yield of 3.6%.

Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)

Nick Scali is a leading furniture business which recently grew even bigger with the acquisition of the Plush-Think Sofas business.

The combined business will have around 110 showrooms and in FY21 the two companies generated a combined $533 million of revenue and $153 million of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).

The ASX dividend share’s management believe that Plush has been purchased on attractive financial metrics, there are material synergies to be extracted and that there is a growth opportunity for both a national store rollout and online growth.

Nick Scali has grown its dividend every year since 2013, including through 2020.

The brokers at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) think that Nick Scali is a buy and is going to pay a grossed-up dividend yield of 6% in FY22 and 6.9% in FY23.

Nick Scali is also looking to own more of its own retail stores and expected to complete the acquisition of a new showroom in Townsville by the end of December. This site will also include a new distribution facility serving North Queensland, providing the infrastructure for further growth in that region.

The post Are these 2 excellent ASX dividend shares buys in January? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Brickworks, Charter Hall, Magellan, and Rio Tinto shares are falling
• 2 cheap ASX dividend shares with big yields
• Forget Christmas! Could these ASX retail shares be set for a Boxing Day bonanza?
• 2 great ASX dividend shares rated as buys for 2022: experts
• Here’s why the Brickworks (ASX:BKW) share price has lots of potential

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison owns Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Brickworks. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Brickworks and Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Are you looking for dividend shares to add to your income portfolio in January? If you are, then the two listed below could be top options.

Both have been named as buys and tipped to provide attractive yields that are vastly superior to the interest rates on offer with term deposits. Here’s why analysts rate these ASX dividend shares highly:

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The first ASX dividend share to look at is Adairs. It is a leading homewares and furniture retailer with both a bricks and mortar and online presence. This includes through its core brand, the online-only Mocka brand, and the soon to be acquired Focus on Furniture brand.

The team at UBS is positive on Adairs. A recent note out of UBS reveals that its analysts have a buy rating and $5.90 price target on the company’s shares. UBS was pleased with its acquisition of Focus on Furniture and expects it to give Adairs greater exposure to mid-market home furniture categories.

As for dividends, UBS is forecasting fully franked dividends of 19.6 cents per share in FY 2022 and 29.9 cents per share in FY 2023. Based on the current Adairs share price of $4.01, this will mean yields of 4.9% and 7.5%, respectively.

DEXUS Property Group (ASX: DXS)

Another ASX dividend share to look at is Dexus. It is an Australian real estate company focused on office, industrial and retail properties.

Dexus has also recently added to its high quality portfolio through the acquisition of $1.5 billion worth of industrial assets. These assets include Jandakot Airport in Perth and a logistics centre leased to Australia Post.

Macquarie is positive on the company and has an outperform rating and $11.93 price target on its shares. The broker is also forecasting dividends per share of 53.7 cents in FY 2022 and 57.5 cents in FY 2023. Based on the current Dexus share price of $11.12, this will mean yields of 4.8% and 5.2%, respectively.

The post 2 ASX dividend shares to buy in January appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 2 buy-rated ASX dividend shares with growing yields
• Here’s an under the radar ASX growth share with 22% upside

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended ADAIRS FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended ADAIRS FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was only open for three days last week but that didn’t stop it from recording a decent gain. The benchmark index rose 0.3% over the period to end at 7,444.6 points.

Unfortunately, not all shares climbed higher with the market. Here’s why these were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week:

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)

The Clinuvel share price was the worst performer on the ASX 200 last week with a decline of 4.3%. This was despite there being no news out of the biopharmaceutical company. However, its shares have come under a spot of pressure recently amid concerns over a new product that is competing with its Scenesse therapy.

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

The Whitehaven Coal share price wasn’t far behind with a decline of 3.7% over the three days. This appears to have driven by a spot of weakness in coal prices. In addition, S&P Global reported that China’s metallurgical coal prices are expected to remain bearish in 2022. Industry sources have suggested that demand will fall 2.9% below 2021 levels.

Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT)

The Afterpay share price continued its poor run and dropped 3.5% over the period. This has been driven by sustained weakness in the Square share price on Wall Street. As shareholders have voted in favour of Square’s all-scrip takeover deal, the value of the transaction rises and falls with its share price. The Afterpay share price ended the year 30% lower despite the takeover.

Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP)

The Stockland share price was out of form and dropped 3% last week. However, this decline was driven largely by the property company’s shares going ex-dividend for its 12 cents per share interim dividend. Eligible shareholders can now look forward to being paid this dividend in around eight weeks on 28 February.

The post These were the worst performing ASX 200 shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 falls on Friday but records 13% gain in 2021
• ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: Big four banks fall, Bega Cheese jumps again
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Why Afterpay, Healius, IDP Education, and Transurban shares are falling

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Afterpay Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Afterpay Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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Last week was only a short one for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), but it was a positive one. The benchmark index rose 0.3% over the period to end at 7,444.6 points.

While a good number of shares rose with the market, some climbed more than most. Here’s why these were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week:

Perenti Global Ltd (ASX: PRN)

The Perenti share price was the best performer on the ASX 200 last week with a gain of 12%. This could have been a delayed reaction to an announcement a week earlier. That announcement revealed that Perenti and Tshukudu Metals Botswana have finalised the contract for the provision of open pit mining services at the Sandfire Resources (ASX: SFR) Motheo Copper Project in Botswana. The finalised contract is valued at US$493 million (100% basis) over an initial term of seven years and three months.

Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)

The Bega Cheese share price wasn’t far behind with a gain of 10% over the three days. Investors were scrambling to buy the diversified food company’s shares amid news that Andrew Forrest’s Tattarang AgriFood Investments business has accumulated a 6.61% stake. Tattarang was buying shares between 10 November and 29 December.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

The Pilbara Minerals share price was on form again and charged 9.2% higher last week. This appears to have been driven by optimism that lithium prices will stay higher for longer. Before Christmas, analysts at Macquarie suggested lithium prices could remain at record levels for four years. In response, the broker retained its outperform rating and lifted its price target on the company’s shares to $3.70. Incidentally, the Pilbara Minerals share price ended up being the best performer on the ASX 200 over the 12 months with a stunning 270% gain.

Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX: OBL)

The Omni Bridgeway share price was a solid performer and rose 6% during the period. This was despite there being no news out of the class action funder. However, it is worth noting that there has been a sharp reduction in the number of shares held by short sellers recently. This could mean that they have been buying back shares to close positions.

The post These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 falls on Friday but records 13% gain in 2021
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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