If small caps are too high on the risk scale for your investment tastes, then you might be better off looking at the mid cap space.

These companies are lower down the risk scale but still have the potential to generate outsized returns for investors in the future.

With that in mind, I have picked out two mid cap ASX shares that are highly rated right now. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Bravura Solutions Ltd (ASX: BVS)

The first mid cap ASX share to look at is Bravura Solutions. It is a leading provider of software solutions for the wealth management and funds administration industries.

Bravura owns a portfolio of solutions that are both high quality and have significant market opportunities. Chief among them is the key Sonata wealth management platform, which allows financial advisers to connect and engage with clients via computers or smart devices.

But it doesn’t stop there. Bravura has been on an acquisition spree over the last few years, strengthening its offering. As a result, it also has the FinoCamp, Midwinter, and Delta Financial Systems solutions. FinoCamp builds unique and highly flexible software that supports the UK wealth market, Midwinter is a financial planning software provider, and Delta Financial Systems provides technology to power complex pensions administration in the UK market.

Times have been hard over the last couple of years because of Brexit and COVID-19. However, it appears as though the company has finally moved on and is ready to resume its growth again.

It is for this reason that Goldman Sachs is a fan of the company. It currently has a buy rating and $3.90 price target on its shares. Goldman believes Bravura has a massive growth opportunity in the UK and ANZ markets.

Nearmap Ltd (ASX: NEA)

Another mid cap ASX share to look at is Nearmap. It is an aerial imagery technology and location data company.

Thanks to its technology, every day the company helps thousands of users conduct virtual site visits for deep, data-driven insights. It notes that this enables informed decisions, streamlined operations, and significant cost savings.

Demand for its offering has been growing strongly in the ANZ and North American markets over the last few years and has continued in FY 2021. Earlier this week, Nearmap released its full year update and revealed a record performance in the United States. This led to Nearmap outperforming its guidance in FY 2021.

It expects to report a 26% increase in annual contract value (ACV) to $133.8 million on a constant currency basis. This compares to its previously upgraded ACV guidance of $128 million to $132 million.

Looking ahead, management appears confident in its growth trajectory. It continues to target annualised contract value (ACV) growth of 20% to 40% per annum over the long term, with underlying churn of less than 10%.

Morgan Stanley remains bullish. This week the broker retained its overweight rating and $3.20 price target on its shares.

The post 2 highly rated mid cap ASX shares tipped as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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. owns shares of and has recommended Bravura Solutions Ltd and Nearmap Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Bravura Solutions Ltd and Nearmap 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 National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and its share price are being scrutinised today. This comes as the potential Forum Finance fraud situation drags another ASX bank share into the mix.

At the time of writing, the NAB share price is off by 0.44% to $25.90. However, it is not alone in the red sea on Friday. All big four banks are showing weakness to finish the week.

Forum Finance creating muddy waters

The potential fraud saga involving Forum Finance continues to grow murkier. Only a couple of weeks ago, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) revealed it had uncovered a potential case of fraud.

The matter relates to a portfolio of equipment leases with Westpac customers arranged by Forum Finance, founded by Bill Papas.

On Friday, reports from The Australian are suggesting NAB may also hold exposure to the fallout.

While the bank acted as Forum Finance’s transactional banker, it is believed Australia’s third-largest bank also holds a substantial chunk of the mortgages against Papas’ property portfolio.

Papas’ assets might be at risk of being reassumed to cover debts. This follows Westpac appointing McGrathNicol as liquidators. At this stage, the exact whereabouts of Papas is unknown.

Other regulatory pressures

The Forum Finance dilemma is not the only matter potentially weighing on the NAB share price. Both NAB and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) could also be suffering some negative sentiment due to allegations involving BSP Financial Group (ASX: BFL).

The Australian Financial Review reported senior managers of the group have been ordered to be removed following breaches of anti-money laundering laws in Papua New Guinea. Consequently, CBA and NAB are caught in between due to providing ‘correspondent’ banking services to BSP.

Based on Australian law, both banks are mandated to carry out regular due diligence assessments on correspondent banks.

NAB share price recap

Unfortunately for shareholders, the NAB share price has been the worst-performing so far in 2021 out of the big four banks. On a year-to-date basis, NAB has returned 12.9%. Meanwhile, CBA is up 16.8%; ANZ is up 18.7%; and Westpac is up 26.7%.

Following the dip in the NAB share price, the bank’s market capitalisation is now $85.84 billion.

The post NAB (ASX:NAB) share price slides as potential Forum fraud deepens appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• How did the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price respond to competition in the past?
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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• The ASX 200 is trading near record highs – time to worry about popping bubbles?
• Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price falls on broker downgrade

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler owns shares of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. 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 Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is pushing higher in afternoon trade.

At the time of writing, the conglomerate’s shares are up 0.5% to $58.91.

This leaves the Wesfarmers share price trading within sight of its record high of $59.63.

Why is the Wesfarmers share price pushing higher?

The Wesfarmers share price was given a boost today when the company’s Mt Holland lithium project received ministerial approval.

According to the release, the company’s Covalent Lithium business has received the Ministerial Statement under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA). This outlines the conditions that apply to the construction and operation of the lithium hydroxide refinery as part of the Mt Holland lithium project.

Covalent Lithium is a joint venture company jointly owned by Wesfarmers and lithium giant Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM).

What now?

Following the receipt of this approval, the Mt Holland lithium project has now received all critical approvals. As a result, construction and project development have commenced.

Positively, management advised that the expected project timing and Wesfarmers’ share of capital expenditure for the project remain in line with expectations.

This means that the first production of lithium hydroxide is expected in the second half of the 2024 calendar year and Wesfarmers’ share of capital expenditure is approximately $950 million. The latter will be funded using existing cash and debt facilities.

Why lithium?

When announcing its final investment decision earlier this year, Wesfarmers’ Managing Director, Rob Scott, stated his belief that the project was an attractive investment for shareholders.

He said: “The development of the Mt Holland lithium project presents an attractive investment for Wesfarmers shareholders. The project capitalises on our Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers divisions’ chemical processing expertise and Western Australia’s unique position to support growing global demand for electric vehicle battery materials which will make a crucial contribution to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

“We have been pleased with progress of discussions with key battery manufacturers, which reflect a positive outlook for battery quality sustainably sourced lithium hydroxide,” Mr Scott added.

The post Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price higher on lithium update appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers 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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The Jupiter Energy Ltd (ASX: JPR) share price has soared into the green this morning, after the company released its quarterly activities report.

At the time of writing, Jupiter Energy shares are changing hands at 6.5 cents a piece, up 75.68% on the day.

Let’s take a closer look at what the company posted earlier this morning.

What is Jupiter Energy?

Jupiter Energy is an oil and gas exploration company that has appraisal, development and production interests for oil and gas in Kazakhstan.

According to its website, it owns “100% of an exploration permit in the Mangistau Basin, West Kazakhstan”.

At the time of writing, it has a market capitalisation of $5.7 million.

Jupiter’s quarterly results

In its report, the company exhibited unaudited sales revenue of approximately $1.196 million, up 6% from the previous quarter.

This revenue was based on the sale of approximately 32,000 barrels of oil, at an average price of US$29 per barrel.

In the previous quarter, it had realised sales of 34,000 barrels of oil, albeit at a lower price of US$25 per barrel.

Cash receipts for the quarter came in flat to the previous quarter at $1.4 million.

Jupiter also completed the transition of its Akkar North interests into commercial production during the quarter.

Additonally, the company laid out further details of its “strategic review” that has been underway since 2020. Under the review, the company is discussing the implementation of a “100% gas utilisation plan”. If successful, the plan would see Jupiter start selling oil for export.

The board has ensured it will “keep shareholders informed of any material progress in this area” over time.

Investors have relished this morning’s release as Jupiter shares continue to remain in the green in afternoon trading.

Jupiter Energy share price snapshot

The Jupiter Energy share price has posted a 35% return this year to date. It has also gained 320% over the past 12 months.

Jupiter shares have outpaced the S&P / ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s return of 22% over the past year.

The company’s shares are trading off their 52-week high of 17 cents, but are aloft the 52-week low of 1.8 cents.

The post Jupiter Energy (ASX:JPR) share price surges 75% on activities report appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here’s why the Michael Hill (ASX:MHJ) share price is soaring 7%
• AMP (ASX:AMP) share price slides as ASIC ends criminal proceedings
• Broker says Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price weakness is a buying opportunity

The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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 F45 Training Holdings Inc (NYSE: FXLV) share price is the latest to go public with an Initial Price Offering (IPO) over on the US markets.

The past year or two has seen many large and famous companies make their public share market debut. From DiDi Global Inc (NYSE: DIDI) to Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ: COIN) to the ASX’s own Airtasker Ltd (ASX: ART), there certainly hasn’t been a shortage of new public companies in recent times. Well, that list just got bigger with F45.

F45 share price says ‘just do it’ on IPO

So F45 shares hit the markets at an IPO price of US$16 and opened trading at US$17 in its first session on the New York Stock Exchange, which occurred last night (our time). The F45 share price then rose as high as US$17.75 shortly after floating (up 10.94%), before falling to a low of US$15.50 (down 3%) and eventually closing at US$16.20 a share, up 1.25% from its offer price.

Aussies might be especially familiar with this gm/fitness company, seeing as it was originally an Australian company. According to its IPO prospectus, F45 was first launched by Adam Gilchrist and Rob Deutsch in Sydney in 2013, before expanding all over Australia. Following this, the company launched a New Zealand presence, followed by India, and then the United Kingdom. Today, it has 1,555 studios across 63 countries. These mostly operate under a franchise model.

According to a report in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) today, F45 was planning on hitting the public markets through a Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicle (SPAC) last year, before the deal fell through. It seems F45’s second bite at the apple has proven more successful.

The report also sheds some light on some of F45’s financials. The company reportedly posted a net loss of $US37 million for the first 3 months of 2021 after posting revenues of US$18 million. Over the same period last year, the company lost US$733,000 on US$25 million of revenue.

At the first closing F45 share price, the company has a market capitalisation of US$1.46 billion.

The post F45 Training share price (NYSE:FXLV) debuts in wild US IPO appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• How did the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price respond to competition in the past?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns Coinbase shares. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Airtasker Limited. 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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In afternoon trade, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) on course to end the week in a subdued fashion. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down slightly to 7,335.6 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping today:

Buddy Technologies Ltd (ASX: BUD)

The Buddy Technologies share price has crashed 42% lower to 2.5 cents. This morning the embattled smart device company announced firm commitments for a placement to institutional, professional and sophisticated investors to raise $6.5 million before costs. These funds are to be raised at 2.5 cents per new share, representing a 42% discount to its last close price. The company will now seek to raise a further $10 million at the same price through an entitlement offer. Though, it is worth noting that investors can currently buy shares for the same price on-market.

Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)

The Evolution share price has fallen 6% to $4.65. Investors have been selling the gold miner’s shares following the release of an update on its production in FY 2021. According to the release, Evolution’s production came in at 681,000 ounces with an all-in sustaining cost of A$1,215 per ounce in FY 2021. Although this was in line with its original guidance, it fell short of the upgraded guidance given in April of 695,000 to 710,000 ounces.

Medical Developments International Ltd (ASX: MVP)

The Medical Developments International share price is down 5% to $4.16. This follows the release of an update on a balance sheet review. Following the review, the company expects to recognise a non-cash charge of $7.5 million to $8.5 million after tax in FY 2021. This relates to its respiratory business, which has been adversely impacted in FY 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the company expects to post a loss after tax of $11.7 million to $13.7 million for the year.

Whitefield Limited Fully (ASX: WHF)

The Whitefield share price is down 7% to $5.80. This follows the completion of the investment company’s placement this morning. Whitefield raised $50 million via a placement to sophisticated and professional investors at $5.56 per share. This represents a discount of 10.8% to its last close price. The proceeds will be invested in a diversified portfolio of ASX listed equities, cash, or cash equivalents. This in line with its investment objectives and strategy.

The post Why Buddy, Evolution, Medical Dev International, & Whitefield are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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. owns shares of and has recommended Medical Developments International Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Medical Developments International 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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The Michael Hill International Ltd (ASX: MHJ) share price is gaining today after the company released a trading update for the fourth quarter of the 2021 financial year.

Right now, shares in Michael Hill are going for 87 cents apiece – 6.75% higher than their previous closing price.

Within its update, the jewellery retailer reported strong same-store sales growth and record digital sales.

Let’s take a closer look at the news driving the Michael Hill share price higher.

Michael Hill’s trading update

The Michael Hill share price is soaring on the back of news its same-store sales were up over the quarter just been, despite many of its doors being temporarily closed due to lockdowns.

Over the quarter, Michael Hill’s same-store sales were 7.5% higher than the previous comparable period, bringing in $54.6 million.

The jewellery retailer’s full financial year same-store sales now total $474 million – 8.5% higher than in the previous financial year.

Additionally, its all-store sales were up 116.3% over the quarter, and 13.5% higher than the previous financial year’s.

Michael Hill also reported record online sales over the financial year just been. Its online store processed more than $30 million worth of sales over the 12 months ended 30 June 2021.

That’s particularly fortunate as 102 of Michael Hill’s 150 Australian stores faced temporary closures due to COVID-19 lockdowns over the fourth quarter. In total, the company lost 559 trading days.

Its Canadian stores had a harder time yet. Of the 86 Michael Hill stores in Canada, 40 were closed for most of the fourth quarter and the rest faced restrictions. Michael Hill lost 3,323 trading days in the country.

Michael Hill also reported it maintained its strong margin over the quarter just been, and its earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) is in line with or above analysts’ expectations.

The company expects to end the year with a cash position of around $70 million.

Commentary from management

Michael Hill’s CEO and managing director Daniel Bracken said:

(Michael Hill has reported) sales growth in all markets, increased margins, and an outstanding performance from our bricks and mortar stores delivering almost 20% same-store sales growth for the quarter. Setting aside the global store network closure in 2020, Michael Hill has now delivered eight consecutive quarters of positive comp sales growth, together with sustained margin expansion.

This performance provides further evidence that our strategic transformation agenda is on track and delivering.

Michael Hill share price snapshot

Including today’s gains, the Michael Hill share price has increased by 25% year to date. It has also gained 165% since this time last year.

The company has a market capitalisation of around $316 million, with approximately 387 million shares outstanding.

The post Here’s why the Michael Hill (ASX:MHJ) share price is soaring 7% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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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The AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) share price has slipped into the red this morning.

The move comes after the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) formally ended its three-year investigation into AMP today.

Let’s take a closer look at how it unfolded this morning.

ASIC drops its case against AMP

AMP came under fire from ASIC due to its “fees for no service” conduct that came through the Royal Commission into banking in 2017 – 2019.

It was shown to be charging fees on life insurance policies for deceased customers.

Obviously, these customers weren’t eligible for life insurance in the first place.

Royal Commissioner Kenneth Hayne QC recommended AMP receive criminal proceedings as a result of this conduct.

However, ASIC decided there will be no criminal charges after ending its investigation into AMP today.

In a statement, ASIC stated:

The CDPP has now determined, on the basis of the available evidence and weighing the relevant public interest factors, that no charges should be brought for that conduct.

AMP also responded, claiming it “welcomes the confirmation from ASIC that it will take no action” in relation to any of the allegations.

Speaking on the issue, AMP Group general counsel David Cullen said:

AMP acknowledges the deficiencies in its historic systems and processes within the Advice business to
monitor ongoing service fees in relation to Buyers of Last Resort…We have apologised to all affected clients
and confirm that remediation was also completed in full in 2018.

Despite the outcome, investors have punished AMP shares this morning, pushing the price 1.17% into the red at the time of writing.

AMP share price snapshot

AMP shares have slipped 30% into the red this year to date, extending the last 12 month’s loss of ~38%.

Both of these returns have lagged the S&P / ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s return of ~22% over the last year.

At the time of writing, AMP has a market capitalisation of $3.6 billion.

The post AMP (ASX:AMP) share price slides as ASIC ends criminal proceedings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why the AMP (ASX:AMP) share price is down 10% in the last month
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• ASX 200 rises, Macquarie up, Rural Funds launches capital raising
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The author Zach Bristow has no positions 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 Webjet Limited (ASX: WEB) share price is pushing higher on Friday.

In afternoon trade, the online travel agent’s shares are up 1% to $4.88.

Why is the Webjet share price pushing higher?

The catalyst for the rise in the Webjet share price today appears to be a broker note out of Goldman Sachs.

According to the note, the broker believes investors should stick with Webjet despite the difficult trading conditions it is facing right now. Goldman Sachs has held firm with its buy rating and $6.40 price target. This implies potential upside of 31% over the next 12 months.

Its analysts aren’t as positive on rival Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT), though. They have retained their neutral rating and cut their price target by 8% to $18.40.

Goldman explained: “We revise our earnings forecasts for WEB and FLT to reflect the slower pace of Australian Domestic and International travel recovery, impacting our forecasts for the Webjet OTA business and FLT’s ANZ segment.”

“We revise our EBITDA forecasts by -24% and -0.1% respectively over FY22/23 for WEB. Our rounded 12m target price remains unchanged at A$6.40. Our earnings revisions are more significant for FLT at -29.4% and -18.6% respectively for FLT over FY22/23. Our revised 12m target price on FLT is at A$18.40, from A$20.00,” it added.

Why is this a buying opportunity?

Goldman Sachs believes the recent underperformance in the Webjet share price is a buying opportunity for patient investors. This is due to its belief that the company is well-placed for long term growth from the shift to online booking and its WebBeds business.

It explained: “While we note that the share prices have remained subdued over the past few months likely driven by negative international travel newsflow in Australia, we view this as a buying opportunity for WEB.”

“We expect WEB to be a structural beneficiary of travel recovery due to its exposures to the OTA and Bedbanks businesses. However, we remain concerned by the impact of prolonged border closures for FLT which has a significant international leisure business based from ANZ. We reiterate our Buy rating on WEB and Neutral rating on FLT,” it concluded.

The post Broker says Webjet (ASX:WEB) share price weakness is a buying opportunity appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 owns shares of and has recommended Webjet Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel 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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The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price woke up to a rude awakening on Wednesday, tumbling 9.59% to $104.71.

Afterpay shares were quick to sell off after news emerged that Apple was looking to develop its own buy now pay later (BNPL) product.

On the same day, PayPal announced that it will not charge late payment fees for its BNPL services.

From mounting competition and increasing product differentiation, how did the Afterpay share price respond to such concerns in the past?

ASX-listed newcomers

Afterpay and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) were the first movers when it comes to going public, listing in May 2016 and September 2015 respectively.

Fast forward to 2019, there seemed to be no shortage of new players seeking to raise capital to try and grab a piece of the BNPL market.

In January 2019, Splitit Ltd (ASX: SPT) made its ASX debut at a listing price of 20 cents.

The now third-largest ASX-listed BNPL player, Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) would list on July 2019 at an offer price of $1.22.

Before year end, Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) would also join the ASX at a listing price of $1.60.

2020 saw players including Laybuy Holdings Ltd (ASX: LBY) and Payright Ltd (ASX: PYR) complete successful listings.

Rather than focusing on how the Afterpay share price performed during this period, it might be worth noting that earlier initial public offerings (IPO) such as Splitit and Sezzle have been able to trade well above listing prices, up 165% and 595% respectively.

However, later comers Laybuy and Payright have all struggled to deliver shareholder value, plummeting 66% and 56% below listing prices.

Big banks want a slice of the pie

Australia’s largest banks haven’t wasted time to join in on the emerging BNPL space, either establishing partnerships with BNPL providers or launching their own products.

In September last year, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) both launched new, interest-free credit cards in an attempt to disrupt the BNPL market.

Between 31 August and 9 September 2020, the Afterpay share price tumbled 20%, from $88 to lows of $70.

But by mid-October 2020, Afterpay shares had rallied back up to breakeven.

According to the Australian Financial Review, “Interest-free credit cards are nothing new and unlikely to be felt by Afterpay in the Australian market given its dominance”.

More recently, CBA is upping the ante, revealing an in-house BNPL offering called “StepPay”.

This news broke out in late May, right before a 40% surge from $92 to $130.50 between 1 and 24 June.

What’s next for the Afterpay share price?

This time around, it’s US$2.48 trillion giant Apple, which is eyeing a potential entry into the BNPL sector.

Commenting on the situation, Shaw and Partners portfolio manager, James Gerrish said that:

Arguably the biggest issue over the coming months for this volatile sector is sentiment, it’s definitely unlikely to be good following this news and a further 20-25% fall by local leader Afterpay (APT) for example wouldn’t be a surprise, especially considering it’s well within the usual swings of both the sector and stocks.

The post How did the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price respond to competition in the past? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO, Apple, PayPal Holdings, and ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2022 $75 calls on PayPal Holdings, long March 2023 $120 calls on Apple, and short March 2023 $130 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple and PayPal Holdings. 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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