Although the Australian share market is trading at an 11-month high, not all shares are performing as positively.

Two ASX shares which are still trading materially lower than their 52-week highs are listed below. Are these beaten down shares too cheap to ignore?

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price has been well and truly out of form in recent months and is now trading almost 50% lower than its 52-week high. This has been driven largely by a recent update which revealed that demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) data services from major tech giants has softened due to COVID-19. In addition to this, the appreciation of the Australian dollar has also weighed on the company. It generates the vast majority of its revenue in the United States.

While this is undoubtedly disappointing, management is confident that demand will rebound strongly once these headwinds ease and tech giants start investing back in AI projects again.

One broker that feels the weakness in the Appen share price is a buying opportunity is Macquarie. Based on its estimates, Appen’s shares are changing hands for 31x FY 2021 earnings. While this may not be conventionally cheap, it appears to believe it is great value given its strong long term growth potential thanks to the expected increase in AI spending in the future. 

Macquarie has an outperform rating and $27.00 price target on the company’s shares.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)

Another ASX share that could be cheap is this telco giant. The Telstra share price is currently trading 18% lower than its 52-week high. This share price weakness has been caused by COVID-19 headwinds and concerns over the sustainability of its dividend.

In respect to the latter, some investors are not convinced that Telstra will be able to maintain its 16 cents per share dividend. However, it is worth noting that the Telstra board has revealed that it will do whatever it can to maintain this dividend.

In addition to this, Telstra has plans to split its business into three separate entities. Management believes the restructure will allow Telstra to take advantage of potential monetisation opportunities for its infrastructure assets. This could unlock additional value for shareholders.

These plans have gone down particularly well with Macquarie. It believes its shares are undervalued after looking through its assets and estimating what it could receive for them. The broker also believes Telstra can continue to pay a 16 cents per share dividend for the foreseeable future.

In light of this, Macquarie has put an outperform rating and $4.00 price target on its shares.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• Experts want Big Tech to stop the spread of COVID-19 misinformation
• ASX 200 up 0.35%: Afterpay & Appen push higher, big four banks rising
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Change in America spurs ASX 200 higher
• 2 outstanding ASX tech shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Appen 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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Are you looking to add a growth share or two to your next month? Then take a look at the two ASX shares listed below.

Here’s why they could be growth shares to buy in February:

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)

The first growth share to look at is Aristocrat Leisure. It is one of the world’s leading gaming technology companies with a portfolio of industry-leading poker machines and mobile games.

Aristocrat Leisure has had its growth stifled over the last 12 months due to the pandemic. But with casinos around the world opening, demand for its poker machines is expected to rebound and support its strong-performing digital business.

Last week UBS retained its buy rating and put a $35.50 price target on its shares. Its research appears to indicate that the company’s digital segment is thriving and delivered exceptionally strong growth during the final quarter of 2020. This was largely due to its social gaming portfolio, which it estimates grew over 40% year on year during the three months.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

Another growth share to look at is Zip. It is a leading buy now pay later provider with operations across several key markets such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Zip has been growing its customer numbers, merchants, and transaction value at a rapid rate over the last few years. This has been underpinned by the increasing popularity of the buy now pay later payment method with consumers and merchants, the decline in credit card usage, the shift online, and its international expansion.

Pleasingly, the company’s strong form has continued in FY 2021, with Zip recently reporting stellar second quarter growth. For the three months ended 31 December, Zip delivered a 103% increase in transaction volume to a record $1.6 billion. A key driver of this growth was its US-based QuadPay business, which recorded a 217% increase in transaction volume to $673.1 million. QuadPay also reported a 180% lift in customer numbers to 3.2 million and a 655% jump in merchants to 8,400.

This update went down well with analysts at Ord Minnett. In response to the announcement, the broker retained its accumulate rating and increased its price target to $7.80.

More reading

• Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• These ASX 200 shares are on fire in 2021
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Change in America spurs ASX 200 higher
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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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There are some ASX shares that a number of brokers like and have rated as ‘buys’

It can be quite hard to find good businesses that are trading at a good price. One investor might say that BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is a good buy, whilst another might say that Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) is the share to buy.

Brokers are constantly looking at businesses and share prices, thinking about what would be a good investment. There are various brokers out there like Bell Potter, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and UBS that provide different recommendations about shares.  

With that in mind, these ASX shares are liked by more than one broker. Of course, this still isn’t a guarantee of success – they could all be herding together.

Reject Shop Ltd (ASX: TRS)

This ASX share is liked by at least three brokers.

In FY20 the discount retailer reported that its sales grew by 3.4% with comparable store sales growth of 3.5%. In the first half comparable sales rose 0.5% and in the second half they rose 7.1%.

Before AASB 16, FY20 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 30.1% to $23.7 million. It generated $4.5 million of earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), up from a loss of $23.3 million in FY19, and it made $2.7 million of net profit after tax (NPAT), up from a $16.9 million loss in FY19.

Reject Shop made free cashflow of $61.6 million in FY20, up from an outflow of $1.9 million in the prior corresponding period. The company ended the financial year with $92.5 million of cash.

In FY21 the ASX share’s board is considering whether to return to paying dividends.

It said at its AGM that it is/was considering exiting rental leases where the occupancy costs are above the benchmark if the rent can’t be renegotiated lower. It has also been working on improving its inventory. Reject Shop has been reducing the number of different items (SKUs – stock keeping units) being sold. At the time of the AGM, management said that the reduction of SKUs was already increasing sales per SKU, which is resulting in better availability for customers and improves buying power.

Another benefit of the improved inventory is that it will enable opportunities for the ASX share to standardise ways of working through the supply chain and then into stores.

Once the company’s cost base is set at a sustainable level, Reject Shop expects to pursue store network expansion and e-commerce. It’s currently trialling an e-commerce offering.

Charter Hall Group (ASX: CHC)

Charter Hall is an ASX share that owns and manages real estate for investors. It invests across the real estate spectrum of sectors including office, industrial, retail and social infrastructure.

It operates a number of listed and unlisted funds including Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR), Charter Hall Long WALE REIT (ASX: CLW) and Charter Hall Social Infrastructure REIT (ASX: CQE).

Charter Hall says that it has 1,300 properties, with $45 billion of funds under management (FUM), an occupancy rate of 97.5% and a weighted average lease expiry of 8.9 years.

The business has been regularly making acquisitions for its funds to increase FUM. For example, Charter Hall recently bought the flagship David Jones store in Sydney for $510 million, with the parent business retaining 25% ownership. The purchase price reflects a 5% initial yield based on the initial annual net rent of $25.5 million.

More reading

• ASX 200 up 0.4%: Afterpay & Zip charge higher, NAB rises, Harvey Norman hits new high
• ASX 200 rose 1.6%
• 3 small cap ASX shares to buy for 2021
• ASX 200 down 0.8%: Big four banks and tech shares drag the market lower

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and 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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Next week the Reserve Bank of Australia will meet to discuss the cash rate. According to the latest cash rate futures, the market is pricing in a 75% probability of a rate cut to zero.

This would be another blow for income investors, who will have to contend with even lower rates this year.

But never fear, the Australian share market and its countless dividend shares are here to save the day. Two ASX dividend shares that could solve your income needs are listed below. Here’s what you need to know about them:

Aventus Group (ASX: AVN)

The first dividend share to look at is Aventus. It is the largest fully-integrated owner, manager, and developer of large format retail centres in Australia, with a portfolio of 20 centres valued at $2.2 billion.

The company’s portfolio covers 536,000m2 in gross leasable area and features a diverse tenant base of 593 quality tenancies. From these, national retailers such as ALDI, Bunnings, and Officeworks represent ~87% of the total portfolio.

Goldman Sachs is positive on the company. It recently reiterated its buy rating and lifted the price target on its shares to $2.79. The broker notes that approximately 63% of its tenants are exposed to the household goods sector, which has been performing strongly during the pandemic.

Goldman estimates that it will pay a ~16.5 cents per share distribution this year. Based on the current Aventus share price, this represents a 6% yield.

Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO)

If you’re not averse to investing in the resources sector, then you might want to look at Rio Tinto. Thanks to favourable copper and iron ore prices, this mining giant has been tipped to pay bumper dividends to investors in FY 2021.

For example, a recent note out of Macquarie reveals that it is expecting the mining giant to pay an ~$8.53 per share fully franked dividend in 2021.

Based on the current Rio Tinto share price, this represents a fully franked 7% dividend yield. The broker currently has an outperform rating and $125.00 price target on the company’s shares. 

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Change in America spurs ASX 200 higher
• What a dramatic day in the US could mean for ASX shares in 2021
• 2 outstanding ASX dividend shares to buy

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended AVENTUS RE UNIT. 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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On Monday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week strongly and charged higher. The benchmark index rose 0.35% to 6,824.7 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fall

It looks set to be a difficult day for the ASX 200 on Wednesday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 30 points or 0.35% lower. This is despite it being a positive night of trade on Wall Street. In late trade the Dow Jones is up 0.1%, the S&P 500 is up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq index is up 0.2%.

Commonwealth Bank is Australia’s strongest brand

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is now Australia’s strongest brand according to Brand Finance Australia’s analysis, courtesy of the AFR. Australia’s largest bank took the top spot from Optus. One of the worst performers was Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), which suffered a $3.5 billion reduction in its brand value.

Oil prices mixed

Energy producers such as Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) will be on watch after a mixed night for oil prices. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 0.3% to US$52.62 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 0.1% to US$55.92 a barrel. Concerns about demand due to rising COVID cases has been weighing on prices.

Gold price softens

Gold miners such as Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) and Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR) could come under pressure after the gold price dropped lower. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.35% to US$1,848.40 an ounce. US stimulus worries put pressure on the price of the precious metal.

Telstra given buy rating

The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is in the buy zone according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. The broker has put a buy rating and $3.80 price target on the telco giant’s shares. It believes Telstra is on course to achieve the mid to upper end of its earnings guidance in FY 2021. In light of this, it continues to forecast a 16 cents per share fully franked dividend this year.

More reading

• ASX property stocks are likely to beat property investments in 2021
• Experts want Big Tech to stop the spread of COVID-19 misinformation
• 2 ASX 200 shares to buy for dividends
• Will Joe Biden’s election help an Australia-China reset?
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra 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 debate on whether you can get better bang for your investment buck in property or shares rages, but there are signs that ASX shares are still the place to be.

This is despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) struggling to break its record while some experts are predicting a 15% increase in house prices for 2021.

But lovers of property should take note. Australian real estate investment trusts (A-REITs) are tipped to deliver 18% total returns this year, reported the Australian Financial Review.

This is largely because ASX property stocks have largely lagged in the COVID-19 market recovery.

ASX property stocks trading at a discount

While ASX stocks like the Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price, Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN) share price surged to record highs as the ASX bounced, A-REITs underperformed the market by 6% in 2020.

But the analysts at Jefferies believe the tide is starting to turn. The bad news is largely reflected in share prices while not much of the good news is.

There is a disconnect in the market. Investors believe in the tailwinds that are supporting the bright outlook for our residential property market, but they haven’t really factored any of that into A-REITs.

This certainly puts an interesting spin on the ASX shares vs. property debate!

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander

One of these tailwinds are the record low interest rates and bond yields. These are inflating property prices.

The economic recovery from the COVID recession is also supportive of property, as is the rebound in the job market.

These factors are just as significant for A-REITs and they give Jefferies reason to believe ASX property stocks will play catch up later this year.

ASX property stocks vs. property investments

Of the 18% expected return, 4.7% of that will come from dividends, the AFR quoted Jefferies as saying.

To be fair, there are distinct differences between investing in property stocks and residential property. For one, many listed property groups are also exposed to office and retail properties.

The outlook for these segments are more convoluted. While employees are starting to return to their desks, demand for office space is unlikely to return to post-COVID levels.

The pandemic has also caused a de-rating in megamalls. Who wants to be in the middle of a crown these days when you can shop online from the safety of your sofa?

A-REITs to play catch-up in 2021?

This explains the weak performance of the Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR) share price, Scentre Group (ASX: SCG) share price and Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX) share price – just to name a few.

But as mentioned earlier, these negatives are already reflected in current prices, according to Jefferies.

Further, rental collection is recovering and these groups own quality properties that the market is not fully appreciating.

Foolish takeaway

If Jefferies is right, it would make more sense to own ASX property stocks than brick and mortar, in my view.

For one, transaction costs are much lower when buying and selling shares. The capital outlay is also far more manageable for many.

I am not saying one asset class is better for everyone as this really depends on your circumstances. Diversification is also an important consideration.

But the expected returns from A-REITs does give food for thought.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares are on fire in 2021
• 2 ASX 200 shares to buy for dividends
• Will Joe Biden’s election help an Australia-China reset?
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%
• Why ASX travel shares like Webjet (ASX:WEB) fell lower on Monday

Brendon Lau has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Kogan.com ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Kogan.com 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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On Monday I looked at three ASX shares that brokers have given buy ratings to this week.

Unfortunately, not all shares are in favour with them right now. Three that have just been given sell ratings are listed below.

Here’s why these brokers are bearish on these ASX shares:

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH)

According to a note out of Citi, its analysts have retained their sell rating but lifted their price target on this medical device company’s shares to NZ$26.50 (A$24.72). While Citi acknowledges that Fisher & Paykel Healthcare’s recent trading update was very strong, it isn’t enough for a change in rating. The broker continues to believe that the company’s shares are overvalued at the current level. The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare share price last traded at $32.91.

Reece Ltd (ASX: REH)

A note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have downgraded this plumbing parts company’s shares to a reduce rating with a price target of $11.45. The broker has reduced its earnings estimates to reflect a stronger Australian dollar. In addition to this, the broker feels that its valuation is stretched after a strong gain over the last few months. The Reece share price was trading at $16.98 on Monday.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their underperform rating but lifted the price target on this buy now pay later provider’s shares to $5.35. According to the note, Zip Co delivered a stronger than expected second quarter update thanks largely to its US-based Quadpay business. It reported a 217% increase in transaction volume to $673.1 million and a 180% lift in customer numbers to 3.2 million in the key market. However, the broker is concerned that competition is intensifying and suspects that customer acquisition costs could increase in 2021. The Zip share price was trading at $7.42 on Monday.

More reading

• These ASX 200 shares are on fire in 2021
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Change in America spurs ASX 200 higher
• These were the best performing ASX 200 shares last week
• ASX 200 drops 0.3%
• ASX 200 down 0.2%: Zip shares drop, Lynas rockets, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare impresses

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 ZIPCOLTD FPO. 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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If you’re a growth investor on the lookout for a few investment ideas, then the shares listed below could be worth considering.

They all look well-positioned for growth over the next decade and could generate outsized returns for investors. Here’s why they are highly rated:

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

If you’re keen to get some international exposure then you could invest in some of the fastest growing tech companies in the Asia market via the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. Through a single investment, investors will be buying a piece of companies that are revolutionising the lives of billions of people in the region. This includes ecommerce giant Alibaba, search engine company Baidu, and WeChat owner, Tencent.

Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN)

Another growth share to look at is Nanosonics. It is an infection control company which is responsible for the hugely popular trophon EPR disinfection system for ultrasound probes. The company is also aiming to launch several new products in the coming years. These secretive products are understood to have similar addressable markets to the trophon EPR system. If these products are a success, they could underpin strong earnings growth over the next decade and beyond. Analysts at UBS are positive on the company and have a buy rating and $7.20 price target on its shares.

Pushpay Holdings Ltd (ASX: PPH)

A final ASX growth share to look at is Pushpay. It is a fast-growing donor management and community engagement platform provider to the faith sector in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Pushpay’s platform usage has been growing strongly in recent years, leading to the company delivering a ~1,500% increase in EBITDAF in FY 2020. Pleasingly, more strong growth is expected this year, with the company on course to more than double its operating earnings. Looking further ahead, Pushpay is aiming to win a 50% share of the medium and large church market. This represents a US$1 billion revenue opportunity for Pushpay. Goldman Sachs is a fan and has a conviction buy rating and $2.59 price target on its shares.

More reading

• 3 exciting ASX tech shares to buy
• Got cash to invest? Here are 3 ASX shares to buy
• 3 extraordinary ASX shares to buy right now
• 2 tech ETFs delivering rapid growth
• Here’s a fantastic ETF that ASX investors need to know about

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 Nanosonics Limited and PUSHPAY FPO NZX. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nanosonics Limited and PUSHPAY FPO NZX. 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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Although the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has just climbed to an 11-month high, not all shares are faring as well.

The three ASX 200 shares listed below, for example, have fallen heavily in 2021. Here’s why they have been beaten down:

Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)

The Altium share price has fallen 12.5% since the start of 2021. Investors have been selling the electronic design software provider’s shares after it released its guidance for the first half. Altium is expecting to deliver revenue of around US$89.6 million for the half, which will be down 3% on the prior corresponding period. This soft performance has been caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, which have been impacting its sales in the United States and Europe. However, management is expecting its performance to bounce back in the second half. As a result, it has retained its full year guidance of revenue growth of 6% to 12%.

Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK)

The Link share price has dropped 12.2% so far in 2021. The decline has been driven by news that SS&C Technology has withdrawn its takeover offer. In December, the NASDAQ listed global provider of investment and financial software made a conditional offer of $5.65 per share to acquire 100% of Link. While management felt the offer undervalued the company, it granted SS&C Technology due diligence. After completing its due diligence, SS&C Technology revealed it has decided to withdraw its offer.

Polynovo Ltd (ASX: PNV)

The PolyNovo share price has been well and truly out of form and has lost 31.4% of its value since the start of the year. The medical device company’s shares were sold off following the release of a trading update. Although PolyNovo delivered a 31% increase in half year sales, this fell well short of expectations due to a weak second quarter. Bell Potter wasn’t impressed, commenting: “Polynovo announced a relatively disappointing trading update, with 1H FY21 sales growth of 31% vs the pcp well below our forecasts, consensus and management expectations.” The company may need a strong second half to win over investors and analysts again.

More reading

• 2 ASX 200 growth shares to buy
• 3 extraordinary ASX shares to buy right now
• Why the Link (ASX:LNK) share price is one to watch this morning
• ASX 200 rises 0.4%
• ASX 200 up 0.5%: BHP’s update, PolyNovo jumps, Ansell impresses

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 recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Link Administration Holdings Ltd and POLYNOVO FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Link Administration Holdings 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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Regardless of where we sit on the political spectrum, we can all appreciate a good meme. The latest humorous trend comes from a cozy Senator Bernie Sanders donning a pair of homemade mittens at Joe Biden’s inauguration last week. The image of the former United States democratic presidential candidate resonated with people globally, as a ‘vibe’.

Sure enough, the candid image was translated to a meme phenomenon – with Bernie finding himself photoshopped into an endless number of locations, historical events, and just plain odd places – all for a bit of a well-needed laugh.

Where the memes flow, the money goes

It’s no surprise that the Bernie meme and his mittens have become merchandisable. The original mittens worn by Mr Sanders were made and gifted by a Vermont teacher, Jen Ellis, to the Senator. As reported in the New York Daily News, the gifted pair made from repurposed wool sweaters and recycled plastic bottles were one-of-a-kind.

A classic case of supply and demand ensued, and the market has delivered. Now there are plenty of options for various Bernie mitten merchandise available online to get your mitts on. A couple of such companies include Etsy Inc (NASDAQ: ETSY) and ASX-listed Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL).

Bernie meme merch up for grabs here

Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL)

Redbubble operates a handful of global online marketplaces, offering products embellished with creative designs by independent artists.

The main site, redbubble.com, ranges face masks, mugs, stationery, clothing, stickers, décor, and many other items. Consumers can search for a design they like and then select a type of medium they’d like it applied to before purchasing.

The Redbubble share price has grown a significant 591% over the last year, with the drastic increase in demand for face masks and inflated online shopping activity. For the first quarter FY21, Redbubble’s revenue grew by 114% year over year to $175.8 million.

Another interesting titbit is the astronomical 562% year over year growth in the ‘accessories’ segment of the business – this segment includes face masks, tote bags, socks etc.

The independent artists that provide the designs to the platform often jump on hot trends, and right now, Bernie Sanders is trending on Redbubble. So you can bet your bottom dollar that both artists and Redbubble are cashing in on those iconic mittens.

Just made this cute design of @SenSanders in his iconic mittens 💕 link to my #redbubble in my bio #BernieSandersMittens pic.twitter.com/Pwh87GM3J2

— Mkm (@H_V_Hart) January 21, 2021

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Etsy Inc (NASDAQ: ETSY)

Etsy is another e-commerce company that connects unique designs and creations to customers. Where Etsy differs from Redbubble however, is by solely operating the platform in which products are offered – whereas Redbubble produces the products with the artist’s designs. That means that Etsy has a much more diverse offering of products, and yes… that includes mittens. 

The US-listed company has also benefitted from the uptick in face mask sales, notching up US$264 million in gross merchandise volume for face masks alone in the quarter. However, as demonstrated in Etsy’s Q3 2020 results, the business has managed to outpace the e-commerce benchmark even without the inclusion of face masks by 48%. 

Following the trend, Etsy contributors have also jumped on the Bernie meme bandwagon. Everything from stickers, sweaters, and those warm mittens. Personally, my favourite is the crochet of Bernie and his mittens.

Crochet Bernie, this is not a drill pic.twitter.com/A15ByOM5l0

— Lily Bailey (@LilyBaileyUK) January 22, 2021

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Much like the Redbubble share price, Etsy is no slacker either, returning 333% in the last year. 

Foolish takeaway

It’s great to see some light-hearted fun come out of the inauguration and hopefully, the meme-inducing unity continues for Joe Biden’s term as US president. The main takeaway here though is that often where there’s a trend, there’s someone benefitting from it and money to be made. Although one Bernie meme likely won’t make or break a company, it draws focus to the new ways in which the world is monetising humour and creativity. 

But this also serves as a public service announcement for anyone still trying to find those elusive mittens. You’re welcome.

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Mitchell Lawler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Etsy. 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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