Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why the AGL Energy (ASX: AGL) share price is climbing today

    The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price has climbed off a 52-week low today in a positive start to the new year. 

    At the time of writing, the AGL share price is trading up 1.26% at $12.10.

    Why was the AGL share price at a 52-week low?

    Shares in the Aussie energy generator and retailer finished 2020 at a 52-week (and 5-year) low of $11.95 per share. 

    The AGL Energy share price slumped 6% in December after downgrading its earnings guidance for FY2021.

    That sharp share price move came after a serious injury at the company’s Liddell power station on 18 December. 

    All of these events combined to send the AGL Energy share price tumbling to close out the year at a 52-week low.

    That trend has reversed this morning with shares in the energy group climbing higher. 

    There’s been no new announcement since the earnings guidance on 21 December to trigger a share price move.

    However, broader market confidence could be a factor in today’s share price climbs. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has started the year strongly, climbing 1.2% higher to 6,667 points.

    The AGL share price has been one of the movers pushing the market higher. Other big names that are gaining include Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

    Fortescue shares have jumped 3.4% in early trade while the Wesfarmers share price is up 1.6% at $51.20 per share.

    What about the other ASX energy shares?

    2020 was a tough year for the AGL share price and the company’s shareholders. However, it was a similar story for many of the ASX energy shares given a slump in oil prices amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    AGL’s largest ASX-listed competitor, Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG), also struggled to make gains.

    The Origin share price fell 44% last year and closed out 2020 with an $8.4 billion market capitalisation

    Origin shares are currently trading at a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of more than 100 while the AGL share price is trading at a 7.7 P/E ratio.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of June 30th

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of 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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  • Credit Corp (ASX:CCP) share price up 1% but Collection House (ASX:CLH) crashes 66% lower

    double exposure image of stock market investment graph and city skyline scene,concept of business investment and stock future trading.

    The Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX: CCP) share price is pushing higher today after completing its acquisition of a purchased debt ledger (PDL) from Collection House Limited (ASX: CLH).

    At the time of writing, the debt collection company’s shares are up over 1% to $30.06.

    The same cannot be said for the Collection House share price. Its shares have returned to trade for the first time since February 2020 and are down 66% to 44 cents this afternoon.

    What is happening?

    Just before Christmas, Credit Corp announced that it would acquire the Australian PDL book of Collection House for approximately $160 million. This was the largest single PDL purchase in Credit Corp’s history according to its CEO, Thomas Beregi.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Collection House can receive a portion of the collected funds that Credit Corp recovers. This is on the proviso that Credit Corp achieves above the level required to have a return on its investment.

    This deal was made as part of the recapitalisation process for Collection House. The proceeds from the transaction were to be immediately applied to reduce its senior debt.

    After which, Collection House’s existing lenders agreed to provide a new three-year senior debt facility of approximately $45 million on commercial terms and Credit Corp has provided it with a short term loan of $15 million for general corporate purposes.

    What now?

    While the deal with Credit Corp is technically complete, Collection House has revealed that it received an inquiry from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

    The release explains that the ACCC has made an inquiry regarding the transaction and the company has responded to it.

    No further details were given, but Collection House advised that it will continue to assist the ACCC with any further inquiries.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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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  • Passive income investors: How I’d invest in dividend stocks in 2021

    Making a passive income from dividend stocks in 2021 could be a sound move. They offer high yields compared to other assets, as well as the potential to deliver impressive dividend growth in the long run.

    However, with the economic outlook being uncertain, buying companies with defensive characteristics could be a logical move. So, too, could purchasing a diverse range of stocks with affordable dividends. The end result could be a more resilient income in 2021.

    Making a passive income from defensive dividend stocks

    Risks such as political instability in Europe and the coronavirus pandemic mean that passive income investors face an uncertain outlook in 2021. As such, it could be worth buying defensive stocks that offer a more resilient financial outlook.

    Examples of industries that have historically been relatively defensive include utilities and consumer goods, such as tobacco. They may be less impacted by the performance of the economy, since their earnings may be less dependent on consumer confidence and GDP growth. The end result could be more stable dividend payouts that provide investors with a resilient income return.

    Dividend affordability

    Passive income investors may also wish to make sure that any potential purchases can afford their current level of dividends. After the stock market crash, some companies offer very high dividend yields at the present time. As such, it is easy for an income investor to become overly-focused on yields, rather than assessing the affordability of dividends. And, while a high yield is appealing, it is of little use if it cannot be paid.

    Assessing the affordability of a company’s dividend can be undertaken through comparing shareholder payouts to net profit. If they are covered more than once by net profit then the company in question has headroom when making dividend payouts. Investors may wish to demand a figure above one at the present time due to the uncertain economic outlook. It may cause profit growth to stall, or even decline, for some businesses and sectors.

    Diversifying among a number of dividend shares

    Diversification is crucial for all passive income investors. They should avoid being reliant on a small number of companies for their dividends – especially if it is their main source of income.

    Clearly, many sectors are facing difficult operating conditions at the present time. Therefore, holding a wider range of companies than is normally the case may be necessary in 2021. Although the economic outlook is due to improve, the first quarter or even half of the current year may prove to be a difficult period for many businesses.

    Diversification can lead to a higher passive income in the long run. Through avoiding losses within a concentrated portfolio, an investor can enjoy a generous and rising income return in 2021 and in the coming years.

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    Motley Fool contributor Peter Stephens 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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  • Why the De Grey (ASX:DEG) share price is blasting 7% higher today

    Exploding asx mining share price represented by two bomb blasts on black background

    The De Grey Mining Limited (ASX: DEG) share price has been a positive performer on the first trading day of the new year. This comes after the company announced a change in its management team. During early afternoon trade, the De Grey share price is surging 6.87% to $1.09.

    In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 1.21% to 15,858 points.

    What’s driving the De Grey share price higher?

    The De Grey share price is on the rise today after the company advised it has appointed Mr Peter Canterbury as its new chief financial officer (CFO). The change in leadership follows the company’s ambitions to become a tier 1 gold producer from its Hemi Discovery in Western Australia.

    According to the company, Mr Canterbury brings a wealth of knowledge to De Grey, as an experienced mining executive and certified practicing accountant. During his career, Mr Canterbury has developed competence in financial and corporate management, accounting, project financing, feasibility studies, contract negotiation, and mining operations.

    For almost 20 years, Mr Canterbury has held several key positions within the mining sector. His most notable roles have included managing director of Triton Minerals Ltd (ASX: TON), CEO and executive director of Bauxite Resources Ltd and CFO and acting CEO of recently ASX-delisted company Sundance Resources Ltd.

    Outgoing CFO Mr Craig Nelmes will continue to work as company secretary within the board.

    Mr Canterbury is due to commence his role as the new company CFO in February 2021.

    What did the managing director say?

    Mr Glenn Jardine, De Grey managing director, commented on the CFO appointment. He said:

    Peter is an important addition to the De Grey management team as we continue to increase our organisational capability across the business. His experience immediately enhances our capacity to progress the Hemi Gold Discovery from the resource definition phase through feasibility studies, financing, construction and into production.

    In addition, Mr Jardine, went on to thank Mr Nelmes for his efforts, saying:

    Craig Nelmes has been an integral part of the Company’s success through the last 7 years and is very accepting of the ongoing organizational transition of the Company towards Tier One production. We thank Craig for the energy and leadership he brought as CFO over the past seven years and are very pleased he will continue to have an important role in De Grey’s future.

    De Grey share price summary

    The De Grey share price has been one of the best performers on the ASX over the last 12 months, rocketing by more than 2,000%.

    This time last year, the gold company’s share price was trading at around 5 cents, and went on to reach as high as $1.55 in September 2020. While many businesses suffered during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, De Grey was busy drilling and providing strong results within the Hemi Discovery.

    Based on the current De Grey share price, the company commands a market capitalisation of around $1.3 billion.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of June 30th

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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  • Will the Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price double again in 2021?

    hand on touch screen lit up by a share price chart moving higher

    The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has surged 3.54% higher this morning in a strong start to the year.

    Today’s move continues the strong momentum we saw in 2020. Shares in the Aussie iron ore giant more than doubled last year in good news for shareholders.

    So, what was the big driver for last year’s move and what’s the outlook for 2021?

    Why the Fortescue share price surged in 2020

    The major factor pushing Fortescue’s gains last year was a surging iron ore price.

    Iron ore prices started 2020 at US$91.50 per tonne but finished the year at US$163.73 per tonne. Those are some impressive commodity price gains, especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

    An infrastructure boom and sustained demand from China were big factors in pushing iron ore prices higher.

    Strong iron ore demand has also boosted the Aussie dollar higher after underpinning Australia’s exports despite increasing geopolitical tensions.

    How is iron ore looking this year?

    No one has a crystal ball, but various sources are expecting iron ore gains to continue in 2021.

    Global ratings agency S&P Global anticipates the high iron ore prices seen in recent months to continue in the first quarter of 2021.

    The government’s mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEFO) contained conservative forecasts for iron ore at US$55 per tonne. 

    CBA senior economist Belinda Allen is predicting US$82 per tonne at the end of Q3 2021. That means a strong iron ore price could continue to support the Federal Budget and the Fortescue share price.

    What about the other iron ore miners?

    The Fortescue share price wasn’t the only mining share to experience strong gains in 2020.

    Both the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) share prices gained but nothing like the scale of Fortescue last year.

    BHP shares climbed 9.0% while Rio Tinto jumped 13.4% as at year end versus a 1.5% loss for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

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    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

    *Returns as of 6/8/2020

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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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  • Why BetMakers, Emerge Gaming, Infratil, & Tyro shares are pushing higher

    share price higher

    In afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to start 2021 very positively. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up a sizeable 1% to 6,653 points.

    Four shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are pushing higher:

    BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET)

    The BetMakers share price is up 3% to 69 cents. This morning the betting technology company revealed that its placement has completed successfully. BetMakers has raised $50 million (before costs) at $0.60 per new share from sophisticated and institutional investors. These funds are being used to acquire the racing and digital assets of UK-based sport betting company Sportech.

    Emerge Gaming Ltd (ASX: EM1)

    The Emerge Gaming share price has rocketed 18% higher to 9.3 cents. Investors have been buying the esports and gaming technology company’s shares following the release of an update on its MIGGSTER social gaming platform. According to the release, Emerge Gaming has banked its first cash receipts from the social gaming platform to the value of A$8.3 million. This covers the period 14 November to 31 December.

    Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT)

    The Infratil share price is up 5% to $7.24 following an update on its data centres. According to the release, the investment company has experienced a significant increase in the value of its stake in CDC Data Centres. Infratil’s 48.1% investment in CDC is now valued at between A$2,039 million to A$2,334 million. This is up from A$1,597 million to A$1,807 million at 30 September 2020.

    Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR)

    The Tyro share price has climbed almost 5% to $3.34 following the release of its latest weekly update. According to the release, Tyro recorded transaction value of $2.626 billion during December. This is an increase of 19% on the same period a year earlier.

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    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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    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 Betmakers Technology Group Ltd and Tyro Payments. 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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  • Why the Chesser (ASX:CHZ) share price is climbing higher today

    rising asx share price represented my man in hard hat giving thumbs up

    The Chesser Resources Limited (ASX: CHZ) share price is climbing higher today following a change in management.

    In late-morning trade, the gold exploration company’s share price has risen 4.1% to 25 cents.

    What did Chesser announce?

    In today’s release, Chesser advised that it has appointed Andrew Grove as its new CEO. The change in the management comes as the company moves from its exploration activities to project development, in eastern Senegal.

    Mr Grove’s technical, commercial and financial experience in the resources sector spans 30 years. This includes a 14-year tenure at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) mining finance and risk management groups.

    Chesser said Mr Grove had a wealth of knowledge in operations across all phases of resources projects. Namely, the Sunrise Gold Dam project in Western Australia and his African gold mining experience at Perseus Mining Limited (ASX: PRU) as group general manager business development and investor relations.

    The outgoing managing director, Michael Brown, will continue in an advisory role for the remaining time. Mr Brown’s duties will involve ensuring a smooth transition process for Mr Grove as head of the company.

    Mr Grove’s position as Chesser CEO will come into effect on 1 February, 2021.

    What did management say?

    Commenting on the appointment, Chesser chair Mark Connelly said:

    Having confirmed a significant gold discovery at the Diamba Sud project, the board of Chesser is transitioning the group’s focus from exploration to resource definition and project development.

    Andrew’s unique blend of technical expertise, substantial project financing and capital markets experience, and exposure to African gold mining projects, makes him well suited to leading Chesser through the critical next phases of its development. Andrew will be based in Perth, Australia and will work closely with myself and the Australian-based directors.

    How has the Chesser share price performed?

    The Chesser share price has moved strongly over the past 12 months, gaining more than 226% for investors. The company’s shares hit a 52-week low of 4.5 cents last March, and reached a multi-year high of 32.5 cents in October.

    Based on current share price levels, the company commands a market capitalisation of around $110 million.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of June 30th

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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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  • ASX 200 up 0.8%: CBA storms higher, Link sinks, tech shares rise

    ASX 200 shares

    At lunch on Monday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to start the year with a strong gain. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.8% to 6,639.1 points.

    Here’s what has been happening on the market today:

    Bank shares higher.

    The big four banks are on form today and are playing a key role in driving the ASX 200 index higher. While all the big four are recording solid gains, the best performer in the group has been the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price. At the time of writing, the shares of Australia’s largest bank are up a sizeable 1.4%.

    Link share price sinks lower.

    The Link Administration Holdings Ltd (ASX: LNK) share price is crashing lower today after the release of an update on a takeover approach by SS&C Technology Holdings. The NASDAQ listed global provider of investment and financial software made a conditional offer of $5.65 per share to acquire the company last month. Although the Link board stated that the offer undervalued Link, it still granted SS&C Technology due diligence. This was in the hope that a superior proposal would be made. Unfortunately, Link has revealed that SS&C Technology has now withdrawn its takeover proposal.

    Tech shares rise.

    It has been a positive start to the year for the Australian tech sector. Thanks to solid gains by tech shares such as electronic design software company Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) and artificial intelligence services company Appen Ltd (ASX: APX), the S&P ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) is up 0.8% at lunch.

    Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

    The best performer on the ASX 200 on Monday has been the Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME) share price with a 4% gain. This is despite there being no news out of the health imaging software company. The worst performer has been the Link share price with a 15% decline. This follows the withdrawal of SS&C Technology’s takeover approach.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of June 30th

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    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 Appen Ltd and Link Administration Holdings Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Pro Medicus Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Pro Medicus Ltd. 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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  • Why Moderna stock fell 32% in December

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    A glass jar labelled COVID_19 vaccine sits on a bench with capsules and precriptions drugs.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    What happened

    Shares of biotech Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA), maker of a COVID-19 vaccine, dropped 31.6% in December, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence

    For context, the S&P 500 Index (INDEXSP: .INX) returned 3.8% last month.

    So what

    We can attribute Moderna stock’s 32% drop last month to profit taking. After all, shares were up a whopping 581% in 2020 through the end of November, so it wasn’t surprising that some investors took some money off the table in December. Moderna stock ended the year with a 434% gain.  

    Shares of Moderna began their long climb early in 2020 when the company announced that it was developing a vaccine to immunise against COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

    As the below chart shows, the stock had a sharp run-up in November. It skyrocketed 126% in that month, driven by a string of great news about mRNA-1273, which was then a messenger RNA-based vaccine candidate.

    On 30 November, Moderna announced the positive final results from its phase 3 study. As I previously wrote, “It found its vaccine candidate to be 94.1% effective in preventing COVID-19, and it uncovered no serious safety concerns. Moreover, the company said that it had submitted a request with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for mRNA-1273.”

    Then on 18 December came “the big news”: Moderna announced the FDA had authorised the emergency use of mRNA-1273. Shares, which had been moving downward throughout December, fell nearly 3% that day. The reason shares dropped on such terrific news is that this news was widely expected and already priced in during November.

    The US distribution of the vaccine began the next day, and administration of the first of the two-dose vaccine started on 20 December.

    MRNA Chart

    Data by YCharts.

    Now what

    On 18 December, Moderna said that it expected to deliver about 20 million doses to the US government by the end of December 2020. It also expects to have between 100 million and 125 million doses available globally in the first quarter of 2021, with 85 to 100 million of those available in the US. A total of 200 million doses was ordered by the US government, which has the option to purchase up to an additional 300 million doses.

    The rollout of Moderna’s vaccine to the states was slower than anticipated in December, but that’s not its fault. The federal government’s Operation Warp Speed is in charge of distribution.

    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of June 30th

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    Beth McKenna 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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    This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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  • Could the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price make a comeback in 2021? 

    asx share price rebound represented by wooden blocks spelling rebound with coins on top

    The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price struggled in the second half of 2020, falling 8%. Compare this to the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price, which climbed more than 70% over the same period.

    The underwhelming second half performance takes credit away from what was otherwise a very solid 50% increase in the Zip share price in 2020. With the successful completion of its $120 million capital raising to fuel growth in all aspects of its business, could 2021 be the year for Zip shareholders? 

    Capital raising overview

    Zip’s $120 million capital raising was issued at $5.34 per new share. The funds have a broad allocation throughout Zip’s business, from fuelling its strong core business in Australia and New Zealand to investing in global growth and seeking further opportunities to expand into other regions. 

    US growth is accelerating

    The United States market is the largest addressable retail market in the world, worth more than US$5 trillion. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) companies are eager to disrupt the retail market in the US and capture as much market share as possible. 

    The Zip story so far in the US has been largely positive, with the company’s total transaction values in November increasing 205% to US$264.2 million compared to $86.6 million in November 2019. Likewise, Afterpay has experienced similar growth on a percentage basis with its US sales increasing 186% to A$1 billion in November 2020. 

    The US will continue to be the centrepiece of Zip’s growth story. The company believes it has strong momentum to continue its growth trajectory through two key levers: further product innovation and strategic relationships with marquee merchants and partners. 

    UK launch in progress 

    The Zip team has experienced delays with its proposed United Kingdom launch in the second half of 2020. The company believes it has has established the foundations to capitalise on the UK opportunity with enterprise merchants such as JD Sport and Boohoo secured. According to Zip, its pipeline is also gaining traction and its global relationships are being leveraged to drive growth.

    The UK market represents a substantial opportunity for Zip, with the region’s retail turnover totalling 394 billion pounds (A$700 billion) in 2019. This compares to Australia’s $392.6 billion in retail turnover in the same year. 

    The UK market is shaping up to deliver significant revenue for the already established Afterpay, with its UK sales soaring 315% in November to A$0.2 billion compared to the prior corresponding period. 

    Exploring global opportunities 

    The real wildcard in Zip’s proposed growth plan is its new markets division. This division hit the ground running with two new investments covering the United Arab Emirates and European regions. Spotii is headquartered in the UAE and focused on the Gulf Cooperation Council consisting of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Another of Zip’s investments, Twisto, is a leading payments platform operational in the Czech Republic and Poland, with the ability to deliver passport licensing across the European Union. 

    Foolish takeaway

    The Zip share price is currently trading at $5.46 at the time of writing, surpassing its capital raise issue price. The company has ambitious plans to target more geographies, accelerate its US growth and finally launch in the UK in 2021. Currently trading nearly 50% below its 52-week high, it will be interesting to see what 2021 brings for the Zip share price. 

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    Returns as of 6th October 2020

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    Lina Lim 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 owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

    The post Could the Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price make a comeback in 2021?  appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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