The terms growth and pandemic may not go hand in hand, however many sectors have flourished amid COVID-19.
Here are 2 high growth ASX 200 shares that could present themselves as excellent investment opportunities in the current climate.
Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX: PBH)
Spending on gambling has been on the rise amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that NAB's internal bank data on consumer spending showed expenditure on gambling had increased by 50.7% since the start of the year. This could spell good news for ASX 200 gambling shares such as Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH), Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN) and Pointsbet.
I believe that Pointsbet is in a strong position to grow its business both domestically and in the US. The return of the AFL and NRL seasons will see the breadth of Pointsbet product offering expand in Australia. Its exclusive deal with Fox Sports AFL during the 2020 season is also a boon for Pointsbet's Australian trading business.
The US sports betting market is still in its infancy, with many states still pending sports betting legalisation. The return of the PGA (golf) season and anticipated recommencement of both NBA and MLB seasons should see an increased turnover for Pointsbet in the coming months.
The company has also recently signed a deal with BetMakers Technology Group Ltd (ASX: BET) to begin fixed odds betting on horseracing in the New Jersey market. New Jersey has been one of the pioneers for fixed odds sports betting in the US, with its latest sports betting annual turnover reported at more than $4.5 billion.
Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)
Zip's acquisition of Quadpay could be transformative for the company's growth moving forward. This acquisition will immediately add Quadpay's existing 1.5 million customers, 3,500 merchants and an annualised $900 million transaction value to Zip's metrics. More importantly, this acquisition allows the company to enter the US market.
Quadpay itself is a simple product that allows customers to pay in 4 instalments spread over 6 weeks, interest free. What takes the Quadpay product to the next level is its "Anywhere" app, enabling customers to pay in instalments in-store or online at any merchant. This makes the product highly scalable and minimises integration costs.
From a valuation perspective, I believe Zip, post-Quadpay acquisition, represents much better value than other ASX 200 buy now, pay later shares such as Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT). However, given its recent share price spike, I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy Zip shares but rather will watch closely for a buying opportunity.
