The Xero (ASX:XRO) share price is now up 96% in 2020

The Xero Limited (ASX:XRO) share price continued its remarkable run and surged 9% higher today. This means it is now up 96% in 2020…

| More on:
jump in asx share price represented by man jumping in the air in celebration

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price has continued its remarkable run on Tuesday.

In afternoon trade the cloud-based business and accounting software provider's shares are up a sizeable 9% to a new record high of $156.72.

This latest gain means the Xero share price is now up a sizeable 30% since this time last month and an even more mouth-watering 96% since the start of the year.

Why is the Xero share price charging higher?

There have been a few catalysts for the rampant rise in the Xero share price this year.

This includes its strong performance during the pandemic, bullish broker notes, and its inclusion in exclusive indices.

In respect to the latter, on Friday afternoon S&P Dow Jones Indices announced its quarterly rebalance of the S&P/ASX Indices and revealed that Xero would be joining the ASX 50 index along with payments company Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT).

These two market darlings will be replacing energy producer Oil Search Ltd (ASX: OSH) and retail property company Vicinity Centres (ASX: VCX).

Given that some investment companies have strict mandates on the shares they can buy, this change has potentially brought Xero onto the radar of some fund managers.

In addition to this, it will also have led to index-tracking funds having to buy shares.

Can the Xero share price go higher?

As I mentioned above, the Xero share price was also given a boost from bullish broker notes over the last few months.

One of the most bullish notes came from Goldman Sachs earlier this month. It initiated coverage on the company with a buy rating and $157.00 price target.

At the time, this price target implied potential upside of 18% for its shares. However, with the Xero share price now fetching $156.72, the upside appears limited from here.

Goldman Sachs likes Xero due to the quality of its offering, its large and growing total addressable market (TAM), and its attractive unit economics.

The broker estimates that its TAM is already worth NZ$14 billion across its key markets but could grow by a further NZ$62 billion in the future. Goldman believes this would be possible if it broadens and monetises its app ecosystem and expands into new geographies.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, De Grey Mining, Domino's, and Nufarm shares are charging higher

These shares are ending the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Share Gainers

How these 3 ASX 200 stocks smashed the benchmark this week

Investors sent these ASX 200 stocks flying higher over the week. But why?

Read more »

asx share price boosted by us investment represented by hand waving US flag across winning athlete
Best Shares

Here are the best-performing ASX 200 shares since the US election result

We reveal the 10 ASX stocks that have had the highest share price gains since the US Presidential election.

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

Up 39% in a year, is there more growth to come for this ASX 200 share?

IML Equity Analyst Josh Freiman shares his views on a major ASX 200 industrial stock.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, Flight Centre, Nufarm, and Xero shares are storming higher today

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

drug capsule opening up to reveal dollar signs signifying rising asx share price
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares going gangbusters on Thursday

Investors are sending these ASX healthcare stocks soaring today. But why?

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX 200 made it three-for-three losses in a row this Wednesday.

Read more »

A young woman wearing overalls and a yellow t-shirt kicks one leg in the air showing excitement over the latest ASX 200 shares to hit 52-week highs
Share Gainers

Why Brickworks, James Hardie, Megaport, and OFX shares are charging higher today

These shares are having a good time on hump day. But why?

Read more »