Douugh (ASX:DOU) to acquire Goodments: report

The upstart fintech's shares haven't traded for almost 2 weeks after soaring 467% since October. Here's what's going on.

| More on:

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

Douugh Ltd (ASX: DOU) is reportedly set to announce it will acquire Australian ethical investing app Goodments.

The fintech, which listed on the ASX in October, returned 467% to be crowned the best-performing initial public offer stock of 2020.

The shares sold for 3 cents during the IPO but last traded for 17 cents, after flying as high as 49 cents.

However, the rollercoaster ride for investors came to an abrupt pause on 21 December when the company put a trading halt on its shares. It has since extended the suspension 3 times, making everyone a bit nervous.

The trading halt, Douugh had stated, was regarding the acquisition of an undisclosed company and an enquiry from the ASX.

Now with the shares still suspended, the Australian Financial Review has revealed startup Goodments is Douugh's acquisition target.

Goodments is a share trading app that allows users to only invest in ethical companies aligned with the user's personal priorities.

A share trading app for the new generation

The app's co-founder Tom Culver told the author back in 2017 that the despair he felt about the Tony Abbott federal government convinced him there was a need for such a platform.

"I realised that governments don't see themselves accountable for the future of our planet and actually it's corporations who are the most incentivised to behave more sustainably," he told Business Insider.

The startup then went through the famous H2 Ventures accelerator program, targeting millennials.

Douugh has had a controversial 3 months on the ASX. While its soaring share price has made IPO investors very happy, the uncertainty of its long-term business has seen the value violently fluctuate.

The company scored a major win back in November, revealing a partnership with Humm Group Ltd (ASX: HUM). But it also raised an unannounced $12 million soon after the IPO, which raised questions from the ASX.

The company has also so far refused to divulge customer numbers.

Douugh shares will remain in a trading halt until Friday, unless it is ready to reveal the news earlier.

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Humm Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Unsure man analysing data on laptop.
Share Market News

Why is the ASX 200 down by so much today?

ASX 200 investors are favouring their sell buttons today. But why?

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Broker Notes

Guess which ASX 50 share is a top buy for 2025

Bell Potter has just slapped a buy rating on this stock. Let's see why.

Read more »

a woman holds a facebook like thumbs up sign high above her head. She has a very happy smile on her face.
Broker Notes

Goldman Sachs just put a buy rating on this ASX 200 share

The broker has good things to say about this 'high-quality' company.

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Here's what Aussie investors can expect from the local market today.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors ended up snatching defeat from the jaws of victory today.

Read more »

Dollar sign in yellow with a red falling arrow in front of a graph, symbolising a falling share price.
Materials Shares

Ouch: The Pilbara Minerals share price just hit a multi-year low

It's been a tough day for lithium investors.

Read more »

Three hikers lift their arms in jubilation as they reach a rocky peak overlooking a sensational view of water and mountains with a blue sky surrounding them.
52-Week Highs

3 blue chip ASX 200 shares smashing new highs on Wednesday

These names are finishing the year strongly.

Read more »

Excited group of friends sitting on sofa watching sports on TV and celebrating.
Share Gainers

Why Clarity, Omni Bridgeway, Santana Minerals, and Vulcan shares are pushing higher today

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

Read more »