The Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price is down 10% in a week. Here's why

Short-sellers have looked to capitalise on Zip's uncertain outlook.

| More on:
Young man looking afraid representing ASX shares investor scared of market crash

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 past week has not been kind to the Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price.

After closing yesterday's session at $6.24, shares in the buy now, pay later company have tumbled more than 10% in the past week.

So, what's been weighing down the Zip share price?

What's been dragging Zip shares lower this past week?

Weakness in Zip's share price in the past week can be traced back to the company's Retail Investor Day.

Despite providing the market with promising product updates, the BNPL player failed to provide an update on its performance so far in FY22.

Zip has been plagued by speculation that its rebrand in the US has slowed momentum and growth.

As a result, concerned investors were left in the lurch as the company revealed a number of new products.

Various brokers and analysts have also expressed these concerns.

Macquarie recently released a bearish note that gave the Zip share price an underperform rating and a reduced price target of $5.70.

Analysts cited concerns over the company's elevated bad debts, slowing customer growth, and softer web traffic.

As a result, short-sellers have looked to capitalise on Zip's uncertain outlook.

According to the most recent data, Zip's share registry has a 9.2% short interest.

Besides struggling this past week, the Zip share price has slid since releasing its full-year results.

How did Zip perform in FY21?

Zip noted FY21 as a transformational year, with the company recording a 150% increase in revenue of $403.2 million.

Other highlights from the company's full-year report included:

  • Transaction volumes of $5,8 billion, up 178.5%
  • Transaction numbers of 41.3 million, up 293%
  • Active customers at 7.3 million, up 247.5%
  • Active merchants at 51,300, up 109.4%
  • Cash gross profit of $198 million, up 147%

In addition to new merchants, the BNPL player also expanded to 12 new international markets in FY21.

Despite its strong growth results, Zip shares fell 2.6% on the day the company reported, as growth concerns emerged.

Snapshot of the Zip share price

Zip shares have not only struggled this week. Shares in the BNPL player have also underperformed the tech sector in the last year.

In the past 12 months, the  S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) has risen around 33%.   

By comparison, the Zip share price is flat over the same timeframe.

Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended 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.

More on Share Fallers

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX All Ords share is diving 18% as inflation pain draws blood

This healthcare company delivered a trading update at its annual general meeting today.

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Healius, Opthea, Peninsula Energy, and Wildcat shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough finish to the week. But why?

Read more »

A worried man holds his head and look at his computer.
Share Fallers

Why Graincorp, Light & Wonder, Orica, and Wildcat shares are falling today

These shares are having a tough time on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward representing the ASX tech share sell-off today
Share Fallers

Why Insignia, Light & Wonder, Mineral Resources, and Nuix shares are sinking today

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

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Endeavour, Global Data Centre, OFX, and Paladin Energy shares are dropping today

Why are these shares under pressure today? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone
Share Fallers

ASX 200 uranium stock alert: Paladin Energy shares just crashed 29%!

Paladin Energy shares are under intense selling pressure on Tuesday.

Read more »

A woman with a sad face looks to be receiving bad news on her phone as she holds it in her hands and looks down at it.
Share Fallers

Why Champion Iron, Endeavour, Infomedia, and Resolute Mining shares are sinking today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Share Fallers

Why Arcadium Lithium, Block, Jumbo, and Mineral Resources shares

These shares are ending the week in the red. Why are investors selling them?

Read more »