The Zip (ASX:Z1P) share price had a year to forget in 2021

Zip shares had an eventful year in 2021…

| 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

It is fair to say that the Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price had a year to forget in 2021.

Over the 12 months, the buy now pay later (BNPL) provider's shares lost 18.1% of their value.

Though, this is only telling half the story. At one stage in February last year, the Zip share price was up as much as 175% year to date to a record high of $14.53.

From top to bottom, the company's shares shed over 70% of their value.

What happened to the Zip share price?

Investors were selling down the company's shares last year after investor sentiment in the BNPL industry waned.

This was driven by increasing competition, which led to higher than expected investments in sales and marketing (and therefore larger losses), and concerns over regulatory pressure in the United States.

In respect to increased competition, there were a number of industry events that caused alarm for ASX BNPL shareholders.

For example, last year PayPal removed merchant fees for its PayPal Pay in 4 product, reports claimed that tech behemoth Apple is interested in offering its own BNPL service, and Mastercard launched its Pay & Split solution.

Will its shares bounce back in 2022?

The team at Morgans remains positive on the Zip share price. Last week the broker retained its add rating but cut the price target on its shares by 12% to $7.54. This implies potential upside of 88% over the next 12 months.

The broker commented: "The [BNPL] sector is suddenly unloved by investors, so solid 1H22 results are required to change sentiment. We expect strong revenue growth for APT and Z1P (~100% on pcp), but we still expect both stocks to report 1H22 NPAT losses."

Though, it has also warned that Zip is one of several shares that "earnings visibility remains poor for" heading into reporting season.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns 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 BNPL shares

Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.
BNPL shares

Why is the Zip share price dropping today?

Let's see how this buy now pay later provider performed in April.

Read more »

A young woman smiles as she rides a zip line high above the trees.
BNPL shares

How Zip shares rebounded 45% from their 7 April lows to beat the ASX 200

Did you catch what happened with Zip shares in April?

Read more »

A young woman in a shop hands her credit card to the cashier.
BNPL shares

Up 41% in 3 weeks, should I buy Zip shares today?

Zip shares have been on a tear in April. Now what?

Read more »

A young woman smiles as she rides a zip line high above the trees.
BNPL shares

Zip share price rockets 15% on record cash earnings!

It’s a great day to own Zip shares today. Here’s why.

Read more »

A young woman in a shop hands her credit card to the cashier.
Share Gainers

Zip share price rockets 20% on $50 million buyback news

Zip shares are surging ahead of the company’s planned $50 million buyback.

Read more »

BNPL written on a smartphone.
BNPL shares

Down almost 40% this year, can Zip shares turn around?

Is it time to buy now or wait until later?

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
BNPL shares

Buy, hold, or sell: What's the verdict on Zip shares?

Time to buy the dip on Zip, or time to close the case for good?

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Earnings Results

Zip share price jumps 11% on record half year result

This buy now pay later provider has delivered another impressive result.

Read more »