Why the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price is one to watch today

The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price has been flying in 2020 but is that about to change before the US election in November?

| 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

The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price has edged 3.1% higher this year but it could start to feel the heat.

Why has the Altium share price climbed in 2020?

US and Australian tech shares like Altium have been on fire in 2020. While the coronavirus pandemic has hit many sectors hard, technology is not one of them.

Altium is an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) software design company. Despite concerns over supply chain disruptions and weaker sales, the company posted a 10.1% increase in full-year profit in August.

Alongside its fellow 'WAAAX' shares like Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), future expected growth has seen the Altium share price outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in 2020.

Why could the ASX tech share be under pressure today?

The big news out of the United States overnight was to do with government stimulus. While the Altium share price has been propelled higher by strong government and central bank support, that could be about to change.

US President, Donald Trump, has put further stimulus talks on ice until after the election. That's currently set to occur on 3 November, which could leave some tech shares with significant US operations in the lurch until then.

There's a two-fold impact that I can see here. Firstly, less stimulus means less support for businesses which could impact stability and earnings. Businesses won't get as many subsidies and people are less likely to spend without further government stimulus.

Secondly, it could lead to currency impacts. That could affect supply chain costs and the realised profits from overall sales across the globe.

Altium is largely based in the US with the majority of its executives over there. It also earns a significant portion of its US$189.1 million in revenues overseas which makes the Altium share price worth watching in October.

Foolish takeaway

The Altium share price has had a strong year so far but I think it's in for a tough time ahead of the US election.

Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

A bright graphic showing neon green and red arrows in a downwards direction with a world map behind them in neon blue
Technology Shares

Does Macquarie rate Life360 shares a buy, hold or sell?

Does recent share price weakness present an opportunity?

Read more »

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet.
Technology Shares

Why are shares in this ASX tech stock, which operates in the oil and gas space, charging higher?

Even after this share price jump, the shares could be good value.

Read more »

A man has computer-generated images rushing through his head, indicating an AI (artificial intelligence) concept of a communication network.
Technology Shares

Up 14% in April, is it too late to buy WiseTech shares?

The stock remains well below its highs and may now offer a more compelling opportunity.

Read more »

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.
Technology Shares

Up 670%: Is it too late to buy this ASX defence stock?

This high-flying stock could still have further to run according to Bell Potter.

Read more »

Man happy to be holding a blue cloud representing cloud computing.
Technology Shares

3 ASX shares benefiting from the rise of digital infrastructure

Artificial intelligence and cloud computing need the help of these shares.

Read more »

Soldier in military uniform using laptop for drone controlling.
Technology Shares

Why this ASX defence stock is falling today despite a massive 660% run

EOS shares pull back as a contract delay offsets a solid quarterly result.

Read more »

Happy couple looking at a phone and waiting for their flight at an airport.
Technology Shares

ASX tech stock charges higher on big acquisition news

Let's see what the software company has announced this morning.

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop with a financial graph superimposed across the image.
Technology Shares

These beaten down ASX 200 tech stocks could rise 55% to 60%

Brokers think these stocks could rise strongly from current levels.

Read more »