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

Multi-ethnic people looking at camera sitting at public place screaming, shouting and feeling overjoyed about their windfall, good news or sports victory.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a slightly sour end to the trading week this Friday.

Read more »

Rocket takes off from the hand of a businessman.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 stocks rocketing higher in the first full trading week of 2026

Investors have been piling into these three ASX 200 stocks in 2026. But why?

Read more »

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Why Codan, DroneShield, Mesoblast, and Woodside shares are storming higher today

These shares are ending the week strongly. But why?

Read more »

Woman with gold nuggets on her hand.
Gold

Up 177% in a year, why is this ASX 300 gold stock leaping higher again on Friday?

Investors are piling into this high-flying ASX gold stock again today. But why?

Read more »

a man in a green and gold Australian athletic kit roars ecstatically with a wide open mouth while his hands are clenched and raised as a shower of gold confetti falls in the sky around him.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors were in a good mood today.

Read more »

Man ecstatic after reading good news.
Share Gainers

Why Canyon Resources, Core Lithium, Duratec, and Unico Silver shares are storming higher

These shares are outperforming on Thursday. What's going on?

Read more »

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX was back in the green this Wednesday.

Read more »

A young woman holding her phone smiles broadly and looks excited, after receiving good news.
Share Gainers

Why 4DMedical, Regis Resources, Unico Silver, and WiseTech Global shares are pushing higher

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

Read more »