Leading brokers give their verdict on the Afterpay (ASX:APT) share price

A number of brokers have given their verdict on the Afterpay Ltd (ASX:APT) share price following its third quarter update…

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

On Tuesday the Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price dropped lower despite the release of an impressive third quarter update.

The payments company's shares dropped almost 1% to $125.23.

A line of people sitting at a long desk in an annual general meeting

Image source: Getty Images

What happened in the third quarter?

For the three months ended 31 March, Afterpay continued its strong form by reporting a 104% increase in underlying sales to $5.2 billion.

This comprises a 167% increase in North American sales to $2.6 billion, a 48% lift in ANZ sales to $2.1 billion, and a 246% jump in the UK sales to $0.5 billion.

This strong performance was driven by a 75% increase in active customers globally to 14.6 million and increasing customer frequency across all regions.

Also catching the eye was news that there may soon by an Afterpay share price trading on US markets. Afterpay notes that the US is now its biggest market and its shareholder base is increasingly becoming more globally focused. It feels a US listing would further accommodate this growing interest.

Where do brokers think the Afterpay share price is going?

Analysts at Credit Suisse were pleased with Afterpay's sales growth during the quarter. And while its customer growth fell a touch short of expectations, the broker has retained its outperform rating and $145.00 price target.

The ultra bearish UBS has held firm with its sell rating and $36.00 price target on the company's shares. They are concerned that its US listing could distract management, particularly given the requirement for more rigorous quarterly reporting.

Over at Morgans, its analysts have retained their hold rating and trimmed its price target slightly to $121.00.

Analysts at Wilsons have reduced their price target but remains positive on the company. Wilsons has a buy rating and $151.05 price target on Afterpay's shares.

And yesterday, after a first look at its result, Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) held firm with its neutral rating and $120.00 price target. It noted that Afterpay's numbers were in line with its expectations.

Over at RBC Capital, yesterday its analysts noted that Afterpay fell a touch short of its expectations in the third quarter. However, it remains confident it can still achieve its full year forecasts. RBC had an outperform rating and $150.00 price target at that point.

Based on the above, brokers appear largely undecided on the direction the Afterpay share price is going from here.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

A man in his office leans back in his chair with his hands behind his head looking out his window at the city, sitting back and relaxed, confident in his ASX share investments for the long term.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, PLS, and Reliance shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these shares. Let's see what the broker is saying.

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy right now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

A panel of formidable business people stand in a group with serious looks on their faces as if in judgement of what's before them.
Broker Notes

3 ASX shares to buy: experts

In new notes, brokers say these ASX stocks are good buys today.

Read more »

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

Bell Potter is tipping a 40% return from this ASX 200 share

A 40% return could be on the cards for buyers of this share.

Read more »

Woman checking bottle expiry dates.
Broker Notes

Here's why Morgans just upgraded Woolworths shares

The supermarket giant just received a boost from Morgans.

Read more »

A frustrated young woman shopper holds her hands up with a pained, annoyed expression on her face as she stands next to her trolley in a grocery store and examines the stock offerings on the shelf in front of her.
Broker Notes

Why this leading broker just downgraded Woolworths shares

Let's see why this supermarket giant's shares have just been hit with a downgrade.

Read more »

A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.
Broker Notes

Are Mineral Resources shares a buy in May?

Let's see what one leading broker is saying about this mining share.

Read more »

A smiling woman holds a Facebook like sign above her head.
Broker Notes

5 ASX shares scoring upgraded ratings this week

Experts have raised their ratings on JB Hi-Fi, Beach Energy, Amcor, and others this week.

Read more »