Here's why the EML (ASX:EML) share price could be a big opportunity

EML is a business with plenty of growth potential.

| More on:
A compass with the word opportunities is shown in black and blue representing a broker upgrade on the EML share price

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 EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML) share price looks like an attractive opportunity to plenty of analysts at the moment.

EML is a financial technology (fintech) company that powers many different types of payments including physical card cards, electronic gift cards, virtual bank accounts, salary packaging, gaming payouts, buy now pay later (BNPL) and so on.

At the moment, there are at least three different brokers that like EML as an investment with potential.

One of those with a buy rating on the fintech stock is UBS. Its price target is $4.40. That suggests a possible upside of more than 30% this year if the broker is right.

What does UBS like about the EML share price?

In May 2021, EML shares took a huge tumble. They fell more than 40% as investors learned the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) was concerned about EML's processes, compliance and risk management in regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF).

It was a potentially painful move because the CBI could have put limits on EML's Irish business, as well as having various other impacts. The EML entity, PFS Card Services (Ireland) Limited (PCSIL), is responsible for substantial payment volume.

However, near the end of November, EML delivered good news regarding the CBI investigation, which UBS said took a lot of risk off the table.

The CBI said that it will permit PCSIL to sign new customers and launch new programs whilst staying within the material growth restrictions. PCSIL is confident that it can meet these obligations.

Further, broad based reductions in limit controls on programs will not be imposed. The CBI is satisfied to continue to engage with PCSIL with a view to agreeing appropriate limits under its risk management and controls framework.

The CBI did say it intended to implement a material growth limitation over PCSIL's total payment volumes which will be imposed for 12 months, or rescinded earlier. This follows third party verification to confirm PCSIL's remediation plan has been effectively implemented. PCSIL has been removing higher volume, lower yielding programs to enable it to comply with a material growth restriction.

The broker says that EML will be able to achieve more customer growth thanks to this latest update, which should help grow the business.

How quickly is EML growing?

Investors often like to look at the growth rate, and expected growth rate, of a business before deciding what to value it at. So, faster growth could be useful for the EML share price.

In FY21, gross debit volume (GDV) rose 42% to $19.7 billion and underlying net profit after tax (NPATA) increased 54% to $32.4 million.

Then, in the first quarter of FY22, GDV increased another 14% to $5.5 billion year on year. Revenue was up another 29% to $52.4 million and underlying net profit was up 41% to $4.6 million.

It continues to win new clients and process more volume for existing clients.

What is the EML share price valuation?

Based on the UBS numbers, EML is valued at 27x FY23's estimated earnings.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended EML Payments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Technology Shares

Woman with $50 notes in her hand thinking, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

This 5% ASX dividend stock could pay me every quarter like clockwork

With steady growth and quarterly fully franked dividends, Dicker Data is shaping up as an attractive income stock for 2026…

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Data centre and rail contract wins have boosted this engineering firm's shares

This engineering firm has just picked up a swag of new contracts in the growing data centre sector, as well…

Read more »

Five happy friends on their phones.
Technology Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX tech stocks to buy in 2026

Let's see which stocks the broker is recommending to clients.

Read more »

A female soldier flies a drone using hand-held controls.
Technology Shares

Why are DroneShield shares jumping 20% today?

Let's see what this popular stock just announced to the market.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Healthy dividend sends ASX 200 data centre investor's shares higher

There's plenty to like about the dividend yield from this data centre player.

Read more »

Robot touching a share price chart, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Technology Shares

Why are ASX 200 tech stocks like Xero shares taking a beating on Monday?

Investors are pressuring ASX tech shares today. But why?

Read more »

A silhouette of a soldier flying a drone at sunset.
Technology Shares

Counter drone company surges past $1 billion valuation with new contract win

This company's shares are sharply higher after it announced a lucrative contract with a South Korean customer.

Read more »

Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy Megaport shares today

After this year's rally, analysts believe there's more to come.

Read more »