Why did the Zip share price get smashed in March?

Zip's shares were sold off again in March…

| More on:
A woman with bright yellow hair wearing a brightly patterned blouse reacts to big news that she's reading on her phone.

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

Key points

  • Zip shares were out of form again in March
  • The BNPL provider's shares tumbled lower, bringing their year to date decline to 66%
  • Brokers are divided on where Zip's shares go next

The Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) share price continued its disappointing run during the month of March.

The buy now pay later (BNPL) provider's shares dropped a further 13.4% during the period.

This meant that Zip share's had lost approximately two-thirds of its value during the first quarter of 2022, which made it the worst performer on the illustrious ASX 200 index.

Why did the Zip share price sink during March?

Investors continued to sell down Zip's shares last month after the BNPL provider announced an all-scrip deal to acquire rival Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL) and a capital raising to support the growth of the two businesses.

In respect to the latter, at the start of the month Zip successfully completed its fully underwritten $148.7 million institutional placement. These funds were raised at $1.90 per new share, which was a 14% discount to the Zip share price at the time.

The company was then aiming to raise a further $50 million from retail shareholders through a share purchase plan. Though, it remains unclear how much Zip will raise from this part of the capital raising after the pullback by Zip's shares made the share purchase plan less attractive to shareholders.

What else?

Also weighing heavily on the Zip share price last month was a broker note out of UBS.

The broker responded to Zip's capital raising and the acquisition of Sezzle by downgrading the company's shares to a sell rating and slashing its price target to $1.00.

With the company's shares currently trading at $1.47, this suggests that the Zip share price could still fall a further 32% from current levels.

Though, it is worth noting that not everyone is bearish. Morgans believes the acquisition of Sezzle makes "strategic sense" and put an add rating and $3.94 price target on its shares. This is more than double where its shares trade at now.

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 Capital Raising

A man face plants into the deep snow, indicating a company frozen in a trading halt.
Materials Shares

Why are Arafura shares frozen on Wednesday?

Arafura shares aren’t trading today. But why?

Read more »

Person with a handful of Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Capital Raising

BrainChip shares frozen to refill the financial fuel tank

This AI company needs another injection of capital.

Read more »

A person wrapped in warm clothing with head, eyes and face covered by a hat, glasses and a scarf is coated in a layer of snow and ice. representing Strike Energy's trading halt today
Capital Raising

Zip shares frozen amid $267 million debt wipe plans

The buy now, pay later provider wants investors to tip in $267 million to lighten a burden.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Materials Shares

Why is the WA1 share price crashing 12% today?

This high-flying stock is having its wings clipped today. What's happening?

Read more »

A man in a suit face palms at the downturn happening with shares today.
Energy Shares

Why is this ASX 300 uranium stock sinking 10% on Friday?

What's going on with this high-flying stock today? Let's find out.

Read more »

a business man in a suit holds his hand over his eyes as he bows his head in a defeated post suggesting regret and remorse.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Why is this ASX share crashing 60% on Monday?

Shareholders of this stock may need a stiff drink today.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Materials Shares

Why is this ASX lithium stock crashing 16% today?

Why is this stock having such a poor start to the week?

Read more »

happy investor, celebrating investor, good news, share price rise, up, increase
Capital Raising

Nick Scali share price jumps 14% to record high after raising $46m

Investors have responded very positively to the company's UK expansion plan.

Read more »