I didn't buy Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP) shares on 9 October.
But I sure wish I had.
Shares in the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) buy now, pay later (BNPL) stock have taken off over the past six months.
![](https://www.fool.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-150-663x354.png)
Here's what's been boosting ASX investor sentiment.
Zip shares have been rocketing
Although Zip shares remain well down from their February 2021 highs, the stock has enjoyed a remarkable rebound over the past six months.
Stock markets are often said to be forward-looking.
And while the market doesn't always get it right, in the case of Zip shares, the steady march higher that began in October looks prescient.
Zip's half-year results for the six months to 31 December showed increased customer engagement and boosted revenues.
Total transaction volume (TTV) for the half-year increased by 9.6% from the prior corresponding half-year to $5 billion, with TTV in Zip Americas notching a record half-year after growing by 33.3%.
Cash profits were up 45.9% year on year to $176 million. And the company's revenue margin of 8.5% was up 1.30% year on year.
Zip CEO Cynthia Scott also painted an optimistic picture for Zip shares for the year ahead.
"We remain firmly focused on our three strategic pillars for FY24 – driving sustainable, profitable growth, product innovation and operational excellence," she said.
Scott added, "Zip is very well-positioned to capitalise on the near and medium-term opportunities in our core markets of ANZ and the Americas and deliver greater value for our customers and merchants."
And boom!
Now, the day before those half-year results were released on 27 February, Zip shares were already trading for 94 cents apiece.
But if I'd bought shares on 9 October, less than six months ago, I could have picked them up for 25.5 cents apiece.
Meaning my $5,000 would have netted me 19,607 Zip shares and some pocket change.
At market close on Friday, the ASX 200 BNPL stock was trading for $1.25 a share.
So, my $5,000 investment would be worth an enviable $24,508.75 today!