Why I think the Xero share price is in the buy zone

The Xero share price has lost about 17% of its value over the past two months.

| More on:

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 is taking a hit today.

It's down about 3% at the time of writing.

In fact, the Xero share price has lost about 17% of its value over the past two months.

And for me, that's a good thing, as the stock is now trading at a bargain.

It's likely that today's sell-off is prompted by the fallout from Donald Trump's tariff announcement.

But I don't see that news as having a long-term material impact on Xero's growth prospects.

I've heard concerns raised about Xero's growth prospects being hampered by challenges with expanding in the North American market.

And one of those challenges comes in the form of Intuit Inc (NASDAQ: INTU), the market leader in the North American accounting platform space.

Sure, the North American market is huge.

Still, there's more to the world than North America. Much more.

And the growth potential for accounting software that exists outside the United States far exceeds what's on offer in the world's biggest economy.

The value of the accounting software market is widely expected to double over the next decade.

And most of that growth will occur outside North America.

Currently, Xero's three biggest markets are Australia and New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and North America.

Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.

Image source: Getty Images

Strong growth

In its latest half-year results, released in November, Xero reported a 25% increase in revenues for the six months to 30 September to NZ$996 million. 

While about NZ$567 million of that figure came from the Australia and New Zealand region, only NZ$59 was generated in North America.

It's tempting to focus on the lucrative North American market, but I think that can lead to losing sight of the big picture.

It is interesting to note that revenues for the six months to 30 September for the rest of the world, outside of Xero's three core markets, totalled about NZ$98.5 million, up 22% on the prior corresponding period.

Xero has stated that it remains focused on growing its three core markets.

But, clearly, there is untapped potential outside Xero's focus area, with the company noting that South Africa and Singapore were key revenue drivers outside its core markets.

Big plans

Xero has plans to double the size of its business in the coming years.

With solid, steady growth, it looks on track to achieve its goals.

While the company will face challenges in the North American market, it can more than offset the implications of those challenges with solid growth prospects outside North America.

I still see Xero as a buy.

Motley Fool contributor Steve Holland has positions in Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Intuit and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

Soldier in military uniform using laptop for drone controlling.
Technology Shares

DroneShield launches RfRecon: New flagship product drives outlook

The launch reflects a shift by bringing RF intelligence directly to the tactical edge.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman using her phone at work, with stock market related images in the background.
Technology Shares

3 big reasons to buy DroneShield shares now

The valuation makes me cautious, but the speed at which the business itself is growing keeps me interested.

Read more »

four one hundred dollar bills hang on a washing line with old-fashioned wooden pegs, denoting money laundering.
Technology Shares

WiseTech shares are surging: Could they really hit $100 again?

Brokers see big upside ahead, but WiseTech still faces major hurdles before reaching $100.

Read more »

A corporate female wearing glasses looks intently at a virtual reality screen with shapes and lights representing Block shares going up today
ASX Share Market News

ASX 200 tech shares lead again as big US earnings inspire local confidence

ASX 200 tech stocks rose 8.4% as more US tech giants delivered impressive earnings last week.

Read more »

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

3 ASX tech shares on the verge of rocketing to the moon

Beaten-down names with catalysts landing this month.

Read more »

Man on his phone in front of all his computer screens.
Technology Shares

$10,000 invested in WiseTech shares 12 months ago is now worth…

This tech leader has lost some investor confidence.

Read more »

A girl is looking very confused, with one eyebrow raised saying what?
Technology Shares

What on earth is going on with the WiseTech share price?

WiseTech shares have dropped into the red again today after a great rally.

Read more »

A warehouse worker is standing next to a shelf and using a digital tablet.
Technology Shares

What's Macquarie saying about the Wisetech share price ahead of results?

After a difficult year, are these shares due for some upside?

Read more »