Why I’m investing in the Ocado share price right now

Ocado Group plc (LON:OCDO)’s share price has risen dramatically but here’s why I think it’s important to invest right now.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

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.

Ocado (LSE: OCDO) has been at the front of many investors’ minds this year thanks to its new agreement with Marks & Spencer this February. However, many people are reluctant to invest after the sky-rocket in share price thanks to this new development.

Here’s why I think that the Ocado share price will only go up and why you might want to think about investing right this very second… after reading this, of course.

Best performing of 2019

After a difficult end to 2018, the stock market has seemingly bounced back with a vengeance in 2019. Topping the list of best performers so far this year is, you guessed it, Ocado, experiencing around a rise of over 40% so far.

Ocado has often been described as the “Microsoft of Retail” and it’s pretty easy to see why. It is rolling out technology that supermarkets have never thought about using before in their warehouses and I think that Ocado truly is innovating the way we shop.

The online supermarket has taken a few hits in the past but seems to only be on the rise after its recent partnership.

Enter, Marks & Spencer

The Ocado share price has risen to around 1,410p at the time of writing, which is nearly double what it was at the start of the year. It seems that Ocado has proven all of its naysayers wrong, and much of that is thanks to Marks & Spencer.

Marks & Spencer formed a £1.8bn supermarket joint venture with Ocado. This agreement definitely seems to make more sense for Ocado than Marks & Spencer as its dive into the world of online food shopping came at a very hefty price of billions.

Having said this, Ocado will now have access to all of Marks & Spencer’s products, supplier relationships and customers on the new online food shopping website that makes it easier than ever for Marks & Spencer’s customers to get food delivered right to their door.

This has had a huge influence on Ocado’s growth, and I believe that it promises a very bright future for the company indeed.

Could Ocado be the share of the year?

Sadly, if I knew the answer to this question, I would probably be a millionaire. However, even though no one really knows what the future holds for Ocado, it does look very rosy to me. If the company sees huge success selling Marks & Spencer’s products, could we see other supermarkets getting involved? Possibly. We have already seen many retailers investing in Ocado’s technology.

Ocado’s technology claims to be a huge game changer and only time will tell if it will change the world of food shopping. Soon we may never wander down the cold supermarket aisles again thanks to Ocado…

Furthermore, supermarkets seem to notoriously fare well during economic falls (as we still need to buy food, right?) So, Brexit hopefully shouldn’t be much of a threat to Ocado and its future success.

I believe that Ocado’s share price is only going to continuously rise and it’s worth investing now before it becomes unobtainable!

Fiona Leake owns shares of Ocado and Marks & Spencer. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Calendar showing the date of 5th April on desk in a house
Investing Articles

Investors are rushing to buy these before the Stocks and Shares ISA deadline. Should we join in?

Despite geopolitical troubles causing so much pain in the world, Stocks and Shares ISA investors in the UK are keeping…

Read more »

Mature friends at a dinner party
Investing Articles

How much do you need in a Stocks and Shares ISA for a £10,000 second income?

Ben McPoland highlights a FTSE 100 dividend stock yielding 7% that could contribute nicely to an ISA generating a second…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

How big a Stocks and Shares ISA is needed to target £500 of monthly passive income?

Christopher Ruane explains how a Stocks and Shares ISA could potentially earn someone thousands of pounds in dividends per year.

Read more »

British pound data
Investing Articles

With the stock market down, here are 2 potential ISA bargains to consider right now

When the stock market dips, investors looking at long-term prospects should seek out cheap shares, right? I have my eye…

Read more »

Mature black woman at home texting on her cell phone while sitting on the couch
Investing Articles

Want a £1m Stocks and Shares ISA? Step 1 starts before 5 April

Dr James Fox explains why the Stocks and Shares ISA is an incredible vehicle, and why investors may want to…

Read more »

Happy woman commuting on a train and checking her mobile phone while using headphones
Investing Articles

2 dirt-cheap stocks to consider buying for an ISA portfolio in April

This pair of UK shares are down by double digits in recent months. Ben McPoland sees both as stocks to…

Read more »

Front view photo of a woman using digital tablet in London
Growth Shares

I think this undervalued penny stock has serious potential to outperform

Jon Smith points out a penny stock that's started to rise as the company pushes ahead with a transformation that…

Read more »

Close-up of children holding a planet at the beach
Investing Articles

2 dividend-paying investment trusts to consider for a Stocks and Shares ISA

These two London-listed funds source their dividends globally, offering income investors diversification inside an ISA portfolio.

Read more »