Tag: Motley Fool Australia

At lunch on Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a strong gain. The benchmark index is currently up 0.8% to 5,967 points.

Here’s what is happening on the market today:

Afterpay share price jumps on broker note.

Investors have been buying Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) shares on Thursday following the release of a bullish broker note out of Morgan Stanley. According to the note, the broker upgraded Afterpay’s shares to a buy rating and lifted its price target on them materially from $36.00 to a lofty $101.00. Morgan Stanley was pleased with the buy now pay later provider’s better than expected credit quality control performance and sales growth acceleration. It also sees opportunities for M&A activity following Afterpay’s recent capital raising.

Netwealth impresses.

It has been a very positive day for the Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price. The investment platform provider’s shares have surged higher following its fourth quarter update. At the end of the fourth quarter, Netwealth’s funds under administration (FUA) stood at $31.5 billion. This means the company grew its FUA by $8.2 billion or 35% during the financial year. This is despite it facing negative market movements of $0.9 billion for the year.

Treasury Wine earnings to slide.

The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price is tumbling lower after it provided the market with an update on its performance in FY 2020. The wine giant advised that it expects its earnings before interest, tax and the agricultural accounting standard SGARA (EBITS) to be between $530 million and $540 million in FY 2020. This represents an 18.5% to 20% decline on FY 2019’s EBITS of $662.7 million. Management advised that this reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on its trading performance across all geographies throughout the second half.

Best and worst ASX 200 shares.

The Netwealth share price is the best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday with a 7% gain. This follows the release of its fourth quarter update. The GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA) share price has been the worst performer with a 3% decline. This morning Macquarie retained its neutral rating but slashed the price target on this household products company’s shares to $2.90. It made the move after adjusting its estimates to reflect current housing activity.

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell today
• Netwealth share price surges on record inflows
• 2 ASX shares that could flourish in an Australian recession
• Why Afterpay, Evolution, Netwealth, & Praemium shares are racing higher
• Why GWA, Meridian Energy, Treasury Wine, & WiseTech Global are dropping lower

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Netwealth. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The PSC Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: PSI) share price bounced 2.08% yesterday after the commercial insurance brokerage released a trading update, and has continued its gains in morning trade today, rising another 2.86% to $2.52 at the time of writing.

PSC Insurance revealed its underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) performance to the end of May was up over 30% compared to the prior corresponding period. 

PSC Insurance’s post-pandemic performance 

The PSC share price has recovered a mere 20% from its March low of $2.10, trailing the broader market. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by comparison, is up 32%. Despite this, PSC’s performance throughout the coronavirus pandemic has been in line with pre-pandemic expectations. The company has remained committed to its full year FY20 guidance of EBITDA of >$57 million.

Coronavirus prompted a review of costs by the broking business, which has undertaken several recent acquisitions. Where appropriate, PSC reports that costs have been tightened to reflect the uncertain economic environment. The benefit of these measures will largely flow into the FY21 year results. 

Cash collections have remained strong throughout the pandemic. The insurer revealed that EBITDA during the month of May was approximately 100% over the prior comparative period. June revenue was in line with expectations with great results for the core broking and agency businesses, meaning full year guidance remains unchanged. 

The latest update sees a continuation of PSC’s strong first half performance, which saw revenue increase 39%. Underlying profit rose 19% and the fully franked interim dividend increased by 13% to 3.5 cents per share. PSC has a track record of growth with revenue, profits and dividends increasing steadily since FY16. 

What is the outlook for PSC? 

The company has positive expectations for revenue and EBITDA growth for FY21. Results for FY21 will also have the benefit of the first full year of contributions from acquisitions in FY20. PSC expects to see strong organic growth in FY21, following the bedding down of acquisitions. 

PSC focuses on servicing the detailed insurance needs of small and medium enterprises, and the insurance broking sector has not seen too many direct impacts from COVID-19. Although some clients will no doubt have suffered due to the pandemic, PSC benefits from a diversified business.

Its interests span commercial insurance broking in Australia and New Zealand, and life insurance broking and workers compensation consulting in Australia. PSC also provides underwriting services across the construction, healthcare, hospitality, and accommodation industries. In the UK, the company also operates wholesale insurance broking and underwriting. 

Foolish takeaway

The diversity of PSC’s insurance businesses should provide it with some insulation against a downturn that weighs on some sectors of the economy more than others. Full year results are due to be released shortly which will provide further insight into performance. 

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell today
• Netwealth share price surges on record inflows
• Why the Sezzle share price rocketed 32% higher today
• Why Sydney Airport and 2 other ASX shares could surprise this reporting season
• ASX 200 up 0.8%: Afterpay jumps on broker note, Treasury Wine update disappoints

Motley Fool contributor Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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ASX dividend shares are my favourite shares to own. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good growth share as much as anyone. But that feeling of getting paid just for owning something is pretty hard to beat. And that’s what a quality dividend share does like clockwork. So with this in mind, here are 3 ASX dividend shares I think would make great buys in July.

3 ASX dividend shares to buy this month

1) WAM Leaders Ltd (ASX: WLE)

WAM Leaders is a listed investment company (LIC) run by the reputable Wilson Asset Management. This LIC is a newer addition to the WAM stable, only starting life in May 2016. But since then, it has delivered an average annual return of 9.8% (before fees and taxes). It focuses solely on the top end of the ASX, investing mostly within the ASX 50. Some of its top holdings include Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ASX: ANZ), Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).

WAM Leaders recently announced a 3.25 cents per share final dividend, which takes its annualised yield to around 5.73% (or 8.19% grossed-up with full franking).

2) Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

Coles is my second dividend pick for July. This supermarket giant is a highly defensive, recession-resistant business by virtue of the foods, drinks and household essentials it sells. I think these characteristics are especially useful as a dividend investment in the uncertain times we currently all live in.

Looking further ahead, I think Coles’ plans to automate its supply lines and distribution networks is a definite positive for the company and should help it deliver plenty of earnings growth down the road. Right now, Coles is offering a trailing dividend yield of 2.38%, which grosses-up to 3.4% with full franking. This yield isn’t going to set the world on fire, but it could well be a lot better than what Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and ANZ are offering this year.

3) SPDR S&P Global Dividend Fund (ASX: WDIV)

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) isn’t one company, but instead holds a basket of dividend-paying shares that hail from all over the world. Having some dividends coming in from outside the ASX is important from a diversification perspective, in my view. And WDIV is a great candidate for providing this international exposure. It only holds companies that have either held steady or increased their dividend payouts over the past 10 years.

It’s fairly evenly spread between American, Canadian, Japanese, Hong Kong, British and European companies with even some ASX shares like AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) thrown in. Some other top holdings include Enagas, IG Group, Northland Power and Japan Tobacco.

Today, WDIV is offering a trailing dividend yield of 5.49% (which unfortunately doesn’t come with much in the way of franking credits).

More reading

• Top brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell today
• 3 dependable, blue chip ASX shares for uncertain times
• 3 ASX shares for growth, income, and value investors to buy today
• Is the Westpac share price a buy?
• 2 high quality ASX dividend shares to buy today

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares of SPDR S&P Global Dividend Fund and Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of COLESGROUP DEF SET. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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On Tuesday evening, the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg discussed the impact of COVID-19 on the economy with the economics editor from The Australian. In this conversation, Frydenberg stated that we are definitely in a recession. Not only that, but this time, an Australian recession will be worse than it was in 1991. I had just entered the workforce prior to the 1991 recession, and an experience like that is not something that you easily forget.

If this is where we are headed once the smoke clears from the coronavirus pandemic, then I think it would be wise to structure your portfolio accordingly. This is something I have been contemplating for a few weeks now. Some businesses will flourish and grow, others will stagnate, and yet others will come under very extreme cost pressures. 

In particular, companies and people will be looking to increase the amount of capital on hand. 

Cashflow in an Australian recession

Companies with lumpy, milestone-based revenue streams can find themselves living off cash in hand for an extended period of time. For instance, companies like engineering firms, consultants, project managers and construction/maintenance contractors. 

In the event of an Australian recession, this effect worsens. For instance, the overall amount of work may go down, or the time between invoice and payment may extend, leaving the service provider more reliant on fewer milestone payments.

With the importance of cashflow in mind, here are 2 ASX shares that could find themselves in great demand if we move further into a recession.

CML Group Ltd (ASX: CGR)

CML Group is a small cap designed for hard times. The company specialises in short term credit for small and medium enterprises. CML’s main generator of revenue is what’s known as invoice factoring, which is a mechanism companies can use to smooth out payments. An invoice factoring company pays the invoice for you, minus a fee, and then takes payment when the client company pays. In some cases the factoring company will collect the payment directly from the client. This is a simplistic explanation, but you get the general idea.

CML recently reported strong monthly growth in volumes as business restrictions eased. In 2020, even with the COVID-19 total lockdown, the company financed over $1.7 billion in invoices compared with $1.6 billion for FY19.

Moreover, it has a 9 year average return on equity (ROE) of ~15%. This means for every dollar of net assets the company has, they earn 15c. I think this is a good level and shows the company has high margins.

CML Group also provides 2 other credit mechanisms businesses may need in an Australian recession. First, asset finance, either secured against current machinery or to purchase new machinery. Second, trade finance. This allows businesses to import products from overseas without having to spend their own working capital.

Sezzle Inc (ASX: SZL)

In hard times, people are generally less likely to make long-term credit commitments. In fact, they tend to cut back spending in a whole range of areas. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) companies are the latest iteration of short-term credit providers. The business model charges merchants instead of consumers. Consequently, it is a more attractive method for products and, increasingly, for services. 

Operating within Australia, the 2 major market players are Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) and Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P). However, I have always preferred Sezzle Inc, a company I own shares in.

Sezzle is headquartered in the United States, operating directly in the US$5.4 trillion dollar retail market. The company announced earlier this week that it now has a network of 1.48 million users and 16.1 thousand merchants.

This is useful for 2 reasons. First, I believe the company remains undervalued and has a long growth trajectory ahead of it. Second, the US population is ~13 times larger than Australia. Therefore, no matter how bad the economy is in the US, there will always be a greater number of people who can spend money as opposed to an Australian recession. 

The risk here is that of unsecured debt. When times get tough unsecured debts are often the first to be jettisoned. However, in the case of Sezzle there are light credit checks in place, and the timeframe for repayments is very small. Consequently, I think this lessens the chance of a high defaults levels.

Foolish takeaway

When the hard times come people act differently. Individuals become less secure in their employment, while companies try to ensure they maximise capital on hand. The 2 companies above help to manage cashflow, while keeping debt commitments to a short term horizon.

I think companies like these will flourish in an Australian recession, and I am carefully considering adding CML Group to my own portfolio.

More reading

• Why Afterpay, Evolution, Netwealth, & Praemium shares are racing higher
• 3 dependable, blue chip ASX shares for uncertain times
• Leading broker says Afterpay share price can hit $101
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• ASX 200 drops 1.5% today, Afterpay falls 3%

Daryl Mather owns shares of Sezzle Inc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sezzle Inc. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned to form on Thursday and is charging notably higher in late morning trade. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 0.7% to 5,962.7 points.

Four shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are racing higher:

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is up 5.5% to $69.65. Investors have been buying the payments company’s shares following the release of a bullish broker note out of Morgan Stanley. According to the note, the broker has upgraded Afterpay’s shares to a buy rating and lifted its price target on them from $36.00 to $101.00. It is pleased with its better than expected credit quality control performance and sales growth acceleration. It also sees opportunities for M&A activity following its capital raising.

The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price has risen 4% to $6.29. The catalyst for this has been another rise in the gold price overnight. The price of the precious metal hit a nine-year high following increasing demand for safe haven assets. It isn’t just Evolution on the rise today, the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index is up a sizeable 2.5% at the time of writing.

The Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) share price has jumped 6% to $9.82. This follows the release of the investment platform provider’s latest quarterly update. According to the release, Netwealth’s funds under administration (FUA) stood at $31.5 billion at the end of the fourth quarter. This means the company grew its FUA by $8.2 billion or 35% during the financial year. This includes a negative market movement of $0.9 billion for the year.

The Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS) share price has rocketed 15% higher to 42.5 cents. Investors have been buying this investment platform provider’s shares after it announced the friendly takeover of Powerwrap Ltd (ASX: PWL). Praemium has offered 7.5 cents cash per Powerwrap share and 1 Praemium share for every 2 Powerwrap shares held. This values Powerwrap at $55.6 million or 26.44 cents per share, which represents a 51.1% premium to its last close price. The Powerwrap board has urged shareholders to accept the offer, in the absence of a superior proposal.

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that could flourish in an Australian recession
• 3 dependable, blue chip ASX shares for uncertain times
• Praemium share price rockets after agreeing $55.6 million Powerwrap takeover
• Gold jumps to 9-year high with record highs in sight
• Leading broker says Afterpay share price can hit $101

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Praemium Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO and Netwealth. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Praemium Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has risen by more than 30% in the past couple of months after the heavy sell-off through February and March, which saw Commonwealth Bank shares lose almost 40% of their value.

The Commonwealth Bank share price recovery has been strong, steadily clawing back from its low of $54.26 on 23 March to reach a price above $70 at the time of writing. While CommBank shares are still some way off their pre-COVID-19 price, the share price is still above what it was in late March last year.

Lending landscape

CommBank recently announced it was offering customers who could not meet their loan repayments an extra four months. While it is good that the banks at large are extending support for retail and business customers, it may actually also benefit them in the long run by prolonging the repayment period, meaning more interest income over the lifetime of the loan.

The borrowing rates of the big four banks have also fallen this year, as the RBA cut the cash rate by a further 50 basis points and has held the official cash rate steady at a record low of 0.25%. This means CommBank and its peers have sufficient access to capital to keep lending.

Dividend payments

Commonwealth Bank is one of the most popular dividend paying stocks on the ASX. With shares currently trading at $70.66, the trailing fully franked dividend yield for CommBank shares is 6.11%, which grosses up to 8.73% when franking credits are taken into account.

Earlier in the year, CommBank maintained it would not only be sustaining its interim dividend, but also offering a dividend payout ratio above its target. Coming into the pandemic, CommBank boasted the strongest balance sheets of the big banks, thus making it well prepared for COVID-19.

Despite this, analysts expect that the country’s largest bank will need to cut its full year dividend. Commonwealth Bank is being forecast to pay total dividends of $3.50 for the financial year ending 30 June 2020. This is a 19% decrease on it its payout in FY2019 of $4.31. The bank is expected to decrease dividend payments even further to $2.65 in FY2021.

Foolish takeaway

The Commonwealth Bank share price has been moving steadily higher in recent times to regain much of what it lost, however there are still plenty of headwinds facing the economy. Heavy government stimulus is expected to end come September and this will provide a clearer view of the current economic state. All eyes will be on Commonwealth Bank come 12 August as the bank releases its full year results.

More reading

• ASX investors have been buying these 5 international shares
• ASX 200 down 0.5%: Afterpay completes placement, big four banks tumble
• AFG share price flat despite revealing 30% increase in lodgements
• Why the CBA share price is worth watching this quarter
• These ASX shares are swept up by the new Victorian COVID-19 lockdown

Motley Fool contributor Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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In late morning trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has rebounded from yesterday’s decline and is on course to record a solid gain. At the time of writing the benchmark index is up 0.75% to 5,965.5 points.

Four shares that have failed to follow the market higher today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping lower:

The GWA Group Ltd (ASX: GWA) share price is down 3% to $2.57. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of the Macquarie equities desk this morning. According to the note, the broker has retained its neutral rating but slashed the price target on the household products company’s shares to $2.90. It made the move after adjusting its estimates to reflect current housing activity.

The Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) share price has sunk 9% lower to $4.45. Investors have been selling the renewable energy company’s shares after Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) gave notice that it will be winding down the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter. As a result, the mining giant will be terminating its contract with Meridian Energy on 31 August 2021.

The Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) share price is down 2.5% to $11.02. This morning the wine giant provided the market with an update on its performance in FY 2020. Management advised that it expects its earnings before interest, tax and the agricultural accounting standard SGARA (EBITS) to be between $530 million and $540 million in FY 2020. This will be an 18.5% to 20% decline on FY 2019’s EBITS of $662.7 million. This reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on its trading performance across all geographies throughout the second half.

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price has fallen 2% to $21.13. Investors have been selling the logistics solutions company’s shares after analysts at Ord Minnett downgraded them to a lighten rating with a $19.60 price target. The broker believes the market is expecting too much from WiseTech in FY 2021 and expects it to fall short of consensus estimates.

More reading

• Treasury Wine share price on watch on FY 2020 earnings update
• The WiseTech share price is up 15% in a week. Too late to buy?
• Here’s how to play China’s V-shaped growth story
• Why Lovisa, PointsBet, Transurban, & WiseTech shares are racing higher
• What’s next for WAAAX shares?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Treasury Wine Estates Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of WiseTech Global. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The resurgence of coronavirus in Victoria has investors once again taking stock of potential economic impacts of the pandemic. When it comes to investing, and the outlook is particularly uncertain, it can often pay to consider life’s necessities. These are the products and services we will always need. Basic human needs for food, shelter, and internet access must continue to be met regardless of the economic climate. 

Defensive, blue chip ASX shares often cater to these needs. This makes them resistant to economic downturns. Companies in the consumer staples, healthcare, utilities, and telecoms sectors are somewhat insulated from economic fluctuations. Consumers may switch to cheaper options, but they can’t go without them altogether. On that note, let’s take a look at 3 dependable, blue chip shares to consider adding to your portfolio for these uncertain times. 

3 blue chip shares to buy during uncertain times

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL)

The Coles share price proved resilient during the February/March market crash. This was perhaps not surprising given shelves were stripped bare at the time due to consumers stockpiling. The rush on groceries prompted by lockdowns pushed Coles’ group sales up 12.9% in the third quarter giving total revenue of $9.2 billion.  

Coles operates 2,500 retail outlets nationally, including 800 supermarkets, 900 liquor stores, and more than 700 fuel and convenience retailers (Coles Express). Supermarket sales increased by 13.1% in the March quarter, giving the division its 50th consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth. Liquor sales were up by 7.2% and Express sales up 4.3%. 

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price has recovered strongly from the market downturn. Wesfarmers is the company behind Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Officeworks and the online superstore Catch. It’s also the former parent company of Coles but after a series of selloffs, now only retains 4.9% of the supermarket chain. Both Bunnings and Officeworks recorded significant sales growth in the second half to early June. Bunnings sales were up 19.2% and Officeworks sales were up 27.8%. 

Lockdown restrictions have resulted in vast numbers of Australians spending increased time living and working at home. Consequently, many have sought to improve their surrounds. This has led to a surge in DIY projects and home office upgrades. Whilst Kmart and Target have struggled during the pandemic, recent easing of restrictions have resulted in improving sales momentum from around early June as customer footfall in shopping centres increased. 

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Woolworths is the larger of the two major supermarket chains, operating 995 supermarkets across Australia. Including its liquor and Big W brands, Woolworths is behind some 3,000 stores across the country. The Woolworths share price has also proven fairly resilient, but has not recovered as strongly as the Coles share price since the March bear market. 

Woolworths reported a 10.7% increase in total, third quarter sales. The Australian food business saw growth of 11.3%, Big W increased sales by 9.5%, and liquor sales rose 9.5%. The hotels business saw a 12.9% drop in sales due to the closure of venues. Sales growth continued in April although moderated from rates seen in March. 

Foolish takeaway

Whilst these ASX blue chip shares might not deliver the heady, short-term returns offered by the likes of Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), given we are facing such an uncertain economic outlook, I feel they represent solid, defensive additions to a diversified portfolio. 

More reading

• 2 ASX shares that could flourish in an Australian recession
• Why Afterpay, Evolution, Netwealth, & Praemium shares are racing higher
• Leading broker says Afterpay share price can hit $101
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• ASX 200 drops 1.5% today, Afterpay falls 3%

Motley Fool contributor Kate O’Brien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO, COLESGROUP DEF SET, Wesfarmers Limited, and Woolworths Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price rocketed up to to all-time highs in June, pushing through the $10 barrier before falling slightly at month’s end. During June, the Australian data centre operator’s market cap exploded through the $5 billion mark, pushing it into the ASX 100 for the first time ever. The share price in June finished at $9.88, up above 70% since its lows in March.

Since the end of June, the NextDC share price has gone from strength to strength, reaching its highest ever price at $11.44. This represents a 73% increase for the year.

What does NextDC do?

NextDC is an Australian data centre operator that provides data centre outsourcing solutions, connectivity services and infrastructure management software to global cloud-computing businesses, enterprise and government clients.

The company has a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability through renewable energy sources and is aiming for its operations to be 100% driven by renewable energy. As such, NextDC’s corporate operations have been certified carbon neutral under the Australian Government’s Carbon Neutral Initiative.

Yet more contract wins

As recently as 1 July, NextDC announced another material customer contract win in NSW. The company advised that the contracted commitments at its NSW data centre facilities have now increased by approximately 4MW, to more than 36MW-with options to increase to 60MW.

This follows on from contract wins in May and March for Victoria. The company also completed a $672 million equity raise in April.

Commenting on the recent contract wins, CEO and managing director Craig Scroggie stated: “This reflects the nature of NEXTDC’s digital infrastructure business model, which continues to build long term value through contracted capacity and tangible asset backing.”

The pandemic and resulting rise in remote work arrangements has caused increased demand for NextDC’s services, which could help explain the stock’s meteoric rise. Brokers are evidently still keen on NextDC shares, with Goldman’s analysts retaining their buy rating in early July.

At the time of writing, the NextDC share price is continuing to break barriers as it surges upwards towards the $11.50 mark.

More reading

• 3 high quality ASX 100 shares to buy right now
• Where to invest $1,000 in ASX tech shares today
• Why NEXTDC and these high flying ASX shares just hit record highs
• 3 ASX tech shares to buy and hold
• These were the 5 best performing ASX shares last week

Motley Fool contributor Daniel Ewing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS) share price is rocketing higher on Thursday after announcing an agreement to acquire smaller rival Powerwrap Ltd (ASX: PWL).

At the time of writing the Praemium share price is up 13.5% to 42 cents and the Powerwrap share price is up over 51% to 26.5 cents.

What did Praemium announce?

Praemium and Powerwrap have entered into a bid implementation agreement under which the former will make an off-market conditional takeover bid for all of the Powerwrap shares it does not presently hold.

According to the release, Praemium has offered 7.5 cents per Powerwrap share in cash and 1 Praemium share for every 2 Powerwrap shares held.

Combined, this values Powerwrap at an indicative price of 26.44 cents per share or $55.6 million. This represents a 51.1% premium to the last closing price of Powerwrap shares.

What now?

The Powerwrap board of directors unanimously recommend that its shareholders accept the offer. They have indicated that they will be doing so with the shares they own, in the absence of a superior proposal.

The board notes that shareholders will have the opportunity to participate in the benefits of a merged group, which will be one of Australia’s largest independent specialist platform providers with combined funds under administration (FUA) of over $27 billion.

In addition to this, it feels Powerwrap shareholders will be able to participate in the expected upside from the realisation of potentially significant synergies. It expects full year EBITDA operating cost synergies on a preliminary basis to total $6 million by FY 2022.

Furthermore, it believes the likelihood of a competing proposal emerging is low given Praemium’s existing 15.1% interest in Powerwrap.

An “exciting opportunity”.

Praemium’s Chair, Barry Lewin, sees a lot of positives from the combination of the two investment platform businesses.

He said: “The merger is an exciting opportunity for Powerwrap and Praemium shareholders alike. For many years, Praemium has been on a growth trajectory with a recent history of generating steadily growing profitability. This merger adds increased scale and significant synergies. Powerwrap shareholders can now gain exposure to Praemium’s strong financial position and advanced technology, to realise compelling benefits via the creation of one of Australia’s leading independent specialist platform providers on a combined FUA basis.”

This view was echoed by Powerwrap’s Chair, Anthony Wamsteker.

He said: “The board of Powerwrap believes the Offer presents an excellent opportunity for Powerwrap shareholders to participate in the upside of a merged group that stands to benefit from significant potential synergies. With Powerwrap’s strong customer base and Praemium’s track record of profitability and cutting-edge technology, the benefits to Powerwrap shareholders are clear to the board and we encourage Powerwrap shareholders to take the next step in the company’s journey.”

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James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Praemium Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Praemium Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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