Why the Computershare (ASX:CPU) share price is on watch today

The Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) share price is one to watch this morning as the share registry group returns to the ASX boards.

| 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 Computershare Ltd (ASX: CPU) share price will return to trade today after nearly a week in a trading halt. This comes after a pre-market update on the group's entitlement offer this morning.

asx share price on watch represented by investor looking through magnifying glass

Image source: Getty Images

What's the latest on the Computershare share price?

Computershare this morning said it has completed the institutional component of its entitlement offer. The Aussie share registry group announced the underwritten 1 for 8.8 pro-rata accelerated renounceable entitlement offer on 24 March 2021.

The institutional entitlement offer raised ~$500 million at an offer price of A$13.55 per new share. Computershare reported a 94% take-up rate from eligible institutional shareholders. That offer price represents a 9.61% discount to the 23 March closing Computershare share price of $14.99.

Computershare is using the proceeds to partially fund its acquisition of Wells Fargo Corporate Trust Services (CTS) for US$750 million (~A$982 million). CTS is is a leading US-based provider of trust and agency services to government and corporate clients.

The now-completed institutional component is just one part of the group's capital raising. Computershare is seeking to raise ~$335 million from retail investors for a total ~$835 million capital raising. The retail entitlement offer will open on 31 March and close on 19 April 2021.

Computershare will issue the new shares from the institutional raise on Tuesday 6 April. However, the Computershare share price should return to active trade today.

Computershare said its ordinary shares are expected to resume trading from market open today on an "ex-entitlement" basis. Per the release, the trading halt will be lifted and shares will resume trading today.

Foolish takeaway

The Computershare share price is one to watch this morning after an update on the institutional part of its capital raising.

As at last Tuesday's close, Computershare was trading just shy of its $15.50 per share 52-week high. That has come about after a 54.4% surge in the last 12 months as investment in ASX shares exploded during the coronavirus pandemic.

At its last close, the Aussie registry group had a market capitalisation of $8.1 billion and a 3.1% dividend yield.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 Share Market News

3 children standing on podiums wearing Olympic medals.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a horrid day on the markets.

Read more »

A business person directs a pointed finger upwards on a rising arrow on a bar graph.
Energy Shares

5 ASX 200 energy shares smash multi-year highs after oil price spike

The ASX 200 Energy Index reached a two-year high of 11,071.80 points on Thursday.

Read more »

Frustrated and shocked business woman reading bad news online from phone.
Share Market News

ASX 200 down as fresh missile strikes on energy assets send oil prices higher

The Brent crude oil price jumped 4% to US$112 per barrel today.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: What this leading broker is saying about Lynas shares

Is it bullish or bearish? Let's find out.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
Broker Notes

Bell Potter's top ASX 200 holdings revealed

These are the top holdings in the broker's core portfolio.

Read more »

An athlete runs fast with a trail of yellow smoke billowing out behind him.
Broker Notes

Up 139% in a year, why this buy rated ASX All Ords rare earths stock could keep racing higher

A leading broker forecasts more outperformance to come from this surging ASX rare earths stock.

Read more »

Business women working from home with stock market chart showing per cent change on her laptop screen.
52-Week Lows

CSL and these ASX 200 stocks just hit 52-week lows: Should you buy the dip?

Market volatility has pushed a number of high-quality stocks lower. Here’s how I’m thinking about this.

Read more »

Miner with thumbs up at a mine.
Gold

2 ASX gold miners to buy for solid share price gains, according to Barrenjoey

The Africa-focused companies are deeply undervalued after recent sell-offs, the broker says.

Read more »