What this leading broker is saying about the Smartgroup (ASX:SIQ) share price

This leading broker has weighed in on the company's acquisition debate.

| More on:
young woman reviewing financial reports at desk with multiple computer screens

Image Source: Getty Images

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 Smartgroup Corporation Ltd (ASX: SIQ) share price finished the day 2% higher and closed at $9.47 this afternoon.

That caps off a substantial jump this past 2 days for the administration-outsourcing company, whose share price has soared over 20% in this time.

Read on for more details.

What's up with the Smartgroup share price lately?

Smartgroup's share price has been on the move since the company announced it had received a non-binding conditional proposal to acquire all of its outstanding shares.

The offer came from a consortium of investors made up of US investment firm TPG Global LLC, pension fund Aware Super and Australian private equity firm Potential Capital.

As it stands, the $10.35 per share all cash offer represented an 11.5% premium to Smartgroup's closing price on Wednesday and a 9.8% premium to its current market price.

Smargroup's board unanimously recommended shareholders vote in favour of the proposal, which still has to make its way through due diligence and final approvals.

As such the investor group has 4 weeks handed to them by the company to conduct its due diligence.

If successfully acquired, Smartgroup would delist from the ASX and form a private entity, under the consortium's control.

What do the experts have to say?

One leading broker has weighed in on the debate and offered its insights into the deal.

Investment research and brokerage firm Morgans believes the takeover proposal represents good bang for buck to Smartgroup shareholders.

It believes the $10.35 proposal may be substantial enough to ward off any competitive bids, especially when comparing to other players in the salary packaging industry.

The broker also added that Smargroup's FY21 earnings positions the company well for growth over the coming periods.

It raised its price target on the Smartgroup share price by 24% to match the consortium's offer at $10.35.

However, in the same move, Morgans also downgraded its recommendation from add to hold.

Other brokers are weighing in too, however with differing opinions.

Smartgroup shares were cut to Neutral at Credit Suisse, and trimmed to accumulate from buy at Ord Minnett's analyst desk.

Despite the downgrade, Ord Minnett also raised its price target by 23% to $9.85 per share, stating that whilst the deal looks like it will go ahead, "given the jump in share price" it made the decision to trim its price target and rating.

There will surely be plenty more to come as more information unfolds in the coming weeks.

The author Zach Bristow has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended SMARTGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Industrials Shares

Male and female workers at a steel factory.
Industrials Shares

4 reasons this $10 billion ASX 200 stock can keep charging higher into 2026

A leading expert forecasts ongoing earnings growth for this top ASX 200 stock.

Read more »

A woman sits in a cafe wearing a polka dotted shirt and holding a latte in one hand while reading something on a laptop that is sitting on the table in front of her
Industrials Shares

Why this ASX 200 stock could rocket 36% despite Trump tariff headwinds

A top broker forecasts this global ASX 200 industrial share could surge 36%. But why?

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Dividend Investing

Top broker forecasts this quality ASX 200 dividend share could surge 45%!

A leading broker forecasts outsized gains ahead for this high-yielding ASX 200 dividend stock.

Read more »

Australian notes and coins symbolising dividends.
Industrials Shares

ASX 200 dividend stock reveals next quarterly passive income payout

The ASX 200 dividend stock announced its quarterly results and latest passive income payout.

Read more »

Senior man wearing glasses and a leather jacket works on his laptop in a cafe.
Industrials Shares

A top broker says this ASX 300 share could deliver a 21% return

This business could deliver tasty returns according to one expert…

Read more »

A plumber gives the thumbs up
Industrials Shares

How will Reece navigate Trump's tariffs according to Macquarie?

This ASX industrials company could be uniquely positioned in an uncertain market. 

Read more »

A man reacts with surprise when her see a bargain price on his phone.
Industrials Shares

Why this fund manager likes this beaten-up ASX 200 share

Investors could build good returns with this stock.

Read more »

Young man collecting water leakage in bucket while calling plumber on smartphone.
Industrials Shares

At a 5-year low, is this ASX industrials stock bargain of the year?

With so many ASX stocks in the red, is this industrial stock a buy low candidate?

Read more »