Is it time to cash in on Sigma shares?

Shares have extended after the Chemist Warehouse merger.

| More on:
Two lab workers fist pump each other.

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

For those who've owned Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) shares this year, it's been a joyful ride.

Shares in the ASX healthcare stock are up more than 148% this year to date on the back of the planned merger with Chemist Warehouse.

Sigma shares surged nearly 40% shortly after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approved the deal.

But with such a rally comes significant profits for those holding large stakes in the company.

According to ASX filings this week, HMC Capital Ltd (ASX: HMC) has completed a large sell-down in its Sigma position.

This raises the question of whether now is a prime opportunity to cash in. Let's take a closer look.

Why is HMC Capital offloading Sigma shares?

The Sigma–Chemist Warehouse deal was approved on 7 November after a lengthy review process that examined potential anti-competition impacts.

Completed via a backdoor listing, the deal saw the pair merge to create a healthcare giant that, according to the ACCC, was "unlikely to substantially lessen competition".

Sigma shares exploded higher on the news. And while plenty of investors were buying for the near-term gains, some shareholders were downsizing their positions.

HMC Capital immediately sold down its stake in Sigma, dropping its holdings from 10.64% to 8.24% on the same day as the ACCC's decision.

The asset manager's reduction in Sigma shares has been ongoing, starting back in April when it sold approximately 4% of its holdings.

HMC initially bought into Sigma at around 70 cents per share in 2022, according to The Australian, making its recent sales an exit at a solid profit.

The financial services company isn't exiting Sigma completely, however. It is just reducing its holdings.

Still, brokers are cautious about what's next. According to CommSec, consensus rates the stock a 'moderate' sell.

This comprises three sell ratings, four holds, and one broker still advising to buy Sigma shares.

Where is HMC Capital now investing?

Where or how HMC will use the funds generated from the sell-downs isn't clear. But elsewhere, the company is channelling its resources into the digital infrastructure space.

In a separate update, the company announced it acquired the iSeek data centre platform in Australia for $400 million. It marks the foundation of its planned DigiCo digital infrastructure platform.

The acquisition, alongside others, could form the basis of a future ASX-listed property trust:

These acquisitions will seed an ASX-listed DigiCo Infrastructure REIT (DigiCo REIT)
2 with [over $4 billion] of [assets under management] AUM…

… Once it is established, it is proposed that DigiCo REIT will be a stapled entity consisting of a company and a registered managed investment scheme. Shares in the company will be stapled to units in the managed investment scheme on a one for one basis to form stapled securities.

Foolish takeaway

Sigma shares are in the limelight after the ACCC approved its merger with Chemist Warehouse this month.

Where to from here is a matter of economic debate, but also the fundamentals of both companies.

Sigma shares are up more than 267% in the past year.

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow has no position 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 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

Two scientists in a Rhythm Biosciences lab cheer while looking at results on a computer.
Healthcare Shares

2 ASX healthcare shares having a stellar run today

The ASX healthcare sector is down today but these two stocks are bucking the trend.

Read more »

A company manager presents the ASX company earnings report to shareholders at an AGM.
Healthcare Shares

Why this $13 billion ASX 200 healthcare stock is surging today

A change in sentiment for the healthcare player.

Read more »

Shot of a scientist using a computer while conducting research in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX 200 stock hit a 52-week low and a top broker thinks it can rebound

Patient investors may see this stock make a pleasing recovery.

Read more »

A couple smile as they look at a pregnancy test.
Healthcare Shares

Why this sold-off ASX healthcare share could be an exciting dividend buy

This could be a healthy stock for dividends.

Read more »

a smiling woman sits at her computer at home with a coffee alongside her, as if pleased with her investments.
Healthcare Shares

Is CSL the best ASX 100 share to buy now?

Bell Potter has good things to say about this blue chip star.

Read more »

Scientists in a laboratory look at a computer screen with anticipation on their faces representing a potential change in the performance of ASX biotech shares in FY23
Healthcare Shares

Down 10% in a month, are CSL shares feeling the sting of a potential disruption?

Brokers are still bullish.

Read more »

One girl leapfrogs over her friend's back.
Healthcare Shares

Doubled in a year! Does this booming ASX share have another 24% upside?

Let's take a look.

Read more »

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX All Ords share is diving 18% as inflation pain draws blood

This healthcare company delivered a trading update at its annual general meeting today.

Read more »