Top broker says this ASX 200 tech stock has 30%+ upside

Double digit gains could be on order if this broker is correct.

| More on:
Man looking at digital holograms of graphs, charts, and data.

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

ASX 200 tech stock NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) has been flagged as one to keep a close eye on in the new year.

Shares in the independent data centre operator finished trading 14% higher in 2024, despite a 6% retreat this past month of trade.

Analysts at broker Citi have slated their confidence in the company in a note to clients this week.

Demand for digital infrastructure is surging, so let's take a look at why Citi is bullish on NextDC.

Citi rates ASX 200 tech stock a buy

ASX tech stocks could be in for a big year thanks to global trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and data centres.

In a blog post this weekend, global tech juggernaut Microsoft announced it was "on track" to invest around US$80 billion this year into data centres.

It aims to "build out AI-enabled data centres to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications around the world."

Analysts at Citi reckon this massive jump in capital expenditure from Microsoft could prove beneficial to NextDC.

Citi says the spend, representing a 40% increase from last year, could extend the ASX 200 tech stock's contracts with Microsoft, according to The Australian Financial Review.

While we have not been able to confirm that contracts have been delayed, even if it were to be true, we see this as likely temporary, especially given Microsoft's capital expenditure plans.

The broker values NextDC at $20 apiece, setting a buy rating in doing so.

This represents an upside potential of more than 32% from the ASX 200 tech stock's closing price last Friday.

AI boom is fuelling tech stocks

Since AI came onto the scene, there's been an enormous uptick in the demand for data centres.

AI relies on massive computing power, creating an exponential demand for data centres to house this capacity. This is where operators like NextDC stand out.

Morgans, who also rates the ASX 200 tech stock a buy, recently commented on the role data centres are playing in NextDC's growth.

As my colleague James Mickelboro reported, the broker said that trends in AI-related digital infrastructure would "underpin attractive returns and long-term growth."

"Data centres ensure secure and efficient data flow, processing, and backup, all of which are foundational to AI," the broker explained. "Our preferred exposure is NextDC."

Meanwhile, according to CommSec, the consensus of broker estimates rates the ASX 200 tech stock a buy. This includes seven buy ratings and one sell recommendation.

The consensus price target from these estimates is $20.24 apiece, as per broker data obtained from Trading View, with a high of $21.20 and a low of $20.

Foolish takeaway

Microsoft's planned US$80 investment into data centres this year took plenty by surprise. Analysts at Citi reckon this could be bullish for NextDC.

The ASX 200 tech stock outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) by 4% in the last year.

Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. 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 Technology Shares

Man ponders a receipt as he looks at his laptop.
Technology Shares

Up 30% since April, are Xero shares still a buy?

Xero shares have surged 30% since April, but can this SaaS leader's share price keep rising?

Read more »

A man and a woman sitting in a technology-related work environment high five each other while the man wears headphones around his neck and the woman sits in front of a laptop.
Share Market News

Strong gains for Wisetech, TechnologyOne, and Catapult amid ASX 200 tech sector lead

ASX technology shares led the market with a 3.85% increase while the ASX 200 lifted 0.88% last week.

Read more »

group of traders cheering at stock market
Technology Shares

Codan shares near an all time high. Can they go higher?

Is there more room for growth for this ASX 200 company? 

Read more »

Kid putting a coin in a piggy bank.
Technology Shares

Why I think this ASX small-cap stock is a bargain at $4.41

This tech business has a lot going for it.

Read more »

The last piece of the jigsaw being fitted, indicating good news for a share price on merger or acquisition
Mergers & Acquisitions

WiseTech share price storms higher on $3.25b blockbuster acquisition

What is the company spending billions on? Let's find out.

Read more »

A businessman stacks building blocks.
Technology Shares

6% gain! What's up with Block shares today?

Block shares are up more than 34% since 2 May.

Read more »

Happy work colleagues give each other a fist pump.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX 200 technology stock has outperformed Nvidia over the past 5 years?

This company has been nothing short of impressive.

Read more »

Buy, hold, and sell ratings written on signs on a wooden pole.
Technology Shares

After surging 13% yesterday, are TechnologyOne shares a buy, hold or sell according to Macquarie?

Valuations matter when investing, and Macquarie feels no different.

Read more »