NextDC shares surge 43% as Goodman, Digital Realty buy stake

On Thursday, shares of data center operator NextDC surged 43% to A$9.34, following the announcement of a substantial investment from Goodman Group and Digital Realty Trust. The Australian firm's stock climbed nearly 43% amid a 1.8% rally on the ASX 200 index. Goodman Group's shares increased by 2%, while Digital Realty rose 2.6% in New York trade on Wednesday.

According to NextDC, a trust controlled equally by Goodman and Digital Realty had conducted an aftermarket book build to acquire a stake of up to 9.9% in the company at A$9.50 per share. This price represented a 45.5% premium to NextDC's Wednesday closing price. The news was first reported by Reuters.

NextDC's board deemed the investment as an "opportunistic move" by Goodman and Digital Realty. The Australian data center operator has seen its shares lose over 40% of their value this year, with most of the losses occurring late in October after the company paused all future developments and reduced its revenue forecasts. The stock had erased approximately A$3 billion of its value in a single day following the announcement of the stake purchase.