One thing I've learned from fellow Straw members is that you need to do the work to find the hidden gems rather than just throwing the veritable dart at the board.

This includes RTFM or (Read The Fu#$ing Manual) among other forms of necessary research.

So last week, on a whim, I bought shares in Global Data Centre (GDC) after they announced a return of capital to shareholders of $1 per share, but they fell by $2 a share...or something like that. I'd been following them for a while, so seized the chance after the big fall in price.

So after buying said shares, I then took a look at their annual report. I know, you're meant to do it the other way round.

I was puzzled when I read in their 2024 Annual Report under "significant change in state of affairs", there was mention that the ASX had given GDC 6 months from 20th May to comply with ASX Rule 12.1 or they would be suspended from the ASX.

I have no idea what ASX Rule 12.1 is but it was enough for me to immediately sell.

Yesterday, the 6 month period of grace came around and the ASX has suspended GDC until further notice (see link).

https://investorpa.com/announcement-pdf/20241120/69688.pdf

For all I know it might be a minor speeding fine on GDC and they'll return to the ASX ready to take off like a rocket but I won't be buying again anytime soon.

I am very grateful for this community and the advice to do the work, even if I am a slow learner

Bullet possibly dodged.

Boat, racing car, tax bill – there are often good reasons, however, when 3 of 4 directors offload the entirety of their holdings and then there is a capital raise I scratch my head. 

360 Capital, which announced last month they were offloading their holding which accounted for a third of the GDC script. The directors are all with 360 Capital which will be the explanation. 

The summary is the divestment and the cap raise probably should not be linked. 

That said, Macquarie has also exited their holding. 

This is a sector that has legs, the market maintains strong growth prospects both hosting public and private cloud. 

The capital raise, is expected to generate $42M, is to be used for “strategic investments” with no other detail although this is basically the business. The group invests in and have data centre interests in Asia Pac as well as Europe both wholly owned or in JV arrangements. 

The other couple of straws here are worth reading. Pat has a more detailed and balanced view than mine – especially the benefits of 360 Capital exit, rather that it being a red flag.