NEXTDC (NXT), the renowned data centre builder and operator, announced unprecedented sales achievements at its 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The finical year witnessed a remarkable surge in total revenue, soaring by 25%, accompanied by a substantial 15% increase in underlying earnings.
With FY23 revenue reaching an impressive A$362.4 million and earnings (EBITDA) standing tall at $193.7 million, NEXTDC wrapped up the financial year with a substantial cash reserve of $766 million. The market responded positively, with shares registering a 0.31% uptick in the second hour of morning trade.
Mr. Craig Scroggie, CEO of NEXTDC, underscored the company’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation. He emphasized the pivotal role played by digital acceleration and the evolution of cloud services as key drivers propelling NEXTDC’s resounding success in FY23.
Reflecting on the fiscal triumph, Scroggie stated, “Our success to date has been astounding, but with AI looming as an enormous tailwind for the data centre industry, I believe we are at the beginning of the most important change since Apple’s iPhone.”
A cornerstone of NEXTDC’s strategy involves aligning its services with key megatrends, with a significant focus on artificial intelligence (AI).
Recognising AI as a major driver for data centre services globally, NEXTDC anticipates the imminent arrival of the AI infrastructure deployment wave in Australia, forecasting substantial onshore hosting growth in 2024.
The global AI market is poised for explosive growth, with projections indicating a staggering annual rate of 37% between 2023 and 2030 and presented significant opportunities for NEXTDC to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for advanced data centre solutions.
Scroggie’s sentiment on the importance of AI was complemented by his acknowledgment of the evolving landscape of cloud services. “
The cloud continues to evolve, driving organisational transformation,” he said. Gartner’s prediction that 85% of organizations will adopt cloud-first strategies by 2025 further underscores the significance of NEXTDC’s strategic focus on cloud services.
“Looking ahead to fiscal year 2024, NEXTDC has outlined strategic priorities centered around leading the hybrid computing revolution and venturing into new markets,,’’
“The company’s commitment to innovation and growth is exemplified by its plans to scale its platform domestically, including the establishment of new hyperscale facilities in Sydney and Melbourne,,’’
The expansion horizon extends beyond domestic borders, with NEXTDC eyeing developments in the Asia/Pacific region, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Auckland. These strategic moves aim to position NEXTDC as a key player in the global data centre landscape.
The accolades continue to pour in for NEXTDC, with the company receiving Frost & Sullivan’s prestigious 2023 Australian Data Centre Services Company of the Year and the Asia-Pacific Customer Value Leadership Award. These accolades further validate NEXTDC’s unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
As of 10:30 am AEDT, NXT shares were trading at $13.17, a testament to the investor confidence in the company’s vision and its ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of the digital era.
The positive market sentiment reflects NEXTDC’s solid foundation, innovative approach, and strategic positioning as a leader in the ever-evolving data centre industry.