Why the Magellan (ASX:MFG) share price is on watch today

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price is one to watch this morning after the Aussie investment group's latest purchase.

The Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG) share price will be one to watch today after the Aussie investment group announced its latest acquisition.

asx share price acquisition represented by array of mexican food

Image source: Getty Images

What did Magellan announce this morning?

The listed investment company (LIC) announced that it is wading into the global fast food industry. Magellan has entered into an agreement to acquire a 10% stake in Guzman y Gomez (Holdings) Limited (GYG). 

GYG is a well-known, Australian-based quick service restaurant chain with a focus on Mexican cuisine. The group currently has 147 restaurants spanning Australia, Singapore, Japan and the United States.

The 10% shareholding is set to cost Magellan $86.8 million in cash, with completion conditional on GYG shareholder approval in late January 2021. The announcement makes the Magellan share price worth watching in early trade on Tuesday.

The acquisition will fall under Magellan's Principal Investments business. Magellan will hold a non-executive director position but have no active day-to-day role in GYG.

Magellan Chairman Hamish Douglass said the investment company is "extremely pleased" to be come a GYG shareholder. The group will look to leverage its "deep investment experience" in the quick service restaurant industry as a major investor and supportive shareholder.

How has the Magellan share price performed this year?

There's no doubt the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent response has wreaked havoc on markets this year. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has edged 0.3% lower to 6,669.9 points this year while the Magellan share price has also struggled.

Shares in the Aussie LIC are down 4.4% since the start of January to $55.18 per share. Magellan currently has a market capitalisation of $10.1 billion and is trading near the middle of its 52-week range.

Magellan shares are yielding 3.9% per annum right now with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.3.

Foolish takeaway

It will be interesting to see how the the Magellan share price performs today as investors digest news of the group's latest acquisition.

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on ASX Share Market News

Smiling man working on his laptop.
Best Shares

BHP vs Codan: Which ASX 200 share is the stronger buy today?

BHP and Codan are both flying, but which ASX share is truly the better buy today? I break down the…

Read more »

Watering can pouring water on increasing piles of coins with green plants on them and a piggy bank and coins on the table.
Opinions

$3,000 buys 1,463 shares in an impressively reliable ASX dividend stock

Here’s what makes this stock one of the best picks for dividends, in my view.

Read more »

A woman is very excited about something she's just seen on her computer, clenching her fists and smiling broadly.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a happy end to the trading week for investors this Friday.

Read more »

REIT on wooden circles with real estate investment trust written above on a yellow background.
REITs

6 ASX REITs just hit 52-week lows. Do any brokers say buy?

Several ASX real estate investment trusts (REITs) have hit 52-week lows as the property sector underperforms the market on Friday.…

Read more »

A financial expert or broker looks worried as he checks out a graph showing market volatility.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: CBA, Capstone Copper, Codan shares

Let's take a look at some new ratings from the experts.

Read more »

a woman peers over a surface with a happy, curious look on her face with eyes wide as though she is overhearing something.
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares brokers tip to rocket 25% to 77%

Looking for buy-the-dip opportunities in today's weak market? Experts reveal their buy calls.

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Broker Notes

Morgans tips 290% upside for this up-and-coming ASX copper company

This company is in the right place at the right time, the broker says.

Read more »

A woman in a red dress holding up a red graph.
Broker Notes

In a tough retail environment, what's the outlook for Wesfarmers shares?

Analysts argue the major retailer is resilient in the face of tough trading conditions.

Read more »