Why are AGL (ASX:AGL) shares having such a stellar start to 2022 while the ASX 200 is struggling?

AGL has gone from zero to hero…

| More on:
An oil miner with his thumbs up.

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

sdf

Key points

  • AGL was one of the worst performing ASX 200 shares of 2021
  • But 2022 has given this company a fresh start
  • That's despite the ASX 200 going into correction territory…

As investors of AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) would know, 2021 was not a great year for the ASX stalwart. In fact, with its 48.6% share price decline over the year that was, AGL was one of the 5 worst-performing shares on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) last year.

But in a surprise turnaround, this embattled energy generator and retailer has had what could be described as an unbelievably positive start to 2022. As my Fool colleague Bernd covered earlier today, AGL shares are one of the best ASX 200 performers over 2022 thus far. AGL shares are up a very pleasing 11.4% year to date. That includes the 0.3% the shares have added so far today at the time of writing, up to $7.02 a share.

And of course, that has occurred at the same time the ASX 200 has fallen off the proverbial cliff over 2022 so far, entering 'correction territory' just this week.

So AGL has quickly gone from a 2021 zero to a 2022 hero (so far, anyway). So what's behind this 'comeback kid' tale?

AGL shares go from (not quite) zero to hero

Well, it's not entirely clear why investors have changed their minds over AGL shares. It's possible that the bevvy of positive broker recommendations we have seen have assisted. As my colleague covered, AGL has been the beneficiary of some love from not one, but two ASX brokers over January. Credit Suisse and JP Morgan have both given AGL shares a buy rating this month. Credit Suisse sees AGL at $8.560 a share in the next 12 months, while JP Morgan is estimating the company will reach $7.55.

The brokers point to AGL's inherent defensiveness, as well as recovering global energy markets, as the reasons why they see the company heading higher from here.

Another factor that might be at play is AGL's valuation is having a blue-chip share like AGL descend more than 70% over the past 5 years is a meaningful move. It's possible that when the company hit a multi-decade low of $5.10 a share late last year, value investors decided that it was too cheap to ignore. Since those lows, the AGL share price is now up more than 36%.

Whatever the reason, we can't escape the fact that AGL shareholders have now enjoyed the best couple of months for this share that we have seen in years. No doubt investors will be hoping the train keeps rolling, but we shall have to wait and see.

At the current AGL share price, this company has a market capitalisation of $4.63 billion, with a trailing dividend yield of 9.25%.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen 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 Bruce Jackson.

More on Energy Shares

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Energy Shares

What did Macquarie make of the Santos takeover offer?

Is this a good deal for shareholders? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man wearing glasses and a white t-shirt pumps his fists in the air looking excited and happy about the rising OBX share price
Energy Shares

Guess which ASX 300 mining stock is surging 11% on big news

There are a couple of reasons behind this strong gain.

Read more »

Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.
Energy Shares

3 ASX uranium stocks up more than 20% in 2 days

Paladin Energy, Boss Energy, and Deep Yellow shares are among the market's fastest risers again today.

Read more »

happy miner, happy oil and gas worker with thumb raised wearing a hard hat amid rigging
Energy Shares

Up 20% in a month, should I buy Woodside shares?

One fund manager provided their view.

Read more »

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.
Energy Shares

Santos shares rocket on $30b takeover offer

This energy giant could be going private after receiving a takeover approach.

Read more »

A Santos oil and gas worker wearing a hard hat stands in a yellow field looking at blueprints with an oil rig and blue sky in the background
Share Market News

Energy shares rip amid Middle East tensions while ASX 200 surges 20% from April low

ASX energy shares roared 6.49% higher while the ASX 200 lifted 0.37% and set a new record last week.

Read more »

An oil worker in front of a pumpjack using a tablet PC.
Energy Shares

Why did ASX 200 energy shares rip up the charts on Friday?

Analysts say oil prices are on track for their best week since February 2022.

Read more »

A male oil and gas mechanic wearing a white hardhat walks along a steel platform above a series of gas pipes in a gas plant.
Energy Shares

$10,000 invested in Santos shares 5 years ago is now worth…

Have Santos shares beaten the ASX 200 over five years? Let’s find out.

Read more »