Why did the AGL share price outperform the ASX 200 on Friday?

The utilities sector may have help keep AGL's share price buoyant today.

| More on:
A young bearded man wearing a white t-shirt with a yellow backdrop holds up his arms to his chest and points to the camera in celebration of ASX shares rising today

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

Key points

  • Two of AGL's peer companies also beat the broader market on Friday
  • AGL's shares could be riding on a high of optimism following recent broker comments
  • One of AGL's board hopefuls also said the company had a "huge, huge upside"

The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price gained 1.95% in Friday trade, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which trailed in 0.87% lower at the close.

Shares in the energy and telco giant closed at $6.80 apiece. Earlier in Friday's session, they fetched a high of $6.92 and a low of $6.66.

The utilities sector was the strongest performer for the day, and the S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) finished with a gain of 1.27%.

It might not be surprising to hear then that two of AGL's peer companies also finished in the green on Friday.

Meridian Energy Ltd (ASX: MEZ) gained a healthy 6.33% and Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) ended the day 2.15% higher.

What might be surprising is that there was no news today to spearhead AGL's price movement. But what we can do is recap some of the company's recent events to figure out what led to it.

What's going on with the AGL Energy share price?

AGL received positive coverage from Morgans Investment advisor Jabin Hallihan on 25 October. The broker gave the company a buy recommendation and a price target of $8.81. This suggests a possible 29.5% upside at the time of writing.

More positive sentiment came from AGL board hopeful John Pollaears who described the company as having a "huge, huge upside for shareholders" provided that its transformation plan goes through.

A broker echoed this sentiment at Credit Suisse which gave AGL shares a price target of $8.20.

AGL said it would stop using coal entirely in its strategic review update posted on 29 September. For the company to stop burning coal it will cost around $20 billion and see its emissions drop from 40 million tonnes to net zero.

AGL Energy share price snapshot

The AGL share price is up 10.75% year to date. Meanwhile, the ASX 200 is down 8.84% over the same period.

The company's market capitalisation is around $4.57 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Matthew Farley 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

A young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beach
Energy Shares

1 ASX penny stock I'd buy now while it's only 5 cents

I think this ASX penny stock has outsized growth potential.

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
Energy Shares

This ASX 200 energy giant just signed an EV charging station deal with Stockland

Investors are feeling electrified by this deal.

Read more »

Smiling woman holding Australian dollar notes in each hand, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX passive income shares paying 8% and 13% yields

I think both these high yielding ASX dividend stocks offer long-term passive income potential.

Read more »

A coal miner wearing a red hard hat holds a piece of coal up and gives the thumbs up sign in his other hand
Energy Shares

Whitehaven share price up 20% in 5 weeks. Should you buy?

Are you missing the boat amid the rest of the market re-rating this ASX coal share?

Read more »

Woman refuelling the gas tank at fuel pump, symbolising the Ampol share price.
Energy Shares

What a US$100 oil price would mean for ASX shares and petrol prices

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver explains the impact on petrol prices.

Read more »

nextdc share price
Energy Shares

The surprising reason why Santos shares could benefit from data centres

One fund manager is bullish about Santos for an unexpected reason.

Read more »

Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

Own Woodside shares? Here's why tomorrow is shaping up to be a big day

Why is Wednesday so important for Woodside shareholders?

Read more »

A female coal miner wearing a white hardhat and orange high-vis vest holds a lump of coal and smiles as the Whitehaven Coal share price rises today
Dividend Investing

Invest $10,000 in New Hope shares and get $1,006 in passive income

Many ASX investors buy New Hope shares for their high yielding, fully franked dividends.

Read more »