Earnings are dominated by energy generation (wholesale markets), with energy retailing about half the size. Strategy is heavily influenced by government energy policy, such as the renewable energy target.
AGL has proposed a structural separation into two businesses; a multi-product energy retailer focusing on carbon neutrality and an electricity generator that will own AGL’s large fleet of coal fired power stations among other assets. At this stage, the announced split is only an internal separation, with more details regarding the future governance, capital structure, and asset allocation expected by June 2021.
Low-cost electricity generators and gas producers can achieve an economic moat via low-cost production, as AGL has via its low-cost coal-fired generation plants. Wholesale electricity prices are under pressure from falling gas prices, government initiatives to reduce utility bills, and new renewable energy supply. These headwinds are likely to keep AGL’s earnings falling into fiscal 2023.
Financial Strength:
The fair value estimate for AGL is AUD 14.00 per share, which is implied by the fiscal 2022 price/earnings multiple of 32 and an enterprise value/EBITDA multiple of 9. At this valuation, the forward dividend yield is expected to be 2.3% unfranked, with strong long-term growth as earnings recover. Also, the historical dividend yields generated by AGL are phenomenal.
AGL Energy is in reasonable financial health though banks are increasingly reluctant to lend to coal power stations. From 1.4 times in 2020, net debt/EBITDA is expected to rise to 2.1 times in fiscal 2022. Funds from operations interest cover was comfortable at 12.8 times in fiscal 2021, comfortably above the 2.5 times covenant limit. AGL Energy aims to maintain an investment-grade credit rating. To bolster the balance sheet amid falling earnings and one-off demerger costs, the dividend reinvestment plan will be underwritten until mid-2022. This should raise more than AUD 500 million in equity. Dividend payout ratio is 75% of EPS.
Bulls Say:
- As AGL Energy is a provider of an essential product, earnings should prove somewhat defensive.
- Its balance sheet is in relatively good shape, positioning it well to cope with industry headwinds.
- Longer term, its low-cost coal-fired electricity generation fleet is likely to benefit from rising wholesale electricity prices.
Company Profile:
AGL Energy is one of Australia’s largest retailers of electricity and gas. It services 3.7 million retail electricity and gas accounts in the eastern and southern Australian states, or about one third of the market. Profit is dominated by energy generation, underpinned by its low-cost coal-fired generation fleet. Founded in 1837, it is the oldest company on the ASX. Generation capacity comprises a portfolio of peaking, intermediate, and base-load electricity generation plants, with a combined capacity of 10,500 megawatts.
(Source: Morningstar)
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