Why the AGL share price can surge 35%: Morgans

What's ahead for the AGL share price?

| More on:

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
  • AGL shares have jumped 5% in the past year 
  • One major analyst is tipping a major upside for the AGL share price 
  • AGL is moving away from coal fired power generation towards renewables 

The AGL Energy Limited (ASX: AGL) share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) in the past year, but could it go higher?

AGL shares have jumped 5% from $6.22 at market close on 25 October 2021 to the current share price of $6.52. For perspective, the benchmark index has fallen nearly 9% in the same time frame.

Let's take a look at the outlook for the AGL share price.

Man with rocket wings which have flames coming out of them.

Image source: Getty Images

Is AGL a buy?

AGL is one of Australia's largest energy providers with a history spanning 185 years. One analyst is predicting AGL shares could rise by up to 35%.

Morgans investment advisor Jabin Hallihan is recommending shareholders "buy" AGL shares.

Analysts have an add rating on the AGL share price with a price target of $8.81. This is a 34.7% upside on the current share price.

Hallilan believes AGL's fixed fuel costs "leaves the company in a good position" given electricity prices are high in all states in Australia.

In comments cited by The Bull, he added:

The company is exiting coal-fired generation by 2035, accelerating the closure of the Loy Yang A power station by 10 years. It's also delivering positive near term earnings.

Meanwhile, Credit Suisse analysts upgraded the AGL share price to an outperform rating in early October with a price target of $8.20. The broker is optimistic AGL's free cash flow will remain strong, as my Foolish colleague James reported.

In a release in late September, AGL advised it is planning to exit from coal fired generation by the end of the 2035 financial year. AGL chair Patricia McKenzie said:

AGL is committing to an ambitious but achievable strategy to deliver a responsible and accelerated low carbon future.

We are aiming to reshape our energy portfolio into a cleaner and more flexible one, transitioning away from coal and focusing on new renewable and firming capacity

AGL share price snapshot

AGL shares have risen nearly 7% in the year to date, while they are down 1% in the last month.

In comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has shed nearly 9% in the year to date.

AGL has a market capitalisation of about $4.4 billion based on the current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea 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

Worker on a laptop at an oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

Woodside shares slip as WA cyclone disrupts gas operations

WA cyclone hits Woodside operations as shares edge lower.

Read more »

Hand holding out coal in front of a coal mine.
Energy Shares

Why New Hope, Yancoal and Whitehaven shares are storming higher on Friday

Investors are piling into New Hope, Yancoal, and Whitehaven shares in Friday’s falling market. But why?

Read more »

An oil refinery worker stands in front of an oil rig with his arms crossed and a smile on his face.
Energy Shares

New ratings on 4 ASX 200 energy shares: experts

Leading brokers have recently updated their ratings and 12-month share price targets.

Read more »

Oil worker giving a thumbs up in an oil field.
Energy Shares

Which emerging ASX gas producer could deliver almost 80% gains?

This NT-focused gas company has a big year ahead of it.

Read more »

Black barrels of oil in ascending and then descending sizes with a red arrow pointing down to indicate a falling oil price.
Energy Shares

Why are ASX 200 energy shares tumbling today?

The Brent Crude oil price slipped below US$100 per barrel today.

Read more »

A rueful woman tucks into a sweet pie as she contemplates a decision with regret.
Energy Shares

Why is this ASX 300 energy share crashing 42% on Wednesday?

Investors are pummelling the ASX energy share on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
Broker Notes

Up 222% in a year, why this ASX energy share is forecast to more than double your money again

A leading broker forecasts more outsized gains to come from this rocketing ASX energy share. But why?

Read more »

Young ASX share investor excitedly throwing hands up in front of savings jar.
Energy Shares

$7,500 invested in New Hope shares 5 weeks ago is now worth…

Strong coal prices lift New Hope shares over a five week period.

Read more »