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

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

Why Paladin Energy and these ASX uranium stocks are rocketing

It has been a great day for uranium investors on Friday. But why?

Read more »

A smiling miner wearing a high vis vest and yellow hardhat and working for Superior Resources does the thumbs up in front of an open pit copper mine, indicating positive news for the company's share price today following a significant copper discovery
Resources Shares

Why are ASX 200 mining shares going gangbusters on Friday?

Gold and uranium stocks are dominating the top 10 risers of the ASX 200 today.

Read more »

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

2 no-brainer ASX oil shares to buy with $1,500 right now

Morgans thinks these shares would be great options for investors wanting oil exposure.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Energy Shares

Are Woodside shares dirt cheap right now?

Let's see what analysts are saying about this energy giant's shares.

Read more »

A man lays on a tennis court exhausted.
Energy Shares

Why 2025 could be a slippery time for ASX 200 energy shares

2025 could be another difficult year for ASX 200 oil and gas stocks.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Energy Shares

Buy this beaten down ASX 200 uranium stock for a potential 60% return

Bell Potter is tipping this stock to rebound over 60% higher from current levels.

Read more »

A loudspeaker shoots out the words FINED against a blue backgroun
Energy Shares

AGL shares fall amid large Federal Court penalty

It’s a painful day for AGL shareholders.

Read more »

Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

What's happening with the Woodside share price following a key agreement today?

Woodside is aiming to simplify its global oil and gas portfolio.

Read more »