Why Avangrid Stock Jumped Today

In This Article:

Shares of Avangrid (NYSE: AGR) rose 13% on Thursday after the electric and gas utility and renewable energy provider announced that it has received a "take private" proposal from its majority stakeholder Iberdrola, S.A. (OTC: IBDSF).

Iberdrola wants to take Avangrid private

In a press release earlier today, Avangrid announced it has received a non-binding proposal from electric utility giant Iberdrola to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Avangrid it doesn't already own for $34.25 in cash per share -- or a total of $2.49 billion. Iberdrola already owns around 81.6% of Avangrid's outstanding shares.

The offer values Avangrid represents a modest 6.8% premium from Avangrid's closing price yesterday.

What's next for Avangrid investors?

There's no guarantee that the offer will result in an official deal, and Avangrid's board says no official decision has been made regarding whether it will accept the offer. Avangrid's board also said an "Unaffiliated Committee" will review the proposal for potential approval (or disapproval), "as well as any other alternative proposals or other strategic alternatives that may be available to Avangrid."

The potential for Avangrid to explore other competitive offers or strategic alternatives explains why shares closed well above the proposed acquisition price today. If Avangrid's board decides to accept the deal, shareholders will simply receive $34.25 in cash for every share of Avangrid they own at the time of closing. So unless you think a better deal is on the way, or if waiting longer to sell might qualify you for lower long-term capital gains tax rates on your profits, I wouldn't blame investors for taking their money and putting it to work in any number of other promising stocks.

Should you invest $1,000 in Avangrid right now?

Before you buy stock in Avangrid, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Avangrid wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.

See the 10 stocks

*Stock Advisor returns as of February 26, 2024

Steve Symington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Why Avangrid Stock Jumped Today was originally published by The Motley Fool