NRG Eyes Retail Business Growth - Analyst Blog
August 17 2011 - 5:15AM
Zacks
NRG Energy Inc. (NRG) has agreed to buy a
Philadelphia-based retail electricity and natural gas provider,
Energy Plus Holdings LLC, for $190 million in cash. The company’s
decision to buy privately held Energy Plus stems from the
opportunity to expand its retail business in the northeastern part
of the country.
Based in Philadelphia, Energy Plus has a proven ability to
successfully enroll attractive customer groups through its
exclusive marketing partnerships with leading loyalty program
providers. Energy Plus primarily operates in the Northeast, with
more than 90% of its customer base in the states of New York,
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Illinois.
Additionally, Energy Plus sells electricity in Texas and natural
gas in New York and New Jersey.
Thus, the $190 million acquisition is expected to provide NRG
Energy an effective retail platform to expand its customer services
and products in multiple retail markets. The company expects the
transaction to add immediate scale to its expanding retail customer
base, particularly in the Northeast.
The deal requires regulatory approvals from the Justice
Department and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The
transaction is expected to close in October, pending customary
closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Energy Plus has been one of the fastest-growing energy companies
in the United States since inception, driven by its successful
rewards programs offered through the company’s rapidly growing
network of almost 100 industry-leading partners and
associations.
Going forward, we see Energy Plus’ superior mix of quality
service, energy choices and ongoing rewards programs together with
assistance from NRG Energy to fructify in tremendous growth for the
company.
Based in Princeton, New Jersey, NRG Energy Inc. operates as a
wholesale power generation company. The company is also involved in
fuel and transportation services, selling energy and related
products in the United States and international markets. The
company mainly competes with AES Corporation (AES)
and Calpine Corp. (CPN).
We maintain a ‘Neutral’ recommendation on NRG Energy in the long
term. The quantitative Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating) for
the company indicates no clear directional pressure on the stock
over the near term.
AES CORP (AES): Free Stock Analysis Report
CALPINE CORP (CPN): Free Stock Analysis Report
NRG ENERGY INC (NRG): Free Stock Analysis Report
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