Industry Trends
Largest Transactions Closed
- Target
- Buyer
- Value($mm)
Before the Russian-Ukrainian war, Europe depended on Russia for nearly half of its coal and natural gas. Without Russia's supply, the EU has turned to the rest of the world, resulting in a massive spike in the price and increased production. Coal is now selling for up to $400 a ton, up from $134 at the beginning of the year. Natural gas is averaging around $6/MMBtu as of August 2022, compared to $3.43/MMBtu in 2021.1
The reduction in daily output by OPEC+ is the most significant since the outbreak of the pandemic. The rationale given by OPEC+ members was falling crude oil prices and a perceived decrease in demand for 2023. The cut was a loss for the Biden administration, whose recent efforts to tap U.S. oil reserves had brought down gas prices for Americans and will likely be negated by OPEC's recent cut.2
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act have over $430 billion in funding for climate and clean energy measures. The technology is available, and it is far more attractive to spend on cutting emissions and renewable-energy sources when incentives are attached. The energy department will need a dedicated staff to oversee the programs. Still, the private sector interest clearly showed that the U.S. is committed to the energy transition.3
Companies such as NextEra Energy Inc. and Allete Inc. have heavily invested in the clean energy transition. Solar power and onshore wind are now cheaper than gas-fired power by 33% and 44%, respectively. As natural gas prices continue to rise due to global pressures, and renewables are supported by federal incentives, renewables have a huge opportunity to provide a larger portion of U.S. power.4
Data Assumptions This report represents transaction activity as mergers & acquisitions, consolidations, restructurings and spin-offs. Targets are defined as U.S. Based companies with either foreign or U.S. based buyers. Transaction information provided is based on closed dates only. Glossary EBIT - Earnings Before Interest and Taxes Sources:
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