TransAlta: The Next Brookfield Takeover Target?

Brookfield Asset Management and its subsidiaries are starting to put a war chest of cash to work. Let’s take a look at why TransAlta might be on the takeover list.

| More on:

Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM) (NYSE:BAM) and its subsidiaries are now targetting acquisitions that appear undervalued. Investors now wonder which company could be the next Brookfield takeover target.

Brookfield bids to take its property subsidiary private

In January Brookfield Asset Management announced plans to buy the outstanding limited partnership units it doesn’t already own in Brookfield Property Partners (TSX:BPY.UN)(NASDAQ:BPY). The US$16.50 per unit bid puts the value of the deal near US$5.9 billion.

The subsidiary owns real estate assets around the globe. Hotels, office towers, and student housing make up a good chunk of the assets. These segments took a beating in the past year, so it makes sense for Brookfield to use some of its war chest of cash to take advantage of the challenging market conditions.

Brookfield Infrastructure takeover bid for Inter Pipeline

Inter Pipeline (TSX:IPL) is another company that fell on hard times in the past year. The share price tumbled from $22 before the pandemic to below $6 at the worst of the crash.

Management slashed the dividend and sold its European storage business to preserve cash while they navigate the pandemic. IPL is building a $4 billion polypropylene plant. The project hit some speed bumps in the past year and IPL is searching for a partner on the development.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (TSX:BIP.UN)(NYSE:BIP) already owns nearly 20% of Inter Pipeline’s outstanding stock. The Brookfield takeover bid of $16.50 per share is a 23% premium to the closing price before the announcement.

Interestingly, reports in 2019 suggested that Inter Pipeline had turned down a $30 per share offer from a different bidder. In hindsight, that would have been a good deal for shareholders.

In the current situation, Inter Pipeline is once again pushing back, saying the Brookfield bid is not adequate. At the time of writing the stock trades near $17.50, so investors appear to think a better offer could be on the way. The energy sector is on the rebound, so we will see what happens.

Could TransAlta be next on the Brookfield takeover list?

Brookfield Asset Management has quietly built a 12.4% position in TransAlta (TSX:TA) (NYSE:TAC). The most recent purchase came in January at $10.56 per share. Brookfield also bought shares during the crash last March, and already had large stake in the power producer.

TransAlta is on the rebound after a string of tough years. Lower power prices, high debt, and opposition to coal-fired energy combined to hit the company. The stock fell from $35 in 2008 to below $4 in 2016.

Management did a good job of cleaning up the balance sheet in the past five years. In addition, TransAlta is ahead of schedule on its transition from coal to natural gas. The stock now trades at its highest point since 2015. The board has resumed dividend increases and TransAlta anticipates solid growth in free cash flow.

Pundits have long believed the stock is undervalued due to TransAlta’s majority interest in TransAlta Renewables (TSX:RNW).  Whether or not Brookfield intends to launch a takeover bid for all of TransAlta is unknown, but it wouldn’t be a surprise given the recent trend of trying to buy companies that it knows well and views as undervalued.

Should you buy TransAlta stock?

TransAlta appears cheap right now when you consider the value of its TransAlta Renewables stake. The company is on the mend and the share prices should drift higher in the next few years.

Any potential takeover premium should be viewed as a bonus.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Brookfield Asset Management. The Motley Fool recommends BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. CL.A LV, BROOKFIELD INFRA PARTNERS LP UNITS, and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. Fool contributor Andrew Walker owns shares of TransAlta.

More on Investing

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: TD Bank vs Manulife Financial?

TD and Manulife can both be interesting stock picks for today, depending on your investment style.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

These stocks are out of favour but could deliver nice returns over the coming years.

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5 Percent Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

This defensive retail REIT could be your ticket to high monthly income.

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $600 Per Month?

Do you want passive income coming in every single month? Here's how to make it and a top dividend ETF…

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Investing

Are Telus and BCE Stocks a Smart Buy for Canadian Investors?

Telus (TSX:T) and BCE (TSX:BCE) have massive dividend yields, but their shares have been quite sluggish!

Read more »

investment research
Tech Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Is OpenText stock poised for a 2025 comeback? AI ambitions, a 3.8% yield, and cash flow power make it a…

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »