Allete downgraded at BofA on cautious renewables valuation

This post was originally published on this site

https://i-invdn-com.investing.com/news/LYNXNPEC0I0PA_M.jpg

According to the firm, the downgrade is primarily due to its more conservative valuation of unregulated renewable generation assets. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) recently monetized its commercial renewables portfolio at a valuation of approximately 9x EBITDA. The bank anticipates that Allete’s wind portfolio will be similarly undervalued by the market.

It adjusted Allete’s cost of capital to 9.9% from 6.0%, reflecting the current higher interest rate environment and the increased premium demanded by investors. “On an EV/EBITDA basis this shifts our valuation to 9.0x, in line with Duke’s transaction” added BofA.