Adani Green Energy shares in focus as TotalEnergies considers Rs 10,200 crore stake sale

Core Viewpoint - TotalEnergies is considering selling up to 6% of its stake in Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) to capitalize on the significant increase in AGEL's valuation since its initial investment in 2021, which has risen from approximately $2.5 billion to nearly $8 billion [1][2][7]. Group 1: Stake and Valuation - TotalEnergies currently holds nearly 19% in AGEL through two subsidiaries, with 15.58% via TotalEnergies Renewables Indian Ocean Ltd and 3.41% through TotalEnergies Solar Wind Indian Ocean Ltd [1][7]. - The current market capitalization of AGEL is Rs 1.69 lakh crore, and a 6% sale could generate around Rs 10,200 crore (approximately $1.14 billion) for TotalEnergies [2][7]. Group 2: Strategic Intent - TotalEnergies' CEO Patrick Pouyanné has indicated a desire to reduce exposure to AGEL, stating that while AGEL is a strong company, the group will not deepen its green energy partnership with Adani [2][7]. - The potential sale aligns with TotalEnergies' broader strategy to prune its Asian renewables portfolio and reduce debt, with plans to cut annual capital spending by $1 billion, lowering it to $15-17 billion a year between 2027 and 2030 [7]. Group 3: Historical Context and Partnerships - TotalEnergies acquired a 20% stake in AGEL and 50% in its operating solar portfolio (over 2 GW) in January 2021 for $2.5 billion, which included a board seat and reinforced its commitment to renewables [5][7]. - The partnership between Adani and TotalEnergies also extends to the gas business, with both companies jointly holding 37.4% in a venture since 2018, focusing on city gas distribution, LNG terminals, and gas marketing [5][7].