Abu Dhabi's state utility tightened its grip on loss-making Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) by boosting its stake to 74 percent, days after it granted land that could potentially wipe out the energy company's losses.
It is not the first time cash-rich Abu Dhabi has stepped in to rescue a state-linked company. In 2011, it bailed out struggling developer Aldar Properties .
Like some other energy companies, Taqa has been reeling from losses resulting from low commodity prices.
The oil explorer and power supplier on Tuesday said Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea) had raised its stake to 74 percent from 52.38 percent.
Adwea bought a 21.67 percent stake in Taqa held by the Fund for the Support of Farm Owners, a spokesman for Taqa said.
The move came after Adwea transferred land to Taqa valued at 18.7 billion dirhams ($5.1 billion) after Taqa reported a full-year 2016 loss of 18.55 billion dirhams.
At the date of transfer, Taqa recorded the fair value of leasehold land at 18.7 billion dirhams, under property plant and equipment, with a corresponding amount recorded as an equity contribution from Adwea, Taqa's financial statements showed.
Taqa's board has issued a resolution to transfer equity contributions worth 18.7 billion dirhams to accumulated losses, subject to shareholder approval at its annual general meeting.
"It is clearly a rescue from the government. The grant of land valued at 18.7 billion dirhams can be used to write off the losses," said Wadah al Taha, member of the National Advisory Board for Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, UAE.
"Now that Adwea is the majority and dominant shareholder, it could perhaps consider delisting Taqa or possibly seek capital raising through a rights issue," he said.
Taqa's shares soared about 26 percent on Sunday and Monday hopes the support from Abu Dhabi could help the company turn a corner after it reported a big loss in its last financial year. On Tuesday, its shares were down 7 percent on profit taking.
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