Why NRG Energy Is Buying Vivint Smart Home

NRG Energy


has agreed to acquire


Vivint Smart Home


in a $2.8 billion cash deal, the companies said Tuesday, as the Texas-based energy and utility giant pushes into the consumer segment with a takeover of the home services platform.

NRG (ticker: NRG) stock slid 8.2% in U.S. premarket trading after the acquisition was announced, with shares in Vivint (VVNT) flying 32% higher. The deal for $12 a share values Vivint at a 33% premium to the stock’s close at $8.99 on Monday. Vivint stock has fallen 10% this year, outperforming the


S&P 500


index, which has shed 17%.