Jefferies says Ampol's Evie deal accelerates EV charging strategy; shares rise

** Shares of Ampol ALD.AX rise as much as 3.8% to A$45.14, their highest level since September 25

** Jefferies says the Australian fuel retailer's planned A$225 million ($155.90 million) acquisition of Evie Networks is strategically sound

** Adds deal gives Ampol leadership in a rapidly growing EV charging market while accelerating its energy transition strategy

** Broker says acquisition is less risky than building a public charging network from scratch and estimates it to be broadly EPS neutral by 2030, including synergies

** Jefferies retains "hold" rating at a price target of A$45

** Five of eight analysts rate the stock "buy" or higher, three "hold"; their median PT is A$44, according to data compiled by LSEG

** Stock up 36.3% YTD, as of last close

($1 = 1.4432 Australian dollars)