National Grid plc Plans 6% Annual Asset Growth

National Grid plc (LON: NG) says it should invest up to £3.9bn during the year to May 2014.

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

RISK WARNING: should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice. The Motley Fool believes in building wealth through long-term investing and so we do not promote or encourage high-risk activities including day trading, CFDs, spread betting, cryptocurrencies, and forex. Where we promote an affiliate partner’s brokerage products, these are focused on the trading of readily releasable securities.

The shares of National Grid (LSE: NG) (NYSE: NGG.US) gained 10p to 771p during early trade this morning after the FTSE 100 member confirmed plans to increase its regulated assets by 6% per annum during the next few years.

National Grid, which operates the country’s electricity transmission system, said today that its capital expenditure during the twelve months to May 2014 would continue to be in the region of £3.6bn to £3.9bn.

The blue chip stated that capital investment within its UK operations was expected to match the amounts spent during 2012/13. Current projects include installing new cables in various London tunnels and planning a high-voltage direct current link in Scotland.

National Grid added that its investment in the States would continue at around £1.3bn to £1.4bn a year.

Steve Holliday, National Grid’s chief executive, said:

Our businesses have started the year well.

“As a result, we are maintaining our outlook for 2013/14, reflecting the expected delivery of another year of solid operating and financial performance.”

Prior to today, City experts were predicting National Grid would deliver earnings of 53p per share and pay a dividend of 42p per share.

Those projections place the shares on a possible P/E of 14 and a potential yield of 5.5%.

Of course, whether that valuation and today’s trading update combine to make the shares of National Grid a ‘buy’ remains something only you can decide.

However, if you already own National Grid shares and are seeking an alternative buying opportunity, the Fool’s top analysts have named one company they believe will generate superior long-term capital growth…

…and such is their conviction, they have declared the share “The Fool’s Top Growth Stock For 2013“.

Simply click here for the report — it’s free.

> Maynard does not own any share mentioned in this article.

RISK WARNING: should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice. The Motley Fool believes in building wealth through long-term investing and so we do not promote or encourage high-risk activities including day trading, CFDs, spread betting, cryptocurrencies, and forex. Where we promote an affiliate partner’s brokerage products, these are focused on the trading of readily releasable securities.

More on Company Comment

A man with Down's syndrome serves a customer a pint of beer in a pub.
Investing Articles

Test article SR

125 to 155 characters something something test

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

I don’t care if FTSE 100 shares fall further, I’m buying them today

I'm happy to go shopping for FTSE 100 shares today, even though I accept that they could have further to…

Read more »

Happy young female stock-picker in a cafe
Investing Articles

Rolls-Royce shares are down 18% in a month and I’m finally going to buy them

Investors who bought Rolls-Royce shares have been repeatedly disappointed, but I'm willing to take a chance on them before they…

Read more »

Storytelling image of a multiethnic senior couple in love - Elderly married couple dating outdoors, love emotions and feelings
Investing Articles

How I’d invest £10k in a Stocks and Shares ISA today

Now looks like a good time to buy cheap FTSE 100 shares inside a Stocks and Shares ISA. These are…

Read more »

Black father holding daughter in a field of cows
Investing Articles

Today’s financial crisis is the perfect moment to buy cheap shares

I'm building a portfolio of FTSE 100 stocks by purchasing cheap shares whenever I see an opportunity. There's a good…

Read more »

Long-term vs short-term investing concept on a staircase
Investing Articles

I’d buy Tesco shares in October to bag their 5.4% yield 

Tesco shares have fallen lately but I think this makes them attractively valued for a dividend stock I would aim…

Read more »

Young mixed-race woman looking out of the window with a look of consternation on her face
Investing Articles

I would do anything to hold Diageo in my portfolio (but I won’t do that)

Diageo is one of my favourite stocks on the entire FTSE 100 and I'd love to hold it, but one…

Read more »

BUY AND HOLD spelled in letters on top of a pile of books. Alongside is a piggy bank in glasses. Buy and hold is a popular long term stock and shares strategy.
Investing Articles

I reckon today’s crisis is a great time to buy Lloyds shares

Today's "dysfunctional" stock markets are hitting good companies through no fault of their own. I'm taking this opportunity to buy…

Read more »