Stock of the Week: National Grid

VIDEO: Grid operator is pledging to be the FTSE's greenest investor in the coming years

James Gard 23 May, 2022 | 9:00AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

 

 

James Gard: Welcome to Morningstar. Our latest stock of the week is National Grid, which runs gas and electricity networks in the U.K. and the U.S. Profits rose to £3 billion for the year to the end of March. But in this update, the company made a very bold claim. It said it would become the FTSE's greenest investor. To this end, it's planning to spend 24 billion pounds over the next five years by promoting investment in renewable energy generation. But what are National Grid's green credentials.

Morningstar Sustainalytics rates the company as having a low carbon and ESG risk. It also rates as a leader in corporate governance. National Grid shares have been on a strong run since 2021 as ESG focused fund managers have bought into utilities. The shares have also come into focus as an inflation hedge. While the market is highly regulated, utilities are legally allowed to pass on prices to customers. With a recession potentially looming National Grid's defensive qualities could also come into play. These drivers are however priced into the shares already, according to Morningstar's, Tancrede Fulop. From an income point of view that shares yield just over 4% and the company has just announced it will pay a full year dividend of just over 50p.

For Morningstar I'm James Gard.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

James Gard

James Gard  is senior editor for Morningstar.co.uk

 

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures