After a turbulent few weeks, could I be tempted by the National Grid share price?

The National Grid share price has settled down following a dramatic slide. Our writer asks whether now would be a good time to buy.

| 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.

Image source: National Grid plc

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

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.

When I last wrote about the National Grid (LSE:NG.) share price, I said I would wait until after the dust had settled, following the company’s announcement of a £7bn 7-for-24 rights issue, before revisiting the investment case.

That’s because the news came as such a shock that its share price fell more than 10% on two consecutive days (23-24 May). However, I was confident that most shareholders would take up their rights as the new shares were being offered at 645p each — 27% below the prevailing market price.

A few weeks later and the position now appears to have stabilised.

Should you invest £1,000 in Diageo right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Diageo made the list?

See the 6 stocks

But is it time for me to invest?

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3National Grid Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL6 Jul 20193 Apr 2025Zoom ▾202020212022202320242025202020202021202120222022202320232024202420252025www.fool.co.uk

An income investor’s dream?

Those wanting to generate a decent level of passive income will struggle to find a stock with a better track record of paying dividends.

Taking into account rights issues and share consolidations, it’s increased its payout during each of the last 25 years.

This means it qualifies as a Dividend Aristocrat. A classy share, if you like.

Source: dividenddata.co.uk (adjusted for rights issues and share consolidations)

Indeed, if the rights-adjusted dividend for its 2024 financial year is repeated this year, the stock is presently yielding 5.9%. This is comfortably above the FTSE 100 average of 3.8%.

Slow and steady

It’s also one of the steadiest stocks around.

It has a beta value of 0.23. This means, on average, if the wider market moves by 10%, National Grid’s share price will change by just 2.3%.

This reliability comes from its monopoly status in its key markets. Its earnings are therefore reasonably predictable. And less volatile than some of those operating in other, more glamorous, industries.

Although I’m sure existing shareholders were disappointed by the company’s unexpected need to raise some case, it should bring some longer-term benefits. The company achieved a post-tax return on equity of 8.9% during its 2024 financial year.

If it could replicate this on the £7bn raised from the rights issue, it could generate additional post-tax annual earnings of £623m. With a current price-to-earnings ratio of 14, there’s a potential increase in the company’s stock market valuation of £8.7bn (19.8%).

However, I’m sure some of this has already been priced in to the share price.

Risks

But over the next few months I wouldn’t be surprised if we see investors view the company with a little more caution.

The country’s new government hasn’t explained clearly how GB Energy — the proposed state-owned energy company — fits in with National Grid. This uncertainty could weigh on the share price.

And just because it’s a monopoly doesn’t mean it can charge what it likes. It still has to fulfil its regulatory obligations.

Also, the company carries a significant amount of debt. I find it interesting that its directors chose to ask shareholders for more money — rather than lenders — which could be interpreted as a sign that borrowings are close to their limit.   

However, despite these concerns, I remain a fan of the company.

As well as its dividend, I like the fact that its management team doesn’t have to waste time finding new customers. It also hopes to increases its earnings per share by 6%-8% annually, between now and 2029.

Therefore, despite the risks — if I had some spare cash — I’d take a position.

But what does the head of The Motley Fool’s investing team think?

Should you invest £1,000 in Diageo right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Diageo made the list?

See the 6 stocks

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.

James Beard has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

Pound coins for sale — 51 pence?

This seems ridiculous, but we almost never see shares looking this cheap. Yet this recent ‘Best Buy Now’ has a price/book ratio of 0.51. In plain English, this means that investors effectively get in on a business that holds £1 of assets for every 51p they invest!

Of course, this is the stock market where money is always at risk — these valuations can change and there are no guarantees. But some risks are a LOT more interesting than others, and at The Motley Fool we believe this company is amongst them.

What’s more, it currently boasts a stellar dividend yield of around 8.5%, and right now it’s possible for investors to jump aboard at near-historic lows. Want to get the name for yourself?

See the full investment case

More on Investing Articles

Investing Articles

10% dividend yield! Here’s a FTSE 100 share to consider in April for passive income

This FTSE 100 stock just soared past the 10% yield mark, making it a potentially lucrative option for investors targeting…

Read more »

Young black woman using a mobile phone in a transport facility
Investing Articles

3 FTSE 100 safe haven stocks to consider as trade wars bite

I'm confident in the long-term outlook for the FTSE index of stocks. But these blue chips may protect investors from…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s how Trump tariffs could hand us some top passive income bargains

As tariff terror grips the stock market, it's time for passive income investors to steel our nerves and look for…

Read more »

Investing Articles

These FTSE shares may offer some safety as Trump slaps tariffs on trading partners

FTSE shares moved lower on 3 April, after US President Donald Trump introduced hefty tariffs on its trading partners. These…

Read more »

Investing Articles

6.8% dividend yield! Consider these 2 ‘secret’ passive income stocks to target a £1,360 payday in 2025

Looking for ways to generate above-average dividend income? These lesser-bought income stocks are worth a close look.

Read more »

Elevated view over city of London skyline
Investing Articles

The M&G dividend yields over 10% — and could get higher!

Christopher Ruane explains why he's upbeat about the long-term outlook for the M&G dividend yield and would happily buy the…

Read more »

Young Caucasian man making doubtful face at camera
Investing Articles

2 popular UK growth stocks I wouldn’t touch with a bargepole in today’s market

Buying growth stocks can deliver market-beating returns, but this FTSE 250 pair doesn't look like a convincing investment for our…

Read more »

The flag of the United States of America flying in front of the Capitol building
Investing Articles

10 FTSE shares falling today after President Trump’s tariffs bombshell!

Our writer explains why JD Sports Fashion from the FTSE 100 and a diverse bunch of other UK stocks are…

Read more »