Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Jefferies reiterates 'buy' on National Grid, trims price target

(Sharecast News) - Jefferies trimmed its price target on National Grid on Friday as it reiterated its 'buy' rating on the energy infrastructure firm. The broker said the London-listed firm's stock had underperformed since it announced a near £7bn rights issue at last week's full-year results.

But it continued: "We see the funding underpinning the new £60bn capex plan. Our updated full-year 2025 earnings per share are 14% lower, but we see 7% 2025-2029 compound annual growth rate, with balance sheet headroom for additional growth capex.

"Regulatory updates due in the next six-to-12 months would improve visibility."

Adding that the blue chip appeared "cheap", Jefferies concluded: "We reiterate our 'buy' rating with a new price target of 1,150p, implying 40% total shareholder return."

The previous price target was 1,330p.

As at 1015 BST, shares in National Grid were up 2% at 863.52p.

National Grid said last week that it would use funds raised in the £6.8bn rights issue to upgrade its networks, to enable them to cope with the switch to low-carbon energy in both the US and UK.

It called the planned £60bn outlay, which is due to be spent between 2025 and 2020, a "significant step up" in its investment plans.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

FY turnover and profits grow at Arcontech
(Sharecast News) - Software firm Arcontech said on Monday that full-year pre-tax profits and turnover were both anticipated to come in ahead of current market expectations.
Brave Bison pre-tax profits grow in H1
(Sharecast News) - Digital advertising company Brave Bison said on Monday that adjusted pre-tax profits had grown in the six months ended 30 June, leaving it confident of its ability to meet current market expectations for FY24.
Fonix Mobile ends year ahead of market expectations
(Sharecast News) - Mobile payments and messaging technology provider Fonix Mobile reported a strong full-year financial performance in a trading update on Monday.
Tristel flags forecast-busting full-year results
(Sharecast News) - Infection prevention products manufacturer Tristel released a robust trading update for the year ended 30 June on Monday, with revenues and pre-tax profits surpassing market expectations.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.