$National Grid (NGG.US)$ sank more than 14% Thursday after the utility giant reported an equity raise of £7 billion and a year-over-year decrease in full-year revenue results.
NGG fell 14.3% to a $61.72 close after the firm -- which operates in the United Kingdom and the United States -- reported that adjusted earnings per share increased 32% year over year to £0.84, but gross revenue declined 8% year year to £19.850 billion i n its 2023/24 full-year.
Underlying operating profit rose 4% Y/Y to £4.8 billion (+6% Y/Y at constant currency), aided by growth in revenues in UK Electricity Transmission through the RIIO-T2 price control, non-recurrence of Western Link liquidated damages, and higher rates in New York and New England.
The company also disclosed a final dividend of 39.12 pence, bringing the full-year dividend to 58.52 pence, up 5.6% and in line with policy.
Outlook: For 2024/25, the company expects underlying EPS to be broadly in line with 2023/24 EPS once this has been adjusted by the number of bonus shares issued as part of the rights issue.
Investment: The company plans to invest £60 billion (around $75 billion) in the U.S. and U.K. over the next five years.
In New York, National Grid is investing around $21 billion between now and 2029, per the company's statement.
The investment is expected to deliver annual group asset growth of around 10%, and 6%-8% underlying EPS CAGR from a 2024/25 baseline to 2028/29, assuming an exchange rate of £1:$1.25.
This is projected to be led by a comprehensive financing plan that includes a £7 billion equity raise.
John Pettigrew, Chief Executive, said, "Alongside our new five-year financial framework, we are also today further evolving our strategy to focus on networks and will therefore be streamlining our business as we announce our intention to sell Grain LNG, our UK LNG asset, and National Grid Renewables, our US onshore renewables business."