Ok is there a mutter from the gutter going about today or what?
Shares are now consolidated, payout deadline gone, no official
news......??????

(scratches head......)

Any clues among us beautiful BB'ers this afternoon?

Yes, it is interesting isn't it that when you read
cash is going to be given back to shareholders, it
sounds great - then the reality is never quite so
amazing - what they give with one hand is grabbed back
with the other ........ then there's the complicated bit
to fill in the tax form too. LOL!

I am still trying to understand Shell!!

Cold Winter. They say this is going to be a cold winter. How will this effect National Grid? Will more business be done? Will there be power cuts if demand goes up? Is a cold winter a buying signal for NG. shares?

These have been on the up over the last few months...and would have thought that this purchase won't do them any harm either IMHO.

National Grid expands in US

MoneyAM

National Grid today announced the acquisition of a US gas distribution business for $575m.

National Grid said it has agreed to buy the Rhode Island gas distribution operation from the Southern Union Co.

The group, which has said it will continue its US expansion under incoming CEO, Steve Holliday, said the deal would significantly expand its gas distribution activities in the north eastern US.

It added that a strong overlap with its existing electricity distribution operations in Rhode Island creates the potential for savings.

National Grid will pay $498m in cash and will assume $77m in debt.

SUG's Rhode Island gas business serves about 245,000 customers through a distribution network of more than 3,000 miles of gas mains.

The group said it expects the deal to enhance its earnings per share before exceptional items immediately following completion.

Michael E Jesanis, president and CEO of National Grid's US business, said: 'This transaction is a natural for us and is right in our backyard.'

The transaction is subject to approval by Rhode Island regulatory authorities and clearance under the Federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

The sale is expected to close in the summer of 2006.

Holliday is expected to take over from current CEO, Roger Urwin, at the end of this year.

for short term players this looks a very good buy.....

One of safeist outfits In the FT100 I reckon, just thought I would bring this Thread back up.

I agree Stan and have tucked away some for the yield as much as anything else but SP performance of late has been impressive too.

Me too, been for about 4 years, lovely capital growth and excellent dividends which are still growing. Also a special dividend for selling off gaz thingys. Due to spend a lot of money expanding abroad and renewing infrastructure at home. Im in and staying in and recently added at 5.80

National Grid sees growth

Interims

Hic

i love it when a plan comes together, its what sharedealing is all about. hic!

HIC!

What a great day - one full of energy!!

Results coming, good dividends, recommended a buy by many, topped up this morning. Presently 773p. Dont say I dint tell you. It isnt going to rip up any trees but little downside either.

I totally agree Kivver - Now who would have believed that?!

thats 2 things we agree on. I have higher hope for this one than AZM. This will help cover my losses on AZM.

It's certainly more stable and the dividend helps as well. It's a bouyant sector at present and after E.ON failed to get Endessa there's also the possibility of more consolidation on the horizon that could indirectly provide a boost to NG.

results tomorrow, thought there would be a bit of rise today in anticipation. Should go all the way up to ex-div day 772p today.

a 5 mil buy at the daeth.

Possibly now a good defensive stock in times of trouble?

"LONDON (Thomson Financial) - National Grid has announced a review of its dividend program, with a 15 pct rise for 2007/08 and an 8 pct annual rise thereafter to 2012.

This will result in a recommended final dividend for the year ending March 31 of 21.3 pence per ordinary share and a full year dividend of 33 pence, the UK gas and electricity distributor said.

'This policy represents a balance between an initial increase and a significant sustainable growth commitment which is supported by earnings,' National Grid said in its interim management statement.

The company said it is in line to meet financial expectations for the year."