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?

Ahhh...so nobody-knows-nothing-huh?
;>)

Hi bunny, have been out but do you mean the details of the return of capital and consolidation? For every 49 existing shares you hold, you should receive 49 new B shares and 43 new ordinary shares. The B shares are worth 65p in divi ... or whatever. As usual with these things, share price is still not what I would have expected but .........

The normal A shares now trading as NG. are up a lot, that's what I
don't understand to be honest...why the rise?
I opted for the one-off cash payment on the B shares, didnt see the point
in messing about with them, can't see them gaining much if anything to be
honest.

I agree, but then the old shares had gone down a fair whack and if I calculate the dividend return, on top of the reduced shareholding, am still slightly out of pocket! I took the dividend too but I think the motive for deferring is probably normally a tax one - in other words if you think your tax liability next year will be less, leaving it till then probably the answer - ditto, if your CGT allowance is not used up, probably pays to opt for the capital gain. That was my interpretation anyway but then again, I hadn't had time to fill in the reply, hence the default decision!!!!

Well if they keep rising like this hopefully not long until you are back in pocket again
I came out at break-even following the consolidation so really gained fractionally just about,
I suppose as the cash is there to put to other uses, always difficult to know which
way to jump in those situations.

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?!