For 2020/21, the National Grid PLC Board has recommended an increase in the final dividend to 32.16 pence per ordinary share ($2.2812 per American Depositary Share) which will be paid to shareholders on the register as at 4 June 2021. If approved, this will bring the full year dividend to 49.16 pence per ordinary share, an increase of 1.2% over the 48.57 pence per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ending 31 March 2021. This rise is in line with the increase in UK RPI for the twelve months to 31 March 2021 as set out in the policy announcement of 28 March 2013.
Other financial highlights include:
■ Transactions progressing, WPD acquisition approved by shareholders - we expect WPD completion by July.
■ Regulatory milestones reached with the RIIO-2 Final Determination and Joint Proposal for KEDNY-KEDLI.
■ COP26 principal partner and new Scope 3 targets set for the Group.
■ Statutory operating profit up 4% to £2.9 billion principally driven by environmental exceptional charges made in the prior year, partly offset by increased under-recoveries and higher storm costs.
■ Solid financial performance with underlying operating profit down 5% to £3.3 billion primarily driven by the impact of COVID-19.
■ £5.0 billion of capex across the Group, including continued investment in UK and US critical infrastructure and the commissioning of IFA2 between the UK and France.
