How National Grid plc (ADR) (NGG) Measures up as a GARP Investment

LONDON — A popular way to dig out reasonably priced stocks with robust growth potential is through the “Growth at a Reasonable Price”, or GARP, strategy. This theory uses the price-to-earnings to growth (PEG) ratio to show how a share’s price weighs up in relation to its near-term growth prospects — a reading below one is generally considered decent value for money.

Today I am looking at National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG) to see how it measures up.

What are National Grid’s earnings expected to do?

	2014	2015
EPS Growth	(3)%	4%
P/E Ratio	13.6	13.1
PEG Ratio	n/a	3.3

Source: Digital Look

National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG)’s earnings performance has been patchy in recent years, and the company is expected to post a slight dip in the year ending March 2014 followed by a modest rebound in 2015.

Negative earnings growth in the current 12-month period results in an invalid PEG rating, while an expensive reading is expected next year even as earnings improve. In addition, the firm’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is anticipated to remain elevated during this period — any value above 10 is not considered decent value.

Does National Grid provide decent value against its rivals?

	FTSE 100	Gas, Water & Multi-utilities
Prospective P/E Ratio	15.3	18.0
Prospective PEG Ratio	4.5	3.2

Source: Digital Look

National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG) trades at a discount to both the FTSE 100 and utilities sector in terms of prospective P/E rating, although this reflects the firm’s patchy earnings outlook. Indeed, the firm’s void PEG ratio underlines its less appealing earnings projections.

The electricity giant clearly does not qualify as a canny selection for those seeking juicy GARP stocks. For the more patient, however, National Grid plc (ADR) (NYSE:NGG) could yield lucrative rewards further down the line as its capex drive rumbles along.

Investing for the future
National Grid announced last month that particular strength in its British businesses in the year ending March 2013 helped to drive group profit before tax 14% higher to £2.9 billion.