Investors' Chronicle Aim stocks, MPA, Volex, and SSE
Nov 14, 2025
Valeria Martinez, a finance commentator specializing in utilities, dives into SSE's ambitious £33bn investment plan, revealing why it excited investors. Alex Newman highlights the plan's market implications and regulatory aspects. Mike Fairhear analyzes Volex's robust performance and its strategic pivot towards data centers under new leadership. Mark Robinson discusses the newly listed auditor MHA, assessing its growth prospects amid market challenges. Together, they unravel the intricate dynamics of infrastructure investments and market reactions.
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SSE's Big Regulated Investment Shift
- SSE unveiled a £33bn plan to upgrade the UK grid, shifting ~80% of future cash profits to regulated returns by 2030.
- The plan increases predictability but relies heavily on regulator-set returns and long-term financing assumptions.
Watch SSE's Funding Mix Closely
- SSE will fund the plan with a mix of £2bn equity, ~£21bn cash from operations, ~£14bn debt/hybrid and asset sales.
- Investors should watch net debt/EBITDA targets and timing of additional capital to judge balance sheet risk.
De‑risking Drove The Share Reaction
- The market rewarded SSE because the financing de-risked delivery of long-term earnings forecasts rather than changing them materially.
- Coordinating equity, debt and regulator support created the premium investors paid.