National Grid plc (NG) advanced 1.6% after the company raised its interim dividend, underscoring its ongoing commitment to shareholder returns and infrastructure investment. The move is supported by bullish momentum, with the stock trading above all major moving averages and testing key near-term resistance.
Highlights
- National Grid raised its interim dividend to 16.97p per share, up from 16.35p, with payment scheduled for January 2027.
- The company targets dividend growth matching UK CPIH and links its improved earnings outlook to record network spending.
- Shares of National Grid show bullish momentum, are expected to trade in a GBX1,247 to GBX1,289 range, with a 74% probability of an upward move.
Dividend outlook and record spending drive board-approved shareholder rewards
National Grid has increased its interim dividend to 16.97 pence per ordinary share, up from 16.35 pence, with payment set for January 12, 2027 to shareholders on the register as of November 20, 2026. The company targets dividend growth in line with UK CPIH and has attributed the improved earnings outlook to record network spending. These actions were approved by the board and reflect a continued focus on rewarding shareholders and investing in infrastructure.
Buy signals strengthen as intraday buyers test resistance despite long-term caution
National Grid is trading above its 20-day, 50-day, and 200-day moving averages (GBX1,235, GBX1,179, and GBX1,239), indicating bullish momentum across short-, medium-, and long-term timeframes. The nearest resistance is the near-term ceiling at GBX1,269, with support at the near-term floor of GBX1,251. The longer-term MA-50 versus MA-200 alignment remains bearish. Momentum signals remain strong, with both the MACD and Average Directional Index (ADX) showing a buy bias, confirmed by positive intraday readings from Bull/Bear Power (BBP). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is neutral, the Stochastic RSI is in the oversold zone, and the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) is neutral. Buyers are in control intraday, as the stock gapped higher at the open by 0.64% and is near its daily high at GBX1,268, reflecting a daily gain of 1.6%. Intraday volatility is 1.40%, with price action showing strength toward session highs.
Earlier, analysts noted that National Grid shares exhibited mixed technical momentum and were likely to remain in a sideways trend. The recent interim dividend increase and persistence of strong bullish signals provide fresh impetus, with a close above GBX1,269 now serving as the key trigger to watch for a potential breakout from consolidation.