LONDON, Feb 1, 2026, 09:07 GMT — The market has closed.
SSE (SSE.L) shares closed flat on Friday at 2,422 pence, having hit a 52-week peak of 2,442 pence earlier. Over the past 12 months, the stock has climbed 50.6%. The company also handed out an interim dividend of 21.4 pence per share on Friday. (Hargreaves Lansdown)
The utility enters the new week with investors focused on fresh clues about its capital spending — the funds it channels into long-term assets like grids and renewables — and how that’s affecting cash flow. Following a solid rally, any hiccup in execution usually hits the share price quickly.
UK stocks showed some resilience despite a shaky backdrop. The FTSE 100 climbed 0.5% on Friday, marking its seventh consecutive month of gains. At the same time, sterling weakened 0.6% against the dollar, Reuters reported. “The weaker pound is obviously beneficial for the multinationals,” said Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index. (Reuters)
SSE highlighted routine share purchases tied to dividend reinvestment. According to a regulatory notice, several directors and persons discharging managerial responsibilities (PDMRs) used all-employee schemes to reinvest Friday’s dividend, acquiring shares at £24.2328 apiece. (Investegate)
Chief executive Martin Pibworth picked up 19 shares through the share incentive plan and added another 50 via a nominee account, according to the notice. Robert McDonald also bought shares—84 and 35 across the two schemes—while Elizabeth Tanner acquired 65 and 28 respectively. (Investegate)
While these trades are modest, they highlight just how income-focused SSE’s shareholders are, especially when it comes to reinvesting dividends. They also tend to create some volume spikes around payout dates.
What comes next in the company update will carry more weight. Investors want specifics on renewables output, any outages, and how quickly work is progressing in regulated networks. In these areas, the regulator sets allowed returns, but the operator bears the delivery risk.
UK rates add another layer of complexity. The Bank of England will release its February Monetary Policy Report on Feb. 5, a key moment for government bond yields that influence valuations of dividend-rich sectors like utilities. (Bank of England)
SSE tends to move alongside other UK utility stocks like National Grid and Centrica, especially when rate shifts dominate over company-specific news during slower periods. Rising yields often make these shares less attractive compared to cash or higher-growth alternatives.
Still, the week’s outcome hinges on fundamentals. Low wind speeds could curb generation, and any indication of rising costs or delays in network expansion might dent confidence—especially with the stock trading close to its peak.
SSE plans to release its third-quarter trading update on Feb. 4, with preliminary results due May 28, according to its financial calendar. (SSE)
