The United Utilities Group PLC Board has proposed a final dividend of 34.57 pence per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 March 2025. This is an increase of 4.2 per cent compared with the dividend last year, in line with the group's dividend policy of targeting a growth rate of CPIH inflation each year. The 4.2 per cent increase is based on the CPIH element included within allowed regulated revenue for the 2024/25 financial year (i.e. the movement in CPIH between November 2022 and November 2023).
The final dividend is expected to be paid on 1 August 2025 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 20 June 2025. The ex-dividend date for the final dividend is 19 June 2025.
Other financial highlights include:
●Underlying operating profit of £634m, reported operating profit of £632m
●Underlying EPS of 49.6p, up from 33.3p, and reported EPS of 38.8p
●Low level gearing at 60% and fully equity funded for AMP8, with robust credit ratings
●Liquidity extending into 2027
●Capital investment of £1,083m, a 47 per cent increase on prior year
