The United Utilities Group PLC Board has announced an interim dividend of 17.88 pence per ordinary share in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2025. This is an increase of 3.5 per cent compared with the interim dividend last year, in line with the group's dividend policy of targeting a growth rate of CPIH inflation each year. The 3.5 per cent increase is based on the CPIH element included within allowed regulated revenue for the 2025/26 financial year (i.e. the movement in CPIH between November 2023 and November 2024).
The interim dividend is expected to be paid on 2 February 2026 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 19 December 2025. The ex-dividend date for the interim dividend is 18 December 2025.
Other financial highlights include:
●Trading in line with expectations and prior guidance
●Underlying operating profit of £562m, +67% on the prior half year, driven by higher allowed revenues and higher allocation of Infrastructure Renewals Expenditure (IRE) to capex offset by inflationary pressure on operating costs
●Underlying EPS of 52.8p, up from 26.8p, reflecting a £226m increase to underlying operating profit partially offset by higher net finance expense driven by higher inflation, reported EPS of 35.2p
●Low level of gearing at 60% and solid credit ratings, with Moody's, Fitch and S&P
●Over 24 months of liquidity, with funding in place through to the second half of FY28
