Investing.com -- Shares of United Utilities (LON:UU) climbed 2% following the company's third-quarter trading update, which included acceptance of its Final Determination for the regulatory period covering 2025-2030.
The update highlighted a £13 billion investment plan and reaffirmed the utility's strong financial position with 60% gearing and £2.6 billion in liquidity extending to the 2027 fiscal year.
In its trading update, United Utilities outlined its commitment to maintaining a gearing target between 55% and 65% for the eighth Asset Management Plan (AMP8), alongside a goal to keep its long-term issuer credit rating at least at Baa1 with Moody's (NYSE:MCO) and BBB+ with S&P.
The company's dividend policy is set to continue growing in line with the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH).
For the fiscal year 2025, United Utilities reported a strong operating performance in the third quarter, with expectations to surpass last year's net Outcome Delivery Incentives (ODIs) rewards of £34.5 million. The company is scheduled to host a Capital Markets Day on June 19, 2025, to provide further insights into its strategy and operations.
Analysts at RBC commented on the company's trading update, saying, "UU accepting their final determination is to be expected, whilst we note that the company continuing to target 55-65% gearing makes sense and was again in line with expectations, despite UU currently having a credit rating a notch higher than listed peers."
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