United Utilities Group Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 5/6
United Utilities Group has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 16.5%, while the Water Utilities industry saw earnings declining at 9.1% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 6.7% per year. United Utilities Group's return on equity is 26.2%, and it has net margins of 22.4%.
Key information
16.52%
Earnings growth rate
16.52%
EPS growth rate
| Water Utilities Industry Growth | 4.81% |
| Revenue growth rate | 6.67% |
| Return on equity | 26.18% |
| Net Margin | 22.43% |
| Next Earnings Update | 12 Nov 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Jun 04
UU.: Equity Raise And Infrastructure Spend Will Shape Post Repricing Outlook
Narrative update The updated analyst price target for United Utilities Group has moved from a fair value estimate of £14.07 to £15.16. Analysts cite recent target increases from several banks, along with adjustments to the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions.Analysis Article • Jun 01
Does United Utilities Group (LON:UU.) Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Narrative Update • Apr 29
UU.: Mixed Rating Shifts And Fine-Tuned Assumptions Will Shape Post Repricing Outlook
United Utilities Group's analyst price target has been nudged higher to £14.07 from £13.93, reflecting analysts' updated assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E, along with recent Street research that includes price target increases from JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank and a downgrade to Hold from Kepler Cheuvreux. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on United Utilities Group reflects a mix of optimism on valuation and caution on how much upside is already reflected in the shares.Narrative Update • Apr 11
UU.: Mixed Rating Shifts And Modest Assumption Tweaks Will Guide Post Repricing Trade-Off
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for United Utilities higher from about £13.68 to roughly £13.93 per share. This reflects updated price targets around £14.50 and refreshed assumptions on discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples.Narrative Update • Mar 27
UU.: Mixed Rating Shifts And Stable Assumptions Will Shape Post Repricing Risk Balance
Analysts report a modest uptick in the consolidated price target for United Utilities to about £13.68 from £13.51. This reflects a mix of recent target increases and downgrades while keeping core assumptions on growth, margins and future P/E broadly unchanged.Narrative Update • Mar 12
UU.: Revised Discount Rate And P/E Will Guide Post Downgrade Risk Balance
Analysts have lifted their price target for United Utilities Group by £0.25 to £13.51, citing updated assumptions on fair value, discount rate and future P/E, even though some recent research has shifted ratings to Hold. Analyst Commentary Bullish and bearish analysts are looking at the same set of factors for United Utilities Group but are drawing different conclusions about how much upside is left after the latest price target adjustment.Narrative Update • Feb 24
UU.: Lower Discount Rate Assumptions Will Shape Post Downgrade Risk Reward Balance
The analyst price target for United Utilities Group has edged up from £13.21 to £13.26. Analysts highlighted slightly lower discount rate assumptions and modest adjustments to growth, margin and future P/E estimates following recent research updates, including a downgrade from Morgan Stanley.Analysis Article • Feb 16
United Utilities Group PLC's (LON:UU.) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 19% Below Its Share Price
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, United Utilities Group fair value estimate is UK£11.01 Current...Narrative Update • Feb 09
UU.: Medium-Term Guidance And Dividend Policy Will Temper Regulatory And Valuation Concerns
Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for United Utilities Group slightly higher to £13.21 from £13.17, citing updated assumptions on the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E following recent Street research that included a downgrade from Morgan Stanley. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the revised fair value of £13.21 as supported by updated assumptions on discount rates and P/E, which they view as better aligned with recent sector research.Narrative Update • Jan 26
UU.: Medium-Term Guidance And Dividends Will Balance Regulatory And Execution Risks
Narrative Update on United Utilities Group Analysts have nudged their fair value estimate for United Utilities Group from £13.03 to £13.17, reflecting updated views on discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E assumptions, alongside recent Street research that includes a higher £13.27 price target and a separate downgrade in rating. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on United Utilities Group highlights a mix of optimism on valuation and caution on execution risk.Narrative Update • Jan 09
UU.: Medium-Term Earnings Guidance And Dividend Policy Will Shape Future Performance
Analysts have nudged their price target on United Utilities higher to £13.27 from £12.61, citing updated assumptions on the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E that support a slightly richer valuation framework. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the uplift in the price target to £13.27 as consistent with updated assumptions on discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E, which together support a richer valuation framework for United Utilities Group.Analysis Article • Jan 01
Here's Why United Utilities Group (LON:UU.) Has A Meaningful Debt Burden
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it seems the smart money knows that...Narrative Update • Dec 25
UU.: Medium-Term Earnings And Dividend Policy Will Drive Future Performance
Analysts have nudged their price target for United Utilities Group higher to £13.27 from £12.61, reflecting slightly improved margin expectations and confidence in the company’s medium term earnings profile, despite only modest tweaks to growth and discount rate assumptions. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts interpret the higher price target as validation that United Utilities can sustain a solid earnings trajectory, supported by improving operational efficiency and regulatory clarity.Narrative Update • Dec 11
UU.: Dividend Outlook And Regulatory Framework Will Shape Near-Term Performance
Analysts have nudged their price target on United Utilities Group higher, raising it from approximately £12.61 to £13.27 per share. This reflects improved confidence in the company’s earnings visibility and defensive cash flow profile.Analysis Article • Dec 02
Slowing Rates Of Return At United Utilities Group (LON:UU.) Leave Little Room For Excitement
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? In a...Narrative Update • Nov 27
UU.: Price Target Revisions And Earnings Guidance Will Influence Near-Term Performance
United Utilities Group saw its average analyst price target move higher, with the consensus figure rising to around £13.29. Analysts cited updated assumptions on fair value and sustained sector optimism in their latest revisions.Analysis Article • Nov 16
United Utilities Group PLC (LON:UU.) Half-Year Results: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year
United Utilities Group PLC ( LON:UU. ) shareholders are probably feeling a little disappointed, since its shares fell...Narrative Update • Nov 11
UU.: Upcoming Infrastructure Programme And Regulatory Changes Will Shape Market Direction
Analysts have modestly increased their price target for United Utilities Group, raising it from approximately £12.87 to £13.02 per share. This adjustment is due to improved revenue growth expectations and a slightly higher projected valuation multiple.Analysis Article • Nov 07
United Utilities Group PLC (LON:UU.) Shares Could Be 49% Below Their Intrinsic Value Estimate
Key Insights United Utilities Group's estimated fair value is UK£24.12 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...Analysis Article • Sep 26
United Utilities Group PLC's (LON:UU.) Price In Tune With Earnings
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 28.8x United Utilities Group PLC ( LON:UU. ) may be sending very bearish...Analysis Article • Sep 08
United Utilities Group (LON:UU.) Takes On Some Risk With Its Use Of Debt
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Narrative Update • Aug 30
Implementing Satellite Imaging And AI Will Reduce Costs And Improve Environmental Compliance
Upward revisions in analyst price targets for United Utilities Group are driven by improving fundamentals, enhanced regulatory earnings visibility, and a robust dividend outlook—offset slightly by valuation concerns following share appreciation—resulting in a modest increase in the consensus target from £12.68 to £12.81. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts see improving fundamentals supporting higher price targets.Analysis Article • Aug 02
Investors Could Be Concerned With United Utilities Group's (LON:UU.) Returns On Capital
Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Typically, we'll want...
New Narrative • Nov 25
Revolutionary Technology And Ambitious Investments Herald A New Era For Water Utilities
Investment in technology and pollution prevention enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and improves margins by lowering operational expenses and regulatory penalties.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How United Utilities Group makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 2,616 | 587 | 294 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 2,494 | 494 | 262 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 2,372 | 402 | 231 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 2,259 | 333 | 219 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 2,145 | 265 | 208 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 2,101 | 189 | 202 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 2,056 | 113 | 196 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 2,003 | 120 | 195 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 1,950 | 127 | 193 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 1,905 | 48 | 194 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 1,860 | -31 | 195 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 1,832 | 87 | 190 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 1,804 | 205 | 184 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 1,827 | 359 | 184 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 1,850 | 512 | 184 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 1,856 | 228 | 182 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 1,863 | -57 | 179 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 1,854 | 9 | 183 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 1,846 | 75 | 186 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 1,827 | 264 | 180 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 1,808 | 453 | 175 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 1,813 | 282 | 165 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 1,818 | 110 | 155 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 1,839 | 109 | 152 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 1,859 | 107 | 150 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 1,848 | 208 | 158 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 1,838 | 310 | 167 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 1,828 | 336 | 162 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 1,819 | 363 | 157 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 1,797 | 367 | 143 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 1,776 | 370 | 129 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 1,756 | 362 | 129 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 1,736 | 355 | 129 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 1,731 | 392 | 129 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 1,727 | 429 | 128 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 1,716 | 431 | 126 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 1,704 | 434 | 125 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 1,715 | 431 | 135 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 1,726 | 428 | 146 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 1,728 | 413 | 147 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 1,730 | 398 | 148 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 1,724 | 339 | 148 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 1,718 | 280 | 148 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 1,719 | 276 | 147 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: UU. has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: UU.'s current net profit margins (22.4%) are higher than last year (12.3%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: UU.'s earnings have grown by 16.5% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: UU.'s earnings growth over the past year (121.7%) exceeds its 5-year average (16.5% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: UU. earnings growth over the past year (121.7%) exceeded the Water Utilities industry 39.2%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: Whilst UU.'s Return on Equity (26.18%) is high, this metric is skewed due to their high level of debt.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/12 17:26 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/12 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
|
| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
|
* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
United Utilities Group PLC is covered by 23 analysts. 11 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Harry Wyburd | Barclays |
| Dominic Nash | Barclays |
| Andrew Fisher | Berenberg |