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United Utilities (Trading Update): full-year guidance reiterated

Full-year guidance remains on track for United Utilities, and electricity costs are well hedged in the near term.
United Utilities

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Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

United Utilities confirmed that full-year underlying earnings per share (EPS) is expected to land in line with prior guidance of around 100p.

The group is changing the way it measures its inflation-linked debt to smooth the effects of unusually high or low inflation, and its impact on the income statement. This is expected to reduce this year’s underlying net finance expense by £35mn and increase underlying EPS by around 5p above the previously mentioned 100p figure.

Looking ahead, the group has hedged 100% of its electricity needs for Summer 2026, and over 90% of its needs for Winter 2026/2027.

The shares rose 2.3% in early trading.

Our view

HL view to follow.

United Utilities key facts

All ratios are sourced from LSEG Datastream, based on previous day’s closing values. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn’t be looked at on their own – it’s important to understand the big picture.

This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by LSEG. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.

This article is not advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any investment. No view is given on the present or future value or price of any investment, and investors should form their own view on any proposed investment.

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Written by
Aarin Chiekrie
Aarin Chiekrie
Equity Analyst

Aarin is a member of the Equity Research team and a CFA Charterholder. Alongside our other analysts, he provides regular research and analysis on individual companies and wider sectors. Having a keen interest in global economics, he knows how macro-events can impact individual companies.

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Article history
Published: 25th March 2026