TOP NEWS: Pennon Halves Interim Dividend Amid Fall In Profit

(Alliance News) - Pennon Group PLC on Tuesday said profit in the first half narrowed amid a fall ...

Alliance News 24 November, 2020 | 9:37AM
Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

(Alliance News) - Pennon Group PLC on Tuesday said profit in the first half narrowed amid a fall in revenue as well as increased operating expenses, but it expects "continued outperformance" going forward.

The Exeter-based water utility and waste management company saw its pretax profit for the six months to September 30 narrow 48% to GBP61.9 million from GBP119.4 million a year prior. Operating expenses increased 14% year-on-year to GBP103.2 million from GBP90.8 million.

Revenue was down 8.2% to GBP299.2 million from GBP325.8 million a year before.

Chief Executive Susan Davy said Pennon delivered "resilient operational and financial performance" through the first half, and that the company "rapidly adapted to the operational and financial challenges" presented by Covid-19.

Pennon halved its interim dividend to 6.77 pence per share from 13.66 pence a year before.

"I am delighted to be leading the business at this important time in Pennon's history. The completion of the Viridor sale in July this year has seen significant shareholder value realised, allowing us to refocus our business on excellence in the water and wastewater sector," Davy added.

In July, Pennon completed the sale recycling and residual waste business Viridor to funds advised by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co for an enterprise value of GBP4.2 billion.

Underlying revenue was down 1.9%, while underlying pretax profit was down 15%.

Going forward, Pennon said it is focusing on its water and wastewater businesses.

The company said it expects continued outperformance underpinned by its new sustainable strategy which is meant to see an emphasis put on its customers.

"This starts with our new WaterShare+ scheme, in which one in 16 of our household customers are now shareholders in the business helping us to create a new kind of water company, closer to the customers and communities we serve," Davy said.

"It is an incredibly exciting time for the group as we forge ahead with our 'new deal' plans for the K7 2020 to 2025 period," Davy added.

Pennon shares were down 1.9% at 985.40 pence each in London on Tuesday morning.

By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Pennon Group PLC 664.50 GBX 0.00 -

About Author

Alliance News

Alliance News provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures