2023/24 FULL YEAR RESULTS STATEMENT
16 May 2024: United Utilities today
announces full year results for the year to 31 March
2024.
Louise Beardmore, Chief Executive
Officer, said:
"Colleagues have worked
exceptionally hard throughout the year to deliver for our
customers, communities and the environment. As a result,
operational performance has been strong, and I am pleased to report
that we have met or exceeded around 80% of our regulatory targets,
and we have also been ranked as the number one water and sewerage
company for customer service in the independent UK Customer Service
Index. In addition, we are providing over 375,000 customers with
affordability support against the backdrop of significant increases
in the cost of living.
We take our role in protecting the
environment very seriously; our ambitious
business plan would see us investing more than ever before to
improve services across the five counties of the North West. This
would deliver a genuine step-change in infrastructure for the
benefit of customers and the environment, and support 30,000
jobs.
Our finances are robust with one of
the lowest levels of gearing in the sector. We are readying our
supply chain, and bringing forward around £400 million of AMP8
investment to reduce spills at more than 150 storm overflows, and
to accelerate environmental schemes in communities such as
Windermere, where we are fast-tracking investment to drive
improvements earlier. This is on top of the river health
improvements we are already delivering through our Better Rivers
programme and accelerated environmental improvements funded through
reinvestment of our AMP7 outperformance."
Key financials - year ended 31
March
|
Reported
|
Underlying1
|
£m
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
Revenue2
|
1,949.5
|
1,804.2
|
+8.1%
|
1,949.5
|
1,804.2
|
+8.1%
|
Operating profit
|
480.2
|
440.8
|
+8.9%
|
517.8
|
440.8
|
+17.5%
|
Profit/(loss) before tax
|
170.0
|
256.3
|
-33.7%
|
220.5
|
(34.3)
|
n/a
|
Profit/(loss) after tax
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
-38.1%
|
227.3
|
(8.7)
|
n/a
|
EPS (pence)
|
18.6
|
30.0
|
-38.0%
|
33.3
|
(1.3)
|
n/a
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
DPS (pence)
|
49.78
|
45.51
|
+9.4%
|
Net regulatory capex (£m)
|
737.1
|
693.9
|
+6.2%
|
RCV3 (£m),
|
14,664
|
14,000
|
+4.7%
|
Net debt (£m)
|
8,763
|
8,201
|
+6.9%
|
RCV gearing4 (%)
|
59%
|
58%
|
+1%
|
RoRE5 (%)
|
8.5%
|
10.9%
|
-2.4%
|
Operational highlights
·
Accelerating c.£400m6 of AMP8
investment, which includes prioritising work on more than 150 storm
overflows; implementing accelerated solutions to achieve spill
reductions faster
·
ODI reward for FY24 of £34m, our highest ever
reward despite the impact of exceptionally high rainfall
·
Ranked as the top water and sewerage company, and
retained top five position out of 31 utilities in the UK Customer
Satisfaction Index7
·
Helped more than 375,000 customers with
affordability support so far this AMP, and over 400,000 households
on Priority Services register
·
Strong leakage performance, meeting regulatory
target for the 18th year and fixing six leaks every 30
mins
·
Achieved 3 or 4 star EPA rating since records
began - our 2023 performance will be confirmed in July but we
believe we are on track for 4 star in the EA's Environmental
Performance Assessment
Financial highlights
·
Underlying operating profit of £518m, reported
operating profit of £480m
·
Underlying EPS of 33.3p, up from -1.3p, and
reported EPS of 18.6p
·
Low level of gearing at 59% and solid credit
ratings
·
Re-entered the Euro bond market, pricing a €650m
10.25yr green bond - 3.8x oversubscribed
·
Liquidity extending into 2026; AMP8 funding
underway
·
Recommended final dividend of 33.19p, in line with
policy
Financial framework guidance for
current AMP7 regulatory period
·
Targeting to achieve an FY25 net ODI reward at
least in line with FY24
·
Continue to forecast average real RoRE of
6-8%
·
Unchanged RCV growth guidance of 4-5% nominal
compound annual growth rate
·
Targeting dividend growth in line with
CPIH
·
Maintain gearing within target range of
55-65%
Enquiries
Investors and Analysts
|
|
Chris Laybutt - Investor Relations
and Clean Energy Strategy Director
|
+44 7769 556 858
|
Anna Oberg - Investor Relations
Manager
|
+44 7435 939 112
|
Media
|
|
Gaynor Kenyon - Corporate Affairs
Director
|
+44 7753 622 282
|
Graeme Wilson - Teneo
Communications
|
+44 207 260 2700
|
Notes
1 Underlying measures are defined in the underlying profit
section below.
2 Revenue for the year to 31 March 2023 has been re-presented so
as to include £20.2 million of income not derived from the output
of the group's ordinary activities in Other income rather than in
revenue. This income relates to amounts receivable under government
renewable energy schemes and the sale of energy generated to the
grid.
3United Utilities Water Limited's adjusted RCV (adjusted for
actual spend, timing differences and including full expected value
of AMP7 ex-post adjustment mechanisms)
4 RCV gearing calculated as group net debt including loan
receivable from joint venture/United Utilities Water Limited's
adjusted RCV (adjusted for actual spend, timing differences and
including full expected value of AMP7 ex-post adjustment
mechanisms)
5 Return on regulated equity
6 Comprising c.£200m through Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery
Project and c.£200m of transitional investment submitted in our
PR24 business plan
7 UKCSI is an Institute of Customer Service measure
OPERATIONAL REVIEW
It has been an extremely busy year,
in which we have submitted a high-quality and ambitious business
plan for the 2025-30 period (AMP8) while continuing to deliver for
customers and the environment in the face of challenging weather
conditions.
The water industry continues to find
itself in the spotlight and we recognise that there is significant
work to do in restoring public confidence and trust, and improving
services for the benefit of customers, communities and the
environment. We have put forward an ambitious plan to enrich
services across the five diverse counties that make up the North
West. This would see us invest significantly over the 2020-25
period to deliver the step change we all want to
see.
Our AMP8 plan targets the largest
reduction in spills from storm overflows of any company, and we
aren't waiting. We have got to work already, bringing
forward around £400 million of AMP8
investment to reduce spills at more than 150 overflows and
accelerate other environmental programmes. We have started work on some rapid solutions to achieve spill
reductions faster. These initiatives have been extremely
successful, and we are now rolling them out to a further 29
locations.
At the same time, we are accelerating
a groundbreaking Integrated Water Management Plan. This initiative
sees us working closely with the Greater Manchester Combined
Authority and the Environment Agency (EA) to establish a new
partnership and new way of working to ensure the best management of
water resources across Greater Manchester.
We have delivered strong performance
across a number of our commitments for customers in areas such as
customer service, affordability support, leakage and water quality.
At the same time, we rank highly in a range of ESG indices - rated
World Class in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, maintaining our
Fair Tax Mark accreditation and CDP Climate disclosures score at A-
(environmental leadership), and we were categorised as having the
highest financial resilience status in Ofwat's latest Monitoring
Financial Resilience assessment.
Any service is underpinned by the
people who deliver it and we are pleased to have achieved UK High
Performance levels of employee engagement and were awarded the
Water Industry Skills Employer of the Year 2023 award in
recognition of our commitment and dedication to training and
development.
Delivering great service for all our
customers
We continue to focus on delivering
great service. In the summer we completed a rigorous eight-year
programme of inspecting and cleaning every storage reservoir as
part of our Water Quality First programme, with our efforts to
improve water quality being recognised by the Drinking Water
Inspectorate (DWI) and leading to the award for the Drinking Water
Initiative of the Year in the 2023 Water Industry Awards. We have
met our regulatory leakage target for the 18th consecutive year,
now fixing on average six leaks every 30 minutes. Building on the
strong overall level of service we have delivered this year, we are
reorganising our water and wastewater services to align with our
county-based approach to drive further improvements for
customers.
In the latest Customer Service Index
(an independent survey from the Institute of Customer Service that
benchmarks over 280 organisations across many sectors), we were
ranked as the top water and sewerage company and retained our top
five position amongst the 31 utility companies.
Supporting customers with
affordability and vulnerability continues to be an area of
important focus, particularly against a backdrop of rising
household costs. We have helped around 375,000 customers with
affordability support so far this AMP, and our proposals for AMP8
include our biggest ever support package, which would see us
provide over £500 million of support, helping one in six customers.
We also support over 400,000 vulnerable customers on the Priority
Service Register, and will publish our new vulnerability strategy
this year.
Weather during the year has brought
challenges, with dry weather in the early summer triggering actions
under our drought plan, and then shifting suddenly to a prolonged
period of heavy rainfall over autumn and winter, followed by a
sharp freeze-thaw event in January. Annual rainfall in 2023 was
exceptionally high across the North West - it was the wettest for
the last 69 years, with parts of our region experiencing rainfall
up to a third higher than the long-run average - and this had an
adverse impact on service for customers, with increased instances
of flooding and spills from storm overflows.
In June, we experienced a fractured
outlet pipe at our Fleetwood wastewater treatment works that
required a complex engineering solution. We worked quickly and
safely to construct a two-kilometre five-lane bypass around the
damaged pipe in two weeks to minimise the environmental impact and
allow us to then safely replace the damaged pipe. Despite our
significant efforts and commitment to recover services to the area,
pending a permanent solution, the loss of amenity caused disruption
to the community and its visitors. We worked hard to keep residents
up to date through a variety of communication channels - from
social media to drop-in centres and we have made contributions to
local communities after the event, as well as successfully
repairing the pipe and returning the site to full service. The
bypass and repair resulted in £38 million of additional operating
and infrastructure renewals expenditure in the period.
Improving rivers across the North West
We continue to drive forward with
improvements to protect and enhance the North West's waterways and
natural habitats. We met our target of monitoring 100 per cent of
our overflows before the end of 2023, and we have made some great
inroads, thanks to the dedicated effort that our team has
delivered, including our interventions at Cargo, one of our highest
spilling sites, where we have reduced spills from 343 in 2022 to
just nine between September 2023 and the year-end.
With significantly higher rainfall in
2023 than the previous year, and with more monitoring providing
increased visibility of overflow activations, despite the
underlying improvements we have delivered spills increased to
97,537, which was 41 per cent higher than the much drier 2022. Our
investment in wastewater treatment and networks, alongside
improvements in data and operational processes, has reduced average
spills per monitored overflow to 45, down by 24 per cent compared
to our baseline year of 2020, which was also a comparably wet year.
We remain on track to meet our target of a one-third reduction by
2025.
There is still a lot to do, and our
business plan includes £3.1 billion of proposed investment
dedicated to tackling storm overflows in AMP8 - the UK's biggest
spill reduction plan, targeting a 60 per cent reduction across the
decade to 2030. As part of Defra's Accelerated Infrastructure
Delivery project, Ofwat gave approval for us to progress with more
than 150 priority projects during 2023-25. This early investment,
alongside our Better Rivers programme, is helping us to deliver the
step change that we and our stakeholders want to see - replumbing
the wastewater network to suit the modern world we live
in.
We are focused on agile solutions
that enable us to make meaningful progress quickly, while our
longer-term plans look at 'blue-green' nature-based solutions as
well as the traditional 'grey' options like storm tanks. We have
appointed a dedicated Better Rivers Director and established a new
storm overflow integrated delivery team to accelerate our
improvement plan and reduce spills from storm overflows as quickly
as possible.
Creating a greener future
We take our environmental commitments
very seriously and are proud to have a sector-leading track record
on minimising pollution for over a decade.
We have achieved the upper ratings
(3-star 'good' and 4-star 'industry leading') in the EA's
Environmental Performance Assessment in every year since it began
in 2011. This includes the top 4-star rating secured in five of the
last eight years, representing a strong environmental performance
against increasingly challenging criteria. We were rated 3-star in
the latest assessment for 2022, but were pleased that our
performance across a number of measures improved. Our rating for
2023 will be confirmed in July and we are on track to return to 4
star.
We also continue to deliver our Water
Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), having met all our
commitments for environmental improvements in 2023. We are an early
adopter of the Task force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures
(TNFD) recommendations, and published our Corporate Natural Capital
Account during the year setting out the value our land provides to
the North West.
Climate change is already affecting
our business, with increasingly volatile weather. We are dedicated
to both adaptation and mitigation activities, increasing our
resilience to a changing climate and playing our part in the UK's
plans for net zero by 2050. For the third year running, we have
performed strongly in the Financial Times Climate Leaders' Report
on 500 European companies; with United Utilities leading the
utility sector.
We will submit our fourth climate
change risk assessment (Adaptation Report) in the next 12 months.
We continue to work with customers to help drive a reduction in
water consumption, including testing a new rising block tariff - as
well as a non-household demand reduction programme that includes
direct messages to those businesses with a continuous flow,
business visits and self-help training guides for leak
identification and resolution.
We continue to make good progress
against our carbon pledges and science-based targets to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next five years we will continue
to focus on opportunities for biodiversity net gain, peatland
restoration and tree planting, and best use of our land including
for renewable energy generation. We are also progressing plans for
a pioneering carbon-capture facility that will be hosted at our
head office in Warrington - an innovative project funded by the
UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The vision for
the site is that nothing will go to waste and the heat and power
generated by the process will be redirected to heat our on-site
buildings as part of our long-term sustainability goals.
AMP7
regulatory performance
We have delivered improved
performance for customers and the environment, meeting or beating
80 per cent of our performance commitments, resulting in a
significant uplift in outcome delivery incentives (ODIs), with our
highest ever net ODI reward of £34 million. This includes strong
performance on water quality improvements through a programme of
cleaning and re-lining of our Vyrnwy Aqueduct, improving hydraulic
flood risk resilience, enhanced water service resilience, reducing
sewer blockages, reducing voids, and reducing lead risk.
Exceptionally high rainfall has adversely impacted performance on
our flooding and pollution performance commitments.
While this net reward reflects strong
delivery for customers, it is lower than previously anticipated as
the extreme weather (with 14 named storms since the beginning of
2023) has had a £30 million adverse impact on what we otherwise
expected. We have earned a cumulative net ODI reward of £103
million so far in AMP7, already significantly higher than our AMP6
reward of £44 million, and we are guiding to a net reward in FY25
at least in line with FY24.
Return on regulated equity (RoRE) for
2023/24 was 8.5 per cent on a real, RPI/CPIH blended basis,
outperforming the base return of 4.0 per cent (including our 11
basis point fast track reward). More details on our RoRE
performance can be found below.
Submitted a high-quality and ambitious business
plan
In October 2023, we submitted our
AMP8 business plan to Ofwat. It is a plan that delivers benefits
for customers, communities and the environment, and was shaped by
county-based engagement with customers and other stakeholders. This
proposed plan demonstrates extensive ambition and would see us
deliver the largest investment in water and wastewater
infrastructure in more than a century, investing in assets and
delivering improved services for customers and the environment. If
approved, it will deliver a step change in tackling those issues
that matter the most - from reliable water supplies to cleaner
rivers and bathing waters - helping to make the North West greener,
healthier and stronger.
We are proposing to:
·
Safeguard supplies for three million people - as
we improve water quality and the security of future water supplies,
increasing resilience and halving the chance of a hosepipe ban in
the future;
·
Protect and enhance more than 500km of rivers and
bathing waters - delivering the largest spill reduction programme
in the UK, reducing storm overflow spills by 60 per cent from the
2020 baseline;
·
Reduce leakage - building a more resilient water
network, fixing leaks and replacing old pipes, targeting a
reduction in leakage of 25 per cent over the decade to 2030;
and
·
Respond to the challenges of climate change -
strengthening our network to reduce flooding of homes and
businesses, improving services for customers, protecting the
environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan would support 30,000 jobs,
of which 7,000 would be new jobs within the company and
wider supply chain, bringing
investment in skills and opportunities to the heart of our local
communities and giving a boost to the regional economy,
contributing £35 billion of economic value to the North West, and
our proposed investment would lead to 50 per cent growth in nominal
RCV across the five-year period. Importantly, we have taken robust
action to make bills as affordable as possible despite delivering
record levels of investment. Our plan would see average bill
increases of £22 per year, and we are proposing to provide more
support for hard-pressed households than ever before, with £525
million of support so we can help more than one in six customers.
Our engagement has been robust - we have spoken with 95,000
customers, securing strong advocacy with 74 per cent support for
the plan. We have also conducted 79 research projects driving
innovation and opportunity.
Following submission of our business
plan, Ofwat is now reviewing our proposals. It is expected to
publish a draft determination on 12 June 2024 and, having taken
account of representations, a final determination in December 2024.
Our strong balance sheet and liquidity puts us in a great position
to deliver our plan, and at the same time as building the plan we
have been building capability. In addition to our existing strong
team, we have recruited some fantastic new talent. Our in-house
rainwater management and modelling team, new regulatory and
compliance function, and county-level stakeholder managers are
mobilising ahead of the start of AMP8. Our accelerated investment
has enabled us to press ahead with our storm overflow reduction
programme.
Spending customers' money wisely
Our capital programme performance is
measured through our capital delivery programme incentive (CDPi)
KPI, which places strong emphasis on efficiency as well as reducing
the carbon impact of our enhancement projects. We have improved our
performance, delivering a strong score of 98 per cent this year,
demonstrating that we are spending money wisely. This has been
achieved in part through the application of value engineering
techniques, innovation and supply chain opportunities.
We have revolutionised our supply
chain approach leading into AMP8, and have expanded our number of
delivery partners tenfold to underpin deliverability of our
significant capital programme and ensure we are able to secure the
best value for money for customers. We have awarded two strategic
optimisation partnerships with mobilisation underway, and we are in
the process of appointing capital delivery partners for AMP8. Other
workstreams have been mobilised ready to start on our AMP8 plans,
including the development of standard products and designs to
secure maximum efficiency of designs and optimise our capital
programme.
Contributing to our communities
We are proud to be the longest
serving FTSE100 company in the region, and we continue to play a
key role in the North West economy. Our AMP8 plan would see this
increase further, with our investment plans supporting 30,000 jobs
within the company and our supply chain.
We invest in local communities with
financial investment in environmental and community partnerships,
delivery of education in schools, and time volunteered by
colleagues across the business. We have directly invested £11.8
million in communities so far in AMP7, as well as additional
contributions to our UU Trust Fund to help those struggling to
pay.
The Lake District is a special place
in our region, with Windermere at the heart of the National Park.
Over the summer, we opened an information centre on Windermere High
Street, increasing engagement and visibility of the important work
we are delivering in this community.
Each of our five counties has very
different challenges and needs, and our AMP8 business plan reflects
these differences. Customer and stakeholder engagement in each of
our diverse counties has helped us to build and adapt five targeted
county-based plans that deliver what matters to each of
them.
This five counties engagement has
not just actively informed the development, engagement and support
for our plan, it is also at the heart of how we intend to deliver
the step change that we all want to see. We are organising
ourselves into 'county delivery squads' so we are ready to deliver
our county plans at pace and with purpose, and we have already
moved to this new team structure.
Providing a safe and great place to work
Our colleagues are key to delivering
great service for customers and, following submission of our
business plan this year, we hosted an event in Blackpool open to
everyone across the organisation to hear about our plans and ask
questions. We also launched a new 'Call it Out' initiative this
year to encourage colleagues to raise ideas for improving
efficiency and performance, and this is already delivering
improvements. Our engagement was very positively received, and
helpful in bringing all our people along on the transformation
journey as we enter AMP8.
The most important thing is that
every colleague goes home safe and well, and we continue to have a
strong focus on health, safety and wellbeing. We have introduced
additional benefits for all colleagues this year, including a
virtual GP service and menopause support app, and we continue to
focus on mental as well as physical health.
We are focused on training and
development opportunities, and were awarded Water Industry Skills
Employer of the Year 2023, with the judge recognising United
Utilities as a company that visibly attracts, develops and retains
talent, and as an employer of choice. We continue to recruit and
train new talent through our graduate and apprentice programmes. We
welcomed more than 80 new graduates and apprentices in our
September 2023 intake and we have launched our largest ever
apprenticeship recruitment process with more than 90 new
opportunities available in 2024.
We have been recognised for our
focus on wellbeing and awarded the National Workplace Wellbeing
Charter, demonstrating our commitment to proactively championing a
healthy workplace. We continue to perform well in ShareAction's
Workforce Disclosure Initiative, with our score of 89 per cent
exceeding the UK and utilities averages, and our continued
dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion was reflected in us
being ranked highest in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List
2022/23.
Service is underpinned by the people
who deliver it, and it's encouraging to see that we have achieved
81 per cent employee engagement in our annual survey, which is in
line with the UK High Performance Norm.
AMP7
FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK
Our five-year financial framework
captures anticipated performance in the five years to 31 March
2025. This period aligns with the AMP7 regulatory
period.
Investment and regulated asset growth
We expect to deliver a number of
capital programmes in AMP7 in addition to our base totex (total
expenditure) programme. These include the £765 million additional
investment programme announced in May 2022, the Accelerated
Infrastructure Delivery Project spend and AMP8 transitional
investment. Combined with the impact of inflation, our regulated
assets are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4
to 5 per cent across the five years to March 2025.
Return on regulated equity
The return on regulatory equity
(RoRE) metric measures returns (after tax and interest) earned by
reference to notional regulated equity. Overall returns comprise a
base return on equity plus a contribution from outcome delivery
incentives, operating efficiency, financing and tax efficiency and
customer service. We currently expect to deliver average returns of
between 6 and 8 per cent in AMP7, on a real RPI/CPIH blended
basis.
Balance sheet
The board has set a target gearing
range for the AMP7 regulatory period of 55 to 65 per cent net debt
to regulated capital value. As at 31 March 2024, our gearing is in
the lower half of this range at 59 per cent.
Dividend policy
The group maintains a dividend policy
to target a growth rate of CPIH inflation each year through to
2025. The annual increase in the dividend is based on the CPIH
element included within allowed regulated revenue for the current
financial year. This is calculated as using the CPIH annual rate
from the November prior (i.e. the 2023/24 dividend is equal to the
2022/23 dividend indexed for the movement in CPIH between November
2021 and November 2022).
OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE
ODI
rewards
We are forecasting to achieve a net
customer ODI reward for 2024/25 at least in line with
FY24.
Revenue
Revenue is expected to increase by
around 10 per cent in 2024/25, with around 3 per cent due to
inflation offset by k factor, and 7 per cent due to
timing.
Underlying operating costs
Operating costs including IRE are
expected to increase by more than inflation due to business rates,
regulatory charges and IRE.
Depreciation
With continued growth in our asset
base and accelerated investments ahead of AMP8, depreciation is
expected to increase by £30 million to £40 million.
Underlying net finance expense
Underlying net finance expense is
expected to be broadly unchanged year on year. As at 31 March 2024,
we had £4.7 billion of index-linked debt exposure, giving rise to a
£47 million swing in our annual interest charge for every 1 per
cent change in inflation.
Underlying tax
Our current tax charge is expected to
be nil in 2024/25, reflecting expected benefits in relation to
'full expensing' and the 50 per cent first year allowances on
longer life assets.
Capital expenditure
Capex in 2024/25 is expected to be in
the range of £850 million to £1.1 billion. In addition to our AMP7
base programme, this reflects capital expenditure for the year in
relation to the c.£400 million of investment brought forward from
AMP8 (including Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Project and
AMP8 transitional investment) as well as our additional investment
(including supporting our Better Rivers programme).
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Key
financials (£m) - year ended 31 March
|
Reported
|
Underlying1
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
Revenue2
|
1,949.5
|
1,804.2
|
+8.1%
|
1,949.5
|
1,804.2
|
+8.1%
|
Operating expenses2
|
(810.7)
|
(746.3)
|
+8.6%
|
(787.1)
|
(746.3)
|
+5.5%
|
Infrastructure renewals expenditure
|
(219.8)
|
(193.5)
|
+13.6%
|
(205.8)
|
(193.5)
|
+6.4%
|
Depreciation and amortisation
|
(438.8)
|
(423.6)
|
+3.6%
|
(438.8)
|
(423.6)
|
+3.6%
|
Operating profit
|
480.2
|
440.8
|
+8.9%
|
517.8
|
440.8
|
+17.5%
|
Net finance expense
|
(306.1)
|
(215.7)
|
+41.9%
|
(293.2)
|
(475.1)
|
-38.3%
|
Share of losses of JVs
|
(4.1)
|
-
|
n/a
|
(4.1)
|
-
|
n/a
|
Profit on disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
31.2
|
n/a
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Profit/(loss) before tax
|
170.0
|
256.3
|
-33.7%
|
220.5
|
(34.3)
|
n/a
|
Tax (charge)/credit
|
(43.1)
|
(51.4)
|
-16.1%
|
6.8
|
25.6
|
-73.4%
|
Profit/(loss) after tax
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
-38.1%
|
227.3
|
(8.7)
|
n/a
|
EPS (pence)
|
18.6
|
30.0
|
-38.0%
|
33.3
|
(1.3)
|
n/a
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
% change
|
DPS (pence)
|
49.78
|
45.51
|
+9.4%
|
Net regulatory capex (£m)
|
737.1
|
693.9
|
+6.2%
|
RCV3 (£m)
|
14,664
|
14,000
|
+4.7%
|
Net debt (£m)
|
8,763
|
8,201
|
+6.9%
|
RCV gearing4 (%)
|
59%
|
58%
|
+1%
|
RoRE5 (%)
|
8.5%
|
10.9%
|
-2.4%
|
1 Underlying measures are defined in the underlying profit
section below
2 Revenue and operating costs for the year ended 31 March 2023
have been re-presented to reflect £20.2m of income not derived from
the output of the group's ordinary activity in Other income rather
than Revenue. These balances were previously reported as £4.8m and
£1,824.4m respectively.
3 United Utilities Water Limited's adjusted RCV (adjusted for
actual spend, timing differences and including full expected value
of AMP7 ex-post adjustment mechanisms).
4 RCV gearing calculated as group net debt including loan
receivable from joint venture/United Utilities Water Limited's
adjusted RCV (adjusted for actual spend, timing differences and
including full expected value of AMP7 ex-post adjustment
mechanisms).
5 Return on regulated equity
We delivered robust underlying
financial performance this year. Revenue increased 8 per cent,
mainly driven by the inflation increase allowed as part of our
revenue cap. This revenue increase, partly offset by inflationary
increases to costs resulted in underlying operating profit
increasing by £77 million to £518 million. Reported operating
profit was £38 million lower than underlying, at £480 million,
reflecting an adjusting item in respect of costs associated with a fractured outlet pipe at our Fleetwood
Wastewater Treatment Works.
Non-cash interest expense on our
index-linked debt declined, resulting in an underlying profit of
£227 million and an underlying earnings per share of 33.3
pence. Reported profit after tax was lower
at £127 million, with reported earnings per share of 18.6 pence per
share. Adjusted items between underlying
and reported are set out on in the underlying profit section
below.
We have one of the strongest balance
sheets in the sector, providing us with future flexibility. During
the year, we completed a pension scheme buy-in transaction with
Legal & General, covering two-thirds of scheme liabilities and
representing a significant milestone in our de-risking journey. Our
AMP7 investment requirements are fully pre-funded, and with gearing
of 59 per cent and solid credit ratings we approach AMP8 in a
strong position.
Revenue
|
£m
|
Year to 31 March 2023*
|
1,804.2
|
Regulatory revenue impact
|
102.6
|
Other impacts
|
42.7
|
Year to 31 March 2024
|
1,949.5
|
* Revenue for the year to 31 March 2023 has been
re-presented so as to include £20.2 million of income not derived
from the output of the group's ordinary activities in Other income
rather than in revenue. This income relates to amounts receivable
under government renewable energy schemes and the sale of energy
generated to the grid.
Revenue was up £145 million, at
£1,950 million, largely reflecting the inflation increase allowed
as part of our revenue cap.
In 2023/24, we had a £103 million
increase in the revenue cap due to regulatory adjustments, largely
driven by a 9.4 per cent CPIH-linked increase partly offset by 1.4
per cent real reduction in allowed wholesale revenues as set out in
our PR19 Final Determination.
Other revenue impacts largely
reflects increases in consumption.
Operating profit
|
£m
|
Underlying - year to 31 March
2023
|
440.8
|
Revenue increase
|
145.3
|
Operating cost increases
|
(40.8)
|
IRE increase
|
(12.3)
|
Depreciation increase
|
(15.2)
|
Underlying operating profit - year to
31 March 2024
|
517.8
|
Adjusted items*
|
(37.6)
|
Reported - year to 31 March
2024
|
480.2
|
* Adjusted items are set out in the
underlying profit section below.
Underlying operating profit at £518
million was £77 million higher than last year, largely reflecting
the increase in revenue, offset by inflationary pressures on our
core costs.
Inflationary pressures on our
operating costs have resulted in a £41 million increase. The
largest increases have been to power and labour costs, where we
incurred an additional £34 million and £13 million respectively.
Other costs have been tightly controlled, partly mitigating the
inflationary increases and leading to a £6 million cost
reduction.
As our asset base continues to grow,
IRE increased by £12 million and our depreciation charge for the
year increased by £15 million.
Reported operating profit increased
by £39 million compared to last year, reflecting the £77 million
increase in underlying operating profit offset by £38 million of
costs associated with responding to a fractured outlet pipe at our
Fleetwood Wastewater Treatment Works. The
specific nature, and the activity involved in remediating this
failure was unlike anything that would typically be experienced. As
such, the associated costs were not representative of normal
business activity and were excluded in arriving at underlying
operating profit.
Current year cash collection has been
strong, supported by our industry-leading affordability schemes,
effective credit collection practices and utilisation of
technology. As a result, our bad debt position has reduced to 1.6
per cent of statutory revenue.
Profit/(loss) before tax
|
£m
|
Underlying loss before tax - year to
31 March 2023
|
(34.3)
|
Underlying operating profit
increase
|
77.0
|
Underlying net finance expense
decrease
|
181.9
|
Share of JVs losses
increase
|
(4.1)
|
Underlying profit before tax - year
to 31 March 2024
|
220.5
|
Adjusted items *
|
(50.5)
|
Reported - year to 31 March
2024
|
170.0
|
* Adjusted items are set out in the
underlying profit section below.
Underlying profit before tax
of £221 million compared to a £34 million underlying loss before
tax last year. The £255 million difference reflects the £77 million
increase in underlying operating profit and a £182 million decrease
in underlying net finance expense, partly offset by a small
increase in the share of losses of joint ventures of £4 million.
Underlying profit before tax reflects presentational adjustments as
outlined in the underlying profit section below.
Reported profit before tax
decreased by £86 million to £170 million reflecting a £90 million
increase in reported net finance expense, a £31 million profit on
disposal of our subsidiary United Utilities Renewable Energy
Limited recognised in the prior year, and a small increase in the
share of losses of joint ventures of £4 million, partly offset by
an £39 million increase in reported operating profit.
Net finance expense
Underlying net finance expense of £293 million was
£182 million lower than last year mainly due to significantly lower
inflation resulting in a £268 million decrease in the non-cash
indexation on our debt and derivative portfolio, partly offset by a
reduction in capitalised interest of £47 million, and rising
interest rates resulting in higher net interest payable on debt,
derivatives and cash of £39 million.
Cash interest of £125 million was £23 million higher
than last year. Cash interest excludes non-cash items mainly
comprising the indexation on our debt and derivative portfolio,
capitalised interest and net pension interest income.
Reported net finance expense
of £306 million was £90 million higher than last year, reflecting a
£272 million reduction in net fair value gains on debt and
derivatives (excluding interest on debt and derivatives under fair
value option) from £259 million net fair value gain last year to
£13 million net fair value loss this year, partly offset by the
£182 million decrease in underlying net finance expense.
Joint ventures
The group incurred a share of the
losses of Water Plus for the year ended 31 March 2024 of £4
million, all of which has been recognised in the income statement.
This compares to a share of the profits of Water Plus of nil for
the year ended 31 March 2023, with the deterioration this year
largely as a result of the impact of higher interest
rates.
Profit/(loss) after tax and earnings per
share
|
PAT
£m
|
Earnings per share
Pence/share
|
Underlying loss after tax - year to
31 March 2023
|
(8.7)
|
(1.3)
|
Underlying profit before tax
increase
|
254.8
|
|
Reduction in underlying tax
credit
|
(18.8)
|
|
Underlying profit after tax - year to
31 March 2024
|
227.3
|
33.3
|
Adjusted items *
|
(100.4)
|
|
Reported - year to 31 March
2024
|
126.9
|
18.6
|
* Adjusted items are set out in the
underlying profit section below.
The underlying profit after tax of
£227 million was £236 million higher than the £9 million underlying
loss last year, reflecting the £255 million increase in underlying
profit before tax and a £19 million reduction in underlying tax
credit.
Reported profit after tax was lower
at £127 million and reported earnings per share at 18.6 pence per
share with the adjusted items between underlying and reported set
out in the underlying profit section below.
Tax
We continue to be fully committed to
paying our fair share of tax and acting in an open and transparent
manner in relation to our tax affairs, and are delighted to have
retained the Fair Tax Mark independent certification for a fifth
year.
The group makes significant
contributions to the public finances on its own behalf as well as
collecting and paying over further amounts for its over 6,000
strong workforce. The total payments for 2023/24 were around £240
million and included business rates, employment taxes,
environmental taxes and other regulatory service fees such as water
abstraction charges.
In the current year, we received a
net corporation tax repayment of £5 million which represents an
effective cash tax rate of 0 per cent. The key reconciling item to
the headline rate of corporation tax continues to be allowable tax
deductions on capital investment including full expensing
introduced in 2023.
The group recognised a current tax
credit of £6 million, mainly due to prior year adjustment in
relation to optimising the available research and development tax
allowances on our innovation- related expenditure, for multiple
prior years.
For the year to 31 March 2024, we
recognised a deferred tax charge of £49 million, compared with £77
million last year.
The total effective tax rate,
excluding prior year adjustments was 26 per cent for the year to 31
March 2024 compared with the headline rate of 25 per
cent.
There are £166 million of tax
adjustments recorded within other comprehensive income, primarily
relating to remeasurement movements on the group's defined benefit
pension schemes. The rate at which the deferred tax liabilities are
measured on the group's defined benefit pension scheme is 25 per
cent (2023: 35 per cent), being the rate applicable to refunds from
a trust.
Dividend per share
The Board has proposed a final
dividend of 33.19 pence per ordinary share in respect of the
year ended 31 March 2024. This is an increase of 9.4 per cent compared with the
dividend last year, in line with the group's dividend policy of
targeting a growth rate of CPIH inflation each year through to
2025. The 9.4 per cent increase is based on the CPIH element
included within allowed regulated revenue for the 2023/24 financial
year (i.e. the movement in CPIH between November 2021 and November
2022).
The final dividend is expected to be
paid on 1 August 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close
of business on 21 June 2024. The ex-dividend date for the final
dividend is 20 June 2024. The election date for the dividend
reinvestment plan is 11 July 2024. A dividend reinvestment plan
(DRIP) is provided by Equiniti Financial Services Limited. The DRIP
enables the company's shareholders to elect to have their cash
dividend payments used to purchase the company's shares. More
information can be found at
www.shareview.co.uk/info/drip.
Cash flow
Net cash generated from operating activities
for the year to 31 March 2024 was £745 million, £43 million lower
than £788 million last year, principally due to higher net interest
paid resulting from the rise in interest rates, and changes in
working capital decreasing cash generated from operations. The net
cash generated from continuing operating activities supports the
dividends paid of £320 million and partially funds some of the
group's net capital expenditure of £731 million, with the balance
being funded by net borrowings and cash and cash
equivalents.
The group's consolidated statement of cash
flows can be found in the condensed consolidated financial
statements.
Pensions
As at 31 March 2024, the group had an IAS 19
net pension surplus of £268 million, compared with a surplus of
£601 million at 31 March 2023. This £333 million decrease
principally reflects the impact of the purchase of bulk annuities
as part of a buy-in transaction completed in July 2023 with Legal
& General leading to around a £220 million reduction in the
surplus. The partial buy-in represents a significant milestone in
our de-risking journey for the benefit of the pension schemes,
their members, and the group, by working as a near-perfect economic
hedge, removing interest rate, inflation and longevity risks for
the portion of liabilities secured. The remaining reduction
materially relates to changes in financial conditions over the
period, which have seen a fall in the value of the schemes' assets
and the impact of inflation remaining above the assumption made at
31 March 2023.
Further detail on pensions is provided in note
11 ('Retirement benefit surplus') of these condensed consolidated
financial statements.
Financing
Net debt
|
£m
|
At 31 March 2023
|
8,200.8
|
Cash generated from
operations
|
(865.4)
|
Net capital expenditure
|
731.4
|
Dividends
|
320.0
|
Indexation
|
251.9
|
Interest
|
124.8
|
Fair value movements
|
35.1
|
Exchange rate movements on bonds and
term borrowings
|
(35.2)
|
Other
|
(0.7)
|
At 31 March 2024
|
8,762.7
|
Net debt at 31 March 2024 was £8,763
million, compared with £8,201 million at 31 March 2023. This
comprises gross borrowings with a carrying value of £10,001
million, net derivative liabilities hedging specific debt
instruments of £50 million and total indexation on inflation swaps
of £111 million, and is net of cash and bank deposits of £1,399
million.
Gearing, measured as group net debt
including a £74 million loan receivable from joint venture divided
by UUW's adjusted RCV (adjusted for actual spend, timing
differences and including full expected value of AMP7 ex-post
adjustment mechanisms) of £14.7 billion, was 59 per cent at 31
March 2024, slightly higher than the 58 per cent at 31 March 2023
but remaining within our target range of 55 to 65 per
cent.
Cost of debt
As at 31 March 2024, the
group had approximately £3.6 billion of RPI-linked instruments and
£0.5 billion of CPI or CPIH-linked instruments held as debt.
Including swaps, the group has RPI-linked debt exposure of £3.4
billion at an average real rate of 1.4 per cent, and £1.3 billion
of CPI or CPIH-linked debt exposure at an average real rate of -0.6
per cent.
A significantly lower RPI
inflation charge compared with last year contributed to the group's
average effective interest rate of 4.7 per cent being lower than
the rate of 8.0 per cent last year. More information on this can be
found in the average effective interest rate table below.
The group has fixed the
interest rates on its non index-linked debt in line with its
10-year reducing balance basis at a net effective nominal interest
rate of 2.7 to 3.1 per cent for the remainder of the AMP7
regulatory period.
Credit ratings
UUW's senior unsecured debt
obligations are rated A3 with Moody's Investors Service (Moody's),
A- with Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and BBB+ with Standard & Poor's
Ratings Services (S&P) and all on stable outlook. United
Utilities PLC's senior unsecured debt obligations are rated Baa1
with Moody's, A- with Fitch and BBB- with S&P, all on stable
outlook.
Debt financing
The group has access to the
international debt capital markets through its £10 billion
medium-term note (MTN) programme. The group has fully pre-funded
its AMP7 investment requirements, and has begun funding its AMP8
(2025-30) investment programme.
In the year to March 2024,
we raised c.£1.6 billion of term funding. A 15.5 year £300 million
sustainable public bond in April, a 9 year £100 million bilateral
loan with a relationship bank in April, a 13 year £350 million
sustainable public bond in June, a 22 year £250 million public bond
in January, a £50m tap of 12.3 year sustainable public bond in
February and a EUR650 million sustainable public bond in February.
In addition, we renewed £100 million of relationship bank revolving
credit facilities with an initial 5-year term. Further in March we
repurchased and cancelled c.£110 million of bonds that had an
original maturity date of February 2025.
Interest rate management
Long-term sterling inflation
index-linked debt provides a natural hedge to assets and earnings
under the regulatory model. At 31 March 2024, approximately 39 per
cent of the group's net debt was in RPI-linked form, representing
around 23 per cent of UUW's regulatory capital value, with an
average real interest rate of 1.4 per cent. A further 15 per cent
of the group's net debt was in CPI or CPIH-linked form,
representing around 9 per cent of UUW's RCV, with an average real
rate of -0.6 per cent. The long-term nature of this funding also
provides a good match to the company's long-life infrastructure
assets and is a key contributor to the group's average term debt
maturity profile, which is around 16 years.
Our inflation hedging policy
is to target around 50 per cent of net debt to be maintained in
index-linked form. This reflects a balanced assessment across a
range of factors.
Where nominal debt is raised
in a currency other than sterling and/or with a fixed interest
rate, the debt is generally swapped to create a floating rate
sterling liability for the term of the debt. To manage exposure to
medium-term interest rates, the group fixes underlying interest
costs on nominal debt out to ten years on a reducing balance
basis.
Liquidity
Short-term liquidity
requirements are met from the group's normal operating cash flow
and its short-term bank deposits and supported by committed but
undrawn credit facilities. Our MTN programme provides further
support.
At 31 March 2024, we had
liquidity out to March 2026, comprising cash and bank deposits,
plus committed undrawn revolving credit facilities. This gives us
flexibility in terms of when and how further debt finance is raised
to help refinance maturing debt and support the delivery of our
ongoing capital investment programme.
Return on Regulated Equity (RoRE)
RoRE for 2023/24 was 8.5 per cent on
a real, RPI/CPIH blended basis. In addition to the base return of
4.0 per cent (including our 11 basis point fast track reward that
we receive in each of the five years of the AMP), we delivered net
outperformance of 4.5 per cent comprising:
Financing
outperformance
We earned financing
outperformance this year of 4.3 per cent. We have consistently
issued debt at efficient rates that compare favourably with the
industry average, thanks to our leading treasury management, clear
and transparent financial risk management policies, and ability to
act swiftly to access pockets of opportunity as they arise. As in
the prior year, our financing outperformance this year has been
supplemented by higher levels of inflation, which increases the
benefit of the roughly £4 billion fixed rate debt we have locked
in.
Tax
outperformance
The 2.1 per cent
outperformance on tax reflects the small current year underlying
tax credit, and includes allowable tax deductions on capital
investment including full expensing introduced in 2023.
Customer outcome delivery incentives
(ODIs)
Customer ODI outperformance
of 0.7 per cent reflects a net reward of £34 million2.
Our overall performance was strong this year, meeting or exceeding
80 per cent of our performance commitments. However, exceptionally
high rainfall during the year adversely impacted performance such
as flooding and we expect to receive penalties against these
commitments for FY24. The extreme weather we experienced meant that
while our net reward reflects strong delivery for customers, it is
around £30 million lower than we previously anticipated.
Customer ODI rewards and
penalties are applied to revenues with a two-year lag. As we are
approaching the end of the AMP7 regulatory period, the payments
earned in 2023/24 and 2024/25 reporting year will be considered
during the determination processes for the next regulatory period
and will be reflected in adjustments to revenues during AMP8.
Totex
performance1
The totex impact on RoRE of
-2.2 per cent reflects the combined impact of the in-year portion
of the £765 million investment programme announced in May 2022,
accelerated investment brought forward from AMP8 and inflationary
pressures, partly offset by the inflationary uplift within the
totex mechanism. We continue to robustly challenge our costs to
help us deliver our investment as efficiently as possible.
1 Tax benefits directly attributable
to £765m additional investments netted against totex
performance.
2 Excluding per capita consumption,
which Ofwat is considering as part of its final determination
process in the context of a full understanding of the enduring
impact of COVID-19 effects.
Retail
performance
The retail impact on RoRE of -0.4 per
cent reflects a small underperformance in
household retail resulting from the impacts
of cost of living and inflationary cost pressures.
Underlying profit
The underlying profit measures in the
following table represent alternative performance measures (APMs)
as defined by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
These measures are linked to the group's financial performance as
reported in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting
standards and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 in the
group's consolidated income statement, which can be found in the
condensed consolidated financial statements below. As such, they
represent non-GAAP measures.
These APMs can assist in providing a
representative view of business performance, and may not be
directly comparable with similarly titled measures presented by
other companies. The group determines adjusted items in the
calculation of its underlying measures against a framework that
considers significance by reference to profit before tax, in
addition to other qualitative factors such as whether the item is
deemed to be within the normal course of business, its assessed
frequency of reoccurrence and its volatility, which is either
outside the control of management and/or not representative of
current year performance.
In addition, a reconciliation of the
group's average effective interest rate has been presented,
together with a prior period comparison. In arriving at net finance
expense used in calculating the group's effective interest rate,
underlying net finance expense is adjusted to add back net pension
interest income and capitalised borrowing costs in order to provide
a view of the group's cost of debt that is better aligned to the
return on capital it earns through revenue.
Adjusted item
|
Rationale
|
Adjustments not expected to recur
|
Fleetwood outfall pipe fracture
|
In June 2023, the group suffered a large-scale
outfall pipe fracture at a major wastewater treatment works at
Fleetwood. The specific nature of this incident, and the activity
involved in remediating this failure was unlike anything that would
be typically experienced. As such, the associated costs, which were
incurred across both operating expenditure and infrastructure
renewals expenditure, were not representative of normal business
activity and, therefore, the costs are excluded in arriving at
underlying operating profit.
|
Profit on disposal of subsidiary
|
This relates to the disposal of the group's
subsidiary United Utilities Renewable Energy Limited during the
prior year, which represents a significant, atypical event and as
such is not considered to be part of the normal course of
business.
|
Consistently applied presentational
adjustments
|
Fair value (gains)/losses on debt and derivative
instruments, excluding interest on derivatives and debt under fair
value option
|
Fair value movements on debt and derivative
instruments can be both very significant and volatile from one
period to the next, and are, therefore, excluded in arriving at
underlying net finance expense as they are determined by
macro-economic factors, which are outside of the control of
management and relate to instruments that are purely held for
funding and hedging purposes (not for trading purposes). Included
within fair value movement on debt and derivatives is interest on
derivatives and debt under fair value option. In making this
adjustment it is appropriate to add back interest on derivatives
and debt under fair value option to provide a view of the group's
cost of debt, which is better aligned to the return on capital it
earns through revenue. Taking these factors into account,
management believes it is useful to adjust for these fair value
movements to provide a more representative view of
performance.
|
Deferred tax adjustment
|
Management adjusts to exclude the impact of
deferred tax in order to provide a more representative view of the
group's profit after tax and tax charge for the year given that the
regulatory model allows for cash tax to be recovered through
revenues, with future revenues allowing for cash tax including the
unwinding of any deferred tax balance as it becomes current. By
making this adjustment, the group's underlying tax charge does not
include tax that will be recovered through revenues in future
periods, thus reducing the impact of timing differences.
|
Tax in respect of adjustments to underlying
profit/ (loss) before tax
|
Management adjusts for the tax impacts of the
above adjusted items to provide a more representative view of
current year performance.
|
Underlying profit
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
|
Year ended
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Operating profit per published
results
|
480.2
|
440.8
|
Fleetwood outfall pipe fracture
|
37.6
|
-
|
Underlying operating profit
|
517.8
|
440.8
|
|
|
|
Net finance expense
|
|
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Finance (expense)/income
|
(389.3)
|
(262.7)
|
Allowance for expected credit losses - loans to
joint ventures
|
(2.4)
|
-
|
Investment income
|
85.6
|
47.0
|
Net finance expense per published
results
|
(306.1)
|
(215.7)
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
Fair value gains on debt and derivative
instruments, excluding interest on derivatives and debt under fair
value option
|
12.9
|
(259.4)
|
Underlying net finance expense
|
(293.2)
|
(475.1)
|
|
|
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Share of (losses) of joint ventures
|
(4.1)
|
-
|
|
|
|
Profit on disposal of business
|
-
|
31.2
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
Profit on disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
(31.2)
|
Underlying profit on disposal of
subsidiary
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax per published
results
|
170.0
|
256.3
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
In respect of operating profit
|
37.6
|
-
|
In respect of net finance expense
|
12.9
|
(259.4)
|
In respect of profit on disposal of
subsidiary
|
-
|
(31.2)
|
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax
|
220.5
|
(34.3)
|
|
|
|
Profit after tax per published
results
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
In respect of profit before tax
|
50.5
|
(290.6)
|
Deferred tax adjustment
|
48.9
|
76.6
|
Tax in respect of adjustments to underlying
profit before tax
|
1.0
|
0.4
|
|
|
|
Underlying profit/(loss) after tax
|
227.3
|
(8.7)
|
Earnings per share
|
|
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Profit after tax per published results
(a)
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
Underlying profit / (loss) after tax
(b)
|
227.3
|
(8.7)
|
Weighted average number of shares in issue, in
millions (c)
|
681.9m
|
681.9m
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share per published results, in
pence (a/c)
|
18.6
|
30.0
|
Underlying earnings per share, in pence
(b/c)
|
33.3
|
(1.3)
|
|
|
|
Dividend per share, in pence
|
49.78p
|
45.51p
|
In arriving at net finance expense
used in calculating the group's effective interest rate, management
adjusts underlying net finance expense to add back pension income
and capitalised borrowing costs in order to provide a view of the
group's cost of debt that is better aligned to the return on
capital it earns through revenue.
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
Average effective interest rate
|
31 March
2024
|
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Underlying net finance expense
|
(293.2)
|
(475.1)
|
Adjustments:
|
|
|
Net pension interest income
|
(28.6)
|
(28.7)
|
Adjustment for capitalised borrowing
costs
|
(81.0)
|
(127.5)
|
Net finance expense for effective interest
rate
|
(402.8)
|
(631.3)
|
|
|
|
Average notional net
debt3
|
(8,504)
|
(7,849)
|
|
|
|
Average effective interest rate
|
4.7%
|
8.0%
|
Effective interest rate on index-linked
debt
|
6.2%
|
12.4%
|
Effective interest rate on other
debt
|
2.9%
|
2.2%
|
The table
below provides a reconciliation between group
underlying operating profit and
United Utilities Water Limited (UUW) historical
cost regulatory underlying operating
profit (non-GAAP measures) as follows:
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31 March
2024
|
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Group underlying operating profit
|
517.8
|
440.8
|
Underlying operating profit not relating to
UUW
|
6.1
|
3.1
|
UUW statutory underlying operating profit
(unaudited)
|
523.9
|
443.9
|
Revenue recognition
|
(1.1)
|
9.3
|
Capitalised borrowing costs
|
11.2
|
7.5
|
Reclassification of regulatory other income
(not included in UUW operating profit)
|
(32.2)
|
(32.8)
|
Reversal of the innovation fund
|
6.5
|
6.4
|
Other differences (including non-appointed
business)
|
(1.0)
|
(0.2)
|
UUW regulatory underlying operating profit
(unaudited)
|
507.3
|
434.1
|
Return on Regulated Equity
(RoRE)
UUW's RoRE, presented on a real return basis:
|
Year ended
|
AMP7
|
|
31 March
2024
|
To
date
|
Base return
|
4.0%
|
4.0%
|
Financing performance
|
4.3%
|
3.0%
|
Tax
performance4
|
2.1%
|
1.3%
|
Customer ODI
performance
|
0.7%
|
0.5%
|
Totex
performance4
|
(2.2)%
|
(0.6)%
|
Retail performance
|
(0.4)%
|
(0.3)%
|
RoRE
|
8.5%
|
7.9%
|
3 Notional net debt is calculated as
the principal amount of debt to be repaid, net of cash and bank
deposits, taking: the face value issued of any nominal sterling
debt, the inflation accreted principal on the group's index linked
debt, and the sterling principal amount of the cross currency swaps
relating to the group's foreign currency debt.
4 Tax
benefits directly attributable to £765m additional investments
netted against totex performance.
PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Our
approach to risk management
Our approach to risk management,
including how we identify and assess risk, the oversight and
governance process, and focus on continual improvement remains
largely unchanged from that detailed in our Annual
Report.
Risk
profile
The business risk profile is based
on the value chain of the company, with the ten inherent risk areas
(primary and supportive) where value can be gained, preserved or
lost relative to the performance, future prospects or reputation of
the company. Underpinning these inherent risk areas, the profile
consists of approximately 100 event-based risks, each of which is
allocated based on the context of the event, enabling the company
to consider interdependency and correlation of common themes and
control effectiveness. Although the profile remains relatively
static in terms of its headline inherent risk factors, risk
assessments remain dynamic by reflecting new and emerging
circumstances.
The common themes are under
continuous review, however at present they are:
· Causal factor themes: Extreme weather / climate change; Asset
health; Economic conditions; Legislative and regulatory change;
Demographic change; Culture; and Technology and Data.
· Consequence themes relate directly to stakeholders: Service
delivery; Non-compliance; Environmental impact; People; Supply
chain; and Investors.
The
company's principal risks
Our principal risks represent the
ten highest-ranked risks by exposure (likelihood of occurrence of
the event multiplied by the most likely financial impact over the
long-term) and those risks which have been assessed as having a
significantly high impact, but low likelihood. Depending on the
circumstances, financial impacts will include loss of revenue,
additional, fines, regulatory penalties and compensation.
Reputational impact relative to our multiple stakeholders is also
assessed, reported and considered as part of the
mitigation.
Summarised below are the top ten
ranking risks (1 - 10), and those assessed as having high impact,
but low likelihood (A - D):
1.
Price Review 2024 outcome
Risk exposure: Following submission
of our business plan to Ofwat, the risk relates to our expenditure
allowance, performance incentives and penalties, and the allowable
return on investment at the final determination. Risk factors
include Ofwat's assessment of the quality and ambition of our plan,
including cross company comparisons of stretching performance and
delivery targets alongside efficient costs and alignment to
customers' interests.
Control/mitigation: We believe we
have presented an ambitious and high quality business plan with
comprehensive supporting evidence and justification, and continue
to liaise and work closely with Ofwat and other
stakeholders.
Assurance: Second line assurance has
been provided through a dedicated price review team and a PR24
programme board. There was a blend of internal audit and external
assurance focused on the quality of the PR24 business plan and
related submissions.
2.
Failure of the Haweswater Aqueduct
Risk exposure: The Haweswater
Aqueduct is a key asset with current low resilience due to
deterioration, with failure potentially resulting in water quality
issues and/or supply interruptions to a large proportion of our
customer base.
Control/mitigation: A capital
project to replace the tunnel sections of the aqueduct has already
commenced with the completion in November 2020 of one section. The
remaining sections are due to be replaced as part of Haweswater
Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP).
Assurance: Technical and geological
advice and modelling have been sought throughout the programme
development, with second line assurance including engineering
technical governance. Independent assurance is provided by internal
audits and external assurance over the HARP procurement
process.
3.
Recycling of biosolids to agriculture
Risk exposure: We believe that
recycling of biosolids to agriculture is the most practical
environmental option, however a reduction in the agricultural
landbank could have significant implications to operations
and expenditure into the long-term, with a total ban being the
worst case scenario. Threats include the quality of biosolids, and
changes in, or the interpretation of, regulations.
Control/mitigation: Treatment,
sampling and testing ensures that quality standards are met, and we
work closely with farmers, landowners and contractors to ensure
compliance with regulations. In addition, we work closely with
regulators and lawmakers to influence policy from an informed
position.
Assurance: The bioresources team
ensures compliance with the UK Biosolids Assurance Scheme (BAS) and
other codes of practice. Second line assurance is undertaken by the
assurance team, with third line assurance provided by internal
audit, and external auditors certifying our BAS
accreditation.
4.
Credit rating
Risk exposure: Credit ratings are
important for access to capital, meeting regulatory requirements
and to give confidence to investors of our financial health. A
potential downgrade in credit rating, leading to increased cost of
funding, can occur due to external factors (such as inflation
and/or a change in sector risk assessment by a ratings agency),
financial and/or operational performance; and a large capital
programme which is not matched by equity support where
necessary.
Control/mitigation: We continuously
monitor financial markets, manage key financial and treasury risks
within defined policy parameters, and we will review the capital
structure once we have clarity following Ofwat's Final
Determination for Price Review 2024.
Assurance: Second line assurance is
provided by financial control and monthly executive performance
review meetings, with oversight provided by the treasury committee.
The treasury function is subject to regular internal
audits.
5.
Wastewater network failure
Risk exposure: Our sewer network can
fail to operate effectively, resulting in unpermitted storm
overflow activations, sewer flooding and environmental damage.
Causes include blockages, operational failures or inadequate
hydraulic capacity relative to population growth, extreme weather,
asset health, and legal / regulatory change.
Control/mitigation: Key preventative
measures include proactive maintenance and inspection regimes,
customer campaigns and a sewer rehabilitation programme. Sewer
network performance is subject to dynamic monitoring, and the
Better Rivers programme is improving the capacity of the
network.
Assurance: Second line assurance is provided by wholesale assurance,
engineering technical governance and the flood review panel. The
risk is subject to regular internal audits and external assurance
of regulatory reporting.
6.
Failure to treat sludge
Risk exposure: Treating sludge to the appropriate quality relates to the
capacity of our assets to cope with increasing volume relative to
changing demographics, asset health and legislative / regulatory
change, such as the Industrial Emissions Directive
(IED).
Control/mitigation:
We adopt a Throughput, Reliability, Availability
and Maintainability (T-RAM) approach for our facilities, balance
capacity and demand, undertake regular testing and analysis of
sludge, and operate a programme of asset cleaning.
Assurance: Bioresources production planning team provides first line
assurance on managing sludge treatment plant performance and
capacity. Second line assurance is provided through our internal
environmental, regulatory and technical advisers, and assurance
team. Third line assurance is undertaken by the internal audit
team.
7.
Cyber
Risk exposure: There is an increasing and constantly changing cyber threat
landscape, with the potential for data and technology assets to be
compromised, leading to a major impact to key business processes
and operations.
Control/mitigation:
Multiple layers of control exist including a
secure perimeter, segmented internal network zones, training and
access controls. Constant monitoring and forensic response
capability also exists.
Assurance: Second line assurance is provided by the security team who
monitor multiple sources of threat intelligence, and the security
steering group provides oversight. Independent assurance is
provided by annual internal audits and various technical audits,
including penetration testing, is regularly undertaken by external
specialist.
8.
Failure to meet the totex efficiency challenge
Risk exposure: AMP7 totex efficiencies are challenged through a combination
of factors including supply chain issues, inflationary pressures,
and additional investment to deliver performance
improvements.
Control/mitigation:
Strategic Portfolio Board (SPB) planning,
risk-based investment prioritisation, and the company business
planning process all contribute to efficient delivery of services
and the capital programme. In addition, there are number of
executive led initiatives to realise efficiency
opportunities.
Assurance: First line assurance is undertaken through executive led
meetings, with the strategic portfolio board, and monthly executive
performance review meetings providing second line governance and
assurance. Third line assurance is undertaken through cyclical
internal audits.
9.
Water availability
Risk exposure: The availability of raw water is one of the most sensitive
risks to climate change. Extended periods of low rainfall and
exceptionally hot weather, with accompanying increased customer
demand, impacts our water resources which can result in the need to
implement water use restrictions.
Control/mitigation:
We produce a Water Resources Management Plan
(WRMP) every five years which, based on in-house information and
regulatory guidelines, forecasts future demand and water
availability under repeats of historic droughts, adjusted for
climate change. A statutory Drought Plan is also developed every
five years setting out the actions we will take in a drought
situation.
Assurance: The WRMP and Drought Plan are subject to various second and
third line assurance activities prior to publication.
10.
Capital Delivery programme
Risk exposure: The delivery of the capital programme to time, cost and
quality is under constant challenge due to ongoing exposure to
natural hazards, and the capacity and capability of third parties
and internal resource. This risk will be amplified with the
proposed increased size and scale of the capital programme in
subsequent AMPs.
Control/mitigation:
All projects are subject to planning and project
management within a managed programme of capital works. There is a
transformation programme in place to ensure readiness of the
significant increased capital programme in the AMP8.
Assurance: The engineering team provide technical governance and the
Programme Management Office (PMO) assures against delivery
obligations. The assurance team undertake health, safety,
environmental and quality inspections, and internal audit undertake
third line assurance against performance metrics as well as audits
of specific projects and programme management.
A.
Dam failure
Risk exposure: The integrity of dams is fundamental to water storage and the
safety of society downstream. Flood damage, overtopping, earthquake
or erosion could, in remote circumstances, result in an
uncontrolled release of a significant volume of water with
catastrophic implications.
Control/mitigation:
Each reservoir is regularly inspected by
engineers. Where appropriate, risk management activities are
applied and risk reduction interventions are implemented through a
prioritised investment programme.
Assurance: There are various sources of second line assurance, including
supervising engineers, dam safety group, assurance team and regular
board reviews. Independent assurance is provided by panel engineers
and internal audit.
B.
Financial Outperformance
Risk exposure: Inflation is fundamental to the economic regulation of the
water sector affecting wholesale revenues, regulatory asset values,
return on investment, and indexed link debt. Periods of low
inflation impact the value of the company and its
profitability.
Control/mitigation:
The impact of interest rates and inflation is
mitigated through hedging and forward buying of commodities such as
energy. Business planning, including sensitivity analysis, takes
into account ongoing monitoring of markets and regulatory
developments.
Assurance: Second line assurance and oversight is provided by the board
and treasury committee in addition to monthly executive performance
meetings. The risk is also subject to cyclical internal audit
reviews.
C.
Terrorism
Risk exposure: Terrorism is a threat to our business with terrorist groups
looking to advance their political agendas by causing harm and
destruction. Although deemed remote, there is a risk to our assets
leading to the subsequent loss or contamination of supply and/ or
pollution of the environment.
Control/mitigation:
Assets are protected in accordance with the
Security and Emergency Measures Direction (SEMD), and we liaise
with the Protective Security Authority (NPSA), regional counter
terrorist units, local agencies, and emergency services.
Assurance: Second line assurance is provided by the security steering
group. In addition, internal audit undertake cyclical audits with
external technical assurance being delivered by
specialists.
D.
Process Safety
Risk exposure: Our activities include processes that are inherently hazardous
with the storage of toxic and explosive gases across multiple sites
(two of which fall under the Control of Major Accident Hazard
(COMAH) regulations).
Control/mitigation:
Multi layers of protection are in place including:
design standards; maintenance and operating regimes; work
authorisation procedures; and emergency planning and
training.
Assurance: Second line assurance is undertaken by both the assurance and
health and safety teams, with third line assurance being undertaken
through periodic internal audits. The Health and Safety Executive
also carries out regulatory inspections.
Material litigation
The group robustly defends
litigation where appropriate and seeks to minimise its exposure by
establishing provisions and seeking recovery wherever possible.
Litigation of a material nature is regularly reported to the group
board. While our directors remain of the opinion that the
likelihood of a material adverse impact on the group's financial
position is remote, based on the facts currently known to us and
the provisions in our financial statements, the following three
cases are worthy of note:
·
In relation to the Manchester Ship Canal Company
matter reported in previous years, a hearing was held in the Court
of Appeal in 2022 and the main additional points raised by MSCC
were dismissed, although MSCC were granted leave to appeal to the
Supreme Court. The final appeal was heard in early March 2023 and
the Court's decision is awaited. This may provide further clarity
in relation to the rights and remedies afforded to the parties and
others in relation to discharges by water companies into the canal
and other watercourses.
·
As reported in previous years, in February 2009,
United Utilities International Limited (UUIL) was served with
notice of a multiparty 'class action' in Argentina related to the
issuance and payment default of a US$230 million bond by Inversora
Eléctrica de Buenos Aires S.A. (IEBA), an Argentine project company
set up to purchase one of the Argentine electricity distribution
networks that was privatised in 1997. UUIL had a 45 per cent
shareholding in IEBA, which it sold in 2005. The claim is for a
non-quantified amount of unspecified damages and purports to be
pursued on behalf of unidentified consumer bondholders in IEBA. The
Argentine Court has scheduled various hearings to receive the
testimony of fact witnesses and experts (starting in May 2023 and
ongoing). UUIL will vigorously resist the proceedings given the
robust defences that UUIL has been advised that it has on
procedural and substantive grounds.
·
Collective proceedings in the Competition Appeal
Tribunal (CAT) were issued on 8 December 2023 against UUW and
United Utilities Group PLC on behalf of approximately 5.6 million
domestic customers following an application by the Proposed Class
Representative, Professor Carolyn Roberts. It is alleged that
customers have collectively paid an overcharge for sewerage
services during the claim period (which runs from 1 April 2020 and
may continue into the early years of the PR24 period) as a result
of UUW allegedly abusing a dominant position by allegedly providing
misleading information to regulatory bodies. A hearing is currently
scheduled in late September 2024 to deal with certification of the
claim and any possible preliminary issue or strike out arguments in
respect of the claim. UUW believes the claim is without merit and
will defend it robustly. Similar claims have also been issued and
served against five other water and wastewater
companies.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This financial report contains
certain forward-looking statements with respect to the operations,
performance and financial condition of the group. By their nature,
these statements involve uncertainty since future events and
circumstances can cause results and developments to differ
materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements
include without limitation any projections or guidance relating to
the results of operations and financial conditions of the group as
well as plans and objectives for future operations, expected future
revenues, financing plans, expected expenditure and any strategic
initiatives relating to the group, as well as discussions of our
business plan and our assumptions, expectations, objectives and
resilience with respect to climate scenarios. The forward-looking
statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date
of preparation of this financial report and the company undertakes
no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Nothing
in this financial report should be construed as a profit
forecast.
Certain regulatory performance data
contained in this financial report is subject to regulatory
audit.
This announcement contains inside
information, disclosed in accordance with the Market Abuse
Regulation which came into effect on 3 July 2016 and for UK
Regulatory purposes the person responsible for making the
announcement is Simon Gardiner, Company Secretary.
LEI 2138002IEYQAOC88ZJ59
Classification - Full Year Results
Consolidated
income statement
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
|
Re-presented*
Year ended
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Revenue (note 3)
|
1,949.5
|
1,804.2
|
|
|
|
Other income
|
18.8
|
25.0
|
Staff costs
|
(205.1)
|
(192.2)
|
Other operating costs (note 4)
|
(602.4)
|
(556.4)
|
Allowance for expected credit losses - trade and
other receivables
|
(22.0)
|
(22.7)
|
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
|
(406.1)
|
(385.5)
|
Amortisation of intangible assets
|
(32.7)
|
(38.1)
|
Infrastructure renewals expenditure
|
(219.8)
|
(193.5)
|
Total operating expenses
|
(1,469.3)
|
(1,363.4)
|
|
|
|
Operating profit
|
480.2
|
440.8
|
|
|
|
Investment income (note 5)
|
85.6
|
47.0
|
Finance expense (note 6)
|
(389.3)
|
(262.7)
|
Allowance for expected credit losses - loans to
joint ventures
|
(2.4)
|
-
|
Investment income and finance expense
|
(306.1)
|
(215.7)
|
|
|
|
Share of losses of joint venture (note
10)
|
(4.1)
|
-
|
Profit on disposal of business
|
-
|
31.2
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax
|
170.0
|
256.3
|
|
|
|
Current tax credit
|
5.8
|
25.2
|
Deferred tax charge
|
(48.9)
|
(76.6)
|
Tax (note 7)
|
(43.1)
|
(51.4)
|
|
|
|
Profit after tax
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share (note
8)
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
18.6p
|
30.0p
|
|
Diluted
|
18.6p
|
30.0p
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend per ordinary share (note
9)
|
49.78p
|
45.51p
|
|
All of the results shown above relate to
continuing operations.
*The consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 March 2023 has been re-presented to reflect
£20.2 million of income not derived from the output of the group's
ordinary activities in Other income rather than in Revenue. These
balances were previously reported as £4.8 million and £1,824.4
million respectively. See note 3 for further details.
Consolidated
statement of comprehensive income
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
|
Re-presented*
Year ended
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Profit after tax
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
Items that may
be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent
periods:
|
|
|
Cash flow hedges - effective portion of fair
value movements
|
(63.0)
|
(50.6)
|
Tax on items recorded within other comprehensive
income
|
15.8
|
12.7
|
Reclassification of cash flow hedge
effectiveness to consolidated income statement
|
1.8
|
(36.6)
|
Tax on reclassification to consolidated income
statement
|
(0.5)
|
7.0
|
|
(45.9)
|
(67.5)
|
Items that
will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent
periods:
|
|
|
Remeasurement losses on defined benefit pension
schemes (note 11)
|
(368.5)
|
(445.3)
|
Change in credit assumption for debt reported at
fair value through profit and loss
|
0.7
|
4.8
|
Cost of hedging - cross currency basis spread
adjustment
|
4.8
|
6.3
|
Tax on items recorded within other comprehensive
income
|
151.1
|
151.5
|
|
(211.9)
|
(282.7)
|
Total comprehensive income
|
(130.9)
|
(145.3)
|
Consolidated
statement of financial position
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
|
Year ended
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
13,044.3
|
12,570.7
|
Intangible assets
|
124.5
|
142.3
|
Interests in joint ventures (note 10)
|
12.4
|
16.5
|
Inventories - other
|
-
|
1.2
|
Trade and other receivables
|
73.7
|
75.7
|
Retirement benefit surplus (note 11)
|
268.0
|
600.8
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
361.5
|
428.6
|
|
13,884.4
|
13,835.8
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
Inventories - properties held for
resale
|
3.0
|
4.2
|
Inventories - other
|
18.5
|
8.9
|
Trade and other receivables
|
226.8
|
190.5
|
Current tax asset
|
100.1
|
98.9
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,399.3
|
340.4
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
21.3
|
48.5
|
|
1,769.0
|
691.4
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
15,653.4
|
14,527.2
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
(957.9)
|
(892.4)
|
Borrowings (note 12)
|
(9,345.8)
|
(8,259.0)
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
(1,930.6)
|
(2,048.1)
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
(255.2)
|
(243.1)
|
|
(12,489.5)
|
(11,442.6)
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
Trade and other payables
|
(413.3)
|
(376.7)
|
Borrowings (note 12)
|
(655.6)
|
(176.4)
|
Provisions
|
(13.5)
|
(13.1)
|
Derivative financial instruments
|
(25.4)
|
(9.7)
|
|
(1,107.8)
|
(575.9)
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
(13,597.3)
|
(12,018.5)
|
|
|
|
Total net assets
|
2,056.1
|
2,508.7
|
|
|
|
EQUITY
|
|
|
Share capital
|
499.8
|
499.8
|
Share premium account
|
2.9
|
2.9
|
Other reserves (note 16)
|
311.1
|
353.4
|
Retained earnings
|
1,242.3
|
1,652.6
|
Shareholders' equity
|
2,056.1
|
2,508.7
|
Consolidated
statement of changes in equity
Year ended 31 March 2024
|
Share
capital
|
Share
Premium
account
|
1Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
At 1 April 2023
|
499.8
|
2.9
|
353.4
|
1,652.6
|
2,508.7
|
Profit after tax
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
126.9
|
126.9
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remeasurement gains on defined benefit pension
schemes (note 11)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(368.5)
|
(368.5)
|
Change in credit assumption for debt reported at
fair value through profit or loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.7
|
0.7
|
Cash flow hedges - effective portion of fair
value movements
|
-
|
-
|
(63.0)
|
-
|
(63.0)
|
Cost of hedging - cross-currency basis spread
adjustment
|
-
|
-
|
4.8
|
-
|
4.8
|
Tax on items recorded within other comprehensive
income (note 7)
|
-
|
-
|
14.6
|
152.3
|
166.9
|
Reclassification of items recorded directly in
equity
|
-
|
-
|
1.8
|
-
|
1.8
|
Tax on reclassification to income
statement
|
-
|
-
|
(0.5)
|
-
|
(0.5)
|
Total comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
(42.3)
|
(88.6)
|
(130.9)
|
Dividends (note 9)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(320.0)
|
(320.0)
|
Equity-settled share-based payments
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2.1
|
2.1
|
Exercise of share options - purchase of
shares
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(3.8)
|
(3.8)
|
At 31 March 2024
|
499.8
|
2.9
|
311.1
|
1,242.3
|
2,056.1
|
Year ended 31 March 2023
|
Share
capital
|
Share
Premium
account
|
1Other
reserves
|
Retained
earnings
|
Total
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
At 1 April 2022
|
499.8
|
2.9
|
416.2
|
2,038.5
|
2,957.4
|
Profit after tax
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
204.9
|
204.9
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remeasurement losses on defined benefit
pension schemes (note 11)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(445.3)
|
(445.3)
|
Change in credit assumption for debt reported at
fair value through profit or loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4.8
|
4.8
|
Cash flow hedges - effective portion of fair
value movements
|
-
|
-
|
(50.6)
|
-
|
(50.6)
|
Cost of hedging - cross-currency basis spread
adjustment
|
-
|
-
|
6.3
|
-
|
6.3
|
Tax on items recorded within other
comprehensive
income (note 7)
|
-
|
-
|
11.1
|
153.1
|
164.2
|
Reclassification of items recorded directly in
equity
|
-
|
-
|
(36.6)
|
-
|
(36.6)
|
Tax on reclassification to income
statement
|
-
|
-
|
7.0
|
-
|
7.0
|
Total comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
(62.8)
|
(82.5)
|
(145.3)
|
Dividends (note 9)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(301.2)
|
(301.2)
|
Equity-settled share-based payments
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4.6
|
4.6
|
Purchase of shares to satisfy exercise of share
options
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(6.8)
|
(6.8)
|
At 31 March 2023
|
499.8
|
2.9
|
353.4
|
1,652.6
|
2,508.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 Other reserves comprise the
group's cumulative exchange reserve, capital redemption reserve,
merger reserve, cost of hedging reserve, and cash flow hedging
reserve. Further detail of movements in these reserves is included
in note 16.
Consolidated
statement of cash flows
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
|
Year ended
31 March
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Operating activities
|
|
|
Cash generated from operations (note
14)
|
865.4
|
883.1
|
Interest paid
|
(175.6)
|
(118.2)
|
Interest received and similar income
|
50.7
|
15.8
|
Tax paid
|
-
|
(10.8)
|
Tax received
|
4.6
|
17.6
|
Net cash generated from operating
activities
|
745.1
|
787.5
|
|
|
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
|
(749.5)
|
(675.9)
|
Purchase of intangible assets
|
(14.6)
|
(18.1)
|
Grants and contributions received
|
27.9
|
5.1
|
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and
equipment
|
4.8
|
-
|
Repayment of loans to joint ventures (note
18)
|
-
|
5.0
|
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
90.5
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(731.4)
|
(593.4)
|
|
|
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
Proceeds from borrowings net of issuance
costs
|
1,610.0
|
501.0
|
Repayment of borrowings
|
(248.5)
|
(278.0)
|
Dividends paid to equity holders of the company
(note 9)
|
(320.0)
|
(301.2)
|
Exercise of share options - purchase of shares
|
(3.8)
|
(6.8)
|
Net cash generated from/(used in) financing
activities
|
1,037.7
|
(85.0)
|
Effects of exchange rate changes
|
-
|
(1.3)
|
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents
|
1,051.4
|
107.8
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
year
|
327.9
|
220.1
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the
year
|
1,379.3
|
327.9
|
NOTES
1. Basis of preparation and
accounting policies
The condensed consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 have been prepared in
accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
Financial Conduct Authority.
The condensed consolidated financial
statements do not include all of the information and disclosures
required for full annual financial statements and do not comprise
statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the
Companies Act 2006, but are derived from the audited financial
statements of United Utilities Group PLC for the year ended 31
March 2024, for which the auditors have given an unqualified
opinion.
The comparative figures for the year
ended 31 March 2023 do not comprise the group's statutory accounts
for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported upon by
the group's auditor and delivered to the registrar of companies.
The report of the auditor was unqualified and did not include a
reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way
of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a
statement under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act
2006.
The condensed consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements
of the Companies Act 2006, and with UK-adopted international
accounting standards. They have been prepared on the going concern
basis under the historical cost convention, except for the
revaluation of financial instruments, accounting for the transfer
of assets from customers and the revaluation of infrastructure
assets to fair value on transition to IFRS.
The accounting policies, presentation
and methods of computation are prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the
United Kingdom, and are consistent with those applied in the
audited financial statement of United Utilities Group PLC for the
year ended 31 March 2024.
Going concern
The financial statements have been
prepared on the going concern basis as the directors have a
reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources for a
period of at least 12 months from the date of the approval of the
financial statements and that there are no material uncertainties
to disclose.
In assessing the appropriateness of
the going concern basis of accounting the directors have reviewed
the resources available to the group in the form of cash and
committed facilities as well as consideration of the group's
capital adequacy, along with a baseline plan that incorporates
latest views of the current economic climate. The directors have
considered the magnitude of potential impacts resulting from
uncertain future events or changes in conditions, and the likely
effectiveness of mitigating actions that the directors would
consider undertaking. The baseline position has been subjected to a
number of severe but plausible downside scenarios in order to
assess the group's ability to operate within the amounts and terms
(including relevant covenants) of existing facilities. These
scenarios consider: the potential impacts of increased totex costs,
including a significant one-off totex impact of £400 million
arising in the assessment period; elevated levels of bad debt of
£15 million per annum; outcome delivery incentive penalties
equivalent to 1.0 per cent of RoRE per annum; and the impact of
these factors materialising on a combined basis. Mitigating actions
were considered to include deferral of capital expenditure; a
reduction in other discretionary totex spend; the close out of
derivative asset balances; and the deferral or suspension of
dividend payments.
Consequently, the directors are
satisfied that the group will have sufficient funds to continue to
meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from
the date of approval of the financial statements, and that the
severe but plausible downside scenarios indicate that the group
will be able to operate within the amounts and terms (including
relevant covenants) of existing facilities. The financial
statements have therefore been prepared on a going concern
basis.
Update on critical accounting judgements and key sources of
estimation uncertainty
The group discloses a number of
critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation
uncertainty in its annual reports and financial statements for the
year ended 31 March 2024. The area most impacted by developments
during the year relates to the group's allowance for expected
credit losses in respect of receivables.
Judgements and estimates have been
kept under review during the year to 31 March 2024 in order to
ensure that they reflect the most up-to-date information available,
including changes in the broader economic outlook, particularly the
inflationary pressures across most industries and sectors which
have increased the cost of living. An update on these judgements
and estimates is as follows:
Accounting estimate - allowance for expected credit losses in
respect of household trade receivables: Recent years have seen a high level of uncertainty as to how
economic conditions may impact the recoverability of household
receivables for a significant proportion of the group's customer
base. We are mindful that increased energy prices, higher interest
rates and other inflationary pressures may adversely impact some
customers' affordability.
A range of collection scenarios have
been used to inform the allowance for expected credit losses and
the charge to the income statement during the period. These take
account of cash collection rates in the current year as well as in
recent years, incorporating periods which include the impacts of
Covid-19 recovery and more recent cost of living pressures, to
provide a range of views as to how recoverability of household
receivables may be impacted.
The group continues to use the
average cash collection over the preceding three years as a basis
for estimating future collection, which is consistent with the
prior year. This look-back period includes periods of relatively
strong cash collection but also periods where cash collection has
been more challenging, particularly due to recent cost of living
pressures, and thus incorporates the variability of factors that
can impact collection over the life of the receivable. Recognising
the current levels of economic uncertainty and that it is
reasonably possible that cash collection could become more
challenging in the near future, this three year look-back period is
considered to give a reasonable view of what cash collection on a
forward-looking basis could look like.
The forward-looking assessment
resulted in the release of a significant portion of the management
overlay which had previously been recognised in light of the
uncertainty arising initially from the onset of the Covid-19
pandemic, as described within the Annual Report for the year ended
31 March 2020, and subsequently maintained to address the
collection risk arising from recent cost of living pressures and
the associated adverse impact on customer affordability. A review
of cash collection performance in the current year has led to an
increase in the modelled provisioning rates as this data is
incorporated within the model. We continue to monitor the impact of
cost of living pressures on the recoverability of household
receivables.
Together, this supports a charge
equivalent to around 1.6 per cent of household revenue recorded
during the period, which is slightly lower than the position at 31
March 2023.
2. Segmental reporting
The board of directors of United
Utilities Group PLC (the board) is provided with information on a
single segment basis for the purposes of assessing performance and
allocating resources. The group's performance is measured against
financial and operational key performance indicators ('KPIs'), with
operational KPIs aligned to the group's purpose, and financial KPIs
focused on profitability and financial sustainability. The board
reviews revenue, operating profit, and gearing, along with
operational drivers, at a consolidated level. In light of this, the
group has a single segment for financial reporting
purposes.
3. Revenue
|
2024
|
Re-presented*
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Wholesale water charges
|
819.9
|
758.1
|
Wholesale wastewater charges
|
990.8
|
914.7
|
Household retail charges
|
93.1
|
83.0
|
Other
|
45.7
|
48.4
|
|
1,949.5
|
1,804.2
|
*Revenue for the year ended 31 March
2023 has been re-presented so as to include £20.2 million of income
not derived from the output of the group's ordinary activities in
other income rather than in revenue. This income, which had
previously been included in the 'other' category in the above
table, related to amounts receivable under government renewable
energy schemes and the sale of energy generated to the grid, which
is a by-product, rather than an output, of the group's ordinary
activities. As such it does not meet the criteria to be recognised
as revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with IFRS 15
and so has instead been reflected as other income in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
In accordance with IFRS 15, revenue
has been disaggregated based on what is recognised in relation to
the core services of supplying clean water and the removal and
treatment of wastewater. Each of these services is deemed to give
rise to a distinct performance obligation under the contract with
customers, although following the same pattern of transfer to the
customer who simultaneously receives and consumes both of these
services over time.
Other revenues comprise a number of
smaller non-core income streams, including property sales and
income from activities, typically performed opposite property
developers, which impact the group's capital network assets. This
includes diversion works to relocate water and wastewater assets,
and activities that facilitate the creation of an authorised
connection through which properties can obtain water and wastewater
services.
4. Other operating costs
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Power
|
164.3
|
130.8
|
Hired and contracted services
|
128.7
|
103.7
|
Materials
|
127.1
|
132.7
|
Property rates
|
82.0
|
87.1
|
Regulatory fees
|
39.3
|
36.7
|
Insurance
|
13.3
|
19.7
|
Loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment
|
6.7
|
4.2
|
Accrued innovation costs
|
6.0
|
6.1
|
Cost of properties disposed
|
-
|
1.4
|
Other expenses
|
35.0
|
34.0
|
|
602.4
|
556.4
|
In June 2023, the group experienced
a significant outfall pipe fracture at a major wastewater treatment
works at Fleetwood, for which the remediation and associated
activity resulted in costs of £37.6 million being incurred during
the year. These costs have been presented as an adjusting item in
arriving at the group's underlying operating profit position as
included in its Alternative Performance Measures.
The £37.6 million of costs is split
into £23.6 million of operating costs included in the above total,
and £14.0 million of infrastructure renewal expenditure. The
majority of the £23.6 million of operating costs are reflected
within hired and contracted services, including the cost of
tankering to reduce the volume of sewage spills along the Fylde
Coast while remediation activity was undertaken.
In addition to the costs relating to
the incident at Fleetwood, other operating costs have increased
compared with the same period in the prior year, predominantly due
to changes in energy prices, which have resulted in an increase in
the group's power costs on a hedged basis.
Research and development expenditure
for the year ended 31 March 2024 was £0.7 million (2023: £1.2
million). In addition, £6.0 million (2023: £6.1 million) of
costs have been accrued by United Utilities Water Limited in
relation to the Innovation in Water Challenge scheme operated by
Ofwat for AMP7. These expenses offset amounts recognised in revenue
during each year intended to fund innovation projects across
England and Wales as part of an industry-wide scheme to promote
innovation in the sector. The amounts accrued will either be spent
on innovation projects that the group successfully bids for or will
be transferred to other successful water companies in accordance
with the scheme rules.
5. Investment income
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Interest receivable
|
57.0
|
18.3
|
Net pension interest income (note 11)
|
28.6
|
28.7
|
|
85.6
|
47.0
|
6. Finance expense
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Interest payable
|
379.8
|
497.7
|
Net fair value losses/(gains) on debt and
derivative instruments
|
9.5
|
(235.0)
|
|
389.3
|
262.7
|
Interest
payable is stated net of £81.0 million (2023: £127.5 million)
borrowing costs capitalised in the cost of qualifying assets within
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets during the
year. This has been calculated by applying an average
capitalisation rate of 6.1 per cent (2023: 7.9 per cent) to
expenditure on such assets as prescribed by IAS 23 'Borrowing
Costs'.
Interest payable includes a £225.9
million (2023: £463.5 million) non-cash inflation expense in
relation to the group's index-linked debt.
In addition to the £389.3 million
finance expense, the allowance for expected credit losses in
relation to loans extended to the group's joint venture, Water
Plus, has increased by £2.4 million during the current year (2023:
£nil).
Net fair value losses on debt and
derivative instruments includes £29.3 million income
(2023:
£31.8 million income) due to net
interest on derivatives and debt under fair value option, and £25.9
million expense (2023: £56.2 million expense) due to non-cash
inflation uplift on the group's index-linked
derivatives.
Underlying finance expense, which
forms part of the group's alternative performance measures ('APMs')
is calculated by adjusting net finance expense and investment
income of £306.1 million (2023: £215.7 million) reported in the
Consolidated Income Statement to exclude the £9.5 million of fair
value losses in the above table, but include £29.3 million income
due to net interest on derivatives and debt under fair value
option, and £25.9 million expense due to non-cash inflation uplift
on index-linked derivatives.
7. Tax
During the year ended 31 March 2024
there was a current tax credit of £5.8 million (2023: £25.2
million) and a deferred tax charge of £4.6 million (2023: £32.5
million) relating to prior years. The current year figure mainly
relates to optimising the available tax incentives on our
innovation related expenditure, for multiple earlier years. The
prior year mainly relates to the utilisation of tax
losses.
The split of the total tax charge
between current and deferred tax was due to ongoing timing
differences in relation to deductions on capital investment, and
unrealised gains and losses on treasury derivatives. Going forward,
we expect the total effective tax rate, ignoring non-recurring
items such as the current year rate change adjustment, to remain
broadly in line with the headline rate.
The current tax asset recognised in
the statement of financial position reflects the amount of tax
expected to be recoverable based on judgements made regarding the
application of tax law, and the status of negotiations with, and
enquiries from, tax authorities.
The tax adjustments taken to equity
primarily relate to remeasurement movements on the group's defined
benefit pension schemes. The rate at which the deferred tax
liabilities are measured on the group's defined benefit pension
scheme is 25 per cent (2023: 35 per cent), being the rate
applicable to refunds from a trust.
8. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share
are calculated by dividing profit/(loss) after tax by the weighted
average number of shares in issue during the year.
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Profit after tax attributable to equity holders
of the company
|
126.9
|
204.9
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares in issue in
millions
|
|
|
Basic
|
681.9
|
681.9
|
Diluted
|
683.5
|
684.1
|
Earnings per share in pence
|
|
|
Basic
|
18.6
|
30.0
|
Diluted
|
18.6
|
30.0
|
9. Dividends
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Dividends relating to the year
comprise:
|
|
|
Interim dividend
|
113.1
|
103.4
|
Final dividend
|
226.3
|
206.9
|
|
339.4
|
310.3
|
|
|
|
Dividends deducted from shareholders' equity
comprise:
|
|
|
Interim dividend
|
113.1
|
103.4
|
Final dividend
|
206.9
|
197.8
|
|
320.0
|
301.2
|
The proposed final dividends for the
years ended 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2023 were subject to
approval by equity holders of United Utilities Group PLC as at the
reporting dates, and therefore have not been included as
liabilities in the consolidated financial statements as at 31 March
2024 and 31 March 2023 respectively.
The final dividend of 33.19 pence per
ordinary share (2023: 30.34 pence per ordinary share) is expected
to be paid on 1 August 2024 to shareholders on the register at the
close of business on 21 June 2024. The ex-dividend date for the
final dividend is 20 June 2024.
The interim dividend of 16.59 pence
per ordinary share (2023: 15.17 pence per ordinary share) was paid
on 1 February 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of
business on 22 December 2023.
10. Interests in joint
ventures
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Joint ventures at the start of the
year
|
16.5
|
16.5
|
Share of losses of joint ventures
|
(4.1)
|
-
|
Joint ventures at the end of the year
|
12.4
|
16.5
|
The group's interests in joint
ventures mainly comprises its 50 per cent interest in Water Plus
Group Limited ('Water Plus'), which is jointly owned and controlled
by the group and Severn Trent PLC under a joint venture
agreement.
The group's total share of Water Plus
losses for the year was £4.1 million (2023: £nil), all of which is
recognised in the income statement.
Details of transactions between the
group and its joint ventures are disclosed in note 18.
11. Retirement benefit
surplus
The main financial assumptions used
by the company's actuary to calculate the defined benefit surplus
of the United Utilities Pension Scheme ('UUPS') and the United
Utilities PLC Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme
('ESPS') were as follows:
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
%pa
|
%pa
|
|
|
|
Discount rate
|
4.80
|
4.70
|
Pension increases
|
3.25
|
3.40
|
Pensionable salary growth (pre-2018
service):
|
|
|
ESPS
|
3.25
|
3.40
|
UUPS
|
3.25
|
3.40
|
Pensionable salary growth (post-2018
service):
|
|
|
ESPS
|
3.25
|
3.40
|
UUPS
|
2.80
|
2.85
|
Price inflation - RPI
|
3.25
|
3.40
|
Price inflation - CPI1
|
2.80
|
2.85
|
Note:
(1)The CPI price inflation assumption represents a single
weighted average rate derived from an assumption of 2.35 per cent
pre-2030 and 3.05 per cent
post-2030 (2023: 2.50 per cent
pre-2030 and 3.30 per cent post-2030).
As part of the group's and trustees'
ongoing de-risking activities, a partial buy-in took place on 3
July 2023. This was a £1.8 billion transaction between an insurer
and the trustees of two pension schemes sponsored by United
Utilities, UUPS and ESPS. The transaction provides the schemes with
secure income that covers around two thirds of their liabilities
through the purchase of bulk annuity policies, thus providing a
greater degree of certainty for the group, the trustees, and
members of the schemes. For ESPS, the buy-in was estimated to cover
c.93% of pensioner liabilities, and for UUPS c.80% of deferred and
pensioner members, as at the date of the transaction on a technical
provisions basis. The split on an IAS 19 basis is expected to be
broadly consistent.
The £1.8 billion paid for the bulk
annuity policies reflects a Trustee investment. The amount includes
a premium equivalent to c.£220 million paid in excess of the
present value of the liabilities covered, which reflects a
reduction in the schemes' risk profile. This has resulted in an
overall decrease in the defined benefit pension surplus recorded on
the statement of financial position because scheme assets were used
to purchase the policies. Under IAS 19, the fair value of the
buy-in assets at the date of the transaction was considered to be
equal to the IAS 19 value of the insured liabilities, and
subsequently the fair value of the insurance assets is pegged to
the present value of the liabilities being insured. As the fair
value of the buy-in assets is significantly less than the buy-in
premium paid to the insurer, this results in an asset loss for
accounting purposes, which is recorded in Other Comprehensive
Income ('OCI'). This is because the transaction has not resulted in
a settlement or a change in benefits payable to scheme
members.
The discount rate is consistent with
a high quality corporate bond rate, with 4.80 per cent being
equivalent to gilts + 50bps (2023: 4.70 per cent being equivalent
to gilts + 95bps).
Corporate bond yields have increased
relative to 31 March 2023, leading to a higher IAS 19 discount
rate. As the schemes are more than 100% hedged on an IAS 19 basis,
the assets have fallen more than the Defined Benefit Obligation
('DBO'). Further, credit spreads have narrowed since the year end,
which, all else being equal, increases the DBO by more than the
value of the assets. Inflation has also remained above the
assumption made at the previous year end. This has been partially
offset by updates to the demographic assumptions to reflect shorter
life expectancies under the latest future mortality
projections.
In line with previous reporting
periods, mortality assumptions continue to be based on the latest
available Continuous Mortality Investigation's ('CMI') mortality
tables. As at 31 March 2024, these assumptions are based on the
CMI2022 base tables with a 1.25% p.a. rate of improvement (2023:
1.25% p.a.), and factoring in a w2022 weighting of 40% (2023: w2021
weighting of 10%) to take account of the continued increased
mortality rates following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in
the medium term, including pressures on the NHS and the high flu
rate in 2022. Compared against the prior year mortality
assumptions, the Core CMI2022 model sees a reduction in life
expectancies resulting in a reduction in the DBO of around 1-1.5%.
It should be noted, however, that post buy-in any changes in the
life expectancy assumptions for insured members will be offset by a
corresponding change in the value of the buy-in bulk annuity
policies on an the IAS 19 basis. As such, relative to prior years,
the statement of financial position is expected to be less
sensitive to mortality assumptions going forward.
The net pension income before tax in
the income statement in respect of the defined benefit schemes is
summarised as follows:
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Current service cost
|
2.8
|
6.0
|
Past service cost
|
(4.6)
|
-
|
Administrative expenses
|
4.0
|
2.5
|
Pension expense charged to operating
profit
|
2.2
|
8.5
|
Net pension interest credited to investment
income (note 5)
|
(28.6)
|
(28.7)
|
Net pension income credited before
tax
|
(26.4)
|
(20.2)
|
The reconciliation of the opening and closing
net pension surplus included in the statement of financial position
is as follows:
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
At the start of the year
|
600.8
|
1,016.8
|
Income recognised in the income
statement
|
26.4
|
20.2
|
Contributions
|
9.3
|
9.1
|
Remeasurement losses gross of tax
|
(368.5)
|
(445.3)
|
At the end of the year
|
268.0
|
600.8
|
|
|
|
The closing surplus at each reporting date is
analysed as follows:
|
|
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Fair value of schemes' assets
|
2,552.4
|
2,931.3
|
Present value of defined benefit
obligations
|
(2,284.4)
|
(2,330.5)
|
Net retirement benefit surplus
|
268.0
|
600.8
|
The overall reduction in the net
retirement benefit surplus has been driven mainly by the £368.5
million of remeasurement losses, of which c.£220 million relates to
the IAS 19 impact of the buy-in transaction. The remaining
reduction of the IAS 19 surplus is largely attributable to changes
in financial conditions over the period, which have seen a fall in
the value of the schemes' assets, which fully hedged against the
schemes' technical provisions funding positions, and are therefore
more than 100% hedged on an IAS 19 basis meaning that increases in
net yields are expected to reduce the schemes' assets by a greater
amount than the IAS 19 liabilities. These
remeasurement losses are partially offset by actuarial gains from
changes in demographic assumptions, which have seen overall life
expectancies lower than assumed at the previous
year-end.
The latest finalised funding
valuation was carried out as at 31 March 2021, and determined that
the schemes were fully funded on a low-dependency basis without any
funding deficit that requires additional contributions from the
company over and above those related to current service and
expenses.
The results of the latest funding
valuation at 31 March 2021 have been used to inform the group's
best estimate assumptions to use in calculating the defined benefit
pension position reported on an IAS 19 basis at 31 March 2024. The
results of the funding valuation have been adjusted to take account
of experience over the period, changes in market conditions, and
differences in the financial and demographic assumptions. The
present value of the defined benefit obligation, and the related
current service costs, were measured using the projected unit
credit method.
Member data used in arriving at the
liability figure included within the overall IAS 19 surplus has
been based on the finalised actuarial valuations as at 31 March
2021 for both UUPS and ESPS. As part of each actuarial valuation
and, more frequently, as required by the trustees, member data is
reassessed for completeness and accuracy and to ensure it reflects
any relevant changes to benefits entitled by each
member.
Defined contribution
schemes
During the period the group made
£32.4 million (2023: £29.2 million) of contributions to defined
contribution schemes, which are included in employee benefits
expense.
12. Borrowings
New borrowings raised during the
year ended 31 March 2024 were as follows:
·
On 6 April 2023, the group issued £300 million
fixed rate notes, due October 2038.
·
On 27 April 2023, the group executed and drew down
on a £100 million loan facility, due April 2032.
·
On 26 June 2023, the group issued £350 million
fixed rate notes, and on 7 February 2024, the group issued £50
million as a fungible increase to these notes, due June
2036.
·
On 22 January 2024, the group issued £250 million
fixed rate notes, due January 2046.
·
On 23 February 2024, the group issued EUR650
million fixed rate notes, due May 2034. On issue, the EUR bond was
immediately swapped to £556.2 million of principal
outstanding.
Notes were issued under the Euro
Medium-Term Note Programme.
During the year, the group underwent
a liability management exercise, and £110.1 million of the £450
million fixed rate notes due 2025 were re-paid ahead of maturity in
February 2025.
The group entered into two undrawn
committed borrowing facilities in the period totalling £100
million, and extensions to existing facilities were approved on a
further eight (totalling £200 million).
Borrowings at 31 March 2024 include
£59.2 million in relation to lease liabilities (2023: £58.3
million), of which £56.2 million (2023: £55.2 million) was
classified as non-current and £3.0 million (2023: £3.1 million) was
classified as current.
13. Fair values of financial
instruments
The fair values of financial
instruments are shown in the table below.
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
Fair value
|
Carrying
value
|
Fair value
|
Carrying
value
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
Financial assets at fair value through profit or
loss
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial assets - fair value
hedge
|
74.7
|
74.7
|
65.4
|
65.4
|
Derivative financial assets - held for
trading
|
298.9
|
298.9
|
352.0
|
352.0
|
Derivative financial assets - cash flow
hedge
|
9.2
|
9.2
|
59.7
|
59.7
|
Investments
|
-
|
-
|
0.1
|
0.1
|
Financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial liabilities - fair value
hedge
|
(232.2)
|
(232.2)
|
(215.3)
|
(215.3)
|
Derivative financial liabilities - held for
trading
|
(4.5)
|
(4.5)
|
(3.4)
|
(3.4)
|
Derivative financial liabilities - cash flow
hedge
|
(43.9)
|
(43.9)
|
(34.1)
|
(34.1)
|
Financial liabilities designated as fair value
through profit or loss
|
(338.9)
|
(338.9)
|
(361.0)
|
(361.0)
|
Financial instruments for which fair value does
not approximate carrying value
|
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities in fair value hedge
relationships
|
(3,459.0)
|
(3,414.6)
|
(2,310.1)
|
(2,332.3)
|
Other financial liabilities at amortised
cost
|
(5,785.5)
|
(6,247.9)
|
(5,400.0)
|
(5,742.1)
|
|
(9,481.2)
|
(9,899.2)
|
(7,846.7)
|
(8,211.0)
|
The group has calculated fair values
using quoted prices where an active market exists, which has
resulted in 'level 1' fair value liability measurements under the
IFRS 13 'Fair Value
Measurement' hierarchy of £3,158.5 million (2023: £1,936.1
million) for financial liabilities in fair value hedge
relationships, and £2,573.4 million (2023: £2,541.3 million) for
other financial liabilities at amortised cost.
The £1,254.5 million increase (2023:
£113.0 million decrease) in 'level 1' fair value liability
measurements primarily reflects the debt issuances in the
year.
In the absence of an appropriate
quoted price, the group has applied discounted cash flow valuation
models utilising market available data, which are classified as
'level 2' valuations. More information in relation to the valuation
techniques used by the group and the IFRS 13 hierarchy can be found
in the audited financial statements of United Utilities Group PLC
for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The reason for the increase in the
difference between the fair value and carrying value of the group's
borrowings at 31 March 2024 compared with the position at 31 March
2023 is due to an increase in risk free rates.
14. Cash generated from
operations
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
Operating profit
|
480.2
|
440.8
|
Adjustments for:
|
|
|
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment
|
406.1
|
385.5
|
Amortisation of intangible assets
|
32.7
|
38.1
|
Loss on disposal of property, plant and
equipment
|
6.7
|
4.2
|
Amortisation of deferred grants and
contributions
|
(17.4)
|
(16.2)
|
Equity-settled share-based payments
charge
|
2.1
|
5.1
|
Pension contributions paid less pension expense
charged to operating profit
|
(7.1)
|
0.4
|
Changes in working capital:
|
|
|
(Increase)/Decrease in inventories
|
(7.2)
|
3.9
|
(Increase)/Decrease in trade and other
receivables
|
(26.9)
|
27.2
|
Decrease in trade and other payables
|
(4.2)
|
(5.5)
|
Increase/(Decrease) in provisions
|
0.4
|
(0.4)
|
Cash generated from operations
|
865.4
|
883.1
|
15. Net debt
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
At the start of the year
|
8,200.8
|
7,570.0
|
Net capital expenditure
|
731.4
|
688.9
|
Dividends (note 9)
|
320.0
|
301.2
|
Interest
|
124.8
|
102.4
|
Inflation expense on index-linked debt and swaps
(note 6)
|
251.9
|
519.6
|
Exchange rate movement on bonds and term
borrowings
|
(35.2)
|
20.6
|
Tax
|
(4.6)
|
(6.8)
|
Non-cash movements in lease
liabilities
|
3.8
|
(1.1)
|
Repayment of loans to joint ventures
|
-
|
(5.0)
|
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary
|
-
|
(90.5)
|
Other
|
0.1
|
8.5
|
Fair value movements
|
35.1
|
(23.9)
|
Cash generated from operations (note
14)
|
(865.4)
|
(883.1)
|
At the end of the year
|
8,762.7
|
8,200.8
|
Fair value movements include the indexation
credit relating to the group's inflation swap portfolio of £111.3
million (2023: £85.3 million). The remaining fair value and foreign
exchange movements in the year on the group's bond and bank
borrowings are materially hedged by the fair value swap
portfolio.
Notional net debt totals £8,727.4 million as at
31 March 2024 (2023: £8,193.3 million). Notional net debt is
calculated as the principal amount of debt to be repaid, net of
cash and short-term deposits, taking: the face value issued of any
nominal sterling debt; the inflation accreted principal of the
group's index-linked debt; and the sterling principal amount of the
cross-currency swaps relating to the group's foreign currency
debt.
16. Other reserves
Year ended 31 March 2024
|
Capital redemption
reserve
|
Merger
reserve
|
Cost of hedging
reserve
|
Cash flow hedge
reserve
|
Total
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
At 1 April 2023
|
1,033.3
|
(703.6)
|
5.1
|
18.6
|
353.4
|
Changes in fair value recognised in other
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
4.8
|
(63.0)
|
(58.2)
|
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive
income to profit and loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1.8
|
1.8
|
Tax on items recorded within other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
(1.2)
|
15.3
|
14.1
|
At 31 March 2024
|
1,033.3
|
(703.6)
|
8.7
|
(27.3)
|
311.1
|
Year ended 31 March 2023
|
Capital redemption
reserve
|
Merger
reserve
|
Cost of hedging
reserve
|
Cash flow hedge
reserve
|
Total
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
£m
|
At 1 April 2022
|
1,033.3
|
(703.6)
|
0.4
|
86.1
|
416.2
|
Changes in fair value recognised in other
comprehensive income
|
-
|
-
|
6.3
|
(50.6)
|
(44.3)
|
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive
income to profit and loss
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(36.6)
|
(36.6)
|
Tax on items recorded within other comprehensive
income
|
-
|
-
|
(1.6)
|
19.7
|
18.1
|
At 31 March 2023
|
1,033.3
|
(703.6)
|
5.1
|
18.6
|
353.4
|
The capital redemption reserve arose
as a result of a return of capital to shareholders following the
reverse acquisition of United Utilities PLC by United Utilities
Group PLC in the year ended 31 March 2009. The merger reserve arose
in the same year on consolidation and represents the capital
adjustment to reserves required to effect the reverse
acquisition.
The group recognises the cost of
hedging reserve as a separate component of equity. This reserve
reflects accumulated fair value movements on cross-currency swaps
resulting from changes in the foreign currency basis spread, which
represents a liquidity charge inherent in foreign exchange
contracts for exchanging currencies and is excluded from the
designation of cross-currency swaps as hedging
instruments.
The group designates a number of
swaps hedging non-financial risks in cash flow hedge relationships
in order to give a more representative view of operating costs.
Fair value movements relating to the effective part of these swaps
are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the
cash flow hedging reserve.
17. Commitments and contingent
liabilities
At 31 March 2024, there were
commitments for future capital expenditure and infrastructure
renewals expenditure contracted, but not provided for, of £342.7
million (2023: £339.0 million).
The group has credit support
guarantees as well as general performance commitments and potential
liabilities under contract that may give rise to financial outflow.
The group has determined that the possibility of any outflow
arising in respect of these potential liabilities is remote and, as
such, there are no contingent liabilities to be disclosed in this
regard (2023: none).
Since 2016, the group has received
indications from a number of property search companies ('PSCs')
that they intend to claim compensation for amounts paid in respect
of CON29DW water and drainage search reports, which they allege
should have been provided to them either free of charge or for a
nominal fee in accordance with the Environmental Information
Regulations. In April 2020, a group of over 100 PSCs, comprising
companies within the groups that had previously issued notice of
intended claims, served proceedings on all of the water and
sewerage undertakers in England and Wales, including UUW, for an
unspecified amount of compensation. The litigation is being dealt
with on a phased basis, with questions on whether the requested
information falls within EIR being decided first (Phase 1). The
trial of Phase 1 was concluded in December 2023 and UUW is awaiting
the judgement which is likely to be due at the end of spring 2024.
Regardless of the outcome of the initial phase, no damages would be
assessed or awarded until later phases in the litigation. However,
based on the information currently available, the likelihood of the
claim's success is considered to be low, and any potential outflow
is not expected to be material.
Collective proceedings in the
Competition Appeal Tribunal ('CAT') were issued on 8 December 2023
against UUW and United Utilities Group PLC on behalf of
approximately 5.6 million domestic customers following an
application by the Proposed Class Representative, Professor Carolyn
Roberts. It is alleged that customers have collectively paid an
overcharge for sewerage services during the claim period (which
runs from 1 April 2020 and may continue into the early years of the
2025-30 regulatory price control period) as a result of UUW
allegedly abusing a dominant position by allegedly providing
misleading information to regulatory bodies. There will be a
hearing in late September 2024 to deal with certification of the
claim and any possible preliminary issue or strike out arguments in
respect of the claim. UUW believes the claim is without merit and
will defend it robustly. Similar claims have also been issued and
served against five other water and wastewater
companies.
18. Related party
transactions
The related party transactions with
the group's joint ventures during the period and amounts
outstanding at the period end date were as follows:
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
£m
|
£m
|
|
|
|
Sales of services
|
334.4
|
335.1
|
Charitable contributions advanced to related
parties
|
0.2
|
0.2
|
Purchases of goods and services
|
-
|
(1.3)
|
|
|
|
Interest income and fees recognised on loans to
related parties
|
5.6
|
4.7
|
|
|
|
Amounts owed by related parties
|
100.8
|
102.2
|
Amounts owed to related parties
|
-
|
-
|
Sales of services to related parties
mainly represent non-household wholesale charges to Water Plus that
were billed and accrued during the period. These transactions were
on market credit terms in respect of non-household wholesale
charges, which are governed by the wholesale charging rules issued
by Ofwat.
Charitable contributions advanced to
related parties during the year relate to amounts paid to Rivington
Heritage Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee for which
United Utilities Water is one of three guarantors.
At 31 March 2024, amounts owed by
joint ventures, as recorded within trade and other receivables in
the statement of financial position, were £100.8 million (2023:
£102.2 million), comprising £27.1 million (2023: £26.7 million) of
trade balances, which are unsecured and will be settled in
accordance with normal credit terms, and £73.7 million (2023: £75.5
million) relating to loans.
Included within these loans
receivable were the following amounts owed by Water
Plus:
·
£72.3 million (2023: £74.4 million) outstanding on
a £95.0 million revolving credit facility provided by United
Utilities PLC, with a maturity date of December 2026, bearing a
floating rate interest rate of the Bank of England base rate plus a
credit margin. This balance comprises £75.5 million outstanding,
net of a £3.2 million allowance for expected credit losses (2023:
£75.5 million net of a £1.1 million allowance for expected credit
losses); and
·
£1.4 million (2023: £1.4 million) receivable being
the £11.3 million (2023: £11.0 million) fair value of amounts owed
in relation to a £12.5 million unsecured loan note held by United
Utilities PLC, with a maturity date of 28 March 2027, net of a £0.4
million (2023: £0.1 million) allowance for expected credit losses
and £9.5 million of the group's share of joint venture losses
relating to historic periods as the loan note is deemed to be part
of the group's long-term interest in Water Plus. This is a zero
coupon shareholder loan with a total amount outstanding at 31 March
2024 and 31 March 2023 of £12.5 million, comprising a £11.3 million
(2023: £11.0 million) receivable representing the present value of
the £12.5 million payable at maturity discounted using an
appropriate market rate of interest at the inception of the loan,
and £1.2 million (2023: £1.5 million) recorded as an equity
contribution to Water plus recognised within interests in joint
ventures.
A further £0.1 million (2023: £0.1
million) of non-current receivables was owed by other related
parties at 31 March 2024.
During the year, United Utilities PLC
provided guarantees in support of Water Plus in respect of certain
amounts owed to wholesalers. The aggregate limit of these
guarantees was £48.9 million, of which £26.0 million related to
guarantees to United Utilities Water Limited.
At 31 March 2024, amounts owed to
related parties were £nil (March 2023: £nil).
19. Events after the reporting
period
There were no significant events
after the reporting period requiring disclosure or any adjustments
to the financial position, financial performance, or cash flows
reported as at 31 March 2024.
STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibility statement below
has been prepared in connection with the group's full annual report
for the year ended 31 March 2024. Certain parts thereof are not
included within this announcement.
Responsibilities Statement
We confirm that to the best of our
knowledge:
·
the financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards; give
a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position
and profit or loss of the company and the undertakings included in
the consolidation taken as a whole; and
·
the strategic report includes a fair review of the
development and performance of the business and the position of the
issuer and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as
a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that they face.
We consider the annual report, taken
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the group's
position and performance, business model and strategy.
The directors of United Utilities
Group PLC at the date of this announcement are listed
below:
Sir David Higgins
Louise Beardmore
Phil Aspin
Alison Goligher
Liam Butterworth
Kath Cates
Clare Hayward
Michael Lewis
Paulette Rowe
Doug Webb
This responsibility statement was
approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:
|
|
|
Louise Beardmore
|
|
Phil Aspin
|
15 May 2024
|
|
15 May 2024
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|