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Pennon Group PLC (GB:PNN)
LSE:PNN

Pennon Group plc (PNN) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:PNN

Pennon Group plc

(LSE:PNN)

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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
646.00p
▲(13.23% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:12/07/25
Pennon Group's overall stock score reflects a mix of strengths and challenges. The most significant factor is the company's financial performance, which shows revenue growth but also highlights profitability and leverage concerns. Technical analysis indicates positive momentum, while the high P/E ratio suggests potential overvaluation. The earnings call and corporate events provide optimism with strong operational achievements and strategic initiatives.
Positive Factors
Regulated revenue visibility
Pennon operates in a regulated monopoly for water and wastewater where multi-year Ofwat price reviews set allowed revenues and returns. This framework creates predictable cash flows and durable investment recovery through the regulated asset base, supporting multi-year planning and stability.
Sustained revenue growth
Material revenue growth driven by higher tariffs and customer consumption has expanded the business scale and the regulated asset base. Sustained top-line growth underpins long-term service investment, supports future allowed returns, and provides a base to absorb operating cost inflation over multiple regulatory periods.
Improving operational & environmental outcomes
Significant cuts in pollution incidents and storm overflows reduce regulatory penalties, reputational risk and ODI downside. Persistent operational improvement strengthens regulatory credibility ahead of price reviews, lowering the probability of punitive outcomes and supporting allowed returns over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Rising financial leverage
Higher leverage increases refinancing and interest-rate exposure and reduces financial flexibility. Even with recent successful debt raises and gearing around 60%, elevated leverage constrains capacity for discretionary investment, heightens covenant and liquidity risk in adverse conditions.
Negative free cash flow
Negative free cash flow amid rising capex means the business depends on external financing to fund mandated investment. That pressures balance sheet resilience and raises long-term funding costs, constraining the firm's ability to self-fund future K8 commitments and environmental programs.
Profitability and margin pressure
Declining net income and squeezed EBIT/EBITDA margins reduce retained earnings and weaken capacity to self-finance investment or cushion regulatory penalties. Ongoing margin pressure from costs, ODIs and network issues undermines sustainable profitability through the next regulatory cycles.

Pennon Group plc (PNN) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Pennon Group plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPennon Group Plc provides clean water and wastewater services in the United Kingdom. It provides water and wastewater services for customers in Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Dorset and Somerset; water-only services in the areas of Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire; and water and wastewater retail services to non-household customers in Great Britain. The company also offers regulated water to approximately 1.2 million customers in the Bristol region. It serves approximately 50 million household and non-household customers. The company was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Exeter, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyPennon Group generates revenue primarily through its regulated water and wastewater services, which involve charging customers for the provision and treatment of water and the disposal of wastewater. This revenue is essentially driven by customer billing based on usage and is regulated by the UK's water regulator, Ofwat, which sets price limits that the company can charge. Additionally, the group earns income from commercial services offered through Pennon Water Services, which includes consultancy and efficiency optimization for businesses looking to manage their water use more effectively. Significant partnerships with local authorities and businesses enhance its operational capacity and revenue potential, while ongoing investments in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives aim to reduce costs and improve service delivery, contributing positively to overall earnings.

Pennon Group plc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 27, 2025
(Q2-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 28, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a strong financial and operational performance with significant revenue growth and successful execution of strategic priorities. However, the company faces challenges with network failures and net ODI penalties in the water business. The overall sentiment leans towards optimism due to the positive financial results and operational successes.
Q2-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
The company reported a strong return to profitability, with operating profit more than doubling and profit before tax moving from a loss to GBP 65.9 million. Adjusted earnings per share increased to 14p from a prior year loss of 5.5p.
Significant Revenue Growth
Revenue increased by 25% year-on-year to GBP 658 million, driven by higher tariffs and increased customer consumption.
Operational Successes
Notable operational achievements include a step change in wastewater performance, a 50% reduction in Category 1-3 pollutions, and storm overflow spills reduced by 45%.
Robust Funding Position
The company raised GBP 500 million in new debt, maintaining a strong balance sheet with gearing at 60%.
Environmental Gains and Innovation
Continued focus on environmental improvements with a 75% reduction in repeat pollutions and investments in biodiversity gains and renewable energy projects.
Negative Updates
Challenges with Increased Network Failures
Changing weather fronts have increased the number of network failures, although customer impacts have been mitigated on 70% of these.
Net ODI Penalty for Water Business
Despite strong performance in wastewater, the company faces a net penalty for ODIs in the water business due to a few incidents.
Company Guidance
In the call, Pennon Group provided extensive guidance on its performance for fiscal year 2025-2026. The company reported a strong return to profitability, with both underlying and statutory operating profit more than doubling year-on-year, resulting in a profit before tax of GBP 65.9 million. The adjusted earnings per share increased to 14p, covering the interim dividend of 9.26p per share, which reflects a 4.1% increase in line with CPIH. The company's revenues increased by 25% to GBP 658 million, driven by higher tariffs and increased customer consumption, while costs in the Water Group rose by 6%. Despite inflationary pressures, Pennon maintained a strong balance sheet with gearing at 60% and raised GBP 500 million in new debt during the first half of the year. The company continues to focus on delivering its K8 commitments, with GBP 305 million of CapEx already invested in the first half. Pennon is on track to deliver a 7% return on regulated equity, supported by efficient financing and operational improvements. Additionally, the company is targeting net neutral for wastewater ODIs and has achieved a 50% reduction in pollution incidents year-to-date.

Pennon Group plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Pennon Group is experiencing revenue growth, but profitability challenges are evident with declining net income and margins. The balance sheet shows increasing leverage, which could impact financial stability. Cash flow concerns arise from negative free cash flow, although operating cash flow generation is a strength. The company needs to address profitability and leverage for improved financial health.
Income Statement
67
Positive
The company has shown a positive revenue growth trend, with a notable increase in total revenue from £624.1 million in 2021 to £1.048 billion in 2025. However, the net income has significantly declined, leading to a negative net profit margin in recent years. Gross profit margin remains strong, but declining EBIT and EBITDA margins indicate pressure on operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The debt-to-equity ratio has increased over the years, reflecting higher leverage, which could pose risks if not managed properly. The return on equity has suffered due to net losses, and while the equity ratio remains stable, the increasing liabilities are a concern.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Operating cash flow has declined, and free cash flow is negative, indicating cash flow challenges. The company's increased capital expenditures are affecting free cash flow. However, the ability to generate operating cash flow relative to net income is a positive aspect.
BreakdownTTMMar 2025Mar 2024Mar 2023Mar 2022Mar 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue917.90M1.05B906.80M797.20M792.30M624.10M
Gross Profit702.10M995.90M856.00M506.70M532.30M411.60M
EBITDA337.30M302.90M319.90M261.00M368.60M310.50M
Net Income43.40M-57.90M-9.50M100.00K15.40M79.50M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets7.38B7.05B6.23B5.19B5.34B6.42B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments489.00M417.90M145.40M165.40M519.00M2.92B
Total Debt4.87B4.54B3.97B3.13B3.20B2.85B
Total Liabilities6.02B5.60B5.07B4.06B4.06B3.44B
Stockholders Equity1.36B1.45B1.16B1.12B1.27B2.98B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-258.55M-575.10M-450.00M-173.70M25.90M15.90M
Operating Cash Flow181.95M93.50M148.90M157.50M254.90M206.20M
Investing Cash Flow-596.20M-676.40M-658.00M-330.50M-639.60M3.44B
Financing Cash Flow764.50M866.80M510.80M-180.60M-2.02B-1.43B

Pennon Group plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price570.50
Price Trends
50DMA
552.00
Positive
100DMA
531.48
Positive
200DMA
500.39
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
9.51
Positive
RSI
49.12
Neutral
STOCH
31.15
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:PNN, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 570.5 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 578.20, above the 50-day MA of 552.00, and above the 200-day MA of 500.39, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 9.51 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 49.12 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 31.15 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:PNN.

Pennon Group plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
£9.17B8.1420.43%4.45%15.76%254.82%
71
Outperform
£9.54B8.5417.41%4.50%10.68%35.18%
69
Neutral
£2.92B0.4019.64%2.78%-19.04%-34.52%
67
Neutral
£2.68B9.642.50%6.56%19.50%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
63
Neutral
£1.07B21.0728.80%7.01%1.71%-12.49%
59
Neutral
£8.72B-112.68-5.95%2.86%-4.82%-123.58%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:PNN
Pennon Group plc
565.00
197.66
53.81%
GB:CNA
Centrica
193.15
49.11
34.09%
GB:DRX
Drax Group plc
863.00
308.01
55.50%
GB:SVT
Severn Trent
3,194.00
928.34
40.97%
GB:TEP
Telecom Plus
1,322.00
-272.89
-17.11%
GB:UU
United Utilities
1,362.50
455.21
50.17%

Pennon Group plc Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon Group Updates Market on Total Voting Rights
Neutral
Mar 2, 2026

Pennon Group plc has confirmed that as of 28 February 2026 its issued share capital comprises 471,981,269 ordinary shares, of which 5,628 are held in treasury and do not carry voting rights. This leaves a total of 471,975,641 voting shares in the company, a figure shareholders must use as the denominator when assessing whether changes in their holdings trigger regulatory disclosure obligations under U.K. transparency rules.

The announcement provides clarity for investors and regulators on the company’s current voting rights base, which is crucial for monitoring significant shareholdings and compliance with disclosure thresholds. By updating the market on its total voting rights, Pennon supports transparent governance and facilitates accurate reporting of ownership changes by stakeholders in line with FCA requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Hold with a £652.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon CFO Increases Stake Through Share Incentive Plan
Neutral
Feb 23, 2026

Pennon Group has disclosed a routine share transaction involving its group chief financial officer, Laura Flowerdew, under EU Market Abuse Regulation reporting rules. Flowerdew purchased partnership shares and received matching shares under the company’s Share Incentive Plan, a move that modestly increases her equity stake and signals continued use of share-based reward structures for senior management.

The transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange on 19 February 2026, involved a small volume of ordinary shares at a price of 572p for the purchased element, with additional matching shares awarded at no cost. While limited in scale, the disclosure underscores Pennon’s adherence to transparency requirements on dealings by persons discharging managerial responsibilities, offering stakeholders visibility into executive alignment with shareholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Hold with a £636.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Pennon Sets 1 April 2026 Start Date for New Chief Executive
Positive
Feb 10, 2026

Pennon Group plc has confirmed that Keith Haslett will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer on 1 April 2026, succeeding Susan Davy following the completion of his notice period at Affinity Water. Until his arrival, the company’s Operating Committee will continue to support Executive Chair David Sproul in delivering the Group’s strategy, after which Sproul will revert to his position as Non-Executive Chairman on the same date.

The succession plan underlines continuity in Pennon’s leadership and strategic direction at a time of ongoing regulatory and operational pressures in the U.K. water sector. By clearly staging the transition and restoring the traditional separation between executive management and the chair role, the group aims to provide stability for investors, employees, and regulators while maintaining focus on its long-term strategic objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Buy with a £680.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon Updates Total Voting Rights and Share Capital
Neutral
Feb 2, 2026

Pennon Group plc has confirmed that, as of 31 January 2026, its issued share capital comprises 471,981,269 ordinary shares, of which 5,628 are held in treasury, resulting in 471,975,641 voting shares in issue. The updated voting rights figure provides the reference denominator shareholders must use to determine whether they are required to disclose new or changed holdings under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, ensuring ongoing compliance and transparency in the company’s shareholder base.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Buy with a £680.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon Updates Market on Share Scheme Allotments and Remaining Capacity
Neutral
Feb 2, 2026

Pennon Group plc reported its latest six‑monthly block listing return for its employee share schemes, showing modest utilisation under the Pennon Group Sharesave Scheme, with 3,367 shares issued during the period from 1 August 2025 to 31 January 2026, leaving 1,214,018 shares still available for future allotment. Under the Pennon Group Executive Share Option Scheme, no shares were issued in the period, and the balance of 9,775 unallotted securities remains unchanged, indicating limited recent dilution from these long‑term incentive plans and continued capacity to support future employee and executive share participation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Buy with a £680.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon CFO Acquires Shares Under Company Incentive Plan
Neutral
Jan 23, 2026

Pennon Group has disclosed a routine share transaction involving its Group Chief Financial Officer, Laura Flowerdew, in line with EU Market Abuse Regulation requirements. Flowerdew purchased 27 ordinary shares and received 9 matching shares under the company’s Share Incentive Plan on 19 January 2026, a standard executive participation in equity-based remuneration that incrementally aligns management’s interests with shareholders without indicating any broader strategic shift for the group.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Buy with a £680.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon Group Confirms Total Voting Rights at Year-End 2025
Neutral
Jan 2, 2026

Pennon Group plc has confirmed that, as of 31 December 2025, its issued share capital comprises 471,980,296 ordinary shares, of which 5,628 are held in treasury, resulting in 471,974,668 voting rights. The updated voting rights figure provides investors with the denominator needed to assess and report any notifiable holdings or changes in their share ownership under UK financial disclosure and transparency rules, supporting ongoing market transparency and regulatory compliance for shareholders and the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Sell with a £450.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Other
Pennon CEO and CFO Increase Holdings Through Share Incentive Plan
Positive
Dec 23, 2025

Pennon Group has disclosed that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Susan Jane Davy, and Group Chief Financial Officer, Laura Flowerdew, have each purchased ordinary shares in the company to be held within its Share Incentive Plan. The transactions, executed on 19 December 2025 on the London Stock Exchange, involved the acquisition of 29 ordinary shares of 61.05p each at a price of 515p per share for both executives, signalling ongoing alignment of senior management’s interests with those of shareholders through increased personal equity participation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Sell with a £450.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Pennon Group Updates FY26 Financial Calendar
Neutral
Dec 11, 2025

Pennon Group plc has updated its financial calendar for the fiscal year 2026, correcting the record date for its interim dividend to 30 January 2026, with payment scheduled for 2 April 2026. This adjustment ensures clarity for stakeholders and maintains transparency in the company’s financial operations, with no other changes to the previously announced timetable.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Hold with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Pennon Group Chair Purchases Shares in Compliance with EU Regulations
Neutral
Dec 9, 2025

Pennon Group plc has announced a transaction involving its Chair, David Sproul, who has purchased 4,635 ordinary shares at a price of £5.36 each. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, is part of the company’s compliance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation, highlighting transparency in managerial dealings.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Hold with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Pennon Group Announces CEO Transition Plan
Neutral
Dec 9, 2025

Pennon Group plc has announced a transition in its executive leadership, with CEO Susan Davy set to retire at the end of December 2025. David Sproul, the current Chair, will take on the role of Executive Chair from January 2026, supported by an Operating Committee, until the new CEO, Keith Haslett, joins by June 2026. This transition is part of a strategic succession plan to ensure continuity and maintain the company’s operational and financial momentum.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:PNN) stock is a Hold with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennon Group plc stock, see the GB:PNN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 07, 2025