United Utilities stock rises 1.07 percent on AMP8 update

Published on 09/28/2026 at 14:00 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

United Utilities seeks GBP 1.026 billion from Ofwat after a GBP 958 million draft decision on September 25, 2026. Interim results are due November 12.

Fotorealistische Klaranlage mit runden Becken bei bewoelktem Himmel in England — Fotorealistische Wasseraufbereitungsanlage zeigt United Utilities Group PLC, ISIN GB00B39J2M42, nahe Warrington in England, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

United Utilities stock (ISIN GB00B39J2M42) was trading at GBp 1,417.00 on the LSE at 12:55 p.m. London time on September 28, 2026, up 1.07 percent. The move followed a trading update that kept 2026/27 guidance unchanged while the water company pressed Ofwat for additional investment.

AMP8 funding gap reaches GBP 68 million

According to TradingView on September 25, 2026, United Utilities submitted a response seeking GBP 1.026 billion for the 2026 cost change process. That figure is GBP 68 million above Ofwat's GBP 958 million draft decision, creating a quantified funding gap for the regulator's final review.

The request covers network resilience, additional water and wastewater capacity, and economic growth in North West England. Morningstar reported that the company also targets GBP 2.00 billion of capital investment in 2026/27 and GBP 11.5 billion across AMP8.

Returns target stays at 10 percent to 11 percent

United Utilities said its operational performance was in line with expectations and that its AMP8 programme was progressing as planned, according to TradingView. The company continues to target regulatory returns of 10 percent to 11 percent during AMP8, the regulatory period running from 2025 to 2030.

The funding decision is therefore the key operating variable behind the investment plan. A final Ofwat decision is expected in December 2026, while United Utilities' interim results are scheduled for November 12, 2026.

J.P. Morgan sets GBP 14.50 target

According to TradingView on September 25, 2026, J.P. Morgan kept a neutral rating and a GBP 14.50 price target. Its analysts described inflation-linked regulation as supportive over the medium term but said fiscal 2026 offered limited catalysts for a share-price re-rating.

United Utilities stock remains below its yearly high

United Utilities stock traded between GBp 1,406.00 and GBp 1,425.00 during the September 28 session, with volume at 259,357 shares. The 52-week range was GBp 1,119.00 to GBp 1,497.00, placing the reference price GBp 80.00 below the high.