United Utilities Regulatory News (UU.)

United Utilities Group PLC 19 September 2013 UNITED UTILITIES TRADING UPDATE Current trading is in line with the group's expectations for the six monthsending 30 September 2013. The company remains firmly on track to deliver its2010-15 regulatory outperformance targets and has delivered further customerservice improvements through strong operational focus. Revenue is expected to be higher than the first half of last year, reflectingthe regulated price increase for 2013/14. As indicated previously, this revenueincrease is expected to be slightly below the allowed regulated price rise,principally reflecting the on-going impact of a tough economic climate onvolumes. Underlying operating profit for the first half of 2013/14 isanticipated to be moderately higher than the first half of 2012/13, as thecompany continues to tightly manage its cost base. United Utilities has made good progress on its regulatory capital investmentprogramme and, as planned, expects to invest around £800 million in 2013/14,including infrastructure renewals expenditure. This substantial investmenthelps to maintain and improve services for customers, delivers furtherenvironmental benefits and provides a significant contribution to the regionaleconomy. The underlying net finance expense for the first half of 2013/14 is anticipatedto be similar to the first half of last year. Group net debt at 30 September2013 is expected to be slightly higher than the position at 31 March 2013. Thisprincipally reflects expenditure on the regulatory capital investmentprogramme, payment of the 2012/13 final dividend and payments in relation tointerest and taxation, largely offset by operational cash flows and fair valuegains on the group's debt and derivative instruments. Gearing remains stableand comfortably within Ofwat's assumed range, supporting a solid A3 creditrating for United Utilities Water. The company is well advanced in preparation of its business plan for the2015-20 period following extensive consultation with customers, regulators andother stakeholders and is on track for plan submission to Ofwat, as required by2 December this year. United Utilities will announce its half year results on 27 November 2013. United Utilities contacts: Gaynor Kenyon, Corporate Affairs Director +44 (0) 7753 622282 Darren Jameson, Head of Investor Relations +44 (0) 7733 127707 Peter Hewer / Michelle Clarke, Tulchan +44 (0) 20 7353 4200Communications This announcement is also available at:http://corporate.unitedutilities.com/investors.aspx