I know that the mode for these threads tends to be smaller cap stocks but Pennon is looking so good at present I was interested to see if anyone else out there is holding or thinking of buying. The SP is on a fantastic run, it pays a nice fat dividend and even if the water regulators decision on prices was not what any of the water companies were looking for, Pennon is probably the least affected and the most favoured by analysts. Seems to me to be a winning combination!

Trading Update from Monday http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5679028

StockMarketWire.com
Pennon Group booked a higher first-half profit after restructuring costs fell and revenue rose.

The environmental infrastructure group said pre-tax profit rose 26.8% to £129.8m, while revenue rose 5.6% to £723.9m.

Underlying pre-tax profit, which strips out one-off items such as restructure charges and changes in the value of derivatives, rose by a more modest 2.3% to £131.1m.

The company declared an interim dividend of 11.97p, up 7.9%.

"Pennon has delivered robust performance in the first half across both water and waste activities," chief executive Chris Loughlin said.

"Our priority continues to be to provide an outstanding level of service to our customers and communities, while offering a sector-leading dividend policy for our shareholders."

Deutsche Bank today downgrades its investment rating on Pennon Group PLC (LON:PNN) to hold (from buy) and cut its price target to 840p (from 870p).

Goldman Sachs today initiates coverage of Pennon Group PLC (LON:PNN) with a neutral investment rating and price target of 749p

StockMarketWire.com
Environmental infrastructure firm Pennon Group said its underlying operating performance was in line with expectations as it neared the conclusion of the financial year.

Capital expenditure was expected to peak in the current financial year through March, reflecting investment profiles at waste management arm Viridor's energy recovery facilities.

'With our clear strategy of focusing on the UK water and waste market supported by a strong balance sheet, Pennon is well-placed to continue to deliver for customers, communities and shareholders.' the company said.

StockMarketWire.com
Water utility and waste management group Pennon said annual profit rose by a quarter, owing to regulatory tariff increases, higher customer demand and cost savings.

Pre-tax profit rose 25% to £262.9m, as revenue rose 2.9% to £1.39bn.

On an underlying basis, pre-tax profit rose 3.5% to £258.8m.

The company declared a full-year dividend of 38.59p per share, up 7.3% on year.

'Pennon has delivered a strong performance this year across water and waste,' chief executive Chris Loughlin said.

The company said it continued to expect UK residual waste market dynamics to be favourable, with demand for Energy Recovery Facilities exceeding capacity into the long term

Half year results https://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=6221883

Deutsche Bank today downgrades its investment rating on Pennon Group PLC (LON:PNN) to hold (from buy) and raised its price target to 790p (from 780p).

I'm surprised it's not falling given IRV news.