Deutsche Bank lifts Pennon Group rating to hold, sets target at GBP5.70

Published 31/01/2025, 12:32
Deutsche Bank lifts Pennon Group rating to hold, sets target at GBP5.70

On Friday, Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) analyst James Brand revised the stock rating for Pennon Group Plc. (LON:PNN:LN) (OTC: PEGRF) from Sell to Hold and increased the price target to GBP5.70 from the previous GBP4.90. The adjustment followed Pennon Group’s announcement earlier in the week of a large rights issue, priced at a deep discount, aimed at raising £490 million—a figure that closely matched Deutsche Bank’s prediction of £500 million.

Brand noted that unlike a similar move by National Grid (LON:NG) last year, Pennon’s stock has performed well after the rights issue announcement. Although he mentioned the possibility of a change when the stock goes ex-rights on Monday, the overall elements of the update were received more positively than expected.

Pennon Group also declared a significant reduction in its per-share dividend, which, while lower, was slightly better than Deutsche Bank’s projections. With this adjustment, Brand anticipates that Pennon’s shares will yield around 6%, which is higher than the approximately 5.0-5.5% yield of its peers United Utilities (OTC:UUGRY) and Severn Trent (LON:SVT).

The rights issue and the dividend cut are part of Pennon Group’s strategic financial adjustments. The company’s share performance in the wake of these announcements has been notably robust, and the updated assessment by Deutsche Bank reflects the current market response to these developments.

Investors and market watchers will be keeping a close eye on Pennon Group’s stock performance as it transitions to ex-rights trading next week, which could potentially impact the stock’s trajectory. The revised hold rating and increased price target from Deutsche Bank offer a new perspective on the utility company’s financial health and outlook.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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