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Wednesday, Kepler Cheuvreux analysts upgraded Severn Trent Plc (LON:SVT:LN) (OTC: SVTRF) stock from Hold to Buy and increased the price target to GBP30.00 from GBP27.00. The analysts cited the company’s strong performance within the UK water utilities sector and its premium valuation relative to its peers as key reasons for the positive outlook. With a market capitalization of $9.14 billion, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently trading above its Fair Value, reflecting its premium position in the sector.
Severn Trent has been recognized for outperforming its peer group, especially in terms of regulatory capital value (RCV) and balance-sheet strength. Kepler Cheuvreux’s revised stance is based on the expectation that these trends will persist, bolstering the decision to lift the stock’s rating. InvestingPro data reveals the company’s strong financial position with a current ratio of 2.38, indicating ample liquidity to meet short-term obligations.
The new price target of 3,000p, up from 2,700p, reflects confidence in Severn Trent’s robust investment plan. The company’s projected 9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in RCV over the next five years, along with a solid balance sheet, underpins this target. The company has demonstrated consistent growth with a 5.42% revenue increase in the last twelve months and has maintained dividend payments for 33 consecutive years, according to InvestingPro data, which offers 8 additional valuable insights about the company’s financial health.
According to Kepler Cheuvreux, the improved regulatory visibility and strong fundamentals of Severn Trent enhance the company’s risk-reward profile. The analysts also noted that the recent market correction offers an attractive entry point for investors.
Severn Trent’s commitment to a substantial investment strategy and the anticipation of continued superior performance in the sector contribute to the analysts’ recommendation. The firm is considered a high-quality name within the industry, and its strong financial health is expected to support future growth.
In other recent news, Severn Trent has been the focus of multiple analyst ratings. Bernstein SocGen Group upgraded the company’s stock rating from Market Perform to Outperform, citing an anticipated earnings growth due to higher-than-expected allowed revenues projected for fiscal years 2026 to 2030. The firm’s analysis suggests Severn Trent could potentially be the fastest-growing UK Water utility during the Asset Management Plan 8 period.
However, UBS maintained a Sell rating on Severn Trent, indicating that the current stock price may already reflect the company’s recent successes, including being fast-tracked in the 2019 price control and receiving a Green Recovery Spend award in 2021. UBS also raised its earnings per share estimates for Severn Trent for the years 2026 to 2028, based on expected benefits from higher Regulated Capital Value run-off rates and RAB growth.
Jefferies downgraded Severn Trent’s shares from Buy to Hold, reflecting the company’s current valuation and consistent strong performance on Outcome Delivery Incentives. The firm also noted Severn Trent’s decision to raise significant equity last year, providing insights into the company’s financial situation and dividend policy.
Finally, Citi revised its rating on Severn Trent from Sell to Neutral, acknowledging the company’s improved financial health and consistent performance in operational delivery incentives. Despite the upgrade, Citi pointed out that Severn Trent’s shares are trading at a significant premium compared to the regulatory asset base when measured against its industry peers. These recent developments provide investors with a comprehensive view of the various perspectives on Severn Trent’s financial performance and outlook.
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