United Utilities, Severn Trent: Are these FTSE water stocks worth buying?

Highlights

 

• Louise Beardmore is all set to become the CEO of United Utilities in 2023.
• After Beardmore’s promotion, the UK’s three FTSE water firms would have five out six CEOs and chairs as women.
• The overall percentage of women in senior roles still remains low in the UK.

Majority of companies in the UK listed on the FTSE are trying to make visible progress on gender targets. In a first, most top positions at FTSE water companies are going to be headed by women. Louise Beardmore, who is currently the Customer Service and People director at the water supply company United Utilities, is all set to become the company’s CEO after its current CEO Steve Mogford will retire in early 2023. After Beardmore’s promotion, the UK’s three FTSE water firms would have five out six CEOs and chairs as women.

UK has been trying increase the role of women in senior positions, but despite the growing number of women as chairs, the overall percentage of women in senior roles still remains low, with not even 10% of the CEOs of the UK’s top 100 firms being women. In late 2021, the number of women in senior roles did reach a record high level, but there is still a long way to go for complete gender parity.

At present, only four firms in the FTSE 350 index are headed by both female CEOs and chairs, out of which two are the FTSE water firms Severn Trent and Pennon. Let’s look at the share price performance of the three UK water firms mentioned above.

RELATED READ: FTSE 100 extends gains; mining stocks lead

                                                                     2022 Kalkine Media®

United Utilities Group plc (LON: UU.)

The shares of the Warrington-headquartered water supply firm, United Utilities Group plc, were down by 0.99% as the market opened at around 8:00 AM (GMT+1) on 28 April, at GBX 1,149.00. The company, which is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index, has given its shareholders a return of 19.96% over the last one year as of 28 April 2022. The current market cap of the company stands at £7,913.32 million.

Severn Trent plc (LON: SVT)

The shares of the Coventry-headquartered water company, Severn Trent plc, were down by 1.27% as the market opened at around 8:00 AM (GMT+1) on 28 April, at GBX 3,120.00. The company, which is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index, has given its shareholders a return of 28.44% over the last one year as of 28 April 2022. The current market cap of the company stands at £7,909.27 million.

RELATED READ: Why is Origo Partners (LON: OPP) delisting from AIM?

Pennon Group plc (LON: PNN)

The shares of the Exeter-headquartered water utility company, Pennon Group plc, were down by 0.64% as the market opened at around 8:00 AM (GMT+1) on 28 April, at GBX 1,080.00. The company, which is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, has given its shareholders a return of 6.20% over the last one year as of 28 April 2022. The current market cap of the company stands at £2,878.83m.

Tags: Louise Beardmore, women heads, FTSE water firms, FTSE 100 index, FTSE 250 index, FTSE 350 index, United Utilities, Pennon Group, Severn Trent