United Utilities Posts Higher Pretax Profit, Lifts Dividend

United Utilities Group PLC UUGRY reported a rise in its pretax profit for the six months ended Sept. 30 and lifted its interim dividend by 5% to 12.01 pence. United Utilities' pretax profit for the period surged to GBP335 million, versus GBP139 million, in the year-ago period. Its revenue climbed to GBP853.3 million from GBP822.9 million. United Utilities shares closed at $21.49 yesterday.