The company reported a 22% increase in revenue to £2.6 billion for the year to March, while pre-tax profit more than doubled to £779 million. It raised its dividend by 3.5% to 35.78 pence. Shares jumped 10.9% to 1,455 pence in early trading on Thursday after the company announced plans expected to create 4,000 jobs.
Chief Executive Louise Beardmore said the company is confident in its ability to generate attractive returns while delivering for customers and the environment. However, it remains unclear whether Ofwat will approve the budget increase and how the share sale will affect existing shareholders.