Despite the downward trend in earnings at Severn Trent (LON:SVT) the stock rises 5.2%, bringing five-year gains to 50%

Investors seek stocks that outperform the market for wealth growth. Severn Trent PLC shows a 22% rise in 5 years, but EPS dropped. Market focus shifted to other aspects like dividends and revenue growth. Total shareholder return was boosted by dividends, though short of the market average.