Vector, the Auckland-based electricity, gas and telecommunications network operator, lifted net profit 2.3 per cent, missing estimates, as its technology unit bolstered sagging earnings from traditional energy revenue streams.
Net profit rose to $203.3 million, or 20.4 cents per share, in the 12 months ended June 30, from $198.8 million, or 20 cents, a year earlier, the company said in a statement. That was just short of First NZ Capital estimates of $207.9 million. Revenue rose 2.2 per cent to $1.25 billion and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation edged up 0.5 per cent to $627.4 million.
"The convergence of information technology and infrastructure management technology has opened up new growth opportunities for Vector," chief executive Simon Mackenzie said. "These are now buoying our financial performance in the face of a new economic norm of patchy growth, reduced energy consumption and a challenging environment for value-enhancing acquisitions."
The board declared a final dividend of 7.75 cents per share, with a Sept. 6 record date, payable on Sept. 13. That takes the annual return to 15 cents.
The shares fell 0.4 per cent to $2.64 yesterday, and have shed 2.9 per cent this year, lagging the benchmark NZX 50 index's 12 per cent gain. The stock is rated an average 'hold' based on six analyst recommendations compiled by Reuters, with a median target price of $2.80.