![MeridianHalfYr](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/5BYW3VBJALILMBQSDSJM6TOV54.jpg?auth=6dbdadf2fea10313a0b047265e125d5410f4c93ade92c8feb778049c005bdce4&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
Meridian Energy has reported record full-year earnings, boosted by favourable hydro generation from its South Island dams and a 39 per cent uplift in corporate sales.
The country's biggest electricity generator said net profit rose 26 per cent to a record $191 million in the six months to December 31. Underlying net profit, which excludes fair-value adjustments and one-off costs, rose to $184 million from $144 million.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and changes in financial instruments climbed 20 per cent to $465m.
The company announced an unchanged interim dividend of 5.70c per share and a special dividend of 2.44c per share.