Vectren Corporation Reports Improved First Quarter 2017 Results; Affirms 2017 Guidance

EVANSVILLE, IN--(Marketwired - May 08, 2017) - Vectren Corporation (VVC) today reported first quarter 2017 net income of $55.4 million, or $0.67 per share, compared to net income of $48.3 million, or $0.58 per share, in the first quarter of 2016.

Summary and highlights of results

  • Utility Group earnings were $65.9 million, or $0.80 per share, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $61.1 million, or $0.74 per share, in 2016. Increased results reflect the continued growth in returns from the on-going investment in gas infrastructure programs in both Indiana and Ohio. Overall results were favorable even after considering the very warm weather in the quarter.

  • Nonutility Group seasonal losses were ($10.5) million, or ($0.13) per share, in the first quarter of 2017, compared to ($12.7) million, or ($0.16) per share, in 2016. Results improved year over year from a very strong quarter for the Distribution construction business.

"Our first quarter results for the Utility Group are on track, considering first quarter weather that was significantly warmer this year compared to normal," said Carl Chapman, Vectren's chairman, president and CEO. "Our Utility Group results reflect the on-going investment in our gas infrastructure programs in both Indiana and Ohio. And, while not yet impacting earnings, we continue to work diligently on our electric grid modernization and generation diversification plans that will set the stage for additional growth."

"Our Infrastructure Services' Distribution operation performed very well in the quarter as the strong demand for utility distribution infrastructure replacement and an extended construction period from the mild weather resulted in record first quarter revenue," said Chapman. "First quarter results also reflect pre-construction costs of about $0.03 per share for the large transmission pipeline project in Ohio started late in the quarter."

2017 earnings guidance affirmed

The company affirms its 2017 consolidated earnings guidance range of $2.55 to $2.65 per share. The 2017 consolidated earnings guidance expectation includes Utility Group earnings within a range of $2.10 to $2.15 per share and the Nonutility Group/Corporate and Other earnings within a range of $0.45 to $0.50 per share.

Guidance ranges are based on assumptions and information currently available, but changes in these assumptions or other circumstances could materially impact earnings and result in 2017 earnings significantly above or below this guidance. These targeted ranges are subject to such factors discussed below under "Forward-Looking Statements".