FIRST TAKE: Meridian Energy reports flat earnings for FY17, explores Europe for Powershop

FIRST TAKE: Meridian Energy reports flat earnings for FY17, explores Europe for Powershop
Pattrick Smellie
By Pattrick Smellie Aug. 24 (BusinessDesk) - Meridian Energy reported flat earnings for the year to June 30, reflecting a strong first-half performance offset by dry conditions in the South Island that limited its ability to generate electricity from its southern hydro dams. Net profit after tax was $197 million, up from $185 million the year before, but on its preferred measure of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and changes in the value of financial instruments (ebitdaf), earnings were just 5 percent up on the p...