UPDATE: Meridian shares rise after capital return flagged

UPDATE: Meridian shares rise after capital return flagged
(Adds investor comment, recasts) By Paul McBeth Feb. 18 (BusinessDesk) - Shares of Meridian Energy gained after the electricity generator-retailer flagged capital returns for shareholders over the next five years, including a special dividend with today's first-half earnings report. The stock rose 2.6 percent to $1.95 after the Wellington-based company said it plans to return $625 million to shareholders via on-market buybacks and special dividends, and increased the proportion of free cash flow it will pay out in future dividends....