Spire (NYSE: SR) reported Q4 EPS of ($0.52), $0.07 better than the analyst estimate of ($0.59). Revenue for the quarter came in at $239.2 million versus the consensus estimate of $235.35 million.

• Fiscal 2018 diluted earnings per share of $4.33, compared to $3.43 in fiscal 2017
• Net economic earnings* per share of $3.72, up 4.5 percent from a year ago
• Dividend increased to an annualized $2.37 per share
• Long-term earnings growth target of 4-7 percent affirmed
• Fiscal 2019 net economic earnings per share expected to be $3.70-$3.80

"I'm so proud of our Spire employees who delivered another year of solid performance. Together, we achieved higher earnings per share reflecting organic growth, investments in infrastructure upgrades, technology and new business, as well as strong performance by Spire Marketing. Of particular importance, we have achieved certainty in Missouri and Alabama regulatory outcomes," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president and chief executive officer of Spire. "With regulatory resets behind us, we are focused on organic growth across our businesses, having recently named business unit presidents to lead these efforts. I'm excited about the coming year as we continue to grow and strengthen Spire for long-term success through our utilities and other businesses including Spire STL Pipeline. We\'re well positioned to deliver both improved operating performance and increased earnings per share, while continuing to elevate the customer experience."

GUIDANCE:

Spire sees FY2019 EPS of $3.70-$3.80, versus the consensus of $3.68.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Spire (SR) click here.