Northwest Natural Gas (NYSE: NWN) reported Q4 EPS of $1.27, $0.07 better than the analyst estimate of $1.20. Revenue for the quarter came in at $238.63 million versus the consensus estimate of $248.26 million.

• Consolidated 2018 net income of $2.24 per share consistent with guidance of $2.10 to $2.30 per share, compared to a consolidated net loss of $1.93 per share for 2017, and adjusted 2017 consolidated net income1 of $2.24 per share
• Ranked first in the West for the sixth year in a row and scored third highest in nation in 2018 J.D. Power Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study
• Added more than 12,500 natural gas meters over the last 12 months equating to a 1.7% growth rate
• Invested over $200 million in the gas system and the North Mist Expansion
• Announced pending and closed water acquisitions totaling nearly $70 million
• Raised dividend for 63rd consecutive year with an annual indicated dividend rate of $1.90 per share
• Signed an agreement to sell interest in the Gill Ranch gas storage facility
• Filed first Washington general rate case in a decade for NW Natural
• Entered settlement agreement regarding remaining items in NW Natural's Oregon general rate case
• Initiated 2019 earnings guidance in the range of $2.25 to $2.45 per share from continuing operations

"2018 was a year of significant progress for our Company. After 160 years of operations, we continue to grow and innovate. Our employees were once again honored with top customer satisfaction scores, we expanded our footprint in the water sector, and increased dividends paid for the 63rd consecutive year. All while continuing to operate one of the fastest growing, most modern, and reliable gas utilities in the country,” said David H. Anderson, president and CEO of Northwest Natural Holding Company.

GUIDANCE:

Northwest Natural Gas sees FY2019 EPS of $2.25-$2.45, versus the consensus of $2.46.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Northwest Natural Gas (NWN) click here.