Group Revenue Growth
Vector Group revenue increased 14% year-on-year for the half, driven principally by higher electricity revenue as the new regulatory period (DPP4) came into effect.
Adjusted EBITDA Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA rose to $240 million, up 19% versus the prior period, reflecting stronger Electricity segment performance and higher pass-through recovery of transmission charges.
Electricity Segment Lift
Electricity adjusted EBITDA increased by approximately $48 million year-on-year (reflecting DPP4 benefits versus DPP3). Total electricity connection numbers grew ~1.3%.
Bluecurrent Performing and Distributions Increasing
Bluecurrent performed in line with expectations: year-on-year revenue and EBITDA increased. Vector received $26.6 million of distributions for its 50% share (up from $23.4 million prior period). Metering refinancing reduced interest expense (roughly ~30 basis points), improving underlying cash flow.
Guidance Maintained and CapEx Commitment
Full-year guidance reaffirmed: adjusted EBITDA guidance range $470m–$490m. Gross capital expenditure guidance increased and tightened to $500m–$540m, underscoring commitment to ~NZ$0.5bn investment in Auckland energy infrastructure.
Stable Balance Sheet Metrics
Group debt levels remained broadly flat with gearing at 37%, indicating stable leverage through the period.
Reliability Within Regulatory Limits
SAIDI (system average interruption duration index) metrics are currently within the Commerce Commission's regulatory limit for the regulatory year, indicating acceptable network reliability performance to date.
Interim Dividend Declared
The Board declared an interim dividend of $0.125 per share (no imputation), providing a shareholder cash return in the period.