The Laclede Group Reports Strong First Quarter Earnings

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Laclede Group, Inc. (NYSE: LG) today reported consolidated net income for its first quarter ending December 31, 2011 totaling $25.2 million, or $1.12 diluted earnings per share, compared to $23.4 million, or $1.05 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2011. On a non-GAAP basis, net economic earnings totaled $24.9 million, or $1.11 per share, compared to $23.4 million, or $1.05 per share, for the same quarter last year.  A chart of net economic earnings and reconciliation to GAAP follows.

Laclede Energy Resources, Inc. (LER), Laclede Group's non-regulated natural gas commodity service provider, generated the year-over-year increase in earnings, as LER's ongoing cost reduction actions improved margins during the quarter.  Laclede Gas also achieved slightly higher earnings.

"The improved earnings for LER reflect our efforts to position ourselves to realize greater margins and acquire additional business through renegotiation and renewal of pipeline transportation contracts during fiscal 2011," said Douglas H. Yaeger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Laclede Group.  "Laclede Gas Company also turned in a solid performance for the quarter as it continues its investments to achieve high levels of customer service and operating efficiencies."

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Laclede Gas Company

Laclede Gas Company, the Company's core utility subsidiary, reported net income of $21.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $21.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011. The higher year-over-year earnings reflected the effect of higher infrastructure system replacement surcharge revenues and lower maintenance costs, partially offset by higher pension and benefit costs.   Laclede Gas continues to ramp-up its investment in both distribution system improvements as well as its multi-year effort to replace its major technology platforms, and capital spending for the quarter increased by approximately $2.8 million (or 18.2%) compared to last year.

Laclede Energy Resources

LER reported net income of $3.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $1.9 million for the same quarter last year.  Net economic earnings totaled $3.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, compared to $1.9 million for the same quarter last year.  The improved results reflected higher margins primarily due to lower transportation costs resulting from the renegotiation of contracts that were renewed during fiscal 2011.

ABOUT THE LACLEDE GROUP

The Laclede Group's earnings are seasonal in nature and generally correspond with the heating season for Laclede Gas Company, its largest subsidiary.

For additional details on The Laclede Group's fiscal 2012 first quarter results, please see the accompanying unaudited Statements of Consolidated Income.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, The Laclede Group, Inc. is a public utility holding company committed to providing reliable natural gas service through its regulated core utility operations, while engaging in non-regulated activities that provide opportunities for sustainable growth. Its subsidiary, Laclede Gas Company, the regulated operations of which are included in the Regulated Gas Distribution segment, serves approximately 625,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in St. Louis City and parts of 10 counties in eastern Missouri. Laclede Group's primary non-regulated business, Laclede Energy Resources, Inc., is included within the Non-Regulated Gas Marketing segment. For more information about Laclede Group and its subsidiaries, visit www.TheLacledeGroup.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's future operating results may be affected by various uncertainties and risk factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including weather conditions, governmental and regulatory policy and action, the competitive environment and economic factors. For a more complete description of these uncertainties and risk factors, see the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Net Economic Earnings

This news release includes the non-GAAP financial measures of "net economic earnings" and "net economic earnings per share."   Management also uses these non-GAAP measures internally when evaluating the Company's performance. Net economic earnings exclude from net income the after-tax impacts of fair value accounting adjustments and other timing adjustments associated with energy-related transactions. These adjustments, which primarily impact LER, include net unrealized gains and losses on energy-related derivatives resulting from the current changes in the fair value of financial and physical transactions prior to their completion and settlement, lower of cost or market inventory adjustments, and realized gains and losses on economic hedges prior to the sale of the physical commodity. Management will also exclude from net income the after-tax costs related to acquisition, divestiture, and restructuring activities, if any.  Management believes that excluding these items provides a useful representation of the economic impact of actual settled transactions and overall results of ongoing operations. These internal non-GAAP operating metrics should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP measures such as net income.

SOURCE The Laclede Group, Inc.