The Laclede Group, Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the second quarter and six months ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company announced total operating revenues of $397,613,000 compared to $358,175,000 for the same period a year ago. Operating income was $51,849,000 compared to $50,583,000 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $46,484,000 compared to $45,685,000 for the same period a year ago. Net income was $30,242,000 or $1.34 per basic and diluted share compared to $29,684,000 or $1.32 per diluted share for the same period a year ago. Net economic earnings were $32.5 million or $1.44 per share compared to $28.4 million or $1.27 per share for the same period a year ago. The increased earnings were driven by higher Gas Utility net income, reflecting a return to more seasonable weather, lower costs and higher infrastructure surcharge revenues. The higher utility earnings were largely offset by costs the company incurred in connection with the pending acquisition of MGE, and lower Gas Marketing earnings. For the six months, the company announced total operating revenues of $704,616,000 compared to $769,088,000 for the same period a year ago. Operating income was $93,935,000 compared to $93,688,000 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes was $83,628,000 compared to $84,415,000 for the same period a year ago. Net income was $55,810,000 or $2.47 per diluted share compared to $54,858,000 or $2.45 per basic and diluted share for the same period a year ago. Net cash generated from operating activities was $142,366,000 compared to $71,459,000 for the same period a year ago. Capital expenditures were $62,707,000 compared to $40,658,000 for the same period a year ago. Net economic earnings were $60.7 million or $2.69 per share compared to $53.3 million or $2.38 per share for the same period a year ago.

The Laclede Group, Inc. provided capital expenditure guidance for the fiscal 2013. The company announced capital spending remains on track, and expects to finish the fiscal 2013 at approximately $150 million.

The Board of Directors of The Laclede Group, Inc. declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.425 per share, payable on July 2, 2013, to shareholders of record on June 11, 2013.