Why it matters: Origin is in the midst of an $18.7 billion takeover deal
It reported a better-than-expected underlying net profit of $747 million
Origin declared a final dividend of 20¢ a share, up from 16.5¢ a year earlier
A big improvement in profits in Origin Energy’s energy markets business and a further increase this coming year has drawn criticism over electricity tariffs and revived a debate whether the $18.7 billion Brookfield-led takeover offer still represents good value.
Origin expects earnings in its energy markets business to further improve this year before a softening in electricity profits as tariffs finally turn south.
