Otter Tail Corporation Reports 2008 Financial Results; Board Declares Quarterly Dividend


FERGUS FALLS, Minn., Feb. 2, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq:OTTR) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2008.

2008 Highlights:



 * Consolidated revenues increased 5.8% to a record $1.3 billion in
   2008.
 * Electric segment net income increased to $33.2 million in 2008.
 * Consolidated net income was $35.1 million in 2008 compared with
   $54.0 million in 2007.
 * Total diluted earnings per share were $1.09 in 2008 compared with
   $1.78 in 2007.

CEO Overview

"By most any financial or economic measure, 2008 proved to be a difficult year and our financial results reflect that reality," said John Erickson, president and chief executive officer of Otter Tail Corporation. "Like most companies, we are experiencing the effects of a weakened and unpredictable economy. Many of our nonelectric businesses, which as a group posted record years in 2006 and 2007, serve end markets that were significantly affected by the sweeping economic decline in 2008. Additionally, one of our businesses, DMI Industries, faced operational challenges that can accompany rapid expansion as it prepared for wind-industry growth." Erickson continued, "We are encouraged that Otter Tail Corporation's core electric business, Otter Tail Power Company, posted solid results in 2008. During the year, we aggressively invested in major organic growth opportunities in wind energy projects, such as Otter Tail Power Company's construction of 32 wind turbines at the Ashtabula Wind Center in North Dakota, and DMI Industries' expansion of wind tower manufacturing plants in North Dakota and Oklahoma."

"Despite the difficult year our balance sheet is healthy. We maintain a strong capital structure, are compliant with all of our debt covenants, and have sufficient liquidity under our existing credit facilities to provide for working capital requirements and help fuel future growth initiatives.

Clearly, not knowing the duration of the current recession makes it difficult to forecast earnings. We expect 2009 will be a challenging year, requiring continued discipline on managing costs and capital expenditures. Recognizing we are in a time of continuing economic uncertainty, our current estimate of 2009 earnings is in the range of $1.10 to $1.50 per diluted share."

2009 Dividend Declared

Otter Tail Corporation continues its history of uninterrupted dividend payments since 1938. On February 2, 2009 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.2975 per share. This dividend is payable March 10, 2009 to shareholders of record on February 13, 2009. The Board's dividend decision reflects the corporation's financial strength, commitment to the dividend and confidence in the future, while exhibiting prudency in difficult economic times. The dividend payout ratio is expected to decline over time as earnings increase based on our strategic plans.

The Board also declared quarterly dividends on the corporation's four series of preferred stock, payable February 28, 2009 to shareholders of record as of February 13.

Segment Performance Summary

Electric

Electric segment revenues and net income were $340.0 million and $33.2 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with $323.5 million and $24.5 million in 2007. The increase in electric revenues was due to a $10.7 million increase in retail revenues, a $4.2 million increase in other electric revenues and a $1.6 million net increase in wholesale and energy trading revenues.

The increase in retail revenues reflects $8.0 million in 2008 Minnesota and North Dakota Renewable Resource Cost Recovery Rider revenue. An approved increase in Minnesota retail electric rates of approximately 2.9% resulted in a $3.6 million increase in retail revenues in 2008. These revenue increases were augmented by a 2.9% increase in retail kilowatt-hour (kwh) sales resulting from a 7.8% increase in heating degree days between the years, but offset by a $6.7 million reduction in fuel-cost recovery revenues in 2008 related to a reduction in kwhs purchased for system use in 2008.

The increase in other electric revenues includes a $3.6 million increase in revenues from contracted construction work completed for other entities on regional wind power projects and a $0.8 million increase in revenues from steam sales to an ethanol plant near the Big Stone Plant site, offset by a $0.2 million reduction in revenues from shared use of transmission facilities. Wholesale electric revenues from company-owned generation increased to $23.7 million in 2008 compared with $20.3 million in 2007 as a result of a 28.4% increase in wholesale kwh sales partially offset by a 9.2% decrease in the price per kwh sold. Net gains from energy trading activities, including net mark-to-market gains and losses on forward energy contracts, were $3.5 million in 2008 compared with $5.3 million in 2007.

Fuel and purchased-power costs to serve retail and wholesale electric customers decreased $6.9 million between the years. Fuel costs for generation for retail customers increased $8.3 million as a result of a 12.1% increase in generation for system use combined with a 3.4% increase in fuel costs per kwh generated for system use. Purchased power costs to serve retail customers decreased $18.4 million as a result of a 23.8% decrease in kwhs purchased combined with a 1.0% decrease in the cost per kwh purchased for system use. Fuel costs for wholesale sales increased $3.2 million due to a 28.4% increase in wholesale kwh sales combined with a 7.1% increase in the cost of fuel per kwh generated for wholesale sales. Overall fuel costs per kwh generated increased 8.8%, but electricity from zero-fuel-cost wind turbines mitigated the increase in fuel costs per kwh from generation used to serve retail customers. A $7.8 million increase in electric operating and maintenance expenses includes: (1) $3.1 million in increased costs related to contracted construction work completed for other entities on regional wind power projects, (2) $1.7 million in turbine repair costs at Hoot Lake Plant in 2008, (3) $0.9 million in higher wage and benefit expenses related to a general wage increase, (4) $0.6 million in wind turbine related expenses, and (5) a net increase of $1.5 million in other operating expenses. Depreciation expenses increased $5.7 million as a result of recent capital additions, including 27 wind turbines at the Langdon Wind Energy Center.

Plastics

Plastics segment revenues and net income were $116.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with $149.0 million and $8.3 million in 2007. The decreases in revenues and net income reflect a 26% reduction in pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe sold due to sluggish housing and construction markets in 2008.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing segment revenues and net income were $470.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with $381.6 million and $15.6 million in 2007. Within the segment:



 * DMI Industries, Inc. recorded an increase of $64.6 million in
   revenue due to increased production, but less than optimal
   productivity rates associated with ramping up operations at DMI's
   Oklahoma plant, higher costs due to steel surcharges, lower than
   expected margins on a production contract at the Fort Erie plant,
   increased depreciation expense and higher interest costs contributed
   to a $4.8 million reduction in DMI's net income between the years.
   Included in DMI's cost of goods sold for 2008 are costs of $4.3
   million associated with start-up of DMI's new plant in Oklahoma.

 * BTD Manufacturing, Inc. recorded an increase of $32.0 million in
   revenues, including $17.5 million in 2008 revenues from Miller
   Welding & Iron Works, Inc., acquired in May 2008, $7.6 million from
   higher prices driven by higher material costs and $6.9 million from
   increased sales to existing customers. BTD's net income increased
   $1.7 million between the years, with $0.6 million of the increase
   related to companies acquired by BTD in 2007 and 2008. Also, BTD's
   operating income was reduced by $1.0 million in 2008 as a result of
   the sale of Miller Welding's inventory that was adjusted to fair
   value on acquisition, as required under business combination
   accounting rules.

 * T.O. Plastics, Inc. recorded an increase of $2.5 million in
   revenues, which was mostly offset by higher material, overhead and
   depreciation costs, resulting in a $0.1 million increase in net
   income.

 * ShoreMaster, Inc. recorded a decrease of $10.3 million in revenue as
   a result of lower residential and commercial sales. ShoreMaster's
   net income declined $7.3 million between the years, resulting in a
   significant loss for 2008. Reduced sales combined with dealer
   discounts and tighter profit margins contributed to the reduction in
   net income at ShoreMaster. The decrease in net income also includes
   losses and plant closure costs of $2.3 million related to the
   shutdown and sale of ShoreMaster's production facility in
   California, losses on a large marina project in Costa Rica and
   severance costs associated with changes in management.

Health Services

Health services revenues and net income were $122.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with $130.7 million and $1.4 million in 2007. Revenues from scanning and other related services were down $4.6 million. Revenues from equipment sales and servicing were down $3.6 million, reflecting a trend away from distributor sales in favor of commission based manufacturer representative sales. The $1.3 million decrease in net income between the years was mainly due to declining sales and revenues from scanning and other related services. The imaging side of the business continues to be affected by less than optimal utilization of certain imaging assets.

Food Ingredient Processing

Food ingredient processing revenues and net income were $65.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with $70.4 million and $4.4 million in 2007. The $5.1 million decrease in revenues is due to a 13.2% decrease in pounds of product sold, partially offset by a 7.0% increase in the price per pound of product sold. The decrease in product sales was due to a reduction in sales to European customers and major snack customers and to lower production caused by potato supply shortages. European sales were higher than normal in 2007 due to reduced crop yields in Europe in 2006. Supply constraints combined with energy costs rising at rates faster than could be passed through to customers increased costs and lowered profits on products sold in 2008.

Other Business Operations

Other business operations revenues and net income were $199.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively, in 2008 compared with $185.7 million and $4.0 million in 2007.



 * At the construction companies, revenues increased $6.3 million due
   to a higher volume of work completed in 2008. Net income increased
   $2.4 million mainly as a result of increased margins on wind turbine
   and electric transmission line projects.

 * In the trucking operations, revenues increased $7.5 million while
   expenses increased $8.3 million, resulting in a $0.8 million
   reduction in net income between the years. The increase in trucking
   company revenues is due to fuel surcharges related to higher average
   fuel costs and expansion into heavy-haul services in the fourth
   quarter of 2007.

Corporate

Corporate expenses, net-of-tax, were $12.3 million in 2008 compared with $4.3 million in 2007. The increase reflects an increase of $4.4 million in interest costs on certain debt held at corporate and increased costs in following areas: self insured health insurance plan, insurance expenses and claims experience in the captive insurance company, stock-based compensation and benefit expenses and outside professional service costs related to the formation of a holding company. These increases were offset by decreased incentive compensation expense between the years.

Fourth Quarter Results

Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $0.38 compared with $0.46 for the fourth quarter of 2007. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $334.4 million compared with $329.7 million for the same quarter a year ago. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $25.8 million compared with $24.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2007. Net income was $13.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with $14.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, with increases in net income in the electric, health services and other business operations segments offset by decreases in net income in the corporation's plastics, food ingredient processing and manufacturing segments and a $3.0 million increase in unallocated corporate expenses.

2009 Business Outlook

Otter Tail Corporation ended the year with a strong liquidity position, including available credit lines of $220.6 million; $142.9 million under the Otter Tail Power Company credit facility and $77.7 million under the Varistar Corporation credit facility. The corporation believes it has the necessary liquidity to effectively conduct business operations for an extended period if current market conditions continue. Despite the difficult year in 2008, the corporation's balance sheet is strong and it is in compliance with its debt covenants. The corporation completed an equity offering in September 2008, which allowed it to invest in major organic growth opportunities in wind energy projects.

Otter Tail Corporation anticipates 2009 diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $1.10 to $1.50. This guidance takes into account the seasonality of the operating cycles of the corporation's businesses and reflects challenges presented by an ongoing economic recession and the corporation's plans to manage operating expenses and prudently reduce capital expenditures across all operating companies. The corporation's current consolidated capital expenditure expectation for 2009 is in the range of $60 to $70 million. This compares with $266 million of capital expenditures in 2008. The corporation has businesses that could benefit from proposed economic stimulus packages being considered by Congress. The corporation continues to explore investments in wind projects for the electric segment that could have a positive effect on earnings and returns on capital. There could be additional capital expenditure opportunities available as well for some of the corporation's nonelectric businesses should proposed economic stimulus packages be enacted.

Contributing to the earnings guidance for 2009 are the following items:



 * The corporation expects increased levels of revenue and net income
   from the electric segment in 2009 as a result of recently granted
   rate increases and resource recovery riders. The expected increase
   in revenues includes Minnesota and North Dakota Renewable Resource
   Cost Recovery Rider revenue related to the Ashtabula Wind Center
   that was placed in service in late 2008, an interim rate increase of
   approximately $4.8 million, or 4.1%, which is part of a rate case
   filed with the North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC) in
   November 2008 requesting a general rate increase of approximately
   $6.1 million, or 5.1%. Interim rates remain in effect for all North
   Dakota customers until the NDPSC makes a final determination on the
   electric utility's request, which is expected to occur by August 1,
   2009. Expectations in 2009 also reflect a request for an increase in
   revenues in South Dakota of approximately $3.8 million annually, or
   15.3% ($1.3 million in 2009). A final decision on the request is
   expected from the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission in
   mid-summer 2009 with no provision for an increase in rates in the
   interim.

 * The corporation expects the plastics segment's 2009 performance to
   be below 2008 earnings given continued poor economic conditions.
   Announced capacity expansions are not expected to be brought on line
   until the economy improves and demand for PVC pipe increases.

 * The corporation expects earnings from the manufacturing segment to
   improve in 2009. Business conditions at BTD Manufacturing remain
   relatively strong and earnings are expected to increase in 2009
   given full year operating results of Miller Welding, acquired in May
   2008, an expanded customer base and expected improvements in
   manufacturing processes. While the economy is expected to impact the
   amount of spending on waterfront products, earnings are expected to
   improve at ShoreMaster compared with 2008 given the restructuring
   that has occurred in its business. The Adelanto facility has been
   closed, workforce reductions have been put in place, capital
   spending is being limited and improved profitability is expected on
   commercial projects in 2009. At DMI Industries, the corporation
   expects a decline in earnings in 2009 due to wind developers'
   limited access to financing which has resulted in cancellation or
   suspension of orders across the industry. Industry forecasts for
   megawatt installations of wind power in 2009 portray a decrease of
   between 25 to 50 percent from 2008. T. O. Plastics' earnings are
   expected to remain flat between the years. Backlog in place in the
   manufacturing segment to support 2009 revenues is approximately $241
   million compared with $295 million one year ago.

 * The corporation expects increased net income from its health
   services segment in 2009 as it focuses on improving its mix of
   imaging assets and asset utilization rates and has implemented cost
   reductions across the segment.

 * The corporation expects increased net income from its food
   ingredient processing business in 2009 based on expectations of
   higher sales volumes, strong pricing for products, lower energy
   costs and higher production levels in 2009 compared with 2008. This
   business has backlog in place for 2009 of 48 million pounds compared
   with 52 million pounds one year ago.

 * The other business operations segment is expected to have a similar
   level of earnings in 2009 compared with 2008. Backlog in place for
   the construction businesses is $71 million for 2009 compared with
   $77 million one year ago.

 * Corporate general and administrative costs are expected to decrease
   in 2009.

Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements that Could Affect Future Results

The information in this release includes certain forward-looking information, including 2009 expectations, made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the corporation believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially from those expectations. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results for the corporation to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:



 * The corporation is subject to federal and state legislation,
   regulations and actions that may have a negative impact on its
   business and results of operations.

 * Actions by the regulators of the electric segment could result in
   rate reductions, lower revenues and earnings or delays in recovering
   capital expenditures.

 * Future operating results of the electric segment will be impacted by
   the outcome of a rate case filed in North Dakota on November 1, 2008
   requesting an overall increase in North Dakota rates of 5.14%. The
   filing included a request for an interim rate increase of 4.07%,
   which went into effect on January 1, 2009. Interim rates will remain
   in effect for all North Dakota customers until the NDPSC makes a
   final determination on the electric utility's request, which is
   expected by August 1, 2009. If final rates are lower than interim
   rates, the electric utility will refund North Dakota customers the
   difference with interest.

 * Any significant impairment of the corporation's goodwill would cause
   a decrease in the corporation's assets and a reduction in its net
   operating performance.

 * A sustained decline in the corporation's common stock price below
   book value may result in goodwill impairments that could adversely
   affect the corporation's results of operations and financial
   position, as well as credit facility covenants.

 * The terms of some of the corporation's contracts could expose the
   corporation to unforeseen costs and costs not within the
   corporation's control, which may not be recoverable and could
   adversely affect the corporation's results of operations and
   financial condition.

 * The corporation is subject to risks associated with energy markets.

 * Future operating results of the electric segment will be impacted by
   the outcome of rate rider filings in Minnesota for transmission
   investments.

 * Certain costs currently included in the fuel clause adjustment (FCA)
   in retail rates may be excluded from recovery through the FCA but
   may be subject to recovery through rates established in a general
   rate case.

 * Weather conditions or changes in weather patterns can adversely
   affect the corporation's operations and revenues.

 * Electric wholesale margins could be further reduced as the Midwest
   Independent Transmission System Operator market becomes more
   efficient.

 * Electric wholesale trading margins could be reduced or eliminated by
   losses due to trading activities.

 * The corporation's electric generating facilities are subject to
   operational risks that could result in unscheduled plant outages,
   unanticipated operation and maintenance expenses and increased power
   purchase costs.

 * Wholesale sales of electricity from excess generation could be
   affected by reductions in coal shipments to the Big Stone and Hoot
   Lake plants due to supply constraints or rail transportation
   problems beyond the corporation's control.

 * The corporation's electric segment has capitalized $11.6 million in
   costs related to the planned construction of a second electric
   generating unit at its Big Stone Plant site as of December 31, 2008.
   If the project is abandoned for permitting or other reasons, a
   portion of these capitalized costs and others incurred in future
   periods may be subject to expense and may not be recoverable.

 * Federal and state environmental regulation could cause the
   corporation to incur substantial capital expenditures and increased
   operating costs.

 * Existing or new laws or regulations addressing climate change or
   reductions of greenhouse gas emissions by federal or state
   authorities, such as mandated levels of renewable generation or
   mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels or
   taxes on CO2 emissions, that result in increases in electric service
   costs could negatively impact the corporation's net income,
   financial position and operating cash flows if such costs cannot be
   recovered through rates granted by ratemaking authorities in the
   states where the electric utility provides service or through
   increased market prices for electricity.

 * The corporation may not be able to respond effectively to
   deregulation initiatives in the electric industry, which could
   result in reduced revenues and earnings.

 * The corporation's manufacturer of wind towers operates in a market
   that has been influenced by the existence of a Federal Production
   Tax Credit. This tax credit is scheduled to expire on December 31,
   2009. Should this tax credit not be renewed, the revenues and
   earnings of this business, as well as the electrical contracting
   business in the corporation's other businesses segment, could be
   reduced.

 * If the corporation is unable to achieve the organic growth it
   expects, its financial performance may be adversely affected.

 * The corporation's plans to grow and diversify through acquisitions
   and capital projects may not be successful and could result in poor
   financial performance.

 * The corporation's plans to acquire, grow and operate its nonelectric
   businesses could be limited by state law.

 * Competition is a factor in all of the corporation's businesses.

 * Economic uncertainty could have an adverse impact on the
   corporation's future revenues and earnings.

 * Volatile financial markets and changes in the corporation's debt
   rating could restrict the corporation's ability to access capital
   and could increase borrowing costs and pension plan expenses.
   Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the financial markets can
   also adversely impact the results of operations, the ability of
   customers to finance purchases of goods and services, and the
   financial condition of the corporation as well as exert downward
   pressure on stock prices and/or limit the corporation's ability to
   sustain its current common stock dividend level.

 * As of December 31, 2008, the corporation's defined benefit pension
   plan assets had declined significantly since December 31, 2007. The
   corporation is not required to make a mandatory contribution to the
   pension plan in 2009. However, if the market value of pension plan
   assets continues to decline and relief under the Pension Protection
   Act is no longer granted, the corporation could be required to
   contribute additional capital to the pension plan in 2009.

 * The price and availability of raw materials could affect the revenue
   and earnings of the corporation's manufacturing segment.

 * The corporation's food ingredient processing segment operates in a
   highly competitive market and is dependent on adequate sources of
   raw materials for processing. Should the supply of these raw
   materials be affected by poor growing conditions, this could
   negatively impact the results of operations for this segment.

 * The corporation's food ingredient processing and wind tower
   manufacturing businesses could be adversely affected by changes in
   foreign currency exchange rates.

 * The corporation's plastics segment is highly dependent on a limited
   number of vendors for PVC resin, many of which are located in the
   Gulf Coast regions, and a limited supply of resin. The loss of a key
   vendor or an interruption or delay in the supply of PVC resin could
   result in reduced sales or increased costs for this business.
   Reductions in PVC resin prices could negatively impact PVC pipe
   prices, profit margins on PVC pipe sales and the value of PVC pipe
   held in inventory.

 * Changes in the rates or method of third-party reimbursements for
   diagnostic imaging services could result in reduced demand for those
   services or create downward pricing pressure, which would decrease
   revenues and earnings for the corporation's health services segment.

 * The corporation's health services business dealership agreement with
   Philips Medical expired on December 31, 2008. The business continues
   to operate as a dealer for Philips Medical and expects to renew this
   agreement in the first quarter of 2009. In the event the dealer
   agreement is not renewed, the health services' equipment sales
   business could be adversely affected.

 * Technological change in the diagnostic imaging industry could reduce
   the demand for diagnostic imaging services and require the
   corporation's health services operations to incur significant costs
   to upgrade their equipment.

 * Actions by regulators of the corporation's health services
   operations could result in monetary penalties or restrictions in the
   corporation's health services operations.

 * A significant failure or an inability to properly bid or perform on
   projects by the corporation's construction businesses could lead to
   adverse financial results.

For a further discussion of other risk factors and cautionary statements, refer to reports the corporation files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About The Corporation: Otter Tail Corporation has interests in diversified operations that include an electric utility, manufacturing, health services, food ingredient processing and infrastructure businesses which include plastics, construction and transportation. Otter Tail Corporation stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol OTTR. The latest investor and corporate information is available at www.ottertail.com. Corporate offices are located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota.

The Otter Tail Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4958

See Otter Tail Corporation's results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 in the attached financial statements. Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets -- Assets, Consolidated Balance Sheets -- Liabilities and Equity



                     Otter Tail Corporation
                Consolidated Statements of Income
             For the Three and Twelve Months Ended
                   December 31, 2008 and 2007
        In thousands, except share and per share amounts

                           Quarter Ended            Year-to-Date
                            December 31,            December 31,
                          2008        2007        2008        2007
 Operating Revenues by
  Segment:
   Electric            $   90,881  $   90,816  $  340,020  $  323,478
   Plastics                16,767      34,693     116,452     149,012
   Manufacturing          124,747      95,258     470,462     381,599
   Health Services         31,376      33,895     122,520     130,670
   Food Ingredient
    Processing             18,223      16,828      65,367      70,440
   Other Business
    Operations             53,671      58,766     199,511     185,730
   Corporate Revenue
    and Intersegment
    Eliminations           (1,224)       (569)     (3,135)     (2,042)
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total Operating
      Revenues            334,441     329,687   1,311,197   1,238,887

 Operating Expenses:
   Fuel and Purchased
    Power                  35,217      44,145     128,259     135,172
   Nonelectric Cost of
    Goods Sold
    (depreciation
    included below)       191,835     191,047     775,292     712,547
   Electric Operating
    and Maintenance
    Expense                29,244      28,125     124,249     116,454
   Nonelectric Operating
    and Maintenance
    Expense                34,839      28,764     143,050     121,110
   Plant Closure Costs         --          --       2,295          --
   Depreciation and
    Amortization           17,460      13,424      65,060      52,830
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total Operating
      Expenses            308,595     305,505   1,238,205   1,138,113

 Operating Income (Loss)
  by Segment:
   Electric                18,043      11,950      55,757      45,755
   Plastics                (1,425)        979       4,260      14,362
   Manufacturing            7,556       7,953      15,754      33,051
   Health Services          1,262        (201)      1,008       3,430
   Food Ingredient
    Processing              1,514       1,698       2,860       6,762
   Other Business
    Operations              3,188       2,818       9,758       7,817
   Corporate               (4,292)     (1,015)    (16,405)    (10,403)
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total Operating
      Income               25,846      24,182      72,992     100,774
 Interest Charges           5,935       6,036      26,958      20,857
 Other Income               1,383         780       4,128       2,012
 Income Taxes               7,547       4,808      15,037      27,968

 Net Income (Loss) by
  Segment
   Electric                10,689       7,007      33,234      24,498
   Plastics                (1,033)        704       1,880       8,314
   Manufacturing            4,109       4,281       5,269      15,632
   Health Services            610        (282)         85       1,427
   Food Ingredient
    Processing                947       1,401       1,681       4,386
   Other Business
    Operations              1,909       1,454       5,279       4,049
   Corporate               (3,484)       (447)    (12,303)     (4,345)
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Total Net Income          13,747      14,118      35,125      53,961
 Preferred Stock
  Dividend                    184         184         736         736
                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Balance for Common:   $   13,563  $   13,934  $   34,389  $   53,225
                       ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
 Average Number of
  Common Shares
  Outstanding:
   Basic               35,311,160  29,790,350  31,409,076  29,681,237
   Diluted             35,515,716  30,089,899  31,673,069  29,969,523

 Earnings Per
  Common Share:
   Basic               $     0.38  $     0.47  $     1.09  $     1.79
   Diluted             $     0.38  $     0.46  $     1.09  $     1.78
 
 
                     Otter Tail Corporation
                   Consolidated Balance Sheets
                             Assets
                          In thousands

                                              December 31, December 31,
                                                  2008        2007
 Current Assets
 Cash and Cash Equivalents                     $    7,565  $   39,824
 Accounts Receivable:
   Trade--Net                                     136,609     151,446
   Other                                           13,587      14,934
 Inventories                                      101,955      97,214
 Deferred Income Taxes                              8,386       7,200
 Accrued Utility and Cost-of-Energy Revenues       24,030      32,501
 Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of
  Billings                                         65,606      42,234
 Income Taxes Receivable                           26,754         283
 Other                                              8,519      15,016
                                               ----------  ----------
   Total Current Assets                           393,011     400,652
                                               ----------  ----------

 Investments                                        7,542      10,057
 Other Assets                                      22,615      24,500
 Goodwill                                         106,778      99,242
 Other Intangibles--Net                            35,441      20,456

 Deferred Debits
 Unamortized Debt Expense and Reacquisition
  Premiums                                          7,247       6,986
 Regulatory Assets and Other Deferred Debits       82,384      38,837
                                               ----------  ----------
   Total Deferred Debits                           89,631      45,823
                                               ----------  ----------

 Plant
 Electric Plant in Service                      1,205,647   1,028,917
 Nonelectric Operations                           321,032     257,590
                                               ----------  ----------
   Total                                        1,526,679   1,286,507
 Less Accumulated Depreciation and 
  Amortization                                    548,070     506,744
                                               ----------  ----------
 Plant--Net of Accumulated Depreciation and
  Amortization                                    978,609     779,763
 Construction Work in Progress                     58,960      74,261
                                               ----------  ----------
   Net Plant                                    1,037,569     854,024
                                               ----------  ----------
     Total                                     $1,692,587  $1,454,754
                                               ==========  ==========
 
 
                      Otter Tail Corporation
                    Consolidated Balance Sheets
                      Liabilities and Equity
                           In thousands

                                               December 31, December 31,
                                                   2008        2007
 Current Liabilities
 Short-Term Debt                                $  134,914  $   95,000
 Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt                3,747       3,004
 Accounts Payable                                  113,422     141,390
 Accrued Salaries and Wages                         29,688      29,283
 Accrued Taxes                                      10,939      11,409
 Other Accrued Liabilities                          12,034      13,873
                                                ----------  ----------
  Total Current Liabilities                        304,744     293,959
                                                ----------  ----------

 Pensions Benefit Liability                         80,912      39,429
 Other Postretirement Benefits Liability            32,621      30,488
 Other Noncurrent Liabilities                       19,391      23,228

 Deferred Credits
 Deferred Income Taxes                             123,086     105,813
 Deferred Tax Credits                               34,288      16,761
 Regulatory Liabilities                             64,684      62,705
 Other                                                 397         275
                                                ----------  ----------
  Total Deferred Credits                           222,455     185,554
                                                ----------  ----------

 Capitalization
 Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities         339,726     342,694
 Class B Stock Options of Subsidiary                 1,220       1,255

 Cumulative Preferred Shares                        15,500      15,500

 Cumulative Preference Shares                           --          --

 Common Shares, Par Value $5 Per Share             176,923     149,249
 Premium on Common Shares                          241,731     108,885
 Retained Earnings                                 260,364     263,332
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income      (3,000)      1,181
                                                ----------  ----------
  Total Common Equity                              676,018     522,647

    Total Capitalization                         1,032,464     882,096
                                                ----------  ----------

      Total                                     $1,692,587  $1,454,754
                                                ==========  ==========


            

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