Otter Tail Corporation Announces Second Quarter Earnings; Revises 2009 Earnings Guidance; Board of Directors Declares Dividend


FERGUS FALLS, Minn., Aug. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq:OTTR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Highlights

  • The corporation generated operating cash flow of $90.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, a $55.4million increase over the same period in 2008.
  • Consolidated second quarter 2009 revenues were $246.9 million compared with $323.6 million for the second quarter of 2008.
  • Consolidated net income was $2.7 million compared with $3.5million for the second quarter of 2008.
  • Second quarter 2009 diluted earnings per share totaled $0.07 compared with $0.11 for the same period last year.
  • The corporation remains financially strong, committed to long-term strategies for enhancing shareholder value.

Announcements

  • On August 3, 2009 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of 29.75 cents per share payable September 10, 2009 to shareholders of record on August 14, 2009.
  • The Board also declared quarterly dividends on the corporation's four series of preferred stock, payable September 1, 2009 to shareholders of record on August 14, 2009.
  • The corporation is revising its 2009 diluted earnings per share guidance to be in the range of $0.70 to $1.10 from its previously announced range of $0.80 to $1.20.
  • On July 1, 2009 the corporation completed its transition to a holding company structure.

CEO Overview

"A difficult economy continues to affect business conditions in 2009," said John Erickson, president and chief executive officer of Otter Tail Corporation. "While our retail electric business benefited from some improvement on the residential side during the quarter, we continue to face lower demand and prices for power sold in the wholesale market. Our nonelectric businesses, particularly our construction, plastics and manufacturing companies, have seen a significant reduction in orders from major customers, due in large measure to the slow economic recovery. This quarter's year-over-year reductions in net income from these businesses were partially offset by improved results from our electric and food ingredient processing segments and reductions in corporate expenses.

"We expect continued short-term challenges at least through the end of 2009. In light of our second quarter results, and our expectation of continuing difficult economic conditions for the balance of the year, we are revising the range of 2009 diluted earnings per share to $0.70 to $1.10 from our previous guidance of $0.80 to $1.20," said Erickson.

"We continue our efforts to offset the effects of the economic downturn by focusing on the controllable aspects of our business, such as significantly reducing expenses, enhancing efficiencies and improving cash flow. Thanks to the ongoing support and dedication of our employees throughout the organization, Otter Tail Corporation remains a strong and stable company committed to serving our customers. We will continue to closely monitor costs and remain flexible to quickly adapt to changes in businesses conditions."

Erickson concluded, "Otter Tail Corporation remains fundamentally strong despite our current challenges. We are appropriately diversified and well-positioned for growth as the economy begins to stabilize and, eventually, recover. There are several noteworthy trends that are sources for optimism. Earnings from our food ingredient processing segment continued to improve this past quarter, and we expect this to continue for the remainder of the year. Additionally, we believe the strong public policy commitment to renewable energy at both the state and federal levels bodes well for the prospects of wind development beyond this year, increasing the opportunities for our companies with significant involvement in the wind-energy business. Finally, our consolidated cash flow from operations and liquidity position remain strong, giving us the flexibility we need to manage through a sustained economic downturn."

Cash Flow from Operations

The corporation's cash flow from operations increased to $90.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009 compared with $34.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, primarily driven by a decrease in working capital of approximately $47.1 million.

Otter Tail Corporation maintains a strong liquidity position, including amounts available under credit lines of $243.7 million on July 31, 2009: $170.0 million under the Otter Tail Power Company credit facility and $73.7 million under the Otter Tail 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. "Our commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet and our focus on cash flows continue to help us manage the effects of the ongoing downturn in the economy," said Kevin Moug, chief financial officer of Otter Tail Corporation.

Segment Performance Summary

Electric

Electric revenues and net income were $70.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $68.7 million and net income of $3.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Retail electric revenues increased 6.8% mainly due to the following:

  • a $2.2 million increase in Minnesota resource recovery rider revenues related to generation from the electric utility's wind turbines constructed in 2007 and 2008,
  • a $1.5 million increase related to a Minnesota interim rate revenue refund accrued in the second quarter of 2008,
  • a $0.6 million increase in North Dakota interim rates, and
  • a 1.3% increase in retail kwh sales, offset by a decrease in fuel clause adjustment revenues related to a $0.7 million reduction in fuel and purchased power costs for retail use.

South Dakota General Rate Case--In an order issued by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission on June 30, 2009 the electric utility was granted an increase in South Dakota retail electric rates of $2.9 million, or approximately 11.7%. The electric utility implemented final, approved rates in July 2009.

North Dakota General Rate Case--On November 3, 2008 the electric utility filed a general rate case in North Dakota requesting an overall revenue increase of approximately $6.1 million, or 5.1%, and an interim rate increase of approximately 4.1%, or $4.8 million annualized, that went into effect on January 2, 2009. The North Dakota Public Service Commission's (NDPSC) order authorizing an interim rate increase requires the electric utility to refund North Dakota customers the difference between final and interim rates, with interest, if final rates approved by the NDPSC are lower than interim rates. NDPSC advocacy staff and intervenors' testimony was received in April 2009. A tentative settlement of all issues in the case, joined by all parties and NDPSC advocacy staff, was filed with the NDPSC in June 2009. The NDPSC scheduled a September 28, 2009 hearing for the purpose of considering the settlement. If the settlement is accepted as filed, final rates are expected to be implemented for bills rendered on and after September 1, 2009. Interim rates will remain in effect for all North Dakota customers until the NDPSC makes its final determination. In June 2009, based on terms agreed to in the tentative settlement, the electric utility established a refund reserve of $0.5 million for revenues collected under interim rates.

Fuel costs related to retail use were down due to a reduction in the availability of company-owned generation resulting from a six-week scheduled maintenance shutdown of the electric utility's Coyote Station. A 23.8% reduction in mwh generation from the electric utility's fossil fuel-fired generating units was partially offset by a 97.2% increase in mwh generation from company-owned wind turbines. Despite a 92.3% increase in mwh purchases to make up for the reduction in company-owned generation, purchased power costs increased by only 16.9% as a result of a 39.2% decrease in the costs per mwh purchased. Decreases in natural gas prices, increased output from regional hydroelectric plants, increased efficiency in wholesale electric markets, and a decline in industrial demand for electricity are factors that have contributed to a significant decline in wholesale electric prices in 2009. Renewable wind generation resources provided for 11.7% of the electric utility's total retail kwh sales in the second quarter of 2009.

Wholesale electric revenues from company-owned generation were $2.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with $4.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Reduced plant availability and lower wholesale prices resulted in a 19.6% decrease in wholesale kwh sales combined with a 34.1% decrease in revenue per kwh sold. Net gains from energy trading activities, including net mark-to-market gains on forward energy contracts, were $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with net gains of $1.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Other electric operating revenues increased $0.9 million as a result of an increase in revenues from transmission permitting work of $1.3 million, which was partially offset by a $0.4 million reduction in revenues from other transmission-related services. Electric operating and maintenance expenses increased $0.9 million mainly due to a $1.3 million increase in costs related to transmission permitting work performed for other entities, partially offset by a $0.3 million reduction in property taxes. Depreciation expense increased $1.2 million mainly due to the construction of 32 wind turbines at the Ashtabula Wind Energy Center in 2008. The electric utility's interest costs increased by $1.1 million.

Plastics

Plastics revenues and net income were $22.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $40.6 million and net income of $0.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The decrease in revenues and net income was due to a 28.8% decline in pounds of pipe sold combined with a 23.1% decrease in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe prices. Significant reductions in new home construction in markets served by the plastic pipe companies have resulted in reduced demand and lower prices for PVC pipe products.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing revenues and net loss were $76.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $120.3 million and net income of $1.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

  • At DMI, revenues decreased $25.3 million mainly as a result of delays or suspensions of orders, but net income increased by $1.1 million as a result of improved productivity and cost control measures implemented in 2009. Also, in the second quarter of 2008, DMI's results included costs of $2.0million associated with the start up of DMI's Oklahoma plant.
  • At BTD, revenues decreased $7.6 million and net income was down $1.5 million as a result of a $6.7million decrease in sales volume and a $0.9 million decrease in scrap sales.
  • At T.O. Plastics, revenues decreased $1.8million due to a decrease in sales volumes across product lines. However, T.O. Plastics' net income increased $0.1million between the quarters as cost reductions more than offset the decrease in revenues.
  • At ShoreMaster, revenues and net income decreased $8.8 million and $1.2million, respectively. The decrease in revenues and net income is due to decreases in both residential and commercial sales related to the current economic recession and credit restraints. The decline in net income also reflects $0.6million in additional expenses recorded in the second quarter 2009 on a marina construction project.

Health Services

Health services revenues and net loss were $28.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $30.7 million and a net loss of $0.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Decreases in revenues of $1.7 million from scanning and other related services and $0.8 million from equipment sales and servicing were mostly offset by decreases in costs of goods sold and operating expenses, resulting in a minor increase in net losses between the quarters. 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 $20.6 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $15.9 million and net income of $0.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. The $4.7 million increase in revenues is due to a 12.8% increase in pounds of product sold, combined with 14.7% increase in the price per pound of product sold. Cost of goods sold increased $2.1 million as a result of the increase in sales and a 3.1% increase in the cost per pound of product sold.

Other Business Operations

Other business operations revenues and net loss were $29.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $48.1 million and net income of $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. At the construction companies, revenues decreased $15.7 million and net losses were $0.9 million compared to net income of $0.8 million for the same period a year ago as a result of a reduction in work volume from 2008 to 2009 due to the current economic recession and increased competition for available work. In our trucking operations, revenues decreased $2.8 million and net losses were $0.4 million compared to net income of $0.1 million for the same period a year ago due to a significant reduction in miles driven directly related to the current economic recession.

Corporate

Corporate expenses, net-of-tax, were $2.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 compared with $3.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 mainly due to a $0.6 million decrease in interest costs related to a reduction in corporate-held debt and reductions in health care benefit costs.

Income Taxes

The corporation's effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2009 is significantly lower than its effective income tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The reduction from the federal statutory rate mainly reflects the benefit of production tax credits and North Dakota wind energy credits related to the electric utility's wind turbines of approximately $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2008.

2009 Expectations

Otter Tail Corporation is revising its 2009 earnings guidance to be in a range of $0.70 to $1.10 per diluted share from its previously announced range of $0.80 to $1.20. The earnings guidance revision is reflective of the corporation's expectations that difficult economic conditions will continue for the balance of the year. The revised earnings guidance is subject to risks and uncertainties given current global economic conditions and the other risk factors outlined below.

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

  • The corporation now expects 2009 earnings from its electric segment to be in line with 2008 earnings. While 2009 earnings are expected to be impacted by lower than requested electric revenue increases in North Dakota and South Dakota and lower volumes and margins from wholesale energy sales, the electric utility has benefited from continued cost reduction efforts and higher than expected earnings from the allowance for funds used during construction related to construction of the Luverne Wind Farm.
  • The corporation expects the plastics segment's 2009 performance to be below 2008 earnings given continued poor economic conditions. Previously announced capacity expansions are not expected to be brought on line until the economy improves and demand for PVC pipe increases.
  • The corporation now expects its manufacturing segment to break even in 2009 as a result of the following:
    • BTD experienced continued unexpected declines in customer demand in the second quarter of 2009 and expects soft demand to continue for the rest of the year resulting in lower earnings compared with 2008.
    • While the economy is expected to reduce the amount of spending on waterfront products, net losses are expected to improve at ShoreMaster compared with 2008 given the restructuring that has occurred in its business. While there continues to be uncertainty on the level of spending on residential products, ShoreMaster has implemented significant cost reductions across the organization, reduced capital spending and reorganized its business units for more efficient operations. ShoreMaster continues to experience performance issues on a marina construction project which is having a negative effect on its results of operations.
    • DMI's earnings in 2009 are expected to decline due to the sluggish economy and wind developers' limited access to financing, which has resulted in delays or suspension of orders across the industry. Industry forecasts for megawatt installations of wind power in 2009 indicate a decrease of between 25 to 50 percent from 2008.
    • T. O. Plastics' earnings are expected to remain flat between the years. While T.O. Plastics expects economic challenges, it has implemented cost reductions and efficiency projects to maintain profitability.
    • Backlog in place in the manufacturing segment to support revenues for the remainder of 2009 is approximately $92 million compared with $206 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, lower energy costs and higher production levels in 2009 compared with 2008.
  • The other business operations segment is now expected to have lower earnings in 2009 compared with 2008. The decline in construction projects in 2009 due to poor economic conditions has negatively affected the corporation's construction companies. The corporation's trucking operations continue to be impacted by lower selling prices and volumes in its heavy haul business. Backlog in place for the construction businesses is $42 million for the remainder of 2009 compared with $79 million one year ago.
  • Corporate general and administrative costs are expected to continue 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.
  • Federal and state environmental regulation could cause the corporation to incur substantial capital expenditures and increased operating costs.
  • 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.
  • The corporation's defined benefit pension plan assets declined significantly during 2008 due to the volatile equity markets. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Economic conditions could negatively impact the corporation's businesses.
  • 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 additional businesses and grow and operate its nonelectric businesses could be limited by state law.
  • 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.
  • Certain of the corporation's operating companies sell products to consumers that could be subject to recall.
  • Competition is a factor in all of the corporation's businesses.
  • The corporation may experience fluctuations in revenues and expenses related to its electric operations, which may cause financial results to fluctuate and could impair the corporation's ability to make distributions to shareholders or scheduled payments on the corporation's debt obligations.
  • The corporation's electric segment has capitalized $12.8 million in costs related to the planned construction of a second electric generating unit at its Big Stone Plant site as of June 30, 2009. 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.
  • 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 rate rider filings in Minnesota for transmission investments.
  • 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 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.
  • 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, taxes on CO2 emissions or cap and trade regimes, 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'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.
  • The corporation's plastic pipe companies compete against a large number of other manufacturers of PVC pipe and manufacturers of alternative products. Customers may not distinguish the pipe companies' products from those of its competitors.
  • Competition from foreign and domestic manufacturers, the price and availability of raw materials, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and general economic conditions could affect the revenues and earnings of the corporation's manufacturing businesses.
  • 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 businesses may be unable to continue to maintain agreements with Philips Medical from which the businesses derive significant revenues from the sale and service of Philips Medical diagnostic imaging equipment.
  • 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.
  • 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 business could be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
  • A significant failure or an inability to properly bid or perform on projects by the corporation's construction or manufacturing 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 six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 in the attached financial statements: Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets - Assets, Consolidated Balance Sheets - Liabilities and Equity and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

                        Otter Tail Corporation
                  Consolidated Statements of Income
      For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
           In thousands, except share and per share amounts
                            (not audited)

                               Quarter Ended         Year-to-Date 
                                  June 30,             June 30,
                           --------------------- ---------------------
                              2009       2008       2009       2008
                           ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Operating Revenues by
  Segment:
  Electric                 $   70,663 $   68,666 $  159,204 $  166,256
  Plastics                     22,183     40,645     35,713     62,995
  Manufacturing                76,843    120,342    172,862    217,937
  Health Services              28,192     30,740     56,359     60,005
  Food Ingredient
   Processing                  20,581     15,913     40,667     31,811
  Other Business Operations    29,597     48,080     61,492     86,190
  Corporate Revenue and
   Intersegment
   Eliminations                (1,202)      (786)    (2,201)    (1,357)
                           ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
   Total Operating Revenues   246,857    323,600    524,096    623,837
 
 Operating Expenses:
  Fuel and Purchased Power     23,631     24,964     59,663     63,854
  Nonelectric Cost of Goods
   Sold (depreciation
   included below)            135,319    204,235    288,280    369,458
  Electric Operating and
   Maintenance Expense         31,214     30,320     60,634     59,687
  Nonelectric Operating and
   Maintenance Expense         32,410     36,242     63,044     70,989
  Product Recall and
   Testing Costs                   --         --      1,766         --
  Plant Closure Costs              --      1,412         --      1,412
  Depreciation and
   Amortization                18,103     16,124     35,920     31,037
                           ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
   Total Operating Expenses   240,677    313,297    509,307    596,437
 
 Operating Income (Loss) by
  Segment:
  Electric                      6,820      5,576     20,921     27,201
  Plastics                        651      1,408     (3,262)     2,589
  Manufacturing                   905      4,464        219      5,139
  Health Services                 (82)        65       (131)      (868)
  Food Ingredient
   Processing                   3,946      1,297      6,197      2,990
  Other Business Operations    (2,272)     1,603     (2,657)    (1,056)
  Corporate                    (3,788)    (4,110)    (6,498)    (8,595)
                           ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
   Total Operating Income       6,180     10,303     14,789     27,400
 
 Interest Charges               6,652      7,043     12,922     13,754
 Other Income                   1,351        626      2,018      1,588
 Income Taxes                  (1,852)       369     (3,234)     3,487
 
 Net Income (Loss) by
  Segment
  Electric                      4,395      3,276     12,921     16,026
  Plastics                        291        652     (2,167)     1,272
  Manufacturing                  (167)     1,396     (1,257)       780
  Health Services                (153)       (88)      (226)      (779)
  Food Ingredient
   Processing                   2,325        685      3,772      1,808
  Other Business Operations    (1,456)       794     (1,781)      (971)
  Corporate                    (2,504)    (3,198)    (4,143)    (6,389)
                           ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Total Net Income               2,731      3,517      7,119     11,747
 Preferred Stock Dividend         184        184        368        368
                           ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
 Balance for Common:       $    2,547 $    3,333 $    6,751 $   11,379
                           ========== ========== ========== ==========
 Average Number of Common
  Shares Outstanding:
  Basic                    35,388,754 29,993,484 35,356,745 29,905,782
  Diluted                  35,643,707 30,300,207 35,610,545 30,198,967
 
 Earnings Per Common Share:
  Basic                    $     0.07 $     0.11 $     0.19 $     0.38
  Diluted                  $     0.07 $     0.11 $     0.19 $     0.38

                        Otter Tail Corporation
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                Assets
                             In thousands
                            (not audited)

                                              June 30,    December 31,
                                                2009          2008
                                            ------------  ------------
 Current Assets
 Cash and Cash Equivalents                  $      9,056  $      7,565
 Accounts Receivable:
  Trade--Net                                     107,239       136,609
  Other                                            9,757        13,587
 Inventories                                      92,140       101,955
 Deferred Income Taxes                             8,402         8,386
 Accrued Utility and Cost-of-Energy Revenues      11,952        24,030
 Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of
  Billings                                        50,605        65,606
 Income Taxes Receivable                          11,955        26,754
 Other                                            20,225         8,519
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Current Assets                           321,331       393,011
                                            ------------  ------------

 Investments                                       8,634         7,542
 Other Assets                                     88,249        22,615
 Goodwill                                        106,778       106,778
 Other Intangibles--Net                           34,637        35,441

 Deferred Debits
 Unamortized Debt Expense and Reacquisition
  Premiums                                         9,598         7,247
 Regulatory Assets and Other Deferred Debits      81,336        82,384
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Deferred Debits                           90,934        89,631
                                            ------------  ------------

 Plant
 Electric Plant in Service                     1,210,035     1,205,647
 Nonelectric Operations                          343,358       321,032
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total                                        1,553,393     1,526,679
 Less Accumulated Depreciation and
  Amortization                                   575,448       548,070
                                            ------------  ------------
 Plant--Net of Accumulated Depreciation and
  Amortization                                   977,945       978,609
 Construction Work in Progress                    82,230        58,960
                                            ------------  ------------
  Net Plant                                    1,060,175     1,037,569
                                            ------------  ------------

   Total                                    $  1,710,738  $  1,692,587
                                            ============  ============
                        Otter Tail Corporation
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
                        Liabilities and Equity
                             In thousands
                            (not audited)

                                              June 30,    December 31,
                                                2009          2008
                                            ------------  ------------
 Current Liabilities
 Short-Term Debt                            $    119,914  $    134,914
 Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt              1,242         3,747
 Accounts Payable                                 85,927       113,422
 Accrued Salaries and Wages                       19,437        29,688
 Accrued Taxes                                     8,155        10,939
 Other Accrued Liabilities                        13,240        12,034
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Current Liabilities                      247,915       304,744
                                            ------------  ------------

 Pensions Benefit Liability                       82,882        80,912
 Other Postretirement Benefits Liability          33,464        32,621
 Other Noncurrent Liabilities                     20,095        19,391

 Deferred Credits
 Deferred Income Taxes                           132,923       123,086
 Deferred Tax Credits                             33,212        34,288
 Regulatory Liabilities                           65,801        64,684
 Other                                               427           397
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Deferred Credits                         232,363       222,455
                                            ------------  ------------

 Capitalization
 Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities       411,835       339,726
 Class B Stock Options of Subsidiary               1,220         1,220

 Cumulative Preferred Shares                      15,500        15,500

 Cumulative Preference Shares                         --            --

 Common Shares, Par Value $5 Per Share           177,792       176,923
 Premium on Common Shares                        243,933       241,731
 Retained Earnings                               246,025       260,364
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss             (2,286)       (3,000)
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Common Equity                            665,464       676,018

   Total Capitalization                        1,094,019     1,032,464
                                            ------------  ------------

    Total                                   $  1,710,738  $  1,692,587
                                            ============  ============
                        Otter Tail Corporation
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                            (not audited)

                                                   Six Months Ended
                                                       June 30,
                                                (Thousands of dollars)
                                                ----------------------
                                                   2009        2008
                                                ----------  ----------
 Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  Net Income                                    $    7,119  $   11,747
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net
   Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
   Depreciation and Amortization                    35,920      31,037
   Deferred Tax Credits                             (1,075)       (782)
   Deferred Income Taxes                             9,614       5,959
   Change in Deferred Debits and Other Assets         (538)     (2,627)
   Change in Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred
    Credits                                          3,826         752
   Allowance for Equity (Other) Funds Used
    During Construction                             (1,003)       (801)
   Change in Derivatives Net of Regulatory
    Deferral                                          (661)       (655)
   Stock Compensation Expense                        1,754       1,908
   Other--Net                                          139         316
  Cash Provided by (Used for) Current Assets and
   Current Liabilities:
   Change in Receivables                            33,264      (1,904)
   Change in Inventories                            10,130     (10,082)
   Change in Other Current Assets                   18,688     (17,520)
   Change in Payables and Other Current
    Liabilities                                    (41,161)     16,244
   Change in Interest and Income Taxes
    Payable/Receivable                              14,289       1,348
                                                ----------  ----------
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities       90,305      34,940

 Cash Flows from Investing Activities
  Capital Expenditures                             (57,930)   (117,785)
  Proceeds from Disposal of Noncurrent Assets        4,551       3,517
  Acquisitions--Net of Cash Acquired                    --     (41,674)
  Net (Increase) Decrease in Other Investments
   and Long-Term Assets                            (66,671)       (376)
                                                ----------  ----------
   Net Cash Used in Investing Activities          (120,050)   (156,318)

 Cash Flows from Financing Activities
  Change in Checks Written in Excess of Cash            --       3,636
  Net Short-Term Borrowings                        (15,000)     91,600
  Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock             1,901       5,176
  Common Stock Issuance Expenses                       (17)         --
  Payments for Retirement of Common Stock             (229)        (91)
  Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt          75,004       1,137
  Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Issuance
   Expenses                                         (3,175)        (19)
  Payments for Retirement of Long-Term Debt         (5,438)     (1,829)
  Dividends Paid                                   (21,457)    (18,212)
                                                ----------  ----------
   Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities        31,589      81,398

 Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
  on Cash                                             (353)        156
                                                ----------  ----------
 Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents             1,491     (39,824)
 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of
  Period                                             7,565      39,824
                                                 ---------   ---------
 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period     $    9,056  $       --
                                                ==========  ==========


            

Contact Data