-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Crj/k07WJex8/x2Pf1Woog1tdMbvTZMNyUwy4s4a+4TT8Q3K/eHzb87snK2iujHB P+Z3kkXlaEaf5u6jVkWyng== 0000950137-09-000729.txt : 20090203 0000950137-09-000729.hdr.sgml : 20090203 20090203132440 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950137-09-000729 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090202 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20090203 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090203 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: OTTER TAIL CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000075129 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 410462685 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-00368 FILM NUMBER: 09564170 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 215 S CASCADE ST STREET 2: PO BOX 496 CITY: FERGUS FALLS STATE: MN ZIP: 56538-0496 BUSINESS PHONE: 8664108780 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 215 S CASCADE ST STREET 2: P O BOX 496 CITY: FERGUS FALLS STATE: MN ZIP: 56538-0496 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: OTTER TAIL POWER CO DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 8-K 1 c49138e8vk.htm 8-K e8vk
 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 2, 2009
OTTER TAIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Minnesota   0-00368   41-0462685
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)   File Number)   Identification No.)
     
215 South Cascade Street, P.O. Box 496, Fergus Falls, MN               56538-0496
(Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (866) 410-8780
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 

 

 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
     On February 2, 2009 Otter Tail Corporation issued a press release announcing 2008 earnings, quarterly dividend, and 2009 earnings guidance, a copy of which is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial Statement and Exhibits
     (d) Exhibits
  99.1   Press Release issued February 2, 2009

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Signature
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
             
    OTTER TAIL CORPORATION    
 
            
Date: February 3, 2009
            
 
            
 
  By   /s/ Kevin G. Moug    
 
           
 
      Kevin G. Moug    
 
      Chief Financial Officer    

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit   Description of Exhibit
 
    
99.1
  Press release, dated February 2, 2009

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EX-99.1 2 c49138exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 exv99w1
Exhibit 99.1
(OTTERTAIL LOGO)
NEWS RELEASE
Media/Investor contact: Loren Hanson, Director of Shareholder Services, (218) 739-8481 or (800) 664-1259
     
For release: February 2, 2009   Financial Media
Otter Tail Corporation Reports 2008 Financial Results; Board Declares Quarterly Dividend
FERGUS FALLS, Minnesota - 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.

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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

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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

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      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.

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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

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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

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    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.

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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.

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  •   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.

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  •   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.
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

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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 December 31,     Year-to-Date 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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