Selected Quarterly Financial Data

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information Text Block

16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (In thousands except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
									Earnings (Loss)
					Operating		Net		Per Share of
	Operating				Income		Income		Common Stock
	Revenues		Margin		(Loss)		(Loss)		Basic		Diluted
Fiscal Year 2011
January 31	$	652,056	$	230,006	$	90,869	$	84,440	$	1.17	$	1.16
April 30		392,567		172,931		52,927		47,408		0.66		0.66
July 31		197,274		81,963		389		(8,703)		(0.12)		(0.12)
October 31		192,008		88,739		(1,174)		(9,577)		(0.13)		(0.13)
Fiscal Year 2010
January 31	$	673,736	$	222,942	$	87,801	$	113,749	$	1.55	$	1.55
April 30		472,846		168,678		52,225		46,825		0.65		0.65
July 31		211,603		77,897		(3,471)		(9,518)		(0.13)		(0.13)
October 31		194,110		83,075		1,723		(9,102)		(0.13)		(0.13)

The pattern of quarterly earnings is the result of the highly seasonal nature of the business as variations in weather conditions and our regulated utility rate designs generally result in greater earnings during the winter months. Basic earnings per share are calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the quarter. The annual amount may differ from the total of the quarterly amounts due to changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year.