Otter Tail Corporation Announces Third Quarter Earnings; Board of Directors Declares Dividend


FERGUS FALLS, Minn., Oct. 29, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq:OTTR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Highlights



 * Consolidated net income improved 10.0% as net income in our
   electric and food ingredient processing segments increased $3.0
   million and $2.8 million, respectively, compared with the third
   quarter of 2008.

 * Consolidated revenues decreased 27.1% compared with last year's
   third quarter.

 * Diluted earnings per share totaled $0.29 compared with $0.31 in
   the third quarter of 2008.

 * Operating cash flow increased by $100.3 million for the nine
   months ended September 30, 2009 compared with the same period
   last year.

Announcements



 * On October 29, 2009 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly
   common stock dividend of 29.75 cents per share payable December
   10, 2009 to shareholders of record on November 13, 2009.

 * The Board also declared quarterly dividends on the corporation's
   four series of preferred stock, payable December 1, 2009, to
   shareholders of record on November 13, 2009.

 * The corporation expects its 2009 diluted earnings per share to
   be near the low end of its previously announced range of $0.70
   to $1.10.

 * On September 11, 2009 Otter Tail Power Company announced its
   withdrawal from participation in the planned construction of a
   500- to 600-megawatt generating unit at its Big Stone Plant site.

 * On July 1, 2009 the corporation completed its transition to a
   holding company structure.

CEO Overview

"Our results for the third quarter of 2009 reflect both the continuing challenges of a weak economy as well as the positive impact of initiatives in place across our entire organization, specifically, reducing expenses, improving efficiencies and maximizing cash flow," said John Erickson, president and chief executive officer of Otter Tail Corporation. "As a result of these initiatives, we realized meaningful improvements in both net income and operating cash flow during the quarter."

Erickson continued, "Otter Tail Power Company faced mixed market dynamics during the quarter, benefiting from rate increases in the Dakotas, and increased renewable energy and transmission rider revenues, while being impacted by a reduction in sales driven by an unseasonably cool summer in the Midwest, reduced demand from commercial and industrial customers and a deflated wholesale market. Many of our nonelectric businesses continued to face recessionary headwinds during the period. While year-over-year results are down in most of these businesses, we are pleased with the continuing solid performance of our food ingredient processing business and are mildly encouraged by recent stabilization in some of our other businesses. While these are hopeful signs, we expect continued short-term challenges at least through the end of 2009 and now anticipate our 2009 diluted earnings per share to be near the low end of our previously announced range of $0.70 to $1.10.

"The recession's challenges demand that we remain focused on managing the controllable aspects of our business and continue our efforts to optimize our market position in preparation for a sustained economic recovery. It also means closely scrutinizing our capital expenditures. During the quarter, Otter Tail Power Company announced its withdrawal from participation in Big Stone II, a 500- to 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant proposed near Milbank, South Dakota, which would have involved an estimated $400 million capital commitment by Otter Tail Power. The decision to withdraw came after evaluation by Otter Tail Power of many factors, including the broad economic downturn and high level of uncertainty associated with proposed federal climate legislation. Otter Tail Power continues to pursue other generation investment opportunities in addition to investing more than $300 million in wind energy generation during the last three years. We are pleased that our efforts to be fiscally conservative, along with the dedication of our employees across all of our businesses, have allowed us to remain financially strong and continue to serve our customers and shareholders well."

Liquidity and Cash Flow from Operations

"While total net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 increased over the same quarter a year ago, the corporation's earnings per share declined from $.31 to $.29 per share. This was due to the effect of the common shares issued for the $155 million equity offering completed in September 2008," said Kevin Moug, chief financial officer of Otter Tail Corporation. The proceeds of this equity offering were used to finance the construction of the Ashtabula Wind Center and the expansion of DMI Industries' manufacturing facilities. The equity offering also allowed the corporation to have the liquidity needed to handle the downturn in the economy during the recession.

The corporation's cash flow from operations increased to $140.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared with $40.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily driven by a decrease in working capital of approximately $98.2 million.

Otter Tail Corporation maintains a strong liquidity position, including amounts available under our credit lines totaling $232.9 million on September 30, 2009: $155.2 million under the Otter Tail Power Company (OTP) credit facility and $77.7 million under the Otter Tail Corporation credit facility. "We believe we have the necessary liquidity to effectively conduct business operations for an extended period if current market conditions continue. We are committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and an appropriate cost structure that provide Otter Tail Corporation with significant financial flexibility," said Moug.

Segment Performance Summary

Electric

Electric revenues and net income were $73.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $82.9 million and net income of $6.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Wholesale electric revenues from company-owned generation were $3.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with $9.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. A 34.1% decrease in wholesale kwh sales due to reduced plant availability and lower wholesale demand, combined with a 47.5% decrease in revenue per kwh sold due to lower wholesale prices, resulted in the decrease in wholesale electric revenues. Other electric operating revenues decreased $5.3 million as a result of a decrease in revenues from construction work completed for other entities on regional energy projects. Net gains from energy trading activities, including net mark-to-market gains on forward energy contracts, were $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with net gains of $0.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Retail electric revenues increased 2.4% mainly due to:



 * a $0.8 million increase in North Dakota interim rates,

 * a $0.7 million increase in South Dakota rates, and

 * $0.4 million in accrued revenues related to transmission asset
   investments subject to recovery in Minnesota under a rate rider,
   partially offset by a decrease in revenues related to a 3.7%
   reduction in retail kilowatt-hour (kwh) sales.

Mild summer weather in 2009, which resulted in a 37.5% decrease in cooling-degree days between the quarters, was the main factor contributing to the reduction in retail kwh sales.

On November 4, 2008 the electric utility filed for a general rate increase of 5.1% or $6 million in North Dakota. An interim rate increase of 4.1% or $4.8 million was granted effective January 1, 2009. The electric utility has entered into a proposed settlement agreement which is subject to approval by the North Dakota Public Service Commission. The settlement includes a proposed increase in North Dakota retail electric rates of $3.9 million or approximately 3.3%. Interim rates will remain in effect for all North Dakota customers until final, approved rates go into effect. As of September 30, 2009, OTP had reserved $0.7 million for revenues collected under interim rates in excess of the rate increase agreed to in a proposed settlement, which will be credited to North Dakota customers after final rates have been approved.

Fuel costs related to retail use were down due to a 15.0% reduction in kwh generation for retail use combined with a 10% reduction in cost of fuel per kwh generated resulting from a 180% increase in generation from OTP's zero-fuel-cost wind turbines, which provided 12.2% of the electricity generated by OTP to serve retail customers in the third quarter of 2009. Despite a 78.1% increase in kwh purchases to serve retail customers, purchased power costs increased by only 6.3% as a result of a 40.3% decrease in the cost per kwh 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.

A $9.8 million decrease in electric operating and maintenance expenses reflects:



 * a $4.5 million decrease in costs associated with construction
   work completed for other entities on regional energy projects,
   commensurate with a $5.3 million decrease in related revenue,

 * recognition, in the third quarter of 2008, of $1.5 million in
   costs eligible for recovery through the Minnesota Resource
   Recovery Rider that had been deferred pending approval of the rider,

 * a $1.2 million reduction in external services expenses for
   power-plant maintenance and tree trimming,

 * a $1.0 million reduction in employee incentive expenses,

 * a $0.5 million reduction in travel expenses related to
   decreased fuel costs, an increase in travel expenses capitalized
   and reductions in employee training expenses, and

 * a $0.5 million decrease in material and operating supply expenses
   mainly related to boiler maintenance expenses incurred in the
   third quarter of 2008.

Depreciation expense increased $1.2 million mainly due to the construction of 32 wind turbines at the Ashtabula Wind Energy Center in 2008. OTP's interest costs increased by $2.2 million as a result of debt incurred to finance a portion of OTP's recent investments in wind-powered generation, including 33 wind turbines completed and placed in service at its Luverne Wind Farm in September 2009. The electric utility received approximately $30.2 million in October 2009 relating to its U.S. Treasury grant application under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Plastics

Plastics revenues and net income were $27.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $36.7 million and net income of $1.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The decrease in revenues and net income was due to a 28.3% decrease in the price per pound of pipe sold partially offset by a 4.0% increase in pounds sold. Beginning in 2008, 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. Costs per pound of pipe sold decreased 31.1% between the quarters.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing revenues and net income were $75.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $127.8 million and net income of $0.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.



 * At DMI, revenues decreased $28.6 million mainly as a result of
   lower volumes of wind towers being sold related to the 2009
   slowdown of installed megawatts of wind energy, but net income
   increased by $0.9 million as a result of improved productivity
   and cost control measures implemented in 2009. Also, in the third
   quarter of 2008, DMI's costs of goods sold included $1.5 million
   related to start-up inefficiencies at its Oklahoma plant.

 * At BTD, revenues decreased $14.5 million and net income was
   down $2.4 million as a result of a decline in sales volume.

 * At T.O. Plastics, revenues decreased $2.1 million and net income
   was down $0.3 million as a result of lower sales volume.

 * At ShoreMaster, revenues decreased $6.6 million while net losses
   decreased $1.5 million. The decrease in revenues mainly reflects
   revenues recognized on a commercial construction project in the
   third quarter of 2008. Revenues also decreased as a result of a
   reduction in sales of residential products between the quarters.
   ShoreMaster's net loss in the third quarter of 2008 included a
   $0.8 million after-tax loss from the operation and closure of a
   production facility in California. Additional cuts in operating
   and sales expenses of $1.5 million also contributed to the
   reduction in net losses at ShoreMaster.

Health Services

Health services revenues and net loss were $27.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $31.1 million and net income of $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Decreases in revenues of $2.9 million from scanning and other related services and $1.2 million from equipment sales and servicing were partially offset by decreases in costs of goods sold of $2.5 million, resulting in a net loss between the quarters. Third quarter 2009 results also were negatively impacted by higher-than-expected service and maintenance costs. 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 $18.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $15.3 million and a net loss of $1.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The $3.4 million increase in revenues is due to a 4.8% increase in pounds of product sold, combined with a 16.3% increase in the price per pound of product sold. Cost of goods sold decreased $1.9 million, despite the increase in sales volume, due to a 16.7% decrease in the cost per pound of product sold.

Other Business Operations

Other business operations revenues and net loss were $36.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with revenues of $59.6 million and net income of $4.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. At the construction companies, revenues and net income decreased $19.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively, 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 $4.0 million and net losses were $0.3 million compared to net income of $0.7 million for the same period a year ago due to a reduction in miles driven directly related to the current economic recession. Net income from trucking operations was also affected by an increase in equipment maintenance costs.

Corporate

Corporate expenses, net-of-tax, were $1.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 compared with $2.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 due to a $0.8 million reduction in insurance costs, a $0.5 million decrease in interest costs related to a reduction in corporate-held debt and a $0.3 million increase in tax savings.

Income Taxes

The corporation's effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2009 is significantly lower than its effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 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 $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared with $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2008.

2009 Expectations

The corporation expects its 2009 earnings to be near the low end of its previously announced range of $0.70 to $1.10. The earnings guidance is subject to risks and uncertainties given current global economic conditions and the other risk factors outlined below.

Contributing to the corporation's earnings guidance for 2009 are the following items:



 * The corporation now expects 2009 earnings from its electric
   segment to be lower than 2008 electric segment earnings. The
   corporation's expectations for earnings from its electric
   segment have been revised downward due to the negative impact
   of milder weather conditions in the third quarter, softness in
   demand from commercial and industrial customers and lower
   volumes and margins from wholesale energy sales. Declining
   demand along with the lowest natural gas prices in years are
   having a dramatic impact on the volume and price that can be
   realized from sales of excess generation into the marketplace.
   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,
   OTP has benefited from continued cost reduction efforts and higher
   than expected earnings from the allowance for funds used during
   construction related to construction of its Luverne Wind Farm.

 * The corporation expects its plastics segment's 2009 performance
   to be below 2008 earnings, given continued poor economic
   conditions.

 * The corporation now expects its manufacturing segment to post a
   net loss in 2009 as a result of the following:
    -- BTD continued to experience unexpected declines in customer
       demand in the third quarter of 2009 and expects soft demand
       to continue for the rest of the year resulting in lower
       earnings compared with 2008.
    -- While spending on waterfront products is expected to decline
       in the current economy, a reduction in net loss compared
       with 2008 is expected at ShoreMaster given the restructuring
       that has occurred in its business. 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 now expected to be in line with
       its 2008 earnings, despite the sluggish economy, as a result
       of expense reductions and productivity improvements.
    -- T.O. Plastics' expects slightly lower earnings in 2009
       compared with 2008. While T.O. Plastics expects economic
       challenges to continue, 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 $61
       million compared with $131 million one year ago.

 * The corporation now expects its health services segment to record
   a net loss in 2009. Cost reductions implemented in 2009 have not
   been enough to offset the impact of low utilization of the
   current fleet of imaging assets.  The health services segment
   leases its imaging assets.  These leases expire at various dates
   from 2010 through 2014.

 * 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 corporation expects its other business operations segment 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 corporation's construction businesses
   is $25 million for the remainder of 2009 compared with $48 million
   one year ago.

 * The corporation expects corporate general and administrative
   costs 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 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 its 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 corporation's results of operations, the
   ability of its customers to finance purchases of goods and
   services, and its financial condition as well as exert downward
   pressure on stock prices and/or limit its ability to sustain its
   current common stock dividend level.

 * The value of the corporation's defined benefit pension plan
   assets declined significantly during 2008 due to volatile
   equity markets. The corporation made a $4 million discretionary
   contribution to the pension plan in 2009. If the market value
   of pension plan assets declines or does not increase as projected
   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 future years.

 * A sustained decline in the corporation's common stock price
   below book value or declines in projected operating cash flows
   at any of its operating companies may result in goodwill
   impairments that could adversely affect its 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 its asset values 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 it
   to unforeseen costs and costs not within its control, which may
   not be recoverable and could adversely affect its 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
   its financial results to fluctuate and could impair its ability
   to make distributions to its shareholders or scheduled payments
   on its debt obligations.

 * On September 11, 2009 OTP announced its withdrawal -- both as a
   participating utility and as the project's lead developer -- from
   Big Stone II, due to many factors, including economic risks and
   uncertainty associated with proposed federal climate legislation
   and existing federal environmental regulations, that made
   proceeding with Big Stone II and committing to $400 million in
   capital expenditures untenable for OTP customers and our
   shareholders. As of September 30, 2009, OTP had incurred $13.6
   million in costs related to this project. OTP believes these
   incurred costs are probable of recovery in future rates and has
   deferred recognition of these costs as operating expenses pending
   determination of recoverability by the state and federal
   regulatory commissions that approve OTP's rates. However, if OTP
   is denied recovery of all or any portion of these deferred costs,
   such costs would be subject to expense in the period they are
   deemed to be unrecoverable.

 * 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.

 * OTP could be required to absorb a disproportionate share of
   costs for investments in transmission infrastructure required
   to provide independent power producers access to the transmission
   grid. These costs may not be recoverable through a transmission
   tariff and could result in reduced returns on invested capital
   and/or increased rates to OTP's retail electric customers.

 * OTP'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 OTP 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 athttp://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4958

See Otter Tail Corporation's results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 in the financial statements below: 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
           In thousands, except share and per share amounts
                            (not audited)

                            Quarter Ended            Year-to-Date
                             September 30,           September 30,
                           2009        2008        2009        2008
 Operating Revenues by
  Segment:
  Electric              $   73,553  $   82,883  $  232,757  $  249,139
  Plastics                  27,353      36,690      63,066      99,685
  Manufacturing             75,928     127,778     248,790     345,715
  Health Services           27,053      31,139      83,412      91,144
  Food Ingredient
   Processing               18,691      15,333      59,358      47,144
  Other Business
   Operations               36,123      59,650      97,615     145,840
  Corporate Revenue and
   Intersegment
   Eliminations             (1,261)       (554)     (3,462)     (1,911)
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total Operating
    Revenues               257,440     352,919     781,536     976,756
 
 Operating Expenses:
  Fuel and Purchased
   Power                    24,284      29,188      83,947      93,042
  Nonelectric Cost of
   Goods Sold
   (depreciation
   included below)         141,318     213,999     429,598     583,457
  Electric Operating
   and Maintenance
   Expense                  25,521      35,318      86,155      95,005
  Nonelectric Operating
   and Maintenance
   Expense                  30,476      37,222      93,520     108,211
  Product Recall and
   Testing Costs                --          --       1,766          --
  Plant Closure Costs           --         883          --       2,295
  Depreciation and
   Amortization             18,345      16,563      54,265      47,600
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total Operating
    Expenses               239,944     333,173     749,251     929,610
 
 Operating Income (Loss)
  by Segment:
  Electric                  14,733      10,513      35,654      37,714
  Plastics                   2,372       3,096        (890)      5,685
  Manufacturing              1,740       3,059       1,959       8,198
  Health Services           (1,020)        614      (1,151)       (254)
  Food Ingredient
   Processing                3,061      (1,644)      9,258       1,346
  Other Business
   Operations                 (223)      7,626      (2,880)      6,570
  Corporate                 (3,167)     (3,518)     (9,665)    (12,113)
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
   Total Operating
    Income                  17,496      19,746      32,285      47,146
 
 Interest Charges            7,358       7,269      20,280      21,023
 Other Income                1,609       1,157       3,627       2,745
 Income Taxes                1,155       4,003      (2,079)      7,490
 
 Net Income (Loss) by
  Segment
  Electric                   9,527       6,519      22,448      22,545
  Plastics                   1,298       1,641        (869)      2,913
  Manufacturing                100         380      (1,157)      1,160
  Health Services             (649)        254        (875)       (525)
  Food Ingredient
   Processing                1,772      (1,074)      5,544         734
  Other Business
   Operations                 (205)      4,341      (1,986)      3,370
  Corporate                 (1,251)     (2,430)     (5,394)     (8,819)
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Total Net Income           10,592       9,631      17,711      21,378
 Preferred Stock
  Dividend                     184         184         552         552
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
 Balance for Common:    $   10,408  $    9,447  $   17,159  $   20,826
                        ==========  ==========  ==========  ==========
 Average Number of
  Common Shares
  Outstanding:
  Basic                 35,528,190  30,513,578  35,413,893  30,108,381
  Diluted               35,788,293  30,817,013  35,670,244  30,398,235
 
 Earnings Per Common
  Share:
  Basic                 $     0.29  $     0.31  $     0.48  $     0.69
  Diluted               $     0.29  $     0.31  $     0.48  $     0.69


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

                                            September 30, December 31,
                                                2009          2008

 Current Assets
 Cash and Cash Equivalents                  $      6,066  $      7,565
 Accounts Receivable:
  Trade--Net                                     111,737       136,609
  Other                                            8,731        13,587
 Inventories                                      84,000       101,955
 Deferred Income Taxes                             8,411         8,386
 Accrued Utility and Cost-of-Energy Revenues      10,572        24,030
 Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of
  Billings                                        44,141        65,606
 Income Taxes Receivable                           9,200        26,754
 Other                                            20,086         8,519
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Current Assets                           302,944       393,011
                                            ------------  ------------
 
 Investments                                       9,019         7,542
 Other Assets                                     42,979        22,615
 Goodwill                                        106,778       106,778
 Other Intangibles--Net                           34,279        35,441

 Deferred Debits
 Unamortized Debt Expense and Reacquisition
  Premiums                                         9,488         7,247
 Regulatory Assets and Other Deferred Debits      98,813        82,384
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Deferred Debits                          108,301        89,631
                                            ------------  ------------

 Plant
 Electric Plant in Service                     1,322,059     1,205,647
 Nonelectric Operations                          350,147       321,032
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total                                        1,672,206     1,526,679
 Less Accumulated Depreciation and
  Amortization                                   588,527       548,070
                                            ------------  ------------
 Plant--Net of Accumulated Depreciation and
  Amortization                                 1,083,679       978,609
 Construction Work in Progress                    50,024        58,960
                                            ------------  ------------
  Net Plant                                    1,133,703     1,037,569
                                            ------------  ------------

   Total                                    $  1,738,003  $  1,692,587
                                            ============  ============


                        Otter Tail Corporation
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets
                        Liabilities and Equity
                             In thousands
                            (not audited)

                                            September 30, December 31,
                                                2009          2008

 Current Liabilities
 Short-Term Debt                            $    122,500  $    134,914
 Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt              1,275         3,747
 Accounts Payable                                100,142       113,422
 Accrued Salaries and Wages                       21,476        29,688
 Accrued Taxes                                    10,092        10,939
 Other Accrued Liabilities                        16,130        12,034
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Current Liabilities                      271,615       304,744
                                            ------------  ------------

 Pensions Benefit Liability                       79,781        80,912
 Other Postretirement Benefits Liability          34,076        32,621
 Other Noncurrent Liabilities                     21,641        19,391

 Deferred Credits
 Deferred Income Taxes                           116,705       123,086
 Deferred Tax Credits                             48,297        34,288
 Regulatory Liabilities                           66,855        64,684
 Other                                               829           397
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Deferred Credits                         232,686       222,455
                                            ------------  ------------

 Capitalization
 Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities       411,309       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           178,417       176,923
 Premium on Common Shares                        246,948       241,731
 Retained Earnings                               245,836       260,364
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss             (1,026)       (3,000)
                                            ------------  ------------
  Total Common Equity                            670,175       676,018
                                            ------------  ------------

   Total Capitalization                        1,098,204     1,032,464
                                            ------------  ------------

    Total                                   $  1,738,003  $  1,692,587
                                            ============  ============


                        Otter Tail Corporation
                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                             In thousands
                            (not audited)

                                                   Nine Months Ended
                                                     September 30,
                                                   2009        2008
                                                ----------  ----------

 Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  Net Income                                    $   17,711  $   21,378
  Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net
   Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
   Depreciation and Amortization                    54,265      47,600
   Deferred Tax Credits                             (1,666)     (1,180)
   Deferred Income Taxes                             8,243       9,123
   Change in Deferred Debits and Other Assets       (2,909)     (2,162)
   Discretionary Contribution to Pension Plan       (4,000)     (2,000)
   Change in Noncurrent Liabilities and
    Deferred Credits                                 7,497       1,795
   Allowance for Equity (Other) Funds Used
    During Construction                             (2,940)     (1,712)
   Change in Derivatives Net of Regulatory
    Deferral                                        (1,512)       (337)
   Stock Compensation Expense                        2,664       2,885
   Other--Net                                          736         580
  Cash Provided by (Used for) Current Assets
   and Current Liabilities:                             --          --
   Change in Receivables                            29,993     (24,314)
   Change in Inventories                            18,721      (9,054)
   Change in Other Current Assets                   29,329      (8,165)
   Change in Payables and Other Current
    Liabilities                                    (32,506)      4,997
   Change in Interest and Income Taxes
    Payable/Receivable                              16,953         810
                                                ----------  ----------
    Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities      140,579      40,244

 Cash Flows from Investing Activities
  Capital Expenditures                            (150,138)   (172,237)
  Proceeds from Disposal of Noncurrent Assets        4,730       7,446
  Acquisitions--Net of Cash Acquired                    --     (41,674)
  Net Increase in Other Investments and
   Long-Term Assets                                (20,805)       (393)
                                                ----------  ----------
   Net Cash Used in Investing Activities          (166,213)   (206,858)

 Cash Flows from Financing Activities
  Net Short-Term Borrowings                        (12,414)     16,955
  Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock             4,637     162,961
  Common Stock Issuance Expenses                       (23)     (6,136)
  Payments for Retirement of Common Stock             (229)        (91)
  Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt          75,005       1,140
  Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Issuance
   Expenses                                         (3,693)       (527)
  Payments for Retirement of Long-Term Debt         (5,983)     (2,691)
  Dividends Paid                                   (32,239)    (27,382)
                                                ----------  ----------
   Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities        25,061     144,229

 Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuations
  on Cash                                             (926)        423
                                                ----------  ----------
 Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents            (1,499)    (21,962)
 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of
  Period                                             7,565      39,824
                                                ----------  ----------
 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period     $    6,066  $   17,862
                                                ==========  ==========


            

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