UNITED STATES
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): November 3, 2014
 
OTTER TAIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Minnesota 0-53713 27-0383995
(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 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
 
Amendment of Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement
 
On November 3, 2014, Otter Tail Corporation (the “Company”) entered into an amendment dated as of November 3, 2014 (the “Second Amendment to OTC Credit Agreement”) to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 29, 2012, as amended, (the “OTC Credit Agreement”) among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “OTC Agent”) and the banks party thereto from time to time (the “OTC Banks”). The OTC Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with a $150 million line of credit that the Company can draw on to refinance certain indebtedness and support the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, and is described in and filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 2, 2012 and Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 1, 2013.
 
The Second Amendment to OTC Credit Agreement was entered into among the Company, the OTC Agent and the OTC Banks to (i) amend the definitions of “LIBOR Interbank Rate” and “LIBOR Interbank Daily Rate” to provide for a minimum rate of zero (ii) extend the termination date of the facility from October 29, 2018 to October 29, 2019, (iii) amend Section 9.8(n) to replace the term “Material Subsidiary” with “Subsidiary”, and (iv) amend Schedule 1.1(a) of Commitments and Percentages to reflect the replacement of Union Bank with an increased commitment from U.S. Bank National Association.
 
The summary in this Item 1.01 of the material terms of the Second Amendment to OTC Credit Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Second Amendment to OTC Credit Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
 
Amendment of Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement
 
On November 3, 2014, Otter Tail Power Company (“OTP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an amendment dated as of November 3, 2014 (the “Second Amendment to OTP Credit Agreement”) to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 29, 2012, as amended, (the “OTP Credit Agreement”) among OTP, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “OTP Agent”), and the Banks party thereto from time to time (the “OTP Banks”). The OTP Credit Agreement provides for an unsecured revolving credit facility with a $170 million line of credit that OTP can draw on to support the working capital needs and other capital requirements of its operations, and is described in and filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 2, 2012 and Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 1, 2013.
 
The Second Amendment to OTP Credit Agreement was entered into among OTP, the OTP Agent and the OTP Banks to (i) amend the definitions of “LIBOR Interbank Rate” and “LIBOR Interbank Daily Rate” to provide for a minimum rate of zero (ii) extend the termination date of the facility from October 29, 2018 to October 29, 2019, and (iii) amend Schedule 1.1(a) of Commitments and Percentages to reflect the replacement of Union Bank with an increased commitment from U.S. Bank National Association.
 
2
 

 

 
The summary in this Item 1.01 of the material terms of the Second Amendment to OTP Credit Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Second Amendment to OTP Credit Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.2 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
 
Certain Relationships
 
Certain of the banks party to one or both of the OTC Credit Agreement and the OTP Credit Agreement and/or their respective affiliates have had, and may in the future have, investment banking and other commercial dealings with the Company, OTP and their other affiliates, for which such banks or their respective affiliates have received and may in the future receive customary compensation. Such dealings have included the following: (i) U.S. Bank, JPMorgan, Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”), and KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank”) are parties to both credit agreements; (ii) J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“JPMS”), an affiliate of JPMorgan, entered into a Distribution Agreement with the Company on May 14, 2012, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell its common shares, par value $5.00 per share, from time to time through JPMS, as the Company’s distribution agent for the offer and sale of the shares, up to an aggregate sales price of $75,000,000; (iii) in connection with the offering and sale by the Company of $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 9.000% Notes due 2016 in 2009, JPMS and an affiliate of Bank of America acted as joint book-running managers, an affiliate of U.S. Bank acted as lead manager, and affiliates of Bank of the West (a party to the Otter Tail Credit Agreement), KeyBank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (a party to the OTP Credit Agreement) acted as co-managers; (iv) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated (an affiliate of Bank of America) acted as placement agent in connection with the 2011 issuance by OTP of its 4.63% Senior Unsecured Notes due December 1, 2021; and (v) JPMS acted as sole placement agent in connection with a note purchase agreement entered into on August 14, 2013 for the private placement of $60 million aggregate principal amount of OTP’s 4.68% Series A Senior Unsecured Notes due February 27, 2029 and $90 million aggregate principal amount of OTP’s 5.47% Series B Senior Unsecured Notes due February 27, 2044, both issued on February 27, 2014.
 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
On November 3, 2014 Otter Tail Corporation issued a press release concerning consolidated financial results for the third quarter of 2014. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
 
3
 

 

 
     
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
     
(d) Exhibits
     
 
4.1
Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2014, among Otter Tail Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Bank, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., each as a Co-Syndication Agent and as a Bank, KeyBank National Association, as Documentation Agent and as a Bank, and Bank of the West as a Bank.
 
 
4.2
Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2014, among Otter Tail Power Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Bank, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., each as a Co-Syndication Agent and as a Bank, KeyBank National Association, as Documentation Agent and as a Bank, CoBank, ACB, as a Co-Documentation Agent and as a Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as a Bank.
 
 
99.1
Press Release issued November 3, 2014.
 
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: November 4, 2014      
       
  By /s/ Kevin G. Moug  
   
Kevin G. Moug
 
    Chief Financial Officer  
 
4
 

 

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
       
Exhibit   Description of Exhibit  
       
4.1
 
Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2014, among Otter Tail Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Bank, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., each as a Co-Syndication Agent and as a Bank, KeyBank National Association, as Documentation Agent and as a Bank, and Bank of the West as a Bank.
 
4.2
 
Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2014, among Otter Tail Power Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as Administrative Agent and as a Bank, Bank of America, N.A. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., each as a Co-Syndication Agent and as a Bank, KeyBank National Association, as Documentation Agent and as a Bank, CoBank, ACB, as a Co-Documentation Agent and as a Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as a Bank.
 
99.1   Press release, dated November 3, 2014
 
 

 


Exhibit 4.1

SECOND AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of November 3, 2014, amends and modifies that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2012 (as amended by the First Amendment thereto dated October 29, 2013, the “Credit Agreement”), among OTTER TAIL CORPORATION (the “Borrower”), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”), and the Lenders, as defined therein. Terms not otherwise expressly defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Agent agree that the Credit Agreement is amended as follows.

ARTICLE I - AMENDMENTS

1.1           Each of the definitions of “LIBOR Interbank Rate” and “LIBOR Interbank Daily Rate” is hereby amended to insert the following immediately at the end thereof: “Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary set forth herein, at no time shall this rate be less than zero for purposes hereof.”

1.2           The definition of “Termination Date” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to replace the date “October 29, 2018” with the date “October 29, 2019”.

1.3           Section 9.8(n) is hereby amended to insert “(i)” and “(ii)” so that it will read as follows:
 
  (n) (i) Liens securing Indebtedness incurred to pay annual premiums for property, casualty or liability insurance policies maintained by the Borrower or any Subsidiary; provided that such Liens attach only to insurance policies and proceeds thereof, and (ii) pledges and deposits and other Liens securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any Subsidiary;  
 
1.4           Schedule 1.1(a) to the Credit Agreement, the schedule of Commitments and Percentages, is hereby amended in its entirety to pursuant to Schedule 1.1(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof.

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Amendment and to make and maintain the Loans under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, the Borrower hereby warrants and represents to the Agent and the Lenders that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Amendment, and to perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, and that this Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding agreement of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
 
 
 

 

 
ARTICLE III - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

This Amendment shall become effective on the date first set forth above, provided, however, that the effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

3.1            Warranties . Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement shall be true and correct as though made on the date hereof with respect to representations and warranties containing qualifications as to materiality, and true and correct as though made on the date hereof in all material respects with respect to representations and warranties without qualifications as to materiality, except for changes that are permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement. The execution by the Borrower of this Amendment shall be deemed a representation that the Borrower has complied with the foregoing condition.

3.2            Defaults . Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under the Credit Agreement. The execution by the Borrower of this Amendment shall be deemed a representation that the Borrower has complied with the foregoing condition.

3.3            Documents . The Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall have executed and delivered this Amendment.

3.4            Fees . The Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the date hereof, including, without limitation, (i) all fees set forth in that certain Fee Letter by and between the Borrower and the Agent dated as of November 3, 2014 and (ii) to the extent invoiced reasonably in advance, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower under the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE IV - GENERAL

4.1            Expenses . The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Agent upon demand for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) incurred by the Agent in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and any other document required to be furnished herewith.

4.2            Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in as many counterparts as may be deemed necessary or convenient, and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
2
 

 

 
4.3            Severability . Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provisions in any other jurisdiction.

4.4            Governing Law . This Amendment shall be a contract made under the laws of the State of Minnesota, which laws shall govern all the rights and duties hereunder.
 
4.5            Successors; Enforceability . This Amendment shall be binding upon the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders and the successors and assigns of the Agent and the Lenders. Except as hereby amended, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects.
 
4.6            Departing Lenders . Certain Lenders have agreed that they shall no longer constitute Lenders under the Credit Agreement as of the date hereof (each, a “ Departing Lender ”). Each Lender that executes and delivers a signature page hereto that identifies it as a Departing Lender shall constitute a Departing Lender as of the date hereof. No Departing Lender shall have a Commitment on and after the date hereof. Each Departing Lender shall cease to be a party to the Credit Agreement as of the date hereof, with no rights, duties or obligations thereunder. All amounts owing to a Departing Lender shall be paid by the Borrower to such Departing Lender as of the date hereof. The consent of a Departing Lender is not required to give effect to the changes contemplated by this Amendment. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to take such steps under the Credit Agreement as reasonably required to give effect to the departure of the Departing Lenders, including, without limitation, reallocating outstanding obligations among the remaining Lenders ratably based on their Commitments.
 
3
 

 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
         
  OTTER TAIL CORPORATION
         
  By:   /s/ Kevin Moug
         
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer
         
  4334 18 th Avenue South
  Suite 200
  Fargo, North Dakota 58103
  Attention: Mr. Kevin G. Moug,
        Chief Financial Officer
  Telephone:   (701) 451-3562
  Fax:   (701) 232-4108
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
 
as Agent and a Bank
         
  By:     /s/ Jacquelyn Ness
         
  Title:   Vice President
         
  505 Second Avenue North
  Mail Code EP-ND-0630
  Fargo, ND 58102
  Attention:   Jacquelyn Ness, Vice President
  Telephone:   (701) 280-3655
  Fax:   (701) 280-3580
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Co-Syndication
Agent and as a Bank
         
  By: /s/ Casey Klepsch
         
  Title: Assistant Vice President
         
 
IL4-135-04-13
135 S. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
  Attention: Casey Klepsch
        Assistant Vice President
  Telephone:   (312) 904-7465
  Fax:   (312) 904-6546
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 

 

 
         
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Co-
Syndication Agent and as a Bank
         
  By: /s/ Justin Martin
         
  Title: Authorized Officer
         
  10 South Dearborn, 9 th Floor, IL1-0090
  Chicago, IL 60603
  Attention:  Justin Martin
  Telephone:  (312) 732-4441
  Fax:  (312) 732-1762
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as
Documentation Agent and as a Bank
         
  By:               /s/ Keven D. Smith
         
  Title:           Senior Vice President
         
 
1301 5 th Avenue
Mail Code: WA-31-13-2514
Seattle, WA 98101
  Attention: Keven D. Smith
  Telephone: (206) 343-6966
  Fax:   (206) 684-6570
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  BANK OF THE WEST, a California Banking
Corporation, as a Bank
         
  By:                  /s/ David Wang
         
  Title: Director  
         
 
250 Marquette Ave., Suite 575
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Attention:   David Wang
Telephone:   (612) 339-1403
Fax:   (612) 339-6362
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
       
  The undersigned Departing Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that, as of the date of this Second Amendment, it is no longer a party to the Credit Agreement, it is not a party to this Amendment (other than for purposes of acknowledging its status as a Departing Lender), and confirms that, as a Departing Lender, its approval is not required to give effect to this Amendment.
       
  UNION BANK, N.A., as a Departing Lender (and solely with respect to Section 4.6 of this Amendment)
       
  By: /s/ Harvey Hordwitz  
  Name: Harvey Hordwitz
  Title:  Vice President
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 


Schedule 1.1(a)
 
Commitments and Percentages
             
Bank :
   
Initial Commitment:
 
Percentage:
 
             
U.S. Bank National Association
 
$ 45,000,000
 
30.000000000000%
             
Bank of America, N.A.
 
$ 30,000,000
 
20.000000000000%
             
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
 
$ 30,000,000
 
20.000000000000%
             
Keybank National Association
 
$27,500,000
 
18.333333333333%
             
Bank of the West, a California Banking Corporation
 
$17,500,000
 
11.666666666667%
             
Total:
 
$150,000,000
 
100.000000000%
 
 

 


Exhibit 4.2

SECOND AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED
AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of November 3, 2014, amends and modifies that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2012 (as amended by the First Amendment thereto dated October 29, 2013, the “Credit Agreement”), among OTTER TAIL POWER COMPANY (the “Borrower”), U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”), and the Lenders, as defined therein. Terms not otherwise expressly defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Borrower, the Lenders and the Agent agree that the Credit Agreement is amended as follows.

ARTICLE I - AMENDMENTS

1.1           Each of the definitions of “LIBOR Interbank Rate” and “LIBOR Interbank Daily Rate” is hereby amended to insert the following immediately at the end thereof: “Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary set forth herein, at no time shall this rate be less than zero for purposes hereof.”

1.2           The definition of “Termination Date” appearing in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to replace the date “October 29, 2018” with the date “October 29, 2019”.

1.3           Schedule 1.1(a) to the Credit Agreement, the schedule of Commitments and Percentages, is hereby amended in its entirety to pursuant to Schedule 1.1(a) attached hereto and made a part hereof.

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Amendment and to make and maintain the Loans under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, the Borrower hereby warrants and represents to the Agent and the Lenders that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Amendment, and to perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, and that this Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding agreement of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
 
 
 

 


ARTICLE III - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

This Amendment shall become effective on the date first set forth above, provided, however, that the effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

3.1            Warranties . Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties in the Credit Agreement shall be true and correct as though made on the date hereof with respect to representations and warranties containing qualifications as to materiality, and true and correct as though made on the date hereof in all material respects with respect to representations and warranties without qualifications as to materiality, except for changes that are permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement. The execution by the Borrower of this Amendment shall be deemed a representation that the Borrower has complied with the foregoing condition.

3.2            Defaults . Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under the Credit Agreement. The execution by the Borrower of this Amendment shall be deemed a representation that the Borrower has complied with the foregoing condition.

3.3            Documents . The Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall have executed and delivered this Amendment.

3.4            Fees . The Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the date hereof, including, without limitation, (i) all fees set forth in that certain Fee Letter by and between the Borrower and the Agent dated as of November 3, 2014 and (ii) to the extent invoiced reasonably in advance, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower under the Credit Agreement.

ARTICLE IV - GENERAL

4.1            Expenses . The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Agent upon demand for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses) incurred by the Agent in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and any other document required to be furnished herewith.

4.2            Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed in as many counterparts as may be deemed necessary or convenient, and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

4.3            Severability . Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provisions in any other jurisdiction.
 
2
 

 

 
4.4            Governing Law . This Amendment shall be a contract made under the laws of the State of Minnesota, which laws shall govern all the rights and duties hereunder.

4.5            Successors; Enforceability . This Amendment shall be binding upon the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders and the successors and assigns of the Agent and the Lenders. Except as hereby amended, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects.

4.6            Departing Lenders . Certain Lenders have agreed that they shall no longer constitute Lenders under the Credit Agreement as of the date hereof (each, a “ Departing Lender ”). Each Lender that executes and delivers a signature page hereto that identifies it as a Departing Lender shall constitute a Departing Lender as of the date hereof. No Departing Lender shall have a Commitment on and after the date hereof. Each Departing Lender shall cease to be a party to the Credit Agreement as of the date hereof, with no rights, duties or obligations thereunder. All amounts owing to a Departing Lender shall be paid by the Borrower to such Departing Lender as of the date hereof. The consent of a Departing Lender is not required to give effect to the changes contemplated by this Amendment. The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to take such steps under the Credit Agreement as reasonably required to give effect to the departure of the Departing Lenders, including, without limitation, reallocating outstanding obligations among the remaining Lenders ratably based on their Commitments.
 
3
 

 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
         
  OTTER TAIL POWER COMPANY
         
  By:   /s/ Kevin Moug
         
  Title:   Treasurer
         
  4334 18 th Avenue South
  Suite 200
  Fargo, North Dakota 58103
  Attention: Mr. Kevin G. Moug,
        Treasurer
  Telephone:   (701) 451-3562
  Fax:   (701) 232-4108

(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
 
as Agent and a Bank
         
  By:     /s/ Jacquelyn Ness
         
  Title:   Vice President
         
  505 Second Avenue North
  Mail Code EP-ND-0630
  Fargo, ND 58102
  Attention:   Jacquelyn Ness, Vice President
  Telephone:   (701) 280-3655
  Fax:   (701) 280-3580
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 

 

 
         
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Co-
Syndication Agent and as a Bank
         
  By:   /s/ Justin Martin
         
  Title: Authorized Officer
         
 
10 South Dearborn, 9th Floor, IL1-0090
Chicago, IL 60603
Attention:  Justin Martin
Telephone:  (312) 732-4441
Fax:  (312) 732-1762
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Co-Syndication
Agent and as a Bank
         
  By: /s/ Casey Klepsch
         
  Title: Assistant Vice President
         
 
IL4-135-04-13
135 S. LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
  Attention: Casey Klepsch
        Assistant Vice President
  Telephone:   (312) 904-7465
  Fax:   (312) 904-6546
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
  KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as
Documentation Agent and as a Bank
         
  By:               /s/ Keven D. Smith
         
  Title:           Senior Vice President
         
 
1301 5 th Avenue
Mail Code: WA-31-13-2514
Seattle, WA 98101
  Attention: Keven D. Smith
  Telephone: (206) 343-6966
  Fax:   (206) 684-6570
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 

 

 
         
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION, as a Bank
         
  By:   /s/ Nick Brokke
         
  Title: Vice President
         
 
90 S 7 th Street, 7 th Floor
MAC: N9305-070
Minneapolis, MN 55408
  Attention: Nick Brokke
    Vice President
  Tel:   612-667-6637
  Fax:   612-316-0506
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 
 

 

 
         
 
COBANK, ACB, as a Co-Documentation Agent
and as a Bank
         
  By:   /s/ John Kemper
         
  Title: Vice President
         
 
5500 South Quebec St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Attention:  John Kemper
Telephone:  303-740-6576
Fax:  303-224-2615
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 

 

 
       
  The undersigned Departing Lender hereby acknowledges and agrees that, as of the date of this Second Amendment, it is no longer a party to the Credit Agreement, it is not a party to this Amendment (other than for purposes of acknowledging its status as a Departing Lender), and confirms that, as a Departing Lender, its approval is not required to give effect to this Amendment.
       
  UNION BANK, N.A., as a Departing Lender (and solely with respect to Section 4.6 of this Amendment)
       
  By /s/ Harvey Hordwitz  
  Name: Harvey Hordwitz
  Title:  Vice President
 
(Signature Page to Second Amendment to Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement)
 
 

 

 
Schedule 1.1(a)
 
Commitments and Percentages
             
Bank :
   
Initial Commitment :
 
Percentage :
 
           
U.S. Bank National Association
 
$52,500,000
 
30.882352941176%
             
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
 
$32,500,000
 
19.117647058824%
             
Bank of America, N.A.
 
$32,500,000
 
19.117647058824%
             
Keybank, National Association
 
$17,500,000
 
10.294117647059%
             
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
 
$17,500,000
 
10.294117647059%
             
CoBank, ACB
 
$17,500,000
 
10.294117647059%
             
Total:
 
$170,000,000
 
100.000000000%
 
 

 


(OTTERTAIL CORPORATION LOGO) Exhibit 99.1
 
    NEWS RELEASE
 
 
Media contact: Cris Oehler, Vice President of Corporate Communications, (218) 531-0099 or (866) 410-8780
Investor contact: Loren Hanson, Manager of Investor Relations, (218) 739-8481 or (800) 664-1259
 
For release: November 3, 2014 Financial Media
 
Otter Tail Corporation Announces Third Quarter Earnings
Maintains Consolidated Earnings Guidance Range of $1.65 to $1.80 per Share
Board of Directors Declares Quarterly Dividend
 
FERGUS FALLS, Minnesota - Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ: OTTR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.
 
Summary:
 
 
Consolidated revenues were $242.4 million compared with $229.8 million for the third quarter of 2013.
 
 
Consolidated net income and diluted earnings from continuing operations totaled $15.7 million and $0.43 per share, respectively, compared with $14.8 million and $0.41 per share for the third quarter of 2013.
 
 
The corporation expects to be in the upper end of its 2014 consolidated earnings guidance of $1.65 to $1.80 per diluted share, based on its continued strong performance in 2014.
 
 
The corporation continues its portfolio review strategy and is considering strategic alternatives for its Construction segment.
 
CEO Overview
“Our electric, manufacturing, and infrastructure businesses, in aggregate, are continuing the strong performance we reported midyear,” said Otter Tail Corporation CEO Jim McIntyre. “This quarter’s revenues and net income from continuing operations are each up more than 5% compared with third quarter last year.”
 
“Net income in our Electric segment was slightly lower in this year’s third quarter, impacted by cooler summer weather and higher maintenance and repair expenses. But earnings from capital investments in five large regional transmission projects and the environmental upgrade at Big Stone Plant remain solid. These projects are on schedule and within or under budget with appropriate regulatory cost recovery mechanisms in place.
 
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“We have authorized $33 million in future capital investments and operating expenditures at BTD Manufacturing, our metal fabricator, to enable BTD to expand services to customers, including some of the world’s best known recreational, agricultural and industrial brands. Our investment will accommodate growth in stamping and tooling at BTD’s Detroit Lakes, Minnesota plant and add paint and assembly services at BTD’s Lakeville, Minnesota plant.
 
“Our strong financial performance for the quarter and year to date is reflective of our strategy to maintain a diversified portfolio of operating companies. That said, we are considering strategic alternatives for our construction companies as we continually assess each company’s fit with our portfolio criteria. As we move into fourth quarter with our current businesses, we expect to be in the upper end of our overall guidance range for 2014 diluted earnings per share of $1.65 to $1.80.”
 
Cash Flow from Operations, Liquidity and Financing
The corporation’s consolidated cash provided by continuing operations was $47.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with $95.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Contributing to the $48.4 million decrease between the periods was a $37.8 million increase in cash used for working capital items associated with year over year revenue growth and a $10.0 million increase in discretionary contributions to the corporation’s pension plan. The following table presents the status of the corporation’s lines of credit as of September 30, 2014:
                                                 
(in thousands)
  Line Limit     In Use On
September 30,
2014
    Restricted due to
Outstanding
Letters of Credit
    Available on
September 30,
2014
 
Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement
    $ 150,000         $ 39,000         $ 309         $ 110,691    
Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement
      170,000           --           730           169,270    
Total
    $ 320,000         $ 39,000         $ 1,039         $ 279,961    
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 the corporation sold 168,044 shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $4.8 million through its At-the-Market offering program. Our financing plans are subject to change depending on capital expenditures, internal cash generation and general market conditions.
 
On November 3, 2014 both the Otter Tail Corporation and the Otter Tail Power Company credit agreements were amended to extend the expiration dates by one year from October 29, 2018 to October 29, 2019.
 
Board of Directors Declared Quarterly Dividend
On November 3, 2014 the corporation’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.3025 per share. This dividend is payable December 10, 2014 to shareholders of record on November 14, 2014.
 
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Segment Performance Summary
Electric
Electric revenues and net income were $89.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively, compared with $86.3 million and $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2013. The following table shows Cooling Degree Days as a percent of normal:
 
Three Months ended September 30,
2014
2013
76%
115%
 
Retail electric revenues increased $6.2 million as a result of:
 
 
a $3.6 million increase in Environmental Cost Recovery (ECR) rider revenues related to earning a return in Minnesota and North Dakota on increasing amounts invested in the air quality control system (AQCS) under construction at Big Stone Plant,
 
 
a $1.9 million increase in fuel clause adjustment revenues and fuel and purchased power costs recovered in base rates driven by increased power purchases to meet higher retail kwh sales demand,
 
 
a $1.6 million increase in revenue due to a 2.1% increase in retail kilowatt-hour (kwh) sales mainly related to increased sales to pipeline customers, and
 
 
a $1.3 million increase in Transmission Cost Recovery rider revenues related to recovering costs and returns earned on increasing investments in transmission plant,
 
offset by:
 
 
an estimated $1.6 million decrease in revenues related to milder weather and fewer cooling degree days in the third quarter of 2014 compared with the third quarter of 2013,
 
 
a $0.4 million reduction in Big Stone II cost recovery rider revenues as the North Dakota share of abandoned plant costs were fully recovered by the end of March 2014, and
 
 
a $0.2 million decrease in renewable resource cost recovery rider revenues.
 
Wholesale electric revenues from company-owned generation decreased $3.4 million as a result of a 62.8% reduction in wholesale kwh sales combined with an 8.2% decrease in revenue per kwh sold. The decrease in wholesale kwh sales was related to a 17.6% decrease in kwhs generated by Otter Tail Power Company generating units, mainly as a result of an extended spring maintenance shutdown of Hoot Lake Plant, which was offline for most of July and August of 2014, and curtailments in generation at Big Stone Plant to conserve fuel in response to delayed coal shipments. The decrease in revenue per kwh sold was related to a reduction in wholesale kwh prices due to cooler summer weather in 2014 compared with 2013.
 
Other electric operating revenues increased $0.6 million mainly due to an increase in Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) tariff revenues resulting from increased investment in regional transmission lines and returns on and recovery of Capacity Expansion 2020 (CapX2020) and MISO-designated Multi-Value Project (MVP) investment costs and operating expenses.
 
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Net revenue from energy trading activities, including net marked-to-market losses and gains on forward energy contracts, decreased $0.2 million as a result of decreased trading activity. In the third quarter of 2014, Otter Tail Power Company decided to discontinue its trading activities that are not directly associated with serving retail customers by the end of 2014 due to a lack of market activity and profitable trading opportunities.
 
Production fuel costs decreased $3.7 million as a result of a 20.7% decrease in kwhs generated from Otter Tail Power Company’s steam-powered and combustion turbine generators. The decreases in kwh generation were mainly due to the extended maintenance shutdown of Hoot Lake Plant and curtailments in generation at Big Stone Plant to conserve fuel in response to delayed coal shipments.
 
The cost of purchased power to serve retail customers increased $2.0 million due to a 64.3% increase in kwhs purchased, partially offset by a 25.0% decrease in the cost per kwh purchased. The increase in kwhs purchased was driven by the need to make up for the reduction in generation from Otter Tail Power Company’s coal-fired generating plants as addressed above. Lower wholesale prices were driven by reduced demand related to cooler summer weather in 2014 compared with 2013.
 
Electric operating and maintenance expenses increased $2.7 million as a result of:
 
 
a $1.9 million increase in contracted maintenance costs at Hoot Lake Plant related to a scheduled spring maintenance shutdown which extended into August of 2014 due to unanticipated maintenance issues encountered during the shutdown,
 
 
a $0.6 million increase in MISO transmission tariff charges related to increasing investments in regional CapX2020 and MISO-designated MVP transmission projects, and
 
 
a $0.5 million increase in expenditures for vegetation control and utility pole maintenance,
 
offset by:
 
 
a $0.3 million decrease in amortization of the North Dakota share of Big Stone II abandoned plant costs in conjunction with final recovery of those costs by the end of March 2014.
 
Interest expense increased $2.1 million as a result of the February 27, 2014 issuance of Otter Tail Power Company’s $60 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.68% Series A Senior Unsecured Notes due February 27, 2029 and $90 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.47% Series B Senior Unsecured Notes due February 27, 2044 and a $0.3 million reduction in capitalized interest between the quarters as a result of Otter Tail Power Company being granted a return on funds invested in the Big Stone Plant AQCS through ECR riders approved in Minnesota and North Dakota in December 2013.
 
Other income decreased $0.7 million primarily as a result of a $0.5 million decrease in allowance for equity funds used in construction (AFUDC) related to the Minnesota and North Dakota share of costs incurred in the construction of the new AQCS at Big Stone Plant, which were subject to AFUDC through September of 2013 but not subject to AFUDC in 2014.
 
Income tax expense in the Electric segment decreased $0.9 million due to lower income before taxes and as a result of a $0.2 million increase in federal Production Tax Credits (PTCs) earned related to an 18.3% increase in kwh generation between the quarters from Otter Tail Power Company’s wind turbines eligible for PTCs.
 
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Manufacturing
 
Manufacturing revenues and net income were $55.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, compared with $49.3 million and $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2013.
 
 
At BTD, revenues increased $7.6 million mainly as a result of increased sales to customers in recreational, lawn and garden and energy-related end markets. The following factors resulted in a $0.1 million decrease in BTD’s quarter over quarter net income. Cost of products sold increased $6.5 million as a result of increased sales volumes and material handling costs. BTD’s operating expenses increased $1.1 million, mainly as a result of increases in labor, benefits and training costs related to staffing additions, employee development and increased sales. Income tax expense at BTD increased $0.1 million.
 
 
At T.O. Plastics, revenues and costs of products sold both decreased $1.3 million mainly due to discontinuing a cost-intensive, low-margin product packing process performed for a customer prior to 2014. While the revenues have declined related to this, T.O. Plastics product mix improved, resulting in a higher gross margin percentage and no change in gross profit compared with last year’s third quarter. A $0.2 million increase in administrative and general expenses was offset by decreases in depreciation and income tax expenses, resulting in no change in T.O. Plastics’ net income between the quarters.
 
Plastics
Plastics revenues and net income were $51.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, compared with $46.7 million and $3.4 million for the third quarter of 2013. The $4.9 million increase in revenues is the result of a 6.6% increase in pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe sold combined with a 3.7% increase in the price per pound of pipe sold. Significant increases in sales were seen in California, Minnesota, Washington, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Canada. Cost of products sold increased by $5.8 million due to the increase in sales volume and an 8.4% increase in the cost per pound of pipe sold related to higher PVC resin costs. The increased resin costs could not be fully recovered through increased pipe prices due to competitive market conditions. The decline in net income between the quarters is due to the increase in PVC resin costs offset by a combined $0.6 million decrease in income tax, selling, administrative and general and depreciation expenses.
 
Construction
Construction revenues and net income were $45.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively, compared with $47.5 million and $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2013.
 
 
Aevenia’s revenues increased $2.3 million and its net income increased $0.2 million. Aevenia’s revenue increase is due to a significant increase in electric transmission and distribution work in western North Dakota. Aevenia’s costs of revenues earned increased by $1.1 million as a result of the increase in construction activity, and its operating expenses increased by $0.9 million between the quarters, mainly due to an increase in incentive compensation related to Aevenia’s improved operating results.
 
 
At Foley, a revenue decrease of $4.0 million due to lower work volume was more than offset by higher profit margins on jobs in progress, resulting in a $0.2 million increase in net income between the quarters. Foley’s improved results are reflective of more selective bidding on projects and improved cost control processes in construction management.
 
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Corporate
 
Corporate costs, net-of-tax, decreased $1.0 million mainly as a result of:
 
 
a $0.6 million net-of-tax decrease in general and administrative costs related to an increase in Corporate costs allocated to our operating companies,
 
 
a $0.5 million net-of-tax reduction in accrued stock performance incentive expenses related to a decline in the corporation’s total shareholder return (TSR) ranking relative to the TSR rankings of its peers in the Edison Electric Institute in the third quarter of 2014, and
 
 
a $0.6 million net-of-tax decrease in interest expense related to the early retirement, in November 2013, of $47.7 million of the corporation’s outstanding 9.0% notes due December 15, 2016,
 
offset by:
 
 
$0.6 million of decreases in miscellaneous other income and in tax savings related to permanent differences.
 
2014 Business Outlook
The corporation is maintaining its consolidated diluted earnings per share guidance for 2014 to be in the range of $1.65 to $1.80 but revising its 2014 earnings guidance by segment based on 2014 year-to-date segment performance and current projections. This guidance reflects the current mix of businesses owned by the corporation, considers the cyclical nature of some of the corporation’s businesses and reflects challenges as well as the corporation’s plans and strategies for improving future operating results. The corporation reviews its portfolio of companies at least annually for additional opportunities to improve its risk profile, improve credit metrics and generate additional sources of cash to support the future capital expenditure plans of its respective platforms. Should the corporation be successful in executing its strategic alternatives for the Construction segment in the fourth quarter of 2014, it still expects to be within its original, February earnings guidance for 2014.
 
Segment components of the corporation’s 2013 earnings per share and 2014 earnings per share guidance ranges are as follows:
               
  2013 February 2014 August 2014
Current 2014
 
EPS by
EPS Guidance EPS Guidance EPS Guidance
  Segment
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Electric
$1.05
$1.19
$1.23
$1.23
$1.26
$1.19
$1.22
Manufacturing
$0.32
$0.29
$0.33
$0.30
$0.33
$0.26
$0.29
Plastics
$0.38
$0.25
$0.29
$0.26
$0.29
$0.31
$0.34
Construction
$0.04
$0.07
$0.11
$0.10
$0.13
$0.11
$0.14
Corporate
($0.25)
($0.25)
($0.21)
($0.24)
($0.21)
($0.22)
($0.19)
Subtotal – Continuing Operations
$1.54
$1.55
$1.75
$1.65
$1.80
$1.65
$1.80
Corporate – Loss on Debt Extinguishment
($0.17)
           
Total – Continuing Operations
$1.37
$1.55
$1.75
$1.65
$1.80
$1.65
$1.80
 
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Contributing to the corporation’s updated earnings guidance by segment for 2014 are the following items:
 
 
The corporation is reducing its 2014 net income expectations for its Electric segment back to within its original guidance range for the year due to the extended outage of Hoot Lake Plant and milder than normal third quarter weather, which have offset higher than expected earnings in the first quarter that were driven, in part, by colder than normal weather. Items affecting the corporation’s 2014 Electric segment earnings guidance compared with 2013 earnings also include:
 
 
o
Rider recovery increases, including environmental riders in Minnesota and North Dakota related to the Big Stone Plant AQCS environmental upgrades while under construction, and
 
 
o
A decrease in pension costs of approximately $2.0 million as a result of an increase in the discount rate from 4.5% to 5.3%, offset by
 
 
o
An increase in interest costs as a result of $150 million of fixed rate long term debt put in place in the first quarter of 2014 to finance the Big Stone Plant AQCS and transmission projects.
 
 
The corporation is reducing its 2014 earnings expectations for its Manufacturing segment due to the following factors:
 
 
o
As part of the recently announced facility expansion, BTD plans on exiting the lease of its Otsego, Minnesota warehouse facilities during the fourth quarter of 2014. The cost associated with exiting the lease is expected to be $0.04 per share.
 
 
o
T.O. Plastics earnings are expected to be in line with previous earnings expectations.
 
 
o
Backlog for the manufacturing companies of approximately $50 million for 2014 compared with $47 million one year ago.
 
 
The corporation is raising its previous 2014 net income guidance for its Plastics segment due to stronger actual and anticipated sales volume levels in the last half of 2014 despite an expected continued increase in PVC resin costs which, based on current competitive market conditions, are not expected to be fully recovered through higher sales prices for PVC pipe.
 
 
The corporation is raising its previous 2014 net income guidance for its Construction segment. Segment net income for 2014 is expected to be higher than previous guidance and 2013 net income as a result of improved cost control processes in construction management, more selective bidding on projects with the potential for higher margins and increased electric transmission and distribution work in western North Dakota. Backlog in place for the construction businesses is $31 million for 2014 compared with $34 million one year ago.
 
 
The corporation is lowering its previous range for corporate costs for 2014 due to lower employee benefit costs and better-than-expected performance of its captive insurance program.
 
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The following table shows the corporation’s 2013 capital expenditures, 2014-2018 projected electric utility average rate base and updated 2014-2018 anticipated capital expenditures reflecting additional expenditures in 2018 for a generation facility to replace Hoot Lake Plant, expected reductions in costs for the Big Stone Plant AQCS, an acceleration of expenditures for transmission line construction and recently authorized capital expenditures at BTD to facilitate expansion of services to customers:
                                     
(in millions)
 
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Capital Expenditures:
                                   
Electric Segment:
                                   
Transmission
        $ 55     $ 55     $ 98     $ 63     $ 63  
Environmental
          73       50       --       --       --  
Other
          34       43       45       41       80  
Total Electric Segment
  $ 149     $ 162     $ 148     $ 143     $ 104     $ 143  
Manufacturing and Infrastructure Segments
    15       21       35       24       24       28  
Total Capital Expenditures
  $ 164     $ 183     $ 183     $ 167     $ 128     $ 171  
Total Electric Utility Average Rate Base
          $ 885     $ 991     $ 1,062     $ 1,120     $ 1,152  
 
Execution on the currently anticipated electric utility capital expenditure plan is expected to grow rate base and be a key driver in increasing utility earnings over the 2014 through 2018 timeframe.
 
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
The corporation will host a live webcast on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. CST to discuss the company’s financial and operating performance.
 
The presentation will be posted on the corporation’s website before the webcast. To access the live webcast go to www.ottertail.com/presentations.cfm and select “Webcast”. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download any necessary software that may be needed to listen to the webcast. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on our website shortly following the call.
 
If you are interested in asking a question during the live webcast, the Dial-In Number is: 877-312-8789.
 
Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements that Could Affect Future Results
The information in this release includes certain forward-looking information, including 2014 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:
 
 
Federal and state environmental regulation could require the corporation to incur substantial capital expenditures and increased operating costs.
 
 
Volatile financial markets and changes in the corporation’s debt ratings could restrict its ability to access capital and could increase borrowing costs and pension plan and postretirement health care expenses.
 
 
The corporation relies on access to both short- and long-term capital markets as a source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by cash flows from operations. If the corporation is not able to access capital at competitive rates, its ability to implement its business plans may be adversely affected.
 
 
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.
 
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The corporation made $20.0 million in discretionary contributions to its defined benefit pension plan in January 2014. The corporation could be required to contribute additional capital to the pension plan in the future if the market value of pension plan assets significantly declines, plan assets do not earn in line with the corporation’s long-term rate of return assumptions or relief under the Pension Protection Act is no longer granted.
 
 
Any significant impairment of the corporation’s goodwill would cause a decrease in its asset values and a reduction in its net operating income.
 
 
Declines in projected operating cash flows at any of the corporation’s reporting units may result in goodwill impairments that could adversely affect its results of operations and financial position, as well as financing agreement covenants.
 
 
The corporation currently has $7.3 million of goodwill and a $1.1 million indefinite-lived trade name recorded on its consolidated balance sheet related to the acquisition of Foley in 2003. Foley net earnings improved $10.4 million between 2012 and 2013. If future expected operating profits do not meet the corporation’s projections, the reductions in anticipated cash flows from Foley may indicate its fair value is less than its book value, resulting in an impairment of some or all of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets associated with Foley along with a corresponding charge against earnings.
 
 
The inability of the corporation’s subsidiaries to provide sufficient earnings and cash flows to allow the corporation to meet its financial obligations and debt covenants and pay dividends to its shareholders could have an adverse effect on the corporation.
 
 
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 realign its business mix through capital projects, acquisitions and dispositions may not be successful, which could result in poor financial performance.
 
 
The corporation may, from time to time, sell assets to provide capital to fund investments in its electric utility business or for other corporate purposes, which could result in the recognition of a loss on the sale of any assets sold and other potential liabilities. The sale of any of the corporation’s businesses could expose the corporation to additional risks associated with indemnification obligations under the applicable sales agreements and any related disputes.
 
 
The corporation’s plans to grow and operate its manufacturing and infrastructure businesses could be limited by state law.
 
 
Significant warranty claims and remediation costs in excess of amounts normally reserved for such items could adversely affect the corporation’s results of operations and financial condition.
 
 
The corporation is subject to risks associated with energy markets.
 
 
The corporation is subject to risks and uncertainties related to the timing and recovery of deferred tax assets which could have a negative impact on the corporation’s net income in future periods.
 
 
The corporation relies on its information systems to conduct its business, and failure to protect these systems against security breaches or cyber-attacks could adversely affect its business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become unavailable for any significant period of time, the corporation’s business could be harmed.
 
 
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, or to meet covenants under its borrowing agreements.
 
 
Actions by the regulators of the corporation’s electric operations could result in rate reductions, lower revenues and earnings or delays in recovering capital expenditures.
 
 
Otter Tail Power Company’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.
 
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Changes to regulation of generating plant emissions, including but not limited to carbon dioxide emissions, could affect Otter Tail Power Company’s operating costs and the costs of supplying electricity to its customers.
 
 
Competition from foreign and domestic manufacturers, the price and availability of raw materials and general economic conditions could affect the revenues and earnings of our manufacturing businesses.
 
 
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 segment.
 
 
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.
 
 
Changes in PVC resin prices can negatively impact PVC pipe prices, profit margins on PVC pipe sales and the value of PVC pipe held in inventory.
 
 
A significant failure or an inability to properly bid or perform on projects or contracts by the corporation’s construction businesses could lead to adverse financial results and could lead to the possibility of delay or liquidated damages.
 
 
The corporation’s construction subsidiaries enter into contracts which could expose them to unforeseen costs and costs not within their control, which may not be recoverable and could adversely affect the corporation’s results of operations and financial condition.
 
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 and manufacturing and infrastructure businesses consisting of its Manufacturing, Plastics and Construction segments. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 in the following financial statements: Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets – Assets, Consolidated Balance Sheets – Liabilities and Equity, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.   For a further discussion of other risk factors and cautionary statements, refer to reports the corporation files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
# # #
 
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Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
In thousands, except share and per share amounts
(not audited)
                                   
     
Quarter Ended September 30,
   
Year-to-Date September 30,
 
     
2014
   
2013
   
2014
   
2013
 
Operating Revenues by Segment
                         
Electric
    $ 89,410     $ 86,283     $ 301,409     $ 270,155  
Manufacturing
      55,536       49,323       164,341       152,282  
Plastics
      51,613       46,659       140,186       128,820  
Construction
      45,846       47,509       111,599       108,928  
Corporate Revenue and Intersegment Eliminations
      (34 )     (6 )     (81 )     (74 )
Total Operating Revenues
      242,371       229,768       717,454       660,111  
Operating Expenses
                                 
Fuel and Purchased Power
      25,831       27,476       98,725       88,916  
Nonelectric Cost of Goods Sold (depreciation included below)
      123,151       115,475       333,511       311,474  
Electric Operating and Maintenance Expense
      36,524       33,789       117,278       107,966  
Nonelectric Operating and Maintenance Expense
      13,421       12,857       42,086       38,811  
Depreciation and Amortization
      15,122       15,039       44,871       44,794  
Total Operating Expenses
      214,049       204,636       636,471       591,961  
Operating Income (Loss) by Segment
                                 
Electric
      16,022       14,231       52,684       41,183  
Manufacturing
      4,847       4,908       14,673       15,489  
Plastics
      5,238       5,906       16,810       19,431  
Construction
      3,560       3,104       5,588       1,554  
Corporate
      (1,345 )     (3,017 )     (8,772 )     (9,507 )
Total Operating Income
      28,322       25,132       80,983       68,150  
Interest Charges
      7,687       6,574       21,909       20,431  
Other Income
      494       1,401       3,175       2,958  
Income Tax Expense – Continuing Operations
      5,476       5,133       15,250       13,113  
Net Income (Loss) by Segment – Continuing Operations
                                 
Electric
      8,612       8,787       30,507       24,301  
Manufacturing
      2,899       2,970       8,095       8,333  
Plastics
      3,092       3,403       9,985       11,215  
Construction
      2,205       1,784       3,438       716  
Corporate
      (1,155 )     (2,118 )     (5,026 )     (7,001 )
Net Income from Continuing Operations
      15,653       14,826       46,999       37,564  
Discontinued Operations
                                 
Income - net of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) of $116, $39, $166 and ($35) for the respective periods
      172       312       249       428  
Gain on Disposition - net of Income Tax Expense of  $6 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013
      --       --       --       210  
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
      172       312       249       638  
Net Income
      15,825       15,138       47,248       38,202  
Preferred Dividend Requirement and Other Adjustments
      --       --       --       513  
Balance for Common
    $ 15,825     $ 15,138     $ 47,248     $ 37,689  
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
                                 
Basic
      36,596,396       36,179,507       36,415,500       36,141,664  
Diluted
      36,838,990       36,381,900       36,658,257       36,344,063  
                                   
Basic Earnings Per Common Share:
                                 
Continuing Operations (net of preferred dividend requirement and other adjustments)
    $ 0.43     $ 0.41     $ 1.29     $ 1.02  
Discontinued Operations
      --       0.01       0.01       0.02  
      $ 0.43     $ 0.42     $ 1.30     $ 1.04  
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:
                                 
Continuing Operations (net of preferred dividend requirement and other adjustments)
    $ 0.43     $ 0.41     $ 1.28     $ 1.02  
Discontinued Operations
      --       0.01       0.01       0.02  
      $ 0.43     $ 0.42     $ 1.29     $ 1.04  
 
11
 

 


Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
ASSETS
in thousands
(not audited)
                 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Current Assets
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ --     $ 1,150  
Accounts Receivable:
               
Trade—Net
    105,119       83,572  
Other
    13,687       9,790  
Inventories
    78,939       72,681  
Deferred Income Taxes
    47,228       35,452  
Unbilled Revenues
    15,804       18,157  
Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings
    6,271       4,063  
Regulatory Assets
    19,947       17,940  
Other
    10,779       7,747  
Assets of Discontinued Operations
    10       38  
Total Current Assets
    297,784       250,590  
                 
Investments
    8,706       9,362  
Other Assets
    29,856       28,834  
Goodwill
    38,808       38,971  
Other Intangibles—Net
    12,595       13,328  
                 
Deferred Debits
               
Unamortized Debt Expense
    4,147       4,188  
Regulatory Assets
    73,725       83,730  
Total Deferred Debits
    77,872       87,918  
                 
Plant
               
Electric Plant in Service
    1,521,948       1,460,884  
Nonelectric Operations
    197,767       194,872  
Construction Work in Progress
    234,342       187,461  
Total Gross Plant
    1,954,057       1,843,217  
Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
    705,393       676,201  
Net Plant
    1,248,664       1,167,016  
Total
  $ 1,714,285     $ 1,596,019  
 
12
 

 

 
Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
in thousands
(not audited)
                 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
             
Current Liabilities
           
Short-Term Debt
  $ 39,000     $ 51,195  
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
    198       188  
Accounts Payable
    107,307       113,457  
Accrued Salaries and Wages
    21,679       19,903  
Billings In Excess Of Costs and Estimated Earnings
    2,508       13,707  
Accrued Taxes
    10,998       12,491  
Derivative Liabilities
    6,520       11,782  
Other Accrued Liabilities
    8,286       6,532  
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations
    3,300       3,637  
Total Current Liabilities
    199,796       232,892  
                 
Pensions Benefit Liability
    50,799       69,743  
Other Postretirement Benefits Liability
    46,083       45,221  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    21,890       25,209  
                 
Deferred Credits
               
Deferred Income Taxes
    229,148       195,603  
Deferred Tax Credits
    26,927       28,288  
Regulatory Liabilities
    76,942       73,926  
Other
    918       718  
Total Deferred Credits
    333,935       298,535  
                 
Capitalization
               
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities
    498,540       389,589  
                 
Common Equity
               
Common Shares, Par Value $5 Per Share
    183,987       181,358  
Premium on Common Shares
    267,346       255,759  
Retained Earnings
    113,569       99,441  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
    (1,660 )     (1,728 )
Total Common Equity
    563,242       534,830  
Total Capitalization
    1,061,782       924,419  
Total
  $ 1,714,285     $ 1,596,019  
 
13
 

 

 
Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
In thousands
(not audited)
                 
   
For the Nine Months Ended
 September 30,
 
In thousands
 
2014
   
2013
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
           
Net Income
  $ 47,248     $ 38,202  
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
               
Net Gain from Sale of Discontinued Operations
    --       (210 )
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
    (249 )     (428 )
Depreciation and Amortization
    44,871       44,794  
Deferred Tax Credits
    (1,361 )     (1,422 )
Deferred Income Taxes
    20,824       15,215  
Change in Deferred Debits and Other Assets
    4,299       9,817  
Discretionary Contribution to Pension Plan
    (20,000 )     (10,000 )
Change in Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Credits
    (1,336 )     7,318  
Allowance for Equity/Other Funds Used During Construction
    (1,180 )     (1,462 )
Change in Derivatives Net of Regulatory Deferral
    214       120  
Stock Compensation Expense – Equity Awards
    1,126       1,116  
Other—Net
    (1,303 )     813  
Cash (Used for) Provided by Current Assets and Current Liabilities:
               
Change in Receivables
    (23,651 )     (9,775 )
Change in Inventories
    (6,298 )     (3,323 )
Change in Other Current Assets
    (1,769 )     (252 )
Change in Payables and Other Current Liabilities
    (15,094 )     4,170  
Change in Interest and Income Taxes Receivable/Payable
    1,028       1,156  
Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operations
    47,369       95,849  
Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations
    (341 )     (2,499 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    47,028       93,350  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Capital Expenditures
    (125,164 )     (109,690 )
Proceeds from Disposal of Noncurrent Assets
    3,262       2,615  
Net Increase in Other Investments
    (2,148 )     (680 )
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities - Continuing Operations
    (124,050 )     (107,755 )
Net Proceeds from Sale of Discontinued Operations
    --       12,842  
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities - Discontinued Operations
    284       505  
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (123,766 )     (94,408 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
               
Net Short-Term (Repayments) Borrowings
    (12,195 )     40,335  
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock
    13,331       1,496  
Common Stock Issuance Expenses
    (412 )     --  
Payments for Retirement of Capital Stock
    (459 )     (15,723 )
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt
    150,000       40,900  
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Issuance Expenses
    (516 )     (126 )
Payments for Retirement of Long-Term Debt
    (41,039 )     (25,266 )
Dividends Paid and Other Distributions
    (33,119 )     (33,027 )
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities - Continuing Operations
    75,591       8,589  
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities - Discontinued Operations
    --       --  
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
    75,591       8,589  
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents – Discontinued Operations
    (3 )     (776 )
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (1,150 )     6,755  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
    1,150       52,362  
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
  $ --     $ 59,117  
 
14