Securities and Exchange Commission
                     Washington, D.C.  20549

                            Form 10-Q

X  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

   For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 1997.

                     OR

___  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
     SECURITIES ACT OF 1934

     For the transition period from ___________ to ___________.______________.


     Commission File Number 1-7978


                      Black Hills Corporation
Incorporated in South Dakota   IRS Identification Number 46-0111677

                         625 Ninth Street
                   Rapid City, South Dakota  57709

             Registrant's telephone number (605)-348-1700


                            NONE
Former  name,  former  address, and former fiscal year if changed
since last report

                               NONE


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all 
reports required to  be  filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding  12  months 
(or  for  such  shorter  period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                    Yes     X             No

Indicate  the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's 
classes  of common stock as of the last practicable date.

       Class                          Outstanding at April 30,July 31, 1997

Common stock, $1.00 par value             14,456,83414,461,464 shares




           BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

                  I N D E X


                                                        Page
                                                       NUMBER

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

       Consolidated Balance Sheets-                     2-3
        March 31,June 30, 1997, December 31, 1996
        and March 31,June 30, 1996

       Consolidated Statements of Income-                 4
        Three, Six and Twelve Months
        Ended March 31,June 30, 1997 and 1996

       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-             5
        Three, Six and Twelve Months
        Ended March 31,June 30, 1997 and 1996

       Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity-   6
        Three, Six and Twelve Months Ended
        March 31,June 30, 1997 and 1996

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements         7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of        8-10
        Financial Position and Consolidated
        Statements of Earnings                           7-10


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings                                1011

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                 1011


Signatures                                               1112









                              
                        BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

                      Consolidated Balance Sheets
                              (unaudited)
March 31 December 31 March 31 1997 1996 1996 (in thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 17,831 $ 13,340 $ 4,390 Securities available for sale 15,270 11,458 13,465 Receivables, net Customers 12,603 12,961 13,059 Other 2,362 2,727 4,767 Materials, supplies, and fuel 7,895 7,861 7,822 Prepaid expenses 1,585 2,650 1,007 ------- ------- ------- 57,546 50,997 44,510 ------- ------- ------- Property and investments: Electric 480,158 479,237 470,078 Coal mining 53,388 53,200 44,616 Oil and gas 46,344 45,336 41,824 Other 4,549 3,764 3,644 ------- ------- ------- 584,439 581,537 560,162 Less accumulated depreciation and depletion (186,182) (181,103) (169,758) -------- -------- -------- Net property and investments 398,257 400,434 390,404 -------- -------- -------- Deferred charges: Federal income taxes 8,013 7,972 7,573 Regulatory asset 3,326 3,176 2,726 Other 4,813 4,775 4,588 -------- -------- -------- 16,152 15,923 14,887 -------- -------- -------- Total $471,955 $467,354 $449,801BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) June 30 December 31 June 30 1997 1996 1996 (in thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,204 $ 13,340 $ 3,767 Securities available for sale 18,211 11,458 10,598 Receivables, net Customers 11,636 12,961 11,092 Other 2,652 2,727 7,637 Materials, supplies, and fuel 7,834 7,861 7,508 Prepaid expenses 688 2,650 775 -------- -------- -------- 55,225 50,997 41,377 -------- -------- -------- Property and investments: Electric 493,372 479,237 473,295 Coal mining 52,838 53,200 44,668 Oil and gas 49,291 45,336 42,991 Other 4,301 3,764 3,664 -------- -------- -------- 599,802 581,537 564,618 Less accumulated depreciation and depletion (200,189) (181,103) (174,836) -------- -------- -------- Net property and investments 399,613 400,434 389,782 -------- -------- -------- Deferred charges: Federal income taxes 8,110 7,972 7,620 Regulatory asset 3,476 3,176 2,876 Other 4,931 4,775 4,544 -------- -------- -------- 16,517 15,923 15,040 -------- -------- -------- Total $471,355 $467,354 $446,199 ======== ======== ========
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) June 30 December 31 June 30 1997 1996 1996 (in thousands) LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 1,310 $ 1,534 $ 1,468 Notes payable 23 143 1,078 Accounts payable 5,397 7,332 3,714 Accrued liabilities- Taxes 7,509 8,633 5,857 Interest 4,003 4,035 4,046 Other 6,986 6,438 5,687 -------- -------- -------- 25,228 28,115 21,850 -------- -------- -------- Deferred credits: Federal income taxes 49,995 48,262 46,873 Investment tax credits 4,265 4,516 4,767 Reclamation costs 16,614 16,267 8,314 Regulatory liability 6,485 6,692 6,998 Other 6,111 5,636 5,507 -------- -------- -------- 83,470 81,373 72,459 -------- -------- -------- Capitalization: Common stock equity- Common stock 14,461 14,450 14,440 Additional paid-in capital 47,065 46,841 46,643 Retained earnings 136,967 131,884 125,488 -------- -------- -------- Total common stock equity 198,493 193,175 186,571 Long-term debt 164,164 164,691 165,319 -------- -------- -------- 362,657 357,866 351,890 -------- -------- -------- Total $471,355 $467,354 $446,199 ======== ======== ======== BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) Three Months Six Months Twelve Months June 30 June 30 June 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Operating revenues: Electric $ 29,347 $26,978 $61,381 $57,283 $122,815 $116,054 Coal mining 7,703 7,418 15,828 15,486 31,657 30,620 Oil and gas 3,209 3,387 6,929 6,118 13,366 11,487 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 40,259 37,783 84,138 78,887 167,838 158,161 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Operating expenses: Fuel and purchased power 8,816 7,931 18,282 16,745 35,731 36,241 Operations and maintenance 7,524 7,635 15,086 15,084 30,734 30,569 Administrative and general 2,264 1,843 4,542 3,940 8,682 8,909 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,699 6,023 11,293 11,429 22,685 21,493 Taxes, other than income taxes 3,062 3,155 6,334 6,313 12,480 11,932 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 27,365 26,587 55,537 53,511 110,312 109,144 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Operating income: Electric 9,078 7,642 20,286 18,229 41,146 35,281 Coal mining 3,103 2,994 6,533 6,299 12,468 11,954 Oil and gas 713 560 1,782 848 3,912 1,782 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 12,894 11,196 28,601 25,376 57,526 49,017 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Other income and (expense): Interest expense (3,465) (3,462) (6,946) (6,930) (13,958)(14,113) Investment income 459 346 829 583 1,620 1,292 Allowance for funds used during construction 43 134 109 250 209 1,290 Other, net (32) 127 (215) 650 883 1,774 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- (2,995) (2,855) (6,223) (5,447) (11,246) (9,757) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Income before income taxes 9,899 8,341 22,378 19,929 46,280 39,260 Income taxes (3,137) (2,454) (7,028) (6,043) (14,565) (11,424) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net income available for common stock $ 6,762 $ 5,887 $15,350 $13,886 $31,715 $27,836 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Weighted average common shares outstanding 14,459 14,437 14,457 14,433 14,451 14,425 Earnings per share $0.47 $0.41 $1.06 $0.96 $2.20 $1.93 Dividends paid per share of common stock $0.355 $0.345 $0.710 $0.690 $1.400 $1.360 BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) Three Months Six Months Twelve Months June 30 June 30 June 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Operating activities: Net Income $ 6,762 $ 5,887 $15,350 $13,886 $31,715 $27,836 Principal non-cash items- Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,699 6,023 11,293 11,429 22,685 21,493 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 247 384 829 913 1,947 2,235 Allowance for other funds used during construction (23) (83) (58) (156) (90) (819) (Increase) decrease in receivables, inventories, and other current assets 1,635 (357) 3,389 (1,186) 4,202 (5,137) Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities (3,240) (5,690) (2,544) (8,546) 4,590 (6,829) Other, net 1,294 91 (440) 373 1,402 2,146 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- 12,374 6,255 27,819 16,713 66,451 40,925 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Investment activities: Property additions, excluding allowance for other funds used during construction (8,022) (5,041) (9,299) (7,447) (26,240)(26,243) Available for sale securities purchased (6,579) (233) (12,732) (9,905) (43,670)(20,799) Available for sale securities sold 3,638 3,100 5,979 6,111 36,057 20,464 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- (10,963) (2,174) (16,052)(11,241) (33,853)(26,578) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Financing activities: Dividends paid (5,134) (4,982) (10,267) (9,960) (20,236)(19,623) Common stock issued 96 123 235 303 443 575 Net short-term borrowings - 155 (120) 460 (1,055) (2,490) Long-term debt issued - - - - - 15,254 Long-term debt retied - - (751) (687) (1,313) (8,863) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- (5,038) (4,704) (10,903) (9,884) (22,161)(15,147) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (3,627) (623) 864 (4,412) 10,437 (800) Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 17,831 4,390 13,340 8,179 3,767 4,567 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- End of period $14,204 $ 3,767 $14,204 $ 3,767 $14,204 $ 3,767 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 2,458 $ 2,426 $ 6,961 $ 6,973 $13,991 $13,709 Income taxes $ 6,500 $ 6,150 $ 6,500 $ 6,750 $12,366 $10,380 Assumption of reclamation liability in acquisition of Clovis Point properties $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 7,957 $ - See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
March 31 December 31 March 31 1997 1996 1996 (in thousands) LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 1,310 $ 1,534 $ 1,468 Notes payable 23 143 923 Accounts payable 5,207 7,332 4,991 Accrued liabilities- Taxes 12,725 8,633 10,849 Interest 2,996 4,035 3,010 Other 6,206 6,438 6,144 -------- -------- -------- 28,467 28,115 27,385 -------- -------- -------- Deferred credits: Federal income taxes 49,254 48,262 46,110 Investment tax credits 4,390 4,516 4,893 Reclamation costs 16,446 16,267 8,153 Regulatory liability 6,568 6,692 7,054 Other 5,897 5,636 5,343 -------- -------- -------- 82,555 81,373 71,553 -------- -------- -------- Capitalization: Common stock equity- Common stock 14,457 14,450 14,434 Additional paid-in capital 46,973 46,841 46,526 Retained earnings 135,339 131,884 124,584 --------- -------- -------- 196,769 193,175 185,544 Long-term debt 164,164 164,691 165,319 --------- -------- -------- 360,933 357,866 350,863 --------- -------- -------- Total $471,955 $467,354 $449,801 =========BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) Three Months Six Months Twelve Months June 30 June 30 June 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Common stock: Beginning of period $ 14,457 $ 14,434 $ 14,450 $ 14,425 $ 14,440 $ 14,409 Issuance of $1 par value shares 4 6 11 15 21 31 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period 14,461 14,440 14,461 14,440 14,461 14,440 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Additional paid-in capital: Beginning of period 46,973 46,526 46,841 46,355 46,643 46,099 Net proceeds over par value of stock issued 92 117 224 288 422 544 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period 47,065 46,643 47,065 46,643 47,065 46,643 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Retained earnings: Beginning of period 135,339 124,583 131,884 121,562 125,488 117,275 Net income 6,762 5,887 15,350 13,886 31,715 27,836 Cash dividends on common stock (5,134) (4,982) (10,267) (9,960) (20,236) (19,623) -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period 136,967 125,488 136,967 125,488 136,967 125,488 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity $198,493 $186,571 $198,493 $186,571 $198,493 $186,571 ======== ========
======== ======== ======== ======== See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)
Three Months Twelve Months March 31 March 31 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Operating revenues: Electric $32,034 $30,305 $120,447 $113,065 Coal mining 8,125 8,068 31,372 31,000 Oil and gas 3,719 2,731 13,543 10,917 ------- ------- -------- -------- 43,878 41,104 165,362 154,982 ------- ------- -------- -------- Operating expenses: Fuel and purchased power 9,466 8,814 34,846 38,053 Operations & maintenance 7,353 7,448 30,247 29,458 Administrative and general 2,476 2,096 8,872 8,863 Depreciation, depletion and amortization 5,579 5,406 22,967 20,342 Taxes, other than income taxes 3,298 3,158 12,599 11,496 ------- ------- -------- -------- 28,172 26,922 109,531 108,212 ------- ------- -------- -------- Operating income: Electric 11,208 10,587 39,711 32,584 Coal mining 3,430 3,306 12,359 12,544 Oil and gas 1,068 289 3,761 1,642 ------- ------- ------- -------- 15,706 14,182 55,831 46,770 ------- ------- ------- -------- Other income and (expense): Interest expense (3,479) (3,468) (13,954) (14,098) Investment income 369 236 1,507 1,206 Allowance for funds used during construction 65 116 299 3,686 Other, net (183) 526 1,035 1,654 ------- ------- ------- -------- (3,228) (2,590) (11,113) (7,552) ------- ------- ------- -------- Income before income taxes 12,478 11,592 44,718 39,218 Income taxes (3,891) (3,591) (13,880) (11,623) ------- ------- -------- -------- Net income available for common stock $8,587 $ 8,001 $ 30,838 $ 27,595 ====== ======= ======== ======== Weighted average common shares outstanding 14,454 14,429 14,446 14,417 ====== ======= ======== ======== Earnings per share $ 0.59 $ 0.55 $ 2.13 $ 1.91 ======= ======= ======== ======== Dividends paid per share of common stock $ 0.355 $ 0.345 $ 1.390 $ 1.350 ======= ======= ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Three Months Twelve Months March 31 March 31 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Operating activities: Net Income $ 8,587 $ 8,001 $30,838 $27,595 Principal non-cash items- Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,579 5,406 22,967 20,342 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits 583 614 1,632 2,731 Allowance for other funds used during construction (36) (73) (151) (2,299) (Increase) decrease in receivables, inventories, and other current assets 1,754 (829) 2,210 (2,634) Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities 696 (2,856) 2,140 (4,116) Other, net (180) 196 2,041 1,637 ------- ------- ------- ------- 16,983 10,459 61,677 43,256 ------- ------- ------- ------- Investment activities: Property additions, excluding allowance for other funds used during construction (2,816) (2,406) (24,605) (34,011) Available for sale securities purchased (6,153) (9,673) (37,323) (21,165) Available for sale securities sold 2,341 3,012 35,518 25,925 ------- ------ ------- -------- (6,628) (9,067) (26,410) (29,251) ------- ------ ------- -------- Financing activities: Dividends paid (5,132) (4,979) (20,083) (19,470) Common stock issued 139 180 470 609 Net short-term borrowings (120) 305 (900) (1,295) Long-term debt issued - - - 15,254 Long-term debt retired (751) (687) (1,313) (8,877) ------- ------- ------- -------- (5,864) (5,181) (21,826) (13,779) ------- ------- ------- -------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,491 (3,789) 13,441 226 Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 13,340 8,179 4,390 4,164 ------- ------- ------- ------- End of period $17,831 $ 4,390 $17,831 $ 4,390 ======= ======= ======= ======= Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for- Interest $ 4,518 $ 4,547 $13,968 $13,921 Income taxes $ - $ 600 $12,016 $ 6,155 Assumption of reclamation liability in acquisition of Clovis Point properties $ - $ - $7,957 $ - -
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)
Three Months Twelve Months March 31 March 31 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Common stock: Beginning of period $ 14,450 $ 14,425 $ 14,434 $ 14,400 Issuance of $1 par value shares 7 9 23 34 -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period 14,457 14,434 14,457 14,434 -------- -------- -------- -------- Additional paid-in capital: Beginning of period 46,841 46,355 46,526 45,951 Net proceeds over par value of stock issued 132 171 447 575 -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period 46,973 46,526 46,973 46,526 -------- -------- -------- -------- Retained earnings: Beginning of period 131,884 121,562 124,584 116,459 Net income 8,587 8,001 30,838 27,595 Dividend paid (5,132) (4,979) (20,083) (19,470) -------- -------- -------- -------- End of period 135,339 124,584 135,339 124,584 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity $196,769 $185,544 $196,769 $185,544 ======== ======== ======== ========
BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Reference is made to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report) (1) MANAGEMENT'S STATEMENT The financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Corporation (the Company) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report andon Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying financial statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the March 31,June 30, 1997, December 31, 1996 and March 31,June 30, 1996, financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 1997,June 30, 1996, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. (2) NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD During March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, (SFAS 128) which requires the disclosure of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. The Companycompany must adopt SFAS 128 in the fourth quarter of 1997 and anticipates it will not have a material impact on the financial position or the results of operations of the Company. (3) SUBSEQUENT EVENT On July 25, 1997, Black Hills Corporation purchased the assets of a wholesale natural gas and crude oil marketing company. The purchase agreement required fixed cash payments of $7,000,000 at the closing date and additionally allows for contingent payments up to $1,600,000. The contingent payments are dependent on certain profit thresholds of the acquired company. The acquisition will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and as such, the results of operations will be included in the Company's consolidated financials from July 25, 1997 forward. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES, AND COMMITMENTS In the past the Company has depended upon internally generated funds, issuance of short and long-term debt and sales of common stock to finance its activities. It is expected future activities will also be financed by the most appropriate mix of these various sources of funds. The Company currently has bank lines of credit totaling $12,000,000, which provides for interim borrowings and the opportunity for timing of permanent financing. The Company had no borrowings$500,000 outstanding under these lines of credit at March 31,on June 30, 1997. There are no compensating balance requirements associated with these lines of credit. In addition to the above lines of credit, Wyodak Resources Development Corp. has guaranteed a $15,000,000 line of credit for Enserco Energy, Inc. to use to guarantee letters of credit. Enserco pays a .125% facility fee on this line of credit. At March 31,June 30, 1997, there were no balances outstanding on this line of credit. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Black Hills Corporation is an energy services company consisting of three principal businesses: electric, coal mining and oil and gas production. Consolidated net income was $8,587,000$6,762,000 for the first quarterthree months ended, $15,350,000 for the six months ended and $30,838,000$31,715,000 for the twelve months ended March 31,June 30, 1997, an increase of $586,00015 percent, 11 percent and $3,243,000,14 percent, respectively. The increase in earnings for both the three and twelve months ending March 31, 1997, was primarily due to strongincreased sales growth involumes for the electric operations, and increased oil and gas prices. Consolidated revenue increased 7 percent for both the three month and twelve month periods while consolidated operating expenses increased 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively, for the same periods. Earningsresulting from the electric operations increased $391,000 and $2,447,000 for the three and twelve month periods, respectively. This increase was the result of strong growth in sales, including the sale to MontanaMontana- Dakota Utilities, Sheridan, Wyoming load, which commenced January 1, 1997, and earnings associated with the inclusion of Neil Simpson Unit #2 (NS #2) in the Company's rate base. NS #2 is, an 80 MW coal-fired power plant which began commercial operation on August 1, 1995. Oil1995, into the Company's rate base, and gas earnings increased $530,000 for the first quarter and $1,435,000 for the twelve month period as a result of increased commodity prices and an increase in oil and gas production. prices. Consolidated revenue and income from continuing operations provided by the three businesses as a percentage of the total were as follows:
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31 March 31 1997 1996 1997 1996 REVENUE Electric 73% 74% 73% 73% Coal mining 19 20 19 20 Oil and gas 8 6 8 7 ---- ---- ---- ----Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 June 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 REVENUE Electric 73% 71% 73% 73% 73% 74% Coal mining 19 20 19 20 19 19 Oil and gas 8 9 8 7 8 7 --- --- --- --- --- --- 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 June 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 NET INCOME Electric 62% 56% 63% 60% 62% 60% Coal mining 33 38 31 36 30 35 Oil and gas 7 7 8 4 9 5 Other (2) (1) (2) - (1) - --- --- --- --- --- --- 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% ==== ==== ==== ==== Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31 March 31 1997 1996 1997 1996 NET INCOME Electric 64% 64% 61% 59% Coal mining 29 34 31 36 Oil and gas 8 2 9 5 Other (1) - (1) - ---- ---- ---- ---- 100% 100% 100% 100% ==== ==== ==== ====
Capital expenditures and depreciation, depletion, and amortization by industry segment were as follows:
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31 March 31 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (includes AFDC) Electric $ 1,490 $ 1,061 $13,251 $ 28,541 Coal mining 205 143 1,988 1,584 Oil and gas 1,126 1,272 9,439 6,168 Other 31 3 78 17 ------- ------- ------- -------- $ 2,852 $ 2,479 $24,756 $ 36,310 ======= ======= ======= ======== DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, AND AMORTIZATION Electric $3,821 $3,705 $16,220 $13,004 Coal mining 761 663 3,079 3,362 Oil and gas 997 1,038 3,668 3,976 ------ ------ ------- ------- $5,579 $5,406 $22,967 $20,342 ====== ====== ======= =======
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 June 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (includes AFDC) Electric $4,666 $3,738 $4,711 $4,800 $12,734 $19,030 Coal mining 1,335 53 1,445 196 3,367 1,558 Oil and gas 1,981 1,327 3,107 2,599 10,093 6,468 Other 63 6 94 8 136 7 ------ ------ ------ ----- ------ ------- $8,045 $5,124 $9,357 $7,603 $26,330 $27,063 DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, AND AMORTIZATION Electric $3,821 $4,099 $7,642 $7,803 $15,942 $14,442 Coal mining 787 647 1,549 1,310 3,220 2,947 Oil and gas 1,091 1,277 2,102 2,316 3,523 4,104 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------- $5,699 $6,023 $11,293 $11,429 $22,685 $21,493 ELECTRIC OPERATIONS Electric revenuesrevenue increased 628 percent, 16 percent and 717 percent for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 1997 primarily due to strong growth in sales. Firm kilowatthour sales increased 14 percent for the three and six month periods and increased 9 percent for the twelve months ended March 31, 1997. The increase in electric revenues was primarily due to a 14 percent and 6 percent increase, respectively, in firm kilowatthour salesmonth period directly related to serving the Montana-Dakota Utilities, Sheridan, Wyoming load which commenced January 1, 1997, offset by mild weather conditions. Degree days, which is a measure of weather trends were 1 percent below normalLoad. Electric expenses remained relatively flat for the first quarter of 1997three and 13 percent below last year. Electric expensessix months ended June 30, 1997. Fuel and purchased power expense increased 611 percent for the three month period ending March 31, 1997,second quarter, 9 percent for the year to date, and remained relatively flatdecreased slightly for the twelve month period. The increase in fuel and purchased power expense for the three and six month periodperiods was primarilydirectly related to the increase in kilowatthour sales. Non-operating income increased $191,000 and $211,000 for the three and six month periods due to a 14 percentan increase in purchased power costs related to serving the Montana-Dakota Utilities' Sheridan, Wyoming load. The electric earnings increaseinterest income from marketable securities and decreased $453,000 for the twelve month period due to a decrease in allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). The decrease in AFUDC was a resultreflection of the additioncompletion of the Sheridan, Wyoming, loadconstruction on NS #2 and the earnings associated with Neil Simpson Unit #2. This earnings increase was offset by a 25 percentthe increase in depreciation expenseelectric revenues. MINING OPERATIONS Mining revenue increased 4 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent for the three, six and twelve month periods ending June 30, 1997, directly related to the depreciation on Neil Simpson Unit #2an increase in tons of coal sold of 3 percent, 2 percent and the accelerated depreciation on the Kirk Plant. The Kirk Plant was placed in cold reserve in August 19957 percent, respectively. Mining expenses increased 4 percent, 3 percent and was fully depreciated in the fourth quarter of 1996. MINING OPERATIONS Coal mining earnings decreased $251,0001 percent for the first quarterthree, six and $344,000 for the twelve month period reflecting a decreasemonths ended June 30, 1997. The increase in non-operating income. A $500,000 gain from the sale and retirement of property was recognized in the first quarter of 1996. Coal mining revenues increased slightly for both periodsexpense is related to a slightthe increase in tons of coal sold. OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS Oil and gas earnings increased $530,000$86,000 for the firstsecond quarter and $1,435,000$617,000 and $1,406,000 for the six month and twelve month period as a resultperiods ending June 30, 1997. The earnings increase is due to an increase in barrels of increased commodity pricesoil equivalents sold and an increase in oil and gas prices. Operating expenses decreased 12 percent for the second quarter due to a decrease in production while revenueexpense. Operating expenses increased 362 percent and 247 percent respectively. Commodity prices increased 24for the six month and twelve month periods compared to the same periods last year. Depletion expense decreased 17 percent, 11 percent and 14 percent for the three, six and twelve month periods directly due to the increase in gas prices and reserve values. Nonoperating income decreased $190,000, $679,000 and $556,000 for the three, six and twelve month periods ending March 31,June 30, 1997 as a result of a $500,000 gain recorded from the sale and production increased 21 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Operating expenses increased 18 percent forretirement of property in the three month period and increased 4 percent for the twelve month period ended March 31, 1997 directly related to the increasefirst quarter of 1996 offset by increases in production.interest income on marketable securities. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Part II - Other Information Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS There are no legal proceedings to be reported on for the quarter ending March 31,June 30, 1997. Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a. EXHIBITS None b. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K NoneThe Registrant filed a Form 8-K on July 25, 1997, reporting the purchase of the assets of Jomax Partners, L.P., as successor to and survivor of Wickford Energy Marketing, L.C., and Wickford Energy Marketing Canada Company. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION SIGNATURES 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. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION /S/ ROXANN R. BASHAM Roxann R. Basham, Corporate Secretary/TreasurerDALE E. CLEMENT Dale E. Clement, Senior Vice President-Finance /S/ MARK T. THIES Mark T. Thies, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) Dated: May 9,August 8, 1997