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 JuneSeptember 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


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 JulyOctober 31, 1997

   Common stock, $1.00 par value    14,461,46414,466,113 shares





              BLACK HILLS CORPORATION

                     I N D E X


                                                            Page
                                                           NUMBERNumber

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

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

       Consolidated Statements of Income-                     4
        Three, SixNine and Twelve Months
        Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and 1996

       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows-                 5
        Three, SixNine and Twelve Months
        Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and 1996

       Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity-       6
        Three, SixNine and Twelve Months Ended
        JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and 1996

       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements           77-8

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of            8-109-11
        Financial Position and Consolidated
        StatementsResults of EarningsOperations



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings                                    1112

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                     1112


Signatures                                                   1213









BLACK 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 Unaudited September 30 December 31 September 30 1997 1996 1996 (in thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 11,200 $ 13,340 $ 7,529 Securities available for sale 14,579 11,458 10,685 Receivables, net Customers 43,696 12,961 12,177 Other 3,471 2,727 8,346 Materials, supplies, and fuel 8,219 7,861 7,489 Prepaid expenses 1,125 2,650 2,422 82,290 50,997 48,648 Property and investments: Electric 485,787 479,237 477,040 Coal mining 52,843 53,200 49,763 Oil and gas 50,943 45,336 43,861 Other 4,988 3,764 3,273 594,561 581,537 573,937 Less accumulated depreciation and depletion (193,764) (181,103) (180,713) Net property and investments 400,797 400,434 393,224 Other assets: Federal income taxes 8,268 7,972 7,803 Regulatory asset 3,626 3,176 3,026 Other 12,645 4,775 8,632 24,539 15,923 19,461 Total $507,626 $467,354 $461,333
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 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 Balance Sheets
Unaudited Unaudited September 30 December 31 September 30 1997 1996 1996 (in thousands) LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 1,331 $ 1,534 $ 1,534 Notes payable 1,528 143 1,348 Accounts payable 36,048 7,332 6,090 Accrued liabilities- Taxes 8,837 8,633 6,823 Interest 2,996 4,035 3,011 Other 7,103 6,438 7,117 57,843 28,115 25,923 Deferred credits: Federal income taxes 50,792 48,262 47,207 Investment tax credits 4,139 4,516 4,641 Reclamation costs 16,793 16,267 16,293 Regulatory liability 6,277 6,692 6,944 Other 6,327 5,636 5,667 84,328 81,373 80,752 Capitalization: Common stock equity- Common stock 14,466 14,450 14,446 Additional paid-in capital 47,158 46,841 46,763 Retained earnings 140,471 131,884 128,746 Total common stock equity 202,095 193,175 189,955 Long-term debt 163,360 164,691 164,703 365,455 357,866 354,658 Total $507,626 $467,354 $461,333
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 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 Income (unaudited)
Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months September 30 September 30 September 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Operating revenues: Electric $33,358 $31,073 $94,738 $88,357 $125,099 $17,532 Coal mining 8,178 8,262 24,005 23,749 31,572 32,128 Oil and gas 3,029 3,230 9,958 9,348 13,165 12,007 Energy marketing 53,617 - 53,617 - 53,617 - 98,182 42,565 182,318 121,454 223,453 161,667 Operating expenses: Fuel and purchased power 62,557 9,034 80,840 25,780 89,254 35,090 Operations and maintenance 8,511 7,190 23,596 22,276 31,847 1,086 Administrative and general 2,936 2,301 7,478 6,239 9,523 8,776 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,439 5,928 16,731 17,357 22,196 21,817 Taxes, other than income taxes 3,097 3,193 9,430 9,506 12,383 12,575 82,540 27,646 138,075 81,158 165,203 109,344 Operating income (loss): Electric 12,141 10,828 32,427 29,057 42,460 37,129 Coal mining 3,198 3,304 9,731 9,604 12,362 12,591 Oil and gas 494 787 2,276 1,635 3,619 2,603 Energy marketing and other (191) - (191) - (191) - 15,642 14,919 44,243 40,296 58,250 52,323 Other income and (expense): Interest expense (3,559) (3,489) (10,516) (10,419) (14,032) (14,078) Investment income 585 400 1,412 982 1,805 1,398 Allowance for funds used during construction 44 111 152 360 141 387 Other, net (197) 122 (409) 771 553 1,151 (3,127) (2,856) (9,361) (8,306) (11,533) (11,142) Income before income taxes 12,515 12,063 34,882 31,990 46,717 41,181 Income taxes (3,871) (3,820) (10,898) (9,861) (14,600) (12,035) Net income available for common stock $ 8,644 $ 8,243 $23,984 $22,129 $32,117 $29,146 Weighted average common shares outstanding 14,464 14,443 14,459 14,437 14,457 14,433 Earnings per share $0.60 $0.57 1.66 $1.53 $2.22 $2.02 Dividends paid per share of common stock $0.355 $0.345 $1.065 $1.035 $1.410 $1.370 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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 BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months September 30 September 30 September 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Operating activities: Net Income $ 8,644 $ 8,243 $23,984 $22,129 $32,117 $29,146 Principal non-cash items- Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,439 5,928 16,731 17,357 22,196 21,817 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 37 208 865 1,122 1,775 1,473 Allowance for other funds used during construction(21) (70) (80) (227) (41) (247) Increase in receivables, inventories, and other current assets(33,701) (3,422) (30,312) (4,608)(26,077) (5,850) Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities 31,089 3,737 28,546 (4,809) 31,943 (993) Other, net (668) 1,656 (1,267) 2,028 (833) 4,553 10,819 16,280 38,467 32,992 61,080 49,899 Investing activities: Property additions, excluding allowance for other funds used during construction (6,325) (7,292) (15,463)(14,738)(25,362)(24,021) Energy marketing asset acquisition (6,810) - (6,810) - (6,810) - Available for sale securities purchased (8,132) (3,285) (20,864)(13,191)(48,517)(22,079) Available for sale securities sold 11,764 3,198 17,743 9,310 44,623 16,090 (9,503) (7,379) (25,394)(18,619)(36,066)(30,010) Financing activities: Dividends paid (5,140) (4,985) (15,397)(14,945)(20,392)(19,777) Common stock issued 98 126 333 429 415 561 Net short-term borrowings 1,505 270 1,385 730 180 (3,055) Long-term debt issued - - - - - - Long-term debt retired (783) (550) (1,534) (1,237) (1,546) (1,763) (4,320) (5,139) (15,213)(15,023)(21,343)(24,034) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (3,004) 3,762 (2,140) (650) 3,671 (4,145) Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of period 14,204 3,767 13,340 8,179 7,529 11,674 End of period $11,200 $ 7,529 $11,200 $ 7,529 $11,200 $ 7,529 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 4,566 $ 4,524 $11,555 $11,495 $14,047 $14,026 Income taxes $ 2,140 $ 2,666 $ 8,640 $ 9,416 $11,840 $11,496 Assumption of Clovis Point reclamation liability in acquisition of Clovis Point properties $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 7,957 $ - See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited)
Three Months Nine Months Twelve Months September 30 September 30 September 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) Common stock: Beginning of period$14,461 $14,440 $14,450 $14,425 $14,446 $14,417 Issuance of $1 par value shares 5 6 16 21 20 29 End of period 14,466 14,446 14,466 14,446 14,466 14,446 Additional paid-in capital: Beginning of period 47,065 46,643 46,841 46,355 46,763 46,231 Net proceeds over par value of stock issued 93 120 317 408 395 532 End of period 47,158 46,763 47,158 46,763 47,158 46,763 Retained earnings: Beginning of period136,967 125,488 131,884 121,562 128,746 119,377 Net income 8,644 8,243 23,984 22,129 32,117 29,146 Cash dividends on common stock (5,140) (4,985) (15,397) (14,945) (20,392) (19,777) End of period 140,471 128,746 140,471 128,746 140,471 128,746 Total shareholders' equity $202,095 $189,955 $202,095 $189,955 $202,095 $189,955 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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 on 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 JuneSeptember 30, 1997, December 31, 1996 and JuneSeptember 30, 1996, financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1996,1997, 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 EVENTENERGY MARKETING ASSET ACQUISITION On July 25, 1997, Black Hills Corporation purchased the assets of Wickford Energy, a wholesale natural gas and crude oil marketing company. The purchase agreement required fixed cash payments of $7,000,000, subject to certain closing adjustments, 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 beare included in the Company's consolidated financials from July 25, 1997. Natural gas and crude oil marketing operations are high-volume, low margin operations. (4) RENEGOTIATED POWER SALES AGREEMENT The Company has entered into a Restated and Amended Power Sales Agreement ("The Amended Agreement") with PacifiCorp. This agreement restates and amends the Purchased Power Agreement ("The Agreement") that was entered into with PacifiCorp on December 31, 1983, which obligated the Company to purchase 75 megawatts of power from PacifiCorp based upon the costs of PacifiCorp's Colstrip Power Plants. The Agreement was for a term of 40 years. The Amended Agreement provides (i) that 25 megawatts of the contract capacity amount and the charges therefor will be deleted, 5 megawatts each year commencing in the year 2000, (ii) the Company shall pay no levelized annual charges for Colstrip Plants' additions and replacement which are completed after January 1, 1997, forward.(iii) that commencing January 1, 1997, all fixed cost components of the Variable Costs to be paid by the Company shall be based on an assumption that the Colstrip Plants operated at an 80 percent load factor, (iv) changes to the fixed cost formula using PacifiCorp's initial investment in the Colstrip Power Plants and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved capital structure, and (v) unbundles the transmission charge to PacifiCorp's FERC filed rates. The Amended Agreement is subject to FERC approval. Future cost reductions or increases related to these amendments will depend on PacifiCorp's future capital structure and cost of capital and the cost of replacement power starting in the year 2000. 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 $500,000$1,505,000 outstanding under these lines of credit on JuneSeptember 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 JuneSeptember 30, 1997, there were no balances outstanding on this line of credit. In addition to the above lines of credit, Wickford Energy Marketing, Inc. has an uncommitted demand credit facility for up to $65 million. This facility allows $50 million for a transactional line of credit and $15 million overdraft line of credit. This facility is used to support the issuance of letters of credit. At September 30, 1997, Wickford has approximately $26 million of outstanding letters of credit. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Black Hills Corporation is an energy services company consisting of threefour principal businesses: electric, coal mining, and oil and gas production.production, and crude oil and natural gas marketing. Consolidated net income was $6,762,000$8,644,000 for the three months ended, $15,350,000$23,984,000 for the sixnine months ended and $31,715,000$32,117,000 for the twelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997, an increase of 155 percent, 118 percent and 1410 percent, respectively. The increase in earnings was primarily due to increased sales volumes for the electric operations, resulting from the sale to Montana- DakotaMontana-Dakota Utilities, Sheridan, Wyoming load, which commenced January 1, 1997, and the inclusion of Neil Simpson Unit #2 (NS #2), an 80 MW coal-fired power plant which began commercial operation on August 1, 1995, into the Company's rate base, and increased oil and natural gas prices. Consolidated revenuerevenues and income from continuing operations provided byfuel and purchased power increased in the three, businesses as a percentage ofnine and twelve months ended primarily due to oil and natural gas purchases and sales from the total were as follows: 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% Capital expenditures and depreciation, depletion, and amortization by industry segment were as follows: 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 $21,493energy marketing acquisition. Consolidated revenue and income from continuing operations provided by the four businesses as a percentage of the total were as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30 September 30 September 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 REVENUE Electric 34% 73% 52% 73% 56% 73% Coal mining 8 19 13 20 14 20 Oil and gas 3 8 6 7 6 7 Energy marketing 55 - 29 - 24 - 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30 September 30 September 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 NET INCOME Electric 71% 64% 66% 62% 64% 61% Coal mining 27 30 29 33 30 34 Oil and gas 4 6 7 5 8 6 Energy marketing and other (2) - (2) - (2) (1) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Capital expenditures and depreciation, depletion, and amortization by industry segment were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Twelve Months Ended September 30 September 30 September 30 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 (in thousands) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES (includes AFDC) Electric $ 3,168 $ 3,866 $ 7,879 $ 8,665 $12,036 $14,420 Coal mining 100 1,208 1,545 1,404 2,298 2,593 Oil and gas 2,887 2,236 5,993 4,836 10,743 7,195 Energy marketing 6,810 - 6,810 - 6,810 - Other 191 52 126 60 326 60 $13,156 $ 7,362 $22,353 $14,965 $32,213 $24,268 DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION, AND AMORTIZATION Electric $3,321 $ 4,092 $10,963 $11,896 $15,171 $15,285 Coal mining 878 664 2,427 1,974 3,434 2,738 Oil and gas 1,142 1,172 3,243 3,487 3,493 3,794 Energy marketing 98 - 98 - 98 - $5,439 $ 5,928 $16,731 $17,357 $22,196 $ 21,817
ELECTRIC OPERATIONS Electric revenue increased 28 percent, 16 percent and 177 percent for the three, sixnine and twelve months ended Junemonth periods ending September 30, 1997, primarily due to strong growth in sales. Firm kilowatthour sales increased 11 percent for the three month period and increased 14 percent for the threenine and six month periods and increased 9 percent for the twelve month periodperiods. This increase is directly related to serving the Montana-Dakota Utilities, Sheridan, Wyoming Load. Electric expenses remained relatively flat for the three, nine and sixtwelve months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997. Fuel and purchased power expense increased 117 percent for the second quarter, 9 percent for the year to date and decreased slightly3 percent for the quarter and twelve month period. The increase in fuel and purchased power expense for the three and six month periods was directly related to the increase in kilowatthourkilowatt-hour sales. Non-operating income increased $191,000 and $211,000MINING OPERATIONS Mining revenues decreased slightly for the three and six month periods due to an increase in interest 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 reflection of the completion of construction on NS #2 and was offset by the increase in electric revenues. MINING OPERATIONS Mining revenue increased 4 percent, 2 percent and 3 percent for the three, six and twelve month periods ending JuneSeptember 30, 1997, directly related to an increase1997. Earnings decreased $398,000 for the nine month period as a result of a $500,000 gain from the sale and retirement of property recognized in tonsthe first quarter of 1996. Tons of coal sold of 3 percent, 2 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Mining expenses increased 4 percent, 3 percent and 1 percent for the three, six and twelve months ended June 30, 1997. The increase in expense is relatedwere relatively flat compared to the increase in tons of coal sold.prior year. OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OPERATIONS Oil and gas earnings increased $86,000decreased $158,000 for the secondthird quarter and $617,000increased $459,000 and $1,406,000$778,000 for the sixnine and twelve month periods. The decrease in oil and gas earnings for the third quarter reflects a decrease in oil prices compared to the prior year. The increase in earnings for the nine and twelve month periods ending June 30, 1997. The earnings increase is due to an increase in barrels of oil equivalents sold and an increase in gas prices. Operating expenses decreased 12 percent for the second quarter due toreflects a decrease in production expense. Operating expenses increased 214 percent, and 724 percent for 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, respectively. ENERGY MARKETING OPERATIONS Energy marketing revenues and reserve values. Nonoperating income decreased $190,000, $679,000related fuel and $556,000 forpurchased power expenses represents the three, sixcrude oil and twelve month periods ending June 30, 1997 as a resultnatural gas purchases and sales of a $500,000 gain recorded from the saleWickford Energy Marketing, Inc. which was acquired on July 25, 1997. Crude oil and retirement of property in the first quarter of 1996 offset by increases in interest income on marketable securities.natural gas wholesale marketing operations are high-volume, low margin operations. BLACK HILLS CORPORATION Part II - Other Information Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS There are no legal proceedings to be reported on for the quarter ending JuneSeptember 30, 1997. Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K a. EXHIBITS None b. REPORTS ON FORM 8-K The 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. The Registrant filed a Form 8-K on October 10, 1997, reporting the restatement and amendment to its Purchased Power Agreement with PacifiCorp. 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/ DALE E. CLEMENT Dale E. Clement, Senior Vice President-Finance /S/ MARK T. THIES Mark T. Thies, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) Dated: August 8,November 13, 1997