SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
/X/ Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended MARCH 31, 2006
or
/ / Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission File Number 1-3548
ALLETE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
MINNESOTA 41-0418150
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
30 WEST SUPERIOR STREET
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55802-2093
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(218) 279-5000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. /X/ Yes / / No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).
Large Accelerated Filer /X/ Accelerated Filer / / Non-Accelerated Filer / /
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). / / Yes /X/ No
Common Stock, no par value,
30,261,553 shares outstanding
as of April 30, 2006
INDEX
Page
Definitions 2
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 3
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheet -
March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 4
Consolidated Statement of Income -
Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 5
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows -
Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 19
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk 29
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 30
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 31
Item 1A. Risk Factors 31
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and
Use of Proceeds 32
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 32
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 32
Item 5. Other Information 32
Item 6. Exhibits 35
Signatures 36
1 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
DEFINITIONS
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text. References in this
report to "we," "us" and "our" are to ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries,
collectively.
ABBREVIATION OR ACRONYM TERM
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 Form 10-K ALLETE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the Year Ended December 31, 2005
ALLETE ALLETE, Inc.
ALLETE Properties ALLETE Properties, Inc.
ATC American Transmission Company
BNI Coal BNI Coal, Ltd.
Boswell Boswell Energy Center
Company ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries
Constellation Energy Commodities Constellation Energy Commodities Group,
Inc.
DOC Minnesota Department of Commerce
Enventis Telecom Enventis Telecom, Inc.
EITF Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No.
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ESOP Employee Stock Ownership Plan
FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Florida Water Florida Water Services Corporation
FSP Financial Accounting Standards Board
Staff Position
GAAP Accounting Principles Generally Accepted
in the United States of America
Hibbard Hibbard Energy Center
Laskin Laskin Energy Center
Minnesota Power An operating division of ALLETE, Inc.
Minnkota Power Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.
MISO Midwest Independent Transmission System
Operator, Inc.
MPCA Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MPUC Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
MW Megawatt(s)
Note ___ Note ___ to the consolidated financial
statements in this Form 10-Q
NOx Nitrogen Oxide
PSCW Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Rainy River Energy Rainy River Energy Corporation
SEC Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No.
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide
Square Butte Square Butte Electric Cooperative
SWL&P Superior Water, Light and Power Company
Taconite Harbor Taconite Harbor Energy Center
Town Center Town Center at Palm Coast development
project in Florida
WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 2
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are hereby filing cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from those projected in forward-looking statements (as such term is
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) made by or on
behalf of ALLETE in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in presentations, in
response to questions or otherwise. Any statements that express, or involve
discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or
future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or
phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends,"
"plans," "projects," "will likely result," "will continue," "could," "may,"
"potential," "target," "outlook" or similar expressions) are not statements of
historical facts and may be forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, risks and
uncertainties, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are
accompanied by, the following important factors, in addition to any assumptions
and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such
forward-looking statements, which are difficult to predict, contain
uncertainties, are beyond our control and may cause actual results or outcomes
to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements:
- our ability to successfully implement our strategic objectives;
- our ability to manage expansion and integrate acquisitions;
- prevailing governmental policies and regulatory actions, including those
of the United States Congress, state legislatures, the FERC, the MPUC, the
PSCW, and various local and county regulators, and city administrators,
about allowed rates of return, financings, industry and rate structure,
acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities, real estate
development, operation and construction of plant facilities, recovery of
purchased power and capital investments, present or prospective wholesale
and retail competition (including but not limited to transmission costs),
and zoning and permitting of land held for resale;
- effects of restructuring initiatives in the electric industry;
- economic and geographic factors, including political and economic risks;
- changes in and compliance with environmental and safety laws and policies;
- weather conditions;
- natural disasters;
- war and acts of terrorism;
- wholesale power market conditions;
- our ability to obtain viable real estate for development purposes;
- population growth rates and demographic patterns;
- the effects of competition, including competition for retail and wholesale
customers;
- pricing and transportation of commodities;
- changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation;
- unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs;
- unanticipated changes in operating expenses and capital expenditures;
- global and domestic economic conditions;
- our ability to access capital markets;
- changes in interest rates and the performance of the financial markets;
- competition for economic expansion or development opportunities;
- our ability to replace a mature workforce, and retain qualified, skilled
and experienced personnel; and
- the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings (whether civil or
criminal) and settlements that affect the business and profitability of
ALLETE.
Additional disclosures regarding factors that could cause our results and
performance to differ from results or performance anticipated by this report are
discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of our 2005 Form
10-K and Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement
speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no
obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or
circumstances after the date on which that statement is made or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it
is not possible for management to predict all of these factors, nor can it
assess the impact of each of these factors on the businesses of ALLETE or the
extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results
to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made
by us in this Form 10-Q and in our other reports filed with the SEC that attempt
to advise interested parties of the factors that may affect our business.
3 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
MILLIONS - UNAUDITED
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 75.0 $ 89.6
Short-Term Investments 161.5 116.9
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance of $1.0 for 2006 and 2005) 66.0 79.1
Inventories 31.9 33.1
Prepayments and Other 17.0 23.8
Deferred Income Taxes 32.1 31.0
Discontinued Operations - 0.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets 383.5 373.9
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net 862.3 860.4
Investments 112.3 117.7
Other Assets 45.9 44.6
Discontinued Operations - 2.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $1,404.0 $1,398.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 30.3 $ 44.7
Accrued Taxes 41.8 19.1
Accrued Interest 4.7 7.4
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year 61.8 2.7
Deferred Profit on Sales of Real Estate 7.8 8.6
Other 18.6 24.2
Discontinued Operations - 13.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities 165.0 119.7
Long-Term Debt 327.3 387.8
Deferred Income Taxes 137.7 138.4
Other Liabilities 148.0 144.1
Minority Interest 6.5 6.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 784.5 796.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock Without Par Value, 43.3 Shares Authorized
30.2 and 30.1 Shares Outstanding 426.6 421.1
Unearned ESOP Shares (76.5) (77.6)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (12.5) (12.8)
Retained Earnings 281.9 272.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 619.5 602.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $1,404.0 $1,398.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 4
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS - UNAUDITED
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING REVENUE $192.5 $193.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Fuel and Purchased Power 69.4 67.6
Operating and Maintenance 74.5 72.7
Depreciation 12.2 11.9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 156.1 152.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 36.4 41.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest Expense (6.4) (6.8)
Other 1.7 (4.2)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Expense (4.7) (11.0)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES 31.7 30.1
MINORITY INTEREST 1.3 1.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES 30.4 28.9
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 11.6 11.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 18.8 17.4
INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - NET OF TAX - -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME $ 18.8 $ 17.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Basic 27.6 27.2
Diluted 27.7 27.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
Continuing Operations $0.68 $0.64
Discontinued Operations - -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.68 $0.64
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK $0.3625 $0.3000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
MILLIONS - UNAUDITED
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income $ 18.8 $ 17.4
Loss on Impairment of Investments - 5.1
Depreciation 12.2 11.9
Deferred Income Taxes (1.7) (3.6)
Minority Interest 1.3 1.2
Stock Compensation Expense 0.4 0.3
Bad Debt Expense 0.2 0.2
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
Accounts Receivable 12.9 8.7
Inventories 1.2 (0.3)
Prepayments and Other 6.8 (5.6)
Accounts Payable (11.2) (5.1)
Other Current Liabilities 14.6 7.0
Other Assets (1.3) 2.5
Other Liabilities 2.6 (1.3)
Net Operating Activities for Discontinued Operations (12.6) (7.3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash from Operating Activities 44.2 31.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from Sale of Available-For-Sale Securities 126.3 210.5
Payments for Purchase of Available-For-Sale Securities (170.9) (93.3)
Changes to Investments 2.4 (2.4)
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment (13.6) (8.9)
Other 4.4 1.7
Net Investing Activities for Discontinued Operations 2.2 (0.6)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash from (for) Investing Activities (49.2) 107.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of Common Stock 5.1 6.2
Issuance of Long-Term Debt 50.0 -
Reductions of Long-Term Debt (51.4) (0.6)
Dividends on Common Stock and Distributions to Minority Shareholders (9.9) (7.4)
Net Decrease in Book Overdrafts (3.4) -
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash for Financing Activities (9.6) (1.8)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (14.6) 136.3
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD <F1> 89.6 46.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD <F1> $ 75.0 $182.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash Paid During the Period for
Interest - Net of Amounts Capitalized $12.1 $10.6
Income Taxes $3.7 $1.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Included $1.2 of cash from Discontinued Operations at March 31, 2005.
</FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes should be
read in conjunction with our 2005 Form 10-K. In our opinion, all adjustments
necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been
made. The results of operations for an interim period are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' amounts to conform to
current year classifications. We revised our Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2005, to reconcile Net Income to Cash from
Operating Activities. Previously, we reconciled Income from Continuing
Operations to Cash from Operating Activities. In addition, we have reclassified
certain amounts in our balance sheet, statement of income, statement of cash
flows and segment information to reflect discontinued operations treatment for
our telecommunications business which we sold in December 2005. These
reclassifications had no effect on previously reported consolidated net income,
shareholders' equity, comprehensive income or cash flows.
REVISION IN THE CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SECURITIES. In the quarterly period
ended June 30, 2005, we concluded that it was appropriate to reclassify our
auction rate bonds and variable rate demand notes as short-term investments.
Previously, such investments had been classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Accordingly, we now report these securities as short-term investments in a
separate line item on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2006 (and
for the year ended December 31, 2005). We have also made corresponding
adjustments to our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the period ended
March 31, 2005, to reflect the gross purchases and sales of these securities as
investing activities rather than as a component of cash and cash equivalents.
This change in classification does not affect our previously reported
Consolidated Statements of Income for any period.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2005, cash used in investing activities related
to these short-term investments of $32.0 million was previously included in cash
and cash equivalents in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS. At March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, we held $161.5
million and $116.9 million, respectively, of short-term investments, consisting
of auction rate bonds and variable rate demand notes classified as
available-for-sale securities. Our investments in these securities are recorded
at cost, which approximates fair market value due to their variable interest
rates, which typically reset every 7 to 35 days. Despite the long-term nature of
their stated contractual maturities, we have the ability to quickly liquidate
these securities. As a result, we had no cumulative gross unrealized holding
gains (losses) or gross realized gains (losses) from our short-term investments.
All income generated from these short-term investments was recorded as interest
income.
INVENTORIES. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined by the average cost method.
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
INVENTORIES 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Fuel $ 9.8 $11.0
Materials and Supplies 22.1 22.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Inventories $31.9 $33.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair
value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, "Share-Based Payment," using the
modified prospective transition method. Under this method, we recognize
compensation expense for all share-based payments granted after January 1, 2006,
and those granted prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006. Under the
fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, we recognize stock-based
compensation net of an estimated forfeiture rate and only recognize compensation
expense for those shares expected to vest over the required service period of
the award. Prior to our adoption of SFAS 123R, we accounted for share-based
payments under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" and related interpretations.
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN. Under our Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan,
share-based awards may be issued to employees via a broad range of methods,
including non-qualified and incentive stock options, performance shares,
performance units, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other awards.
There are 3.2 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the
plan, with 1.6 million of these shares available for issuance as of March 31,
2006. We currently have the following types of share-based awards outstanding:
NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS. The options allow for the purchase of shares
of common stock at a price equal to the stock's market value at the date of
grant. Options become exercisable beginning one year after the grant date,
with one-third vesting each year over three years. Options may be exercised
up to ten years following the date of grant. In the case of qualified
retirement, death or disability, options vest immediately and the period
over which the options can be exercised is shortened. Employees have up to
three months to exercise vested options upon voluntary termination or
involuntary termination without cause. All options are cancelled upon
termination for cause. All options vest immediately upon a change of
control, as defined in the award agreement. We determine the fair value of
options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The estimated fair
value of options, including the effect of estimated forfeitures, is
recognized as expense on the straight-line basis over the options' vesting
periods.
The following assumptions were used in determining the fair value of stock
options granted during the first quarter of 2006, under the Black-Scholes
model:
2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-Free Interest Rate 4.5%
Expected Life - Years 5
Expected Volatility 20%
Dividend Growth Rate 5%
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the
option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the grant
date. Expected volatility is based on the historic volatility of our stock
and the stock of peer companies, and the implied volatility of publicly
traded options. We utilize historical option exercise and employee
termination data to estimate the option life.
PERFORMANCE SHARES. Under these awards, the level of shares earned is
contingent upon attaining specific performance targets over a three-year
performance period. In the case of qualified retirement, death or
disability during a performance period, a pro-rata portion of the award
will be earned at the conclusion of the performance period based on the
performance goals achieved. In the case of termination of employment for
any reason other than qualified retirement, death or disability, no award
will be earned. If there is a change in control, a pro-rata portion of the
award will be paid based on the greater of actual performance up to the
date of the change in control or target performance. The fair value of
these awards is equal to the grant date fair value which is estimated based
upon the assumed share-based payment three years from the date of grant.
Compensation cost is recognized over the three-year performance period
based on our estimate of the number of shares which will be earned by the
award recipients.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 8
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN (ESPP). Under our ESPP, eligible employees may
purchase ALLETE common stock at a 5 percent discount from the market price.
Because the discount is not greater than 5 percent, we are not required by SFAS
123R to apply fair value accounting to these awards.
RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (RSOP). Shares held in our RSOP are
excluded from SFAS 123R and are accounted for in accordance with the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position No. 93-6,
"Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans."
The following share-based compensation expense amounts were recognized in our
consolidated statement of income for the periods presented.
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE 2006
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Stock Options $0.2
Performance Shares 0.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Share-Based Compensation Expense $0.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Tax Benefit $0.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were no significant capitalized stock-based compensation costs at March
31, 2006.
As of March 31, 2006, the total compensation cost for nonvested awards not yet
recognized in our statements of income was $2.6 million. This amount is expected
to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.33 years.
The following table presents the pro forma effect of stock-based compensation,
had we applied the provisions of SFAS 123 for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
QUARTER ENDED
EFFECT OF SFAS 123 MARCH 31,
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION 2005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Net Income
As Reported $17.4
Plus: Employee Stock Compensation Expense Included in Net Income - Net of Tax 0.3
Less: Employee Stock Compensation Expense Determined Under SFAS 123 - Net of Tax 0.4
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma Net Income $17.3
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Earnings Per Share
As Reported $0.64
Pro Forma $0.64
Diluted Earnings Per Share
As Reported $0.64
Pro Forma $0.63
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the previous table, the expense for employee stock options granted determined
under SFAS 123 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and
the following assumptions:
2005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-Free Interest Rate 3.7%
Expected Life - Years 5
Expected Volatility 20%
Dividend Growth Rate 5%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
The following table presents information regarding our outstanding stock options
for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
EXERCISE/ AGGREGATE REMAINING
NUMBER OF CONVERSION INTRINSIC CONTRACTUAL
SHARES VALUE VALUE TERM
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 357,827 $34.29 $3.5 7.4 years
Granted 115,653 $44.15
Exercised (12,783) $25.92
Forfeited or Expired (6,233) $38.25
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at March 31, 2006 454,464 $36.98 $4.4 7.9 years
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercisable at March 31, 2006 233,801 $31.93 $3.4 6.6 years
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options was $6.49 for the quarter
ended March 31, 2006. The intrinsic value of a stock award is the amount by
which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the
award. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.3 million during
the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
The following table presents information regarding our unvested performance
shares for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
NUMBER OF GRANT DATE
SHARES FAIR VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonvested at December 31, 2005 97,884 $38.63
Granted 24,958 $44.07
Awarded (49,076) $37.76
Forfeited (1,751) $39.55
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nonvested at March 31, 2006 72,015 $41.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 10
NOTE 2. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Financial results by segment for the periods presented were impacted by the
integration of our Taconite Harbor facility into the Regulated Utility segment
effective January 1, 2006. The redirection of Taconite Harbor from our
Nonregulated Energy Operations segment to our Regulated Utility segment was in
accordance with the Company's Integrated Resource Plan (Resource Plan), as
approved by the MPUC. Under the terms of our Resource Plan, we have operated the
Taconite Harbor facility as a rate-based asset within the Minnesota retail
jurisdiction effective January 1, 2006. Prior to January 1, 2006, we operated
our Taconite Harbor facility as nonregulated generation (non-rate base
generation sold at market-based rates to the wholesale market). Historical
financial results of Taconite Harbor for periods prior to the redirection are
included in our Nonregulated Energy Operations segment.
NONREGULATED
REGULATED ENERGY REAL
CONSOLIDATED UTILITY OPERATIONS ESTATE OTHER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2006
Operating Revenue $192.5 $162.4 $16.3 $13.7 $ 0.1
Fuel and Purchased Power 69.4 69.4 - - -
Operating and Maintenance 74.5 55.8 14.1 3.4 1.2
Depreciation Expense 12.2 11.1 1.1 - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 36.4 26.1 1.1 10.3 (1.1)
Interest Expense (6.4) (5.1) (0.5) - (0.8)
Other Income 1.7 - 0.3 - 1.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Before Minority Interest and Income Taxes 31.7 21.0 0.9 10.3 (0.5)
Minority Interest 1.3 - - 1.3 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes 30.4 21.0 0.9 9.0 (0.5)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 11.6 8.0 - 4.0 (0.4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 18.8 $ 13.0 $0.9 $ 5.0 $(0.1)
--------------------------------------------------
Income from Discontinued Operations - Net of Tax -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 18.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $1,404.0 $974.3 $105.2 $70.4 $254.1
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net $862.3 $803.2 $54.3 - $4.8
Accumulated Depreciation $797.5 $760.8 $35.1 - $1.6
Capital Expenditures $13.6 $13.3 $0.3 - -
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2005
Operating Revenue $193.3 $147.6 $27.9 $17.7 $ 0.1
Fuel and Purchased Power 67.6 60.0 7.6 - -
Operating and Maintenance 72.7 52.6 15.1 4.5 0.5
Depreciation Expense 11.9 9.8 2.0 - 0.1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 41.1 25.2 3.2 13.2 (0.5)
Interest Expense (6.8) (4.3) (1.3) - (1.2)
Other Income (Expense) (4.2) - 0.2 - (4.4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Before Minority Interest and Income Taxes 30.1 20.9 2.1 13.2 (6.1)
Minority Interest 1.2 - - 1.2 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Before Income Taxes 28.9 20.9 2.1 12.0 (6.1)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 11.5 8.0 0.5 5.1 (2.1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 17.4 $ 12.9 $1.6 $ 6.9 $(4.0)
--------------------------------------------------
Income from Discontinued Operations - Net of Tax -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 17.4
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $1,408.1 <F1> $915.4 $150.9 $72.1 $219.7
Property, Plant and Equipment - Net $847.3 $726.2 $116.1 - $5.0
Accumulated Depreciation $767.9 $725.0 $41.5 - $1.4
Capital Expenditures $9.5 <F1> $8.2 $0.7 - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Discontinued Operations represented $50.0 million of total assets and $0.6 million of capital expenditures in 2005.
</FN>
11 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NOTE 3. INVESTMENTS
At March 31, 2006, Investments included the real estate assets of ALLETE
Properties, debt and equity securities consisting primarily of securities held
to fund employee benefits, and our emerging technology investments.
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
INVESTMENTS 2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Real Estate Assets $ 70.4 $ 73.7
Debt and Equity Securities 33.2 34.8
Emerging Technology Investments 8.7 9.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments $112.3 $117.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUARTER ENDED YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
REAL ESTATE ASSETS 2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Land Held for Sale Beginning Balance $48.0 $47.2
Additions during period: Capitalized Improvements 2.2 9.4
Deductions during period: Cost of Real Estate Sold (1.9) (8.6)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land Held for Sale Ending Balance 48.3 48.0
Long-Term Finance Receivables 6.6 7.4
Other <F1> 15.5 18.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Real Estate Assets $70.4 $73.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Consisted primarily of a shopping center.
</FN>
Finance receivables have maturities ranging up to ten years, accrue interest at
market-based rates and are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.5
million at March 31, 2006 ($0.6 million at December 31, 2005).
NOTE 4. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
In January 2006, we renewed, increased and extended a committed, syndicated,
unsecured revolving credit facility (Line) with LaSalle Bank National
Association for $150 million ($100 million at December 31, 2005). The Line
matures on January 11, 2011, and requires an annual commitment fee of 0.125%. At
our request and subject to certain conditions, the Line may be increased to $200
million and extended for two additional 12-month periods. The Line may be used
for general corporate purposes, working capital and to provide liquidity in
support of our commercial paper program. We may prepay amounts outstanding under
the Line in whole or in part at our discretion. Additionally, we may irrevocably
terminate or reduce the size of the Line prior to maturity.
In March 2006, we issued $50 million in principal amount of First Mortgage
Bonds, 5.69% Series due March 1, 2036. Proceeds were used to redeem $50 million
in principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds, 7% Series due March 1, 2008.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 12
NOTE 5. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Loss on Emerging Technology Investments $(1.2) $(5.9)
Investment and Other Income 2.9 1.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Income (Expense) $ 1.7 $(4.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 6. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Current Tax Expense
Federal $10.8 $12.1
State 2.5 3.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.3 15.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit)
Federal (1.6) (3.1)
State 0.2 (0.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1.4) (3.4)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Tax Credits (0.3) (0.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Tax Expense for Continuing Operations 11.6 11.5
Income Tax Expense for Discontinued Operations - 0.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income Tax Expense $11.6 $11.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the effective rate for income taxes was
36.6 percent (38.2 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2005). The decrease
in the effective rate was primarily due to state tax planning initiatives. The
effective tax rate of 36.6 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2006,
deviated from the statutory rate, primarily due to state tax planning
initiatives, investment tax credits, and deductions for Medicare health
subsidies and depletion.
13 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NOTE 7. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
ENVENTIS TELECOM. On December 30, 2005, we sold all the stock of our
telecommunications subsidiary, Enventis Telecom, to Hickory Tech Corporation of
Mankato, Minnesota. In accordance with SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," we have reported our telecommunications
business in discontinued operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.
WATER SERVICES. In early 2005, we completed the exit from our Water Services
businesses with the sale of our wastewater assets in Georgia for an immaterial
gain. In 2005, the Florida Public Service Commission approved the transfer of 63
water and wastewater systems from Florida Water to Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc.
(Aqua Utilities) and ordered a $1.7 million reduction to plant investment. The
Company reserved for the reduction in 2005. On March 15, 2006, the Company paid
Aqua Utilities the adjustment refund amount of $1.7 million.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, there were no financial results to report
as discontinued operations.
QUARTER ENDED
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS MARCH 31,
SUMMARY INCOME STATEMENT 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Operating Revenue - Enventis Telecom $13.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enventis Telecom
Pre-Tax Income from Operations $1.1
Income Tax Expense 0.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income from Operations - Enventis Telecom 0.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Services
Loss on Disposal (1.0)
Income Tax Benefit (0.4)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Loss on Disposal - Water Services (0.6)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Discontinued Operations $0.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS DECEMBER 31,
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Assets of Discontinued Operations
Other Current Assets $0.4
Property, Plant and Equipment $2.2
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations
Current Liabilities $13.0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 14
NOTE 8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, total comprehensive income, net of tax,
was $19.1 million ($17.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005). Total
comprehensive income includes net income, unrealized gains and losses on
securities classified as available-for-sale, and additional pension liability.
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE MARCH 31,
INCOME (LOSS) - NET OF TAX 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Unrealized Gain on Securities $ 2.4 $ 1.6
Additional Pension Liability (14.9) (12.9)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$(12.5) $(11.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share arises from
outstanding stock options and performance share awards granted under our
Executive and Director Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans. In accordance
with SFAS 128, "Earnings Per Share," for the three months ended March 31, 2006,
no options to purchase shares of common stock were excluded in the computation
of diluted earnings per share because the average market prices were greater
than the option exercise prices (119,077 shares were excluded for the three
months ended March 31, 2005).
2006 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------
RECONCILIATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED DILUTIVE DILUTIVE
EARNINGS PER SHARE BASIC SECURITIES DILUTED BASIC SECURITIES DILUTED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
Income from Continuing Operations $18.8 - $18.8 $17.4 - $17.4
Common Shares 27.6 0.1 27.7 27.2 0.2 27.4
Per Share from Continuing Operations $0.68 - $0.68 $0.64 - $0.64
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
POSTRETIREMENT
PENSION HEALTH AND LIFE
---------------------------------------------------------
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC BENEFIT EXPENSE 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31,
Service Cost $2.3 $2.2 $1.1 $1.0
Interest Cost 5.5 5.3 1.9 1.7
Expected Return on Plan Assets (7.1) (7.1) (1.4) (1.2)
Amortization of Prior Service Costs 0.2 0.2 - -
Amortization of Net Loss 1.2 0.8 0.4 0.2
Amortization of Transition Obligation - 0.1 0.6 0.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Periodic Benefit Expense $2.1 $1.5 $2.6 $2.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2005, we determined that our postretirement health care plans meet the
requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS)
regulations, and enrolled with the CMS to begin recovering the subsidy. We
expect to receive the first subsidy check in early 2007 for 2006 credits.
15 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS. SQUARE BUTTE POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Minnesota
Power has a power purchase agreement with Square Butte that extends through 2026
(Agreement). It provides a long-term supply of low-cost energy to customers in
our electric service territory and enables Minnesota Power to meet power pool
reserve requirements. Square Butte, a North Dakota cooperative corporation, owns
a 455-MW coal-fired generating unit (Unit) near Center, North Dakota. The Unit
is adjacent to a generating unit owned by Minnkota Power, a North Dakota
cooperative corporation whose Class A members are also members of Square Butte.
Minnkota Power serves as the operator of the Unit and also purchases power from
Square Butte.
Minnesota Power was entitled to approximately 71 percent of the Unit's output
under the Agreement. Beginning in 2006, Minnkota Power exercised its option to
reduce Minnesota Power's entitlement by approximately 5 percent annually, to 66
percent. We received notices from Minnkota Power that they would further reduce
our output entitlement by approximately 5 percent on January 1, 2007 and 2008,
to 60 percent and 55 percent, respectively. Minnkota Power has the option to
reduce Minnesota Power's entitlement to 50 percent. Minnesota Power is obligated
to pay its pro rata share of Square Butte's costs based on Minnesota Power's
entitlement to Unit output. Minnesota Power's payment obligation will be
suspended if Square Butte fails to deliver any power, whether produced or
purchased, for a period of one year. Square Butte's fixed costs consist
primarily of debt service. At March 31, 2006, Square Butte had total debt
outstanding of $304.9 million. Total annual debt service for Square Butte is
expected to be approximately $26 million in each of the years 2006 through 2010.
Variable operating costs include the price of coal purchased from BNI Coal, our
subsidiary, under a long-term contract. Minnesota Power's payments to Square
Butte are approved as a purchased power expense for ratemaking purposes by both
the MPUC and the FERC.
LEASING AGREEMENTS. BNI Coal is obligated to make lease payments for a dragline
totaling $2.8 million annually for the lease term which expires in 2027. BNI
Coal has the option at the end of the lease term to renew the lease at a fair
market rental, to purchase the dragline at fair market value, or to surrender
the dragline and pay a $3.0 million termination fee. We lease other properties
and equipment under operating lease agreements with terms expiring through 2013.
The aggregate amount of minimum lease payments for all operating leases is $6.4
million in 2006, $5.9 million in 2007, $5.2 million in 2008, $4.7 million in
2009, $4.2 million in 2010 and $46.9 million thereafter.
COAL, RAIL AND SHIPPING CONTRACTS. We have three coal supply agreements with
various expiration dates ranging from December 2006 to December 2009. We also
have rail and shipping agreements for transportation of all of our coal, with
various expiration dates ranging from December 2006 to December 2011. Our
minimum annual payment obligations under these coal, rail and shipping
agreements are currently $45.2 million in 2006, $9.5 million in 2007, $9.7
million in 2008, $5.8 million in 2009 and no specific commitments beyond 2009.
Our minimum annual payment obligations will increase when annual nominations are
made for coal deliveries in future years.
FUEL CLAUSE RECOVERY OF MISO DAY 2 COSTS. Minnesota Power filed a petition with
the MPUC in February 2005 to amend its fuel clause to accommodate costs and
revenue related to the MISO Day 2 energy market, the market through which
Minnesota Power engages in wholesale energy transactions in MISO's day-ahead and
real-time markets (MISO Day 2). On April 7, 2005, the MPUC approved interim
accounting treatment of MISO Day 2 costs to be accounted for on a net basis and
recovered through the fuel clause, subject to refund with interest. This interim
treatment has continued while the MPUC has addressed the cost recovery petitions
from Xcel Energy Inc., Otter Tail Power Company, Alliant Energy Corporation and
Minnesota Power.
On December 21, 2005, the MPUC issued an order which denied recovery through the
fuel clause of uplift charges, congestion revenue and expenses, and
administrative costs related to Minnesota Power's MISO Day 2 market activities.
Minnesota Power requested rehearing of the order in a filing made with the MPUC
on January 10, 2006. The other three utilities affected by the order also filed
for rehearing, as did the DOC and MISO. In a hearing on February 9, 2006, the
MPUC granted rehearing of the MISO Day 2 docket and suspended the refund
obligation for charges recovered through the fuel clause and denied in the
December 21, 2005 order. The MPUC will review the MISO Day 2 costs to determine
which costs should be recovered on a current basis through the fuel clause and
which costs are more appropriately
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 16
NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
deferred for potential recovery through base rates. The MPUC's order documenting
the February 9, 2006, hearing was issued February 24, 2006. The parties had 60
days to issue their recommendations to the MPUC. The Company is working with the
other utilities, the DOC and other stakeholders to prepare the report. On April
11, 2006, the parties requested an extension to file their recommendations with
the MPUC. On April 24, 2006, the MPUC approved an extension to June 22, 2006.
The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO. We have investments in emerging technologies
through minority investments in venture capital funds structured as limited
liability companies, and direct investments in privately-held, start-up
companies. The carrying value of our direct investments in privately-held,
start-up companies was zero at March 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005. We have
committed to make additional investments in certain emerging technology venture
capital funds. The total future commitment was $3.0 million at March 31, 2006
($3.1 million at December 31, 2005), and may be invested at various times
through 2007. We do not have plans to make any additional investments beyond
this commitment.
INVESTMENT IN ATC. In December 2005, we entered into an agreement with Wisconsin
Public Service Corporation and WPS Investments, LLC that provides for our
Wisconsin subsidiary, Rainy River Energy Corporation - Wisconsin, to invest $60
million in ATC. Our investment is expected to represent an estimated 9 percent
ownership interest in ATC. On May 4, 2006, the PSCW reviewed and approved the
request that allows us to invest in ATC. We anticipate investing $60 million in
ATC by the end of 2006. Our first investment is expected to occur in May 2006.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental
matters by various federal, state and local authorities. Due to future stricter
environmental requirements through legislation and/or rulemaking, we anticipate
that potential expenditures for environmental matters will be material and will
require significant capital investments. We are unable to predict if and when
any such stricter environmental requirements will be imposed and the impact they
will have on the Company. We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis.
Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a
liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably
estimated, based on current law and existing technologies. These accruals are
adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as
additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for
environmental liabilities are included in the balance sheet at undiscounted
amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties.
Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are charged
to expense unless recoverable in rates from customers.
SWL&P MANUFACTURED GAS PLANT. In May 2001, SWL&P received notice from the WDNR
that the City of Superior had found soil contamination on property adjoining a
former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) site owned and operated by SWL&P from 1889
to 1904. The WDNR requested SWL&P to initiate an environmental investigation.
The WDNR also issued SWL&P a Responsible Party letter in February 2002. In
February 2003, SWL&P submitted a Phase II environmental site investigation
report to the WDNR. This report identified some MGP-like chemicals that were
found in the soil near the former plant site. During March and April 2003,
sediment samples were taken from nearby Superior Bay. The report on the results
of this sampling was completed and sent to the WDNR during the first quarter of
2004. The next phase of the investigation was to determine any impact to soil or
ground water between the former MGP site and Superior Bay. Site work for this
phase of the investigation was performed during October 2004, and the final
report was sent to the WDNR in March 2005. Additional site investigation was
performed during September and October 2005. The investigation will continue
during the summer of 2006. It is anticipated that the final report for this
portion of the investigation will be completed by the end of 2006. Although it
is not possible to quantify the potential clean-up cost until the investigation
is completed, a $0.5 million liability was recorded in December 2003 to address
the known areas of contamination. The Company has recorded a corresponding
dollar amount as a regulatory asset to offset this liability. The PSCW has
approved SWL&P's deferral of these MGP environmental investigation and potential
clean-up costs for future recovery in rates, subject to a regulatory prudency
review. In May 2005, the PSCW approved the collection through rates of $150,000
of site investigation costs that had been incurred at the time SWL&P filed their
most recent rate request. ALLETE maintains pollution liability insurance
coverage that includes coverage for SWL&P. A claim has been filed with respect
to this matter. The insurance carrier has issued a reservation of rights letter
and the Company continues to work with the insurer to determine the availability
of insurance coverage.
17 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
SQUARE BUTTE GENERATING FACILITY. On April 24, 2006, Minnkota Power announced it
has reached a settlement agreement with the EPA and the State of North Dakota
regarding emissions at the M.R. Young Station, which includes the Square Butte
generating unit. In June 2002, Minnkota Power, the operator of Square Butte,
received a Notice of Violation from the EPA regarding alleged New Source Review
violations at the M.R. Young Station. The EPA claimed certain capital projects
completed by Minnkota Power should have been reviewed pursuant to the New Source
Review regulations, potentially resulting in new air permit operating conditions
and possible significant capital expenditures to comply. As a result of the
settlement agreement, the current Square Butte flue gas desulfurization system
(FGD) will be upgraded in 2010 to increase its removal efficiency from 70
percent to 90 percent. Capital expenditures for the emission control additions
and modifications on Square Butte are estimated at $35 million. These estimated
capital expenditures may be significantly offset by the sale of surplus SO2
allowance credits created with the early upgrade of the FGD system, which is
being upgraded two years earlier than required by Federal rules. We expect such
capital expenditures to be debt financed. Our future cost of purchased power
would include our pro rata share of this additional debt service. On April 24,
2006, a Complaint and a Consent Decree with respect to this settlement agreement
were filed in U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota (Court). The
Consent Decree is open to public comment for 30 days after which, if entered as
an order by the Court, will constitute a final settlement of this issue. If
finalized, the Consent Decree settlement would also require Square Butte to pay
approximately $0.6 million in administrative costs and penalties in 2006, and
$3.3 million toward additional environmental projects including wind power
installations or power purchase agreements.
EPA CLEAN AIR INTERSTATE RULE AND CLEAN AIR MERCURY RULE. In March 2005, the EPA
announced the final Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) that reduces and
permanently caps emissions of SO2 and NOX in many states in the eastern United
States. The CAIR includes Minnesota as one of the 28 states it considers an
"eastern" state. The EPA also announced the final Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR)
that reduces and permanently caps electric utility mercury emissions in the
continental United States. The CAIR and the CAMR regulations have been
challenged in the court system, which may delay implementation or modify
provisions. Minnesota Power is participating in a legal challenge to the CAIR,
but is not participating in the challenge of the CAMR. However, if the CAMR and
the CAIR do go into effect, Minnesota Power expects to be required to (1) make
emissions reductions, (2) purchase mercury, SO2 and NOX allowances through the
EPA's cap-and-trade system, or (3) use a combination of both.
We believe that the CAIR contains flaws in its methodology and application,
which will cause Minnesota Power to incur higher compliance costs. Consequently,
on July 11, 2005, Minnesota Power filed a Petition for Review with the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (Court of Appeals). On
November 22, 2005, the EPA agreed to reconsider certain aspects of the CAIR,
including the Minnesota Power petition addressing modeling used to determine
Minnesota's inclusion in the CAIR region and claims about inequities in the SO2
allowance methodology. On March 16, 2006, the EPA denied all petitions for
reconsideration with respect to the CAIR. However, if Minnesota Power's Petition
for Review with the Court of Appeals is successful, we expect to incur lower
compliance costs, consistent with the rules applicable to those states
considered as "western" states under the CAIR. Resolution of the CAIR Petition
for Review with the Court of Appeals is anticipated by mid-2007.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OBLIGATIONS. In March 2005, the Town Center at
Palm Coast Community Development District (Town Center District) issued $26.4
million of tax-exempt, 6% Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 2005, due
May 1, 2036. The bonds were issued to fund a portion of the Town Center
development project. Approximately $21 million of the bond proceeds will be used
for construction of infrastructure improvements at Town Center, with the
remaining funds to be used for capitalized interest, a debt service reserve fund
and costs of issuance. The bonds are payable from and secured by the revenue
derived from assessments imposed, levied and collected by the Town Center
District. The assessments represent an allocation of the costs of the
improvements, including bond financing costs, to the lands within the Town
Center District benefiting from the improvements. The assessments will be
included in the annual property tax bills of landowners beginning in November
2006. To the extent that we still own land at the time of the assessment, in
accordance with EITF 91-10, we will recognize an expense for our pro rata
portion of assessments, based upon our ownership of benefited property. At March
31, 2006, we owned approximately 91 percent of the assessable land in the Town
Center District.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 18
NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
OTHER. We are involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business.
Also in the normal course of business, we are involved in tax, regulatory and
other governmental audits, inspections, investigations and other proceedings
that involve state and federal taxes, safety, compliance with regulations, rate
base and cost of service issues, among other things. While the resolution of
such matters could have a material effect on earnings and cash flows in the year
of resolution, none of these matters are expected to materially change our
present liquidity position, nor have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and notes to those statements and the other financial
information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical
information, the following discussion and other parts of this report contain
forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Readers are
cautioned that forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our
disclosures in this Form 10-Q under the headings: "Safe Harbor Statement Under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995" located on page 3 and
"Risk Factors" located in Part I, Item 1A of our 2005 Form 10-K and Part II,
Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. The risks and uncertainties described in this Form
10-Q and our 2005 Form 10-K are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional
risks and uncertainties that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently
consider immaterial, may also affect our business operations. Our business,
financial condition or results of operations could suffer if the concerns set
forth are realized.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ALLETE's operations focus on two core businesses--ENERGY and REAL ESTATE. In
addition, we have other operations that provide earnings to the Company.
ENERGY is comprised of Regulated Utility, Nonregulated Energy Operations and,
beginning in the second quarter of 2006, Investment in ATC segments.
- REGULATED UTILITY includes retail and wholesale rate regulated electric,
water and gas services in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern
Wisconsin under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory
authorities.
- NONREGULATED ENERGY OPERATIONS includes our coal mining activities in
North Dakota, under 50 MW of nonregulated generation and Minnesota land
sales.
In 2005, Nonregulated Energy Operations also included nonregulated
generation (non-rate base generation sold at market-based rates to the
wholesale market) from our Taconite Harbor facility in northern
Minnesota, and generation secured through the Kendall County power
purchase agreement. Effective January 1, 2006, Taconite Harbor was
integrated into our Regulated Utility business to help meet forecasted
base load energy requirements. In April 2005, the Kendall County power
purchase agreement was assigned to Constellation Energy Commodities.
- INVESTMENT IN ATC will include our ownership interest in ATC. In
December 2005, we entered into an agreement that provides for us to
invest $60 million in ATC by the end of 2006. Our first investment is
expected to occur in May 2006.
REAL ESTATE includes our Florida real estate operations.
OTHER includes our investments in emerging technologies, and earnings on cash,
cash equivalents and short-term investments.
Financial results by segment for the periods presented and discussed in this
Form 10-Q were impacted by the integration of our Taconite Harbor facility into
the Regulated Utility segment effective January 1, 2006. The redirection of
Taconite Harbor from our Nonregulated Energy Operations segment to our Regulated
Utility segment was in accordance with the Company's Integrated Resource Plan
(Resource Plan), as approved by the MPUC. Under the terms of our Resource Plan,
we have operated the Taconite
19 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (CONTINUED)
Harbor facility as a rate-based asset within the Minnesota retail jurisdiction
effective January 1, 2006. Prior to January 1, 2006, we operated our Taconite
Harbor facility as nonregulated generation. Historical financial results of
Taconite Harbor for periods prior to the redirection are included in our
Nonregulated Energy Operations segment.
Reported net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, was $18.8 million, or
$0.68 per diluted share ($17.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the
quarter ended March 31, 2005). In 2006, net income was higher due to the absence
of Kendall County operating losses ($1.9 million in 2005) and emerging
technology impairments ($3.3 million in 2005). These factors were mostly offset
by higher operating expense and a $1.9 million decrease in income from Real
Estate, primarily due to the timing and mix of real estate sold. Although warm
temperatures in early 2006 reduced energy sales to our residential, commercial
and municipal customers, sales to our large power customers remained strong.
Minnesota Power's taconite mining customers continue to operate at historically
high output levels. In total, kilowatthour sales in 2006 were similar to 2005
sales.
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Operating Revenue
Regulated Utility $162.4 $147.6
Nonregulated Energy Operations 16.3 27.9
Real Estate 13.7 17.7
Other 0.1 0.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$192.5 $193.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Expenses
Regulated Utility $136.3 $122.4
Nonregulated Energy Operations 15.2 24.7
Real Estate 3.4 4.5
Other 1.2 0.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$156.1 $152.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Expense
Regulated Utility $5.1 $4.3
Nonregulated Energy Operations 0.5 1.3
Other 0.8 1.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$6.4 $6.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Income (Expense)
Nonregulated Energy Operations $0.3 $ 0.2
Other 1.4 (4.4)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1.7 $(4.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (Loss)
Regulated Utility $13.0 $12.9
Nonregulated Energy Operations 0.9 1.6
Real Estate 5.0 6.9
Other (0.1) (4.0)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from Continuing Operations 18.8 17.4
Income from Discontinued Operations - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $18.8 $17.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted Average Shares of Common Stock 27.7 27.4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
Continuing Operations $0.68 $0.64
Discontinued Operations - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$0.68 $0.64
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 20
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (CONTINUED)
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
KILOWATTHOURS SOLD 2006 2005
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILLIONS
Regulated Utility
Retail and Municipals
Residential 308.0 319.8
Commercial 328.7 339.8
Industrial 1,822.3 1,777.1
Municipals 219.3 222.0
Other 20.0 20.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,698.3 2,679.1
Other Power Suppliers 505.1 236.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,203.4 2,915.8
Nonregulated Energy Operations 65.6 353.9
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,269.0 3,269.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31,
REAL ESTATE 2006 2005
REVENUE AND SALES ACTIVITY QUANTITY AMOUNT QUANTITY AMOUNT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
Town Center Sales
Commercial Sq. Ft. 80,000 $ 1.5 - -
Other Land Sales
Acres 456 10.3 483 $17.6
Lots - - 7 0.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contract Sales Price <F1> 11.8 18.0
Revenue Recognized from Previously Deferred Sales 1.5 -
Deferred Revenue (0.7) (1.0)
Adjustments <F2> (0.1) -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue from Land Sales 12.5 17.0
Other Revenue 1.2 0.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$13.7 $17.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Reflected total contract sales price on closed land transactions.
<F2> Contributed development dollars, which are credited to cost of real estate sold.
</FN>
NET INCOME
The following income discussion summarizes a comparison of the three months
ended March 31, 2006, to the three months ended March 31, 2005, by segment.
REGULATED UTILITY contributed income of $13.0 million in 2006 ($12.9 million in
2005). Income was higher in 2006 due to the inclusion of kilowatthour sales from
our Taconite Harbor generating assets, effective January 1, 2006. While
kilowatthour sales to other power suppliers increased 113 percent, the increase
was attributable to the inclusion of Taconite Harbor. Absent Taconite Harbor,
income from sales to other power suppliers reflected decreased sales and lower
prices in 2006. A 3 percent increase in kilowatthour sales to industrial
customers due to continued healthy economic conditions in Minnesota Power's
service territory and customers operating at historically high production levels
was offset by a 3 percent decrease in residential, commercial and municipal
sales due to warm weather in 2006. Higher operating expenses in 2006, mostly due
to the inclusion of expenses related to Taconite Harbor, reduced income.
21 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
NET INCOME (CONTINUED)
NONREGULATED ENERGY OPERATIONS reported income of $0.9 million in 2006 ($1.6
million in 2005), reflecting the absence of income from Taconite Harbor ($2.3
million in 2005) which is now reported as part of Regulated Utility and
operating losses from Kendall County ($1.9 million in 2005). The Kendall County
power purchase agreement was assigned to Constellation Energy Commodities in
April 2005.
REAL ESTATE contributed income of $5.0 million in 2006 ($6.9 million in 2005).
Income was lower in 2006 due to the timing and mix of land sale transaction
closings. The timing of the closing of real estate sales varies from period to
period and impacts comparisons between years.
In 2005, we began selling property from our Town Center development project in
northeast Florida. Since land is being sold before completion of the project
infrastructure, revenue and cost of real estate sold are recorded using the
percentage-of-completion method. As of March 31, 2006, we had $7.8 million of
deferred profit on sales of real estate, before taxes and minority interest, on
our balance sheet, the majority of which relates to Town Center. We expect most
of this deferred profit will be reflected in income by the end of 2006.
At March 31, 2006, total pending land sales under contract were $85.3 million
and are anticipated to close at various times through 2012. Pricing on these
contracts range from $20 to $50 per commercial square foot, $15,000 to $40,000
per residential unit and $8,700 to $524,000 per acre for all other properties.
The majority of the other properties under contract are zoned commercial or
mixed use. Prices per acre are stated on a gross acreage basis and are dependent
on the type and location of the properties sold. In addition to minimum base
price contracts, certain contracts allow us to receive participation revenue to
the extent that an agreed upon percentage of gross revenue from land sales by
our purchaser exceeds the minimum base price.
REAL ESTATE
PENDING CONTRACTS CONTRACT
AT MARCH 31, 2006 QUANTITY SALES PRICE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
Town Center
Commercial Sq. Ft. 1,149,200 $35.2
Residential Units 1,292 26.8
Palm Coast Park
Residential Units 500 7.5
Other Land
Acres 604 15.8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$85.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER reflected a loss of $0.1 million in 2006 (a $4.0 million loss in 2005). In
2006, a $0.6 million increase in earnings on excess cash offset equity losses
related to emerging technology investments ($0.5 million in 2006; $0.1 million
in 2005). In 2005, the Company recorded $3.3 million of impairments related to
two privately-held emerging technology investments.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS included our Water Services businesses that we sold over
the three-year period 2003 to 2005, and our telecommunications business that we
sold in December 2005. In 2005, $0.6 million of income from Enventis Telecom
operations was offset by $0.6 million of administrative and other expenses
incurred to support Florida Water transfer proceedings. (See Note 7.)
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 22
COMPARISON OF THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005
REGULATED UTILITY
OPERATING REVENUE was up $14.8 million, or 10 percent, from 2005. Revenue
and kilowatthour sales from other power suppliers were up $11.4 million and
113 percent, respectively, from 2005, primarily due to the addition of
Taconite Harbor sales to the Regulated Utility segment effective January 1,
2006. Absent Taconite Harbor, revenue from sales to other power suppliers
reflected decreased sales and lower prices in 2006. Revenue from sales to
retail and municipal customers was up $3.5 million, primarily due to higher
fuel clause recoveries in 2006. (See operating expenses below.)
Kilowatthour sales to industrial customers were up 3 percent due to
continued strong economic conditions, offset by a 3 percent decrease in
residential, commercial and municipal sales due to warm weather in January
and a mild March in 2006. Gas revenue was up $0.4 million from 2005
reflecting new gas rates effective in May 2005, offset by decreased usage
due to warmer weather in 2006.
Revenue from electric sales to taconite customers accounted for 24 percent
of consolidated operating revenue in 2006 (23 percent in 2005). Revenue
from electric sales to paper and pulp mills accounted for 9 percent of
consolidated operating revenue in 2006 (8 percent in 2005).
OPERATING EXPENSES were up $13.9 million, or 11 percent, from 2005.
FUEL AND PURCHASED POWER EXPENSE. Fuel and purchased power expense was up
$9.4 million from 2005, reflecting the inclusion of Taconite Harbor
operations beginning in 2006 ($5.3 million) and increased expenses related
to other Company generating facilities ($2.8 million). In addition,
expenses related to outages at Boswell Unit 4 and Square Butte in late 2005
were recognized in the first quarter of 2006 due to the timing of recovery
through the fuel clause. Additional purchased power expense incurred while
Boswell Unit 3 was down for maintenance following a cooling tower failure
in February and March 2005 was not recognized until second quarter 2005.
OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES. In total, other operating expenses were up $4.5
million from 2005. Employee compensation was up $1.9 million primarily due
to the inclusion of Taconite Harbor, annual wage increases and the
inclusion of union employees in our results sharing compensation awards
program. Depreciation expense increased $1.3 million primarily due to
capitalized projects completed in 2005. Vegetation management was up $0.9
million reflecting more performed in 2006. Pension expense increased $0.6
million due to a reduction in the discount rate. Purchased gas costs were
up $0.3 million due to higher prices in 2006. In total, plant maintenance
expense decreased $0.4 million from 2005. The decrease reflected a $2.8
million reduction in expenses at Boswell Unit 3 partially offset by the
inclusion of Taconite Harbor maintenance in 2006 ($1.5 million) and
increased maintenance expense at other Company generating facilities. In
2005, planned maintenance was performed at Boswell Unit 3 while the unit
was down due to a cooling tower failure.
INTEREST EXPENSE was up $0.8 million, or 19 percent, from 2005, due to the
inclusion of Taconite Harbor in 2006.
NONREGULATED ENERGY OPERATIONS
OPERATING REVENUE was down $11.6 million, or 42 percent, from 2005 due to
the absence of revenue from Taconite Harbor ($11.4 million in 2005) and
Kendall County ($3.1 million in 2005). Effective January 1, 2006, Taconite
Harbor is reported as part of Regulated Utility. Kendall County operations
ceased April 1, 2005, when the Company assigned the power purchase
agreement to Constellation Energy Commodities. Revenue from other
nonregulated generation was up $0.8 million from 2005 primarily due to
recovery of higher purchased gas costs. Coal revenue, realized under a
cost-plus contract, was up $0.5 million from 2005 reflecting a 10 percent
increase in the delivery price per ton due to higher coal production
expenses. (See operating expenses below.)
OPERATING EXPENSES were down $9.5 million, or 38 percent, from 2005. The
decrease was due to the absence of expenses related to Taconite Harbor
($5.8 million in 2005) and Kendall County ($6.3 million in 2005). Expenses
for other nonregulated generation were up $0.6 million due to higher prices
for purchased gas in 2006. Expenses related to coal operations were up $0.3
million, mainly due to increased lease expenses in 2006.
INTEREST EXPENSE was down $0.8 million, or 62 percent, from 2005 due to the
absence of Taconite Harbor in 2006.
23 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
COMPARISON OF THE QUARTERS ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 AND 2005 (CONTINUED)
REAL ESTATE
OPERATING REVENUE was down $4.0 million, or 23 percent, from 2005, due to
the timing and mix of land sale transaction closings. Revenue from land
sales was $12.5 million in 2006 which included $1.5 million of previously
deferred revenue. In 2005, revenue from land sales was $17.0 million. In
2006, 456 acres of other land were sold (483 acres and 7 lots in 2005).
Sales at Town Center represented the rights to build up to 80,000 square
feet of commercial space in 2006. The first land sales for Town Center were
recorded in June 2005. At March 31, 2006, revenue of $10.7 million was
deferred, of which $8.1 million relates to Town Center, and will be
recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis as development obligations
are completed.
OPERATING EXPENSES were down $1.1 million, or 24 percent, from 2005
reflecting a $0.7 million decrease in the cost of real estate sold ($1.9
million in 2006; $2.6 million in 2005), and a $0.4 million decrease in
selling expenses due to the mix of land sold. At March 31, 2006, cost of
real estate sold totaling $2.6 million and selling expenses of $0.3 million
were deferred and will be recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis as
development obligations are completed. The majority of the deferred
expenses relate to Town Center.
OTHER
OPERATING EXPENSES were up $0.6 million, or 100 percent, from 2005,
reflecting higher general and administrative expenses in 2006.
INTEREST EXPENSE was down $0.4 million, or 33 percent, from 2005,
reflecting the positive impact of first mortgage bonds refinanced at lower
interest rates in August 2005 ($35 million) and March 2006 ($50 million).
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) reflected $5.8 million more income in 2006 due to a
$1.1 million increase in earnings on excess cash and the absence of
emerging technology impairments. In 2005, the Company recorded $5.1 million
of impairments related to two privately-held emerging technology
investments. Other income (expense) also reflected equity losses related to
emerging technology investments of $0.8 million in 2006 ($0.2 million in
2005).
INCOME TAXES
For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the effective rate for income taxes was
36.6 percent (38.2 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2005). The decrease
in the effective rate was primarily due to state tax planning initiatives. The
effective tax rate of 36.6 percent for the quarter ended March 31, 2006,
deviated from the statutory rate, primarily due to state tax planning
initiatives, investment tax credits, and deductions for Medicare health
subsidies and depletion.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain accounting measurements under applicable GAAP involve management's
judgment about subjective factors and estimates, the effects of which are
inherently uncertain. Accounting measurements that we believe are most critical
to our reported results of operations and financial condition include:
impairment of long-lived assets, pension and postretirement health and life
actuarial assumptions, valuation of investments and provisions for environmental
remediation. These policies are reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board
of Directors on a regular basis and summarized in our 2005 Form 10-K.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 24
OUTLOOK
EARNINGS GUIDANCE. We continue to expect ALLETE's earnings per share from
continuing operations to grow by 15 percent to 20 percent in 2006. The growth is
expected to come from continued strong electric sales, increased real estate
sales, the elimination of projected operating losses from Kendall County, the
elimination of impairments related to our emerging technology investments, and
our investment in ATC.
ENERGY. Over the next several years, we believe electric utilities will be
facing the unfolding impacts of three major developments that occurred in
2005--changes in regional transmission operation, the development of rulemaking
on the enactment of stricter environmental regulations and federal legislation
impacting the structure and organization of the electric utility industry. We
believe our energy businesses are well positioned to successfully deal with
these issues and to compete successfully. Our access to and ownership of
low-cost power are our greatest strengths. We anticipate that we will have ready
access to sufficient capital for general business purposes.
RESOURCE PLAN. In 2006, the MPUC approved our Integrated Resource Plan (Resource
Plan). The Resource Plan detailed our retail energy demand projections and our
energy sourcing options to meet projected demand. One of the key components of
the Resource Plan was the redirection of our Taconite Harbor generating facility
from nonregulated energy operations to regulated utility operations effective
January 1, 2006. The Taconite Harbor generation will be supplemented with a
50-MW long-term power purchase agreement with Manitoba Hydro. Expansion of our
renewable generating assets to meet Minnesota's Renewable Energy Objective that
seeks a 10 percent supply of qualified renewable energy resources in the state
by 2015 for each Minnesota utility was also approved. In April 2006,
construction began on a 50-MW wind facility in North Dakota and is expected to
be completed in the fall of 2006. We will purchase the output from this wind
facility under a 25-year power purchase agreement with an affiliate of FPL
Energy, LLC. We predict that retail demand by customers in our service territory
will increase at an average annual rate of 1.5 percent to 2019. We project a
load growth of approximately 150 MW by 2010 with another 200 MW of growth
anticipated by 2015.
LARGE POWER CONTRACTS. In March and April 2006, the MPUC approved new
all-requirements agreements with Stora Enso Oyj's Duluth mills through August
31, 2013, and UPM-Kymmene Corporation's Blandin Paper mill in Grand Rapids
through April 30, 2010. Three other long-term agreements were approved by the
MPUC in 2005, extending contracts for an additional four to eight years. The
extension of our electric supply contracts is an important achievement for both
our large power customers and Minnesota Power. Electric power is a key component
in the production of taconite and paper, and these industries represent more
than half of Minnesota Power's regulated utility electric sales. These
agreements help to provide planning certainty for both our customers and us.
MISO AND FUEL CLAUSE. On February 24, 2006, the MPUC issued an order that
granted rehearing of the MISO Day 2 docket and suspended the refund obligation.
The Company is working with other Minnesota utilities, the DOC and other
stakeholders to prepare a joint recommendation, required by the MPUC in its
February 24, 2006 order, of which costs should be recovered on a current basis
through the fuel clause and which costs are more appropriately deferred for
potential recovery through base rates. The parties have until June 22, 2006, to
report to the MPUC. (See Note 11.)
INVESTMENT IN ATC. On May 4, 2006, the PSCW reviewed and approved the request
that allows us to invest $60 million in ATC. We anticipate having $60 million
invested in ATC by the end of 2006, with our first investment expected to occur
in May.
RATE CASE. On May 1, 2006, SWL&P filed an application with the PSCW for
authority to increase retail utility rates an average of 5.2 percent and is
requesting an 11.7 percent return on common equity. The Company expects that
hearings will be conducted in late 2006 and new rates will become effective in
January 2007.
REAL ESTATE. Progress continues on our three major planned development projects
in Florida--Town Center, which will be a new downtown for Palm Coast; Palm Coast
Park, which is located in northwest Palm Coast; and Ormond Crossings, which is
located in Ormond Beach along Interstate 95.
25 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
OUTLOOK (CONTINUED)
TOWN CENTER. We began selling property from our Town Center development project
in northeast Florida in 2005. Developers who have purchased land from us have
started construction of buildings. Since land is being sold before completion of
the project infrastructure, revenue and cost of real estate sold are recorded
using a percentage-of-completion method. Pending land sales under contract for
properties at Town Center totaled $62.0 million at March 31, 2006.
PALM COAST PARK. At March 31, 2006, pending land sales under contract for
properties at Palm Coast Park totaled $7.5 million. On May 4, 2006, we entered
into a contract for a $52.5 million sale of land. Under this contract, land will
be purchased in four phases, with closings to occur in 2007 through 2009. We
will have the opportunity to receive participation revenue as part of these
sales contracts. Sales negotiations continue on one other residential
development tract.
As of March 31, 2006, we had $7.8 million of deferred profit on sales of real
estate, before taxes and minority interest, on our balance sheet. We expect most
of this deferred profit will be reflected in income by the end of 2006.
ALLETE Properties occasionally provides seller financing, and outstanding
finance receivables were $6.6 million at March 31, 2006, with maturities ranging
up to seven years. Outstanding finance receivables accrue interest at
market-based rates. These finance receivables are collateralized by the financed
properties.
SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INVENTORY RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2006 OWNERSHIP UNITS <F1> SQ. FT. <F1><F2>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Town Center at Palm Coast 80%
At December 31, 2005 2,833 2,927,700
Property Sold - (80,000)
Change in Estimate 80 -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,913 2,847,700
Palm Coast Park 100% 3,600 3,200,000
Ormond Crossings 100% <F3> <F3>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6,513 6,047,700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Estimated and includes minority interest. The actual property breakdown at full build-out may be different than
these estimates.
<F2> Includes industrial, office and retail square footage.
<F3> The Development of Regional Impact Application for Development Approval submitted in August 2005 proposed 4,400
residential units and 5 million square feet of commercial space, and is subject to approval by regulating
governmental entities.
</FN>
SUMMARY OF OTHER LAND INVENTORIES
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
MARCH 31, 2006 OWNERSHIP TOTAL MIXED USE RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACRES <F1>
Palm Coast Holdings 80%
At December 31, 2005 2,566 1,692 346 281 247
Property Sold (66) (47) - (18) (1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,500 1,645 346 263 246
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehigh 80%
At December 31, 2005 613 390 140 74 9
Property Sold (390) (390) - - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
223 - 140 74 9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cape Coral 100% 41 - 1 40 -
Other 100% 944 - - - 944
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,708 1,645 487 377 1,199
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Acreage amounts are approximate and shown on a gross basis, including wetlands and minority interest.
Acreage amounts may vary due to platting or surveying activity. Wetland amounts vary by property and are often
not formally determined prior to sale. The actual property breakdown at full build-out may be different than
these estimates.
</FN>
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 26
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES
A primary goal of our strategic plan is to improve cash flow from operations.
Our strategy includes growing our businesses both internally by expanding
facilities, services and operations (see Capital Requirements), and externally
through acquisitions.
We believe our financial condition is strong, as evidenced by cash and cash
equivalents and short-term investments of $236.5 million, and a debt to total
capital ratio of 39 percent at March 31, 2006.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Cash flow from operating activities was $44.2 million for
the quarter ended March 31, 2006 ($31.1 million for the quarter ended March 31,
2005). Cash from operating activities was higher in 2006, primarily due to a
$13.1 million change in deferred fuel costs (included in Prepayments and Other)
caused by the timing of outages at our generating facilities. Deferred fuel
costs related to outages in late 2005 were collected in our fuel adjustment
clause during 2006, while deferred fuel costs related to outages in the first
quarter of 2005 were not collected until the second quarter of 2005. In 2005,
cash for operating activities reflected payment of a $9.1 million arbitration
award related to our discontinued operations. Cash from operating activities was
lower in 2006, due to a $6.1 million change in accounts payable which was also
caused primarily by the timing of outages at our generating facilities.
Purchased power accruals related to outages in late 2005 were paid in the first
quarter of 2006 while purchased power accruals related to outages in the first
quarter of 2005 were not paid until the second quarter of 2005.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES. Cash flow for investing activities was $49.2 million for
the quarter ended March 31, 2006 (cash flow from investing activities of $107.0
million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005). Cash for investing activities was
higher in 2006 than 2005, primarily due to activities within our short-term
investments. In 2006, net purchases of $44.6 million were used for short-term
investments, while 2005 included $117.2 million of net proceeds that were
received from the sale of short-term investments. Gross proceeds from the sale
of available-for-sale securities were $126.3 million in 2006 ($210.5 million in
2005) and purchases were $170.9 million ($93.3 million in 2005). Cash for
investing activities in 2006 was also $4.7 million higher due to additions to
property, plant and equipment which vary from year to year.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES. Cash flow for financing activities was $9.6 million for
the quarter ended March 31, 2006 ($1.8 million for the quarter ended March 31,
2005). The increase in cash for financing activities was primarily attributed to
a $3.4 million decrease in book overdrafts. Cash for financing activities also
increased in 2006 due to an additional $2.5 million of dividends paid because of
more shares outstanding and an increase in the dividend rate. In 2006, we
refinanced $50 million of first mortgage bonds at a lower rate. The new bonds
will mature in 2036.
WORKING CAPITAL. Additional working capital, if and when needed, generally is
provided by the sale of commercial paper. We have 0.7 million original issue
shares of our common stock available for issuance through INVEST DIRECT, our
direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan. We have bank lines of
credit aggregating $170.0 million, the majority of which expire in January 2011.
In January 2006, we renewed, increased and extended a committed, syndicated,
unsecured revolving credit facility with LaSalle Bank National Association, as
Agent, for $150 million (Line). The Line matures on January 11, 2011. At our
request and subject to certain conditions, the Line may be increased to $200
million and extended for two additional 12-month periods. We may prepay amounts
outstanding under the Line in whole or in part at our discretion. Additionally,
we may irrevocably terminate or reduce the size of the Line prior to maturity.
The Line may be used for general corporate purposes, working capital and to
provide liquidity in support of our commercial paper program. The amount and
timing of future sales of our securities will depend upon market conditions and
our specific needs. We may sell securities to meet capital requirements, to
provide for the retirement or early redemption of issues of long-term debt, to
reduce short-term debt and for other corporate purposes.
27 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (CONTINUED)
SECURITIES
In March 2001, ALLETE, ALLETE Capital II and ALLETE Capital III, jointly filed a
registration statement with the SEC, pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities
Act of 1933. The registration statement, which has been declared effective by
the SEC, relates to the possible issuance of a remaining aggregate amount of
$387 million of securities, which may include ALLETE common stock, first
mortgage bonds and other debt securities, and ALLETE Capital II and ALLETE
Capital III preferred trust securities. ALLETE also previously filed a
registration statement, which has been declared effective by the SEC, relating
to the possible issuance of $25 million of first mortgage bonds and other debt
securities. We may sell all or a portion of the remaining registered securities
if warranted by market conditions and our capital requirements. Any offer and
sale of the above-mentioned securities will be made only by means of a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the rules
and regulations thereunder.
In March 2006, we issued $50 million in principal amount of First Mortgage
Bonds, 5.69% Series due March 1, 2036. Proceeds were used to redeem $50 million
in principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds, 7% Series due March 1, 2008.
Long-term debt due within one year includes $60 million of first mortgage bonds
due February 2007 that cannot be redeemed prior to maturity. We intend to
refinance this debt on a long-term basis.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Off-balance sheet arrangements are summarized in our 2005 Form 10-K, with
additional disclosure discussed in Note 11 of this Form 10-Q.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
For the quarter ended March 31, 2006, capital expenditures for continuing
operations totaled $13.6 million ($8.9 million in 2005). Expenditures for the
quarter ended March 31, 2006, included $13.3 million for Regulated Utility and
$0.3 million for Nonregulated Energy Operations. Internally-generated funds were
the source of funding for these expenditures.
Real estate development expenditures are and will be funded with a revolving
development loan and tax-exempt bonds issued by community development districts.
The Town Center at Palm Coast Community Development District issued $26.4
million of tax-exempt bonds in 2005. Approximately $21 million of the bond
proceeds will be used for construction of infrastructure improvements at Town
Center, with the remaining funds to be used for capitalized interest, a debt
service reserve fund and costs of issuance. We anticipate that the Palm Coast
Park Community Development District will issue tax-exempt bonds to fund
construction of infrastructure improvements for our Palm Coast Park project in
mid-2006. Company expenditures related to our real estate developments in
Florida increase the value of our land assets, which are classified as
Investments on our consolidated balance sheet.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AND OTHER
As previously discussed in our Critical Accounting Policies section, our
businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various
federal, state and local authorities. Due to future stricter environmental
requirements through legislation and/or rulemaking, we anticipate that potential
expenditures for environmental matters will be material and will require
significant capital investments. We are unable to predict the outcome of the
issues discussed in Note 11.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 28
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
SECURITIES INVESTMENTS
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES. Our available-for-sale securities portfolio
consists of securities in a grantor trust established to fund certain employee
benefits included in Investments, and various auction rate bonds and variable
rate demand notes included as Short-Term Investments. Available-for-sale
securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included
in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Unrealized losses
that are other than temporary are recognized in earnings. Our short-term
investments classified as available-for-sale securities, however, are recorded
at cost, which approximates fair market value due to their variable interest
rates that typically reset every 7 to 35 days. Despite the long-term nature of
their stated contractual maturities, we have the ability to quickly liquidate
these securities. As a result, we had no cumulative gross unrealized holding
gains (losses) or gross realized gains (losses) from our short-term investments.
All income generated from these short-term investments was recorded as interest
income. Our available-for-sale securities portfolio had a fair value of $184.5
million at March 31, 2006 ($139.5 million at December 31, 2005) and a total
unrealized after-tax gain of $2.4 million at March 31, 2006 ($2.1 million at
December 31, 2005).
We use the specific identification method as the basis for determining the cost
of securities sold. Our policy is to review on a quarterly basis
available-for-sale securities for other than temporary impairment by assessing
such factors as the share price trends and the impact of overall market
conditions. As a result of our periodic assessments, we did not record any
impairment of available-for-sale securities for the quarter ended March 31,
2006.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO. As part of our emerging technology portfolio, we
have several minority investments in venture capital funds and direct
investments in privately-held, start-up companies. We account for our investment
in venture capital funds under the equity method and account for our direct
investment in privately-held companies under the cost method because of our
ownership percentage. The total carrying value of our emerging technology
portfolio was $8.7 million at March 31, 2006 ($9.2 million at December 31,
2005). Our policy is to review these investments quarterly for impairment by
assessing such factors as continued commercial viability of products, cash flow
and earnings. Any impairment would reduce the carrying value of the investment.
Our basis in direct investments in privately-held companies included in the
emerging technology portfolio was zero at March 31, 2006, and December 31, 2005.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Our regulated utility operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin incur costs for fuel
(primarily coal), power and natural gas purchased for resale in our regulated
service territories, and related transportation. Our regulated utilities'
exposure to price risk for these commodities is significantly mitigated by the
current ratemaking process and regulatory environment, which generally allows a
fuel clause surcharge if costs are in excess of those in our last rate filing.
Conversely, costs below those in our last rate filing result in a rate credit.
We seek to prudently manage our customers' exposure to price risk by entering
into contracts of various durations and terms for the purchase of coal and power
(in Minnesota), power and natural gas (in Wisconsin), and related transportation
costs.
29 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (CONTINUED)
POWER MARKETING
Our power marketing activities consist of (1) purchasing energy in the wholesale
market for resale in our regulated service territories when retail energy
requirements exceed generation output, and (2) selling excess available
generation and purchased power.
From time to time, our utility operations may have excess generation that is
temporarily not required by retail and municipal customers in our regulated
service territory. We actively sell this generation to the wholesale market to
optimize the value of our generating facilities. This generation is generally
sold in the MISO market at market prices.
Approximately 200 MW of generation from our Taconite Harbor facility in northern
Minnesota has been sold through various long-term capacity and energy contracts.
Long-term, we have entered into two capacity and energy sales contracts totaling
175 MW (201 MW including a 15 percent reserve), which were effective May 1,
2005, and expire on April 30, 2010. Both contracts contain fixed monthly
capacity charges and fixed minimum energy charges. One contract provides for an
annual escalator to the energy charge based on increases in our cost of coal,
subject to a small minimum annual escalation. The other contract provides that
the energy charge will be the greater of a fixed minimum charge or an amount
based on the variable production cost of a combined-cycle, natural gas unit. Our
exposure in the event of a full or partial outage at our Taconite Harbor
facility is significantly limited under both contracts. When the buyer is
notified at least two months prior to an outage, there is no exposure. Outages
with less than two months' notice are subject to an annual duration limitation
typical of this type of contract. We also have a 50-MW capacity and energy sales
contract that extends through April 2008. The 50-MW capacity and energy sales
contract had fixed pricing through January 2006, with formula pricing based on
variable production cost of a combustion-turbine, natural gas unit thereafter.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable
assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other
disclosures included in this report, as well as to safeguard assets from
unauthorized use or disposition. We evaluated the effectiveness of the design
and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision
and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer
and chief financial officer, as of the end of the period covered by this Form
10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective. While we continue to enhance our internal control over financial
reporting, there has been no change in our internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 30
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Material legal and regulatory proceedings are included in the discussion of
Other Information in Part II, Item 5 and/or Note 11, and are incorporated by
reference herein.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Other than the risk factors below, there have been no material changes from the
risk factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of
our 2005 Form 10-K.
WE ARE DEPENDENT ON GOOD LABOR RELATIONS.
We believe our relations to be good with our approximately 1,500 employees.
Approximately 700 of these employees are members of either the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 31 or Local 1593. Failure to
successfully renegotiate labor agreements could adversely affect the services we
provide and our results of operations. On February 28, 2006, members of the IBEW
Local No. 31 ratified a new three-year labor agreement with SWL&P and Minnesota
Power that is retroactive to February 1, 2006. Wage increases are 3.1 percent
for 2006 and 2007, and 3.0 percent for 2008. The agreement also includes union
employees in the results sharing compensation awards program starting in 2006.
The labor agreement with Local 1593 at BNI Coal expires on March 31, 2008.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS MAY HINDER OUR ABILITY TO INCREASE REVENUE
AND EARNINGS.
In pursuing a strategy of acquiring other businesses, we face risks commonly
encountered with growth through acquisitions. These risks include, but are not
limited to:
- incurring significantly higher capital expenditures and operating expenses;
- regulatory review or approval;
- failing to assimilate the operations and personnel of the acquired
businesses;
- entering new, unfamiliar markets;
- potential undiscovered liabilities at acquired businesses;
- disrupting our ongoing business;
- diverting our limited management resources;
- failing to maintain uniform standards, controls and policies;
- impairing relationships with employees and customers as a result of changes
in management; and
- increasing expenses for support services and computer systems, as well as
integration difficulties.
We may not adequately anticipate all of the demands that our growth will impose
on our systems, procedures and structures, including our financial and reporting
control systems, data processing systems and management structure. If we cannot
adequately anticipate and respond to these demands, our business could be
materially harmed.
Although we conduct what we believe to be a prudent level of investigation
regarding the operating condition of the businesses we purchase, in light of the
circumstances of each transaction, an unavoidable level of risk remains
regarding the actual operating condition of these businesses. Until we actually
assume operating control of such business assets, we may not be able to
ascertain the actual value of the acquired entity.
31 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS (CONTINUED)
WE ARE EXPOSED TO RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.
Our real estate development activities entail risks that include construction
delays or cost overruns, which may increase project development costs. In
addition, the effects of the rebuilding efforts due to destructive weather,
including hurricanes, could cause increased prices for construction materials
and create labor shortages which could increase our development costs.
Our real estate development activities require significant capital expenditures.
We obtain funds for our capital expenditures through cash flow from operations
and financings, including the financings of the community development districts
in which our development projects are located. We cannot be certain that the
funds available from these sources will be sufficient to fund our required or
desired capital expenditures for development. If we are unable to obtain
sufficient funds, we may have to defer or otherwise limit our development
activities. If we are unsuccessful in our selling efforts, we may not be able to
recover these capital expenditures.
COMPETITION FOR LAND COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS.
Over the past few years, we have experienced an increase in competition for
suitable land in the Florida real estate market. The availability of undeveloped
land for purchase that meets our internal criteria depends on a number of
factors outside our control, including land availability in general, competition
with other developers and land buyers for desirable property, inflation in land
prices, zoning, allowable development density and other regulatory requirements.
Our long-term ability to acquire land suitable for development at reasonable
prices in locations where we feel there is a viable market is crucial in
maintaining our business success.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Reference is made to our 2005 Form 10-K for background information on the
following updates. Unless otherwise indicated, cited references are to our 2005
Form 10-K.
Ref. Page 7 - Minimum Revenue and Demand Under Contract Table
MINIMUM REVENUE AND DEMAND UNDER CONTRACT MINIMUM MONTHLY
AS OF APRIL 1, 2006 ANNUAL REVENUE <F1><F2> MEGAWATTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 $95.4 million 616
2007 $38.0 million 206
2008 $27.7 million 158
2009 $25.9 million 151
2010 $17.8 million 98
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
<F1> Based on past experience, we believe revenue from our large power customers will be substantially in excess
of the minimum contract amounts.
<F2> Although several contracts have a feature that allows demand to go to zero after a two-year advance notice
of a permanent closure, this minimum revenue summary does not reflect this occurrence happening in the
forecasted period because we believe it is unlikely.
</FN>
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 32
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Ref. Page 10 - Eighth Full Paragraph
On February 24, 2006, the MPUC issued an order documenting the February 9, 2006,
hearing that granted rehearing of the MISO Day 2 docket and suspended the refund
obligation. The Company is working with the other Minnesota utilities, the DOC
and other stakeholders to prepare a joint recommendation, required by the MPUC
in its February 24, 2006 order, of which costs should be recovered on a current
basis through the fuel clause and which costs are more appropriately deferred
for potential recovery through base rates. The parties had 60 days to report
their recommendations to the MPUC. On April 24, 2006, the MPUC approved an
extension for the parties to file their recommendations by June 22, 2006. The
Company is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
Ref. Page 11 - First Paragraph
LARGE POWER CONTRACTS. On March 7, 2006, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power's new
electric service agreement with Stora Enso Oyj's Duluth mills through August 31,
2013. On April 7, 2006, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power's new electric service
agreement with UPM-Kymmene Corporation's Blandin Paper mill in Grand Rapids
through April 30, 2010.
Ref. Page 11 - Second Paragraph
RESOURCE PLAN. In 2006, the MPUC approved our Integrated Resource Plan (Resource
Plan). The Resource Plan detailed our retail energy demand projections and our
energy sourcing options to meet projected demand. Key components of the Resource
Plan included redirection of our Taconite Harbor generating facility from
nonregulated energy operations to regulated utility operations effective January
1, 2006. The Taconite Harbor generation will be supplemented with a 50-MW
long-term power purchase agreement with Manitoba Hydro. Expansion of our
renewable generating assets to meet Minnesota's Renewable Energy Objective that
seeks a 10 percent supply of qualified renewable energy resources in the state
by 2015 for each Minnesota utility was also approved.
Ref. Page 11 - Sixth Paragraph and Page 20 - Second Full Paragraph
SQUARE BUTTE GENERATING FACILITY. On April 24, 2006, Minnkota Power announced it
has reached a settlement agreement with the EPA and the State of North Dakota
regarding emissions at the M.R. Young Station, which includes the Square Butte
generating unit. In June 2002, Minnkota Power, the operator of Square Butte,
received a Notice of Violation from the EPA regarding alleged New Source Review
violations at the M.R. Young Station. The EPA claimed certain capital projects
completed by Minnkota Power should have been reviewed pursuant to the New Source
Review regulations, potentially resulting in new air permit operating
conditions. The current Square Butte flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system will
be upgraded in 2010 to increase its removal efficiency from 70 percent to 90
percent. Capital expenditures for the emission control additions and
modifications on Square Butte are estimated at $35 million. These estimated
capital expenditures may be significantly offset by the sale of surplus SO2
allowance credits created with the early upgrade of the FGD system, which is
being upgraded two years earlier than required by Federal rules. We expect such
capital expenditures to be debt financed. Our future cost of purchased power
would include our pro rata share of this additional debt service. On April 24,
2006, a Complaint and a Consent Decree with respect to this settlement agreement
were filed in U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota (Court). The
Consent Decree is open to public comment for 30 days after which, if entered as
an order by the Court, will constitute a final settlement of this issue. If
finalized, the Consent Decree settlement would also require Square Butte to pay
approximately $0.6 million in administrative costs and penalties in 2006, and
$3.3 million toward additional environmental projects including wind power
installations or power purchase agreements.
33 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Ref. Page 12 - Fifth Full Paragraph
On May 1, 2006, SWL&P filed an application with the PSCW for authority to
increase retail utility rates an average of 5.2 percent. This average increase
is comprised of a 4.6 percent increase in electric rates, a 2.4 percent increase
in gas rates and a 19.8 percent increase in water rates. The proposed increases
are due to increased operating costs and the need to construct additional water
storage. SWL&P is requesting an 11.7 percent return on common equity. The
Company expects that hearings will be conducted in late 2006 and new rates will
become effective in January 2007.
Ref. Page 14 - Fourth Paragraph
In December 2005, we entered into an agreement with Wisconsin Public Service
Corporation and WPS Investments, LLC that provides for our Wisconsin subsidiary,
Rainy River Energy Corporation - Wisconsin, to invest $60 million in ATC. Our
investment is expected to represent an estimated 9 percent ownership interest in
ATC. On May 4, 2006, the PSCW reviewed and approved the request that allows us
to invest in ATC. We anticipate having $60 million invested in ATC by the end of
2006. Our first investment is expected to occur in May 2006.
Ref. Page 16 - Third Full Paragraph
On May 4, 2006, ALLETE Properties entered into a $52.5 million contract for the
sale of residential and commercial land at its Palm Coast Park development
project. Under this contract, land will be purchased in four phases, with
closings to occur in 2007 through 2009, and includes the opportunity to receive
participation revenue. The development will include 1,459 residential housing
units, a championship golf course, and neighborhood retail and office space,
along with a community park and school site.
Ref. Page 20 - Insert before First Full Paragraph
Ref. Page 49 - Fifth Paragraph
On April 27, 2006, an agreement was announced by Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
on language for a proposed utility mercury emission reduction bill in Minnesota.
Minnesota Power, along with Xcel Energy Inc., the MPCA, the Minnesota Chamber of
Commerce, the DOC and an umbrella organization of environmental groups called
Mercury Free Minnesota, had been meeting for several months in negotiation on
bill language at the request of the Governor. The bill was presented to and
approved by the Minnesota House of Representatives on May 1, 2006. The Minnesota
Senate passed the bill on May 4, 2006. The bill is now ready for the Governor's
signature and he is expected to sign it in the near future. This legislation
would require Minnesota Power to file mercury emission reduction plans for its
Boswell Units 3 and 4, with one plan due December 31, 2007, and the other plan
due July 1, 2011, with installation of mercury emission reduction technology and
equipment by December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2014, respectively. The plans
must include one in which the mercury reduction goal is 90 percent. Alternate
plans, with the percentage of reduction elected by the utility, are also
required to be filed. Minnesota Power may apply mercury emissions achieved under
its Arrowhead Regional Emission Abatement plan at Taconite Harbor toward the
reduction goal required under approved plans for Boswell Units 3 and 4. Filed
plans must be reviewed and approved by the MPCA and the MPUC under criteria that
include, among other things, technical feasibility, environmental benefit, cost
effectiveness and rate impact. The legislation encourages multi-emission
reduction plans and also extends a statutory provision for current cost recovery
outside of a rate case for approved emission reduction expenditures, including
mercury and other types of emissions, from 2006 through 2013. The draft
legislation generally comports with Minnesota Power's plans for its Boswell
Units 3 and 4 mercury and other emission retrofits. Mercury emission reduction
expenditures planned for Boswell Unit 3 are estimated at $200 million and are
included in the $280 million we expect to spend for environmental upgrades from
2007 through 2010. Minnesota Power anticipates that costs for these expenditures
will be recovered from customers on a current basis, subject to approval by the
MPUC. The Company plans to make a filing with the MPUC for current cost recovery
on these Boswell Unit 3 costs later this year.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 34
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
Ref. Page 21 - Sixth Paragraph
On February 28, 2006, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (IBEW) Local No. 31 ratified a new three-year labor agreement with SWL&P
and Minnesota Power that is retroactive to February 1, 2006. Wage increases are
3.1 percent for 2006 and 2007, and 3.0 percent for 2008. The agreement also
includes union employees in the results sharing compensation awards program
starting in 2006.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
4 Twenty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2005,
between ALLETE and The Bank of New York and Douglas J. MacInnes, as
Trustees.
31(a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32 Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
35 ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q
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.
ALLETE, INC.
May 8, 2006 James K. Vizanko
-------------------------------------------------
James K. Vizanko
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
May 8, 2006 Mark A. Schober
-------------------------------------------------
Mark A. Schober
Senior Vice President and Controller
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q 36
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Twenty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 1, 2005,
between ALLETE and The Bank of New York and Douglas J. MacInnes, as
Trustees.
31(a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32 Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
ALLETE First Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q