RAPID CITY, S.D., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) today announced first-quarter 2015 financial results. Net income was $48 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to net income of $48 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the same period in 2014.

"Our electric utility and coal mining segments reported solid earnings growth during the quarter," said David R. Emery, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Black Hills Corp. "The growth was largely offset by a negative impact at our utilities due to moderate weather compared to the same period last year and low commodity prices at our oil and gas business. To mitigate these negative impacts, we implemented corporate-wide cost containment efforts. Overall, financial results for the quarter were in line with the same period last year.

"We made progress on several key strategic projects in our utilities and oil and gas businesses to position the company for future earnings growth. We ordered a new 40 megawatt turbine for Colorado Electric and expect to start construction on the $65 million project mid-year. We are awaiting approval for a $54 million electric transmission line and hope to commence construction in the third quarter. Additionally, we expect to close the previously announced northwest Wyoming utility acquisition in the second quarter.

"Our oil and gas subsidiary accelerated its Mancos Shale drilling program during the quarter. Three Mancos Shale wells drilled in late 2014 were placed on production early in the year. Production results to date have exceeded our expectations. We took advantage of declining oil field service costs and rig availability to contract two additional drilling rigs. We now have three drilling rigs operating and ten additional Mancos Shale horizontal wells in progress."



                             Three Months Ended March
                              31,

    (in millions, except per
     share amounts)              2015      2014
    ------------------------     ----      ----

    GAAP:

    Net income                           $47.9        $48.1
                                         =====        =====


    Earnings per share,
     diluted                             $1.07        $1.08
                                         =====        =====

Black Hills Corp. highlights, recent regulatory filings and other updates include:

Utilities


    --  Construction of a new $65 million, 40 megawatt, natural gas-fired
        turbine at Colorado Electric's Pueblo Airport Generating Station is
        moving forward. We expect to commence construction mid-year with the
        turbine in service by the end of 2016.
    --  On March 2, 2015, Black Hills Power received an order from the South
        Dakota Public Utilities Commission approving an increase in annual
        electric revenues of approximately $6.9 million.
    --  On Oct. 14, 2014, Black Hills Corp. entered into an agreement to acquire
        a natural gas utility with 6,700 customers in northwest Wyoming and
        certain nearby pipeline assets for $17 million, subject to customary
        closing adjustments. The transaction requires approval by the Wyoming
        Public Service Commission, the Montana Public Service Commission and the
        Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The transaction is expected to
        close by the end of the second quarter of 2015.
    --  On July 22, 2014, Black Hills Power filed for a certificate of public
        convenience and necessity with the Wyoming Public Service Commission to
        construct a new 144-mile, $54 million electric transmission line from
        northeastern Wyoming to Rapid City, South Dakota. We are awaiting
        approval of the CPCN from the Wyoming commission. Black Hills Power
        received approval on Nov. 6, 2014, from the South Dakota Public
        Utilities Commission for a permit to construct this line. Assuming
        timely receipt of remaining approvals, we plan to commence construction
        in the third quarter of 2015.
    --  On May 5, 2014, Colorado Electric issued an all-source generation
        request, including up to 60 megawatts of eligible renewable energy
        resources to serve its customers in southern Colorado. Our power
        generation segment submitted solar and wind bids in response to the
        request. An independent evaluator submitted a report to the Colorado
        Public Utilities Commission confirming the ranking of all bids. On
        February 27, the commission determined that none of the renewable bids
        were cost effective. The commission reaffirmed that decision on April 16
        in response to a request for reconsideration. In their written order,
        the commission noted precedent allowing utilities to secure new bid
        pricing. Colorado Electric, at its discretion, has 60 days to
        renegotiate bids and submit a revised contract or contracts for
        approval. We are reviewing our options.

Non-regulated Energy


    --  Three horizontal Mancos Shale gas wells were drilled and completed in
        late 2014 and early 2015 and placed on production in the first quarter.
        Production results to date have exceeded expectations.
    --  Two additional drilling rigs were recently contracted for the Mancos
        Shale drilling program. Drilling operations are ongoing for 10
        additional horizontal wells on three separate surface pads in the
        southern Piceance Basin.
    --  Oil and gas financial results were negatively impacted by lower crude
        oil and natural gas prices, which decreased 26 percent and 34 percent,
        respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2014.

Corporate


    --  On April 27, 2015, Black Hills' board of directors declared a quarterly
        dividend on the common stock. Shareholders of record at the close of
        business on May 18, 2015, will receive $0.405 per share, equivalent to
        an annual dividend rate of $1.62 per share, payable on June 1, 2015.
    --  On April 13, 2015, Black Hills closed a new $300 million unsecured term
        loan. The loan has a maturity date of April 12, 2017, with a cost of
        borrowing based on LIBOR plus a spread of 90 basis points. The proceeds
        of the term loan were used to repay a $275 million term loan due June
        19, 2015, and for other corporate purposes.


                                      BLACK HILLS CORPORATION
                                   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS


                          (Minor differences may result due to rounding.)


                                              Three Months Ended March 31,

                                                    2015      2014
                                                    ----      ----

                                                     (in millions)

    Net income (loss):

    Utilities:

    Electric                                                $18.9              $14.6

    Gas                                             22.2                  24.7
                                                    ----                  ----

    Total Utilities Group                           41.1                  39.3
                                                    ----                  ----


    Non-regulated Energy:

    Power generation                                 8.1                   8.1

    Coal mining                                      3.0                   2.4

    Oil and gas                                    (5.1)                (2.0)
                                                    ----                  ----

    Total Non-regulated Energy
     Group                                           6.0                   8.5
                                                     ---                   ---


    Corporate and Eliminations                       0.7                   0.3
                                                     ---                   ---


    Net income (loss)                                       $47.9              $48.1
                                                            =====              =====



                                                   Three Months Ended
                                                       March 31,

                                                    2015      2014
                                                    ----      ----

    Weighted average common shares outstanding
     (in thousands):

    Basic                                         44,541                44,330

    Diluted                                       44,660                44,554


    Earnings per share:

    Basic -

    Total Basic Earnings Per
     Share                                                  $1.08              $1.09
                                                            =====              =====


    Diluted -

    Total Diluted Earnings Per
     Share                                                  $1.07              $1.08
                                                            =====              =====

2015 EARNINGS GUIDANCE REAFFIRMED

Black Hills reaffirms its guidance for 2015 earnings, as adjusted, to be in the range of $2.80 to $3.00 per share as most recently issued on Feb. 2, 2015.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

Black Hills will host a live conference call and webcast at 11 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, to discuss our financial and operating performance.

To access the live webcast and download a copy of the investor presentation, go to the Black Hills website at www.blackhillscorp.com, and click on "Events and Presentations" in the "Investor Relations" section. The presentation will be posted on the website before the webcast. Listeners should allow at least five minutes for registering and accessing the presentation. Those interested in asking a question during the live broadcast or those without Internet access can call 855-638-5678 if calling within the United States. International callers can call 724-498-4407. All callers need to enter the pass code 23448553 when prompted.

For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available on the company's website or by telephone through Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 855-859-2056 in the United States and at 404-537-3406 for international callers. The replay pass code is 23448553.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE

Gross margin (revenue less cost of sales) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure due to the exclusion of depreciation from the measure. The presentation of gross margin is intended to supplement investors' understanding of operating performance. Gross margin for our Electric Utilities is calculated as operating revenue less cost of fuel, purchased power and cost of gas sold. Gross margin for our Gas Utilities is calculated as operating revenues less cost of gas sold. Our gross margin is impacted by the fluctuations in power purchases and natural gas and other fuel supply costs. However, while these fluctuating costs impact gross margin as a percentage of revenue, they only impact total gross margin if the costs cannot be passed through to customers. Gross margin measure may not be comparable to other companies' gross margin measure. Furthermore, this measure is not intended to replace operating income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of operating performance.

BUSINESS UNIT PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Business Group highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, are discussed below. The following business group and segment information does not include certain intercompany eliminations. Minor differences in comparative amounts may result due to rounding. All amounts are presented on a pre-tax basis unless otherwise indicated.

Utilities Group

Net income (loss) for the Utilities Group for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, was $41 million, compared to $39 million in 2014.

Electric Utilities



                          Three Months Ended           Variance
                               March 31,

                         2015       2014    2015 vs. 2014
                         ----       ----    -------------

                                       (in millions)

    Gross margin                 $108.6                          $95.4  $13.2
                                 ------                          -----  -----


    Operations and
     maintenance         44.0                       42.6            1.4

    Depreciation and
     amortization        21.0                       19.1            1.9
                         ----                       ----

    Operating income     43.6                       33.7            9.9


    Interest expense,
     net               (13.8)                    (12.0)         (1.8)

    Other (income)
     expense, net         0.1                        0.3          (0.2)

    Income tax benefit
     (expense)         (10.9)                     (7.4)         (3.5)
                        -----                       ----           ----

    Net income (loss)             $18.9                          $14.6   $4.3
                                  =====                          =====   ====


                                     Three Months Ended March 31,

                                            2015           2014
                                            ----           ----

    Operating Statistics:

    Retail sales - MWh                 1,242,363                  1,183,195

    Contracted wholesale sales - MWh      84,271                     95,228

    Off-system sales - MWh               296,979                    337,898
                                         -------                    -------

    Total electric sales - MWh         1,623,613                  1,616,321
                                       =========                  =========


    Total gas sales -Cheyenne Light
     -Dth                              1,912,273                  1,855,498
                                       ---------                  ---------


    Regulated power plant
     availability:

    Coal-fired plants                      91.3%                     95.5%

    Other plants  (a)                      95.7%                     78.1%

    Total availability                     94.1%                     86.6%



    (a)                 The three months ended March 31,
                        2014, reflects an unplanned
                        outage due to a turbine bearing
                        replacement and combustor
                        upgrade at Pueblo Airport
                        Generating Station.

First Quarter 2015 Compared with First Quarter 2014

Gross margin increased primarily due to a return on additional investment in our generating facilities which increased electric gross margins by $9.4 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Electric margins were favorably impacted by higher retail load and demand that increased megawatt hours sold driving an increase of $2.5 million. Colorado Electric also received approval of a one-time settlement agreement from the CPUC on our renewable energy standard adjustment related to Busch Ranch, which increased margins by $2.1 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a negative weather impact on electric and gas residential retail margins of $3.2 million driven by a 14 percent decrease in heating degree days compared to the same period in the prior year.

Operations and maintenance increased primarily due to costs related to Cheyenne Prairie, which was placed into commercial service on Oct. 1, 2014, and an increase in allowance for uncollectible account expense.

Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base driven by the addition of Cheyenne Prairie, which was placed into commercial service on Oct. 1, 2014.

Interest expense, net increased primarily due to interest costs from the $160 million of permanent financing placed during the fourth quarter of 2014 for Cheyenne Prairie.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate is higher in 2015 primarily due to the increase in liability with respect to uncertain tax positions related to research and development credits.

Gas Utilities



                          Three Months Ended          Variance
                              March 31,

                         2015      2014    2015 vs. 2014
                         ----      ----    -------------

                                  (in millions)

    Gross margin                 $81.5                         $84.8  $(3.3)
                                 -----                         -----   -----


    Operations and
     maintenance         35.4                      35.4             -

    Depreciation and
     amortization         7.0                       6.5           0.5
                          ---                       ---

    Operating income     39.0                      42.9         (3.9)


    Interest expense,
     net                (3.8)                    (3.9)          0.1

    Other expense
     (income), net          -                        -            -

    Income tax benefit
     (expense)         (12.9)                   (14.4)          1.5
                        -----                     -----           ---

    Net income (loss)            $22.2                         $24.7  $(2.5)
                                 =====                         =====   =====


                                   Three Months Ended March 31,

                                           2015        2014
                                           ----        ----

    Operating Statistics:

    Total gas sales - Dth            25,466,960                 29,150,704

    Total transport volumes -
     Dth                             19,815,225                 21,278,066

First Quarter 2015 Compared with First Quarter 2014

Gross margin decreased primarily due to a $5.3 million impact from milder weather than in the same period in the prior year. Heating degree days were 9 percent lower for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the same period in the prior year and 4 percent higher than normal in the current year, compared to 14 percent higher than normal in the prior year. Partially offsetting this weather impact was a $1.2 million increase from base rate adjustments at Kansas Gas which were effective January 1, 2015, and a $0.6 million increase from year-over-year customer growth.

Operations and maintenance was comparable to the prior year reflecting increases in property taxes and allowance for uncollectible account expense, offset by a decrease in employee costs.

Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a higher asset base than the same period in the prior year.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Non-Regulated Energy Group

Net income (loss) from the Non-regulated Energy group for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was $6.0 million, compared to Net income (loss) of $8.5 million for the same period in 2014.

Power Generation



                        Three Months Ended          Variance
                            March 31,

                       2015      2014    2015 vs. 2014
                       ----      ----    -------------

                                (in millions)

    Revenue                    $22.7                          $22.3      $0.4
                               -----                          -----      ----


    Operations and
     maintenance        7.8                       7.7            0.1

    Depreciation and
     amortization       1.1                       1.2          (0.1)
                        ---                       ---           ----

    Operating income   13.7                      13.5            0.2


    Interest expense,
     net              (0.9)                    (0.9)             -

    Other (income)
     expense, net         -                        -             -

    Income tax
     benefit
     (expense)        (4.7)                    (4.5)         (0.2)
                       ----                      ----           ----

    Net income (loss)           $8.1                           $8.1    $    -
                                ====                           ====  ===  ===


                                             Three Months Ended
                                             March 31,

                                              2015           2014
                                              ----           ----

    Operating Statistics:

    Contracted fleet power plant
     availability -

    Coal-fired plants                        98.2%                  99.3%

    Gas-fired plants                         98.9%                  97.9%

    Total availability                       98.7%                  98.2%

First Quarter 2015 Compared with First Quarter 2014

Revenue was comparable to the prior year reflecting an increase in PPA pricing, offset by the net effect of the expiration of the CTII PPA and subsequent economy energy PPA.

Operations and maintenance was comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization was comparable to the same period in the prior year. The generating facility located in Pueblo, Colorado, is accounted for as a capital lease under GAAP; therefore, depreciation expense for the original cost of the facility is recorded at the Electric Utility segment.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate is higher in 2015 primarily due to the increase in liability with respect to uncertain tax positions related to research and development credits.

Coal Mining



                         Three Months Ended          Variance
                             March 31,

                        2015      2014    2015 vs. 2014
                        ----      ----    -------------

                                 (in millions)

    Revenue                     $15.9                          $15.5  $0.4
                                -----                          -----  ----


    Operations and
     maintenance         9.9                      10.1          (0.2)

    Depreciation,
     depletion and
     amortization        2.5                       2.7          (0.2)
                         ---                       ---           ----

    Operating income
     (loss)              3.5                       2.7            0.8


    Interest (expense)
     income, net       (0.1)                    (0.1)             -

    Other income
     (expense), net      0.6                       0.6              -

    Income tax benefit
     (expense)         (1.0)                    (0.7)         (0.3)
                        ----                      ----           ----

    Net income (loss)            $3.0                           $2.5  $0.5
                                 ====                           ====  ====


                                    Three Months Ended March 31,

                                         2015       2014
                                         ----       ----

    Operating Statistics:                   (in thousands)

    Tons of coal sold                   1,019                1,087

    Cubic yards of overburden moved     1,413                  910


    Revenue per ton                              $15.64            $14.26

First Quarter 2015 Compared with First Quarter 2014

Revenue increased primarily due to a 10 percent increase in price per ton sold, partially offset by a 6 percent decrease in tons sold. The increase in pricing was driven by the price re-opener on our coal contract with the third-party operator of the Wyodak plant which became effective in the third quarter of 2014, partially offset by contract price adjustments based on actual mining costs. Tons of coal sold was negatively impacted by unplanned customer outages, and the closure of Neil Simpson 1 in March 2014. Approximately 50 percent of our coal production is sold under contracts that include price adjustments based on actual mining costs, including income taxes.

Operations and maintenance decreased primarily due to mining efficiencies resulting in reduced major maintenance, blasting and lower fuel costs, partially offset by a higher overburden stripping ratio and a favorable coal tax adjustment recognized in 2014.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased primarily due to lower depreciation on mine assets driven by a lower net asset base.

Income tax benefit (expense): The effective tax rate in 2015 is higher due primarily to the reduced impact of the tax benefit of percentage depletion.

Oil and Gas



                                 Three Months Ended           Variance
                                      March 31,

                                2015       2014    2015 vs. 2014
                                ----       ----    -------------

                                               (in millions)

    Revenue                              $11.3                            $14.9          $(3.6)
                                         -----                            -----           -----


    Operations and
     maintenance                10.9                       11.1            (0.2)

    Depreciation,
     depletion and
     amortization                8.1                        6.6              1.5
                                                                           ---

    Operating income           (7.7)                     (2.9)           (4.8)


    Interest income
     (expense), net            (0.4)                     (0.5)             0.1

    Other (income)
     expense, net              (0.2)                         -           (0.2)

    Income tax benefit
     (expense)                   3.3                        1.3              2.0
                                 ---                        ---              ---

    Net income (loss)                   $(5.1)                          $(2.0)         $(3.1)
                                         =====                            =====           =====



                            Three Months Ended March 31,     Percentage
                                                              Increase

                                2015       2014      (Decrease)
                                ----       ----      ---------

    Operating Statistics:

    Bbls of crude oil sold    80,730                     74,262               9%

    Mcf of natural gas
     sold                  2,254,042                  1,759,964              28%

    Bbls of NGL sold          28,770                     27,041               6%

    Mcf equivalent sales   2,911,043                  2,367,782              23%


    Depletion expense/Mcfe               $2.40                            $2.25     7%


    Average hedged price
     received (a) (b)

    Crude Oil (Bbl)                     $66.86                           $90.75  (26)%

    Natural Gas (MMcf)                   $2.20                            $3.35  (34)%

    Natural Gas Liquids
     (Bbl)                              $13.74                           $49.02  (72)%


    Average well-head
     price

    Crude Oil (Bbl)                     $40.29                           $90.75  (56)%

    Natural Gas (MMcf)                   $1.05                            $3.22  (67)%



    (a)                Net of hedge settlement gains
                       and losses.

    (b)                Based on our quarterly
                       ceiling test, no impairment
                       charge was necessary as of
                       March 31, 2015.  If crude
                       oil and natural gas prices
                       remain at or near the
                       current low levels, a
                       ceiling impairment charge
                       could occur in 2015.

First Quarter 2015 Compared with First Quarter 2014

Revenue decreased primarily due to lower commodity market prices for both crude oil and natural gas resulting in a 26 percent decrease in the average hedged price received for crude oil sold, and a 34 percent decrease in the average hedged price received for natural gas sold. A production increase of 23 percent, driven primarily by three new Piceance Mancos Shale wells placed on production in the first quarter of 2015, partially offset the decrease in prices.

Operations and maintenance decreased primarily due to lower production taxes and ad valorem taxes on lower revenue and lower employee costs, partially offset by higher lease and field operation expenses from non-operated wells.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased primarily due to a higher depletion rate applied to greater production.

Income tax (expense) benefit: The effective tax rate in 2015 is comparable to the same period in the prior year.

Corporate Activities

First Quarter 2015 Compared with First Quarter 2014

Net income for Corporate activity was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to net income of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The variance from the prior year was primarily due to:


    --  Lower interest expense, primarily driven by favorable margins on base
        rate borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility for the three months
        ended March 31, 2015, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.
        Our Revolving Credit Facility agreement was amended and extended on May
        29, 2014 with improved margins on base rate borrowings of 0.25% compared
        to the agreement it replaced.

ABOUT BLACK HILLS CORP.

Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) is a growth-oriented, vertically-integrated energy company with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company serves 785,000 natural gas and electric utility customers in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The company also generates wholesale electricity and produces natural gas, crude oil and coal. Black Hills Corp.'s more than 2,000 employees form partnerships and produce positive results for our customers, communities and shareholders. More information is available at www.blackhillscorp.com.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. This includes, without limitations, our 2015 earnings guidance. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable based on current expectations and projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting our business. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that, among other things, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the risk factors described in Item 1A of Part I of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and other reports that we file with the SEC from time to time, and the following:


    --  The accuracy of our assumptions on which our earnings guidance is based;
    --  Our ability to obtain adequate cost recovery for our utility operations
        through regulatory proceedings and favorable rulings in periodic
        applications to recover costs for capital additions, plant retirements
        and decommissioning, fuel, transmission, purchased power, and other
        operating costs and the timing in which new rates would go into effect;
    --  Our ability to obtain regulatory approval to include additional
        generation in rate base in the future, and to implement a cost of
        service gas program;
    --  Our ability to obtain regulatory approval to construct a 144-mile
        electric transmission line;
    --  Our ability to receive regulatory approvals for announced acquisitions
        and to successfully close and implement the transactions;
    --  Our ability to complete our capital program in a cost-effective and
        timely manner, including our ability to successfully develop our Mancos
        Shale gas reserves;
    --  Our ability to provide accurate estimates of proved crude oil and gas
        reserves and future production and associated costs;
    --  The impact of the volatility and extent of changes in commodity prices
        on our earnings and the underlying value of our oil and gas assets,
        including the possibility that we may be required to take impairment
        charges under the SEC's full cost ceiling test for natural gas and oil
        reserves; and
    --  Other factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(Minor differences may result due to rounding.)


                                                                                                             Consolidating Income Statement
                                                                                                             ------------------------------

    Three Months Ended                        Electric  Gas Utilities    Power    Coal Mining Oil and Gas   Corporate    Electric        Power
                                                                      Generation                                                      Generation
                                                                          (a)                                                          Inter-Co    Other Inter-     Total
    March 31, 2015                           Utilities                                                                    Utility    Lease Elim          Co
                                                 (a)                                                                     Inter-Co
                                                                                                                           Lease         (a)       Eliminations
                                                                                                                        Elim  (a)
                                                                                                                         --------

                                                                                                                      (in millions)

    Revenue                                                    $183.0                               $237.7                                    $2.0                            $8.1              $11.3          $        -            $        -  $     -   $      -    $442.0

    Intercompany revenue                            3.4                         -                     20.7                       7.8                             -            57.3         -            0.6        (89.8)            -

    Fuel, purchased power and cost of gas
     sold                                          77.8                     156.2                         -                        -                            -               -      1.1               -       (29.8)        205.3
                                                   ----                     -----                       ---                      ---                          ---             ---      ---             ---        -----         -----

    Gross margin                                  108.6                      81.5                      22.7                      15.9                          11.3             57.3     (1.1)            0.6        (60.0)        236.7
                                                  -----                      ----                      ----                      ----                          ----             ----      ----             ---         -----         -----


    Operations and maintenance                     44.0                      35.4                       7.8                       9.9                          10.9             54.8         -              -       (57.7)        105.1

    Depreciation, depletion and amortization       21.0                       7.0                       1.1                       2.5                           8.1              2.2     (3.3)            3.0         (2.2)         39.6

    Operating income                               43.6                      39.0                      13.7                       3.5                         (7.7)             0.4       2.2           (2.5)        (0.2)         92.0
                                                   ----                      ----                      ----                       ---                          ----              ---       ---            ----          ----          ----


    Interest expense, net                        (14.8)                    (3.9)                    (1.1)                    (0.1)                        (0.5)          (12.4)         -              -         13.4        (19.3)

    Interest income                                 1.0                       0.1                       0.2                         -                          0.1             11.8         -              -       (13.0)          0.3

    Other income (expense)                          0.1                         -                        -                      0.6                         (0.2)            30.2         -              -       (30.5)          0.1

    Income tax benefit (expense)                 (10.9)                   (12.9)                    (4.7)                    (1.0)                          3.3              1.0     (0.8)            0.9             -       (25.1)
                                                  -----                     -----                      ----                      ----                           ---              ---      ----             ---           ---        -----

    Net income (loss)                                           $18.9                                $22.2                                    $8.1                            $3.0             $(5.1)              $31.0                   $1.4    $(1.6)    $(30.2)     $47.9
                                                                =====                                =====                                    ====                            ====              =====               =====                   ====     =====      ======      =====



    (a)                  The generating facility owned by
                         Black Hills Colorado IPP at our
                         Pueblo Airport Generating Station
                         which sells energy and capacity
                         under a 20-year PPA to Colorado
                         Electric is accounted for as a
                         capital lease. Therefore, revenue
                         and expense of the Electric
                         Utilities and Power Generation
                         segments reflect adjustments for
                         lease accounting which are
                         eliminated in consolidation.



                                                                                                      Consolidating Income Statement
                                                                                                      ------------------------------

    Three Months Ended                        Electric     Gas       Power     Coal  Oil and    Corporate    Electric        Power
                                                                  Generation                                              Generation
                                                                      (a)                                                  Inter-Co    Other Inter-     Total
    March 31, 2014                           Utilities  Utilities             Mining    Gas                   Utility       Lease            Co
                                                 (a)                                                         Inter-Co
                                                                                                               Lease                   Eliminations
                                                                                                            Elim  (a)      Elim (a)
                                                                                                             --------      -------

                                                                                                              (in millions)

    Revenue                                                $178.1                       $259.3                                    $1.3                            $6.6                 $14.8                $         -                 $        -  $     -   $      -    $460.1

    Intercompany revenue                            4.0                     -             21.0                       8.8                             -            56.7            -           (0.5)             (90.0)                 -

    Fuel, purchased power and cost of gas
     sold                                          86.7                 174.5                 -                        -                            -               -       (1.0)               -             (29.8)             230.4

    Gross margin                                   95.4                  84.8              22.3                      15.4                          14.8             56.7          1.0            (0.5)             (60.2)             229.7
                                                   ----                  ----              ----                      ----                          ----             ----          ---             ----               -----              -----


    Operations and maintenance                     42.6                  35.4               7.6                      10.0                          11.1             54.3            -               -             (56.9)             104.1

    Depreciation, depletion and amortization       19.1                   6.5               1.2                       2.7                           6.6              1.7        (1.8)               -                  -              36.0

    Operating income                               33.7                  42.9              13.5                       2.7                         (2.9)             0.7          2.8            (0.5)              (3.3)              89.6
                                                   ----                  ----              ----                       ---                          ----              ---          ---             ----                ----               ----


    Interest expense, net                        (13.5)                (4.1)            (1.2)                    (0.1)                        (0.7)          (12.8)            -               -               14.9             (17.5)

    Interest income                                 1.3                   0.2               0.1                         -           0.3                   12.5           -                  -          (14.0)              0.4

    Other income (expense)                          0.3                     -                -                      0.5                             -            28.5            -               -             (28.4)               0.9

    Income tax benefit (expense)                  (7.2)               (14.3)            (4.3)                    (0.7)                          1.3                -       (0.1)               -                  -            (25.3)

    Net income (loss)                                       $14.6                        $24.7                                    $8.1                            $2.4                $(2.0)                     $28.9                        $2.7    $(0.5)    $(30.8)     $48.1
                                                            =====                        =====                                    ====                            ====                 =====                      =====                        ====     =====      ======      =====



    (a)                    The generating facility owned by
                           Black Hills Colorado IPP at our
                           Pueblo Airport Generating Station
                           which sells energy and capacity
                           under a 20-year PPA to Colorado
                           Electric is accounted for as a
                           capital lease. Therefore, revenue
                           and expense of the Electric
                           Utilities and Power Generation
                           segments reflect adjustments for
                           lease accounting which are
                           eliminated in consolidation.




    Investor Relations:

    Jerome E. Nichols

    Phone                             605-721-1171

    Email                             jerome.nichols@blackhillscorp.com


    Media Contact:

    24-hour Media Assistance          866-243-9002

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-hills-corp-reports-first-quarter-2015-results-300077002.html

SOURCE Black Hills Corp.