Strong Industrial Sales Drive ALLETE’s 2011 Earnings

ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) today announced 2011 earnings of $2.65 per share. The company reported net income of $93.8 million on revenue of $928.2 million compared to net income of $75.3 million on revenue of $907 million in 2010.

Excluding an eight-cents-per-share benefit in 2011 and a 12-cents-per-share charge in 2010 - both related to new federal health care legislation - pro forma earnings per share were $2.57 in 2011 versus $2.31 in 2010, an increase of eleven percent. These results were at the upper end of the company's earnings guidance range.

Income from ALLETE's Regulated Operations segment increased by $20.6 million compared to 2010. Minnesota Power's kilowatt-hour electric sales to industrial customers were strong throughout 2011, particularly in the area of taconite processing, where power sales increased 13 percent compared to 2010.

Higher revenue from cost recovery riders associated with Minnesota Power's capital expenditures for renewable energy and transmission infrastructure also contributed to the year-over-year increase. Regulated Operations recorded a one-time $6.2 million, or 18 cents-per-share, benefit from the reversal of a deferred tax liability in the first quarter of 2011. Additionally, the company benefited from renewable tax credits related to its wind generation development, increased financial incentives under Minnesota's Conservation Incentive Program, and higher wholesale rates in 2011. These gains were partially offset by increased operating and maintenance, depreciation, property tax, benefit and interest expenses during the year.

Investments and Other recorded a loss of $6.6 million in 2011 compared to a loss of $4.5 million a year ago, due in part to higher business development, state income tax and investment related expenses. Both BNI Coal and ALLETE Properties experienced slightly improved results in 2011 over 2010.

A higher share balance in 2011 had a dilutive effect of eight cents per share of common stock.

“We're pleased with these positive 2011 financial results and expect 2012 earnings will be within the range of $2.45 to $2.65,” said ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Al Hodnik. He noted that the ALLETE Board of Directors recently raised the quarterly dividend by 3.4 percent.

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