JOPLIN, Mo. — The Empire District Electric Company directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.32-centsper share on common stock payable June 15, 2008, to holders of record as of June 1, 2008.
In 2008 first quarter results the company reported consolidated earnings of $7.0 million, or $.21-cents per share, compared with 2007 same quarter earnings of $4.5 million, or $0.15 -cents per share. Earnings for the twelve months ended March 31, 2008 were $35.7 million, or $1.14 per share. This compares to earnings of $42.2 million, or $1.44 per share, for the 2007 twelve month period.
Empire's Asbury plant returned to service February 10, this year after an extended maintenance outage. The company estimates the outage added pre-tax incremental expenses for the first quarter of approximately $5.8 million. In other Empire District Electric announcement, Kenneth R. Allen, William L. Gipson and Bill D. Helton have been re-elected to three-year terms as directors of the company at their annual meeting of shareholders. Stockholders also ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as their independent registered public accounting firm.
The board also re-elected the following officers were re-elected Gipson, president and chief executive officer; Bradley P. Beecher, vice president and chief operating officer - electric; Ronald F. Gatz, vice president and chief operating officer - gas; Gregory A. Knapp, vice president-finance and chief financial officer; Harold R. Colgin II, vice president-energy supply; Michael E. Palmer, vice president-commercial operations; Kelly S. Walters; vice president-regulatory and general services; Janet S.Watson, secretary-treasurer; and Laurie A. Delano, assistant secretary and assistant treasurer.
