HCT 8% Hits Based ON Conocophillips Common Stock

HECTOR, Minn., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hector Communications Corporation (AMEX:HCT) today reported operating results for its fourth quarter and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2005. Revenues were $8,733,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2005, an increase of 12% from $7,827,000 in 2004. The revenue increase was mainly due to favorable cost study settlements, higher access revenues from NECA and higher internet revenues. Operating income increased 47% to $2,382,000 compared to $1,626,000 in 2004. Income from the Company's investment in Midwest Wireless Holdings LLC was $1,076,000 in the 2005 period compared to $615,000 in 2004. Net income was $2,012,000 or $.48 per diluted share in 2005 compared to $1,203,000 or $.30 per diluted share in 2004. Revenues for the 2005 twelve months were $32,373,000, an increase of 3% from $31,570,000 in 2004. Operating income increased 14% to $7,990,000 in 2005 from $6,982,000 in 2004. Income from the Company's investment in Midwest Wireless Holdings LLC increased 69% to $4,682,000 in 2005 from $2,766,000 in 2004. Net income was $6,567,000 or $1.61 per diluted share in 2005 compared to $4,644,000 or $1.17 per diluted share in 2004. Curtis A. Sampson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Hector's 2005 operating results were very gratifying. Hector achieved increases in revenues and operating income in a very challenging and competitive operating environment. 2006 will be a year of great change in our business. The completion of the Midwest Wireless acquisition by Alltel and the redemption of our Rural Telephone Bank stock will greatly increase Hector's liquidity. The management and Board of Directors of the Company continue to assess all strategic options available to us. We expect to be able to report the results of our assessment to our shareholders prior to the 2006 annual meeting." Hector Communications Corporation is a telecommunications holding company which, through its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, provides local telephone service, video and high-speed internet service in rural communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. The Company serves 29,400 telephone access lines, 7,900 cable television subscribers and 11,200 internet customers and has minority ownership interests in other telecommunications companies. From time to time in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in other communications to shareholders and the investing public, the Company may make statements regarding the Company's future financial performance. Such forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the effects of the Telecommunications Act, new technological developments which may reduce barriers for competitors entering the Company's local exchange or cable television markets, higher than expected expenses and other risks involving the telecommunications industry generally. All such forward-looking statements should be considered in light of such risks and uncertainties. Hector Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries Earnings Summary Three Months Ended December 31 2005 2004 Revenues $8,733,057 $7,826,521 Operating income 2,382,345 1,625,961 Other income (expense): Income from investments: Midwest Wireless Holdings, LLC 1,076,497 614,798 Other unconsolidated affiliates 63,572 251,403 Interest and dividend income 465,102 253,758 Interest expense (734,007) (650,935) Gain on sale of cable television systems and other business 43,876 Net other income (expense) 871,164 512,900 Income before income taxes 3,253,509 2,138,861 Income tax expense (1,242,000) (936,000) Net Income $2,011,509 $1,202,861 Basic net income per common share $.51 $.32 Diluted net income per share $.48 $.30 Dividends per share $.10 $.05 Twelve Months Ended December 31 2005 2004 Revenues $32,373,475 $31,569,770 Operating income 7,989,713 6,982,180 Other income (expense): Income (loss) from investments: Midwest Wireless Holdings, LLC 4,681,888 2,765,887 Other unconsolidated affiliates 199,462 482,847 Interest and dividend income 1,018,641 445,333 Interest expense (2,957,370) (2,867,135) Gain on sale of cable television systems and other business 85,271 Net other income (expense) 2,942,621 912,203 Income before income taxes 10,932,334 7,894,383 Income tax expense (4,365,000) (3,250,000) Net Income $6,567,334 $4,644,383 Basic net income per common share $1.72 $1.28 Diluted net income per share $1.61 $1.17 Dividends per share $.28 $.05 Hector Communications Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Balance Sheet December 31 December 31 2005 2004 Cash $25,245,358 $19,980,506 Other current assets 4,477,313 8,032,610 Property, plant and equipment, net 37,381,570 40,040,493 Excess of cost over net assets acquired 30,921,094 30,921,094 Investment in Midwest Wireless Holdings, LLC 18,067,471 15,380,543 Investments in other unconsolidated affiliates 3,307,593 3,304,726 Other investments 8,037,986 6,880,549 Other assets 315,906 382,322 Total Assets $127,754,291 $124,922,843 Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt $6,527,400 $6,352,000 Other current liabilities 4,214,147 4,060,611 Long-term debt, less current portion 49,456,138 54,084,480 Deferred taxes and credits 5,308,790 5,463,894 Deferred compensation 802,116 749,128 Stockholders' equity 61,445,700 54,212,730 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $127,754,291 $124,922,843 DATASOURCE: Hector Communications Corporation CONTACT: Curtis A. Sampson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, or, Steven H. Sjogren, President, or, Paul N. Hanson, Vice President and Treasurer all of Hector Communications Corporation, all at +1-320-848-6611

Copyright