<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000067716-11-000049.txt : 20110519
<SEC-HEADER>0000067716-11-000049.hdr.sgml : 20110519
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20110519121008
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0000067716-11-000049
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	S-3ASR
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		7
FILED AS OF DATE:		20110519
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20110519
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20110519

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MDU RESOURCES GROUP INC
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000067716
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MINING, QUARRYING OF NONMETALLIC MINERALS (NO FUELS) [1400]
		IRS NUMBER:				410423660
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		S-3ASR
		SEC ACT:		1933 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-174326
		FILM NUMBER:		11857020

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1200 WEST CENTURY AVENUE
		CITY:			BISMARCK
		STATE:			ND
		ZIP:			58503
		BUSINESS PHONE:		701-530-1059

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1200 WEST CENTURY AVENUE
		CITY:			BISMARCK
		STATE:			ND
		ZIP:			58503

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	MONTANA DAKOTA UTILITIES CO
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19850429
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-3ASR
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>forms-3.htm
<DESCRIPTION>MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC. FORM S-3ASR
<TEXT>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2011</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Registration Statement No. 333-______</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 15.95pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 12pt">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 6pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">______________________________</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 30pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Form S-3</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 17pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 6pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">______________________________</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 24pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Delaware</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">41-0423660</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(State of incorporation or organization)</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="40%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1200 West Century Avenue</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">P.O. Box 5650</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(701) 530-1000</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">of registrant&#8217;s principal executive offices)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Terry D. Hildestad</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Doran N. Schwartz</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Walter J. Godlewski III, Esq.</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">President and Chief Executive Officer</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner P.C.</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="29%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="29%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">420 Lexington Ave.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1200 West Century Avenue</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1200 West Century Avenue</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Suite 2400</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">P.O. Box 5650</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">P.O. Box 5650</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="29%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">New York, NY 10170</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="29%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="29%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(212) 586-5800</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td valign="top" width="27%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(701) 530-1000</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="29%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.25pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(701) 530-1000</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="top" width="29%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td valign="top" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Names and addresses, including zip codes, and telephone numbers, including area codes, of agents for service)</font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block">______________________________<br>
</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public</font>: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined by market conditions and other factors.</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Wingdings">o</font></font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Wingdings">x</font></font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Wingdings">o</font></font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Wingdings">o</font></font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Wingdings">x</font></font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.&#160;&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Wingdings">o</font></font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.&#160;&#160;See the definitions of &#8220;large accelerated filer,&#8221; &#8220;accelerated filer&#8221; and &#8220;smaller reporting company&#8221; in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.&#160;&#160;(Check one):</font></div>

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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt"></font>Large accelerated filer</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="10%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: wingdings; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">x</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="26%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Accelerated filer</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="14%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: wingdings; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">o</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt"></font>Non-accelerated filer</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="10%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: wingdings; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">o</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="26%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.1pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Smaller reporting company</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may offer from time to time any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings and in amounts authorized from time to time.&#160;&#160;We will provide the specific terms of our securities, including their offering prices, in supplements to this prospectus.&#160;&#160;The supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.&#160;&#160;You should read this prospectus and any supplements carefully before you invest.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol &#8220;MDU.&#8221;</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">See &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; on page 4 and the discussion of risk factors, if any, discussed in the accompanying prospectus supplement as well as the risk factors contained in our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, to read about certain factors you should consider before investing in the securities being offered.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our principal executive offices are located at MDU Resources Group, Inc., 1200 West Century Avenue, P.O. Box&#160;5650, Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650, and our telephone number is (701) 530-1000.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may offer our securities to or through underwriters or dealers, directly to purchasers or through agents designated from time to time.&#160;&#160;This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of securities through any of these methods or any other methods described in supplements to this prospectus.&#160;&#160;The supplements to this prospectus will describe the terms of any particular plan of distribution, including any underwriting arrangements.&#160;&#160;The &#8220;Plan of Distribution&#8221; section on page 19 of this prospectus provides more information on this topic.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus.&#160;&#160;Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><a name="toc78871_1"><!--EFPlaceholder--></a>ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">References in this prospectus to the &#8220;Company,&#8221; &#8220;MDU Resources,&#8221; &#8220;we,&#8221; &#8220;our&#8221; and &#8220;us&#8221; refer to MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing a &#8220;shelf&#8221; registration, or continuous offering, process. Under this shelf registration process, we may issue and sell, from time to time, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.&#160;&#160;The registration statement is unlimited to the amount of securities that may be registered.&#160;&#160;The actual amount of securities being issued from time to time will be disclosed through a prospectus supplement filed at the time of issuance.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. Material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the offered securities will be discussed in the applicable prospectus supplement, if necessary. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading &#8220;Where You Can Find More Information About Us&#8221; and &#8220;Incorporation by Reference.&#8221;</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">For more detailed information about the securities, you can read the exhibits to the registration statement. Those exhibits have been either filed with the registration statement or incorporated by reference to earlier SEC filings listed in the registration statement.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We file annual, quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC.&#160;&#160;You can read and copy any information filed by us with the SEC at the SEC&#8217;s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.&#160;&#160;You can obtain additional information about the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.&#160;&#160;We also maintain an Internet site (http://www.mdu.com).&#160;&#160;Information contained on our Internet site does not constitute part of this prospectus.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The SEC allows us to &#8220;incorporate by reference&#8221; the information that we file with the SEC which means that we may disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents in this prospectus.&#160;&#160;The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, after the date of this prospectus until we sell all of the securities described in this prospectus.&#160;&#160;Any of those future filings will update, supersede and replace the information contained in any documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus at the time of the future filings.</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources&#8217; Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (including portions of the Annual Report to Stockholders);</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources&#8217; Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources&#8217; Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on January 12, February 22, April 27 and April 29, 2011, and Current Report on Form 8-K/A, Amendment No. 1, filed on May 13, 2011;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources&#8217; Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed September 21, 1994, Amendment No. 1 thereto, filed March 23, 2000, Amendment No. 2 thereto, filed March 10, 2003, Amendment No. 3 thereto, filed January 21, 2004, Amendment No. 4 thereto, filed June 27, 2007, Amendment No. 5 thereto, filed November 19, 2008, Amendment No. 6 thereto, filed January 5, 2009 and Amendment No. 7 thereto, filed April 30, 2010, and any further amendments thereto; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources&#8217; Proxy Statement for an annual meeting of stockholders held on April 26, 2011.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You may request a copy of these documents, at no cost to you, by writing or calling Office of the Treasurer, MDU Resources Group, Inc., 1200 West Century Avenue, P.O. Box 5650, Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650, telephone (701) 530-1000.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus and any prospectus supplement.&#160;&#160;We have not, and any underwriters, agents or dealers have not, authorized anyone else to provide you with different information.&#160;&#160;We are not, and any underwriters, agents or dealers are not, making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted.&#160;&#160;You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of such document or that the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This document contains or incorporates forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation those statements that are identified by the words &#8220;anticipates,&#8221; &#8220;estimates,&#8221; &#8220;expects,&#8221; &#8220;intends,&#8221; &#8220;plans,&#8221; &#8220;predicts&#8221; and similar expressions, and include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions) and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. From time to time, we may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by us to have a reasonable basis, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Nonetheless, our expectations, beliefs or projections may not be achieved or accomplished.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any forward-looking statement contained in this document or any document incorporated by reference into this document speaks only as of the date on which the statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the factors, nor can we assess the effect of each factor on our business 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. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of us, are expressly qualified by the risk factors and cautionary statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">RISK FACTORS</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Investing in the securities involves certain risks. You are urged to read and consider the risk factors relating to an investment in the securities described in our annual, quarterly and current reports filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information that we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones facing us. The prospectus supplement applicable to each type or series of securities we offer may contain a discussion of additional risks</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">applicable to an investment in us and the particular type of securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We are a diversified natural resource company, which was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in 1924.&#160;&#160;Our principal executive offices are at 1200 West Century Avenue, P.O. Box 5650, Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5650, telephone (701)&#160;530-1000.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., one of our public utility divisions, through the electric and natural gas distribution segments, generates, transmits and distributes electricity and distributes natural gas in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.&#160;&#160;Great Plains Natural Gas Co., another one of our public utility divisions, distributes natural gas in western Minnesota and southeastern North Dakota.&#160;&#160;Cascade Natural Gas Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary, distributes natural gas in Oregon and Washington.&#160;&#160;Intermountain Gas Company, another wholly owned subsidiary, distributes natural gas in Idaho.&#160;&#160;These operations also supply related value-added services.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., we own WBI Holdings, Inc., Knife River Corporation, MDU Construction Services Group, Inc., Centennial Energy Resources LLC and Centennial Holdings Capital LLC.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">WBI Holdings is comprised of the pipeline and energy services and the natural gas and oil production segments.&#160;&#160;The pipeline and energy services segment provides natural gas transportation, underground storage and gathering services through regulated and nonregulated pipeline systems primarily in the Rocky Mountain and northern Great Plains regions of the United States.&#160;&#160;The pipeline and energy services segment also provides cathodic protection and energy-related services.&#160;&#160;The natural gas and oil production segment is engaged in natural gas and oil acquisition, exploration, development and production activities in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions of the United States and in and around the Gulf of Mexico.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Knife River is comprised of the construction materials and contracting segment.&#160;&#160;Knife River mines aggregates and markets crushed stone, sand, gravel and related construction materials, including ready-mixed concrete, cement, asphalt, liquid asphalt and other value-added products.&#160;&#160;It also performs integrated contracting services. Knife River operates in the central, southern and western United States and Alaska and Hawaii.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Construction Services is comprised of the construction services segment.&#160;&#160;MDU Construction Services specializes in constructing and maintaining electric and communication lines, gas pipelines, fire suppression systems, and external lighting and traffic signalization equipment.&#160;&#160;The construction services segment also provides utility excavation services and inside electrical wiring, cabling and mechanical services, sells and distributes electrical materials, and manufactures and distributes specialty equipment.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Centennial Resources owns interests in a company owning certain electric transmission lines in Brazil, which is reflected in the Other category.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Centennial Capital insures various types of risks as a captive insurer for certain of our subsidiaries.&#160;&#160;The function of the captive insurer is to fund the deductible layers of the insured companies&#8217; general liability and automobile liability coverages.&#160;&#160;Centennial Capital also owns certain real and personal property.&#160;&#160;These activities are reflected in the Other category.</font></div>

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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Due to a $384.4 million after-tax noncash write-down of natural gas and oil properties in the first quarter of 2009, earnings were insufficient by $227.4 million to cover fixed charges for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.&#160;&#160;If the $384.4 million after-tax noncash write-down is excluded, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have been 4.6 times for the 12 months ended December 31, 2009.&#160;&#160;The ratio that excludes the effect of the after-tax noncash write-down is a non-GAAP financial measure.&#160;&#160;We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure is useful because the noncash write-down excluded is not indicative of our cash flows available to meet our fixed charge obligations.&#160;&#160;The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.</font></font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Except as may otherwise be set forth in the prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be added to our general funds and may be used for funding capital requirements, for the refunding of outstanding debt obligations, for corporate development purposes (including the potential acquisition of businesses and/or business assets), and for other general business purposes.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following description sets forth the general terms and provisions of certain Debt Securities that we may offer by this prospectus.&#160;&#160;We will describe the particular terms of any Debt Securities, and provisions that vary from those described below, in one or more prospectus supplements.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may issue the Debt Securities from time to time in the future, in one or more series, under the Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2003, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, or the Indenture Trustee, as amended and supplemented in the past and as may be amended and supplemented from time to time (the &#8220;Indenture&#8221;).&#160;&#160;The Indenture and its associated documents contain the full legal text of the matters described in this section.&#160;&#160;Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the Debt Securities or the Indenture.&#160;&#160;This summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the Indenture, including definitions of some of the terms used in the Indenture.&#160;&#160;We also include references in parentheses to some of the sections of the Indenture.&#160;&#160;The Indenture is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.&#160;&#160;You should read the Indenture for a complete understanding of all of its provisions.&#160;&#160;This summary also is subject to and qualified by reference to the description of the particular terms of each series of Debt Securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or supplements.&#160;&#160;The Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, and you should also refer to the Trust Indenture Act for provisions that apply to the Debt Securities.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">There is no requirement under the Indenture that future issuances of debt securities be issued exclusively under the Indenture, and we will be free to employ other indentures or agreements containing provisions different from those included in the Indenture or applicable to one or more issues of debt securities, in connection with future issues of the other debt securities.&#160;&#160;The terms of any such offered debt securities will be described in one or more prospectus supplements.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">General</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Indenture permits us to issue an unlimited amount of Debt Securities from time to time.&#160;&#160;All Debt Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time, and a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Debt Securities of that series.&#160;&#160;This means that we may from time to time, without the consent of the existing holders of the Debt Securities of any series, create and issue additional Debt Securities of a series having the same terms and conditions as the previously-issued Debt Securities of that series in all respects, except for issue date, issue price and, if applicable, the initial interest payment on those additional Debt Securities.&#160;&#160;Additional Debt Securities issued in this manner will be consolidated with, and will form a single series with, the previously-issued Debt Securities of that series.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A prospectus supplement and an officer&#8217;s certificate relating to any series of Debt Securities being offered will include specific terms relating to that offering.&#160;&#160;These terms will include some or all of the following terms that apply to that series:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the title of the Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any limit upon the total principal amount of the Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the dates, or the method to determine these dates, on which the principal of the Debt Securities will be payable and how it will be paid;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the interest rate or rates which the Debt Securities will bear, or how the rate or rates will be determined, the interest payment dates for the Debt Securities and the regular record dates for interest payments;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any right to delay the interest payments for the Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the percentage, if less than 100%, of the principal amount of the Debt Securities that will be payable if the maturity of the Debt Securities is accelerated;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any date or dates on which the Debt Securities may be redeemed at our option and any restrictions on those redemptions;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or otherwise redeem the Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any additions to the events of default under the Indenture or additions to our covenants under the Indenture for the benefit of the holders of Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">if the Debt Securities will be issued in denominations other than multiples of $1,000;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">if payments on the Debt Securities may be made in a currency or currencies other than United States dollars; and, if so, the means through which the equivalent principal amount of any payment in United States dollars is to be determined for any purpose;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any rights or duties of another entity to assume our obligations with respect to the Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any collateral, security, assurance or guarantee for the Debt Securities; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any other terms of the Debt Securities not inconsistent with the terms of the Indenture.</font></div>
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<br>
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may sell Debt Securities at a discount below their principal amount.&#160;&#160;United States federal income tax considerations applicable to Debt Securities sold at an original issue discount may be described in the prospectus supplement.&#160;&#160;In addition, important United States federal income tax or other tax considerations applicable to any Debt Securities denominated or payable in a currency or currency unit other than United States dollars may be described in the prospectus supplement.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Except as may otherwise be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the covenants contained in the Indenture will not afford holders of Debt Securities protection in the event of a highly-leveraged transaction involving us.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Redemption</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We will set forth any terms for the redemption of Debt Securities of any series in the applicable prospectus supplement.&#160;&#160;Unless we indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, and except with respect to Debt Securities redeemable at the option of the holder of those Debt Securities, Debt Securities will be redeemable upon notice to holders by mail at least 30 days prior to the redemption date. (Indenture, Section 504.)&#160;&#160;If less than all of the Debt Securities of any series or any tranche thereof are to be redeemed, the Indenture Trustee will select the Debt Securities to be redeemed.&#160;&#160;In the absence of any provision for selection, the Indenture Trustee will choose a method of random selection as it deems fair and appropriate.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 503.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Debt securities will cease to bear interest on the redemption date.&#160;&#160;We will pay the redemption price and any accrued interest to the redemption date upon surrender of any Debt Security for redemption.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 505.)&#160;&#160;If only part of a Debt Security is redeemed, the Indenture Trustee will deliver to the holder of the Debt Security a new Debt Security of the same series for the remaining portion without charge.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 506.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may make any redemption at our option conditional upon the receipt by the paying agent, on or prior to the date fixed for redemption, of money sufficient to pay the redemption price.&#160;&#160;If the paying agent has not received the money by the date fixed for redemption, we will not be required to redeem the Debt Securities.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 504.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Payment and Paying Agents</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Except as may be provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, interest, if any, on each Debt Security payable on any interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name that Debt Security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for that interest payment date.&#160;&#160;However, interest payable at maturity will be paid to the person to whom the principal is paid.&#160;&#160;If there has been a default in the payment of interest on any Debt Security, the defaulted interest may be paid to the holder of that Debt Security as of the close of business on a date between 10 and 15 days before the date proposed by us for payment of the defaulted interest or in any other manner permitted by any securities exchange on which that Debt Security may be listed, if the Indenture Trustee finds it workable.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 307.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Debt Securities at maturity will be payable upon presentation of the Debt Securities at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York Mellon, in the city of New York, as our paying agent.&#160;&#160;However, we may choose to make payment of interest by check mailed to the address of the persons entitled to payment.&#160;&#160;We may change the place of payment on the Debt Securities, appoint one or more additional paying agents (including MDU) and remove any paying agent, all at our discretion.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 702.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Registration and Transfer</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the transfer of Debt Securities may be registered, and Debt Securities may be exchanged for other Debt Securities of the same series or tranche, of authorized denominations and with the same terms and principal amount, at the offices of the Indenture Trustee in New York, New York.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 305.)&#160;&#160;We may designate one or more additional places, or change the place or places previously designated, for registration of transfer and exchange of the Debt Securities.&#160;&#160;(Indenture,</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Section 702.)&#160;&#160;Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, no service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the Debt Securities.&#160;&#160;However, we may require payment to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with a registration of transfer or exchange.&#160;&#160;We will not be required to execute or to provide for the registration, transfer or exchange of any Debt Security:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">during the 15 days before an interest payment date;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">during the 15 days before giving any notice of redemption; or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">selected for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any Debt Security being redeemed in part.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Limitation on Secured Debt</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">So long as any of the Debt Securities remain outstanding, we will not issue any Secured Debt other than Permitted Secured Debt (in each case as defined below) without the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series with respect to which this covenant is made, considered as one class; provided, however, that this covenant will not prohibit the creation or existence of any Secured Debt if either:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">we make effective provision whereby all Debt Securities then outstanding will be secured equally and ratably with the Secured Debt; or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">we deliver to the Indenture Trustee bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness secured by the lien which secures the Secured Debt in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities then outstanding and meeting other requirements set forth in the Indenture.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#8220;Secured Debt&#8221; means Debt created, issued, incurred or assumed by us which is secured by a lien upon any of our property (other than Excepted Property).&#160;&#160;For purposes of this covenant, any Capitalized Lease Liabilities will be deemed to be Debt secured by a lien on our property.</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">our indebtedness for borrowed money evidenced by a bond, debenture, note or other written instrument or agreement by which we are obligated to repay the borrowed money;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any guaranty by us of any indebtedness of another person; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any Capitalized Lease Liabilities.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">indebtedness under any installment sale or conditional sale agreement or any other agreement relating to indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of property or services;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any trade obligations (including any obligations under power or other commodity purchase agreements and any associated hedges or derivatives) or other obligations in the ordinary course of business;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">obligations under any lease agreement that are not Capitalized Lease Liabilities; or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any liens securing indebtedness neither assumed nor guaranteed by us nor on which we customarily pay interest, existing upon real estate or rights in or relating to real estate acquired by us for substation, transmission line, transportation line, distribution line or right of way purposes.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#8220;Permitted Secured Debt&#8221; means, as of any particular time:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Secured Debt which matures less than one year from the date of the issuance or incurrence and is not extendible at the option of the issuer; and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any&#160;Secured Debt by or with Secured Debt that matures less than one year from the date of the refunding, refinancing and/or replacement and is not extendible at the option of the issuer;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Secured Debt secured by purchase money liens or any other liens existing or placed upon property at the time of, or within one hundred eighty (180) days after, the acquisition thereof by us, and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any&#160;Secured Debt; provided, however, that no Purchase Money Lien or other lien of this type will extend to or cover any of our property other than (1)&#160;the property so acquired and improvements, extensions and additions to the property and renewals, replacements and substitutions of or for the property or any part or parts of the property and (2)&#160;with respect to Purchase Money Liens, other property subsequently acquired by us;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Secured Debt relating to governmental obligations the interest on which is not included in gross income for purposes of federal income taxation pursuant to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or any successor provision of law), for the purpose of financing or refinancing, in whole or in part, costs of acquisition or construction of property to be used by us, to the extent that the lien which secures the Secured Debt is required either by applicable law or by the issuer of the governmental obligations or is otherwise necessary in order to establish or maintain the exclusion from gross income; and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any Secured Debt by or with similar Secured Debt;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Secured Debt (i)&#160;which is related to the construction or acquisition of property not previously owned by us or (ii)&#160;which is related to the financing of a project involving the development or expansion of our property and (iii)&#160;in either case, the obligee in respect of which has no recourse to us or any of our property other than the property constructed or acquired with the proceeds of the transaction or the project financed with the proceeds of the transaction (or the proceeds of the property or the project); and any refundings, refinancings and/or replacements of any Secured Debt by or with Secured Debt described in clause (iii) above; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">in addition to the Permitted Secured Debt described above, Secured Debt not otherwise so permitted in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the greater of 10% of our Net Tangible Assets or 10% of our capitalization.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#8220;Net Tangible Assets&#8221; means the amount shown as total assets on our unconsolidated balance sheet, less (i) intangible assets including, but without limitation, such items as goodwill, trademarks, trade names, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other regulatory assets carried as assets on our unconsolidated balance sheet and (ii) appropriate adjustments, if any, on account of minority interests.&#160;&#160;Net Tangible Assets will be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices applicable to the type of business in which we are engaged.</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all property of subsidiaries, including Centennial Energy Holdings, Inc., WBI Holdings, Inc., Knife River Corporation, MDU Construction Services Group, Inc., Centennial Energy Resources LLC, Centennial Holdings Capital LLC, Centennial Energy Resources International, Inc., Fidelity Exploration &amp; Production Company and any other subsidiaries;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all cash and securities (including the capital stock of the subsidiaries mentioned in the preceding bullet and any other subsidiaries) not paid, deposited or held under the Indenture, and all policies of insurance on the lives of our officers;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all contracts, leases and other agreements of all kinds, contract rights, bills, notes and other instruments, accounts receivable, transition property, claims, demands and judgments;</font></font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all governmental and other licenses, permits, franchises, consents and allowances; intellectual property rights and other general intangibles;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all vehicles, movable equipment, aircraft and vessels;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all merchandise and appliances acquired for the purpose of resale in the ordinary course and conduct of our business, and all materials and supplies held for consumption in operation or held in advance of use thereof for fixed capital purposes;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all electric energy, gas, steam and other materials and products generated, manufactured, produced or purchased by us for sale, distribution or use in the ordinary course and conduct of our business;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all property which is the subject of a lease agreement designating us as lessee, and all our right, title and interest in and to the property and in, to and under the lease agreement, whether or not the lease agreement is intended as security; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any and all property not acquired or constructed by us for use in our electricity generation, transmission and distribution, and natural gas distribution business.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Indenture, Granting Clauses.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#8220;Capitalized Lease Liabilities&#8221; means the amount, if any, shown as liabilities on our unconsolidated balance sheet for capitalized leases of electric transmission and distribution property not owned by us, which amount will be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices applicable to the type of business in which we are engaged.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Indenture, Section 707.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Defeasance</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We will be discharged from our obligations on the Debt Securities of a particular series if we irrevocably deposit with the Indenture Trustee or any paying agent, other than us, sufficient cash or government securities to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums when due on the stated maturity date or a redemption date of that series of Debt Securities.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 801.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Consolidation, Merger and Conveyance of Assets</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Under the terms of the Indenture, we may not consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease as or substantially as an entirety to any entity our Electric and Gas Utility Property, unless:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the surviving or successor entity, or an entity which acquires by conveyance or transfer or which leases our Electric and Gas Utility Property as, or substantially as, an entirety, is organized and validly existing under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction and it expressly assumes our obligations on all Debt Securities then outstanding under the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">in the case of a lease, the lease is made expressly subject to termination by us or by the Indenture Trustee and by the purchaser of the property so leased at any sale thereof at any time during the continuance of an event of default under the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">we shall have delivered to the Indenture Trustee an officer&#8217;s certificate and an opinion of counsel as provided in the Indenture; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default under the Indenture, or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default under the Indenture, shall have occurred and be continuing.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Indenture, Section 1201.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#8220;Electric and Gas Utility Property&#8221; means substantially all of our fixed electricity generation, transmission and distribution, and natural gas distribution, together with improvements, extensions and additions to, and renewals, replacements and substitution of or for, any part of parts of these properties, other than Excepted Property.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In the case of the conveyance or other transfer of the Electric and Gas Utility Property as or substantially as an entirety to any other person, upon the satisfaction of all the conditions described above, we would be released and discharged from all our obligations under the Indenture and on the Debt Securities then outstanding unless we elect to waive release and discharge.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 1204.)</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any conveyance or other transfer, or lease, of any part of our Electric and Gas Utility Property that does not constitute the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of our Electric and Gas Utility Property (Indenture, Section 1205.); or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any conveyance, transfer or lease of any of our properties where we retain Electric and Gas Utility Property with a fair value in excess of 143% of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Debt Securities, and any other outstanding debt securities that rank equally with, or senior to, the Debt Securities with respect to the Electric and Gas Utility Property.&#160;&#160;This fair value will be determined within 90 days of the conveyance, transfer or lease by an independent expert that we select and that is approved by the Indenture Trustee.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 1206.)</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The terms of the Indenture do not restrict us in a merger in which we are the surviving entity.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 1205.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#8220;Event of default,&#8221; when used in the Indenture with respect to Debt Securities, means any of the following:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">failure to pay interest on any Debt Security for 30 days after it is due;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any Debt Security when due;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">failure to perform any other covenant in the Indenture that continues for 90 days after we receive written notice from the Indenture Trustee, or we and the Indenture Trustee receive a written notice from the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">events of bankruptcy, insolvency or our reorganization as specified in the Indenture; or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any other event of default included in any supplemental indenture or officer&#8217;s certificate for that series of Debt Securities.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If an event of default under the Indenture occurs and is continuing, then the Indenture Trustee or the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities may declare the principal amount of all of the Debt Securities to be due and payable immediately.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">At any time after a declaration of acceleration has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Indenture Trustee, the event of default under the Indenture giving rise to the declaration of acceleration will be considered cured, and the declaration and its consequences will be considered rescinded and annulled, if:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">we have paid or deposited with the Indenture Trustee a sum sufficient to pay:</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all overdue interest on all outstanding Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(2)</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the principal of and premium, if any, on the outstanding Debt Securities that have become due otherwise than by the declaration of acceleration and overdue interest thereon;</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(3)</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">interest on overdue interest to the extent lawful; and</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(4)</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">all amounts due to the Indenture Trustee under the Indenture; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">any other event of default under the Indenture with respect to the Debt Securities of that series has been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Indenture, Section 902.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">There is no automatic acceleration, even in the event of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Other than its duties in case of an event of default under the Indenture, the Indenture Trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer the Indenture Trustee a reasonable indemnity.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 1003.) If they provide this reasonable indemnity, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Indenture Trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the Indenture Trustee.&#160;&#160;The Indenture Trustee is not obligated to comply with directions that conflict with law or other provisions of the Indenture.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 912.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No holder of Debt Securities will have any right to institute any proceeding under the Indenture, or any remedy under the Indenture, unless:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the holder has previously given to the Indenture Trustee written notice of a continuing event of default under the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series have made a written request to the Indenture Trustee, and have offered reasonable indemnity to the Indenture Trustee to institute proceedings; and</font></div>
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<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="hangingindent" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Symbol, serif">&#183;</font></font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Indenture Trustee has failed to institute any proceeding for 60 days after notice and has not received during that period any direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities, inconsistent with the written request of holders referred to above.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Indenture, Section 907.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">However, these limitations do not apply to a suit by a holder of an Debt Security for payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Debt Security on or after the applicable due date.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 908.)</font></div>

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<br>
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We will provide to the Indenture Trustee an annual statement by an appropriate officer as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants under the Indenture.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 705.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Modification and Waiver</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Without the consent of any holder of Debt Securities, we and the Indenture Trustee may enter into one or more supplemental indentures for any of the following purposes:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to evidence the assumption by any permitted successor of our covenants in the Indenture and in the Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to permit an entity acquiring a substantial portion of our Electric and Gas Utility Property to assume a pro rata share of the outstanding Debt Securities based upon the net book value of the Electric and Gas Utility Property acquired by that entity and to release us and our properties from any obligations under the Indenture with respect to those assumed Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to add one or more covenants or other provisions for the benefit of the holders of all or any series or tranche of Debt Securities, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to add additional events of default under the Indenture for all or any series of Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to change or eliminate or add any provision to the Indenture; provided, however, if the change will adversely affect the interests of the holders of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect, the change, elimination or addition will become effective only:</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(1)</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">when the consent of the holders of Debt Securities of such series has been obtained in accordance with the Indenture; or</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(2)</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">when no Debt Securities of the affected series remain outstanding under the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to provide additional security for any Debt Securities;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to establish the form or terms of Debt Securities of any other series as permitted by the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to provide for the authentication and delivery of bearer securities with or without coupons;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a separate or successor Trustee or co-trustee;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to provide for the procedures required for use of a noncertificated system of registration for the Debt Securities of all or any series;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to change any place where principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be payable, Debt Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and notices to us may be served;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to amend and restate the Indenture as originally executed and as amended from time to time, with additions, deletions and other changes that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of Debt Securities of any series in any material respect; or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Indenture, Section 1301.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by us with some restrictive provisions of the Indenture.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">706.) The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities may waive any past default under the Indenture, except a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest and certain covenants and provisions of the Indenture that cannot be modified or be amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Debt Security of any series affected.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 913.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of all series then outstanding, considered as one class, is required for all other modifications to the Indenture.&#160;&#160;However, if less than all of the series of Debt Securities outstanding are directly affected by a proposed supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of all series that are directly affected, considered as one class, will be required.&#160;&#160;No amendment or modification may without the consent of all the holders of the Debt Securities of all series then outstanding:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Debt Security, or reduce the principal amount of any Debt Security or its rate of interest or change the method of calculating that interest rate or reduce any premium payable upon redemption, or change the currency in which payments are made, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the stated maturity of any Debt Security;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of any series the consent of the holders of which is required for any supplemental indenture or any waiver of compliance with a provision of the Indenture or any default thereunder and its consequences, or reduce the requirements for quorum or voting; or</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">modify some of the provisions of the Indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waivers of some covenants and waivers of past defaults with respect to the Debt Securities of any series.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A supplemental indenture that changes the Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Debt Securities, or modifies the rights of the holders of Debt Securities of one or more series, will not affect the rights under the Indenture of the holders of the Debt Securities of any other series.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 1302.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Indenture provides that Debt Securities owned by us or anyone else required to make payment on the Debt Securities shall be disregarded and considered not to be outstanding in determining whether the required holders have given a request or consent.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 101.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may fix in advance a record date to determine the required number of holders entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or similar act of the holders, but we have no obligation to do so.&#160;&#160;If we fix a record date, that request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act of the holders may be given before or after that record date, but only the holders of record at the close of business on that record date will be considered holders for the purposes of determining whether holders of the required percentage of the outstanding Debt Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to the request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act of the holders.&#160;&#160;For that purpose, the outstanding Debt Securities will be computed as of the record date.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other act of a holder of any Debt Security will bind every future holder of that Debt Security and the holder of every Debt Security issued upon the registration of transfer of or in exchange for that Debt Security.&#160;&#160;A transferee will also be bound by acts of the Indenture Trustee or us in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of that action is made upon the Debt Security.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 106.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Resignation of a Trustee</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Indenture Trustee may resign at any time by giving written notice to us or may be removed at any time by an act of the holders of a majority in principal amount of all series of Debt Securities then outstanding delivered to the Indenture Trustee and us.&#160;&#160;No resignation or removal of the Indenture Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee.&#160;&#160;So long as no event of</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">default or event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is continuing and except with respect to a trustee appointed by act of the holders, if we have delivered to the Indenture Trustee a resolution of our Board of Directors appointing a successor trustee and the successor has accepted the appointment in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the Indenture Trustee will be deemed to have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been appointed as trustee in accordance with the Indenture.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 1010.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Notices</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Notices to holders of Debt Securities will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders as they may appear in the security register for Debt Securities.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 108.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Title</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We, the Indenture Trustee, and any of our or the Indenture Trustee&#8217;s agents, may treat the person in whose name Debt Securities are registered as the absolute owner thereof, whether or not the Debt Securities may be overdue, for the purpose of making payments and for all other purposes irrespective of notice to the contrary.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 308.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Governing Law</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Indenture is, and the Debt Securities will be, governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the state of New York except where otherwise required by law.&#160;&#160;(Indenture, Section 114.)</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Information about the Indenture Trustee</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Indenture Trustee is The Bank of New York Mellon.&#160;&#160;The Bank of New York Mellon also acts, and may act, as trustee under various other of our and our affiliates&#8217; indentures, trusts and guarantees.&#160;&#160;We and our affiliates maintain, or may maintain in the future, deposit accounts and credit and liquidity facilities and conduct other banking transactions with The Bank of New York Mellon and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON STOCK</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Common Stock <font style="DISPLAY: inline;" face="Symbol, serif">-</font> General</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The following is a description of our common stock.&#160;&#160;This description is not complete, and we qualify it by referring to our restated certificate of incorporation, as amended, and bylaws, as amended, both of which we incorporate into this document by reference, and the laws of the state of Delaware.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue 502,000,000 shares of stock, divided into four classes:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">500,000 shares of preferred stock, $100 par value;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,000,000 shares of preferred stock A, without par value;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">500,000 shares of preference stock, without par value; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">500,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Dividend Rights</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Under our restated certificate of incorporation, we may declare and pay dividends on our common stock, out of surplus or net profits, only if we have paid or provided for full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares</font></div>

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<br>
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">of preferred and preference stock.&#160;&#160;As of May 19, 2011, we had 155,000 shares of preferred stock and no preferred stock A or preference stock outstanding.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Voting Rights</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our common stock has one vote per share.&#160;&#160;The holders of our common stock are entitled to vote on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.&#160;&#160;The holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our bylaws provide for a majority voting standard for the election of directors in an uncontested election and a plurality voting standard in the event the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The holders of our preferred stock, preferred stock A and preference stock do not have the right to vote, except as our board of directors establishes or as provided in our restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws or as determined by state law.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our restated certificate of incorporation gives the holders of our preferred stock, preferred stock A and the preference stock the right to vote if dividends are unpaid, in whole or in part, on their shares for one year.&#160;&#160;The holders have one vote per share until we pay the dividend arrearage, declare dividends for the current dividend period and set aside the funds to pay the current dividends.&#160;&#160;In addition, the holders of some series of our preferred stock and preferred stock A, and/or the holders of our preference stock, must approve amendments to the restated certificate of incorporation in some instances.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Liquidation Rights</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If we were to liquidate, the holders of the preferred stock, preferred stock A and the preference stock have the right to receive specified amounts, as set forth in our restated certificate of incorporation, before we can make any payments to the holders of our common stock.&#160;&#160;After the preferred stock, preferred stock A and preference stock payments are made, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share in all of our remaining assets available for distribution to stockholders.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Other Rights</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our common stock is not liable to further calls or assessment.&#160;&#160;The holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights.&#160;&#160;Our common stock cannot be redeemed, and it does not have any conversion rights or sinking fund provisions.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Effects on Our Common Stock if We Issue Preferred or Preference Stock</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 500,000 shares of preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock A and 500,000 shares of preference stock, each in one or more series.&#160;&#160;Our board of directors has the authority to determine the terms of each series of any preferred or preference stock, within the limits of our restated certificate of incorporation and the laws of the state of Delaware.&#160;&#160;These terms include the number of shares in a series, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, terms of redemption, conversion rights and voting rights.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If we issue any preferred or preference stock, we may negatively affect the holders of our common stock.&#160;&#160;These possible negative effects include diluting the voting power of shares of our common stock and affecting the market price of our common stock.&#160;&#160;In addition, the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred or preference stock may delay or prevent a change in control of MDU Resources.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws That Could Delay or Prevent a Change in Control</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions which will make it difficult to obtain control of MDU Resources if our board of directors does not approve the transaction.&#160;&#160;The provisions include the following:</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Number of Directors, Vacancies, Removal of Directors</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors will have at least six and at most 15 directors.&#160;&#160;Two-thirds of the continuing directors decide the exact number of directors at a given time.&#160;&#160;Two-thirds of the Board fill any new directorships it creates and any vacancies.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Under the laws of the state of Delaware, our directors may be removed by a majority of the shares then entitled to vote in an election of directors.&#160;&#160;However, our restated certificate of incorporation provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders, which includes the removal of directors, must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.&#160;&#160;Our restated certificate of incorporation prevents stockholders from calling a special meeting.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Meetings of Stockholders</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">No Cumulative Voting</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 54pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Advance Notice Provi</font>s<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ions</font></font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our bylaws require that for a stockholder to nominate a director or bring other business before an annual meeting, the stockholder must give notice not later than the close of business on the 90<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 70%; VERTICAL-ALIGN: text-top">th</font> day prior to the first anniversary of the prior year&#8217;s annual meeting.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Provisions Relating to the Authorization of Business Combinations</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">There is a provision in our restated certificate of incorporation permitting our board of directors to consider the following factors in determining whether or not to approve some types of business combinations:</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The consideration to be received by us or our stockholders in connection with the business combination in relation not only to the then current market price for our outstanding capital stock, but also to the market price for our capital stock over a period of years, the estimated price that might be achieved in a negotiated sale of us as a whole or in part through orderly liquidation, the premiums over market price for the securities of other corporations in similar transactions, current political, economic and other factors bearing on securities prices and our financial condition, future prospects and future value as an independent corporation;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The character, integrity and business philosophy of the other party or parties to the business combination transaction and the management of that party or those parties;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The business and financial conditions and earnings prospects of the other party or parties to the business combination transaction, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing or likely financial obligations of that party or those parties, the intention of the other party or parties to the business combination transaction regarding the use of our assets to finance the acquisition, and the possible effect of the conditions upon us and our subsidiaries and the other elements of the communities in which we and our subsidiaries operate or are located;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The projected social, legal and economic effects of the proposed action or transaction upon us or our subsidiaries, employees, suppliers, customers and others having similar relationships with us, and the communities in which we and our subsidiaries do business;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The general desirability of our continuance as an independent entity; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Such other factors as the continuing directors may deem relevant.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Provisions of Delaware Law That Could Delay or Prevent a Change in Control</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.&#160;&#160;With some exceptions, this law prohibits us from engaging in some types of business combinations with a person who owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock for a three-year period after that person acquires the stock.&#160;&#160;This prohibition does not apply if our board of directors approved of the business combination or the acquisition of our stock before the person acquired 15% of the stock.&#160;&#160;A business combination includes mergers, consolidations, stock sales, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Transfer Agent; Registrar</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Saint Paul, Minnesota.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus in one or more of the following ways from time to time:&#160;&#160;(i) to underwriters or dealers for resale to the public or to institutional investors; (ii) directly to institutional investors; or (iii) through agents to the public or to institutional investors.&#160;&#160;This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities being sold will set forth the terms of the offering of those securities, including the name or names of any underwriters or agents, the purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to us from the sale, any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters&#8217; or agents&#8217; compensation, any initial public offering price, and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If underwriters participate in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale.&#160;&#160;The underwriters may sell the securities directly or through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities being offered if any are purchased.&#160;&#160;If we use a dealer in the sale, we will sell the securities to the dealer as principal.&#160;&#160;The dealer may then resell these securities at varying prices determined at the time of resale.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If the securities are sold by agents, commissions payable by us to those agents will be set forth in a related prospectus supplement.&#160;&#160;Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a reasonable efforts basis for the period of its appointment.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We may make sales of our common stock to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents in at-the-market offerings and will do so pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement between us and the underwriters, dealers or agents.&#160;&#160;If we engage in at-the-market sales pursuant to a distribution agreement, we will issue and sell shares of our common stock to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, which may act on an agency basis or on a principal basis.&#160;&#160;During the term of any such distribution agreement, we may sell shares on a daily basis in exchange transactions or otherwise as we agree with the underwriters, dealers or agent.&#160;&#160;The distribution agreement may provide that any shares of our common stock sold will be sold at prices related to the then prevailing market prices for our securities.&#160;&#160;Therefore, exact figures regarding net proceeds to us or</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">commissions to be paid are impossible to determine and will be described in a prospectus supplement.&#160;&#160;Pursuant to the terms of the distribution agreement, we also may agree to sell, and the relevant underwriters, dealers or agents may agree to solicit offers to purchase, blocks of our common stock.&#160;&#160;The terms of each such distribution agreement will be set forth in more detail in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus.&#160;&#160;To the extent that any named underwriter, dealer or agent acts as principal pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, or if we offer to sell shares of our common stock through another dealer acting as underwriter, then such named underwriter may engage in certain transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our common stock.&#160;&#160;We will describe any such activities in the prospectus supplement relating to the transaction.&#160;&#160;To the extent that any named dealer or agent acts as agent on a best efforts basis pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement, such dealer or agent will not engage in any such stabilization transactions.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one of more firms, which are referred to herein as the &#8220;remarketing firms,&#8221; acting as principals for their own accounts or as our agent.&#160;&#160;Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.&#160;&#160;Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, in connection with the securities remarketed thereby.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with us to indemnification against securities civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.&#160;&#160;Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Each series of securities offered by this prospectus will be a new issue and, except for the common stock, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, will have no established trading market.&#160;&#160;We may elect to list any series of new securities on an exchange, or in the case of the common stock, on any additional exchange, but unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, we have no obligation to cause any securities to be so listed.&#160;&#160;Any underwriters that purchase securities for public offering and sale may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice.&#160;&#160;We make no assurance as to the liquidity of, or the trading markets for, any securities.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">EXPERTS</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The consolidated&#160;financial statements, the related financial statement schedules, incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, have been audited by Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference (which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the adoption of the definitions and required pricing assumptions outlined in the Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission effective as of December 31, 2009, and (2) express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting).&#160;&#160;Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The validity of the securities will be passed upon for us by Paul K. Sandness, Esq., our General Counsel, and also by Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner P.C., 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10170.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">________________________</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or<a name="joan"><!--EFPlaceholder--></a> any prospectus supplement or in any written communication from us specifying the final terms of a particular offering of securities.&#160;&#160;We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with additional or different information.&#160;&#160;We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.&#160;&#160;You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee*</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="7%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Accountants&#8217; Fees and Expenses**</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="7%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">____________</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">*&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Under Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, the SEC registration fee will be paid at the time of any particular offering of securities under this registration statement, and is therefore not currently determinable.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">**</font>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Because an indeterminate amount of securities is covered by this registration statement, the expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities are therefore not currently determinable.&#160;&#160;Each prospectus supplement will reflect estimated expenses based on the amount of the related offering.</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any director or former director or officer or former officer of the Corporation (a &#8220;Director or Officer&#8221;) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a &#8220;Proceeding&#8221;) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, non-profit entity or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against expenses (including attorneys&#8217; fees), judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes and penalties assessed with respect to employee benefit plans, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such Director or Officer.&#160;&#160;The Corporation shall be required to indemnify a Director or Officer in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Director or Officer only if the Proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No indemnification pursuant to this Section 7.07 shall be required with respect to any settlement or other nonadjudicated disposition of any threatened or pending Proceeding unless the Corporation has given its prior consent to such settlement or disposition.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Corporation shall pay the expenses incurred by a Director or Officer in defending any Proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the payment of such expenses shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the Director or Officer to repay all amounts advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that the Director or Officer is not entitled to be indemnified.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If a claim for indemnification (following a final full or partial disposition of a Proceeding with respect to which indemnification is sought) or advancement of expenses (including attorneys&#8217; fees) under this Section 7.07 is not paid in full within sixty (60) days after a written claim therefore has been received by the Corporation, the Director or Officer may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.&#160;&#160;In any such action, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the Director or Officer was not entitled to the requested indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Section 7.07 or applicable law.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Corporation may provide indemnification and advancement of expenses (including attorneys&#8217; fees) to employees and agents to the extent permitted by applicable law.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The rights conferred on any Director or Officer by this Section 7.07 shall not be exclusive of other rights to which such Director or Officer may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.&#160;&#160;Nothing in this Section 7.07 shall limit the power of the Corporation or the Board of Directors to grant indemnification and advancement of expenses, including attorneys&#8217; fees, to directors, officers, employees and agents otherwise than pursuant to this Section 7.07.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Corporation&#8217;s obligation to indemnify any Director or Officer who was or is serving at its request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, non-profit entity or other enterprise shall be reduced by any amount such Director or Officer may collect as indemnification from such other corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, non-profit entity or other enterprise.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.07 shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any Director or Officer in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.&#160;&#160;The rights provided to any Director or Officer by this Section 7.07 shall inure to the benefit of such Director&#8217;s or Officer&#8217;s legal representative</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides for indemnification of our directors and officers in a variety of circumstances, which may include liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.&#160;&#160;We maintain liability insurance protecting us, as well as our directors and officers, against liability by reason of their being or having been our directors or officers.</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Form of Underwriting Agreement (forms of any underwriting agreements with respect to any securities offered under the prospectus contained in this registration statement will be filed as exhibits to a report on Form 8-K, as contemplated by Item 601(b)(1) of Regulation S-K).</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Form of Sales Agency Agreement (forms of any sales agency agreements with respect to any securities offered under the prospectus contained in this registration statement will be filed as exhibits to a report on Form 8-K, as contemplated by Item 601(b)(1) of Regulations S-K).</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended, dated May 13, 2010, filed as Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, filed on November 3, 2010, in File No. 1-3480.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Company Bylaws, as amended to date, filed as Exhibit 3(b) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on February 23, 2011, in File No. 1-3480.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4(f) to Form S-8 on January 21, 2004, in Registration No. 333-112035.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 17, 2009, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4(c) to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed on February 17, 2010, in File No. 1-3480.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Form of Officer&#8217;s Certificate establishing some of the terms of the Debt Securities.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Opinion of Paul K. Sandness, General Counsel to the Company.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Opinion of Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner P.C., counsel to the Company.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">23(a)</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Consent of Deloitte &amp; Touche LLP.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The consents of Paul K. Sandness and Cohen Tauber Spievack &amp; Wagner, P.C. are contained in their opinions filed as Exhibit 5(a) and 5(b), respectively, to this Registration Statement.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Power of Attorney is contained on the first of two signature pages of this Registration Statement.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Form T-l Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York Mellon with respect to the Indenture.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">+ To be filed by amendment or pursuant to a report filed pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act if applicable.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement,</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">provided, however, </font>that subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those subsections is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.</font></div>

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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i) (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial <font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">bona fide</font> offering thereof,</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline">provided, however, </font>that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant&#8217;s Annual Report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">To file, if applicable, an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust indenture Act of 1939.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 of this registration statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Each director and/or officer of the registrant whose signature appears below hereby appoints the Agents for Service named in this registration statement, and each of them severally, as his/her attorney-in-fact to sign in his/her name and behalf, in any and all capacities stated below, and to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this registration statement, and the registrant hereby also appoints each such Agent for Service as its attorney-in-fact with like authority to sign and file any such amendment in its name and behalf.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">SIGNATURES</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Bismarck, State of North Dakota on the&#160;19th day of May, 2011.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">By:</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">&#160;&#160;&#160;/s/ Terry D. Hildestad</font>&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.4pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Terry D. Hildestad</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.2pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Chief Executive Officer and Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.2pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Terry D. Hildestad</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.2pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(President and Chief Executive Officer)</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Doran N. Schwartz</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Chief Financial Officer</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.2pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Doran N. Schwartz</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 10.2pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Nicole A. Kivisto</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Chief Accounting Officer</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Nicole A. Kivisto</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer)</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Harry J. Pearce</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Harry J. Pearce</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(Chairman of the Board)</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Thomas Everist</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thomas Everist</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Karen B. Fagg</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Karen B. Fagg</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ A. Bart Holaday</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A. Bart Holaday</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Dennis W. Johnson</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Dennis W. Johnson</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="18%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Thomas C. Knudson</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thomas C. Knudson</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/ Richard H. Lewis</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Director</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">May 19, 2011</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 9.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Richard H. Lewis</font></div>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-4.E
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<DESCRIPTION>FORM OF OFFICER?S CERTIFICATE ESTABLISHING SOME OF THE TERMS OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The undersigned, Doran N. Schwartz, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (the &#8220;Company&#8221;) (all capitalized terms used herein which are not defined herein but are defined in the Indenture referred to below, shall have the meanings specified in the Indenture), pursuant to a Board Resolution dated [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], 20[&#160;&#160;] and Sections 201 and 301 of the Indenture, does hereby certify to The Bank of New York Mellon (the &#8220;Trustee&#8221;), as Trustee under the Indenture of the Company dated as of December 15, 2003 (as heretofore amended and supplemented, the &#8220;Indenture&#8221;) that:</font></div>

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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Securities of the second series to be issued under the Indenture (the &#8220;Notes&#8221;) shall be issued in a series designated &#8220;[&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;]% Senior Notes due 20[&#160;&#160;&#160;]&#8221;; the Notes shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto; the Notes shall initially be issued in the aggregate principal amount of $[&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;]; however, the aggregate principal amount of Notes which may be authenticated and delivered under the Indenture is unlimited; and the Notes issued on the original issue date and any additional Notes issued thereafter shall be considered one and the same class of securities under the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Notes shall mature and the principal shall be due and payable together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon on [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], 20[&#160;&#160;&#160;], and the Company shall not have any right to extend the Maturity of the Notes as contemplated in Section 301(d) of the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Notes shall bear interest as provided in the form thereof set forth in Exhibit A hereto; the Interest Payment Dates for the Notes shall be [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] and [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] of each year, commencing [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], 20[&#160;&#160;&#160;];</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Each installment of interest on the Notes shall be payable as provided in the form thereof set forth as Exhibit A hereto; the Company shall not have any right to extend any interest payment periods for the Notes as contemplated in Section 301(e) of the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The principal of, premium, if any, and each installment of interest on the Notes shall be payable and registration of transfers and exchanges in respect of the Notes may be effected, at the office or agency of the Company in The City of New York and as otherwise provided in the form of Note set forth in Exhibit A hereto; and notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Notes may be served at the office or agency of the Company in The City of New York; the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee will initially be the agency of the Company for such payment, registration and registration of transfers and exchanges and service of notices and demands, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent for all such purposes; and the Trustee will initially be the Security Registrar and the Paying Agent for the Notes; provided,</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">however, that the Company reserves the right to change, by one or more Officer&#8217;s Certificates, any such office or agency and such agent;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Regular Record Dates for the interest payable on any given Interest Payment Date with respect to the Notes shall be [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] for the [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] Interest Payment Date and [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] for the [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] Interest Payment Date;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Notes are subject to redemption as provided in the form thereof set forth in Exhibit A hereto;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Notes are &#8220;Benefitted Securities&#8221; and shall have the benefit of the covenant of the Company contained in Section 707 of the Indenture;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No service charge shall be made for the registration of transfer or exchange of the Notes; provided, however, that the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with the exchange or transfer;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Notes shall be initially issued in global form registered in the name of Cede &amp; Co. (as nominee for The Depository Trust Company (&#8220;DTC&#8221;); provided, that the Company reserves the right to provide for another depository, registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act, to act as depository for the global Notes (DTC and any such successor depository, the &#8220;Depository&#8221;); beneficial interests in Notes issued in global form may not be exchanged in whole or in part for individual certificated Notes in definitive form, and no transfer of a global Note in whole or in part may be registered in the name of any Person other than the Depository or its nominee except that (i) if the Depository (A) has notified the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for the global Notes or (B) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a successor depository for such global Notes has not been appointed, the Company will execute, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of definitive Notes, will authenticate and deliver Notes in definitive certificated form in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the global Notes representing such Notes in exchange for such global Notes, such definitive Notes to be registered in the names provided by the Depository; each global Note (i) shall represent and shall be denominated in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes to be represented by such global Note (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depository, its nominee, any custodian for the Depository or otherwise pursuant to the Depository&#8217;s instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend restricting the transfer of such global Note to any person other than the Depository or its nominee; none of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or any Authenticating Agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a global Note or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests; the Notes in global form will contain restrictions on transfer, substantially as described in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">None of the Trustee, the Security Registrar or the Company shall have any liability for any acts or omissions of the Depository for any transfers of beneficial interests in the Notes, for any Depository records of beneficial interests, for any transactions between the Depository and beneficial owners or in respect of any transfers effected by the Depository or by any participant members of the Depository or any beneficial owner of any interest in any Notes held through any such participant member of the Depository;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If the Company shall make any deposit of money and/or Eligible Obligations with respect to any Notes, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, as contemplated by Section 801 of the Indenture, the Company shall not deliver an Officer&#8217;s Certificate described in clause (z) in the first paragraph of said Section 801 unless the Company shall also deliver to the Trustee, together with such Officer&#8217;s Certificate, either:</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">an instrument wherein the Company, notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of its indebtedness in respect of such Notes, shall assume the obligation (which shall be absolute and unconditional) to irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent such additional sums of money, if any, or additional Eligible Obligations (meeting the requirements of Section 801), if any, or any combination thereof, at such time or times, as shall be necessary, together with the money and/or Eligible Obligations theretofore so deposited, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and interest due and to become due on such Notes or portions thereof, all in accordance with and subject to the provisions of said Section 801; provided, however, that such instrument may state that the obligation of the Company to make additional deposits as aforesaid shall be subject to the delivery to the Company by the Trustee of a notice asserting the deficiency accompanied by an opinion of an independent public accountant of nationally recognized standing, selected by the Trustee, showing the calculation thereof; or</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that, as a result of a change in law occurring after the date of this certificate, the Holders of such Notes, or portions of the principal amount thereof, will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the satisfaction and discharge of the Company&#8217;s indebtedness in respect thereof and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, at the same times and in the same manner as if such satisfaction, and discharge had not been effected;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Company reserves the right to amend, without the consent or other action of any of the holders of Securities of the second series and any subsequent series, clauses (y) and (z) of Section 801 of the Indenture to read as follows:</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">an Officer&#8217;s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent in the Indenture provided for relating to the deemed payment and, if the Officer&#8217;s Certificate described in clause (z) below shall have been delivered, satisfaction and discharge of such Securities have been complied with; and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">if the Company intends such deposit to satisfy and discharge its indebtedness in respect of such Securities or portions thereof prior to the Maturity of such Securities or portion thereof, an Officer&#8217;s Certificate stating the Company&#8217;s intention that, upon delivery of such Officer&#8217;s Certificate, its indebtedness in respect of such Securities or portions thereof will have been satisfied and discharged as contemplated in this Section.</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">With respect to Securities of the second series, such clauses (y) and (z) of Section 801 shall be deemed to read as set forth above.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">With respect to Securities of the second series, at any time before or after depositing any money or Eligible Obligations with the Trustee under Article Eight of the Indenture, the Company may by written notice to the Trustee irrevocably waive any or all of its rights (1) to any residual interest in such money or Eligible Obligations, including any interest earned or any excess amounts, (2) to instruct the Trustee to sell or purchase Eligible Obligations or otherwise invest money or proceeds held in trust pursuant to Section 803 of the Indenture, (3) to provide investment advice to the Trustee with respect to such money or Eligible Obligations, (4) to provide to the Trustee instructions or advice of counsel for the Company as to matters arising in connection with the Trustee&#8217;s servicing of the trust established pursuant to Section 803 of the Indenture with respect to such money or Eligible Obligations, or (5) to any involvement with such money, Eligible Obligations or the trust established pursuant to Section 803 of the Indenture.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Company reserves the right to amend, without the consent or other action of any holders of Securities of the second series or any subsequent series, Section 706 of the Indenture to refer to Article Twelve rather than Article Eleven. With respect to Securities of the second series, the reference to Article Eleven in Section 706 of the Indenture shall be deemed to refer to Article Twelve.</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(a)</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Securities theretofore paid, canceled or delivered to the Security Registrar for cancellation;</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Securities deemed to have been paid for all purposes of this Indenture in accordance with Section 801 (whether or not the Company&#8217;s indebtedness in respect thereof shall be satisfied and discharged for any other purpose) or deemed to have been paid pursuant to the terms of such Securities;</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">14.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Eligible Obligations with respect to the Notes shall be Government Obligations;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Notes shall have such other terms and provisions as are provided in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No Event of Default under the Indenture has occurred or is occurring;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The undersigned has read all of the covenants and conditions contained in the Indenture, and the definitions in the Indenture relating thereto, relating to the issuance and authentication and delivery of the Notes and in respect of compliance with which this certificate is made;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The statements contained in this certificate are based upon the familiarity of the undersigned with the Indenture, the documents accompanying this certificate, and upon discussions by the undersigned with officers and employees of the Company familiar with the matters set forth herein;</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In the opinion of the undersigned, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenants and conditions have been complied with; and</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In the opinion of the undersigned, such conditions and covenants, and all conditions precedent provided for in the Indenture (including any covenants compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent) relating to the authentication and delivery of the Notes requested in the accompanying Company Order have been complied with.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have executed this Officer&#8217;s Certificate this [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] day of [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], [20[&#160;&#160;].</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 270pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">_________________________________<br>
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<td width="50%"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">No.&#160;&#160;<font style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">________________________________________</font></font></font></td>
<td width="50%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">CUSIP No.</font></font></td>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">[&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;]% SENIOR NOTES DUE 20[&#160;&#160;&#160;</font>]</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (herein referred to as the &#8220;Company&#8221;, which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture referred to below), for value received, hereby promises to pay to</font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify; LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">or registered assigns, the principal sum of _________________ ($__________) Dollars on [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], 20[&#160;&#160;], and to pay interest on said principal sum semi-annually in arrears on [&#160;&#160;] and [&#160;&#160;] of each year commencing [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], 20[&#160;&#160;] (each an &#8220;Interest Payment Date&#8221;) at the rate of [&#160;&#160;]% per annum until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment. Interest on the Securities of this series will accrue from and including [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;], 20[&#160;&#160;], to and excluding the first Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, and thereafter will accrue from and including the last Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for. No interest will accrue on the Securities of this series with respect to the day on which the Securities of this series mature. In the event that any Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day, then payment of interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of such delay) with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] for the [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] Interest Payment Date and on [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] for the [&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;] Interest Payment Date (each a &#8220;Regular Record Date&#8221;) immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date, except that interest payable at Maturity will be payable to the Person to whom principal shall be paid. Any such</font><br>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire indebtedness of this Security upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series at the time Outstanding in respect of which an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series at the time Outstanding in respect of which an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding, for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed herein.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Company shall not be required to execute and the Security Registrar shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange of (a) Securities of this series during a period of 15 days immediately preceding the date notice is given identifying the serial numbers of the Securities of this series called for redemption or (b) any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part. The Company shall not be required to make transfers or exchanges of the Securities of this series for a period of 15 days next preceding an Interest Payment Date.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (including without limitation Section 5-1401 of the New York General Obligations Law or any successor to such statute), except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act shall be applicable.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">As provided in the Indenture, no recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, or any part thereof, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or of the indebtedness represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement under the Indenture, against, and no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, or be incurred by, any incorporator, shareholder, member, limited partner, officer, manager or director, as such, past, present or future of the Company or of any predecessor or successor of the Company (either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or successor of the Company), whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that the Indenture and all the Securities are solely corporate obligations and that any such personal liability is hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as part of the consideration for, the execution of the Indenture and the issuance of the Securities.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 72pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to herein by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.</font></div>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5.A
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>exhibit5a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>OPINION OF PAUL K. SANDNESS, GENERAL COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I am General Counsel and Secretary of MDU Resources Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the &#8220;Company&#8221;). This opinion is being rendered in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the &#8220;Registration Statement&#8221;) to be filed on or about the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;Commission&#8221;) by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the &#8220;Securities Act&#8221;), for the registration of an unspecified amount of<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font>(i) one or more series of debt securities (the &#8220;Debt Securities&#8221;) to be issued under the Company&#8217;s Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2003, with The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (as amended and supplemented, the &#8220;Indenture&#8221;) and (ii) common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the &#8220;Common Stock&#8221;).</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In connection with this opinion, I have reviewed such documents and records as I have deemed necessary to enable me to express an opinion on the matters covered hereby.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth herein,&#160;I am&#160;of the opinion that:</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Company is a corporation validly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in the States of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Debt Securities are issued and sold in compliance with authority contained in orders of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Montana Public Service Commission and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming (collectively, the &#8220;Orders&#8221;); and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Board of Directors of the Company, or an officer duly authorized thereby, shall have taken such action, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, as may be necessary to establish the terms of the Debt Securities, and the Debt Securities shall have been issued and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Indenture; and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Debt Securities are issued, paid for&#160;and delivered in accordance with their respective terms and provisions and as contemplated in the Registration Statement and a prospectus supplement with respect thereto,</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 90pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Debt Securities will be legally issued and valid and binding obligations of the Company, except as limited or affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors&#8217; rights and remedies generally and general principles of equity.</font></div>

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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Common Stock is issued and sold in compliance with authority contained in the Orders; and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Company's Board of Directors shall have (i) approved the issuance and sale of the Common Stock by the Company, (ii) fixed or otherwise determined the consideration to be received therefor, (iii) approved the form and substance of the documents to be used in connection with the issuance and sale of the Common Stock (the &#8220;Stock Sale Documents&#8221;), and (iv) taken, or delegated to appropriate officers or representatives of the Company the authority to take and, pursuant thereto, such officers or representatives shall have taken, all other final action necessary to consummate the authorization of the issuance and sale of the Common Stock,</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Stock Sale Documents shall have been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the parties thereto and shall have become effective as therein provided, and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Common Stock shall have been duly issued and delivered by the Company for the consideration set forth in the Registration Statement and a prospectus supplement with respect thereto and in accordance with the actions hereinabove mentioned,</font></div>
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<div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 320pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;Very truly yours,</font></div>

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<div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 324pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">/s/&#160;&#160;Paul K. Sandness</font></div>

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<div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 324pt"><font style="FONT-VARIANT: small-caps; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Paul K. Sandness</font></div>

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<DESCRIPTION>OPINION OF COHEN TAUBER SPIEVACK & WAGNER P.C., COUNSEL TO THE COMPANY
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1200 W. Century Avenue</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We are acting as counsel for MDU Resources Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the &#8220;Company&#8221;), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the &#8220;Registration Statement&#8221;) to be filed on or about the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#8220;Commission&#8221;) by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the &#8220;Securities Act&#8221;), for the registration of an unspecified amount of<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font>(i) one or more series of debt securities (the &#8220;Debt Securities&#8221;) to be issued under the Company&#8217;s Indenture, dated as of December 15, 2003, with The Bank of New York Mellon as trustee (as amended and supplemented, the &#8220;Indenture&#8221;) and (ii) common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the &#8220;Common Stock&#8221;).</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed such documents and records as we have deemed necessary to enable&#160;us to express an opinion on the matters covered hereby.</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Debt Securities are issued and sold in compliance with authority contained in orders of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Montana Public Service Commission and the Public Service Commission of Wyoming (collectively, the &#8220;Orders&#8221;); and</font></div>
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<div>MDU Resources Group, Inc.</div>

<div>May 19, 2011</div>

<div>Page 2 of 3</div>

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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Debt Securities are issued,&#160;paid for&#160;and delivered in accordance with their respective terms and provisions and as contemplated in the Registration Statement and a prospectus supplement with respect thereto, </font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Common Stock is issued and sold in compliance with authority contained in the Orders; and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Company's Board of Directors shall have (i) approved the issuance and sale of the Common Stock by the Company, (ii) fixed or otherwise determined the consideration to be received therefor, (iii) approved the form and substance of the documents to be used in connection with the issuance and sale of the Common Stock (the &#8220;Stock Sale Documents&#8221;), and (iv) taken, or delegated to appropriate officers or representatives of the Company the authority to take and, pursuant thereto, such officers or representatives shall have taken, all other final action necessary to consummate the authorization of the issuance and sale of the Common Stock,</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Stock Sale Documents shall have been duly executed and delivered by or on behalf of the parties thereto and shall have become effective as therein provided, and</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">the Common Stock shall have been duly issued and delivered by the Company for the consideration set forth in the Registration Statement and a prospectus supplement with respect thereto and in accordance with the actions hereinabove mentioned, </font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 99pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">the Common Stock will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.</div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Our opinions expressed above are limited to the law of the State of New York, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and the reported judicial decisions interpreting the Delaware laws and the federal laws of the United States of America.</font></div>

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<div id="HDR">MDU Resources Group, Inc.</div>

<div>May 19, 2011</div>

<div>Page&#160;3 of 3</div>

<div>&#160;</div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, as it may be amended, and to use of our name, as counsel, therein and in the prospectus. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 27pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 198pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Very truly yours,</font></div>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-12
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>exhibit12.htm
<DESCRIPTION>COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -18pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -18pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -18pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">AND COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS</font></div>

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<div align="left">
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<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">March&#160;31,</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<div>Years Ended December 31,</div>
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<td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">2011</font></font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">
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<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">
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<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
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<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">&#160;</td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">
<div>2006</div>
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<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="FONT-STYLE: italic; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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</tr><tr>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 3.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Earnings Available for Fixed Charges:</font></div>
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<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td colspan="2" valign="bottom"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -6.3pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Net Income (a)</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">42,045</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">218,205</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">(126,653</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">)</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">293,826</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">308,288</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">303,396</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Income Taxes</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">15,904</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">122,530</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(96,092</td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">)</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">147,475</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">190,024</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">166,110</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="28%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">57,949</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">340,735</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.35pt"></font>(222,745</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">)</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">441,301</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">498,312</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">469,506</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Rents (b)</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">3,476</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">12,897</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 15.9pt"></font>14,475</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">11,781</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">11,947</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">7,688</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Interest (c)</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">23,069</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">88,930</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.05pt"></font><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 10.85pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">89,943</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">86,320</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">76,248</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">74,531</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 3.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Total Earnings Available for Fixed Charges</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">84,494</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">442,562</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(118,327</td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px">)</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">539,402</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">586,507</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">551,725</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 3.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Preferred Dividend Requirements</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font>171</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font>685</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.05pt"></font>685</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font>685</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font>685</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font>685</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 3.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Ratio of Income Before Income Taxes to Net Income</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">138</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">%</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">156</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">%</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 16.4pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">176</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">%</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">150</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">%</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">159</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">%</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline">154</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">%</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 3.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Preferred Dividend Factor on Pretax Basis</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">236</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,069</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 22.6pt"></font>1,206</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,028</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,089</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,055</font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 14.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Fixed Charges (d)</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">27,795</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">107,552</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 4.15pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">109,117</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">101,452</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">90,545</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 5.1pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">84,898</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 3.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends</font></div>
</td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">28,031</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.7pt"></font><font style="DISPLAY: inline">108,621</font></font></td>
<td nowrap valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">$</font></td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
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<td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">&#160;</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.4</td>
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<div>Net income excludes undistributed income for equity investees.</div>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.A
<SEQUENCE>6
<FILENAME>exhibit23a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
<TEXT>
<html>
<head>
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<body bgcolor="#ffffff" style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">
<br>
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.95pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.95pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 63pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><a name="JD_rep_815_017"><!--EFPlaceholder--></a>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 11.95pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 12.55pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 23, 2011 relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of MDU Resources Group, Inc. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the adoption of the definitions and required pricing assumptions outlined in the Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission effective as of December 31, 2009), and the effectiveness of MDU Resources Group, Inc.&#8217;s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MDU Resources Group, Inc. for the year ended December&#160;31, 2010, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.</font></div>

<div>&#160;</div>

<div>&#160;</div>

<div>
<div>/s/ DELOITTE &amp; TOUCHE LLP</div>

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Minneapolis, Minnesota</div>

<div>May 19, 2011</div>

<br>
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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%">
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-25
<SEQUENCE>7
<FILENAME>exhibit25.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM T-1 STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY OF THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON WITH RESPECT TO THE INDENTURE
<TEXT>
<html>
<head>
    <title>exhibit25.htm</title>
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<body bgcolor="#ffffff" style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">
<div><br>
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block"><br>
</div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Washington, D.C.&#160;&#160;20549</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block"><br>
</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">FORM T-1</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">SECTION 305(b)(2)&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;|__|</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">New York</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">13-5160382</font></div>

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<td align="left" valign="top" width="50%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="24%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="50%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">One Wall Street, New York, N.Y.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">10286</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">___________________________</font></font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">MDU RESOURCES GROUP, INC.</font></div>

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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="80%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="50%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Delaware</font></div>

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<td align="left" valign="top" width="24%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">41-0423660</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">identification no.)</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="50%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="24%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="50%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1200 West Century Avenue</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block">&#160;</div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">___________________________</font></font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Debt Securities</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</font></div>

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<hr style="COLOR: dimgray" noshade size="2">
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">1.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">General information.&#160;&#160;Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:</font></div>
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<div><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></div>
</td>
<td style="WIDTH: 36pt">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">(a)</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.</font></div>
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<td valign="middle" width="43%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt dashed; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt dashed">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 48.6pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Name</font></div>
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<td valign="middle" width="31%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 0.5pt dashed; BORDER-TOP: black 0.5pt dashed">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Address</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">One State Street, New York, N.Y.&#160;&#160;10004-1417, and Albany, N.Y. 12223</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Federal Reserve Bank of New York</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">33 Liberty Street, New York, N.Y.&#160;&#160;10045</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Washington, D.C.&#160;&#160;20429</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 21.6pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">New York Clearing House Association</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">New York, N.Y.&#160;&#160;10005</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="43%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="31%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<div><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></div>
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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">(b)</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Yes.</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">2.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Affiliations with Obligor.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each</font> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">such affiliation.</font></font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">16.</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">List of Exhibits.</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Act") and 17 C.F.R. 229.10(d).</font></div>

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<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1.</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A copy of the Organization Certificate of The Bank of New York Mellon (formerly known as The Bank of New York, itself formerly Irving Trust Company) as now in effect, which contains the authority to commence business and a grant of powers to exercise corporate trust powers. (Exhibit 1 to Amendment No.&#160;1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.&#160;33-6215, Exhibits 1a and 1b to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.&#160;33-21672, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 33-29637, Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.&#160;333-121195 and Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.&#160;333-152735).</font></div>
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<div align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A copy of the existing By-laws of the Trustee.&#160;&#160;(Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.&#160;333-154173).</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No.&#160;333-152735).</font></div>
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<div align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.</font></div>
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<br>
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">SIGNATURE</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on the 16th day of May, 2011.</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">THE&#160;BANK&#160;OF&#160;NEW&#160;YORK MELLON</font></div>
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<td valign="top" width="52%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">By:</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">/S/&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;SCOTT KLEIN</font></font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Title:&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;VICE PRESIDENT</font></div>
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<div>&#160;</div>

<div>&#160;</div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">of One Wall Street, New York, N.Y. 10286</font></div>

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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">ASSETS</font></div>

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<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Cash and balances due from depository institutions:</font></div>
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<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">2,924,000</font></div>
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<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Interest-bearing balances<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
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<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Held-to-maturity securities<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">3,651,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Available-for-sale securities<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">58,491,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;Federal funds sold in domestic offices<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">20,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;Securities purchased under agreements to</font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;resell</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,792,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Loans and lease financing receivables:</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Loans and leases held for sale</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">6,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Loans and leases, net of unearned income</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">23,307,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">LESS: Allowance for loan and </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">lease losses</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">482,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Loans and leases, net of unearned </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">income and allowance<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">22,825,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Trading assets<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">4,910,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,163,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Other real estate owned<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">6,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">947,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">0</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Intangible assets:</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;Goodwill<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">6,364,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;Other intangible assets<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,805,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr></table>

<div>&#160;</div>

<div id="PGBRK" style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div id="FTR">
<div id="GLFTR" style="WIDTH: 100%" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 8pt">&#160; </font></div>
</div>

<div id="PN" style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always; WIDTH: 100%">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 8pt">&#160; </font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%">
<hr style="COLOR: dimgray" noshade size="2">
</div>
</div>

<div id="HDR">
<div id="GLHDR" style="WIDTH: 100%" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 8pt">&#160; </font></div>
</div>
</div>

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Other assets<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">&#160; 12,317,000</font></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Total assets<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 1pt double; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">181,855,000</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block">&#160;</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">LIABILITIES</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Deposits:</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In domestic offices<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">65,674,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Noninterest-bearing<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">33,246,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Interest-bearing<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">32,428,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">75,029,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Noninterest-bearing<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">4,900,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Interest-bearing<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">70,129,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -18pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;Federal funds purchased in domestic</font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;offices</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">3,272,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;&#160;&#160;Securities sold under agreements to</font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;repurchase<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,550,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Trading liabilities<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">6,207,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%" style="PADDING-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 446pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Other borrowed money:</font></font></td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td valign="top" width="42%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; TEXT-INDENT: 9pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div>(includes mortgage indebtedness and </div>

<div>obligations under capitalized leases)</div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">2,191,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Not applicable</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Not applicable</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Subordinated notes and debentures<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">3,490,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Other liabilities<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">&#160; &#160;&#160;8,577,000</font></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Total liabilities<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 1pt double; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">165,990,000</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block">&#160;</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">&#160;</font></td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">EQUITY CAPITAL</font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160; </font></td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Perpetual preferred stock and related </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">surplus</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">0</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Common stock<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">1,135,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">8,591,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Retained earnings<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">6,821,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -0.9pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Accumulated other comprehensive income</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">-1,044,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -5.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Other equity capital components</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">0</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -5.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Total bank equity capital</font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">15,503,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: -5.4pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Noncontrolling (minority) interests in </font><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">consolidated subsidiaries </font></div>
</td>
<td align="right" valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">362,000</font></div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Total equity capital<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">&#160; 15,865,000</font></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr><tr>
<td align="left" valign="top" width="42%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 26.1pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Total liabilities and equity capital<font id="TAB1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 12pt"></font></font></div>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="32%">
<div style="TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 1pt double; DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; TEXT-DECORATION: underline">181,855,000</font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: right; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">&#160;</div>
</div>
</td>
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</div>

<div id="PN" style="PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: always; WIDTH: 100%">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 8pt">&#160; </font></div>

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 100%">
<hr style="COLOR: dimgray" noshade size="2">
</div>
</div>

<div id="HDR">
<div id="GLHDR" style="WIDTH: 100%" align="right"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 8pt">&#160; </font></div>
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<br>
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">I, Thomas P. Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.</font></div>

<div>&#160;</div>

<div align="center">
<table bgcolor="white" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">
<tr>
<td width="25%"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td width="25%"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
<td width="37%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">
<div><font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;<font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Thomas P. Gibbons,</font></font></div>

<div><font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Chief Financial Officer</font></font></div>
</td>
<td width="13%"><font style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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<div>&#160;</div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this statement of resources and liabilities. We declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions and is true and correct.</font></div>

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<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">
<tr>
<td align="left" valign="middle" width="37%">
<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Robert P. Kelly</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Gerald L. Hassell</font></div>

<div style="LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Catherine A. Rein</font></div>

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<td valign="middle" width="42%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">
<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 13.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Directors</font></div>
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<td valign="middle" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&#160;</font></td>
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