2011 IDANOTE091911.pdf

Disclosures and Analyst Certifications can be found in Appendix A.
NEW YORK, NY MELVILLE, NY PRINCETON, NJ MIAMI, FL BOCA RATON, FL

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IIDDAACCOORRPP ((IIDDAA))
IRS Approves Uniform Capitalization Method Agreement – Adjusting 2011
Estimates and Reiterating BUY Rating
Highlights
• We are reiterating our BUY rating on IDA shares. Our price target of $42 per share
implies a 2012/2013 P/E of 13.9x/13.3x our EPS estimates of $3.02/$3.15.
• Our revised 2011 EPS estimate is $3.53 (previously $2.92), at this time, which implies a
10.5% ROE ($3.20) and IDA’s entitlement to 50% of earnings (+$0.33) in excess of a
10.5% return as outlined in its current rate structure. Importantly, our 2011 estimated EPS is subject to change as the tax benefit is expected to be incorporated into the company’s regulatory strategy associated with its pending Idaho general rate case. IDA will provide an updated 2011 earnings guidance with the release of its 3Q11 financial results.
• On September 13, 2011, IDA received a letter from the IRS notifying the company that the
Joint Committee completed its review and approved the company’s uniform capitalization
method agreement (“unicap”). As a result, IDA will realize approximately $57m of
previously unrecognized tax benefits. In addition to the $57m tax benefit to be recorded in
3Q11, IDA will also recognize approximately $3m of additional ongoing tax benefits
annually.
• We note the following positives from the unicap tax benefit: mitigates near-term equity
needs due to earnings/cash impact, enhances liquidity position, helps support solid credit
ratios, allows for reversal of expected 2011 ADITC needs ($13.5m) to reach 9.5% ROE
floor (per previous rate settlement agreement), preserves ADITC balance for future use,
allows for 50% customer sharing of earnings above 10.5%, and the tax benefits ultimately
will be passed-on to customers and help offset rate increases.
• We believe the unicap method change benefits, as well as, previously
concluded/recognized tax study benefits will help offset cost pressures identified in the
pending GRC filing. In our opinion, the associated tax benefits increase the likelihood of a
constructive rate case outcome and increase the likelihood of a settlement agreement.
Rate case technical hearing is scheduled for December 8, 2011.
• We viewed the unicap approval as a catalyst for IDA shares for the reasons previously mentioned and we reiterate our BUY rating due to attractive relative valuation and our positive fundamental outlook. We also see additional upcoming catalysts including: a constructive rate case outcome and/or settlement agreement by year-end 2011, mid-2012 common dividend increase.

COMPANY & MARKET DATA
Price (September 16, 2011) $39.05
Price Target, Excl Dividends (YE11) $42.00
52 - Week Range $33.88-$40.71
Mkt. Capitalization (mill) $1,918
Enterprise Value (mill) $2,445
FD Shares Outstanding (mill) 49
Avg. Daily Trading Vol. (000) 218
Book Value per Share (2Q11A) $33.24
Dividend (FY11E) / Yield $1.20 3.1%
FY2010A FY2011E FY2012E
Revenue (mill) $1,036 $1,121 $1,223
1Q EPS $0.34 $0.60A
2Q EPS $0.82 $0.42A
3Q EPS $1.39
4Q EPS $0.41
EPS $2.95 $3.53 $3.02
Prior EPS $2.92
Consensus EPS $2.92 $3.02
P/E 13.2x 11.1x 12.9x
EV/EBITDA 8.4x 8.5x 8.3x
P/FCF nm nm nm
ESTIMATES
Volum e in Millions
0.0
1.0
2.0
3.0
C los e
$20
$25
$30
$35
$40
$45
Dec-06 Jun-07 Dec-07 Jun-08 Dec-08 Jun-09 Dec-09 Jun-10 Dec-10 Jun-11

Chart data: Bloomberg
Brian J. Russo, CFA
646-432-6312 [e-mail]
Ira Reibeisen 212-409-2051
[e-mail]
Power and Utilities Sector
Company Update

September 19, 2011
BUY
Brian Russo 646.432.6312 IDACORP (IDA)

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APPENDIX A: IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISCLOSURES

ANALYST CERTIFICATION
I, Brian Russo, attest that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject security
and issuer. Furthermore, no part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation or
views expressed in this research report.
The research analyst(s) primarily responsible for the preparation of this research report have received compensation based upon
various factors, including the firm’s total revenues, a portion of which is generated by investment banking activities.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, IDACORP, Inc., (IDA) is a holding company formed in 1998 that is primarily engaged in the
generation, transmission, distribution, sale and purchase of energy. IDA serves over 466,000 retail customers across its 24,000sq
mile service territory in both Idaho and Oregon, and owns approximately 3,267MW of generating capacity. IDA’s principal operating
subsidiary is Idaho Power Company (IPC). The company’s unregulated utilities include IDACORP Financial (IFS) that invests in
affordable housing and real estate and Ida-West Energy Company (Ida-West) that operates small hydroelectric generation projects.

VALUATION METHODOLOGY
We value equities utilizing a multi-faceted approach which includes; sum-of-the-parts, net asset value, discounted cash flow, leading
P/E, and EV/EBITDA.
RISKS
On top of normal economic and market risk factors that impact most all equities, Idacorp (IDA) is uniquely at risk to:
Because of IPC’s predominantly hydroelectric generating base and heavy reliance on hydroelectric generation, which can be
adversely affected by weather, reduced hydroelectric generation can reduce revenues and increase costs.
Continuing declines in stream flows and over-appropriation of water in Idaho may reduce hydroelectric generation and revenues and
increase costs.
Load growth in IPC’s service territory due to customer growth and demand for energy exposes it to greater market and operational risk
as increased reliance on purchased power to meet load requirements could increase costs and reduce earnings and cash flows.
IPC’s reliance on coal and natural gas to fuel its generating facilities exposes it to risk of increased market prices, which could
increase costs and reduced earnings.
Changes in temperature and precipitation can reduce power sales and revenues.
Climate change could affect customer demand and hydroelectric generation and lead to restrictions on generation resources.
If Idaho Public Utility Commission (IPUC), the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) or the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) grant less rate recovery in rate case filings than IPC needs to cover the costs of providing services, financial
results could be adversely impacted and economic expansion may be limited.
Conditions that may be imposed in connection with hydroelectric license renewals may require large capital expenditures and reduce
earnings and cash flows.
The cost of complying with environmental regulations related to air quality, water quality, natural resources and health and safety can
increase capital expenditures and operating costs and reduce earnings and cash flows.
IDACORP and its subsidiaries are subject to costs and other effects of legal and regulatory proceedings, settlements, investigations
and claims, including those that have arisen out of the western energy situation.
IPC’s business is subject to substantial governmental regulation and may be adversely affected by increased costs resulting from, or
liability under, existing or future regulations or requirements.
Increased capital expenditures can significantly affect liquidity.
As a holding company, IDACORP does not have its own operating income and must rely on the upstream cash flows from its
subsidiaries to pay dividends and make debt payments.
A downgrade in IDA’s credit ratings could negatively affect the company’s ability to access capital and increase their cost of
borrowing.
Adverse results of income tax audits could reduce earnings and cash flows.
Employee workforce factors, including the loss or retirement of key personnel, availability of qualified personnel and an aging
workforce, could increase costs and reduce earnings.
Brian Russo 646.432.6312 IDACORP (IDA)

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. PAGE - 3 -

STOCK RATING DEFINITIONS
Buy: The stock’s return is expected to exceed 15% over the next twelve months.
Neutral: The stock’s return is expected to be plus or minus 15% over the next twelve months.
Sell: The stock’s return is expected to be negative 15% or more over the next twelve months.

Investment Ratings are determined by the ranges described above at the time of initiation of coverage, a change in risk, or a change
in target price. At other times, the expected returns may fall outside of these ranges because of price movement and/or volatility. Such
interim deviations from specified ranges will be permitted but will become subject to review.

RATINGS DISPERSION AND BANKING RELATIONSHIPS (as of 08/31/11)
Buy 76% (36% are banking clients)
Neutral 24% (15% are banking clients)
Sell 0% (0% are banking clients)

INVESTMENT RATING AND PRICE TARGET HISTORY

Brian Russo 646.432.6312 IDACORP (IDA)

Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. PAGE - 4 -

COMPANY SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES:
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. does not make a market in subject company. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. has neither had an
investment banking relationship with, nor received investment banking fees from the subject company in the past 12 months. Neither
the Analyst, nor members of the Analyst’s household own any securities issued by the subject Company, or other companies
mentioned in this report.

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