To provide an overview of Cleco and discuss the company's long-term growth strategy

Cleco Corp. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009. For the quarter, the company reported net income of $59,855,000 and net income applicable to common stock of $59,843,000 or $0.99 per share on total operating revenues of $241,500,000 compared to income of $37,133,000 and net income applicable to common stock of $37,121,000 or $0.62 per share on total operating revenues of $343,675,000 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes of $64,838,000 compared to income before income taxes of $47,646,000 for the same period a year ago. For nine months period, the company reported net income of $93,530,000 and net income applicable to common stock of $93,495,000 or $1.55 per share on total operating revenues of $661,662,000 compared to income of $88,593,000 and net income applicable to common stock of $88,558,000 or $1.47 per share on total operating revenues of $841,013,000 for the same period a year ago. Income before income taxes of $106,788,000 compared to income before income taxes of $111,166,000 for the same period a year ago. The company is reaffirming 2009 earnings target in the range of $1.62 per share to $1.72 per share. Those targets assume normal weather for the remainder of the year and the continuation of the current rate plan through the in-service date of Rodemacher Unit 3, which is expected in late December 2009.

The Board of Directors of Cleco Corp. declared regular quarterly dividend of $0.225 on the company's common stock payable on November 16, 2009 with record date of November 9, 2009. The company declared dividend of $1.125 on 4.5% preferred stock payable on December 1, 2009 with record date of November 16, 2009.