Release Date: May 06, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Otter Tail Corp (OTTR, Financial) met its Q1 financial expectations and is on target to achieve its annual earnings guidance.
- The Electric segment experienced earnings growth in Q1, driven by favorable weather conditions and increased sales volumes.
- The company completed the expansion of its BTD Georgia facility, positioning it for future growth in the Southeast market.
- Otter Tail Power concluded its North Dakota rate case, implementing new base rates in March, which is seen as a constructive outcome.
- The company has a strong balance sheet with ample liquidity, ensuring it is well-positioned to weather economic uncertainties.
Negative Points
- Overall diluted earnings per share declined by 8% compared to the same period last year.
- The Manufacturing and Plastics segments experienced earnings declines due to industry conditions and pricing pressures.
- There is heightened uncertainty due to US trade policy and macroeconomic conditions, impacting business operations.
- The company faces potential impacts from increased costs due to tariffs on materials and components used in capital investments.
- Otter Tail Corp (OTTR) is experiencing challenges in the recreational vehicle and agriculture markets due to high inventory levels and softening commodity prices.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide guidance on the expected volumes for the Plastics segment this year and explain why you anticipate continued product price declines despite inflationary pressures?
A: Todd Wahlund, CFO, explained that they expect a lower single-digit increase in volume for the year. While Q1 saw strong volume growth, they anticipate a potential downturn in the second half due to risks in housing starts and builder sentiment. Regarding pricing, they expect product prices to continue declining by about 12% annually, aligning with pre-2021 gross margin percentages by the end of 2027. Inflationary cost increases and price decreases are expected to converge over time.
Q: Are you seeing any impact from competitors expanding capacity in your core regions?
A: Charles Macfarlane, CEO, noted that while they don't have complete visibility, they anticipate competitors are adding incremental line capacity or debottlenecking existing sites, similar to Otter Tail's actions. They are not aware of new plants being established but expect competitors to upgrade and add capacity.
Q: What are the key factors contributing to the decline in Plastics segment earnings?
A: Todd Wahlund, CFO, stated that the decline is primarily due to a reduction in product prices, with PVC pipe prices decreasing by 11% compared to the previous year. Despite this, sales volumes increased by 13% due to strong demand and capacity expansion. Lower resin costs also benefited earnings, driven by increased domestic supply.
Q: How is Otter Tail managing the potential impacts of tariffs on its operations?
A: Charles Macfarlane, CEO, explained that Otter Tail is actively monitoring trade and tax policy changes. The tariff exposure is mainly on materials used in capital investments, but many components are sourced domestically or from USMCA-covered countries. They are working with suppliers to minimize impacts and expect to pass increased steel costs onto customers.
Q: What is the outlook for Otter Tail's Electric segment and its capital investment plans?
A: Charles Macfarlane, CEO, affirmed the Electric segment's capital investment and rate base growth projections through 2029, expecting a 9% CAGR in rate base. They plan to convert this growth into earnings per share growth at a 1:1 ratio. Key projects include wind repowering, solar projects, and MISO Tranche developments, with a focus on maintaining low customer rates.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
