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Otter Tail Corp. (OTTR)
NASDAQ:OTTR
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Otter Tail (OTTR) AI Stock Analysis

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OTTR

Otter Tail

(NASDAQ:OTTR)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$94.00
▲(14.49% Upside)
Otter Tail's overall stock score reflects strong financial performance and positive technical indicators, supported by a reasonable valuation. The increase in earnings guidance and regulatory approvals are significant positives, though challenges such as declining EPS and legislative uncertainties temper the outlook.
Positive Factors
Electric segment performance
OTTR's electric segment revenue exceeded expectations, showing strong performance in this area of the business.
Positive cash flow outlook
Positive free cash flow is forecasted in 2025, with plans for debt issuance in 2026 to support capital expenditures and dividend increases.
PVC pipe margin improvements
Despite reducing revenue forecasts, there is an increase in PVC pipe margin estimates due to higher margins on larger-diameter PVC pipe sales.
Negative Factors
Debt increase concerns
The company's debt increased, reflected in a net debt-to-capital ratio that rose from the previous quarter.
Future EPS decline
The company's EPS guidance for 2025 is significantly lower than previous forecasts.
Manufacturing segment challenges
The manufacturing segment faced a negative impact from tariffs due to an increase in U.S. steel prices.

Otter Tail (OTTR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Otter Tail Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionOtter Tail Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in electric utility, manufacturing, and plastic pipe businesses in the United States. The company's Electric segment produces, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota; and operates as a participant in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. markets. This segment generates electricity through coal, wind and hydro, and natural gas. It serves approximately 133,000 residential, industrial, and other commercial customers. Its Manufacturing segment engages in the contract machining, metal parts stamping, fabrication and painting, and production of plastic thermoformed horticultural containers, life science and industrial packaging, and material handling components, and extruded raw material stock for recreational vehicle, agricultural, construction, lawn and garden, and industrial and energy equipment industries. It also manufactures clamshell packing, blister packs, returnable pallets, and handling trays for shipping and storing odd-shaped or difficult-to-handle parts for customers in the horticulture, medical and life sciences, industrial, recreation, and electronics industries. The company's Plastics segment manufactures polyvinyl chloride pipes for municipal water, rural water, wastewater, storm drainage and water reclamation system, and other uses. This segment markets its products to wholesalers and distributors through independent sales representatives, company salespersons, and customer service representatives. The company was formerly known as Otter Tail Power Company and changed its name to Otter Tail Corporation in 2001. Otter Tail Corporation was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
How the Company Makes MoneyOtter Tail generates revenue primarily through its regulated utility operations, which account for a significant portion of its income. The company earns money by charging customers for electricity and natural gas services, with rates regulated by state utility commissions. Additionally, Otter Tail's manufacturing and construction segments contribute to its revenue by providing specialized products and services to various industries. The company has established significant partnerships with local governments and private sector clients for infrastructure projects, enhancing its earnings potential. Overall, Otter Tail's revenue model is anchored in its ability to provide essential services while capitalizing on its diverse business operations.

Otter Tail Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 04, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 7.71%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 03, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted significant achievements such as exceeding financial expectations, increasing earnings guidance, and securing regulatory approvals for growth. However, challenges like severe weather impact, declining earnings per share, and legislative uncertainties present areas of concern. Overall, while there are notable positive outcomes, there are also significant challenges that balance the sentiment.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Q2 Financial Results Exceed Expectations
Q2 financial results outpaced expectations with a focus on delivering value through strong electric and manufacturing platforms.
Increase in 2025 Earnings Guidance
Midpoint of 2025 earnings guidance increased to $6.26 from $5.88 due to better-than-anticipated performance in the Plastics segment.
Regulatory Approvals and Growth
Secured regulatory approval for two solar projects and filed a South Dakota rate case. Electric segment capital investment and rate base growth projections reaffirmed through 2029 with a 9% CAGR.
Strong Plastics Segment Performance
Despite anticipated decline, the Plastics segment exceeded expectations with an 11% increase in sales volumes and lower material input costs.
Manufacturing Expansion
Continued ramp-up of the BTD Georgia facility and progress on Vinyltech expansion expected to increase production capacity.
Strong Balance Sheet
Maintained over $300 million in cash, ensuring a strong position to deliver on growth strategy.
Low Electric Rates
Otter Tail Power continues to offer some of the lowest electric rates in the nation, 30% below the national average.
Negative Updates
Severe Weather Impact
Severe weather in June resulted in significant infrastructure damage and service interruptions for nearly one-third of customers.
Decline in Diluted Earnings Per Share
Diluted earnings per share decreased from $2.07 to $1.85 compared to the previous year.
Soft Demand in Manufacturing Segment
Manufacturing segment earnings decreased due to soft demand in end markets like recreational vehicles and agriculture.
Legislative and Regulatory Uncertainty
New legislation and EPA proposals may affect future renewable projects and coal facility operations.
Company Guidance
During the Otter Tail Corporation's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company presented several key metrics and updates. They reported a diluted earnings per share of $1.85 for the second quarter, down from $2.07 in the previous year. Despite this decline, the company raised its 2025 earnings guidance midpoint to $6.26 from $5.88, driven by better-than-anticipated performance in the Plastics segment. The Electric segment earnings increased by $0.02 per share, attributed to higher rider revenues and favorable weather conditions, while the Manufacturing segment earnings decreased by $0.08 per share due to soft-end market demand and lower sales volumes. The company highlighted a 9% projected compound annual growth rate for its Electric segment rate base through 2029, supported by a $1.4 billion capital investment plan. Additionally, Otter Tail is maintaining its original 2025 earnings guidance for all other segments, with a forecasted consolidated 5-year CAGR near 22%.

Otter Tail Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Otter Tail demonstrates strong profitability with robust EBIT and EBITDA margins, and a balanced capital structure. However, slight revenue and free cash flow growth declines are areas to monitor.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Otter Tail exhibits solid profitability with strong gross and net profit margins. The TTM data shows a gross profit margin of approximately 40.3% and a net profit margin of 22.4%, indicating efficient cost management. However, revenue growth has been slightly negative, reflecting a competitive market. EBIT and EBITDA margins remain robust at 28.0% and 36.6% respectively, showcasing operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects moderate leverage with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, indicating a balanced capital structure. The equity ratio stands at 46.4%, demonstrating a stable financial position. Return on equity is strong at 17.2%, suggesting effective use of shareholder funds, although the substantial debt level is a potential risk.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows a solid operational cash flow to net income ratio of 1.42, indicating good cash generation relative to profits. Free cash flow growth is negative, showing a decrease, which may signal increased capital expenditures or reduced operational cash inflows. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is healthy at 0.28, suggesting adequate cash flow management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.31B1.33B1.35B1.46B1.20B890.11M
Gross Profit567.01M583.10M565.15M570.50M424.07M302.01M
EBITDA495.17M515.83M499.12M486.15M341.95M232.54M
Net Income286.16M301.66M294.19M284.18M176.77M95.85M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.77B3.65B3.24B2.90B2.75B2.58B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments307.24M294.65M230.37M119.00M1.54M1.16M
Total Debt1.04B1.01B905.48M832.02M855.16M845.52M
Total Liabilities1.99B1.98B1.80B1.68B1.76B1.71B
Stockholders Equity1.77B1.67B1.44B1.22B990.78M870.97M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow138.95M94.08M117.36M218.18M59.41M-159.63M
Operating Cash Flow388.65M452.73M404.50M389.31M231.24M211.92M
Investing Cash Flow-310.33M-411.37M-289.29M-175.07M-171.51M-375.65M
Financing Cash Flow-1.75M22.92M-3.83M-96.78M-59.36M143.69M

Otter Tail Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price82.10
Price Trends
50DMA
78.34
Positive
100DMA
78.22
Positive
200DMA
78.05
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.01
Negative
RSI
60.51
Neutral
STOCH
94.31
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For OTTR, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 82.1 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 78.84, above the 50-day MA of 78.34, and above the 200-day MA of 78.05, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.01 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.51 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 94.31 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for OTTR.

Otter Tail Risk Analysis

Otter Tail disclosed 35 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Otter Tail reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Otter Tail Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (71)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$3.44B12.0817.13%2.38%-3.69%-8.25%
74
Outperform
$3.42B15.157.93%4.68%3.78%7.48%
72
Outperform
$4.44B15.388.13%4.30%5.41%-1.89%
72
Outperform
$3.04B16.826.91%5.15%2.41%-9.85%
71
Outperform
¥268.21B15.078.32%2.78%6.19%11.34%
69
Neutral
$3.11B23.6310.75%2.13%8.47%12.76%
62
Neutral
$3.82B20.776.46%4.40%-0.44%-17.46%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
OTTR
Otter Tail
82.10
-5.06
-5.81%
ALE
Allete
65.75
4.35
7.08%
AVA
Avista
37.51
1.14
3.13%
BKH
Black Hills
61.61
6.34
11.47%
MGEE
MGE Energy
84.61
-0.92
-1.08%
NWE
Northwestern
56.04
5.38
10.62%

Otter Tail Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
Otter Tail Issues $50 Million in Senior Notes
Neutral
Jun 6, 2025

On March 27, 2025, Otter Tail Power Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement to issue $100 million in senior unsecured notes, with the Series 2025B Notes being issued on June 5, 2025, for $50 million. The proceeds will be used for capital expenditures, refinancing, and general corporate purposes, while the agreement imposes various financial and operational restrictions on OTP.

The most recent analyst rating on (OTTR) stock is a Hold with a $81.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Otter Tail stock, see the OTTR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Otter Tail Seeks 12.5% Revenue Increase in South Dakota
Neutral
Jun 5, 2025

On June 4, 2025, Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation, filed a request with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission for a 12.5% increase in annual revenue, amounting to $5.7 million. This request includes changes in the cost and investment recovery mechanism, shifting from riders to base rates, with the proposed rate change to be effective upon the commission’s final decision or 180 days from the filing date, subject to potential refunds.

The most recent analyst rating on (OTTR) stock is a Buy with a $83.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Otter Tail stock, see the OTTR Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 14, 2025