Otter Tail (US:OTTR)2025-08-05 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of $1.85 in Q2 2025, down from $2.07 in the same period last year, reflecting a decline in earnings [7][23] - Despite the decline, the midpoint of the 2025 earnings guidance was increased to $6.26 from $5.88 due to better-than-expected performance in the Plastics segment [8][29] - The company maintains its original earnings guidance for all other segments, with an expected year-over-year growth of over 7% for the electric segment [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric segment earnings increased by $0.02 per share in Q2 2025, driven by timely recovery on capital investments and favorable weather conditions [23][24] - Manufacturing segment earnings decreased by $0.08 per share primarily due to lower product pricing and decreased sales volumes [25] - The Plastics segment experienced a decline in earnings of $0.18 per share, attributed to a 15% decrease in sales prices, although sales volumes increased by 11% [26][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to have some of the lowest electric rates in the nation, with 2024 rates being 30% below the national average and 16% below regional peers [18] - The construction and lawn and garden end markets are improving, while recreational vehicle and agricultural end markets are still facing challenges due to high inventory levels [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a significant capital investment plan totaling $1.4 billion over five years, aimed at benefiting customers and driving earnings growth [9][30] - The electric segment is projected to have a compounded annual growth rate of 9% through 2029, with a focus on customer-centric investments [12][31] - The company is also working on expanding its manufacturing capabilities, including the BTD Georgia facility and Vinyltech expansion [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the manufacturing segment despite current down cycles, emphasizing a strong track record of performance during market rebounds [25][31] - The company is monitoring legislative changes that may impact renewable energy projects but expects its current capital investment plan to remain intact [9][10] Other Important Information - The company filed a request with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission to increase base electric rates for the first time since 2018, proposing to increase net revenues by approximately $5.7 million [11] - The company is finalizing a cost of service analysis in Minnesota and anticipates filing a rate case later this year [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: No questions were raised during the Q&A session - The operator noted that there were no questions in the queue and concluded the call [35][37]