Otter Tail (US:OTTR)2026-02-17 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the year 2025, the company reported diluted earnings per share of $6.55, a decrease of 9% from the previous year [5] - The company ended 2025 with a strong balance sheet, holding $386 million in cash, and a return on equity of 16% [20] - The 2026 diluted earnings per share guidance range is set at $5.22 to $5.62, with a midpoint indicating a continued above-average return on equity of 12% [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electric segment earnings increased over 7% year-over-year, driven by recovery of increased rate base investments and higher sales volumes [18] - Manufacturing segment earnings decreased by 16% year-over-year, primarily due to lower sales volumes and higher SG&A expenses [19] - Plastic segment earnings decreased by 15% year-over-year, largely due to lower average sales prices [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The residential electric rates for 2025 were reported to be 34% below the national average and 19% below regional peers [13] - The company anticipates a 3% to 4% compounded annual growth rate in customer bills over the current five-year planning period [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a customer-focused growth plan, with a reaffirmed five-year capital spending plan totaling $1.9 billion, expected to produce a rate-based compound annual growth rate of 10% [24][25] - The company is pursuing additional investments in renewable generation and battery storage, including a battery storage project with a capacity of 75 megawatts [10][24] - The company aims to maintain low-cost electric service while exploring opportunities to add new large loads to its system [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the strong performance of Otter Tail Power and the ability to convert rate-based growth into earnings per share growth [28] - The company acknowledged challenges in the manufacturing segment due to end market demand and inventory management but noted improvements in certain areas [14][15] Other Important Information - The company increased its dividend by 10%, marking the second consecutive year of double-digit increases [5] - The company expects to retire $80 million in parent-level debt later this year, resulting in no outstanding parent-level debt [26] Q&A Session Summary - There were no questions during the Q&A session, and the call concluded without any inquiries from participants [30][31]