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Otter Tail Corporation Announces First Quarter Earnings

May 4, 2015 6:00 PM

Revises 2015 Earnings Guidance to $1.50 to $1.65 per Share; Completes Sale of Construction Companies

Board of Directors Declares Quarterly Dividend

FERGUS FALLS, Minn., May 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otter Tail Corporation (Nasdaq: OTTR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

Summary:

CEO Overview

"We expected first quarter earnings from continuing operations to be less than the same period in 2014, but they were lower than we projected," said Otter Tail Corporation CEO Chuck MacFarlane.

"An 18% decrease in heating degree days reduced sales and earnings at Otter Tail Power Company as did the timing of scheduled maintenance expense at the utility's Big Stone Plant.

"BTD experienced a decline in expected sales within the agriculture and energy markets and reduced scrap‑metal revenue related to lower prices, factors experienced by other manufacturers across the nation. This reduced margins on first quarter sales. Also, during the first quarter BTD recorded a charge of $0.5 million related to workforce reductions, the result of lower sales expectations for 2015. We are aggressively addressing the challenges at BTD to improve performance.

"Timing and recognition of 2015 stock-based incentive compensation for Otter Tail Corporation and Otter Tail Power Company also contributed to the first quarter 2015 earnings shortfall.

"Earnings from our Plastics segment, which includes our PVC pipe companies, and from our manufacturer of custom plastic parts and containers, T.O. Plastics, were better than anticipated.

"Given the slow start to the year and the headwinds at BTD, we are lowering our overall guidance for 2015 diluted earnings per share to $1.50 to $1.65 from our previously announced range of $1.65 to $1.80. Even with the challenges being experienced at BTD, we expect to achieve a return on equity in a range of 9.5% to 10.4%.

"We completed the sales of our construction companies in February and April. This was the last step in narrowing our portfolio and creating two platforms—electric and manufacturing. We intend to focus on operational excellence in this narrowed set of operating companies."

Cash Flow from Operations, Liquidity and Financing

The corporation's consolidated cash used in continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was $2.1 million compared with $12.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Contributing to the decrease in cash used in continuing operations between the quarters was a $10.0 million decrease in discretionary contributions to the corporation's pension plan. The following table presents the status of the corporation's lines of credit as of March 31, 2015:

(in thousands) Line Limit In Use On March 31, 2015 Restricted due to Outstanding Letters of Credit Available on March 31, 2015
Otter Tail Corporation Credit Agreement $ 150,000 $ 40,846 $ 195 $ 108,959
Otter Tail Power Company Credit Agreement 170,000 7,806 560 161,634
Total $ 320,000 $ 48,652 $ 755 $ 270,593

A $37.8 million increase in line of credit borrowings in the first quarter of 2015 relates to the funding of capital expenditures at Otter Tail Power Company and BTD along with working capital needs of the corporation's subsidiary companies.

Board of Directors Declared Quarterly Dividend

On May 1, 2015 the corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.3075 per share. This dividend is payable June 10, 2015 to shareholders of record on May 15, 2015.

Segment Performance Summary

Electric

Electric revenues and net income were $113.5 million and $13.2 million, respectively, compared with $119.1 million and $16.7 million for the first quarter of 2014.

The following table shows Heating Degree Days as a percent of normal:

Three Months ended March 31,
2015 2014
96.6% 117.3%

Retail electric revenues decreased $1.9 million due to the following:

offset by:

Wholesale electric revenues from company-owned generation decreased $3.8 million as a result of a 56.1% decrease in revenue per wholesale kwh sold combined with a 50.8% decrease in sales volume. The decrease in wholesale kwh sales and prices was driven by decreased wholesale market demand resulting from much milder weather in the first quarter of 2015. Also, Otter Tail Power Company had fewer resources available for selling into the wholesale market as Coyote Station was operating at reduced load due to a December 2014 boiler feed pump failure and ensuing fire, and Big Stone Plant was taken off line February 27, 2015 for a planned spring outage. Additionally, Hoot Lake Plant was curtailed for economic dispatch reasons related to low market prices for electricity and generation from company-owned wind turbines was down 9.8% from the first quarter of 2014 due to icing, scheduled repairs and lower average wind speed.

Production fuel costs decreased $7.4 million as a result of a 30.3% decrease in kwhs generated from Otter Tail Power Company's steam-powered and combustion turbine generators primarily due to the factors discussed above. The cost of purchased power to serve retail customers increased $1.9 million due to a 43.1% increase in kwhs purchased, partially offset by a 24.0% decrease in the cost per kwh purchased. The increase in power purchases for retail sales was necessitated by the reduced availability of company-owned generating capacity discussed above. The decreased cost per kwh purchased was driven by lower market demand mainly resulting from the milder winter weather in 2015.

Electric operating and maintenance expenses increased $3.4 million as a result of:

offset by:

Depreciation expense increased $0.3 million as a result of increased investment in transmission, distribution and general plant placed in service in 2014 and 2015.

Interest expense at Otter Tail Power Company increased $1.1 million as a result of $1.3 million in interest expense incurred in January and February of 2015 related to the February 27, 2014 issuance of $150 million in aggregate debt, offset by a $0.2 million reduction in interest related to the repayment of Otter Tail Power Company's $40.9 million term loan and $82.5 million of short-term debt then outstanding.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing revenues and net income were $56.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively, compared with $55.4 million and $2.9 million for the first quarter of 2014.

Plastics

Plastics revenues and net income were $32.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively, compared with $40.5 million and $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2014. The $7.9 million decrease in revenues is the result of a 20.6% decrease in pounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe sold due, in part, to delayed purchases related to falling resin prices, partially offset by a 1.3% increase in the price per pound of pipe sold. The decrease in sales was geographically dispersed with the most significant decreases occurring in Texas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas and Arizona. Cost of products sold decreased $5.9 million due to the decrease in sales volume, partially offset by a 2.4% increase in the cost per pound of pipe sold related to higher labor, benefit and fixed overhead costs per pound of PVC pipe produced and sold. A $0.2 million increase in operating expenses, mainly related to increased wage and benefit costs, in combination with the $2.0 million reduction in gross margins was partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in income tax expense, resulting in a $1.3 million decline in Plastics segment net income between the quarters.

Corporate

Corporate losses, net-of-tax, increased $1.5 million reflecting increases in stock-based compensation incentive and benefit costs net of subsidiary company cost allocations of $1.0 million, and a $0.5 million net of tax gain on the sale of a low income housing investment in the first quarter of 2014 that was not replicated in the first quarter of 2015.

Discontinued Operations

In 2014 the corporation had entered into signed letters of intent to sell its two construction companies. On February 28, 2015 the corporation sold the assets of AEV, Inc. its former energy and electric construction contractor headquartered in Moorhead, Minnesota for $22.3 million in cash plus an estimated $0.9 million in adjustments for working capital and fixed assets to be determined within 90 days of closing. The corporation recorded an estimated $7.2 million net-of-tax gain on the sale. On April 30, 2015 the corporation completed the sale of Foley Company, its former water, wastewater, power and industrial construction contractor headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri for $12.0 million in cash plus adjustments for working capital and other related items to be determined within 120 days of closing.

The following summary presentations of the results of discontinued operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, includes operating results for Foley Company and AEV, Inc., and residual expenses from the corporation's former wind tower and waterfront equipment manufacturers which were sold in 2012 and 2013, respectively:

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014
Operating Revenues $ 18,724 $ 25,506
Operating Expenses 22,141 26,368
Goodwill Impairment Charge 1,000 --
Operating Loss (4,417) (862)
Other (Deductions) Income (31) 288
Income Tax Benefit (1,376) (225)
Net Loss from Operations (3,072) (349)
Gain on Disposition Before Taxes 12,042 --
Income Tax Expense on Disposition 4,816 --
Net Gain on Disposition 7,226 --
Net Income (Loss) $ 4,154 $ (349)

The above results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 include a net loss from operations of $2.4 million and net income from operations of $0.1 million, respectively, for Foley Company and net losses from operations of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for AEV, Inc.

2015 Business Outlook

The corporation is revising its consolidated diluted earnings per share guidance for 2015 to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.65 from its previously announced range of $1.65 to $1.80. This updated guidance reflects the current mix of businesses owned by the corporation. It considers the cyclical nature of some of the corporation's businesses and reflects challenges, as well as the corporation's plans and strategies for improving future operating results.

Segment components of the corporation's 2014 diluted earnings per share and 2015 diluted earnings per share guidance range for continuing operations are as follows:

2014 2015 Guidance February 9, 2015 2015 Guidance Revised May 4, 2015
Diluted Earnings Per Share Low High Low High
Electric $1.19 $1.26 $1.29 $1.23 $1.26
Manufacturing $0.25 $0.37 $0.41 $0.21 $0.25
Plastics $0.33 $0.25 $0.29 $0.29 $0.33
Corporate ($0.22) ($0.23) ($0.19) ($0.23) ($0.19)
Total – Continuing Operations $1.55 $1.65 $1.80 $1.50 $1.65
Expected Return on Equity 9.5% 10.4%

Contributing to the corporation's updated earnings guidance for 2015 are the following items:

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

The corporation will host a live webcast on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. CDT to discuss its financial and operating performance.

The presentation will be posted on the corporation's website before the webcast. To access the live webcast go to www.ottertail.com/presentations.cfm and select "Webcast". Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download any necessary software that may be needed to listen to the webcast. An archived copy of the webcast will be available on the corporation's website shortly following the call.

If you are interested in asking a question during the live webcast, the Dial-In Number is: 877-312-8789.

Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Statements that Could Affect Future Results

The information in this release includes certain forward-looking information, including 2015 expectations, made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the corporation believes its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ materially from those expectations. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results for the corporation to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:

For a further discussion of other risk factors and cautionary statements, refer to reports the corporation files with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About The Corporation: Otter Tail Corporation has interests in diversified operations that include an electric utility and manufacturing businesses. Otter Tail Corporation stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol OTTR. The latest investor and corporate information is available at www.ottertail.com. Corporate offices are located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota.

See Otter Tail Corporation's results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 in the following financial statements: Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets – Assets, Consolidated Balance Sheets – Liabilities and Equity, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Income
In thousands, except share and per share amounts
(not audited)
Quarter Ended March 31,
2015 2014
Operating Revenues by Segment
Electric $ 113,547 $ 119,088
Manufacturing 56,759 55,435
Plastics 32,552 40,483
Corporate Revenue and Intersegment Eliminations (17) (40)
Total Operating Revenues 202,841 214,966
Operating Expenses
Fuel and Purchased Power 38,291 43,815
Nonelectric Cost of Products Sold (depreciation included below) 71,498 73,939
Electric Operating and Maintenance Expense 41,029 37,593
Nonelectric Operating and Maintenance Expense 12,463 9,951
Depreciation and Amortization 14,535 14,267
Total Operating Expenses 177,816 179,565
Operating Income (Loss) by Segment
Electric 23,163 26,917
Manufacturing 2,530 5,391
Plastics 3,615 5,771
Corporate (4,283) (2,678)
Total Operating Income 25,025 35,401
Interest Charges 7,743 6,595
Other Income 572 1,535
Income Tax Expense – Continuing Operations 4,073 8,562
Net Income (Loss) by Segment – Continuing Operations
Electric 13,178 16,653
Manufacturing 1,184 2,896
Plastics 2,120 3,460
Corporate (2,701) (1,230)
Net Income from Continuing Operations 13,781 21,779
Discontinued Operations
Loss - net of Income Tax Benefit of $1,376 in 2015 and $225 in 2014 (2,072) (349)
Impairment Loss - net of Income Tax Benefit of $0 in 2015 (1,000) --
Gain on Disposition - net of Income Tax Expense of $4,816 in 2015 7,226 --
Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations 4,154 (349)
Net Income $ 17,935 $ 21,430
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Basic 37,243,118 36,240,350
Diluted 37,497,881 36,431,915
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Continuing Operations $ 0.37 $ 0.60
Discontinued Operations 0.11 (0.01)
$ 0.48 $ 0.59
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Continuing Operations $ 0.37 $ 0.60
Discontinued Operations 0.11 (0.01)
$ 0.48 $ 0.59
Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
ASSETS
in thousands
(not audited)
March 31, December 31,
2015 2014
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 157 $ --
Accounts Receivable:
Trade—Net 74,071 60,172
Other 14,406 13,179
Inventories 84,515 85,203
Deferred Income Taxes 52,065 49,482
Unbilled Revenues 15,199 17,996
Regulatory Assets 20,352 25,273
Other 6,935 7,187
Assets of Discontinued Operations 33,171 48,657
Total Current Assets 300,871 307,149
Investments 10,405 8,582
Other Assets 30,900 30,111
Goodwill 31,488 31,488
Other Intangibles—Net 11,113 11,251
Deferred Debits
Unamortized Debt Expense 4,130 4,300
Regulatory Assets 127,368 129,868
Total Deferred Debits 131,498 134,168
Plant
Electric Plant in Service 1,560,459 1,545,112
Nonelectric Operations 178,289 175,159
Construction Work in Progress 269,999 248,677
Total Gross Plant 2,008,747 1,968,948
Less Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 709,842 700,418
Net Plant 1,298,905 1,268,530
Total $ 1,815,180 $ 1,791,279
Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
in thousands
(not audited)
March 31, December 31,
2015 2014
Current Liabilities
Short-Term Debt $ 48,652 $ 10,854
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 204 201
Accounts Payable 95,876 107,013
Accrued Salaries and Wages 12,826 19,256
Accrued Taxes 15,342 13,793
Derivative Liabilities 11,567 14,230
Other Accrued Liabilities 8,890 8,793
Liabilities of Discontinued Operations 20,732 27,559
Total Current Liabilities 214,089 201,699
Pensions Benefit Liability 93,084 102,711
Other Postretirement Benefits Liability 54,100 53,638
Other Noncurrent Liabilities 24,485 26,794
Deferred Credits
Deferred Income Taxes 239,999 230,810
Deferred Tax Credits 25,914 26,384
Regulatory Liabilities 77,851 77,013
Other 947 975
Total Deferred Credits 344,711 335,182
Capitalization
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Maturities 498,437 498,489
Cumulative Preferred Shares -- --
Cumulative Preference Shares -- --
Common Equity
Common Shares, Par Value $5 Per Share 187,115 186,090
Premium on Common Shares 284,341 278,436
Retained Earnings 119,340 112,903
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (4,522) (4,663)
Total Common Equity 586,274 572,766
Total Capitalization 1,084,711 1,071,255
Total $ 1,815,180 $ 1,791,279
Otter Tail Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
In thousands
(not audited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
In thousands 2015 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income $ 17,935 $ 21,430
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities:
Net Gain from Sale of Discontinued Operations (7,226) --
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations 3,072 349
Depreciation and Amortization 14,535 14,267
Deferred Tax Credits (470) (454)
Deferred Income Taxes 7,038 13,073
Change in Deferred Debits and Other Assets 3,538 (888)
Discretionary Contribution to Pension Plan (10,000) (20,000)
Change in Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Credits 41 (2,408)
Allowance for Equity/Other Funds Used During Construction (256) (340)
Change in Derivatives Net of Regulatory Deferral (59) 118
Stock Compensation Expense – Equity Awards 623 358
Other—Net 206 182
Cash (Used for) Provided by Current Assets and Current Liabilities:
Change in Receivables (11,288) (22,329)
Change in Inventories 688 (9,236)
Change in Other Current Assets 1,270 437
Change in Payables and Other Current Liabilities (20,185) (7,731)
Change in Interest and Income Taxes Receivable/Payable (1,549) 1,013
Net Cash Used in Continuing Operations (2,087) (12,159)
Net Cash Used in Discontinued Operations (6,263) (6,898)
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities (8,350) (19,057)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures (35,738) (37,311)
Proceeds from Disposal of Noncurrent Assets 1,292 848
Net Increase in Other Investments (3,492) (989)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities - Continuing Operations (37,938) (37,452)
Net Proceeds from Sale of Discontinued Operations 21,343 --
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities - Discontinued Operations (1,759) 285
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (18,354) (37,167)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Changes in Checks Written in Excess of Cash (1,236) --
Net Short-Term Borrowings (Repayments) 37,798 (39,296)
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock – net of Issuance Expenses 4,697 3,666
Payments for Retirement of Capital Stock (1,239) (242)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt -- 150,000
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Issuance Expenses (4) (502)
Payments for Retirement of Long-Term Debt (49) (40,946)
Dividends Paid and Other Distributions (11,498) (10,993)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities – Continuing Operations 28,469 61,687
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities – Discontinued Operations (1,178) --
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities 27,291 61,687
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents – Discontinued Operations (430) (126)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents 157 5,337
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period -- 2,007
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period $ 157 $ 7,344
CONTACT: Media contact:
         Cris Oehler, Vice President of Corporate Communications
         (218) 531-0099 or (866) 410-8780

         Investor contact:
         Loren Hanson, Manager of Investor Relations
         (218) 739-8481 or (800) 664-1259

Source: Otter Tail Corporation

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